Satan is an Angel

Satan is an angel as Michael and Gabriel are angels. Satan has no more affect on our lives than Michael and Gabriel have.

 

If Satan is the motivation behind our sins who motivated him? No one. He is an angel; he  rebelled and God threw him out of heaven. He does not know the future anymore than any other angel knows the future.

 

Hell is not intended for mankind it was prepared for Satan and his angels. We do not need Satan to help us sin. We sin when we are not following God's purposes. When we are not following God's purposes we are following Satan's.

 

Apparently the serpent who tempted Eve had intelligence and decided to lie to Eve. If the serpent was not acting on his own why was he punished? The fact that the serpent was not promoting God's purposes by default means he was promoting Satan's purposes. As was Peter when Jesus said to Peter "Get behind me Satan." Jesus was not talking to Satan he was talking to Peter. Since Peter was not encouraging Jesus he was discouraging Jesus thus he was promoting Satan's.

 

James tells us we sin when we are tempted by our own lusts. It is true Satan brought sin into the world via the serpent but it was the serpent who sinned and then Eve and then Adam. The serpent rebelled as Satan had rebelled. Eve and Adam rebelled as Satan had rebelled.

 

Satan may or may not be walking to and fro looking for who he may devour but he is not affecting us. When we fail to follow God we are following Satan.

Curriculum---Pedagogy---Assessment

In his book "The Element" Ken Robinson writes how nearly every system of public education on earth is in the process of being reformed---in Asia, the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

 

Reasons given are economic and cultural. Economic since every region in the world wants to educate their people to find work and create wealth in a world that is changing faster than ever; cultural because every region wants to take advantage of globalization without losing their identity.

 

In education there are three major processes: the curriculum--- what the school system expects students to learn; pedagogy---the process by which the system helps students to learn; and assessment--- the process of judging how well they are doing.

 

Churches of Christ emphasize the Bible as the curriculum, but pay little attention to pedagogy and no attention to assessment. Is it any wonder the church if Bible illiterate?

Preaching/Teaching vs Education

Editor, Gospel Advocate:

Reference the article "J.W. McGarvey and the Tragic Tale of Broadway" in March 2011 GA.

The article reported that in a congregation with a membership approaching 1,000 361 voted for the organ, 202 voted against the organ, and 400+ had no opinion. That means 202 members accepted McGarvey's teaching BUT 761+ rejected his comments on the subject. He had failed pretty badly. Would we accept that same percents from a high school teacher or college professor?

What if in a class studying physics with attendance approaching 1,000 students 202 students accepted the laws of physics and 761 did not? Would you want your child who was interested in Physics to be a student of a professor with that record of teaching/convincing his students? What if you had that same level of success convincing your children of your values?

I am not blaming McGarvey I am blaming the method he used and we use today. Formal "church" services and Bible classes where the people sit and listen are not situations where learning takes place. Learning is give and take; questions and answers; discussion and rebuttal. Without learning there is no teaching. In schools we are interested in teacher/student ratio. How's the ratio in your congregation and in your classes?

As the church Jesus established on Pentecost continues to shrink in comparison with the population; as the students graduate from our Sunday schools and go on to college or jobs continue to reject what their teachers espoused all those years we are well past the time to take a hard look at what we are doing. Our bible classes are intended to fill the time allotted for classes not education. Sermons are intended to fill the time allotted for the sermon not education and convincing.

Equating Faith and Prosperity

Christians equate faith with prosperity in this world. This is so, even though Jesus said His kingdom is not of this world.

What are our priorities? Collectively Christians spend billions of dollars on church buildings. The value of the property owned by churches exceeds $200 billion. Churches have money and possessions and we build memorials to us. Our buildings testify to our belief that prosperity validates our faith while consuming our time and money. With Jesus as our example we are to spend our lives for Him among the needy.

 

 

Christianity OR Capitalism

Acts 4:32-37  

    Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

 

Compare that with our capitalist culture where Christians believe God blesses THEM so THEY can buy large houses, expensive cars, and go on expensive vacations.

 

 

 

Parkinson's Law

Parkinson's Law says, "Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion."

 

Have you noticed that most of our Adult Bible classes are examples of Parkinson's Law? While their class goes on forever the teachers remind us again and again "We aren't in a hurry."

 

Colleges and universities limit courses to quarters or semesters and after a few years graduate students ready to put their studies to good use. While our Adult Bible classes produce "graduates" who remain pretty much Bible illiterate. 

Pray is a church word. . .

Pray is a church word. It means what you want it to mean. The word is even used to define itself.

 

Mark 6:46 (KJV) 

    And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray (To pray to God fervently; to pour one's whole heart and total being out to God; to share with God both thanksgiving and petitions).

 

2 Corinthians 5:20 (KJV) 

    Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray (To implore; to pray; to beg; to urge; to intreat; to cry; to ask; and to plead with.) you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

 

How often do you hear a public prayer you would define as "fervent"?

 

How often do you hear a public prayer and you pour your heart and total being out to God?

 

How often do you hear a public prayer and you implore, you beg, your urge, you intreat, you cry, you plead with God?

 

Our public prayers are to fill the space allocated for prayer. Jesus says "Matthew 6:6   

    But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." We change that to stand before a group of people and a public address system.  

 

 

 

 

What does "I pray for. . " mean?

Have you noticed that we usually do not pray but say we are? How often do you hear or say "I pray for. . ." To pray means to supplicate to ask God for something. What does "I pray for. . ." specifically ask of God?  

God Knows

The Bible says God knows what we will ask before we ask. Prayer is for us not for Him. The Bible says God knows everything about us which would include when we will die. God knows today, if we will be saved or lost. Knowing we will be saved what purpose is there to keep track of sins? Knowing we will be lost what purpose is served by forgiving individual sins? What purpose is served for God to let an individual suffer but for the prayers of others?

Christians really should study the Bible and learn more about prayer and God's relationship with His people, those of us in the world but not of the world.

Without Learning There is No Teaching

Have you considered if anyone "learns" anything in our Sunday / Wednesday Bible classes? Have you considered if there is "teaching" going on in those same Bible Classes?

 

Teaching is helping someone learn. Learn is to get knowledge. Educate is to train or develop knowledge. Convince is to overcome, confute or convict. Persuade is to induce to believe something, convince.

 

Based on those definitions the answer is "No!" When was the last time you knew of a situation where someone changed their mind after attending our Bible classes? 

The Rule of 150 / Malcolm Gladwell

 Robin Dunbar, a British anthropologist has concluded the number 150 represents the maximum number of individuals with whom we can have a genuinely social relationship.  When groups exceed 150 the people become strangers to each other. When groups become too large the individuals do not have enough work in common. Close-knit fellowship is lost. In groups larger than 150 organizational considerations limit the group's ability to to agree and to act with one voice.

March GA, The Restoration Legacy of J.W. McGarvey

The articles In the March GA concerning J.W. McGarvey were very interesting and I believe highlight situations/issues we face today. I did not know McGarvey so I can comment only on what I read about him. He apparently made the same mistake many parents, elders, leaders of all types made and continue to make. He took silence as agreement; the lack of reaction as acquiescence.  He failed to pass his values and judgments to his followers. In a congregation approaching 1,000 members 202 considered the organ issue important enough to vote against it while 361 rejected completely McGarvey's studied opinion, and 400 plus didn't care enough to have an opinion. McGarvey failed and so will we unless we learn from his mistakes. Biblical silence is not the deciding factor.  

Seeing Situations as we Want to See Them

Do animals experience fear as humans experience fear or do animals experience pain as humans experience pain? Any affect sin being brought into the world has had on animals is collateral damage. Those claiming human suffering has resulted from Eve's sin must explain animal suffering and pain. How did they or any of their ancestors commit sin? Have you seen either in person or in documentaries animals being eaten while they are still alive? Have you ever caught a small fish being eaten by a larger fish?

 

To make them feel better Christians say animals do not suffer or feel pain has humans do. We see situations as we want to see them. That is reason enough to love truth.Paul told the Thessalonians "The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness."

 

It appears the Bible warns us that we will believe what we want to believe so loving the truth is mandatory. 

Member of THE church?

Have you considered if the term, "member of the church" is found in the Bible? If you were to ask "Are you a member of the Church?" what is the question behind the question? The same thing can be said concerning the term Christian. If you were to ask "Are you a Christian?" what is the question behind the question? Have you found similar questions in the Bible? Are the terms "member of the church" and Christian synonyms and are they blblical terms?

 

What does the term "obey the gospel" mean? In Thessalonians Paul wrote about "those who do not know God and those who do not heed the good news of our Lord Jesus." Peter wrote "For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not heed the good news of God? Are Paul and Peter referring to hear, believe, repent, confess and baptism or are they referring to the fact that Jesus has died and has risen again?

 

The act of being immersed is the only documented way for us to have our sins forgiven. Anyone who has not been immersed in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins have not had their sins forgiven, have not received the gift of the Holy Spirit and have not been saved.

 

Followers of Christ were called Christians.  Today Christian means many things in addition to "follower of Christ."  But Christian only identifies "followers of Christ." Anyone who has not copied what the New Testament says those on Pentecost did is not a Christian. Anyone who has not been immersed for the forgiveness of their sins is not a Christian. Jesus said "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." Anyone who is not keeping Jesus' commandments does not love Jesus and therefore is not a Christian, is not saved, God has not been added them  to the number being saved the "called out" THE church.  

 

Do Unto Others

Have you considered that God will treat us like we treat other people. Jesus said do unto others as you want others to do unto you. Jesus also said that unless we forgive others he and his Father will not forgive us. Why should we expect God to do things for us that we are unwilling to do to and for others?

American, a Difficult Language

In the language in which the Bible is recorded has detailed words that are all translated into general words in American. One example is the American word "love." The original language of the Bible has 4 or five or more words all translated "love." Another example is the words translated "sin."

 

 

 

1 John 1:7-9

    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 (266-offence, sin (-full) ). [8] If we say that we have no sin (266-offence, sin (-full) ), we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  [9] If we confess our sins (266-offence, sin (-full) ), he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins (266-offence, sin (-full) ), and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 

1 John 2:1

    My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin (264-to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize) to err; faults, offend, trespass)) not. And if any man sin (264-to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize) to err; faults, offend, trespass)), we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: [2] And he is the propitiation for our sins (266-offence, sin (-full) ): and not for ours only, but also for the sins (*) of the whole world.

 

1 John 2:12

    I write unto you, little children, because your sins (266-offence, sin (-full) ) are forgiven you for his name's sake.

 

1 John 3:4-9

    Whosoever committeth sin (266-offence, sin (-full) ) transgresseth also the law: for sin (266-offence, sin (-full) ) is the transgression of the law. [5] And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins (266-offence, sin (-full) ); and in him is no sin (266-offence, sin (-full) ). [7] Whosoever abideth in him sinneth (264-to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize) to err; faults, offend, trespass)) not: whosoever sinneth (264-to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize) to err; faults, offend, trespass)) hath not seen him, neither known him. [7] Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

 [8] He that committeth sin (266-offence, sin (-full) )  is of the devil; for the devil sinneth (264-to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize) to err; faults, offend, trespass)) from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. [9] Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin (266-offence, sin (-full) ); for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin (264-to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize) to err; faults, offend, trespass)), because he is born of God. [10] Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins (266-offence, sin (-full) ).

 

1 John 5:16-18

    If any man see his brother sin (264-to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize) to err; faults, offend, trespass)) a sin (266-offence, sin (-full) ) which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin (264-to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize) to err; faults, offend, trespass)) not unto death. There is a sin (266-offence, sin (-full) ) unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. [17] All unrighteousness is sin (266-offence, sin (-full) ): and there is a sin (266-offence, sin (-full) ) not unto death. [18] We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth (264-to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize) to err; faults, offend, trespass)) not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

 

 

American, a Difficult Language in which to be Specific

In the language in which the Bible is recorded has detailed words that are all translated into general words in American. One example is the American word "love." The original language of the Bible has 4 or five or more words all translated "love." Another example is the words translated "sin." More later.

Is Jesus' Way the Best Way?

On at least two occasions Jesus told his followers that His "kingdom is not of this world."

 

John 8:23   "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 

 

John 18:36    "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world." 

 

As a result of Jesus decision not to fight, he died as did many of his followers. Jesus has told us how to live. Why do you suppose Jesus will help us to be successful in this world if he would not save his followers from horrendous deaths?  

 

If there were no physical benefit, if Jesus is not who he says he is would you still follow the principles he gives us to live by?

 

Paul told the church at Corinth:  "if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. . . . If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied."  He was speaking of our hope of eternal life but is Jesus' way the best way or is it just his way that we are forced to go?

 

Listen to our public prayers for your answer.

 

 

About the Father's Business

Paul told Timothy: First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions,

 

that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

 

This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,

 

who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."

 

Leading a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way was not intended to permit Timothy or us to go on vacations, buy nice cars, live in big houses and it was not intended for his or our comfort and safety. It was so he could and so we can be about the Father's business.

In Acts, Christians, expecting persecution, asked God to: "… grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness," That is a prayer God will answer.

 

When we look around On the subject of shaping the future of Egypt, we might want to remember Jesus' statement "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world." Jesus did not get involved with politics.

Christians Want Jesus to do Everything

Matthew tells us Jesus told the apostles "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

 

Now one might ask, "Why didn't the apostles just "pray" for the world after all Jesus had told them, "Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."  Why did they have to go when they could have prayed? Surely if the apostles had asked Jesus to save the people he would have done it, he said he would do anything they asked in his name. All they had to do was to pray and say "in Jesus' name" that's what we do.

 

No matter how much we protest deep down we do not believe the Bible. On one occasion the disciples had been unable to cast out a demon. They "came to Jesus privately and said, 'Why could we not cast it out?'  He said to them, 'Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.'" Christians today do not believe Jesus meant that literally.

 

Today we hear prayers asking God to do a myriad of things including healing people, comforting people, saving people and etc. God is not going to do any of those separate from what he has already designed. Jesus said his kingdom is not of this world and that if it was he would have fought. Instead Jesus surrendered without a fight resulting in his physical death as well as the deaths of many of his followers. Jesus has told us how to live but Christians today want more. They want Jesus to do things he has instructed his followers to do.

 

When we hear prayers for Jesus to heal someone don't you wonder what sort of a loving God would see his follower sick but not do anything unless a third party asked him to heal them? What sort of God would see a follower in distress and not do anything unless a third party asked him to comfort that individual? What sort of a loving God would see a person who is lost and not do anything to save that person unless a third party asked him to save them? After all he claims to want everyone saved.  

 

No, God has told us what to do and how to do it and promised to be with us but that is not enough. Christians want him to do it, too. Christians want Jesus to do everything.