Daniel 2
37 Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.
The story of Babylon starts with the above verse. Daniel speaks to Nebuchadnez'zar, King of Babylon, to whom God gave earthly power. He is about to interpret the king's dream. The story ends up, on an unhappy note, in Revelations.
Revelation 18
1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.
2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
Passages about Babylon can be seen as a long, instructive story of the relationship between God and earthly, national power.
I read an article the other day questioning America's unwavering support for Israel. Maybe, it is a good idea to consider the lessons from the Bible, at least on the issue of support for Israel.
This passage from Zechariah is a warning to any nation that deals with the Hebrews:
Zechariah 2
8 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.
9 For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me.
Yes. Maybe a Bible-based American foreign policy is not a bad idea. On the other hand, I think maybe such worldly subjects as foreign policy should not be of any particular concern to a humble Christian. Even if such subjects are Biblically related....
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
The Call 2 - God Chose You
2 Thessalonians 2
14 ....He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I remember my first thoughts of Jesus. It was 1952, in a little park in Lyndhurst. That was where, one summer afternoon, my vacation Bible school class met, and I first remember talk of Jesus. And I remember, during the previous or following Christmas, learning the song, "Away in the manger...." We left for Pittsburgh in 1953 and my memories of Lyndhurst were locked in my mind forever.
Much of my life was spent in unrighteous pursuits. Much of my life full of weakness, sin, and no insignificant amount of alcohol. But, no matter what I've done, I've always been sure of one thing: Jesus lives. It was only later in life that I became sure of one other thing: God chose me.
This passage is the reality I know:
2 Thessalonians 2
13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As luck would have it, I found my little Vacation Bible School workbook in the attic of my grandfather's house, last year.
I am blessed.
14 ....He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I remember my first thoughts of Jesus. It was 1952, in a little park in Lyndhurst. That was where, one summer afternoon, my vacation Bible school class met, and I first remember talk of Jesus. And I remember, during the previous or following Christmas, learning the song, "Away in the manger...." We left for Pittsburgh in 1953 and my memories of Lyndhurst were locked in my mind forever.
Much of my life was spent in unrighteous pursuits. Much of my life full of weakness, sin, and no insignificant amount of alcohol. But, no matter what I've done, I've always been sure of one thing: Jesus lives. It was only later in life that I became sure of one other thing: God chose me.
This passage is the reality I know:
2 Thessalonians 2
13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As luck would have it, I found my little Vacation Bible School workbook in the attic of my grandfather's house, last year.
I am blessed.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
The Call 1 - God Draws You Near
John 6
44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
God draws you near to Him. And, when God calls, who can resist?
Psalm 119
25 My soul cleaveth unto the dust:
quicken thou me according to thy word.
Webster's 1828 Dictionary QUICKEN, v.t. quik'n.
1. Primarily, to make alive; to vivify; to revive or resuscitate, as from death or an inanimate state.
2. To make alive in a spiritual sense; to communicate a principle of grace to.
3. To hasten; to accelerate; as, to quicken motion, speed or flight.
4. To sharpen; to give keener perception to; to stimulate; to incite; as, to quicken the appetite or taste; to quicken desires.
5. To revive; to cheer; to reinvigorate; to refresh by new supplies of comfort or grace. Ps. 119.
44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
God draws you near to Him. And, when God calls, who can resist?
Psalm 119
25 My soul cleaveth unto the dust:
quicken thou me according to thy word.
Webster's 1828 Dictionary QUICKEN, v.t. quik'n.
1. Primarily, to make alive; to vivify; to revive or resuscitate, as from death or an inanimate state.
2. To make alive in a spiritual sense; to communicate a principle of grace to.
3. To hasten; to accelerate; as, to quicken motion, speed or flight.
4. To sharpen; to give keener perception to; to stimulate; to incite; as, to quicken the appetite or taste; to quicken desires.
5. To revive; to cheer; to reinvigorate; to refresh by new supplies of comfort or grace. Ps. 119.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
God's Message To Our Leaders
Isaiah 7
3 Then said the LORD unto Isaiah, Go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou, and Shearjashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field;
4 And say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.
Here, God has a message for Ahaz, King of Judah. The message includes specific instructions on what to do in the face of imminent war against Israel, which was in league with Syria. The message to Ahaz is fear not, because your enemies will be unsuccessful.
Just wondering. Does God ever provide specific instructions to our country's leaders as we face various warring enemies?
Now God does talk to me. And, so far, the only things he is telling me for sure is to read and study my Bible every single day, and help out around the church. And seriously, I have absolutely no idea what he's telling anyone else....
3 Then said the LORD unto Isaiah, Go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou, and Shearjashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field;
4 And say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.
Here, God has a message for Ahaz, King of Judah. The message includes specific instructions on what to do in the face of imminent war against Israel, which was in league with Syria. The message to Ahaz is fear not, because your enemies will be unsuccessful.
Just wondering. Does God ever provide specific instructions to our country's leaders as we face various warring enemies?
Now God does talk to me. And, so far, the only things he is telling me for sure is to read and study my Bible every single day, and help out around the church. And seriously, I have absolutely no idea what he's telling anyone else....
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Long-suffering
2 Peter 3
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Strong's Definition Of Longsuffering
makroyumew // makrothumeo // mak-roth-oo-meh'-o //
1) to be of a long spirit, not to lose heart
1a) to persevere patiently and bravely in enduring misfortunes
and troubles
1b) to be patient in bearing the offenses and injuries of others
1b1) to be mild and slow in avenging
1b2) to be longsuffering, slow to anger, slow to punish
Strange how we get a dim glimpse of a loving God in an old dictionary.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
This is a wicked, evil world.
And we endure this wicked, evil world with long-suffering.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for tempering our long-suffering with the comfort that comes from your saving grace.
In Jesus name....
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Strong's Definition Of Longsuffering
makroyumew // makrothumeo // mak-roth-oo-meh'-o //
1) to be of a long spirit, not to lose heart
1a) to persevere patiently and bravely in enduring misfortunes
and troubles
1b) to be patient in bearing the offenses and injuries of others
1b1) to be mild and slow in avenging
1b2) to be longsuffering, slow to anger, slow to punish
Strange how we get a dim glimpse of a loving God in an old dictionary.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
This is a wicked, evil world.
And we endure this wicked, evil world with long-suffering.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for tempering our long-suffering with the comfort that comes from your saving grace.
In Jesus name....
Sunday, December 19, 2010
The Church And The Members Of The Body Of Christ
Ephesians 4
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
From Scofield's Notes
"Ephesians contains the highest church truth, but has nothing about church order. The church here is the true church, "His body," not the local church, as in Philippians, Corinthians, etc."
How should local churches operate? What are the rules? Who is in charge? How should various churches deal with eachother? How should local churches deal with members of the body of Christ, members of the "true church, who are not also members of such a local church?" Who really is a member of the "true church?" What are the specific responsibilities of the members of the body of Christ, members of the "true church" who are not members of a local church? Is it possible to be a member of the Body of Christ and not be a member of a local Church?
I am sure that I was a member of the body of Christ, before I joined a local church. I found it to be extremely satisfying.
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
From Scofield's Notes
"Ephesians contains the highest church truth, but has nothing about church order. The church here is the true church, "His body," not the local church, as in Philippians, Corinthians, etc."
How should local churches operate? What are the rules? Who is in charge? How should various churches deal with eachother? How should local churches deal with members of the body of Christ, members of the "true church, who are not also members of such a local church?" Who really is a member of the "true church?" What are the specific responsibilities of the members of the body of Christ, members of the "true church" who are not members of a local church? Is it possible to be a member of the Body of Christ and not be a member of a local Church?
I am sure that I was a member of the body of Christ, before I joined a local church. I found it to be extremely satisfying.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Mobile Phone Favorites
2 Thessalonians 3
1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
Following are my mobile favorites:
Online 1611 King James Version Bible:I read the Bible and John Gill every day. I seem to need to check out my other favorites a couple times a week. What a joy.
http://bibled.atabase.net/html/kjv/index.html
Bartleby's King James Bible:
http://www.bartleby.com/108/
John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary:
http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/gill/
Jamieson Faussett Brown:
http://www.ewordtoday.com/comments/jfb/
Webster's 1828 Dictionary
http://1828.mshaffer.com/
The KJV Bible with Strong's References:
http://www.apostolic-churches.net/bible/strongs.html
Scofield's Reference Notes
http://www.studylight.org/com/srn/
Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth by C.I. Scofield:
http://www.biblebelievers.com/scofield/index.html
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Just... Leave It...Alone....
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.
This passage is about the universality of the Gospel offer and with the expressed unwillingness of God that men should perish.
Romans 9
14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
This passage is associated with the doctrine of election. We may conclude that - maybe - God only chooses some Hebrews and some gentiles for salvation.
The quote following is from a nineteenth century Presbyterian minister from Edinburgh. It is from the concluding paragraph in a chapter on God's decrees in a book titled, "Systematic Theology" by Charles Sperry Chafer:
Rev. Alexander W. Brown
"In attempting to reconcile the doctrine of election with the universality of the Gospel offer and with the expressed unwillingness of God that men should perish; [we find much difficulty]. The fact is, they are hopelessly irreconcilable in our present state, and those who have made the attempt had much better have left it alone."
This is the best bit of Bible commentary I have ever read. I want this quote on my tomb stone. Or maybe this shorter paraphrase: Just... Leave It...Alone....
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.
This passage is about the universality of the Gospel offer and with the expressed unwillingness of God that men should perish.
Romans 9
14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
This passage is associated with the doctrine of election. We may conclude that - maybe - God only chooses some Hebrews and some gentiles for salvation.
The quote following is from a nineteenth century Presbyterian minister from Edinburgh. It is from the concluding paragraph in a chapter on God's decrees in a book titled, "Systematic Theology" by Charles Sperry Chafer:
Rev. Alexander W. Brown
"In attempting to reconcile the doctrine of election with the universality of the Gospel offer and with the expressed unwillingness of God that men should perish; [we find much difficulty]. The fact is, they are hopelessly irreconcilable in our present state, and those who have made the attempt had much better have left it alone."
This is the best bit of Bible commentary I have ever read. I want this quote on my tomb stone. Or maybe this shorter paraphrase: Just... Leave It...Alone....
Monday, December 13, 2010
Basic Separation Principles
1 Corinthians 5
11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
Now that I'm older, my life is slower, and I do not get around like I used to. And, separation is a normal part of the rhythm of my life. But I think about the separation ground rules for the younger Christians. I also think about how I used to deal with the issue. Here are some basic separation principles:
Kevin T. Bauder On Separation From Sharperiron.org
"As a rule, fundamentalists and their predecessors have noted that not all fellowship between believers is equal. Rather, the New Testament depicts several different kinds of fellowship relationships, ranging from simple, personal fellowship through discipleship and targeted collaboration, to church membership and church leadership. Some of these imply yet other levels that are not explicitly depicted in the Scriptures themselves. The point is that different levels of fellowship require different criteria."
The issue for me, over the years, has been how to deal with the people you work with who have not accepted Jesus as their savior? And what do you do when interacting with such co-workers on a social level is a condition of employment? One example is being a soldier in the Army. There are lots of examples.
The quote above from SharperIron.com provides a way to start thinking of the issue of separation. I certainly do not have any good personal insights on this issue today. I may never have any good personal insights on this issue. But it is one of those issues that should always be of concern to Christians....
More From 1 Corinthians 5
9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
[Kevin T. Bauder is Research Professor of Systematic Theology at Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Plymouth, MN]
11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
Now that I'm older, my life is slower, and I do not get around like I used to. And, separation is a normal part of the rhythm of my life. But I think about the separation ground rules for the younger Christians. I also think about how I used to deal with the issue. Here are some basic separation principles:
Kevin T. Bauder On Separation From Sharperiron.org
"As a rule, fundamentalists and their predecessors have noted that not all fellowship between believers is equal. Rather, the New Testament depicts several different kinds of fellowship relationships, ranging from simple, personal fellowship through discipleship and targeted collaboration, to church membership and church leadership. Some of these imply yet other levels that are not explicitly depicted in the Scriptures themselves. The point is that different levels of fellowship require different criteria."
The issue for me, over the years, has been how to deal with the people you work with who have not accepted Jesus as their savior? And what do you do when interacting with such co-workers on a social level is a condition of employment? One example is being a soldier in the Army. There are lots of examples.
The quote above from SharperIron.com provides a way to start thinking of the issue of separation. I certainly do not have any good personal insights on this issue today. I may never have any good personal insights on this issue. But it is one of those issues that should always be of concern to Christians....
More From 1 Corinthians 5
9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
[Kevin T. Bauder is Research Professor of Systematic Theology at Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Plymouth, MN]
Saturday, December 11, 2010
The World - Some Final Thoughts (Three Of Three)
I have a number of favorite Bible passages. Below are two.
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.
And John 17
9 ....I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
I was walking to work this morning. It was cold, and snow flakes swirled in the light breeze. The first winter day. And as I walked I thought about these two Bible passages. They are perplexing. These are passages that sometimes haunt me, sometimes stalk me. Passages, however, that always, in the end, fill me with the wonder that is God.
And as I was thinking of these verses and the comments of Albert Barnes and John Gill, I started to hear Handel's Messiah, quiet at first, then building to its full, God-praising glory.
And I thought: I'm afraid this is just not going to be a day of brilliant, theological insights or conclusions. The cold wind blew on my face, and I smiled....
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.
And John 17
9 ....I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
I was walking to work this morning. It was cold, and snow flakes swirled in the light breeze. The first winter day. And as I walked I thought about these two Bible passages. They are perplexing. These are passages that sometimes haunt me, sometimes stalk me. Passages, however, that always, in the end, fill me with the wonder that is God.
And as I was thinking of these verses and the comments of Albert Barnes and John Gill, I started to hear Handel's Messiah, quiet at first, then building to its full, God-praising glory.
and He shall reign for ever and everAnd then, the music in my head subsided, and the perplexing thoughts of God and this world drifted away.
King of Kings, Lord of Lords
And I thought: I'm afraid this is just not going to be a day of brilliant, theological insights or conclusions. The cold wind blew on my face, and I smiled....
Thursday, December 9, 2010
The World By Albert Barnes (Two Of Three)
I have a number of favorite Bible passages. Below are two.
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.
Comment On John 3:16 By Albert Barnes
The world. All mankind. It does not mean any particular part of the world, but man as man--the race that had rebelled and that deserved to die.
John 17
9 ....I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
Comment On John 17:9 By Albert Barnes
The term world here, as elsewhere, refers to wicked, rebellious, vicious men.
About Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes held a prominent place in the New School branch of the Presbyterians during the Old School-New School Controversy, to which he adhered on the division of the denomination in 1837.
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.
Comment On John 3:16 By Albert Barnes
The world. All mankind. It does not mean any particular part of the world, but man as man--the race that had rebelled and that deserved to die.
John 17
9 ....I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
Comment On John 17:9 By Albert Barnes
The term world here, as elsewhere, refers to wicked, rebellious, vicious men.
About Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes held a prominent place in the New School branch of the Presbyterians during the Old School-New School Controversy, to which he adhered on the division of the denomination in 1837.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The World By John Gill (One Of Three)
I have a number of favorite Bible passages. Below are two.
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.
Comment on John 3:16 By John Gill
....not every man in the world is here meant, or all the individuals of human nature; for all are not the objects of God's special love...yet rather the Gentiles particularly, and God's elect among them, are meant; who are often called "the world," and "the whole world," and "the nations of the world," as distinct from the Jews...
John 17
9 ....I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
Comment On John 17:9 By John Gill
"I pray not for the world:" the inhabitants of it, the carnal unbelieving part of the world, which lie in sin, and will be condemned; as he died not for them, so he prayed not for them.
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.
Comment on John 3:16 By John Gill
....not every man in the world is here meant, or all the individuals of human nature; for all are not the objects of God's special love...yet rather the Gentiles particularly, and God's elect among them, are meant; who are often called "the world," and "the whole world," and "the nations of the world," as distinct from the Jews...
John 17
9 ....I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
Comment On John 17:9 By John Gill
"I pray not for the world:" the inhabitants of it, the carnal unbelieving part of the world, which lie in sin, and will be condemned; as he died not for them, so he prayed not for them.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Odd Compassion For An Enemy
Isaiah 15
1 The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence:
2 he is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Me'deba: on all their heads shall be baldness, and every beard cut off.
This is about the total destruction of Israel's enemy, Moab. And it seems odd that the prophet, in verse 5 seems to take pity, in a plaintive, heartfelt way, on this enemy:
More From Isaiah 15
5 My heart shall cry out for Moab....
But, in the end, the Bible is about God's justice:
Amos 2
1 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime:
2 but I will send a fire upon Moab, and it shall devour the palaces of Kir'i-oth: and Moab shall die with tumult, with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet:
3 and I will cut off the judge from the midst thereof, and will slay all the princes thereof with him, saith the LORD.
Somehow, this makes me think of the grace that finally came to the gentiles, in the New Testament.
1 The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence:
2 he is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Me'deba: on all their heads shall be baldness, and every beard cut off.
This is about the total destruction of Israel's enemy, Moab. And it seems odd that the prophet, in verse 5 seems to take pity, in a plaintive, heartfelt way, on this enemy:
More From Isaiah 15
5 My heart shall cry out for Moab....
But, in the end, the Bible is about God's justice:
Amos 2
1 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime:
2 but I will send a fire upon Moab, and it shall devour the palaces of Kir'i-oth: and Moab shall die with tumult, with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet:
3 and I will cut off the judge from the midst thereof, and will slay all the princes thereof with him, saith the LORD.
Somehow, this makes me think of the grace that finally came to the gentiles, in the New Testament.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Ministers and Other Christians - Part 2
2 Corinthians 6
1 We then, [as] workers together [with him], beseech [you] also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
2 ....
3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
4 But in all [things] approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
The question is, from the previous post: What is the will of God, for those of us, good Christians no doubt, filling those pews?
To start to answer this question, here first is more from 2 Corinthians 6 that provides standards for the ministers of God:
More From 2 Corinthians 6
4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God,
So, what is God's absolute standard for those of us who fill the pews:
John 3
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
1 We then, [as] workers together [with him], beseech [you] also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
2 ....
3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
4 But in all [things] approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
The question is, from the previous post: What is the will of God, for those of us, good Christians no doubt, filling those pews?
To start to answer this question, here first is more from 2 Corinthians 6 that provides standards for the ministers of God:
More From 2 Corinthians 6
4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God,
- in much patience,These are God's standards for ministers. And maybe these these standards are not God's absolute standards for us Christians sitting in the pews. But they certainly do point the way to a useful, Spirit-filled life.
- in afflictions,
- in necessities,
- in distresses,
- In stripes,
- in imprisonments,
- in tumults,
- in labours,
- in watchings,
- in fastings;
- By pureness
- by knowledge,
- by longsuffering,
- by kindness,
- by the Holy Ghost,
- by love unfeigned,
- By the word of truth,
- by the power of God,
- by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
- By honour and dishonour,
- by evil report and good report:
- as deceivers, and yet true;
- As unknown, and yet well known;
- as dying, and, behold, we live;
- as chastened, and not killed;
- As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing;
- as poor, yet making many rich;
- as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
So, what is God's absolute standard for those of us who fill the pews:
John 3
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Ministers and Other Christians - Part 1
2 Corinthians 6
1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain....
2 ....
3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
It appears that this passage is directed to ministers, and not necessarily those Christians sitting in the pews.
Question. Do ministers have a different set of standands than those Christians sitting in the pews? There appear to be specific standards for bishops, as opposed to other church members:
1 Timothy 3
1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4 one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
Second Question. What is the will of God, for those of us, good Christians no doubt, filling those pews?
To Be Continued....
1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain....
2 ....
3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
It appears that this passage is directed to ministers, and not necessarily those Christians sitting in the pews.
Question. Do ministers have a different set of standands than those Christians sitting in the pews? There appear to be specific standards for bishops, as opposed to other church members:
1 Timothy 3
1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4 one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
Second Question. What is the will of God, for those of us, good Christians no doubt, filling those pews?
To Be Continued....
Friday, December 3, 2010
Stewardship - Final Conclusions
2 Corinthians 9
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Here is an odd fact. If you search Google for stewardship, you will come up with over 17 million hits.
I guess someone has been given this subject some thought.
Here are some thoughts. Stewardship is not a salvation issue. Stewardship decisions, even bad ones, if there are bad ones, will not, in the end send you off to hell. But, stweardship marks us; it shows each of us, who we are, as Christians. And, as the following passage suggests: stewardship decisions are not based just on money, but on each and every one of our life decisions:
Luke 18
9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
My Final Conclusions
You make your decisions, as you will, thoughtly and prayerfully. Your decision should partly be based on money, how do you spend each and every penny. Your decision should partly be based on time, how do you spend each and every hour of every day. Make your decisions in the presence of the Holy Spirit.
And do not forget. In the end, you will answer to your maker. Jesus is watching you....
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Here is an odd fact. If you search Google for stewardship, you will come up with over 17 million hits.
I guess someone has been given this subject some thought.
Here are some thoughts. Stewardship is not a salvation issue. Stewardship decisions, even bad ones, if there are bad ones, will not, in the end send you off to hell. But, stweardship marks us; it shows each of us, who we are, as Christians. And, as the following passage suggests: stewardship decisions are not based just on money, but on each and every one of our life decisions:
Luke 18
9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
My Final Conclusions
You make your decisions, as you will, thoughtly and prayerfully. Your decision should partly be based on money, how do you spend each and every penny. Your decision should partly be based on time, how do you spend each and every hour of every day. Make your decisions in the presence of the Holy Spirit.
And do not forget. In the end, you will answer to your maker. Jesus is watching you....
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Stewardship - Scofield
2 Corinthians 8
1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
The stewardship decisions we make, in the presence of the Holy Spirit, will mark us through the ages, just as these Macedonians were marked through the ages.
Following are Scofield's comments on stewardship. His comments are precise, and are provided for continuing consideration.
Scofield Reference Notes
In 2 Corinthians 8, 9, the apostle sums up the Christian doctrine of giving. It may be thus summarized:
(1) It is a "grace," i.e. a disposition created by the Spirit 2 Corinthians 8:7.
(2) In contrast with the law, which imposed giving as a divine requirement, Christian giving is voluntary, and a test of sincerity and love (2 Corinthians 8:8-12; 9:1,2,5,7).
(3) The privilege is universal, belonging, according to ability, to rich and poor 2 Corinthians 8:1-3,12-15; 1 Corinthians 16:1,2.
(4) Giving is to be proportioned to income 2 Corinthians 8:12-14; 1 Corinthians 16:2. The O.T. proportion was the tithe, a proportion which antedates the law Genesis 14:20.
(5) The rewards of Christian giving are (a) joy 2 Corinthians 8:2 (b) increased ability to give in proportion to that which has been already given 2 Corinthians 9:7-11 (c) increased thankfulness to God 2 Corinthians 9:12 (d) God and the Gospel glorified 2 Corinthians 9:13,14.
Jesus, is watching you....
1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
The stewardship decisions we make, in the presence of the Holy Spirit, will mark us through the ages, just as these Macedonians were marked through the ages.
Following are Scofield's comments on stewardship. His comments are precise, and are provided for continuing consideration.
Scofield Reference Notes
In 2 Corinthians 8, 9, the apostle sums up the Christian doctrine of giving. It may be thus summarized:
(1) It is a "grace," i.e. a disposition created by the Spirit 2 Corinthians 8:7.
(2) In contrast with the law, which imposed giving as a divine requirement, Christian giving is voluntary, and a test of sincerity and love (2 Corinthians 8:8-12; 9:1,2,5,7).
(3) The privilege is universal, belonging, according to ability, to rich and poor 2 Corinthians 8:1-3,12-15; 1 Corinthians 16:1,2.
(4) Giving is to be proportioned to income 2 Corinthians 8:12-14; 1 Corinthians 16:2. The O.T. proportion was the tithe, a proportion which antedates the law Genesis 14:20.
(5) The rewards of Christian giving are (a) joy 2 Corinthians 8:2 (b) increased ability to give in proportion to that which has been already given 2 Corinthians 9:7-11 (c) increased thankfulness to God 2 Corinthians 9:12 (d) God and the Gospel glorified 2 Corinthians 9:13,14.
Jesus, is watching you....
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Stewardship - Chafer
1 Corinthians 3
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
This passage is a warning. Some efforts in building "God's building," in support of the body of Christ, are of more value than other efforts. Some are like gold and silver and some are like hay and stubble.
And, in the end, Jesus will judge us for our efforts, and making the right decisions, should be of continuing concern to us. But, at least, even the man whose efforts are burned shall be saved.
Following are Chafers comments on stewardship. This quote is long, but precise and comprehensive, and I find it to be a comfort. This quote is complete and precise, and provided for continuing consideration.
Lewis Sperry Chafer on STEWARDSHIP
Money which is earned by toil is human life in concrete form and since money, however gained, is so vital a factor in both spiritual and material progress, the child of God because of his right or wrong use of it will be tried by fire, as he will concerning all his service (1 Cor. 3:12-15). The element of self is especially evident in matters of Christian finance; for too often money is acquired, held, or dispensed by the child of God without due recognition of that fundamental relationship which he sustains to God. The Christian's responsibility in stewardship may be considered under three phases:
I. THE ACQUIRING OF MONEY
Though the motives which actuate people in their efforts to get money are many, there is but one which is worthy of the Christian's relation to God, which motive is expressed in the words, "Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31). This injunction, it may be seen, is far-reaching in its scope.
It is divinely arranged that all shall engage in toil (Gen. 3:19; 2 Thess. 3:10), and the Christian is not excepted. However, to the spiritual, instructed believer, labor is more than merely earning a living: it is doing the will of God; for every employment, be it ever so menial, should be accepted by the child of God as a specific appointment from God, and to be done for Him, else not done at all. The incidental fact that God is pleased to give His child food and raiment through daily labor should not obscure the greater truth that God in infinite love is committed to the care of His children, and this without reference to their earning power (Phil. 4:19; Heb. 13:5). The saying, "God provides for those only who cannot provide for themselves," is untrue. He cares for His own at all times, since all that they have is from Him (1 Sam. 2:7). In the relationships among men there are agreements and salaries to be recognized, for "the labourer is worthy of his hire"; but in relation to his Father, the Christian's highest ideal concerning his toil is that whatever he does, he does at the appointment of his Father, for His sake, and as an expression of devotion to Him. Likewise, whatever is received is not earned, but is rather the expression of the Father's loving care. Such an attitude is not sentimental or impractical; it is the only basis upon which the believer can sanctify all his toil by doing it for the glory of God, or be able to "rejoice evermore" (1 Thess. 5:16) in the midst of the burdens of life.
II. THE POSSESSING OF MONEY
In view of the appalling need on every hand and the unmeasured good that money may accomplish, every spiritual Christian is facing the practical question relative to retaining property in his own possession. It is doubtless often the will of God that property shall be kept in store; but the yielded Christian will not assume this. His property will be held only as God directs and it will be subject to His control. The motives which actuate men both rich and poor -- the desire to be rich (1 Tim. 6:8, 9, 17, 18; Jas. 1:11; Heb. 13:5; Phil. 4:11), the desire to provide against a day of need (Matt. 6:25-34), and the desire to provide for others -- are commendable only as they fulfill the specifically revealed will of God in each individual's life.
III. THE DISPENSING OF MONEY
Self and money are alike the roots of much evil, and in the dispensing of money, as in its acquisition and possession, the Christian is expected to stand upon a grace relationship to God. This relationship pre-supposes that he has first given himself to God in unqualified dedication (2 Cor. 8:5), and a true dedication of self to God includes all that one is and has (1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23; 1 Pet. 1:18, 19) -- his life, his time, his strength, his ability, his ideals, and his property.
In matters pertaining to the giving of money, the grace principle involves the believer's recognition of God's sovereign authority over all that the Christian is and has, and is in contrast to the Old Testament legal system of tithing which system was in force as a part of the law until the law was done away (John 1:16, 17; Rom. 6:14; 7:1-6; 2 Cor. 3:1-18; Eph. 2:15; Col. 2:14; Gal. 3:19-25; 5:18). Though certain principles of the law were carried forward and restated under grace, tithing, like sabbath observance, is never imposed on the believer in this dispensation. Since the Lord's day superseded the legal sabbath and is adapted to the principles of grace as the sabbath could not be, so tithing has been superseded by a new system of giving which is adapted to the teachings of grace as tithing could not be.
Christian giving under grace as illustrated in the experience of the saints at Corinth, is summarized in 2 Corinthians 8:1 to 9:15. In this passage we discover:
1. Christ was their pattern.
The Lord's giving of Himself (2 Cor. 8:9) is the pattern of all giving under grace. He did not give a tenth; He gave all.
2. Their giving was even out of great poverty.
A striking combination of phrases is employed to describe what the Corinthians experienced in their giving (2 Cor. 8:2): "In a great trial of affliction," "the abundance of their joy," "their deep poverty abounded," "the riches of their liberality." Likewise, concerning liberality in spite of great poverty, it should be remembered that "the widow's mite" (Luke 21:1-4), which drew out the commendation of the Lord Jesus, was not a part, but "all that she had."
3. Their giving was not by commandment, nor of necessity.
Under the law, a tenth was commanded and its payment was a necessity; under grace, God is not seeking the gift, but an expression of devotion from the giver. Under grace no law is imposed, and no proportion to be given is stipulated; and, while it is true that God works in the yielded heart both to will and to do His good pleasure (Phil. 2:14), He finds pleasure only in that gift which is given cheerfully, or more literally, hilariously (2 Cor. 9:7). If a law existed stipulating the amount to be given, there are those, doubtless, who would seek to fulfill it, even against their own wishes and thus their gift would be made "grudgingly," and "of necessity." If it be said that to support the work of the Gospel we must have money whether given hilariously or not, it may also be said that it is not the amount which is given, but rather the divine blessing upon the gift that accomplishes the desired end. Christ fed five thousand from five loaves and two fishes, and there is abundant evidence to prove that wherever the children of God have fulfilled their privilege in giving under grace, their liberality has resulted in "all sufficiency in all things" which has made them "abound unto every good work," for God is able to make even the grace of giving to "abound" to every believer (2 Cor. 9:8).
4. They gave themselves.
Acceptable giving is preceded by a complete giving of one's own self (2 Cor. 8:5). This suggests the important truth that giving under grace, like giving under the law, is limited to a certain class of people. Tithing was never imposed by God on any other than the nation Israel. So, Christian giving is limited to believers, and is most acceptable when given by believers who have yielded their lives to God.
5. They gave systematically.
Like tithing, there is suggested systematic regularity in giving under grace. "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him" (1 Cor. 16:2). This injunction is addressed to "every man" (every Christian man), and thus excuses none; and giving is to be from that which is already "in store," rather than a promise or pledge concerning funds which they have not yet received. It may be observed that very much giving at the present time is a direct violation of this principle. Believers are everywhere urged to make their "pledge" based on what they hope to receive.
6. God Sustains the Giver.
God will sustain grace-giving with limitless temporal resources (2 Cor. 9:8-10; Luke 6:38). In this connection it may be seen that those who give as much as a tenth are usually prospered in temporal things; but, since the believer can have no relation to the law (Gal. 5:1), it is evident that this prosperity is the fulfillment of the promise under grace, rather than the fulfillment of promises under the law. No blessings are thus dependent on the exact tithing. The blessings are bestowed because a heart has expressed itself through a gift. It is manifest that no gift will be made to God from the heart which He will not graciously acknowledge. There is no opportunity here for designing people to become rich. The giving must be from the heart, and God's response will be according to His perfect will for His child. He may respond by bestowing spiritual riches, or in temporal blessings as He shall choose.
7. True Riches are from God.
The Corinthian Christians were made rich with heavenly riches. There is such a thing as being rich in this world's goods and yet not rich toward God (Luke 12:21). All such are invited to buy of Him that gold which is tried in the fire (Rev. 3:18). Through the absolute poverty of Christ in His death, all may be made rich (2 Cor. 8:9). It is possible to be rich in faith (Jas. 2:5), and rich in good works (1 Tim. 6:18); but in Christ Jesus the believer receives "the riches of grace" (Eph. 1:7), and "the riches of glory" (Eph. 3-16).
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
This passage is a warning. Some efforts in building "God's building," in support of the body of Christ, are of more value than other efforts. Some are like gold and silver and some are like hay and stubble.
And, in the end, Jesus will judge us for our efforts, and making the right decisions, should be of continuing concern to us. But, at least, even the man whose efforts are burned shall be saved.
Following are Chafers comments on stewardship. This quote is long, but precise and comprehensive, and I find it to be a comfort. This quote is complete and precise, and provided for continuing consideration.
Lewis Sperry Chafer on STEWARDSHIP
Money which is earned by toil is human life in concrete form and since money, however gained, is so vital a factor in both spiritual and material progress, the child of God because of his right or wrong use of it will be tried by fire, as he will concerning all his service (1 Cor. 3:12-15). The element of self is especially evident in matters of Christian finance; for too often money is acquired, held, or dispensed by the child of God without due recognition of that fundamental relationship which he sustains to God. The Christian's responsibility in stewardship may be considered under three phases:
I. THE ACQUIRING OF MONEY
Though the motives which actuate people in their efforts to get money are many, there is but one which is worthy of the Christian's relation to God, which motive is expressed in the words, "Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31). This injunction, it may be seen, is far-reaching in its scope.
It is divinely arranged that all shall engage in toil (Gen. 3:19; 2 Thess. 3:10), and the Christian is not excepted. However, to the spiritual, instructed believer, labor is more than merely earning a living: it is doing the will of God; for every employment, be it ever so menial, should be accepted by the child of God as a specific appointment from God, and to be done for Him, else not done at all. The incidental fact that God is pleased to give His child food and raiment through daily labor should not obscure the greater truth that God in infinite love is committed to the care of His children, and this without reference to their earning power (Phil. 4:19; Heb. 13:5). The saying, "God provides for those only who cannot provide for themselves," is untrue. He cares for His own at all times, since all that they have is from Him (1 Sam. 2:7). In the relationships among men there are agreements and salaries to be recognized, for "the labourer is worthy of his hire"; but in relation to his Father, the Christian's highest ideal concerning his toil is that whatever he does, he does at the appointment of his Father, for His sake, and as an expression of devotion to Him. Likewise, whatever is received is not earned, but is rather the expression of the Father's loving care. Such an attitude is not sentimental or impractical; it is the only basis upon which the believer can sanctify all his toil by doing it for the glory of God, or be able to "rejoice evermore" (1 Thess. 5:16) in the midst of the burdens of life.
II. THE POSSESSING OF MONEY
In view of the appalling need on every hand and the unmeasured good that money may accomplish, every spiritual Christian is facing the practical question relative to retaining property in his own possession. It is doubtless often the will of God that property shall be kept in store; but the yielded Christian will not assume this. His property will be held only as God directs and it will be subject to His control. The motives which actuate men both rich and poor -- the desire to be rich (1 Tim. 6:8, 9, 17, 18; Jas. 1:11; Heb. 13:5; Phil. 4:11), the desire to provide against a day of need (Matt. 6:25-34), and the desire to provide for others -- are commendable only as they fulfill the specifically revealed will of God in each individual's life.
III. THE DISPENSING OF MONEY
Self and money are alike the roots of much evil, and in the dispensing of money, as in its acquisition and possession, the Christian is expected to stand upon a grace relationship to God. This relationship pre-supposes that he has first given himself to God in unqualified dedication (2 Cor. 8:5), and a true dedication of self to God includes all that one is and has (1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23; 1 Pet. 1:18, 19) -- his life, his time, his strength, his ability, his ideals, and his property.
In matters pertaining to the giving of money, the grace principle involves the believer's recognition of God's sovereign authority over all that the Christian is and has, and is in contrast to the Old Testament legal system of tithing which system was in force as a part of the law until the law was done away (John 1:16, 17; Rom. 6:14; 7:1-6; 2 Cor. 3:1-18; Eph. 2:15; Col. 2:14; Gal. 3:19-25; 5:18). Though certain principles of the law were carried forward and restated under grace, tithing, like sabbath observance, is never imposed on the believer in this dispensation. Since the Lord's day superseded the legal sabbath and is adapted to the principles of grace as the sabbath could not be, so tithing has been superseded by a new system of giving which is adapted to the teachings of grace as tithing could not be.
Christian giving under grace as illustrated in the experience of the saints at Corinth, is summarized in 2 Corinthians 8:1 to 9:15. In this passage we discover:
1. Christ was their pattern.
The Lord's giving of Himself (2 Cor. 8:9) is the pattern of all giving under grace. He did not give a tenth; He gave all.
2. Their giving was even out of great poverty.
A striking combination of phrases is employed to describe what the Corinthians experienced in their giving (2 Cor. 8:2): "In a great trial of affliction," "the abundance of their joy," "their deep poverty abounded," "the riches of their liberality." Likewise, concerning liberality in spite of great poverty, it should be remembered that "the widow's mite" (Luke 21:1-4), which drew out the commendation of the Lord Jesus, was not a part, but "all that she had."
3. Their giving was not by commandment, nor of necessity.
Under the law, a tenth was commanded and its payment was a necessity; under grace, God is not seeking the gift, but an expression of devotion from the giver. Under grace no law is imposed, and no proportion to be given is stipulated; and, while it is true that God works in the yielded heart both to will and to do His good pleasure (Phil. 2:14), He finds pleasure only in that gift which is given cheerfully, or more literally, hilariously (2 Cor. 9:7). If a law existed stipulating the amount to be given, there are those, doubtless, who would seek to fulfill it, even against their own wishes and thus their gift would be made "grudgingly," and "of necessity." If it be said that to support the work of the Gospel we must have money whether given hilariously or not, it may also be said that it is not the amount which is given, but rather the divine blessing upon the gift that accomplishes the desired end. Christ fed five thousand from five loaves and two fishes, and there is abundant evidence to prove that wherever the children of God have fulfilled their privilege in giving under grace, their liberality has resulted in "all sufficiency in all things" which has made them "abound unto every good work," for God is able to make even the grace of giving to "abound" to every believer (2 Cor. 9:8).
4. They gave themselves.
Acceptable giving is preceded by a complete giving of one's own self (2 Cor. 8:5). This suggests the important truth that giving under grace, like giving under the law, is limited to a certain class of people. Tithing was never imposed by God on any other than the nation Israel. So, Christian giving is limited to believers, and is most acceptable when given by believers who have yielded their lives to God.
5. They gave systematically.
Like tithing, there is suggested systematic regularity in giving under grace. "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him" (1 Cor. 16:2). This injunction is addressed to "every man" (every Christian man), and thus excuses none; and giving is to be from that which is already "in store," rather than a promise or pledge concerning funds which they have not yet received. It may be observed that very much giving at the present time is a direct violation of this principle. Believers are everywhere urged to make their "pledge" based on what they hope to receive.
6. God Sustains the Giver.
God will sustain grace-giving with limitless temporal resources (2 Cor. 9:8-10; Luke 6:38). In this connection it may be seen that those who give as much as a tenth are usually prospered in temporal things; but, since the believer can have no relation to the law (Gal. 5:1), it is evident that this prosperity is the fulfillment of the promise under grace, rather than the fulfillment of promises under the law. No blessings are thus dependent on the exact tithing. The blessings are bestowed because a heart has expressed itself through a gift. It is manifest that no gift will be made to God from the heart which He will not graciously acknowledge. There is no opportunity here for designing people to become rich. The giving must be from the heart, and God's response will be according to His perfect will for His child. He may respond by bestowing spiritual riches, or in temporal blessings as He shall choose.
7. True Riches are from God.
The Corinthian Christians were made rich with heavenly riches. There is such a thing as being rich in this world's goods and yet not rich toward God (Luke 12:21). All such are invited to buy of Him that gold which is tried in the fire (Rev. 3:18). Through the absolute poverty of Christ in His death, all may be made rich (2 Cor. 8:9). It is possible to be rich in faith (Jas. 2:5), and rich in good works (1 Tim. 6:18); but in Christ Jesus the believer receives "the riches of grace" (Eph. 1:7), and "the riches of glory" (Eph. 3-16).
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