Do You Have The Lord?

Over the years I have been asked this question many times. The question is scriptural and good, but I fear that it is often answered apart from any consideration of the Scriptures. This results in many people affirming to “have the Lord” when they know nothing of what the relationship involves or requires. If we intend to use a Bible phrase, we should use it consistent with its biblical context. Let us see how the phrase is defined in Scripture.

John wrote, “He who has the Son has life; he who has not the Son of God has not life” (1 John 5:12). John here speaks of the necessity of one having Christ in order to have life. According to the very next verse, the “life” of which he speaks is eternal life. So, the act or condition of having Christ or “having the Lord” is a connected to salvation. I have observed that most people who use the expression do make this connection. The question is how is it connected? What must one do in order to rightly claim that he “has” the Lord? The same apostle tells us in his next letter:

“Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God; he who abides in the doctrine has both the Father and the Son” (2 John 9, NASB).

John affirms that one “has” the Father and the Son provided that he doesn’t go beyond the doctrine of Christ, and provided that he “abides” or remains in that doctrine [or “teaching”]. The New King James says, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ...” The Greek word that is translated “transgress” means to “progress” or “advance” beyond a certain point or limit. In this case, the warning is against progressing beyond the framework of the doctrine of Christ. Religious progressivism is, by very definition, sinful. We must respect Christ’s authority as it is expressed in His teaching. This passage is telling us that in order to have God one must receive, respect and apply the teaching of Christ in his life. To ask someone if he “has the Lord” is tantamount to asking him if he “abides in the doctrine of Christ?”

We still haven’t explained what it means to “have” the Lord. John explained this in 1 John 1:3, when he said, “That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.” John continues to discuss the matter of fellowship with God through verse 7. One “has the Lord” by having fellowship with the Lord. Verses 5 and 6 explain how one cannot walk in darkness (sin) and retain his fellowship with God. This compares to the first part of 2 John 9 where John speaks of “transgression.” One does not have the Lord if he transgresses. John then speaks in verse 7 of the necessity of “walking in the light” in order to retain fellowship with God. “Light” is truth. The “walking in the light“ of 1 John 1:7 is synonymous with the “walking in the truth” of 2 John 4 and 3 John 3 and 4. Since God's word is truth (Jn. 17:17), the walking in the light of 1 John 7 is synonymous with the abiding in the doctrine of 2 John 9. John’s writings serve as their own commentary. “Having” the Lord is equal to “having fellowship” with the Lord.

John also speaks of one’s “knowing God” in describing that person’s relationship with God. He taught that in order to “know God” one must “keep” God’s “commandments” and walk in the footsteps of Christ (1 John 2:3-6; 5:2, 3). Thus, fellowship with God is contingent upon one’s obedience to God and upon one’s faithful continuance in the doctrine of Christ.

Conclusion

What we learn from the above passages and parallels is that one “has the Lord” when he obeys the commandments of the Lord and when he abides in the teaching of the Lord. One does not have the Lord if he transgresses and refuses to abide in His teaching. What does this say about the popular theory that one may “have the Lord” while refusing to obey the Lord or respect His doctrine? Quite simply, that the theory is wholly unbiblical. So, dear reader, do you have the Lord? You don’t have Him if you have unpardoned transgressions, if you have not obeyed the Lord’s commands, and if you have refused to limit you actions to what is authorized by the doctrine of Christ. Sins are remitted through belief, confession, repentance and baptism (Acts 10:43; Mark 16:16; Romans 10:9, 10; Acts 2:38). Faithfulness is maintained by careful attention to, and continuance in, what is authorized by Christ in the gospel (Colossians 3:17). Do these things and you can honestly say that you “have the Lord.” Refusal or failure will result in your having not God! The choice is yours.

Tim Haile

Evil Companions

Evil Companions
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

Our latest presidential contest witnessed a debate over whether or not a person should be judged by the company that he keeps. Supporters and opponents argued over whether or not people are affected by the beliefs, actions and agendas of their companions and associates. Is one more inclined to be sympathetic to a particular method or cause if a friend or associate espouses it? The Bible answers this question with an emphatic yes. Consider these plains statements:

The apostle Paul told the saints at Corinth, “Do not be deceived; evil associations corrupt good morals [habits]” (1 Corinthians 15:33). The cautionary preface, “do not be deceived,” suggests a tendency on the part of people to think otherwise. They reason that they are above being affected by the bad behavior of evil companions. Adults need to understand that “peer pressure” is not limited to youths: All are affected!

Solomon also had things to say about evil companions. “The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray” (Proverbs 12:26). These words are perfectly consistent with those of Paul. The point is that people are affected by their friends. One may start out with “righteous” designs and intentions, but these can be corrupted by the ways of wicked friends.

But how does this happen? How can one who seeks to do what is right be so adversely affected by those who are doing what is wrong? Solomon answers this question quite simply: “Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul” (Proverbs 22:24, 25). One “learns” from his friends. From good friends, one learns good habits. From bad friends, one learns bad habits.

My opening paragraph made reference to this nation’s last presidential campaign. I should point out that while corrupt political alliances may lead to bad government and social policies, the real danger is when friendships lead one into sinful behavior, which results in spiritual damnation. Let is pick our friends wisely!

View past articles at http://parkwayarticles.blogspot.com. Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com. Visit www.parkwaychurchofchrist.com.

Denominationalism

Denominationalism
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

Religiously speaking, a “denomination” is one particular branch of a larger body of religious people. Many people have the idea that the universal church of Christ is composed of such denominations. Consequently, the members of these various denominational churches accept the religious people of all other “denominations.” How is this done? Doctrinal and moral differences are ignored or dismissed in order to maintain denominational “unity.”

Sadly, many people believe that religious diversity is a good thing. They reason that more and different churches provide people with greater opportunity of choice. Billy Graham and others have taught millions of people to join the church of their choice. This suggests that one church is as good as another. The reality is that some churches are not “as good as” other churches, for they do not respect or follow God’s word. Two misconceptions need to be considered:

1. “Denominationalism” is not good, for it constitutes division. To say that denominationalism is good is to say that division is good. The Bible condemns division (1 Cor. 1:10). The apostle Paul classified division as a work of the flesh. As such, it will keep people out of heaven (Galatians 5:20, 21). Religious division is produced by one or more parties deviating from the Bible standard. The interesting thing about the denominational mindset is that it allows people to maintain fellowship with one another while disagreeing over moral and doctrinal issues. This brings us to our next point:

2. True unity is not established upon moral and doctrinal compromise. It is established upon the infallible standard of God’s word. Bible unity is accomplished by “speaking the same thing” (1 Cor. 1:10), and the “thing” that we are to speak is “the word of God” (1 Pet. 4:11). Paul tells us that these words are contained in “Scripture” (2 Timothy 3:16). Jesus prayed for people to be “one” (John 17:20, 21) It is comforting to be able to get along with others, but the basis and bounds of fellowship have been determined by God (Philippians 3:16; 2 John 9-11).

View past articles at http://parkwayarticles.blogspot.com. Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com. Visit www.parkwaychurchofchrist.com.

Some Thoughts on "Organized Religion"

Some Thoughts On “Organized Religion”
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

People often excuse their lack of religious affiliation on the basis that they are not comfortable with “organized” or “formal” religion. Some of these people claim to believe in God and in the Bible. They take comfort in their personal beliefs and individual practices. What does the Bible say about “organized” religion?

It is true that the Scriptures emphasize the importance of individuality in service to God. Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). And it is individuals that will stand before the judgment seat of Christ where “each one” will be judged according to “his deeds” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

It is also true that some levels and types of “organization” are unscriptural and wrong. For example, the gospel of Christ does not authorize any organizational connections between local churches. Each local church is to have its own “elders” (Acts 14:23). These elders, also called “pastors” and “bishops” (see Acts 20:17 and 28), are to superintend the flock that is “among them” (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2). No scriptural authority exists for them to rule over the members of other churches where they are not members. Furthermore, no scriptural authority exists to form any organization larger than the local church.

Having said these things, Christ is the Savior of the church (Ephesians 5:23) Baptized believers are added by God to the universal church (Acts 2:38, 47; 5:11, 14). Once saved, these saints join together in their respective communities in a local church for the purpose of collective function (Acts 9:26; Ephesians 4:12-16). As noted above, each local church is to be ruled by qualified elders, and individual saints are to submit to their rule in the local church (Hebrews 13:17). God commands Christians to “assemble” (Hebrews 10:25), and the New Testament gives the reasons for these assemblies (Acts 2:42; 20:7…etc). So, even though it is good to reject some types of “organized” religion, one must be careful not to shirk his God-given responsibility to the local church.

View past articles at http://parkwayarticles.blogspot.com. Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com. Visit www.parkwaychurchofchrist.com.

Whose Prayers Are Answered?

Whose Prayers Are Answered?
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

The initial response of most people to this question will be that “God answers the prayers of all people.” And while it would be quite comforting to believe this, the Bible actually teaches something very different. God has given certain rules and guidelines that govern prayer:

1. God will not listen to those who refuse to listen to him. Proverbs 28:9 says, “One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be an abomination.”

2. God will not listen to those who refuse to obey him. 1 John 3:22 says, “And whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.”

3. God will not listen to evildoers and sinners. 1 Peter 3:12 says, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” John 9:31 says, “Now we know that God does not listen to sinners; but if anyone is a worshipper of God and does his will, he listens to him.”

4. God will not listen to those who refuse to worship and serve him. I again refer to John 9:31, cited just above. Some people question the legitimacy of using John 9:31, on the grounds that these words were spoken by the blind man. The objection is overruled on the basis that the blind man’s comments are perfectly consistent with the tenor and teaching of the Law of Moses on the subject of prayer (Prov. 15:8; Psa. 34:15).

5. God will not listen to those who do not ask according to his will. 1 John 5:14 says, “Now this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” The inspired James spoke of some who prayed unscriptural prayers: “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures” (James 4:3). God hears prayers that are in harmony with his will.

Prayer is a great privilege and blessing, but it is regulated by God. Let us do what God tells us to do so that our prayers will be heard.

View past articles at http://parkwayarticles.blogspot.com. Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com. Visit www.parkwaychurchofchrist.com.

"Liberal" Versus "Conservative"

“Liberal” Versus “Conservative”
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

Those who are familiar with religion and politics are accustomed to hearing people classified as either “liberal” or “conservative.” Some people are offended by the use of these terms because they are sometimes used in an insulting and derogatory way. However, this is not always true. It is possible for the terms to be used quite properly and usefully.

The word “liberal” means, “broadly construed or understood; not strictly literal or exact.” A constitutional liberal is, therefore, one who does not take a strict approach to interpreting and applying our nation’s Constitution. A religious liberal is one who does not take a strict approach to interpreting and applying the Holy Scriptures. Conversely, a conservative is one who takes the law literally, whether civil or spiritual law, and he strictly interprets and applies that law. I sometimes illustrate this point with a tape measure. The liberal use of a standard is like one who attempts to measure the distance between two points while allowing the tape measure to drape down loosely between those two points. Failure to pull the tape tight between the points will result in an inaccurate measurement. The one who has confidence in his measuring standard will use it responsibly. Interestingly, carpenters and fabricators will not long survive in their business if they are careless in their use of a measuring standard. Why is it that people are so careless in their handling of God’s standard given the eternal nature of the consequences?

God commands people to take his Scriptures literally, and to take a conservative (strict) approach to their interpretation and use. Jesus emphasized the strictness of the Scriptures when he announced that his fulfillment of Mosaic law would involve the fulfillment of every “jot” and “tittle” of the law (Matthew 5:18). A “jot” was a small letter, and a “tittle” was a small accent mark. Jesus’ mother told the servants “whatever he says to you, do it” (John 2:5). This is what we should do today. And we should do so without adding to or taking from God’s words (Rev. 22:18, 19; Galatians 1:8, 9). Let us handle the Scriptures correctly (2 Tim. 2:15). Let us refrain from handling them liberally and loosely.

View past articles at http://parkwayarticles.blogspot.com. Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com. Visit www.parkwaychurchofchrist.com.

The New "Corban"

The New “Corban”
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

The Pharisees and Scribes of Jesus’ day avoided providing financial assistance to their parents by designating the money as “Corban.” This meant that any money that might otherwise be given to their parents had already been dedicated as a “gift” to the Temple. Jesus therefore accused these men of disobeying the divine commandment to “honor” their “father and mother” (Ex. 20:12; Mark 7:9-12).

The “Corban” concept is still around, but with a different twist. For some, the Temple is replaced with the church. For others, it is replaced with the civil government. Rather than fulfill their God-given duty to care for their needy parents and relatives, many people pass this responsibility to the church or government. The apostle Paul taught that the responsibility to provide for the needy falls first to immediate family members. “If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, so that it may care for those who are really widows” (1 Timothy 5:16). This principle of primary obligation applies equally in the care of family members who are not “widows.”

Like the Pharisees of old, many people have a practice of scapegoating their most basic duties and responsibilities to others. Our modern culture is witnessing a full-blown dependency syndrome. Many people believe that their livelihood, happiness and well-being are owed to them by society or government. Many people have actually been culturally conditioned to look to others for their sustenance and survival. The Bible tells people to “work in quietness and eat their own bread.” The apostle Paul said, “if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). We need to help ourselves to help others (Eph. 4:28). Paul set a noble example in this regard (Acts 20:34; 1 Thess. 2:9; 2 Thess. 3:9). Rather than doing what the Bible says, many people expect aid from others, looking primarily to government. In it they place their trust. Upon it they invest their hopes and dreams. From it they receive their sustenance. Sadly, human government has become the god of many.

View past articles at http://parkwayarticles.blogspot.com. Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com. Visit www.parkwaychurchofchrist.com.

Religious Changelings (Part 2)

Religious Changelings (Part 2)
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

As discussed last week, Solomon warned of the dangerous influence of those who are “given to change” (Proverbs 24:21). Not all change is good! Some change constitutes rebellion against God’s established norms.

Some changers are busy converting local churches from once spiritual fortresses into dens of compromise. Those who were once bold apologists for Christ are now apologizing for Christ. Like the disciples in Matthew 15:12, these brethren are worried that plainly stated truths will “offend” the popular crowd. Like modern day Pilates, these brethren desire “to gratify the crowd” (Mk. 15:15). Some in the first century refused to openly acknowledge Christ for fear that they would be cast out of the synagogue. “They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (Jn. 12:42-43). Churches need to quit worrying about “what people will think” if they take an unapologetic approach to doctrinal, moral and ethical questions. They need to “preach the word” without fear or favor (2 Tim. 4:2; 1 Tim. 5:21). They need to “sound forth” (1 Thess. 1:6-8) the gospel and not worry about the consequences of preaching it.

Many local churches are engaged in a kind of calculated evangelism. They are calculating just how far they can go in their Bible teaching and applications before they “alienate” hearers. This calculation is not theirs to make! They are whittling on God’s end of the stick. What they need to do is to recommit themselves to doing the work of planting and watering, and leave the giving of increase to God (1 Cor. 3:6). A God-approved church stands as “the pillar and ground of the truth” in its respective community (1 Tim. 3:15). The combination of the Greek words for “pillar” (Gr. Stylos) and “ground” (Gr. - Hedraioma; Latin Vulgate - firmamentum) suggest the notion of firm, steady and stable support. Local churches are entrusted with the work of firmly supporting the truth. Sadly, the ground under many local churches is shaky and the pillars have crumbled. Proclaiming the “whole council of God” (Acts 20:27) is too risky for these churches, and being “set for the defense of the gospel” (Phil. 1:17) is too negative. In their determination to please men and befriend the world, Christ is not served and God is rejected (Gal. 1:10; Jas. 4:4).

View past articles at http://parkwayarticles.blogspot.com. Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com. Visit www.parkwaychurchofchrist.com.