A Minute With The Bible Aired during June, 2001 "In Romans 6:23, the apostle Paul said, "For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
The word death carries the idea of separation. When one is following a path of sin, he is spiritually dead, that is, separated from God. What separates is sin! The ultimate reward for sin is eternal death. Satan is the one who, through Adam, brought sin into the world. He is the master of those who walk in the pathways of evil. His payment for service is spiritual and eternal death. The Lord, however, offers eternal life to those who would follow Him by keeping the commands of the New Testament. Are you willing to follow what Jesus Christ teaches through His word? His way is the only way to life!
Jesus stated, in John 13:17, "If ye know these things, blessed are ye if ye do them."The word blessed carries the idea of "happy." One can be happy spiritually by accepting and following the New Testament of Jesus Christ. When one studies the word of God, obeys what is taught therein, and resolves to be faithful to the teachings of the Lord, happiness is the result. As Jesus pointed out, "if ye know..." It takes time and effort to learn the word of God. It takes more time and effort to follow what he commands. Every investment, however, will bring one closer to God and an appreciation and enjoyment of the spiritual blessings that come from the Lord. The way to happiness is to study the word of God, obey the commands therein, and be faithful to the teachings of Christ. Such will bring happiness in this life; it will bring eternal life after death. Don't you want to be happy by following the Christ?
The apostle Paul replied to a ruler, in Acts 26:2, these words, "I think myself happy, king Agrippa, that I am to make my defense before thee this day touching all the things whereof I am accused by the Jews."Ordinarily, it is not pleasant to be before a ruler and answer for charges that have been made against one. However, Paul had been serving the Lord and now he had an opportunity to teach someone the gospel. The apostle felt that he could have an opportunity to share the truth with someone who would listen. Hence, he was happy as he spoke the words of truth to this ruler. Agrippa was not fully convinced at this time by the words of truth, but he offered to hear Paul again. Whether he did or did not hear the truth once more, we do not know. What about you? When you hear the truth of the gospel of Christ, what is your response? Accept or reject: it is up to you, for it is your soul--delay can be too late.
An apostle of Christ wrote, in I Peter 3:14, "But even if ye should suffer for righteousness' sake, blessed are ye: and fear not their fear, neither be troubled." It is difficult, as a human, to understand that one is to be happy even in suffering. The early disciples knew what it was like to suffer the consequences of becoming a Christian. They were abused verbally and physically, but still did not let such opposition and suffering keep them from following in the steps of the Master. The early Christians knew they would suffer. They endured because of the desire to please the Lord. Suffering does comes in many different forms. It may be as persecution; it may be loss of family and friends; it may be a denial of opportunities; it may be unreasonable opposition. For the disciple, it will happen. Whether one is made stronger or weaker is determined by the willingness to trust in the Lord by staying faithful and staying happy.
James used the example of Job in James 5:11 to encourage the faithful to remain true to the Lord. "Behold, we call them blessed that endured; ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord, how that the Lord is full of pity, and merciful" (James 5:11). To think that happiness can come from suffering is alien to the thinking of the world. Yet, Job suffered terrible losses; still, he did not deny the Lord. He was willing to endure, whatever the price to be paid. Satan was allowed to tempt Job in many different ways; Job did not yield. When you think you have problems, consider Job and what happened to him. Yet, in all of his misery, he did not deny the Lord. He was happy in the end because the Lord blessed him even greater than before. Learning to endure comes through placing one's hope and faith in the Lord. Christ is the answer to our spiritual needs and we must look to him for help.
The Lord asked Adam a question in Genesis 3:9, "Where are you?" Adam explained to the Lord that since he was naked, he was ashamed and/or afraid in verse 10. Adam and his wife had eaten of the forbidden fruit. They were no longer pure as they had been before their transgression. Now they felt the weight of sin and sought to hide from the one who created them. The very nature of sin makes righteous people ashamed. Sin also denies one the favor with God and the enjoyment of the privileges of God. Hence, by the introduction of sin into the world, they experienced the weight of wrong doing upon their souls. The consequence of their sin would banish them from the garden and access to the tree of life. There were also other penalties that would be suffered. Sin always exacts its cost from those who transgress God's will.
"Then the Lord said unto Cain, 'Where is Abel thy brother?'"(Genesis 4:9). There is no way to hide from God. The Lord knew that Cain had slain his brother and will confront him for his evil action. Cain then told the Lord that he did not know where Abel was. One sin often leads to another. Lying was added to murder. The path of sin has many side roads. Once a person has committed a wrong, the likelihood is that he will commit other wrongs. We do not know what would have happened to Cain if he had acknowledged his transgressions and repented of his sin. If a sin is committed, the first thing is to recognize the wrong and not try to play like it did not occur. Deal with the transgression by resolving not to so sin again and resolve to avoid other transgressions. Cain could have controlled his emotions and not slew his brother. We can control our behavior and conduct if we try.
Job posed the question, in Job 14:14, "If a man dies, will he live again?" For the physical body, the answer is no. For the spiritual part of a person, the answer is yes. Flesh and blood will not be in heaven, but the soul of a faithful child of God will exist in eternity. While we have many who teach and believe the Lord will come back to set up a physical kingdom on this earth, such is a lie. There is no scripture that teaches the Lord will ever set his foot on this soil again, much less set up some sort of earthy kingdom as he reigns over them. The fertile mind of man may invent such nonsense, but the word of God teaches that this world will be "burned up"(II Peter 3:10). Those who are righteous will be raised "to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall ever be with the Lord"(I Thessalonians 4:17). There will be a place in heaven where the faithful dwell in righteousness. The physical earth will be destroyed with all things physical. Do not be deceived by false prophets: just accept the Bible.
Jesus asked his apostles, after many disciples walked no more with him, "Would ye also go away?"(John 6:66-67). Peter answered, "Lord, to whom shall we go?"(v. 68). At this point, the apostle knew that there was no one else that could give them what they needed. Their faith had to rest in the Christ if they desired to please God and enter into heaven. The only resource for their salvation was Jesus Christ. The only resource we have at present is Jesus Christ. His will is expressed through the New Testament. That is the source we go to since we cannot be physically with the Lord as was the apostles. Many people at present appeal to human creeds, church manuals, papal decrees, and other works of men to be acceptable to the Lord. Such appeals are fruitless: the only resource we have to go to is the same that Peter had: the will of Jesus Christ. He even had it written by inspired men for us to follow.
The high priest asked Jesus, "Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?"(Mark 14:61). A simple reply by the Son of God: "I am." It is this Christ who gave us his New Testament. It is this Christ that established his church(kingdom) almost 2000 years ago. His blood was shed that we might have eternal life if we accept and follow his will. Each first day of the week Christians observe the Lord's Supper that he left for a remembrance of his death, burial, and resurrection. On this Sunday, the saints of God will gather in the assembly and partake of the bread in remembrance of his body and the fruit of the vine in remembrance of his shed blood. This is a privilege of the Christian as the mind of the child of God drifts back to the events on Calvary. Jesus did not remain in the grave, but came forth to become the king in his spiritual kingdom.
"Is it I Lord?" was the question of the disciples when Jesus Christ spoke concerning his betrayal as recorded in Matthew 26:22. The culprit would be identified as Judas Iscariot. The name would live in infamy and is the synonym for those who would turn against those who were close friends. Judas had walked with the Lord; he had listened to his word; he had seen the miracles of Jesus. Now, he was a traitor. The miracles Jesus performed were now ignored; the truth he taught was now rejected; the love he should have had for the Lord was absent. He became a tool of Satan and would end his own life by hanging. Judas is not the only one who has become an enemy of the Lord. "Is it I Lord?" Where do I stand in regard to Jesus Christ and His will? Am I willing to sacrifice for his truth? Even die, if necessary? Do not let Satan influence you--always be true to the one who died for you.
When Paul and Silas were released from prison, the jailer asked them, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30). The jailer knew that some power beyond men had made them free. Now he wanted to know what to do to be acceptable to the God of Heaven. Paul would point out that he must believe in Jesus Christ(v. 31). It is evident that he was repenting because he was seeking a change(that is repentance). He even washed the stripes that had been inflicted on them. By his request, he confessed his belief in what Paul preached, that is, the gospel of Jesus Christ. Then, in the same hour of the night, he was immersed in water for the remission of his sins(v. 33) and became a Christian, a member of the church of Christ. He rejoiced because his sins were forgiven(v. 34), having "believed in God." The lesson: When one believes in God, he does what God commands. Have you done as the jailer?
The religious leaders of Christ's day asked him, "By what authority doest thou these things? or who gave thee this authority to do these things?"(Mark 10:29). Knowing their hearts, Jesus questioned them and refused to tell them who gave him the authority. If they had listened, they would have known. Ifthey had seen the miracles, they would have known. Those religious leaders refused to take the evidence, but tried to entrap the Lord(Jesus even explained how they would twist his words). Christ was a threat to their position and their power over the masses. In some way, they had to stop him from teaching those who had been misguided by these Pharisees, Saduccees, and others. Yet, the common people heard him gladly for he brought a message of hope to them. He was, and is, no threat to the honest person who is willing to follow him in whatever way he guides through his word.
"Rabbi, who sinned, this man, or his parents, that he should be born blind?" was asked by the Lord in John 9:2. Jesus explained that it was not the sins of the parents that blinded the man. He would prove the works of God by healing the blind man. The miracle became further evidence of the deity of Jesus. It is strange that some still say that the sins of the parents are visited upon the children. It is called by false religious teachers as "inherited sin" or "Adamic sin." The doctrine of Total Hereditary Depravity is a false doctrine. It is contrary to the spirit and message of Jesus Christ. It is a product of Satan and will be rejected by every person who believes in the New Testament. A child is born pure and holy in God's sight. They become sinful as a result of their own conduct, usually under the influence of those who are close to them. Each of us will answer for our own sins, not the sins of others, including our ancestors.
"What think ye of Christ?" was asked by Jesus in a gathering of Pharisees(Matthew 22:42). Their explanation was not satisfactory and the Lord asked them another question. They were not able to "answer him a word." The question was legitimate and they should have been able to offer a response. It is a very good question for each of us. What think you of Christ? Is he viewed as an historical character only? Or someone you study about occasionally? O someone you call upon when you are in trouble? Or one whom you put in your mind when you are at a funeral? Just what do you think? Do you think of his dying for your sins? Do you think of him as your savior and king of your life? Do you think of him as the one who can lead and guide you to heaven? Do you think of him as your greatest friend or someone you might like to know better? My friend, JUST WHAT DO YOU THINK of Jesus?
In I Corinthians 9:9-10, the apostle Paul wrote, "For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. Is it for the oxen that God careth, or saith he it assuredly for our sake?" The Lord does care for his creation, animal and human. The apostle is using an illustration that makes the Corinthians aware of God's concern for humans. He does provide for the animals and he provides for us. The sunshine, the rain, the plants, and all of God's creation was given by the Lord for the descendants of Adam and Eve. For each flower, for each vegetable, for each tree, and the rest of the physical creation, every person should be thankful. Can anyone look at the physical creation and not be persuaded there is a God in heaven that made it all? Behold the creation from an all powerful being, Jehovah, and give thanks to him for all that he has done for each one of us.
I Peter 5:7 states, "Casting all your anxiety(cares) upon him, because he careth for you." Do you sometimes think that people do not care? that they are not listening? that they ignore you and your concerns? Such is not unusual in this life. However, the apostle points out that God cares and the follower of Jesus Christ can send their cares, anxieties, and burdens to him. Jehovah cared enough to send His Son for our sins; he cared enough to reveal the New Testament for our learning and guidance; he cared enough to accept the obedient child of God into his fellowship. Oh yes, God cares for each of us. Whatever be our fate in this life, pauper or president, the Lord does care. What about you and I? Do we care enough about ourselves and our own souls to put all of ourbcares in the hands of God? When it seems there is no place to turn and no one will listen, turn to the Lord: he cares!
The apostle Paul told the Corinthians, "Wast thou called being a bondservant? care not for it; nay, even if thou canst be free, use it rather"(I Corinthians 7:21). Learning to live with the conditions of our lives is not always easy. Paul is addressing those who found themselves in less than ideal situations. He points out that even as a slave, one could be a faithful disciple of Christ. In fact, under such conditions one could be useful to the cause of Christ. Paul says that if you can accomplish good in your current situation, use your life to the glory of God and the progress of the faith. The apostle wanted them to understand that bond or free, they were Christ's bondservants. Bought with the blood of Christ, they were free from sin and dedicated to the Master, Jesus Christ. Who is your master?
"But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye have revived your thought(care-KJ) for me; wherein ye did indeed take thought, but ye lacked opportunity" (Philippians 4:10). The brethren in that congregation had a concern and interest in the apostle Paul. They cared about him and about his welfare. Such concern is natural for one who is a Christian. When the opportunity arises, disciples of Christ are willing to help. When the individual knows of someone who is in need, that person assists the needy, whether physical or spiritual. When a congregation is aware of someone who needs care, they hasten to relieve the problem. Each individual and each congregation cared for those who were qualified. They did not turn it over to someone else or some organization. They took thought of the individual! Isn't that the way for Christians?
The apostle Paul, writing to Corinth, in I Corinthians 12:25, stated, "...that the members should have the same care one for another." We understand Paul from a physical standpoint. When one's head aches, other parts of the body seem to hurt as well. They are more than sympathetic, they are empathetic(a much stronger word). Our physical parts are tied, through the body, to all the rest of the parts. So it is when it comes to spiritual matters. Those who belong to Christ are to be understanding, yea--empathetic toward the other members of Christ's body. When one member is in suffering, the rest of the members should suffer with it. When one member is honored, the rest of the members rejoice with it. This is the route of the Christian: A will that understands the problems, needs, and achievements of those who are like-minded. Whether the physical family or the spiritual family, let each be empathetic toward the others.