Category Archives: Doctrine

Jesus Forgives and Heals

Bible General, Doctrine, Jesus,

Handicapped_Accessible_sign_greyJesus taught a masterful lesson at his home in Capernaum. He had just crossed the Sea of Galilee where he stilled a storm and then healed two demon possessed men from a graveyard (Matthew 8:23 ff). Now people have flocked to his home and he begins to teach. The crowds are so large that no one else can press into the house. Some men bring a paralyzed man for healing but cannot get close enough to speak to Jesus. Determined not to fail in their mission they cut a hole in the roof and lower the man down before Jesus.

Now it gets interesting. Jesus doesn’t heal the man! Instead, he looks at him and says, “Son, your sins are forgiven” (Matthew 9:2; Mark 2:5; Luke 5:20). I suspect Jesus then returned to teaching. But almighty scribes and Pharisees were offended. “Blasphemy!” they cried. No one can forgive sin but God? They were actually right. God alone forgives sin. But they missed the fact that Jesus was God (John 1:1-4).

Jesus knew their thoughts before they spoke them. He then turned again to the man and healed his broken, twisted body. Immediately the paralyzed man arose, took his bed and went home. The people were stunned but rejoiced.

Consider two key thoughts with me.

Jesus Heals the Most Important Things

For many people, maybe for you, the man’s crippled body was the most important thing. But not for Jesus. Before he healed his body Jesus healed his soul. He gave the man the one thing he could get nowhere else – forgiveness of sin (Acts 13:38)!

We become so focused on your physical needs and wants that we overlook the most important things. Jesus doesn’t. While he certainly desires us to be content it is far more important for us to be in a right relationship with him. Sin blocks that relationship and raises an insurmountable barrier that we cannot penetrate on our own (Isaiah 59:2). We seem to know that our spirit needs Jesus. We have a void that cannot be filled. Jesus and Jesus only fills that need.

Perhaps the lesson is that we should adopt Jesus’ view, see his priorities and follow his example. For him, the paralysis was not nearly as important as the sin. My sin is surely the greatest problem I have. It deserves the most attention.

Jesus Used a Miracle to Prove His Divinity

The scribes and Pharisees did not like Jesus. He was a threat to their way of life. But they were correct when they asserted that only God could forgive sin. Sin offends God. That is way it is so bad. Since God is the offended party it is reasonable that only he can forgive sin. By leveling a charge of blasphemy against Jesus they were claiming that he had made himself divine. They could not imagine how that was possible.

Notice what Jesus did. To prove his divinity, that is, his divine right to forgive sin, he performed an undeniable miracle. That miracle proved his bona fides. It proved that Jesus was divine, else he could not have done the miracle.

Nicodemus understood that only a man from God could do the things Jesus did (John 3:2). The Jews in Capernaum also understood. Once the paralyzed man stood up, took his bed and went home they glorified God (Matthew 9:7).

Each miracle performed by Jesus or by his apostles, served to confirm the credentials of the hearers. New doctrine was only delivered in the presence of confirmable, undeniable miracles. While many claim to work miracles today, none stand up to the magnificence of Biblical miracles. Jesus was who he said he was and confirmed it beyond any question.

Aren’t you glad to serve a Lord who is so powerful? Aren’t you glad to serve a Lord that cares about the most important things in your life? I don’t know about you, but I need a Lord just like Jesus!

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

3 Rules for Holy Spirit Studies

Church Bulletin, Doctrine, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus

open bible empty pewsMany people study the Holy Spirit. This divine member of the Godhead is often seen as a mysterious and unknowable Bible character. Sometimes, what people think they know about the Spirit is actually a blending of a little Bible and a whole lot of misinformation from wealth-seeking television preachers and book-selling authors who know that by carefully revealing new and fresh knowledge of the Spirit they can sell more and more books. Others have simply bought into errant teaching that is based on shallow studies and a lack of in-depth studies.

But the Holy Spirit (hagio pneumatos) can be accurately known. He is revealed in Scripture and the truth of his existence and work is found in Scripture. Although the Spirit is not as well described as the Father and the Son, he is, nonetheless, knowable. As such, the Spirit is an appropriate subject for study. As you approach your studies please consider the following 3 reminders in your work.

1. Everything we know about the Holy Spirit, we know from the Bible.

God’s word is true and has been fully delivered (John 17:17; Jude 3). Revelation is no longer occurring and that which was given was confirmed by great miracles. Inasmuch as confirming miracles no longer are seen we must depend upon the Scriptures as the only true source of information on the Holy Spirit.

The Bible student must use caution when approaching this subject as some rely upon odd and uncommon feelings of knowledge and even ecstasy for their information. As a man once told me, “I know the Spirit is real because I felt him moving during church.” In fact, feelings are probably the least reliable way to know anything. How would you feel if a doctor told you to set your affairs in order because you were soon to die? When you asked him why and how he knows he might only reply that he has no confirming tests, only a feeling of your impending death. You would ignore such nonsense.

If you want to know about the Holy Spirit, stick to what God has revealed and confirmed about him in Scripture.

2. We do not, and will not, know everything about the Spirit.

It is natural to be curious. No advance in any field as come without someone being curious. It is certainly normal and good for a Christian to have questions about the Holy Spirit and His work. Such curiosity drives the student to a deeper understanding.

But it is true that we will never know everything about the Spirit, at least, not in this life.

Paul salutes his readers in Ephesians 1:3 by telling them that God has given unto them every spiritual blessing. Just prior to his departure Jesus told the apostles that the Holy Spirit would come and guide them into “all truth” (John 16:13). Yet, we understand that we are guided into all the truth necessary for us. Many things remain hidden and belong only to God (Deuteronomy 29:29; Acts 1:7; Romans 11:33).

Sometimes, a Bible student will become frustrated when he cannot discover all that he wants to know about the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, in that frustration, the student unwittingly makes assumptions he ought not. He then shares those new “understandings” and confuses many.

Let us pursue what we can know and leave the rest behind God’s great curtain.

3. We have salvation.

While many questions will remain about the Spirit there is no lack of teaching on mankind’s sin and his desperate need for a savior. From Genesis until Revelation there is a single line of teaching on God’s great love for his Creation. All of the words of the Bible swirl around the Redeemer. Either he is needed, he is promised, he has come, he has saved or he is returning but the Scriptures abound with knowable teachings on Jesus.

It is not that we should avoid studying the Spirit. We should seek to know all we can but let us never lose sight of the reason for the Spirit’s work. He works to glorify Christ (John 15:26; John 16:14) and to show Christ to a lost Creation.

Aren’t you thankful for God’s sweet plan of redemption which was conceived by the Father, completed by the Christ and revealed by the Spirit?

 

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

 

Who are Jannes and Jambres?

2 Timothy, Doctrine, Exodus,

Jannes JambresJannes and Jambres appear only once, by name, in the Bible at 2 Timothy 3:8. While our knowledge is limited there some things that can be known and more importantly, some things that we should learn from them.

Jewish tradition taught that Jannes and Jambres were Pharaoh’s two magicians who stood against Moses in Exodus 7:11 ff. Moses was sent to demand the release of the Hebrews from Egyptian servitude. At the first meeting with Pharaoh Moses demonstrated his own bona fides by casting down his staff which became a snake. Two magicians countered with a trick that appeared equal to what Moses had done. But to the astonishment of all, Moses snake devoured the two belonging to the magicians. Tradition asserts that these two magicians were Jannes and Jambres.

While there is an extensive and often bizarre tradition about these two, there are some things that we can know for certain and most importantly, some things that we can learn from them.

Jannes and Jambres Are Examples of False Teachers

This portion of Scripture, at 2 Timothy 3:1-9, discusses the failing away that occurs in the last days. Paul has previously spoken of this heretical time in 1 Timothy 4:1. Paul talks of the same failing away in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12. In both cases false teaching will occur. While Paul looks for the coming of the “man of sin” in his Thessalonian letter, he is more general in the letter to Timothy. But false teaching is in the forefront.

Jannes and Jambres are caricatures of the people detailed in the second Timothy letter.

“For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, traitors, headstrong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof. From these also turn away” (2 Timothy 3:2-5).

As with all false teachers, these people love themselves more than God, appear righteous but deny the power and glory of the Lord.

Jannes and Jambres Failed Like All False Teachers

Jannes and Jambres gave the appearance of being godly. They opposed Moses and his message of truth. One ancient legion even calls them sons of Baal. They tried to demonstrate their other-worldly power through tricks but ultimately failed (Exodus 8:18-19).

False teachers today sweep millions, even billions, into the fold of deception and trickery. Yet, like these two, they will fail. Sadly, they will take untold souls into a Devil’s hell. Like Simon, their riches will perish with them apart from true repentance.

As Christians, we have the once for all revealed word of God (Jude 3) which sustains and supports all our needs (2 Corinthians 9:8). Through constant examination of the Scriptures (Acts 17:11) we can know the truth (John 8:32) and be prepared to discern truth from fable. As John wrote, let us test the spirits to see if they are from God (1 John 4:1).

 Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

Who is Simon Magus?

Acts, Doctrine, Holy Spirit, ,

Simon Magus was a magician working among the people of Samaria. We meet Simon in Acts 8 as one of the converts to Jesus through the preaching of Stephan. We usually speak of Simon the sorcerer or Simon the magician. “Magus” means magician and is commonly added to his name to differentiate him from others named Simon.In any case, there are some important lessons from Simon’s brief New Testament appearance.

Simon Magus Background

We know nothing Biblically about his background except that he lived in Samaria. He was obviously an accomplished trickster who profited from his works of magic or sorcery. He claimed notoriety because of his power and was thought to draw his power from God. Simon made no attempt to prevent their accolades and enjoyed his position of prestige among the people (Acts 8:9-11).

Simon was in Samaria when Philip began preaching Jesus there. Samaria was one of the places the new Christians fled after the persecution began in Jerusalem. The crowds in Samaria listened carefully to the preaching of Philip, took note of the confirming miracles and responded in great numbers.

Philip was one of the deacons appointed in Acts 6 and was full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:3, 5). As part of his commission the apostles in Jerusalem “laid their hands on them” (Acts 6:6) and empowered him with the ability to work miracles. This ability confirmed to the people, including Simon, that Philip’s words were true and from God. The people responded to the “great miracles” (Acts 8:13) and many became believers in Jesus Christ including Simon.

Simon Magus Rebuked

There is nothing in the Bible to question Simon’s initial conversion. Nor is there any indication as to how long it took before the apostles came from Jerusalem. But once the apostles arrived, Simon’s heart fell back into his old ways.

The apostles came from Jerusalem in order to impart the miraculous gifts of the Spirit to the people in Samaria. The reader will observe that Philip, already in Samaria and preaching, could himself perform miracles (Acts 8:5-8, 13). Recall that the apostles had already laid hands on Philip (Acts 6:6). The presence of the apostles in Samaria was to lay hands on the people there who were Christians but did not have the ability to perform miracles.

Simon’s old ways returned. He calculated that if he could buy the ability to lay hands on people and give them the miraculous gift of the Holy Spirit he could profit greatly. Notice what the inspired text says,

“Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:18-19, emphasis mine).

Simon was sternly rebuked by Peter, confessed his weakness and asked Peter and John to pray for him and seek the Lord’s forgiveness. Simon then fades into the crowds of believers and we never hear from him again.((There are non-Biblical legends that persist about Simon and charge him with being the leader of a pagan syncretic group known as the Simonians. However the Bible make no such mention.))

Simon Magus and Miracles

The story of Simon teaches an important lesson regarding miracles. The only people who could perform miracles were the apostles and those to whom the apostles gave that power. No one else could pass along that power. The implications are important.

John was the final apostle to die, likely near the end of the 1st century or around 100 AD. When he died, the ability to pass along miracle-working abilities died with him. Therefore, there was no source left for the power. Those who claim the ability today to perform miracles find themselves in Simon’s camp and not that of the apostles.

We understand, and the apostles and inspired writers confirm, miracles were never intended to be a permanent party of the Christian life (1 Corinthians 13:8-13). Miracles confirmed the new word and new teachings being proclaimed of the risen savior. Once confirmed, the miracles were no longer needed.

Simon certainly teaches us of the need to completely change our lives and root out any vestige of sin. But it also teaches plainly that the ability to perform miracles was linked to living apostles. Let us not be fooled by supposed healers and miracle workers today.

 

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

True Miracles

Acts, Doctrine, John

To hear some people tell it, miracles are everywhere today. Any strange event, any unexpected healing and even an odd shaped cloud or spectacular sunset is called a miracle.

I beg to differ.

God works in our lives in amazing ways. But let us understand that any modern day miracle must be judged against the standard of the Bible. Does a supposed miracle today compare equally with a miracle in New Testament times? I doubt it. Let’s consider what the Bible reveals about miracles and then apply that knowledge to our present world.

True Miracles Require Pre-Miraculous Confirmation

 

Witnesses must confirm a need for a miracle. It seems obvious but often we simply accept the reality of some private miracle without question. Miracles are not secretive. They are obvious.

Jesus probably gives the best example of a pre-miracle confirmation when he travels to Bethany to raise Lazarus from the dead. The report is in John 11:1-44. For our discussion, there are two important verses in the story.

So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. (vs. 6)

and

Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days” (vs. 39).

Jesus confirms the death of Lazarus by delaying his departure for Bethany. Martha further confirms the death of Lazarus by telling us that he had been dead four days and warning that the stench of decay would already have been present. Together, these two passages, plus the public nature of his death and burial (vs. 19), confirms that Lazarus was, in fact dead.

Luke gives another example in Acts 3:1-10

And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. (vs.2)

Here, Luke tells us two important facts about the man before Peter heals him. He has been lame since birth and he was seen at the gate of the Temple daily. There was no question that this man was lame and in need of a miracle.

Anyone who claims a miracle today must provide unquestioned proof a miracle is needed. Making such a claim after the fact and without confirmation is not acceptable.

True Miracles Require Post-Miracle Confirmation

 

Witnesses must confirm that an actual miracle has occurred. The two cases above confirm that an actual miracle occurred.

Jesus raised Lazarus in public and people present witnessed the resurrected Lazarus.

So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.  I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.”  When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.”  The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go” Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him” (John 11:41-45).

The claim is buttressed by the chief priests and Pharisees who said,

What are we to do? For this man performs many signs.  If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation” (vs. 47-48).

There was no question that Lazarus was raised from the dead.

Confirmation of Peter’s miracle is just as strong.

And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.  And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.  And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. (Acts 3:7-10)

Like Jesus before, the confirmation of the miracle is supported by the words of the Sanhedrin Council,

But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition (Acts 4:14),

and,

What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. (vs. 16)

The great miracle of Jesus’ own resurrection is confirmed by Paul in a similar way in 1 Corinthians 15:

and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me (1 Corinthians 15:5-8).

One who claims a miracle must be able to confirm that miracle.

True Miracles Cannot Be Explained

 

Many astonishing things happen in our world every day. Cherubic little babies are born hourly. Lofty clouds form themselves into clearly defined shapes. People walk away from horrid automobile crashes with barely a scratch. Terribly ill patients recover from frightful illnesses. All of these things happen constantly. I and most Christians see God in these things. But it is also true that the secular man, the skeptic, the atheist, sees science at work and quickly explains the events as the normal, predictable outcome of biology, meteorology, physics and medicine.

What sets the true, Biblical miracle apart from these daily happenings is its unexplainable nature.

In John 11:44 there was no reasonable explanation for Lazarus resurrection. It could not be explained (John 11:47-48). Skeptics today cannot assault the miracle. They are only left with futile attacks on the text itself.

In Acts 3:7, that miracle was also unexplainable (Acts 4:16). Today, some medical doctors specialize in helping people walk again. But no surgeon, no therapist, has ever been able to suddenly heal a lifelong disabled man by words only. No one can explain the miracle.

Like so many words, “miracle” is thrown around so easily. When we use the word, let us speak like the Bible. To do otherwise cheapens the true miracles of the Bible.

God works in our world today. He is alive and cares for his people. But there is no evidence that he sets aside his natural laws. Instead he works through them to bring good to those who love him.

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

The Christian and the Papacy

Church Bulletin, Doctrine, Evangelism, ,

Few events generate the coverage we’ve seen over the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Almost every media outlet has been talking about the retirement of the old Pope and the coming installation of a new. Even sports call in shows have featured the Roman drama. When Christians hear Catholics talking about the Pope how should we respond?

The Papacy is False

The official Catholic dictionary defines the pope this way:

“The title pope… is at present employed solely to denote the Bishop of Rome, who, in virtue of his position as successor of St. Peter, is the chief pastor of the whole Church, the Vicar of Christ upon earth.”

It’s beyond the scope of our article to go into detail but we would note that the office of the Pope is not found in Scripture in any form. No pastor/bishop/elder is ever said to be chief over the others and the idea that the Pope is a successor to the apostle Peter is unsustainable.

Indeed, any comparison between the present Roman Catholic Church and the original church is a study in sharp contrasts. We cannot support the idea of a common man has the head of the church. There is but one head of the church and that is Jesus (Ephesians 1:22; Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18).

We Must Not “Bash” Catholics

Many, if not most, Catholics have been raised in their faith and have not been taught to study the Scriptures. The training of the church is the final answer for spiritual questions. Those who are so raised are excellent opportunities for teaching. The bulk of Catholics are outstanding people who love God and desire to live according to his direction.

One who uses the current newsworthy events as a pretext for insult ought to consider how Jesus and the apostles dealt with those who practiced false religion. Our Lord called them to the truth without insult. Paul taught idol worshippers with kindness (Acts 17:16-31).

Instead of insulting, let us draw people to the truth of Scripture and the glorious direct relationship with have with Jesus.

For some, any questioning or disagreement with another’s faith is bashing. It is not. We can and must seek to always share the truth with people who have been deceived.

Be Thankful for Opportunities

In Revelation 3:8 Jesus told the church of Philadelphia that he had set before them an “open door which no one is able to shut.” The events in Rome may provide just such an open door. The complexity and bureaucracy of the Roman Catholic Church and the exaltation of a mere mortal to a position of such extreme power and authority may cause some to wonder of this truly a work of God.

But being thankful for opportunities is not the same as acting upon them. When our friends begin to speak of the new leader let us listen kindly and gently lead toward truth. People who are truly seeking God will gladly welcome offers of study. Be the one who leads another to truth!

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter  @jbevans.

 

Devilish Piety

Church Bulletin, Doctrine, Homilitics, Satan, ,

Some people just look righteous don’t you think? They seem to have an angelic glow about them and always seem to have just left the throne on high. They appear to be people of near constant peace and joy. But we know that looks are not everything. We know the old cliché that “you can’t judge a book by its cover” is powerfully true. You may have been hoodwinked by someone who seemed so pious. Let us consider the question of whether the appearance of piety equals the reality of righteousness.

Arising from an old Latin word, piety simply means reverence for God or a completion of sacred duties or obligations. We can never fully know the quality of man’s heart or his actual devotion to God. But our question here centers on the appearance of devotion and whether or not we should be drawn to someone based only on that appearance.

Appearances Are Deceiving

One of the most chilling passages in the Bible is found in 2 Corinthians 11:11-15:

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.  So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. 

Not even the pulpits of our time are free of false teaching! To look only upon the outer behavior and conduct of a man is not sufficient. He may be a teacher of falsehoods ensconced in a satanic disguise. No one wants to believe their preacher, teacher or mentor is doing the work of the evil one but Scripture is clear that false teaching is found even among the church. Paul speak of false teachers who “slipped in” to the church to lead God’s people back into the slavery of sin (Galatians 2:4-5).

Rely on Truth

If appearances can be deceiving, how then can we choose the people who teach us and guide us in this life?

The only foundation is the faith delivered “once for all “(Jude 3). That foundation is the word of God, inspired (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and given by holy men without any private interpretation (2 peter 1:20-21). We cannot reply on any teaching, any creed or any confession not given by inspiration alone. Only the truth saves (John 17:17; Psalm 119:160) and any departure, regardless of the reason, is indefensible.

So as a practical matter, never trust a preacher, even this one. Place your entire confidence in God and in His ability to communicate to you. Listen carefully to your preacher, very carefully, but then test his words against the truth you possess in the Bible (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1).

Some things are priceless. Your soul is priceless. Never entrust your soul to anyone other than the Lord. Those who appear pious may be or they may not be. Only by comparing their words against the divinely inspired Scriptures can we know the truth that sets us free (John 8:32).

 Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter  @jbevans.

Christian Unity: Trouble in Corinth

1 Corinthians, Doctrine, Jesus, ,

Christian unity was slipping away in Corinth. The church there was fractured and was in danger of falling into sectarian division. Paul gently rebuked the brethren and called for their unity. We can learn from their troubles.

Ultimately, Christian unity is founded in Jesus Christ. When I enjoy the proper relationship with my Lord, I will then have a similar relationship with all others who enjoy that same relationship. Addressing the Corinthians Paul asked, “Is Christ divided?” (1 Corinthians 1:13). The obvious answer is no! He continues, “Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?” Again, the answer is no. The Corinthians had allowed Jesus to slip from his place of preeminence and instead were dividing into clicks (1 Corinthians 1:12).

What was  the result of this cliquishness? They were no longer united and were speaking different things. Their allegiance was to mortal men (most of them) and only a few were clinging to Jesus. Look at Paul’s encouragement:

” I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.  For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers.  What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”  Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?  I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.)” (1 Corinthians 1:10-16)

Jesus Desired Christian Unity

Paul’s encouragement is rooted in the authority of Jesus. That’s what he means when he says “by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jesus wants his people to speak with a single voice. Jesus desires unity. 

His authority arises from his own sacrifice and from his place as our High Priest (Hebrews 8:1) and Chief Shepard (1 Peter 5:4). By gathering themselves into groups, their were rejecting Jesus’ own desires.

Christian Unity in All Things

Some suggest a so-called unity-in-diversity as an acceptable concept. It is not. Paul’s call, by the authority of Jesus, was to speak the same thing, have no divisions and to share in the same judgement (vs. 10). Such is impossible with unity-in-diversity.

The religious landscape is not united. We do not all speak the same thing. There is little unity among Christ believing people today. We have surrounded our favorite preachers and accept anything and everything they say. We are no longer interested in the authority of Jesus but instead place our faith in men and in their councils, conventions and synods. How embarrassing to quote a creed or confession when discussing some doctrine.

Christian Unity Ends Quarrels

Evidently, Paul was responding to a letter from someone in Chloe’s house. They were concerned because arguments were arising between members. It would seem that the only quarrel that would arise would pertain to the teachings, doctrines and direction of the church. Almost the entire book of 1 Corinthians deals with sin in the church family and chaotic worship.

Where would such quarrels lead? They would lead to our world. They would lead to sectarianism and denominationalism. I don’t think it is a stretch to look at 1 Corinthians chapter one as a form of incipient denominationalism. Remember, there were no denominations in the earliest days of the church. There was one church. In fact, the oneness of the church was so strong that there was not even a single name for the church. There was no need to denominate the brethren into groups. They were striving to be the body of Christ. Only when we begin to divide do we face quarrels.

It’s time to end our acceptance and tolerance of a divided Christendom. Jesus was not divided and he prayed that his people would not be divided. Can we reject everything but his Word? Can we all stand together there?

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter  @jbevans.

 

Christian Unity

Doctrine, Evangelism, General, ,

Christian unity is an oft sought but rarely found product in our diverse world.  Jesus himself desired the unity of his disciples and specifically prayed for it in the High Priestly prayer of John chapter 17. It is essential for all believers to consider Jesus’ thinking and prayers.

Jesus Prayed for Christian Unity

Jesus prayed for christian unity. Praying for his disciples Jesus asked, “keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one..’ (John 17:11). In verse 21, “that they may all be one…” In verse 22, “that they may be one even as we are one.”  In verse 23, and note the addition of the adjective, “that they may become perfectly one…” Four times in this chapter Jesus specifically prays for unity among his believers.

It’s important to note Jesus’ standard of unity that he seeks. He desires perfect unity. This suggests a complete unity in all matters. The context drives home this point when we see that the oneness or unity between Jesus and his Father is the standard of unity (see verses 21 and 22). We have come to accept the goal of “unity in diversity” but there is no diversity here. There is not the tiniest space between the Father and the Son and this is the kind of unity Jesus desires for his followers.

Paul was a great follower of Jesus. When he wrote to the fractured church in Corinth he echoed the same thoughts as the Lord.

 “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”

The Corinthians had begun to coalesce around personalities in the church. The result was a disunity that Jesus abhors. Within his body, the church, believers are to stand together in sweet unity with one another and speak the same things. Our goals and our efforts are the same, our doctrine is the same for we are one. The prayer for unity in John is demonstrated in practice among the Corinthians.

The same plea is given by Paul to the Ephesians. These beloved brethren were taught of the depth of God’s grace in salvation. In Ephesians 3:20 Paul calls for glory to Jesus in the church. In the next verse, Ephesians 4:1, he calls upon the believers to “walk worthy” of the their calling and in verse 3 to maintain the “unity of the spirit.” 

What follows next, in Ephesians 4:4-6, is the basis for that unity.

“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

I would suggest that Christendom is about half way there. We believe in one God and we believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, as the son of God. But beyond that the unity crumbles. We cannot honestly say that we believe in and hold forth, one faith. Nor can Christendom claim a single baptism. There are at least a half dozen baptisms taught within Christendom today.

Given that unity is so precious to Jesus we conclude that the global community of Christ-believers is failing. We are not united. We stand under different names, teaching different doctrines and predicating our faith upon different teachings.

Divided.

Fractured.

Such division displeases Jesus.

Hope for Christian Unity

Let’s go back to [esvignore] John 17 [/esvignore] and find the way to unity.

The starting point for Christian Unity is the glory of God. Jesus came to bring glory to the Father (John 17:1-5). Our goal must also be to glorify God. Let us destroy the altars to our own successes and victories and give all the glory to God. Only by shattering our own arrogance can we adequately humble ourselves before the Lord (James 4:10).

Second, Christian Unity comes from and through the Word of God. Consider verse 8:

“For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.”

Zero in on the phrase, “I have given them the words that you gave me.” Most immediately, Jesus is speaking of the truth of his Sonship. But note that they came to that knowledge through the words given Jesus from God. Jesus prays that that his disciples by made holy, sanctified, by God. But how? “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” ([esvignore]John 17:17[/esvignore]). And again, in verse 19, he asks the Father to sanctify his people “in truth.”

This idea of sanctification in truth is empowered all the more when we consider inspiration. Paul says Scripture is inspired (2 Timothy 3:16). The word used here is a compound Greek verb which literally means that Scripture is “breathed out by God.” The ESV so translates it that way. The beauty of this thought is that God has exuded his word into the minds of holy men who have recorded the word and given it to us. Through every phase of inspiration the word remains God’s, the writers were tools of God to bring truth to men (2 Peter 1:21).

So if we have the Scriptures, and we do, and if the Scriptures are true, and they are, and if it is through truth that unity comes, and it is, we then have a real hope of unity.

We can begin the long road back to unity today if men will come together in the one place where we can all stand – the Bible. We must begin today to eliminate sectarianism and denominationalism from our lives.

Let us revel in the sanctifying power of the word alone. Let us eschew additions and subtractions. Let us renounce convenient teachings and demand truth from the pulpits of our land. Let us call Bible things by Bible names and allow God to be the absolute Lord of all our lives. It is possible!

 

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter  @jbevans.

Doctrine Is Good

Church Bulletin, Doctrine

The word “doctrine” has become one of those bad words to many. To them it suggests disagreements and quarrels over subjective religious topics. Since most people dislike confrontation they avoid any doctrinal discussion. But in fact, doctrine is vital and lies at the very center of our faith. Every aspect of our religious thinking is doctrinal in some way. Even the most basic belief that Jesus is the Son of God is a doctrinal belief. There is nothing wrong with doctrine and Christians should not fear doctrinal discussions.

Doctrine simply refers to the content of teaching. In a public school we use the word “curriculum” to describe the content of the teaching. If something is taught in the Bible, it is doctrine. When the Bible teaches us that we should love one another (John 13:34, Romans 12:10, 1 Peter 1:22), that is doctrine. When the Bible teaches us that God loves us and gave Jesus to die for our sins (John 3:16), that is doctrine. When the Bible promises an eternal home for the faithful (Matthew 18:29, John 5:24 ), that is also doctrine.

Jesus taught doctrine

The Sermon on the Mount from Matthew chapters 5-7 is an excellent example of doctrine. Jesus was teaching great lessons to his followers. Because the words of that sermon seem so lofty to us we do not consider it doctrine. Nevertheless, those lessons were all teachings or doctrines delivered by Jesus.  But, in John 14:6 Jesus declared the exclusive doctrine that no one can come to God apart from, or through any other way than, himself. That teaching alone excludes a great swath of humanity who do not place their faith in Jesus. Like the Sermon on the Mount, that teaching is also doctrine.

Doctrine is God given

The Scriptures are breathed out (inspired) by God Himself (2 Timothy 3:16). The words are his and give unto us what we need (2 Timothy 3:17; 2 Peter 1:3). The Scriptures are a gift that enlightens the believer and guides him unto the presence of God. We ought cherish the doctrine given us by God.

So if doctrine is simply teaching and if Jesus taught doctrine and God gave us doctrine, why are so many people afraid to talk about doctrine? Why are some afraid of any teaching that might clash with those of their associates? Two reasons.

First, men have created so many of their own doctrines which clash with Scripture, that conflict is inevitable. The problem is not Bible doctrine. The problem is man. Jesus spoke of just such a problem when he pointed to vain worship driven by the “doctrines of men” (Matthew 15:9; mark 7:7). When men, councils, synods, presbyteries and such create their own doctrines they will also create conflict. Despite their desire to clarify and re-state Bible teachings, new doctrines always arise which do not agree with Scripture.

Second, some people like lives of ease (Amos 6:1) and see no point in doing the hard work of study and learning. Instead, one or two doctrines can be learned and the remainder ignored. Of course it is never said that way but nevertheless that is the outcome. People reject study and the hard mental work required to teach. Remember Peter’s admonition to “give an answer” of your faith (1 Peter 3:15).

Doctrine is not bad and it must not be avoided. But true Bible doctrine will always bring to light the inferior teachings of men. Bible doctrine will always require an effort to learn and to teach. Doctrine reveals to us the complete picture of God’s love and salvation. Let us run toward that doctrine and never run away.