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How do we explain the different RACES?
From the beginning of creation it was God’s will for man to populate the whole earth, but in Genesis chapter 11 we read the historic account that human society was of one language and determined with one mind to stay together (Genesis 11:4). Due to their disobedience to the LORD, He confused (or confounded) their language, so that they could not understand one another. In doing so, the Lord “scattered them upon the face of all the earth” (Genesis 11:5-9). As a result of the different languages, people married those whose language they could understand. This arrangement produced separate INBREEDING groups.
Over a few generations these inbreeding groups produced specific characteristics, including different color eyes, different shape of ears and nose, along with different shades of skin color. What most people do not know (and the media along with academia will not inform so as to continue racial strife) is that there is only on color of skin. It is called melanin. Some who are darker have more melanin, and those who are lighter have less melanin. Nevertheless, despite different characteristics, different languages, different shades of skin color, we all have blood flowing through our bodies, we all are given a soul, and we all are created in the image of God according to (Genesis 1:27).
As foreign as this may seem to this generation, “racial barriers” are broken down by the preaching of the gospel of God’s love and grace and not by Political Correctness. Political Correctness is based upon tolerance while Biblical Correctness is based upon love. Now let me ask you, “Which would you want, someone to just tolerate you, or for someone to love you?” My choice is that I want to love and be loved. If you are honest with yourself that would be your choice as well.
Regardless of the race haters and racial instigators – racial barriers can be broken down whereby different people celebrate their cultural differences under God’s love and grace. In fact, there are many Biblical examples of racial barriers being broken by the simple preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In Acts chapter 2, Jews from every “nation” believed. In Acts chapter 8, there is the bringing in of the Samaritans and the Ethiopian eunuch into Christianity. Acts chapter 10 records the preaching of the gospel to many Italians in the house of Cornelius. While in Acts 17:16-34, the gospel is preached to the Greeks in Athens. Therefore, if any racial barriers are to broken down it will come through the Church of Jesus Christ being BIBLICALLY CORRECT.
The truth is that the original manuscripts of the Bible do not use the word “race” to describe different people. Rather, God uses the words “NATIONS, TRIBES, KINDRED, TONGUE, and PEOPLE.” If you find a bible that uses the word “race” it is because the translators were influenced by an evolutionary mind set simply because the concept of “race” was purely invented for convenience in evolutionary biological and anthropological studies. Such concepts led to the pseudo-scientific belief (false-belief) that one race is superior to others. Once again, this is an evolutionary mind set. This historical truth cannot be emphasized too much. Even though we cannot and should not label all evolutionary scientists as racist in their personal philosophies, but like it or not, this humanistic philosophy can be traced throughout history as promoting racism. All a person has to do is read the writings of Charles Darwin and see the “race” language he used to promote his white Anglo-Saxon heritage as superior.
The Bible teaches that there is only “one blood” or one race of men upon the face of the earth – the human race (Acts 17:26), and that freedom from this sin cursed world is for “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). So I encourage you (regardless of the culture or color of the church), find a fellowship of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and learn the bible. As you come to the knowledge of God’s sovereign grace, you too will see “race” – erased!
“And (GOD) hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;” Acts 17:26
Judge Righteously
“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” – John 7:24
One of the biggest misconceptions is that Christianity is a religion. That comes from sociology whereby sociologists categorize and lump all the world religions together and because they know no different they include Christianity. Nevertheless, let me point out that religion involves a system of rules and regulations empowered by laws and commandments. In short, religion is “do” oriented – whereby man to tries to get to God. What sets Christianity apart from all the world religions is that Christianity is a relationship based upon grace, mercy, and forgiveness empowered by love. In short, Christianity is “done” oriented – whereby God came down to man in order to be the “author and finisher” of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Just because all other world religions claim to be worshipers of a god it appears to the world that Christianity is just another religion – one among many. This demonstrates that outward appearances can be very deceptive.
In 1884 a 15-year-old boy died of Typhoid fever. Days after the funeral his grieving parents met with the president of Harvard University, Charles Eliot. Mr. Eliot met with the boy’s parents, who were dressed in ordinary attire, and he asked what he could do. They expressed their desire to fund a memorial in their son’s name. Mr. Eliot hastily said, “Perhaps you have in mind a scholarship?” The parents said, “We were thinking of something more substantial than that… perhaps a building.” In a condescending way Mr. Eliot explained to the parents that their desire would be too expensive, and so they departed. Later the next year, Mr. Eliot learned that the parents had gone elsewhere and established a $26 million memorial in the name of their son Leland Stanford Junior, better known today as Stanford University!
Our opening scripture is one of the lesser-known passages in the New Testament. The Lord Jesus spoke these words as a rebuke to the Jewish religious leaders of His day. These law-oriented religionists criticized Jesus for making a man completely well on the Sabbath. They could not rejoice in the healing of this infirmed man by the hand of Jesus. They wandered away from the mercy that God delights to show (Hosea 6:6; Matthew 12:7) and had exalted the Sabbath day above hurting souls. To them it appeared that Jesus broke the Sabbath, but Jesus was Lord over the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8).
If you have not noticed, Jesus is instructing us to judge – but only according to righteousness! Are you surprised? Most people are. If we find ourselves in a sticky situation it is better not to judge at all (Matthew 7:1), but if one is in the place where a judgment must be made. Let us take the words of our Lord and judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteously according to mercy, grace, and love.
David C. Hale, pastor
Email: reasons4believing@gmail.com
Lifting Up Praise
“Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” – Psalm 103:1,2
Compassion and Life
Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother. – Luke 7:14,15
As the Lord Jesus taught throughout the cities of Galilee, He and His disciples came to the village of Nain. As He approached the city there was a large funeral procession. The young man being carried out was the only son of a widow. When Jesus saw the mother, His heart overflowed with compassion for her and He said, “Do not cry.” Then He graciously walked over to the open coffin and touched it, and as the pallbearers stopped and stood still Jesus said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.”
As the sovereign words proceeded out from the Lord Jesus the power of life was infused into this young man’s dead body so that he became alive. The young man who was dead sat up, and then in a tender moment Jesus presented the son back to his mother. As the news of this spread, great awe swept throughout the land with all the people giving praise to God.
During Jesus’ ministry we find Him in many different places teaching the gospel and engaging the people. We find Jesus in the market place (John 5:1-9). We find Jesus in the temple (John 5:14; 7:14). We find Jesus in the synagogue (Mark 3:1; John 18:20). We find Jesus on a mountainside (Matthew 5:12). We find Jesus by the seaside (Mark 4:1). When we read the scriptures we find our Lord Jesus in many different places, except for one – a funeral!
We never read of Jesus attending a funeral, burying someone, or even preaching a eulogy. In our opening scripture Jesus stops a funeral. Why is that? It is because Jesus is life (John 6:47; John 11:25; John 14:6). John the Baptist testified that, “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4). Jesus is the very opposite of death. So having the very essence of life flowing out of Himself that is why every time we read about any dead people around Jesus, He showed compassion and they were raised to life. Just ask Lazarus (John 11:43,44).
What a wonderful lesson for those of us who claim the name to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. We should have the desires to exemplify compassion and testify of the eternal life found in Jesus to those around us. How many times do we get caught up in our busy schedule and forgo the opportunity – due to inconvenience? No one was more inconvenienced and taken advantage of than Jesus, yet He took time to stop a funeral procession. I’m sure this mother was glad that Jesus was not too inconvenienced to share His life.
David C. Hale, pastor
Email: reasons4believing@gmail.com
YES – I’m not an Optimist!
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.Romans 8:38,39
A Tale of Twin Sisters
Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
1 Peter 1:21
The believer in Christ has been graciously given faith and hope as a powerful gift to be used in this life. Faith and Hope works together as twin-sisters. Faith helps us in the moment, while Hope encourages us toward the future. Faith and Hope are never negligent in their duties for the believer. When sister Faith is struggling, sister Hope encourages the believer of the future promises of God found in Christ. When sister Hope is quiet, then sister Faith speaks up and reminds us of the promises that God has already kept for Christ’s sake.
The world speaks about a faith and hope that is worthless. It is a restless faith and an unsure hope. A restless faith is a self motivating faith that comes and goes with ones feelings when obstacles arise. An unsure hope is base upon uncertain knowledge of the future, which leads to a “hope so” kind of hope. Biblical faith does not look at the obstacles, but rather looks to God. Biblical hope is not a “hope so,” but rather a “know so” hope in the sure promises of God.
Many try to stir up faith and hope within themselves, by having faith in their faith and hope in their hope. Many try to convince themselves of faith and hope by striving to do better. This may be sincere, but it is in vain. Our faith and hope is only as good and strong as our object. Having faith, and hope in one’s self, or in another person, or even in a church organization is worthless. Once again, our faith and hope is only as good, and only as strong as our object, and at the end of our scripture it clearly teaches that the object of our faith and hope “might be in God.”
A dear elderly woman expressed such faith and hope in her life toward God that some one said to her, “I believe that if you thought the Lord told you to jump through a stone wall, you would jump.” The lady replied, “if the Lord told me to jump through a wall, it would be my business to jump, and it would be His business to make the hole.”
Although we do not understand every step that we must take in this world, we do know that sister Faith and sister Hope are there to help us persevere in this wicked world. These twin sister are held together by the common cord of LOVE, according to 1 Cor 13:13, and they work together to remind us that a “real faith” that works, is in the God who raised Christ from the dead, and a “real hope” is in the God who gave Christ glory, according to 1 Peter 1:21. – (Printed in the Marshall County Tribune)
David C. Hale, pastor
New Life Community Church
Lewisburg, TN
“Three-sixteen”
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth.
Revelation 3:16
As Christian we all know John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Now how many of you know Revelation 3:16? What an interesting contrast! In one “three-sixteen” God is giving His only begotten Son so that we should not perish, while in another “three-sixteen” God is regurgitating a church out of His mouth for a lukewarm spirit.
As Christians we need to be aware of things that pull us away from following the LORD, and one of the most dangerous things in our Christian life is indifference. In Revelation 3:16 the word “lukewarm” is used. Being “lukewarm” or “indifferent” to the spiritual things of God comes from an apathetic spirit toward God’s sovereign love in John 3:16. Indifference is dangerous because it allows doubt and unbelief to grow and fester. Indifference is dangerous because it is hard to notice, it’s like a chameleon always changing colors. Indifference is dangerous because it whispers the lie, “oh, it’ll be okay.” A good illustration is Kris and his truck.
One day Kris saw an old pick-up truck in a field and thought it would be nice to have a work truck to haul his stuff. So Kris bought this old truck at a cheap price. All it needed was a few adjustments. Kris drove this truck around for a few weeks and one day his father rode with him. His father asked, “What is that awful smell – that stench?” Kris said, “I know it’s bad, but just roll your window down and it’ll be okay.” A couple weeks later Kris was driving down the road when to his surprise a fat, long snake came out from under the passengers seat and slithered upon the dash while he was driving. He immediately pulled over, grabbed a tire tool to get the snake out and killed it.
I fear that among God’s people that there are seasons of indifference, in which we apathetically go through the motions of praising, praying, and preaching without Christ’s leadership. All the while indifference is saying, “just roll your window down, it’ll be okay.” How long will we drive down life’s road with the horrible smell of sin and that Old Serpent called the Devil underneath our seat. Dear Christian do not slight the sin of indifference because it makes God nauseous. The good news is that the same sovereign God in Revelation 3:16 who would have every right to spit us out is also the same sovereign God of John 3:16 who loves us beyond explanation, and if you come to Him through Christ and confess your indifference He will renew your spirit. – (Printed in the Marshall County Tribune)
David C. Hale, pastor
New Life Community Church
Lewisburg, TN
What makes Jesus different from any other religious leader?
Have you ever heard this religious statement? “It really doesn’t matter what you believe just as long as you are sincere in what you believe”. Somehow the majority of people believe that all the religions of the world are all kissing cousins and we all just need to get along and be tolerant. Of coarse, “we’re all just trying to get to the same place.” Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Mormonism, and the Watch Tower Society are sincere and committed religions. But when their own teachings are compared with the Holy Bible, it becomes evident they are victims of deception when it comes to God, salvation, and the person of Jesus Christ. One may say, why use the Bible to examine these other religions? Good question, but these other religions are the ones who incorporate or pull out Biblical principles and apply it to their religion. Therefore lest us use the Bible properly, as the objective standard, and honestly answer our question beyond the religious façade of these major religions and be consistent with the scriptures.
First, understand that the Holy Bible clearly teaches that Jesus IS NOT just a religious leader, but rather He is God our Savior who came in the flesh to be the sacrifice for mans sin. For example read the witness of Jesus being God.
John 10:32-33
32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
John 20:26-29
26 …then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
27 Then saith he to Thomas, reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
Jude 25
25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Understand that the Christian faith holds to the historical and Biblical fact that the literal body of Jesus was crucified, rose from the dead, and that He is now alive (Revelation 1:18; Acts 1:1-3). All other “religious leaders” are dead and in their grave, but their teachings are not! These religious teachings deny either the person of Jesus Christ or the work of Jesus Christ. For example read how the Jews deny the literal resurrection of the body of Jesus.
“…behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. 12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, 13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. 14 And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. 15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.” Matt 28:11-15
Even though the Jews, the enemies of Jesus, denied His resurrection, they accept His crucifixion as a historical fact. Yet, Islam cannot have Jesus to be crucified or resurrected. The reason is because that implies divinity, trinity, substitution, sacrifice for sin, victory over sin, and therefore that results into worship for Jesus alone as the Messiah (or Christ). Read for example what the Muslims teach about this historical event in the Koran.
“And because of their disbelief and of their speaking against Mary a great slander; (156) And because of their saying: We slew the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, Allah’s messenger – they slew him not nor crucified him, but it appeared so unto them; and lo! those who disagree concerning it are in doubt thereof; they have no knowledge thereof save pursuit of a conjecture; they slew him not for certain. (157)” Sura 4:156,157 (Koran)
These religions also deny that Jesus is the ETERNAL “Son of God.” Instead, they believe that Jesus was either a messenger or that He was a created being and then called to be a Son of God, and not “the Word” of God that “was made flesh” John 1:14. For example, compare the Koran and the Book of Mormon.
“O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and His word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not “Three” – Cease! (it is) better for you! – Allah is only One God. Far is it removed from His transcendent majesty that He should have a son. His is all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is sufficient as Defender. (171)” Sura 4:171 (Koran)
“And because he dwelleth in flesh he shall be called the Son of God, and having subjected the flesh to the will of the Father, being the Father and the Son.” Mosiah 15:2 (Book of Mormon)
The Mormon passage is very subtle, but deceptive. Jesus is not called the Son of God because He dwelt in the flesh, He was already the Son of God made flesh, which teaches is eternality. Read the claims of the Holy Bible.
Isaiah 9:6
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given…”
John 1:1,2,14
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
1 Timothy 3:16
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Titus 2:13
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Most of these religions recognize and “honor” Jesus simply as a prophet and/or a messenger, but if Jesus were a prophet, he would be “faithful” and not “lie” (Proverbs 14:5). If Jesus were a messenger he would be a “true witness” who “delivers souls” (Proverbs 14:25). Who did Jesus say that He was? “I and my Father are ONE.” (John 10:30).
In short, all other “religious leaders” will show you a way, teach some truth, and point you to life, but Jesus Christ the only begotten Son of God, is the only ONE who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6). Other religious leaders instruct you about eternal life, but Jesus Christ is the only ONE who said, “I am the resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25). In fact, all the religions of the world believe that salvation from sin (or suffering) can be obtained and maintained only by the good works we do. The Christian faith is the only “religion” that believes salvation is not in what we do or don’t do, but rather what God through His Son Jesus Christ has done for us. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Who is Jesus Christ? John wrote: “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31). Be reasonable! Come to the Lord Jesus Christ and you will find “rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:28,29).
Does the Bible have authority over the unbeliever?
We have already established the fact that the Scriptures are the Word of God (see question How Do We Know the Bible is True?), and therefore, all the Scriptures carry the authority of God. Since that is has been clearly established, we need to simply accept in child-like faith these plain scriptures:
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23
Since every human being is a descendant from Adam & Eve all truth that God has revealed applies to all people everywhere at all times. The Bible clearly teaches that we all proceed out from our first parents.
“And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.” Genesis 3:20
As it is said of our first parents that they were created “in the image of God” (Gen 1:27), so it is that everyone reflects that same image of God. The image of God primarily consists of the fullness of having life with special ability to make logical & reasonable decisions, and the ability to freely love. Therefore having the image of God stamped into our very being, we are without a doubt connected to God and we are bound to a relationship (whether good or bad) with our Creator. The unbeliever’s “unbelief” does not change the fact that the unbeliever has been created by God and is accountable to Him. God requires obedience and acceptable worship to Himself alone from all His creatures.
No matter how hard one fights God’s authority – No matter how one tries to do their own thing – No matter if one considers themselves to be politically tolerant – No matter if one calls themselves a “free-thinker” – No matter if one tries to undermine the Holy Scriptures or ridicule believers. If one chose not to believe in God, or decides not to serve God, that does not eliminate God’s existence or His authority!
“For the word of the LORD is right; and all His works are done in truth.” Psalm 33:4
The unbeliever, in spite of his unbelief, is still responsible to obey whatever God says. Anything God says is authoritative to all people, at all times, and in all circumstances. Lastly, we believers were once unbelievers. The question is how did we come to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ? Answer: We were unbelievers who read the authority of God’s word, (the Holy Bible).
“…yea, let God be true, but every man a liar;” Rom.3:4
REASONS 4 BELIEVING 