Around the time of the Thanksgiving holiday, we are reminded of how richly we have been blessed by God. James tells us, "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow" (James 1:17). Of course, we should be "always giving thanks" (Eph. 5:20), not just during this time of year. But the holiday serves as a good reminder for us.
Sometimes though we are tempted to think negatively of our situation despite God's abundant blessings. It is easy to look at others around us who have more of this world's goods and who don't seem to have to struggle as we sometimes do in order to make ends meet. If we allow it, bitterness can creep in and we will end up miserable. But if we put away covetousness and are truly thankful for what God has given us, it will be easier to see how blessed we are.
But holidays can also be a time of sadness for those who have endured some great loss, such as the death of a loved one or some financial tragedy. How should we react when some of our greatest blessings are lost or we are not being blessed as others are?
Consider the example of Job. In a short time his family and great wealth were taken away (Job. 1:13-19). Did he blame God? Did he become depressed and say that life was not fair? No. Notice what he did immediately after hearing the reports of his catastrophic loss:
"Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. He said, 'Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job. 1:20-21).
Job recognized that God was in control. He blesses us according to His will. He knows what is best for us (cf. Mt. 6:8). We must simply trust in Him.
You may, at this time or other times, be suffering great hardship and loss. You could certainly look to others who are more prosperous than you are. But in any of these circumstances, we can still see how God has blessed us if we are willing to recognize it. Throughout our lives, whether times are good or bad, let us be truly thankful to the Lord for the good things He has given and praise His name.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Rethinking Divorce
Time.com recently posted an article titled, An Evangelistic Rethink on Divorce. The article discusses the fact that divorce, which was once looked down upon, is now accepted and defended among many religious people. Some have come to accept divorce by ignoring the Scriptures. But the article talks about those who try to use the Bible to condone it.
There is nothing wrong with examining our beliefs and practices in light of God's word. In fact, we should do that. Our lives and outlook on the world around us should be shaped by the word of God. But many have this backwards. They let their lives and society shape their interpretation of God's word. The result is a "different gospel" that Paul warned the Galatians about (Gal. 1:6-9). That is exactly what this rethinking on divorce is - a different gospel.
There is no need to rethink divorce to allow what Jesus clearly condemned. There is only one cause that gives one the divine permission to put away their mate. That cause is fornication on the part of one's spouse (Mt. 19:9). Jesus did not use ambiguous language. Everyone can understand this (if they want to).
Evangelicals, and some of our own brethren, are twisting the Scriptures (2 Pet. 3:16) in order to justify multiple causes of divorce. Their "rethinking" is based in the wisdom of man. They would do good to remember the words of Paul: "the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men" (1 Cor. 1:25).
There is nothing wrong with examining our beliefs and practices in light of God's word. In fact, we should do that. Our lives and outlook on the world around us should be shaped by the word of God. But many have this backwards. They let their lives and society shape their interpretation of God's word. The result is a "different gospel" that Paul warned the Galatians about (Gal. 1:6-9). That is exactly what this rethinking on divorce is - a different gospel.
There is no need to rethink divorce to allow what Jesus clearly condemned. There is only one cause that gives one the divine permission to put away their mate. That cause is fornication on the part of one's spouse (Mt. 19:9). Jesus did not use ambiguous language. Everyone can understand this (if they want to).
Evangelicals, and some of our own brethren, are twisting the Scriptures (2 Pet. 3:16) in order to justify multiple causes of divorce. Their "rethinking" is based in the wisdom of man. They would do good to remember the words of Paul: "the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men" (1 Cor. 1:25).
Monday, November 5, 2007
BOTC - November 2007
The new issue of Banner of the Cross is now online and contains the following articles:
Will We Recognize One Another in Heaven? by Andy Sochor
Glorifying God by Andy Sochor
The First Day of the Week by Andy Sochor
Banner of the Cross
Will We Recognize One Another in Heaven? by Andy Sochor
Glorifying God by Andy Sochor
The First Day of the Week by Andy Sochor
Banner of the Cross
Thursday, November 1, 2007
PBT - November 2007
The November issue of Plain Bible Teaching is now online with the following articles:
The Unchanging Standard of Truth by Andy Sochor
Husbands & Wives: Distinct Roles & Responsibilities by Andy Sochor
Will We Recognize One Another in Heaven? by Andy Sochor
Individual and Church Action by Andy Sochor
You can read the new articles by clicking on the link below. I hope you may find the new material helpful to you.
Plain Bible Teaching
The Unchanging Standard of Truth by Andy Sochor
Husbands & Wives: Distinct Roles & Responsibilities by Andy Sochor
Will We Recognize One Another in Heaven? by Andy Sochor
Individual and Church Action by Andy Sochor
You can read the new articles by clicking on the link below. I hope you may find the new material helpful to you.
Plain Bible Teaching
Friday, October 19, 2007
Persecution
"Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Tim. 3:12).
Being persecuted for living as a Christian is not something that might happen, but is something that will happen. The degree of persecution may vary by time and place. But it is something that each Christian will have to face.
I wonder sometimes if some have forgotten this (or perhaps not been taught it). Sometimes conflicts arise when we try and live according to God's word. Opposition sometimes will come when we preach the gospel in its purity and simplicity. How do we react when this happens? Do we say, "oh, we must be doing something wrong," and then change our lives or message?
We should not automatically think we are doing something wrong when persecution comes. It could be that what we are doing and teaching is exactly right, and that is why we are being persecuted.
It good to examine ourselves and our teaching (2 Cor. 13:5). But if we are right, we cannot allow the persecution to alter our actions or message. This is the goal of persecution. Do not become embarrassed or fearful. Instead, "consider it all joy...when you encounter various trials" (James 1:2).
Remember the words of the apostle Peter: "if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name" (1 Pet. 4:16).
Being persecuted for living as a Christian is not something that might happen, but is something that will happen. The degree of persecution may vary by time and place. But it is something that each Christian will have to face.
I wonder sometimes if some have forgotten this (or perhaps not been taught it). Sometimes conflicts arise when we try and live according to God's word. Opposition sometimes will come when we preach the gospel in its purity and simplicity. How do we react when this happens? Do we say, "oh, we must be doing something wrong," and then change our lives or message?
We should not automatically think we are doing something wrong when persecution comes. It could be that what we are doing and teaching is exactly right, and that is why we are being persecuted.
It good to examine ourselves and our teaching (2 Cor. 13:5). But if we are right, we cannot allow the persecution to alter our actions or message. This is the goal of persecution. Do not become embarrassed or fearful. Instead, "consider it all joy...when you encounter various trials" (James 1:2).
Remember the words of the apostle Peter: "if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name" (1 Pet. 4:16).
Monday, October 8, 2007
BOTC - October 2007
The new issue of Banner of the Cross is now online and contains the following articles:
We Can Understand the Bible by Andy Sochor
True Love by Andy Sochor
Banner of the Cross
We Can Understand the Bible by Andy Sochor
True Love by Andy Sochor
Banner of the Cross
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Emphasizing Jesus Christ
Paul wrote to the saints in Corinth, "For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:2). Why did Paul place such an emphasis on teaching Jesus? He explains, "so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God" (1 Cor. 2:5).
The Corinthians had a problem of following after men. This resulted in division, as some were saying, "'I am of Paul,' and 'I of Apollos,' and 'I of Cephas,' and 'I of Christ'" (1 Cor. 1:12). Paul later explained that when they claimed loyalty to these men, they were carnally minded and immature (1 Cor. 3:1-4).
The inspired apostle sought to correct this thinking so that they would focus on following Christ, and not men. This is the first problem he addressed in his letter (1 Cor. 1:10-17). But notice how he subtly makes this point before he explicitly states it.
{1} Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
{2} To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:
{3} Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
{4} I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus,
{5} that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge,
{6} even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you,
{7} so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,
{8} who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
{9} God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
{10} Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.
In the first ten verses of this letter, Paul mentions the name of Christ ten times. In doing so he references His deity, lordship (authority), gospel, and revelation in judgment. He also points out that in Him we have salvation, sanctification, grace, fellowship, and unity.
No man can compare with Christ. No one can offer us what Christ can. So let us do as Paul encouraged the Corinthians to do: be wholly devoted to Christ and serve Him faithfully.
The Corinthians had a problem of following after men. This resulted in division, as some were saying, "'I am of Paul,' and 'I of Apollos,' and 'I of Cephas,' and 'I of Christ'" (1 Cor. 1:12). Paul later explained that when they claimed loyalty to these men, they were carnally minded and immature (1 Cor. 3:1-4).
The inspired apostle sought to correct this thinking so that they would focus on following Christ, and not men. This is the first problem he addressed in his letter (1 Cor. 1:10-17). But notice how he subtly makes this point before he explicitly states it.
{1} Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
{2} To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:
{3} Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
{4} I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus,
{5} that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge,
{6} even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you,
{7} so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,
{8} who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
{9} God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
{10} Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.
In the first ten verses of this letter, Paul mentions the name of Christ ten times. In doing so he references His deity, lordship (authority), gospel, and revelation in judgment. He also points out that in Him we have salvation, sanctification, grace, fellowship, and unity.
No man can compare with Christ. No one can offer us what Christ can. So let us do as Paul encouraged the Corinthians to do: be wholly devoted to Christ and serve Him faithfully.
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