The Bible Only (1)

The Bible Only (1)
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

Religious people are often heard proclaiming their allegiance to the Bible. We hear it from Protestants and Catholics, denominationalists and nondenominationalists. And while we rejoice that people respect the Bible enough to make such a claim to its guidance, the reality is that many religionists do not limit themselves to the Bible for their religious authority. They do not speak only “where the Bible speaks,” and they are not “silent where the Bible is silent.” Along with the Bible, they have incorporated their personal opinions, human traditions and religious creeds.

God has chosen to direct and restrict human behavior in certain ways. Humans are not permitted to merely do as they please in these areas. In order for us to be right with God, we must “please Him” (1 Thessalonians 4:1; Hebrews 11:6) and not “ourselves” (Romans 15:1). God’s infallible word, the Bible, is where we learn how to “walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, to be fruitful in every good work, and increase in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10).

The Bible commands us to “find out what pleases the Lord” (Ephesians 5:10). Thankfully, we are shown how this is to be done. Acts 17:11 describes the Berean Jews as being more “noble-minded” than the Thessalonian Jews. And what had they done in order to receive such a compliment from the Holy Spirit? Two things: They “received the word with all eagerness,” and they “searched the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” It seems almost too simple, doesn’t it? In fact, it is simple: God is honored when people care enough about what He says to read and examine His word. Great care must be taken to find out what pleases God, for failure to do so will result in eternal misery and doom (1 Thessalonians 2:15, 16; 2 Thess. 1:7-9). Our next article will examine Bible passages that stress the importance of our using only the Bible as our religious guide.

Special Announcement: The Parkway church of Christ will be conducting a gospel meeting at our building, April 14-18, at 7:00 PM nightly. We hope you can come!

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.

Environmentalism as a Religion (2)

Environmentalism as a Religion (2)
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

I pointed out last week that the “New Age” movement has joined forces with a radical form of environmentalism, resulting in the formation of a new religion. God has often warned humans against worshipping the creation (Deuteronomy 4:19), yet people of all times and places have tended to engage in such idolatry. Let us consider some of the major tenets of the religion of environmentalism:

1. Belief in some “force of nature” that is greater than man. The god of radical environmentalists is the earth itself. Humans are seen as inferior to the earth. Their purpose is to serve and “sustain” the earth by their eco-friendly activities.

2. A “belief system.” Even though no scientific evidence can be produced that proves that global warming and ozone depletion are man-made, it is nonetheless accepted on the basis of blind “faith.” Of course, Bible faith is based upon eyewitness testimony. Referring to the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, Peter said, “We are witnesses of these things” (Acts 2:32; 5:32). Bible believers do not blindly believe.

3. There is a “priesthood” (of certain scientists) whose assumptions and predictions it is considered sacrilegious to even question.

4. There is a “high priest” in the form of some prominent person who is seen as the authority figure and chief spokesman for the movement. Right now this appears to be Al Gore, who has become popular among many radical environmentalists, including many of the Hollywood crowd.

5. Heresy: Rejection of the basic doctrines of radical environmentalism amounts to heresy against the “infallible” pronouncements of some.

6. Sacrifice: Humans are called upon to sacrifice certain rights, comforts and privileges in the interest of being at one with nature. Some people have actually become sterilized in order to help solve the problem of alleged earth overpopulation. Some give up their “carbon emitting” vehicles, air conditioners, electricity…etc.

7. Penance: Some are paying for “carbon credits” in order to offset their “carbon footprint.” Indeed, environmentalism has become a religion for 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.

Environmentalism as a Religion (1)

Environmentalism as a Religion (1)
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

It was just a matter of time before the popular New Age philosophies of spiritualism, mysticism and holism would converge with environmentalism. They have now converged in a huge way. In fact, New Ageism and environmentalism are virtually inseparable in many circles. Thus we are witnessing the rise of a new religion – the religion of “mother earth.” To these new religionists, God is not the personal God that is revealed in the Scriptures. Rather, “God” is seen as the “substance” that binds the universe together. It is thought that one can only know God by knowing nature. A similar concept of God is portrayed in the popular Star Wars movie series under the description of “the force” (“may the force be with you”). The “Jedi knight” was taught to “be one with the force.” The Bible, conversely, describes God as personal and transcendent. His existence does not depend upon material things, nor does it depend upon man’s opinion of Him. The God who is revealed in the Bible is a God that existed before the universe even existed!

A person can be an “environmentalists” without subscribing to New Age views. We must define our terms. Technically, “environmentalism” is activity or advocacy in the interest of protecting the natural world from pollution and destruction. By this definition, a person can be a devoted Christian and still be an environmentalist. In fact, there is a sense in which Christians are “environmentalists.” On the sixth day of creation, God created mankind (Genesis 1:26). Man was made in the spiritual image and likeness of God. Among other qualities, this endowed man with self-awareness and the ability to engage in rational thought. These abilities, which were peculiar to man among all of God’s creatures, enabled man to occupy a special place among all of the other creatures. Man was to exercise “dominion over” all other life forms (Psalm 8:6-8). Along with this, man was also given the task of “dressing and keeping” the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15). Reason tells us that we are similarly responsible for our environment today. Incidentally, one does not have to worship nature in order to see the harm that is done by poisoning lakes, streams and air! Our next article will show the fallacy of environmentalism as a religion.

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.

Why Christ Died (4)

Why Christ Died (4)
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

Our study has thus far revealed that Jesus died because of the sins of mankind. We learned that “life is in the blood,” thus requiring a blood sacrifice. We also learned that, though blood sacrifices had been offered since the time of Abel, these were animal sacrifices which could not take away sin. This is why Jesus shed His own blood: the blood of the incarnate Son of God (Hebrews 9:12). This blood was shed by one whose body was possessed by God Himself (Hebrews 10:5 & 10). The church has been purchased with the very blood of God (Acts 20:28). Note that the passage describes “the church” as being purchased with the blood of Christ. We shall later emphasize this significance.

This leads us to an important question: How are we saved by the blood of Christ? Justification and redemption are certainly through the blood of Christ (Romans 5:9 & 3:24-26), but at what point are we justified by that blood? Are human sins forgiven automatically and unconditionally by the mere fact of Christ’s death? Universalists say yes. But if they are correct, then how do we explain the various conditions of salvation that are required by Scripture? In John 3:16, Jesus promised salvation to those who believe on Him. If people were all saved automatically at the death of Christ, then why would faith be necessary to salvation? Jesus said, “he that believes and is baptized will be saved; but he that disbelieves will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). How can people be “condemned” after Jesus shedding His blood for them? Salvation must be conditional.

And what about confession and repentance? Jesus twice stated that we will perish if we don’t repent (Luke 13:3, 5). In Acts 2:38, remission of sins is predicated upon repentance. Was Peter wrong to promise forgiveness of sins upon the basis of faith and repentance? No, for he was an inspired apostle. And what about the requirement of baptism, which Peter fastened to repentance? He said, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” May we ignore such commands? Not if we wish to be saved! Obedience to King Christ is demanded (Hebrews 5:9; 2 Thess. 1:7-9).

God’s grace contains conditions. It “teaches us” what we must do, and how we must live (Titus 2:11-14; 3:5). In order for the spiritual benefits of the blood of Christ to save us, we must meet the conditions of salvation. We are saved by God’s grace, and we are saved by Christ’s blood, but only when we respond to God’s word in obedient faith.

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.

Why Christ Died (3)

Why Christ Died (3)
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

Last week’s article addressed the subject of sin. Jesus was crucified because of man’s sin. As we noted, sin is transgression against God’s law (1 Jn. 3:4), and the consequence of sin is eternal death (Rom. 6:23).

Still, the question can be asked, Why did Jesus die on the cross? Why did his blood have to be shed? The answer is rooted in the very nature of life itself. Before the time of Christ, blood sacrifices of animals were offered for the sins of mankind. Even before the Law of Moses, God had ordained that “life is in the blood” (Genesis 9:4). Then, with the inauguration of the Law of Moses, this truth was restated and joined to the concept of atonement: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul” (Leviticus 17:11). The Hebrew writer tells us that under the Law of Moses “almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins” (Hebrews 9:22). These Bible statements combine to lead us to one inescapable truth: humans cannot be saved without a blood sacrifice. Death can only be reversed by life, and life is in the blood.

The Hebrew writer also explained that the blood that was shed in the animal sacrifices of the Old Testament was not sufficient to take away sins: “For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin” (Heb. 10:4). We are told that these sacrifices were merely a “shadow” or type of good things to come (antitype, Heb. 9:23). We are told that those annual sacrifices only gave people “remembrance” of their sins “year after year continually” (Heb. 10:2-3). Animal sacrifices themselves could not atone for sin. However, the practice of blood sacrifice did train people to connect sacrifice to salvation. Old Testament blood sacrifices pointed to the real substance of a “better covenant,” that was based upon “better promises,” that was inaugurated by a “better ministry” and purchased by a “better sacrifice” (see Hebrews 8:6; 9:23). Indeed, Christians are “bought with a price” (1 Cor. 6:20), and that purchase price is the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28). Peter said that saints are “redeemed by the precious blood of Christ; as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:19). Next week’s article will explain when and how people are saved by the blood of Christ.

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.

Why Christ Died (2)

Why Christ Died (2)
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

Last week’s article pointed to God’s own nature as one of the reasons for the scheme of redemption being what it is. God is sacrificial love personified. It is reasonable that salvation would therefore involve some type of sacrifice for sin. But again, Why did Jesus die on the cross? The answer is found in that little word SIN. Jesus died because of the sins of mankind. Sin is contrary to the very nature and being of God. Humans cannot have fellowship with God unless their sins are washed away. John said, “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 Jn. 1:5). Darkness is sin, so as long as humans have sin to their account, they cannot be in fellowship with God. Hence, the need for salvation.

The Bible affirms that, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). With the reign of sin comes the reign of death, for “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23; 5:14). Because of sin, “death has passed upon all men, for all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). Isaiah tells us that sin separates humans from God (Isa. 59:1, 2). This has been true from the beginning, for man was cast out of the Garden of Eden on account of sin (Genesis 3:22-24). Access to the Tree of Life was lost, and it can only be regained through the process of redemption (Rev. 22:14).

But what is “sin?” Men tend to define sin in many different ways, but the only definition that really matters is God’s definition. We must consult the Scriptures in order to know God’s definition of sin.

1. Sin is the transgression of God’s law (1 John 3:4). The word “sin” means literally “to miss the mark.” Sin is the failure to do what God tells us to do. It should be noted that God’s law contains both moral and positive commands. We must not question God’s requirements.

2. All unrighteousness is sin (1 John 5:17). “Righteousness” is conduct that is consistent with the standard of God’s law. “Righteousness,” according to Peter, is something that is “worked” (Acts 10:35).

3. Sin is refusing to do what one knows to be right (James 4:17). I often ask people if they believe that they we must do what God tells us to do. Most people say yes. At the marriage feast of Cana, Jesus’ mother told the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it” (John 2:5). We may apply this suggestion to all of Christ’s instructions, for He is our Lord and King (Acts 2:36). Failure to comply with Christ’s terms results in sin.

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.

Why Christ Died (1)

Why Christ Died (1)
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

People will sometimes ask the questions with respect to salvation and redemption, “Why did God do it this way? Why did Jesus die on the cross?” Of course, we could just give the simple answer, and say that this is just how God wanted it done! However, this answer does not fully satisfy our interest, nor does it help us to fully appreciate what God has done for man. The fact is that the particulars and mechanics of the scheme of redemption are rooted in the very nature of God and His creation. God, by nature, “is love” (1 John 4:8,16). The kind of love that is attributed to God is a sacrificial love (Ephesians 5:25). Hence the notable words of Jesus in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” Also, “Greater love has no one than this, than a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). These two verses combine to attribute this sacrificial love to both God the Father and God the Son. This love is intrinsic in God’s nature. God is so genuinely concerned for man, that He is willing to subject Himself to the cruelty and rejection of the very men that He wants to save. This was most evidenced in the treatment of Jesus Christ. Men had tested, resisted and rejected God before (Genesis 6; Acts 7:51-53), but this rejection became quite personal when God came in the flesh. But, regardless of this rejection by His own creatures, Peter said, “God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God “desires for all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). God “takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked” (Ezekiel 33:11). He wants them to “turn, and live.”

Let us not conclude, however, that just because God is a God of love, that He is not also a God of justice and of vengeance, for He most certainly is. “God considers it a just thing to repay with affliction those who afflict” His people (2 Thessalonians 1:6). Vengeance belongs to God, and He will one day “repay” evil men for their behavior (Hebrews 10:30). “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). We are to note both the “kindness” and the “severity” of God (Romans 11:22). God is love, but He is also “a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29). God’s own nature is one reason for the salvation system that He devised. More to come…

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.