- How to Lose Your Soul by Andy Sochor
- Tools to Help Us Overcome Temptation by Andy Sochor
- The Gods That Men Serve by Andy Sochor
- How Jesus Became Like Us by Andy Sochor
Thursday, January 1, 2009
PBT - January 2009
The January issue of Plain Bible Teaching is now online with the following articles:
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Christmas: Secular Holiday or Religious Holy Day?
People celebrate Christmas different ways. It is common for people to exchange gifts, spend time with family, and reflect upon the blessings that they have. Many people also attach a religious significance to the day, using it to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
How are Christians to treat this day? As a religious holy day? Just a secular holiday? Or should Christians avoid any sort of observance whatsoever? Let us notice what the Bible has to say.
Christmas as a secular holiday -- In Romans 14, Paul discusses matters of personal opinion (Romans 14:1). He uses two illustrations -- the eating of meats and the observing of days. Both of these were things that could be done while attaching some sort of religious significance to it (1 Corinthians 8:7; Galatians 4:10-11), but such was not inherent in the practice. One could eat meat or observe days without applying the religious meaning that others applied, and do so acceptably. Paul affirms that observing certain days falls into the category of personal liberty (Romans 14:5-6).
Christmas as a religious holy day -- Since Christmas is used to commemorate the birth of Christ, many believe that Christians would have to observe this day religiously. But matters of religious service differ from matters of liberty. We must have authority for all that we do in our service to God (Colossians 3:17). Where would we go for such authority in the Bible for the religious observance of Christmas? Jesus gave no instruction concerning this commemoration. The apostles also gave no instructions, either. There is no example of the early church practicing it. Plus, the Bible gives no indication that Jesus was born on, or even near, December 25th.
We cannot invent our own religious practices and still please God (Matthew 7:21-23; Colossians 2:23). If we want to observe Christmas as a secular holiday, fine. But let's not go beyond the liberty that God has given us.
How are Christians to treat this day? As a religious holy day? Just a secular holiday? Or should Christians avoid any sort of observance whatsoever? Let us notice what the Bible has to say.
Christmas as a secular holiday -- In Romans 14, Paul discusses matters of personal opinion (Romans 14:1). He uses two illustrations -- the eating of meats and the observing of days. Both of these were things that could be done while attaching some sort of religious significance to it (1 Corinthians 8:7; Galatians 4:10-11), but such was not inherent in the practice. One could eat meat or observe days without applying the religious meaning that others applied, and do so acceptably. Paul affirms that observing certain days falls into the category of personal liberty (Romans 14:5-6).
Christmas as a religious holy day -- Since Christmas is used to commemorate the birth of Christ, many believe that Christians would have to observe this day religiously. But matters of religious service differ from matters of liberty. We must have authority for all that we do in our service to God (Colossians 3:17). Where would we go for such authority in the Bible for the religious observance of Christmas? Jesus gave no instruction concerning this commemoration. The apostles also gave no instructions, either. There is no example of the early church practicing it. Plus, the Bible gives no indication that Jesus was born on, or even near, December 25th.
We cannot invent our own religious practices and still please God (Matthew 7:21-23; Colossians 2:23). If we want to observe Christmas as a secular holiday, fine. But let's not go beyond the liberty that God has given us.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Retirement
In our society, retirement is a common idea. Some employers offer retirement benefits to their employees, whether it be in the form of a pension or matching the employee's contribution to a retirement account. Retirement seems like a reasonable expectation for a lot of people.
Naturally, many people look forward to retirement. It is a time when one no longer has to devote a large part of their waking hours working in order to make a living. There is more time for rest, hobbies, and spending time with family.
While there is nothing wrong with retiring from a job, we must remember that retirement is not an option when it comes to our spiritual responsibilities. We can never “retire” from being Christians. We are told to “be faithful until death” (Revelation 2:10). The Hebrew writer warns us to not “come short” of the promised rest (Hebrews 4:1).
Let us never quit our service to God. Rather, “let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience” (Hebrews 4:11).
Naturally, many people look forward to retirement. It is a time when one no longer has to devote a large part of their waking hours working in order to make a living. There is more time for rest, hobbies, and spending time with family.
While there is nothing wrong with retiring from a job, we must remember that retirement is not an option when it comes to our spiritual responsibilities. We can never “retire” from being Christians. We are told to “be faithful until death” (Revelation 2:10). The Hebrew writer warns us to not “come short” of the promised rest (Hebrews 4:1).
Let us never quit our service to God. Rather, “let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience” (Hebrews 4:11).
Monday, December 1, 2008
PBT - December 2008
The December issue of Plain Bible Teaching is now online with the following articles:
- The Growing Acceptance of Homosexuality by Andy Sochor
- The Christian and Civil Government by Andy Sochor
- Spirit of Faith by Andy Sochor
- A People for God's Own Possession by Andy Sochor
Monday, November 24, 2008
Giving Thanks to God
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday in this country, we tend to be more mindful of the blessings we have. We have many things to be thankful for, and we ought to recognize God as the source of these blessings (James 1:17).
With this in mind, I want to briefly look at Colossians 3:15-17. These three verses contain three reminders to us to be thankful. These verses also give reasons why we should be thankful to God.
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful" (v. 15). As Christians, we can be thankful because we are part of His body, the church, where salvation is (Ephesians 5:23). We have the peace of Christ, being assured of the salvation we have in Him.
"Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God" (v. 16). We sing hymns of praise and thanksgiving to God for His goodness. We also sing in order to teach and admonish one another. This reminds us that we should be thankful that we have our brethren for support and encouragement (cf. Ephesians 4:15-16; Hebrews 3:12-13).
"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father" (v. 17). We often cite this verse to show that we must do all things by the authority of Christ. But this, too, is a call for thanksgiving. Give thanks that God has revealed His will to us that we can know how to please Him.
As you reflect on the many reasons you have to be thankful, do not forget what Paul mentions in these three short verses. Give thanks to God for your salvation as part of Christ's body, for your brethren, and for the Word that reveals the will of God.
With this in mind, I want to briefly look at Colossians 3:15-17. These three verses contain three reminders to us to be thankful. These verses also give reasons why we should be thankful to God.
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful" (v. 15). As Christians, we can be thankful because we are part of His body, the church, where salvation is (Ephesians 5:23). We have the peace of Christ, being assured of the salvation we have in Him.
"Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God" (v. 16). We sing hymns of praise and thanksgiving to God for His goodness. We also sing in order to teach and admonish one another. This reminds us that we should be thankful that we have our brethren for support and encouragement (cf. Ephesians 4:15-16; Hebrews 3:12-13).
"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father" (v. 17). We often cite this verse to show that we must do all things by the authority of Christ. But this, too, is a call for thanksgiving. Give thanks that God has revealed His will to us that we can know how to please Him.
As you reflect on the many reasons you have to be thankful, do not forget what Paul mentions in these three short verses. Give thanks to God for your salvation as part of Christ's body, for your brethren, and for the Word that reveals the will of God.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Forgetting the Past
In writing to the church in Philippi, Paul spoke of the pursuit of his goal, which should be our goal -- the resurrection of the dead to the hope of eternal life.
“Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).
In order to obtain this goal, Paul was willing to give up anything that could hinder him from reaching it. In these verses, he said he was going to forget the past. He does not mean we should completely remove past events from our memory. Realistically, this would not be possible. Instead, Paul is talking about not dwelling on the past so that it hinders us in our present and future service to God.
We also must learn to put the past behind us. There are at least 3 ways in which we might let our past hinder us:
“Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).
In order to obtain this goal, Paul was willing to give up anything that could hinder him from reaching it. In these verses, he said he was going to forget the past. He does not mean we should completely remove past events from our memory. Realistically, this would not be possible. Instead, Paul is talking about not dwelling on the past so that it hinders us in our present and future service to God.
We also must learn to put the past behind us. There are at least 3 ways in which we might let our past hinder us:
- Dwelling on our past sins. We all make mistakes. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). But God offers forgiveness where our sins will no longer be held against us (Hebrews 8:12). Paul, before his conversion, was the “foremost of all” sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). But he was forgiven. He did not allow his evil past to prevent him from faithful service.
- Thinking about what might have been. Had Paul not become a follower of Jesus, he had a promising future ahead of him among the Jewish people (Philippians 3:4-6; Acts 22:3-5). What if Paul had never given that up? Would he be suffering the persecution that he was at the time of this writing? Frankly, it doesn't matter. Paul says, “whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ” (Philippians 3:7). What if we had done things differently in our lives, for good or bad? We cannot change the past. There is no sense in worrying about what could have been. Focus on where you are now in relation to your service to God. Look forward, not backward.
- Focusing on our accomplishments. We may do great things in our service to God. We may make sacrifices to follow Him. But just because we've been faithful in our lives to this point, that does not mean that we have an excuse to slack off. Paul had not obtained anything yet (Philippians 3:12-13). We also have not reached the goal. We must continue to “press on toward the goal” (Philippians 3:14). “Be faithful until death” (Revelation 2:10). Do not fall “short of the grace of God” (Hebrews 12:15).
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
A Better Country
Following an election like we've had in this country, it is expected that some will be pleased with the outcome and some will not. As Christians, whichever side we fall on, in this and every election, it is important to keep things in perspective.
Those of us who live in the United States of America have the blessing of being able to live in what is arguably the greatest country on earth. We have the freedom to worship God and teach the gospel. We have the opportunity to work and provide for our families. We live without fear of persecution or harassment from the government. Many around the world cannot ever expect to experience these blessings in their lifetime.
But as great as this country is, we seek a better country. This better country is not contained in campaign promises and political rhetoric. It is not obtained through congressional legislation or presidential policy. It is not preserved and maintained by law enforcement and military might. The better country we desire is one we will never see here on earth.
The Hebrew writer describes the faithful of old who sought after this better country:
“All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them” (Hebrews 11:13-16).
The better country we desire is our home in heaven. We, like these, must seek it in faith. We must put our trust in Almighty God, hear Him, believe Him, obey Him.
While we should be thankful to God for the blessing of living here, we must remember that there is something more important than our American citizenship. It is our heavenly citizenship. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).
Whatever our opinion of the election results, let us not take our eyes off of the goal. Our home is in heaven. We are eagerly waiting for the Lord to return to take us home. Never lose sight of that.
Those of us who live in the United States of America have the blessing of being able to live in what is arguably the greatest country on earth. We have the freedom to worship God and teach the gospel. We have the opportunity to work and provide for our families. We live without fear of persecution or harassment from the government. Many around the world cannot ever expect to experience these blessings in their lifetime.
But as great as this country is, we seek a better country. This better country is not contained in campaign promises and political rhetoric. It is not obtained through congressional legislation or presidential policy. It is not preserved and maintained by law enforcement and military might. The better country we desire is one we will never see here on earth.
The Hebrew writer describes the faithful of old who sought after this better country:
“All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them” (Hebrews 11:13-16).
The better country we desire is our home in heaven. We, like these, must seek it in faith. We must put our trust in Almighty God, hear Him, believe Him, obey Him.
While we should be thankful to God for the blessing of living here, we must remember that there is something more important than our American citizenship. It is our heavenly citizenship. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).
Whatever our opinion of the election results, let us not take our eyes off of the goal. Our home is in heaven. We are eagerly waiting for the Lord to return to take us home. Never lose sight of that.
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