Introduction

The following commentary excerpt exemplifies an excellent exegesis of Philippians 2:12-13, which states:

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” 

The following references break down the text systematically and gives shades light on the orthodox interpretation.

“Wherefore”

This refers to the verses that have proceeded.  That of having the example of Christ’s humility to guide us and the exaltation of Christ to encourage us.

“My beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence”

There is always a tendency to relax obedience when the spiritual leader is absent, but the Philippians obeyed “much more” in Paul’s absence. 

“Work out” 

Keep on working out thoroughly in your own interests so as to achieve the desired results.  Both freedom and responsibility are implied.  In verses 12 and 13, we see divine sovereignty and human freedom in blessed cooperation.  Our salvation is worked in by the Holy Spirit in answer to faith in God’s promises and it is worked out by the Holy Spirit by our obedience to God’s precepts.  It is always a matter of trust and obey.  The verse does not say, “work for” your salvation.  The Philippians had already been saved.  Salvation is all of grace (Eph 2:8-10), but is to be manifested in the daily life by glorifying Christ in everything.  One must possess salvation first, and then work it out to its ultimate conclusion, namely, Christ-likeness.  No one can live the Christian life until he has Christ.  It is not a matter of the imitation of Christ, but the manifestation of Christ, the Holy Spirit reproducing the life of Christ in and through the believers. 

“Your Own Salvation” 

Salvation is a personal relationship; it is a divine work accomplished at Calvary.  Salvation should be viewed in three tenses:  past, justification; present, sanctification; and future, glorification.

“With fear and trembling” 

These two words describe the anxiety of the person who distrusts his own ability to meet all the requirements, but nevertheless does his best to discharge his duty.  This is not slavish fear, but wholesome, serious caution.  It is the constant apprehension of the deceitfulness of the heart, taking heed lest we fall (I Cor 10:12); or stop short of the final goal (II Peter 1:1-11).  It is that desirable distrust of our own self-sufficiency and the consciousness that all depends on the grace of God.  It is not fear of being lost, but fear of the failure of not walking in lowliness of mind, in true humility, and in unfailing obedience.  It is fear of all that would rob us of our spiritual vitality and spiritual victory and of shrinking form all carelessness in matters of faith and life. 

“For it is God which worketh in you”

For God is the one continually working effectually in you.  This word is used in Galatians 2:8 (wrought effectually) and in I Thessalonians 2:13 (effectually worketh).  We are God’s workmanship (Eph 2:10).

“Both to will and to do” 

To keep on being willing and to keep on working.  God is the source of al we need.  The Holy Spirit dwelling within makes the abundant life a reality (not merely a possibility).  The energy of God enables a Christian to desire God’s will and replace the Christian’s weakness with the needed power.  “Paul has no sympathy with a cold and dead orthodoxy of formalism that knows nothing of struggling and growth.  He exhorts as if he were an Armenian in addressing men.  He prays as if he was a Calvinist in addressing God, and feels no inconsistency in the two attitudes.  Paul makes no attempt to reconcile divine sovereignty and human free agency, but boldly proclaims both.”¹  

“Of his good pleasure” 

For the sake of His good pleasure – His sovereign and gracious purpose. 

“Do all things without murmurings”

We are to keep on doing all things apart from murmuring.  Murmurings mean to mutter, to murmur, an expression of secret and solemn discontent.  This word (Gr. gongysmos) appears many times in the LXX (Septuagint) of the children of Israel in the wilderness and refers to their stubborn spirit. 

“And disputings” 

Disputings refer to the thinking of a man deliberately with himself, rationalizing and calculating.  This word is translated “imagination” in Romans 1:21.  It has two distinct meanings: (1) inward questionings; and (2) outward disputings or discussions.  Used here in the first sense it implies a doubtful spirit.  We get our word dialogue from this word.  The Christian is called to unquestioned submission to God’s will.² 

The Greek

The Greek word for “work out” is katergazomai.  The make-up of this verb is⁴:

1. Its mood is an         Imperative

2. Its tense is               Present

3. Its voice is               Middle (or Passive Deponent)

4. Its person is             Second Person

5. Its number is           Plural

1. What this means is that the word “work out” is an imperative mood, which means it is a command, God demands for us to do something. 

2. It is in the present tense, which means that the in action has been completed once and for all, never to be repeated.

3. It is in the middle (or passive) voice, meaning that we have something to do, but the main action is done by the one sending the message, God.

4. It is in the second person, meaning what is being said is intended for the reader, the person who is reading this passage is the one God means it for. 

5. It is plural in number, meaning what is being said is meant for all who read it, God wants all of those who read this passage, to understand, and constantly reflect on how God, using Jesus worked out (paid the price for) our salvation.

Main Grammatical Insight

This is why an understanding of the Grammar is so important.  If the word katergazomai was in the Active Voice, then the subject (the person it is written too) does (or is told to do) the action of the verb (work out their own salvation).  If it was in the Passive Voice, the subject would not need to do anything at all.  But it was in the Middle Voice, this means God does the major action of redeeming the reader, however, God intends for the reader to do something less as powerful (indicated by the Passive Deponent Voice), to examine how God has worked out their salvation.  To keep examining this sacrifice, to keep reading God’s Word, to keep our eyes focused on God’s Son who died for us.³

Historical Perspective 

The Greek word, katergazomai, which is rendered “work out,” was first used as a mathematical term, in the context of a teacher writing out an equation along with the answer, and then have the pupil (TO “work out”) go over the problem and answer so that he would understand the process.  It was done to reinforce an understanding of the process.⁴  This is why we are to review and keep reviewing how God saved us “with fear and trembling,” because God had to nail His own Son to the cross to save us, and we better hold that with the utmost respect and Godly fear.  Yet, there is a minor action for the hearer, that of the function in accordance with this insight, to: “do for His good pleasure,” meaning God’s Will.  Therefore, the hearer does not create or add to his salvation, but does obey God according to God working in the hearer, to desire to do God’s Will, and enables him to be able to achieve God’s Will.   

All Scripture verses listed, unless otherwise noted, refer to the King James Version.

Endnotes

1.     ROBERTSONS WORD PICTURES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT, Vol. IV, A. T. Roberston, 

Broadman Press Inc., Nashville, TN 372341960, Page 446.

2.     THE KJV PARALLEL BIBLE COMMENTARY, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, TN, 37234, USA, 1990.

3.    THE COMPLETE WORD STUDY NEW TESTAMENT WITH GREEK PARALLEL, Spiros Zodhiates, PH T., AMG Publications, Chattanooga, TN 37422, USA, 1990.

4.     Please see: “WIERSBE BIBLE COMMENTARY: NEW TESTAMENT” 

Biblical Doctrine is an ongoing topical series that presents diverse insights into major and minor doctrines of God’s Word, the Bible.  Much of the subject matter is uncommon and may deal with obscure themes.  The purpose, as with all our essays is to build faith in God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and in His Holy Word.  Our main focus is always on Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of the world, God incarnate, He alone deserves preeminence in God’s Word.  God’s Word, the Holy Bible stands alone as our source of guidance and direction, and is our singular foundation for and of faith.  Biblical Doctrine is an outreach ministry of Faith Video Ministries Inc. You may contact us at our e-mail address: blb@faithvideoministries.com      

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Since the Jesus movement of the 1960s and 70s, the youth culture has vastly influenced Christian music; with the question being asked is the genre of Rock ‘N Roll appropriate for Christian music in general, and worship songs in particular.  The sub-genres within rock ‘n roll music can be: hard rock, acid rock, punk rock, alternative, new wave, heavy metal, rap, reggae, hip hop, and more.

The Right Questions

Perhaps in addressing this question it might be more effective to separate it into four different areas:

1)      The Music Itself

2)      Its Purpose

3)      How It Is Done

4)      Can Scripture Validate It

1. The Music It’s Self

Within the music itself there are two components:

1)      The musical accompaniment

2)      The lyrics

 
Musical Complement – The Medium

Musical accompaniment is a medium; and a medium is how we communicate something, and normally a medium in itself is neutral, not evil, or good.  Examples of mediums would be the:  telephone, television, books, public address systems, dancing (such as David in the Old Testament, and as seen in the Jewish religious ceremonies), and music.  Normally the medium itself can be used for evil or good activities; it is the activity itself that defines the nature of the medium.  However, there are mediums that are intrinsically evil; a few examples are nude erotic dancing, vulgar comedy, and sexually oriented acting. 

Arguments Against & For the Use of Modern Genre, Musical Instruments, and Technologies

Some opponents to contemporary Christian music have stated that the use drums are not a simple musical media, but are sensual and ungodly, because they amplify the tempo and beat of the music, and has the effect of sensually enticing the hearer (to movement, and gyrations of the body), and therefore is not to be used in sacred music.

Drums

However, this premise concerning playing drums cannot be supported by Scripture, in fact we find the opposite to be true in God’s Word.  The Tabret ¹ was a type of tambourine, a hand drum that was struck with a hand or reeds, and was utilized throughout Old Testament and New Testament in religious ceremonies.  So the concept that utilizing the drum to maintain a tempo or beat, is devilish or of Satan; is an unbiblical teaching, and to be rejected. 

The Back Beat

There are also many within the church attempting to fight rock ‘n roll music based upon the presumption that certain styles (genres) of music are evil in themselves.  They utilize examples concerning rock ‘n roll music having a back beat (accents on beat 2 & 4 of a 4 beat time), which is not seen in traditional European-style worship music, and therefore is evil.  Their assumption is that since classical worship music is European in its style and make up, anything else would have to be antithetical and therefore evil.  However, the assertion that the back beat is foreign to European classical music or any other style of music is completely incorrect.  The back beat is derived from the accident placed in nontraditional timing, and is a feature of music, not a creation all its own.  “The New World Encyclopedia” states concerning the back beat, which is what is referred to as a syncopation, when it states:

“In music, syncopation is a stress on a normally unstressed beat, or a missing beat where a stressed one would normally be expected [hence a back beat]. Syncopation is used in many musical styles, including classical music, but it is fundamental in such styles as reggae, ragtime, rap, jump blues, jazz and often in dubstep. In the form of a back beat, syncopation is used in virtually all contemporary popular music. This rhythmic surprise has a dual purpose. There is a purpose related just to the art of the development of syncopation, and there is a greater purpose that syncopation serves to the entire piece. The rhythmic surprise of syncopation not only serves the interests of the changes of accent when a weak beat is stressed but also the larger purpose of the composition for its rhythmic complexities and contributes towards the totality of the piece.” 

“When a beat that is usually weak is accentuated, syncopation occurs which creates a rhythmic surprise to the natural rhythmic structure. Thus there is syncopation when this off-beat note is accentuated, i.e. 1-’2′-3-4, or when the stress occurs between two beats, i.e., 1-2. Syncopation creates a harmony and cooperation beyond any boundaries by bringing together classical, reggae, ragtime, rap, blues and jazz genres just with the use of a unique off-beat rhythm. These contradictions in the rhythmic meter serve to surprise the listener and create an excitement in the piece. Thus with syncopation used in music of all types and periods, it builds a sudden and unexpected rhythmic event within a musical framework.”

“Folk music of indigenous cultures contains syncopation to varying degrees especially in music that accompanies dance. Syncopation can be found in French compositions as early as the fourteenth Century.”

“European composers in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries utilized syncopation to great effect and syncopated rhythms are commonly found in the music of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann, Brahms, and Dvorak. The music of Schumann, Brahms, and Dvorak frequently accomplishes syncopated affectations through the use of “hemiola.” (the practice of juxatospsing two note patterns with three note patterns.)”

“Composers in the twentieth century continued the use of syncopation, especially if source materials were rooted in folk music. The scores of Bela Bartok and Igor Stravinsky demonstrate this to great effect.” (http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Syncopation).

Those that make these absurd claims utilize anecdotal references that are simply “common sense,” as they phrase it; such as, the Africans dancing around the fire to the back beat of the drums.  And since these activities on the surface look like demon possession, how could one argue with them having a satanic origin.  However, when rock ‘n roll is played utilizing a back beat; the performers do not go into a demonic trance, dancing around a fire pit, displaying what might appear to be demon possession (jumping will be discussed later).  The medium of the back beat found in Africa is even different; unlike the back beat found in rock ‘n roll (the back beat found in rock ‘n roll music still utilizes European tempos); also, in these primitive dances around the fire pit in dark Africa they do not utilize electronic equipment, electric lead or bass guitars; and the drums are totally different as well, in their sound, manufacturing and utilization, as well as the use of cymbals and other percussion instruments.

 
European Style Music

And the assertion that a back beat² (accents on beat 2 & 4 of a 4 beat time) is diverse from normal European music styles is not correct, and even if it was utilized for secular purposes; that does not mean that it could not be utilized for God’s purposes now.  The counter to this argument is that some of the greatest classical hymns of the 16^th, 17^th, and 18^th century were based upon secular songs, commonly referred to as tavern or bar songs utilized for the purpose of dancing and frivolity centered around the intake of alcohol.

Martin Luther’s Contribution

Examples are Martin Luther’s Christmas Carol, “From Heaven on High I Come to You,” even those opposed to contemporary Christian music admit it was written by Luther based upon a secular score, a tavern song.  However, the classic example, though refuted is “A Mighty Fortress is our God.”  Those opposed to contemporary Christian music claim that this hymn was never based upon the music composition of a tavern song, but was referred to as a Bar Tune, but the bar referred to was musical terminology, not a reference to a drinking establishment.

It has been repeated over the centuries that Martin Luther was the author of the statement,”Why should the Devil have all the good music,” in response to a question of why he used secular music, rather than composing his own.  Those in opposition contemporary Christian music have stated that this statement was not made by Luther, but was stated by Rev. Rowland Hill (1744-1833), a London pastor and evangelist.  Hill was concerned over the lamentable quality of music in his church (Surrey Chapel, built for him in 1783) and he wanted do something about it.  So Hill wrote hymns and compiled/published five collections of psalms and hymns, based upon secular tunes, three of which were specifically for children and schools.  However, the point is: rather Luther or another pastor, or as history indicates dozens of pastors have utilize secular tunes for a compliment with Christian lyrics; the point is it’s been habitually done in the past.  However, this neither rationalizes the use of secular tunes and religious music nor condemns it.  What it should do is highlight the point that the music is a medium that can be used in either situation; the entertainment of man, or the glorification of God.  

 
Loudness

The argument has also been made that the reason rock ‘n roll music is played so loud is because at high decibel levels the human conscience and inhibitions are numbed, leading more easily into open sin, or even overt Satanic control.  For over 60 years scientists have been testing in the area of sound technology, and have never come to this conclusion.  A distortion of the facts which this may allude to is that high decibel levels create confusion and an inability to fully reason (technologies in battlefield applications), as well as brain damage; but we are speaking ranges higher than what is heard in a Church service.

There are other wave technologies which have the same type of effect, yet none is known to be specific to creating an atmosphere for sinful or satanic behavior.  The main problem here is that we have all seen the old black-and-white movies with the African tribesmen dancing around the fire in what appeared to be a demonic group, based upon repetitious chance and music that utilizes a back beat, and is very loud.  It is this type of imagery wherein there is what appears to be a psychological mass hypnosis wherein demon possession and Satan worship seem to coincide.  However this is all allusion and that there has never been any evidence which promotes this type of allegation.  This is where what is referred to as common sense is meant to interpret a situation which is fictitious to begin with.  There is no doubt that there are many tribes around the world that worship the devil or a demon (a figure which is the opponent of God), through rituals which include music.  However, in these situations it is direct worship of these idols and entities that creates the evil of the situation, not the media of music which they employ. 

Illegitimate Arguments which Create a Lack of Credibility

Well-meaning (? – perhaps), Christians that recite the above incorrect reasons, usually also state that the problem with rock ‘n roll music is not just its loudness, but also that it has a back beat, or that it uses electric instruments; without having scientific or biblical grounds for such assertions, display that they have a presupposition before entering the argument.

And it is these types of presuppositions that make Christianity look archaic, irrational, and man based; and usually do more harm than they ever do good.  Very few individuals come out of contemporary Christian music because of these allegations.  It is self apparent that these allegations are meant to validate the views of the holders, rather than glorify God.  God is not the God of confusion; rather the confusion is seen on a stage in the form of hard Christian rock music, or its detractors that use emotional illogical assertions to promote their own agendas.

 Matthew 15:6, state:

 “…Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.”

The literal Greek translation of the Scripture is: “You nullified the Word (precepts) of God on account of your tradition (a precept; specifically, the Jewish tradition or law). What the religious leaders did was they reinterpreted God’s law (In this particular case, honoring your parents by taking care of them in their old age, yet in order to tie up their funds, the Jews dedicated their money for the work of the ministry [Temple] instead of meeting the needs taking care of their parents) in order to accommodate their own views, which in essence had to do with self promotion, and lucrative gain.

Whenever we use God’s word to validate our presuppositions, we are twisting it to fit our own vanity.  Unfortunately, God is impugned because of the behavior of his children due to the fact that the world is not so dumb that they cannot see what is obvious. 

Lyrics – The Message

This is the meat and potatoes of the argument, and where we can utilize God’s Word in determining the appropriateness of rock ‘n roll music. 

 I Corinthians 14:12-20, states:

 “¹²Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. ¹³Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. ¹⁴For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.  ¹⁵What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. ¹⁶Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? ¹⁷For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. ¹⁸I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: ¹⁹Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. ²⁰Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.”

 This text makes it abundantly clear, lyrics must be understandable.  Screaming words which cannot be understood are not understandable lyrics.  Many times in Christian rock ‘n roll music, it becomes obvious that the lyrics are used to rationalize the music, rather than the music used to heighten the lyrics.  This is easily identifiable when the lyrics are so nonspecific, or do not center on the person of Jesus Christ, or is a Jesus and “me” kind of song (God will share His glory with no one else³). 

Unfortunately, many times, due to the fallen nature of man, the argument becomes what can we utilize to rationalize this style of music, rather than, how can we worship the Lord.  Whenever the volume is so intense, the screaming so profound, and the words so twisted to serve a musical purpose rather than an intellectual one; then the performers are not singing intelligently as Paul dictates.

This is one of the primary problems within Christian music.  It is where the music becomes more important than the message, or that the purpose cannot be determined, or that the emotional sensual musings become the purpose, and Christ is not preeminent.

Music has a purpose, and its purpose must be intelligently communicated.  This becomes the problem with  many current Christian rock ‘n roll songs, no matter what sub-genre it is.  And the idea here is not that a few words are understandable, or that the choruses is understood, or even uplifting; but that the complete song  is intelligible to everyone present, believers and unbelievers, all.  A thorough examination of the above passage makes this clear, Paul states that concerning the work of the ministry, when the church comes together, singing must be understandable.  The main difference between Christian music and secular music is its purpose, and we can understand the words we can understand the songs purpose. 

2. Its Purpose

A casual consideration of the Psalms displays that the purpose of all Psalms are to glorify God.  Paul also validates this point when he states in Ephesians 5:19,

“Speaking to yourself in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”

Paul also validates the purpose of singing for the edifying of the believer when he states in Colossians 3:16,

“let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

But the focus of this edifying is glorifying God in the heart of the believer, not with the believer brought into focus.  Paul is not speaking about encouraging, or inspiring each other, as some songs do centering on the person rather than on Christ.

Purpose – Intelligently “Warning”

The English word “admonishing” is translated from the Greek word noutheteo, which means to caution, warn, or reprove gently.  The point Paul is making is singing is not a feel-good experiment to make us feel good about each other.

Singing is verbalizing God’s Word, and learning in a different medium.  It is still focused on understanding God’s Word, not our emotional response because we feel good.  We are always to focus upon God and Jesus Christ, specifically we do this by focusing on his word, the Bible, and doing so in understanding and education, been warned (admonished), not entertained.

The side benefit to this is that, when the mind of a Christian, considers God’s Word, the Holy Spirit of God who indwells him, we’ll create an emotional response that is gratifying.

Yet we must not get the horse mixed up with the buggy, we seek to glorify God; which makes us feel good, yet whenever we seek to feel good by glorifying God; or simply using God to achieve our own ends.

And I’m aware that there are some people who will think this is over intellectualizing the Scripture, yet that is an impossibility; we must understand exactly what God is attempting to communicate in His Word, if we are to give His Word homage, and in so doing glorify Him.

The Main purpose of singing is to glorify God and give Him thanks, as seen in the following Scriptures:

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”  (Ephesians 5:19)

“And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.”  (Romans 15:9)

“What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.  Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?  For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.”  (1 Corinthians 14:15)

“Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.”  (Hebrews 2:12)

“Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.”  (James 5:13)

“And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.”  (Revelation 15:3)

Therefore the primary purpose of (“All” – according to God’s Word) music and singing, as well as dancing unto the Lord: is glorifying God, not entertaining men or making them feel good.

3. How it is Done

This is an area that needs to be examined concerning every genre of music, not just rock ‘n roll.  As we’ve just discussed the primary purpose of music is to glorify God.  And any time that man becomes a part of the focus of our attention, it becomes twisted and it is not as it was intended to be by God.  The enemy of the best is usually not the worst, but it is the second best, when it attempts to draw the attention from the best, to itself.

This is not to be taken to the place that man cannot conduct worship services, nor play instruments; but it has to do with what draws the center of attention.

Center of Attention

It was this consideration that lecterns⁴ were originally created.  They were a type of one person balcony, attached to the side of the wall, slightly raised up above the congregation, located on the right wall of the sanctuary, in which the pastor would stand and deliver the word of God.

Lecterns and Balconies

The front wall in front of the sanctuary was left blank, or if anything held a cross.  The idea was that the pastor delivered the Word of God but he was not the center of attention, God was.  Though this idea seems unusual to us, because of the practicality of a stage that lets someone up to be seen by all; yet the idea behind the lectern was more than symbolic, and felt that pre-eminence was more important than perceived practicality.

Musical instruments, as well as chorus groups were located in balconies, up and behind the seated parishioners.  The whole idea in the design of the sanctuary was drawing the attention to Jesus Christ and not man.

Stages

However, as time drew on, and the name of practicality traveling evangelist and preachers, due to the lack of lecturers in public halls (usually saloons), and meeting places; started standing in front of the group.  And with time, and the advent of vaudeville, certain evangelists began to use a stage to be lifted up, and seen by the whole audience.

It was in the name of practicality that attention started to be drawn to the preacher, rather than solely upon God.  With time the musical accompaniment eventually moved to the stage as well as the chorus, and now we have the whole praise band with their own microphones, upon the stage, worshiping in front of us (inspiring us?).  It was the same practicality that introduced electronic public address systems, and then electrical instruments.  It’s curious how Jesus could speak to 500 or 3000, using the natural acoustics of mountains, and still communicate his message effectively.  This displays God’s concern with our practicality.

Practicality

The problem is that in the name of practicality, in the same way that slowly turning up the temperature of the water in a boiling pot catches the frog by surprise; the church auditorium (no longer the sanctuary), features a stage (vaudevillian),  where the worship leader (lead singer) and the worship team (backup singers), as well as the pastor (the coach – according to Joel Osteen), lead the service (entertain), as the centers of attention (in front of the spectators – as opposed to parishioners that participate – if the audience doesn’t sing, you can’t tell because of the on stage troupe).

However, essentially, this is not the preponderance of the problem, but helps create the problem, the problem is how easy it becomes to be lifted up in pride according to the use of these tools of practicality. 

This is the reason for the statement, that How music is presented, is a much more sweeping in consideration than How the specific genre of music rock ‘n roll is, is that any genre of music, which draws attention to people, away from God, can become an instrument of pride.

Pride

However, specifically addressing rock ‘n roll music, are the facts that many Christian entertainers, display a man’s pride, in their physical movement⁵ while on stage.  Pride can be displayed as innocently as a child slightly lifting up it’s chin⁵ when being addressed, a sign of rebellion; or so obvious as open defiance in this respect exhibited when correction is doled out. 

We as human beings can all detect when someone is full of themselves, displaying pride, and self grandiosity, even when it wraps itself in false humility.  Pride, as seen in the books of Psalms and Proverbs; has been defined as preoccupation with self, rather it is seen in self aggrandizing behavior, or self belittlement; the consistency is seen in the focus, which is always on self.

Pride can be very insidious.  There is a story of some elders of the church being so impressed with the humility of one of its members, that they gave him a badge which stated, “Humblest Man,” yet, they were forced to take it away from him when he started to wear it.

The great Jewish leader Golda Meier tells the story about how she was seated next to a gentleman in the Knesset, who delivered a long and elegant speech, at which the members gave a standing ovation.  He bowed down attempting to sit down the few times, only to stand up again.  Finally, Golda could take it no more, and leaned over and whispered in his ear, “Don’t act so humble you’re not that great.”

When we see contemporary music entertainers, wearing tattoos⁶ all over their body, which is biblically prohibited⁶ ; this displays a behavior that the world has introduced, along with multiple piercings⁷, and the pertinent question becomes “why did they do this?”  Is it not to be seen that man, therefore is it not prideful behavior.  A form of drawing attention to oneself in an extreme manner, intensifying the vanity that we all are subject to.  Is this not extremely worldly.

Sanctification vs. Conformity

The Scripture is adamantly clear concerning the role of sanctification (separation – holiness) in the life of the believer, as seen in the following Scriptures:

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (1 John 2:15-16)

“As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”   (1 Peter 1:14-16)

“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”  (2 Cor 7:1)

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8)

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness.”  (2 Corinthians 6:14)

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)

“Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” (Titus 2:12)

“Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean,…” (Ezek 22:26)

Orderly, Without Confusion

Scripture is very clear concerning conducting church services in an orderly manner, where  emotions do not take the lead, but follow the intellect, in accordance with God’s Word, as seen in: 1 Corinthians 14:23-40, which states:

^“23If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? ²⁴But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: ²⁵And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.  ²⁶How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. ²⁷If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. ²⁸But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. ²⁹Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. ³⁰If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. ³¹For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. ³²And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. ³³For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.  ³⁴Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. ³⁵And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.  ³⁶What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? ³⁷If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. ³⁸But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. ³⁹Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. ⁴⁰Let all things be done decently and in order.”

If in Doubt, Self Restraint

Self-control and restraint are emphasized by Paul in 1 Corinthians 6:12, which states:

“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”

4. Can Scripture Validate It

You’ll notice that the phrasing of the question is not “does Scripture validate Christian rock ‘n roll,” but “can Scripture be found in the Bible to validate.  These are two different questions.  The question of does the Bible supports something holds much more weight, then the question of can it be supported by the Scripture.

The Easier Question First

The difference in these questions can be seen in the form of those things that we are told that we are to do in the Bible, as compared to those things that we are allowed to do.  If the argument cannot be made to affirm the easier of the questions, then there’s no sense on asking the hard question.

Many representatives of Christian rock ‘n roll music have asserted that Christian rock ‘n roll music has reached a lot of youth, with them having dedicated their lives to the Lord, and that it is a tool to be used in the Ministry.  They allude to Paul’s statement that he would be “all things to all men” in order to spread the gospel.  This type of rationalization has been utilized many times over the centuries for all type of behaviors within the church, and without; and therefore needs to be examined more thoroughly. 

All Things to All Men

When Paul spoke about “…being all things to all men…,”⁸ he was not saying to use the world’s contrivances or trappings, or any of the things that are popular in the world to attract people.  Paul was not endorsing marketing techniques, which rely upon emotional manipulation, and attempt to utilize the frailties of humanity itself things, and make money. 

What Paul Was Not Saying

Paul was not speaking about drawing people with gimmicks that would accomplish this, nor was he saying we should use complementary images to get them to listen.  He was not talking about getting down and dirty with the masses or of learning what makes the world tick.  He was not even talking about using rock-n-roll music to get kids to listen to the gospel or giving away a meal or a bed for a night in exchange (a hook) for listing to a hell and damnation message.

What he was talking about was speaking to people in languages and terminologies that they understood.  When speaking to fishermen about Jesus, using terms that fisherman related too and that they easily comprehended.  When Paul addressed Sheppard’s, he used terms and analogies that aided them in understanding Spiritual truth.  When talking to children, use words that they would be familiar with.  The point being that the Gospel was to be taken to all people, in all places with all types of different backgrounds.  It was to be made plain when necessary, deep when appropriate, and always clear as possible to the hearer.  Rather than using big sounding, religious terms just to impress people, the message was what was important, not the verbiage used.

Jesus

This is not to say that we are to dumb down the Gospel.  Most, if not every time Jesus taught, a majority of the hearers did not fully understand his message.  According to Him, this was to fulfill the prophecy concerning Himself and His relationship with the Jews of His day, “that hearing, they would not hear; and seeing they would not see.”⁹  Jesus taught, knowing that it was the Holy Spirit that would give understanding to the hearer many of the enigmas he presented.  Yet at the same time, much of what he had to say was so simple and common that anyone could understand, yet the presupposition of the people them from fully comprehending the essence of what he taught.  Many times will we see is that due to the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit people at a later point understood his prior messages.  Many times, He explained to His followers the meaning of a teaching.

What we really need to understand about Jesus in his teaching was that he is rolled as the Messiah was that of dying on the cross primarily, in his teachings being the foundation of the church that would follow.  This is why after the situation between him and the Pharisees in Matthew chapter 13, Jesus states that he will only utilize parables in communicating to the masses.  He goes on to define that parables were meant to create enigmas not clarity.  How common it is to hear preachers misrepresent what parables were meant for, they were mysterious sayings that the Holy Spirit what unravel to the hearer, they were not teaching tools to bring clarity to everyone that heard it.

Jesus quotes this being a fulfillment of Isaiah 6:9-10; with the specific purpose of those which heard would not understand.  This is not to be confused with the stories that Jesus spoke about, which were meant to aid in teaching by been easier to remember.  You can make a statement about something which can be easily forgotten, that if you wrap the statement within a story, it is much easier to remember the story and therefore the statement that it contains.  Yet we must always remember that Jesus mission was specific what God had called him to do.  Many times we forget this to our own demise.

Many people talk about Jesus being passive and loving and caring, and act like he is defined by these qualities; yet Jesus said that he came to bring a sword a division even within families, that on two occasions he overturned the money or strangers at the Temple and used a whip on the people.  Jesus whipped people.  The point is that we must use discernment in understanding the Bible, and misusing something that Jesus says in cross-reference to Paul when the subjects are not related is unbiblical.  Paul’s mission was to make clear the mysteries that Jesus had presented, and that the Holy Spirit had revealed to him.

Paul’s Specific Meaning

In reading this passage we must realize what it does not say, and it does not mean, and therefore, realize that the subject matter does not relate that Paul never compromised the gospel, but that he compromised his own pride in presenting the gospel.  I Corinthians 9:18-23, states:

“For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;. To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.”  (KJV)

What Paul says, is: “unto the Jews, I became ‘as’ a Jew,” and “to them under the law, ‘as’ under the law,” and “to the weak became I “as” weak.”  The word “as” is used to indicate his form of communication to them, he talked to them in the vernacular that they understood, both in terminology and examples.  In our vernacular, we would say he spoke about the fish to fishermen, and used fishing words and analogies to communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The word “as” indicates a figurative usage, he did not become legalistic to those under the law, if he did, this he would violate the grace of Jesus Christ.  He did not become weak and violate his own conscience to preach to those that were weak; this would have violated the gospel concerning Christ’s statement that those that would love Him would keep his Commandments.  This Scripture in no way states that we are to approach the world utilizing worldly techniques or behaviors.  We are in the world, but not of the world.

A simple Greek literal reading of the text, which is quite straightforward, would say:

“What is my reward then?  That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.  For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became [related] as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, [I related] as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, [I related] as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became [related] as weak, that I might win the weak.  I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.  Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.”   (I Cor 9:18-23)

Misusing this Concept

The problem of many current churches is that they misuse Paul’s teaching and indulgence in employing the trappings of the world to attract the masses.  They become user-friendly in their messages, seeker friendly in their outreach, and non-offensive altogether.  They are salt without savor, candles without light, and are driver by the newest trend of the day.  They are compromised and impotent.  They do not realize that they have stopped increasing Christ’s Church, and have started growing their own congregations.  They have become lukewarm, thinking they are hot.  Naked, not seeing their nakedness.  Poor, not perceiving that the massive structures, ministries, books, are reflections of their own egos and presuppositions concerning what success is.

They’ve replaced quality with quantity.  And unfortunately the compromise of the church has been the indulgence of self-centeredness.  As the seeker friendly focus of many large churches, utilizes such tools as: “Being Purpose Driven” (which focuses on the believer rather than Christ) rather than Christ driven.  Mistaking excellence for “what ever you do, do with all your heart,”¹⁰ making winning the goal rather than dying.

Never coming to understand or address the fact that, God may want us to lose in certain arenas, wherein humility, and seeking God becomes the center of attention rather than the self-centeredness of “ME.”  We forget one of the major examples of Jesus was that of dying to self, not serving self.

Pragmatic Allure

Besides the narcissism and materialism that are inherent to many of these presuppositions, one of the inherent problems is that addressing issues in a pragmatic in nature elevates success with accomplishing the goals that God had set out for his church.

We now have modern dance in our churches.  The rationality is that individuals can communicate their worship to God by using their bodies, yet wearing modest attire, and displaying respect in a calm demeanor.

The rationality has been used for this type of behavior, has been that it gets young girls involved in the church, and in studying scriptures that they will act them out.  The problem becomes the self-centeredness that it takes exploits.  Teaching young girls to draw attention to themselves, making worship into a form of entertainment rather than self-expression, such as is illustrated in Matthew 6:1-8.  The church and following the culture has become a place of entertainment, and where the activity of spectator has been legitimized.

The point is pragmatism; that of having a logical way of approaching things to achieve a logical successful / goal (which is completely goal oriented), doesn’t always work in Christianity.  The reason why human presuppositions are unbiblical and humans can never separate themselves of their presuppositions.  This is why; many of the egregious atrocities of man have been done using the Scripture as justification.  Yes, the Scripture was taken out of context either in the immediate passage, or concerning the whole of a biblical principle, which it is twisted out of shade from what it was intended.

But the point is, humans can mess up anything and everything; especially inside of the church of Jesus Christ.  The Jews refused to of knowledge this (ability to warp things) and therefore became victims to it.  The law that was meant to be a schoolteacher, they transformed into an accomplishment that merited salvation.  This is why the Hebrews took the brazen snake on a staff, and started to worship it, rather than realizing it was a typological instrument that symbolized something that God wanted to communicate to them (according to Jesus in chapter 3:14), they utilized it pragmatically speaking, and centered their worship towards it.  It was to be a reflection to be understood, not an object to be worshiped.

There are some things that cannot be combined with the gospel without violating the integrity of the gospel. You can’t witness by being a whore, no there’s no such thing as alcoholic ministry, that of being drunk and witnessing to drunks.  You can’t be a criminal, violate the laws, as well as God’s Word, and then attempt to witness to criminals.

More and more churches are propagating the same message.  Just look at the Seeker Friendly Churches, Rick Warren, the Emergent church, and the Name It and Claim It heresy, and you will see that the Pragmatic – success oriented – American culture is climbing into the church more each day.

It is in knowing when to apply certain biblical principles in certain situations that the Holy Spirit living inside of us gives directions; but always according to God’s Word.

Conclusion

When all is said and done, I believe the question has to be asked on an individual basis, rather Christian rock ‘n roll music can be utilized as a valid form of entertainment (a better question may be should Christians be entertained, or rather should they directly worship God themselves).  This question has to do with purchasing CDs and listening to songs in our cars and at home.  I believe this is an individual choice, yet the following should be taken into consideration; and that we are representatives and ambassadors of Christ and what we do affects His reputation, in His glory 

Yet when we take this question into the worship service, concerning the church, there are certain critiques that must be in place. 

1) The music must be intellectually discernible and understandable.¹¹

2) According to Colossians 3:16, singing incorporates the intellect concerning God’s Word.

3) The lyrics must center on glorifying God the Father, and Jesus Christ, without man in the picture whatsoever.

4) The person leading the service should never be the center of attention, displaying pride or self as the focus.

5) Playing or leading music must be done in a manner that is representative of the holiness of God.

6) The perception of effectiveness cannot be utilized to rationalize effectiveness.

7) Church services should be orderly, not chaotic or emotionally (soulishly) driven.

8) The underlying reason for all music is to glorify God – not to exalt man, or allow him to steal the focus from the preeminence of Jesus Christ.

A Final Thought (the next 12 paragraphs) from Warren Wiersbe

Colossians 3:16, states:

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

The word of Christ
“This means, of course, the Word of God. The false teachers came to Colossae with man-made traditions, religious rules, and human philosophies. They tried to harmonize God’s Word with their teachings, but they could not succeed. God’s Word always magnifies Jesus Christ.”

“It was not the word of false teachers that brought salvation to the Colossians; it was the Word of the truth of the Gospel (Colossians 1:15). This same Word gives us life and sustains and strengthens us (1 Peter 1:22-2:3).”

“The Word will transform our lives if we will but permit it to “dwell” in us richly. The word dwell means “to feel at home.” If we have experienced the grace and the peace of Christ, then the Word of Christ will feel at home in our hearts. We will discover how rich the Word is with spiritual treasures that give value to our lives.”

“However, we must not think that Paul wrote this only to individual Christians; for he directed it to the entire church body. “Let the Word of Christ dwell among you” is a possible translation. As it dwells richly in each member of the church, it will dwell richly in the church fellowship.”

“There is a danger today, as there was in Paul’s day, that local churches minimize the Word of God. There seems to be a lack of simple Bible teaching in Sunday School classes and pulpits. Far more interest is shown in movies, musical performances, and various entertainments than in God’s Word. Many saved people cannot honestly say that God’s Word dwells in their hearts richly because they do not take time to read, study, and memorize it.”

“There is (according to Paul) a definite relationship between our knowledge of the Bible and our expression of worship in song. One way we teach and encourage ourselves and others is through the singing of the Word of God. But if we do not know the Bible and understand it, we cannot honestly sing it from our hearts.”

“Perhaps this “poverty of Scripture” in our churches is one cause of the abundance of unbiblical songs that we have today. A singer has no more right to sing a lie than a preacher has to preach a lie. The great songs of the faith were, for the most part, written by believers who knew the doctrines of the Word of God. Many so-called “Christian songs” today are written by people with little or no knowledge of the Word of God. It is a dangerous thing to separate the praise of God from the Word of God.”

“Psalms were, of course, the songs taken from the Old Testament. For centuries, the churches in the English-speaking world sang only metrical versions of the Psalms. I am glad to see today a return to the singing of Scripture, especially the Psalms. Hymns were songs of praise to God written by believers but not taken from the Psalms. The church today has a rich heritage of hymnody which, I fear, is being neglected. Spiritual songs were expressions of Bible truth other than in psalms and hymns. When we sing a hymn, we address the Lord; when we sing a spiritual song, we address each other.”

“Paul described a local church worship service (1 Cor. 14:26; Col 3:16). Note that the believer sings to himself as well as to the other believers and to the Lord. Our singing must be from our hearts and not just our lips. But if the Word of God is not in our hearts, we cannot sing from our hearts. This shows how important it is to know the Word of God, for it enriches our public and private worship of God.”

“Our singing must be with grace. This does not mean “singing in a gracious way,” but singing because we have God’s grace in our hearts. It takes grace to sing when we are in pain, or when circumstances seem to be against us. It certainly took grace for Paul and Silas to sing in that Philippian prison (Acts 16:22-25). Our singing must not be a display of fleshly talent; it must be a demonstration of the grace of God in our hearts.”

“Someone has said that a successful Christian life involves attention to three books: God’s Book, the Bible; the pocketbook; and the hymn book. I agree. I often use a hymnal in my devotional time, to help express my praise to God. As a believer grows in his knowledge of the Word, he will want to grow in his expression of praise. He will learn to appreciate the great hymns of the church, the Gospel songs, and the spiritual songs that teach spiritual truths. To sing only the elementary songs of the faith is to rob himself of spiritual enrichment.”

“Before we leave this section, we should notice an important parallel with Ephesians 5:18-6:9. In his Letter to the Ephesians, Paul emphasized being filled with the Spirit; in his Letter to the Colossians, he emphasized being filled with the Word. But the evidences of this spiritual fullness are the same! How can we tell if a believer is filled with the Spirit? He is joyful, thankful, and submissive (Eph. 5:19-21); all of this shows up in his relationships in the home and on the job (Eph. 5:22-6:9). How can we tell if a believer is filled with the Word of God? He is joyful, thankful, and submissive (Colossians 3:16-4:1).”¹²

All Scripture verses listed, unless otherwise noted, refer to the King James Version.

Endnotes

1. TABRET: KJV term for Tambourine.  Scripture associates the tambourine with occasions of strong emotion: farewells (Genesis 31:27); prophetic ecstasy (1 Samuel 10:51); a victory procession (1 Samuel 18:6); the procession of the ark to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:5).  Tambourine music often accompanied festive occasions of drinking and merrymaking (Isaiah 5:12; 24:8; 30:32; Jeremiah 31:4).  Often women were the musicians (1 Samuel 18:6;2 Samuel 6:5; Psalms 60 8:25).  Taken from: HOLMAN BIBLE DICTIONARY, General Editor: Trent C. Butler, PH. D., Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, TN 37234, USA, 1991-1998, Electronic Media.

 2. If this hypothesis is true, then when ever man attempts to create a beat variation, such as in classical music; there is an opportunity for Satan to take control.  The insult in this argument is a presumption that African music is specifically Satanic (as compared to man’s carnal and sinful behavior all on its own; there is a difference between the sinfulness of man, and Satanic dominance and worship.  The millennium addresses this) in its origin, however, diversity within musical temples and styles are varied across many cultural ranges, and to assert that one cultural style is more Satanic than another is problematic, without biblical references. 

THE REAL PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE OF REASONING IS PEOPLE MAKING STATEMENTS WHICH CANNOT BE VALIDATED BY GOD’S WORD, AND THEREFORE, THEY APPEAR FOOLISH AND INSULTING IN THEIR ATTEMPT TO FORWARD THEIR OWN PRESUPPOSITIONS. 

UNFORTUNATELY, THE GREATER PROBLEM IS THREEFOLD:

ONE, IT MAKES CHRISTIANS IN GENERAL, AND CHRISTIANITY IN PARTICULAR LOOK FOOLISH, IGNORANT, PREJUDICIAL, AND SUBJECTIVE.

SECONDLY, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY IT CHANGES THE CHRISTIANS POINT OF REFERENCE FROM THE BIBLE TO SCIENCE, THEREFORE INVALIDATING THE POWER AND AUTHORITY OF GOD’S WORD.

THIRDLY, AS AMBASSADORS OF CHRIST, OUR BEHAVIORS AND RHETORIC REFLECT HIM; AND ULTIMATELY GOD IT IS THAT IS DISGRACED BY OUR EMOTIONALLY-BASED FERVOR BECAUSE OUR PRIDE IS WOUNDED WHEN OUR OWN PRESUPPOSITIONS ARE ATTACKED.  WE ARE CREATED FOR GOD’S GLORY, NOT OUR OWN.

3. Isaiah 42:8 ~ “I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.”

4. A lectern is a stand with a sloping top on which a book or notes can rest in front of a standing speaker – originally they were mounted on the side of the sanctuary, half way up the wall; on top of, and attached to a type of pedestal which had a stairway for access.

5. Chin lifted up & proud movement – Isaiah 3:16 ~ “Moreover, the Lord said, “Because the daughters of Zion are proud, And walk with heads held high and seductive eyes, And go along with mincing steps, And tinkle the bangles on their feet.”

6. Tattoos prohibited – Leviticus 19:28 ~ “You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead, nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the Lord.”

7. Piercings are frowned upon except as directed in Exodus 21:6, and Deuteronomy 15:17 for a specific purpose. According to the International Bible Standard Encyclopedia, concerning body piercing:

But men, and especially women, had their noses pierced for the wearing of jewelry (Gen 24:47; Isa 3:21; Ezek 16:12). In one passage the meaning is not completely clear, namely, in the enumeration of blemishes which disable a “son of Aaron” from the execution of the priest’s office (Lev 21:18), where English Versions of the Bible translates “flat (margin “slit”) nose.” The Hebrew word is חָרֻם, ḥārum, which is a hapax legomenon. It corresponds, however, to the Arabic root  ḥaram, ḥarmān (kharam, kharmān), which means “to open,” “to pierce the nose,” especially the bridge of the nose. We may accept this meaning as the one intended in the passage.

Another dark and much discussed passage must still be referred to: “And, lo, they put the branch to their nose” (Ezek 8:17). The usual explanation (whereof the context gives some valuable hints) is that a rite connected with the worship of Baal (the sun) is here alluded to (see Smend and A.B. Davidson’s commentaries on the passage). A similar custom is known from Persian sun-worship, where a bunch (barecma) of dates, pomegranates or tamarisks was held to the nose by the worshipper, probably as an attempt to keep the Holy One (sun) from being contaminated by sinful breath (Spiegel, Eranische Altertamer, III, 571). Among modern Jews posies of myrtle and other fragrant herbs are held to the nose by the persons attending on the ceremony of circumcision, for the alleged reason of making the sight and smell of blood bearable. Another interpretation of the above passage would understand זְמוֹרָה, zemōrāh, in the sense of “male sexual member” (see Gesenius-Buhl, under the word; Levy, Nhb. Worterbuch, I, 544), and the whole passage as a reference to a sensuous Canaanite rite, such as is perhaps alluded to in Isa 57:8.

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPEDIA, James Orr, Parsons Technology Inc., Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, USA, 1999, Electronic Media.

BIBLICAL EARRINGS - SIDENOTE:  There is a notable exception concerning piercing, that of a pierced ear understood in the Old Testament as a badge of honor among the Hebrews, a process ordained of God.  Paul, used a repetitive introductions and epitaph concerning himself as a ”bond salve” of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:1;1 Corinthians 7:21; Colossians 1:10; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:7; Titus 1:1;).  Unfortunately, our English translations of the Bible many times translate this term into “servant,” however; the Greek word utilized by Paul has much more meaning than our simple English term.  The Greek word which is translated into the English word “servant” is: Dulos and meant “A bond salve by choice,” indebted for life to serve humbly.  It is understanding the history of this word that we gain a much clearer view of the humility which Paul exhibited, as well as the symbolism and typology that God set up to teach an object lesson to his people.  As the ultimate bond slave of humanity was Jesus Christ who is pierced to across to atone for the sins of the world. 

The idea of the bond slave / Dulos was that if a man lost everything and had no grain to feed his animals, he could sell himself to another man to become his servant, which we commonly referred to as employment, but the Bible refers as becoming a slave, some translations use the word “servant.”  Many of these individuals were referred to as “field hands,” and slept in their own homes at night and worked for their master’s during the day.  There were other situations where individuals would become totally destitute and have no food for their family whatsoever and become servants as well.  In these cases they could indeed sell themselves as a slave 24/7, living with the master (a term sometimes to be equated with the current label “boss”)  for a set period of time in order to feed their family, while paying off that debt that they had incurred.  According to the Torah, God set it up so that every seven years, as well as on the 50th year in the celebration the server was set free of his obligation and became a free man again.

A bond slave was an individual who had worked off their debt, and had obtained their freedom.  Yet, during the course of their servitude they had married another servant and had children.  According to the Torah, the father could sell himself gladly back to the family to purchase and redeem his other family members.  This was an honored position, and treated much differently than normal servants or salves; because it was servitude by choice – we get the concept of a trustee from this situation. 

There was a ceremonial act that would take place where the husband who is purchasing his family would stand at the front door of the house, leaning his ear against the door-frame, and have his ear nailed to the door with awl, placing a part of their skin within the door frame, a symbol of the strength of the house, and of him becoming a prominent part of the house.  

Then the nail would be pulled out, and he would wear an earring in the hole in his ear as a symbol that he was a bond salve, which was a sign of superiority indicating he had become a servant with the home for life others own free will, sacrificing himself for his own family.  Therefore, he was admired and respected by the other slaves for having sacrificially placed his family before himself.  And because this was a lifelong commitment, and was only done by individuals with integrity; bond slaves were always supervisors in the household, not doing hard labor, but taking care of and managing the master’s estate in good stead.  This is what Paul meant when he meant he was a bond slave of Jesus Christ. 

God use this kind of symbolism to also teach the foreshadowing of what his son would do by purchasing humanity when He was bonded to the cross with awls (nails), displaying perfect servitude to the Father and purchasing us with his blood (this is where we get the understanding of what Jesus meant in John 5:39, which states: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”  Everything written in God’s Word is to teach us about Christ, rather directly or indirectly, even in the object lessons such as this.). 

8. I Corinthians 9:22 ~ “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

9.Isaiah 6:9-10 ~ “And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.  Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.”

10. Colossians 3:22-25 ~ “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.  But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.”

11. 1 Corinthians 14:40 ~ “Let all things be done decently and in order.”

12. Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament, Warren Wiersbe, David C. Cook Distribution, Canada; Ontario, Canada N3L 3E5, 2007.

Biblical Insights Into Error is an ongoing topical series that examines those teachings, practices, and patterns of current Christian movements and organizations within the Christian community which are unbiblical, extra-biblical, heretical, cultic, or promote the flesh, directly or by implication; and exposes them in the light of God’s Word.  It is in addressing these unbiblical practices and teachings within the church, in contrast to the true gospel of Jesus Christ, that the church needs to moderate and guard against, understanding that “judgment starts in the house of God.”  This series also examines the ways and means that ministry is meant to be conducted, and that preachers and leaders are to function according to the Word of God.  Our main focus is always on Jesus the as the Lord and Savior of the world, He alone deserves preeminence in God’s Word.  God’s Word all alone is our source of guidance, direction, and our singular rule of faith.  Biblical Insights into Error is an outreach ministry of Faith Bible Ministries, a division of Faith Video Ministries Inc. You may contact us at our e-mail address: blb@bibleministries.com

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We shall take a brief look at just one of the passages in the unbelievable revelation from God, referred to as the book of Daniel.  Chapter 12 of the book of Daniel is a vision that he receives concerning the last days.  The “Last Days” is a generic term which covers over 2000 years, from the time of Christ death to today (started at Pentecost ~ Acts 2:17).  Yet, a more descriptive term for this period of time is used by Christ, which He referred to as the ”Great Tribulation” (Matthew 24:21), and by the prophet Jeremiah which referred to it as ”Jacob’s Trouble“ (Jeremiah 30:7).  

In particular Daniel 12:4, says:

“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”

What we see in Daniel 12:4, is where God advises Daniel to “shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end…”  This is an idiomatic expression where God directs that the prophecy He’d given is far off in the future, and not meant to be understood at the present, as far as it’s total declaration (Daniel 8:26; Isaiah 29:11; Revelation 22:10).  

The main gist is that God is openly declaring His deity and proclaiming the “ending from the beginning” (Isaiah 41:4; 44:6; ), wherein the last days when these words are meant to be understood, man has no excuse for doubting the validity of God’s Word.  Words spoken thousands of years prior to the events that He so accurately describes.  What better proof that it is God, and God alone who is the Author of this sacred book we hold in our hands, which we so commonly referred to without thought as ”the Bible” (from the Latin for “The Book,” using the definite article, “the;” to indicate that this book is unlike any other; originally better referred to as “The Holy Bible,” wherein it is sacred, separated from any other); yet, more accurately this book is the “Word of God.”

Daniel 12:4, in speaking about the last days (“time of the end”) talks about travel being rapid (“run”), open to the masses, indicating commonality (“many”), and routinely (“shall”) extensively and habitually (“to and fro”). 

It also speaks about a compounding of the increase in knowledge exponentially, with this statement “and knowledge shall be increased.”  

This expression indicates that this time in history is identified according to not just an increase in knowledge, but that knowledge itself shall be increased – exponentially.  But notice what it does not say, it says nothing about wisdom. 

Wisdom is properly defined as “the correct application of knowledge.”  There are many individuals that read their Bibles and gain knowledge concerning what it says.  Yet, there are far fewer that understand the application of God’s Word as it pertains to their life; as well as the depth of its meaning.  These last days are a time of unbelievable increase in technology, yet unfortunately it seems to be at the cost of wisdom in how to apply that knowledge to where understanding transcends to wisdom.

It is no doubt because of this identifying characteristic of knowledge being increased that the prior statement concerning travel intensifying exponentially is made possible.  What also is alluded to is a direct correlation of greater wealth and prosperity for the common people, that facilitates the ability to take advantage of travel in this way.  During the time of Jesus it was common that many individuals never traveled more than 100 miles from their own home.  The exceptions were those that were rich, and those that followed the admonition concerning the Feast’s of Israel, wherein that three of the seven feasts had to be attended by a mature male.

It is very easy to read this passage of Scripture and fail to grasp how significant it really is.  The following illustrations will hopefully paint a more vivid picture of how unbelievable the advances wherein the Bible has predicted so technically had change the way man lives.
 

Speed & Time of Common Travel for the Masses 

Year

2500 BC          6          Mph           A Two Horse drawn Chariot (multiple people conveyance) 

1800 AD          6          Mph           A Two Horse drawn Carriage (multiple people conveyance)

1900 AD          60        Mph           Steam Locomotive Train (Union Pacific Railroad) 

2000 AD         600      Mph           Intercontinental Airliner (Concorde Super Airliner)

2100 AD         6000    Mph            Jet Airliner (Boeing Research and Development Projection) 

For over 4000 years man traveled at the same rate, 6 Mph.  Then, in only 200 years man has increased his travel time by 1000 percept.   

Common Food Preparation Time – Boiling Water for the Masses

2500 BC            45 Minutes                   Opened Camp Fire/ Brass Pot

1600 AD            45 Minutes                   Opened Camp Fire/ Cast Iron Closed Pot

1700 AD            30 Minutes                  Open Pit Fireplace / Cast-Iron Closed Kettle

1800 AD            20 Minutes                   Pot Belly Stove / Cast-Iron Closed Kettle

1900 AD            15 Minutes                    Gas Stove / Tin Closed Kettle

1950 AD            10 Minutes                    Electric Stove / Stainless Steel Closed Kettle

1960 AD            5 Minutes                       Energy-Efficient Gas Stove / Aluminum Closed Kettle

1970 AD           3  Minutes                       Range Top /Corning Ware

1990 AD            3 Minutes                       500 Watt Microwave Oven / Microwavable Container

2000 AD            2 Minutes                      750 Watt Microwave Oven / Microwavable Container

2005 AD            1 Minute                         1000 Watt Microwave Oven / Microwavable Container

Technology has increased more in the last 400 years than in the previous 4000 years. 

How amazing is God’s Word.  yet more amazing is the fact that God wouldst do down, condescend to follow man and prove himself according to such prophecies.  And this is only a few of thousands found in God’s Word.

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“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”   (Romans 8:15-18)

“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)

Universal Truth
Every man has a god.  Many might try to argue the point and assert that they don’t believe in the notion of a higher power.  They may assert that God is a man-made myth and an indication of weak character, low intelligence, or sick emotions. 

Many of them believe in evolution, claiming that man ascended from lower life forms¹ and advanced to become Homo Sapiens.  They refute the idea of an intelligent creator who intricately designed man with all his mental and emotional complexities, along with the marvels of his human body.²  Not to mention our elaborate environment the earth, and it’ support system, the universe.  They assert the theories of randomness, “The Big Bang Theory,” “survival of the fittest,” and evolution in its many deviant variations.

Many of these conjectures are considered archaic by a majority of today’s leading scientists, yet are still taught in our universities.  One example of an antiquated theory no longer held by any of todays leading scientists is “The Big Bang Theory.”  Another is Randomness, which can be disproved by statistical probability.

There has been suppression of information by today’s leading universities and evolutionists regarding the new study of the “Anthropic Principle.”  This focuses on the earth’s fragile existence and proves evidence of intelligent design and omnipotent supervision.

Therefore, rather one is a hardened evolutionist or a zealous Christian; it is evident that we all share one common thread.  We all have our own belief system.  We believe in many things.  It is by those beliefs that we define everything, and by them that we make our decisions and choices – hence, only referred to as a “Worldview.”   

Belief System
There are those who would argue the point, insisting that they have no beliefs, especially concerning the existence of God.  Some call themselves atheists, emphatically stating that God doesn’t exist.³

The word atheist is Greek and is made up from the word “Theo,” which means god, and “a,” which means non or against.  The word meaning is, “one who does not believe God exists.”  Ironically, we might pose the question; why would someone fight against something they do not believe exist?  We only fight against what we perceive is real, I’ve never met a Dragon fighter, though I’ve heard there are a few individuals that believe they still exist; but the necessity of being a Dragon fighter is believing that dragons do exist in the first place.

Atheist
I understand that the atheist would state that this is a misnomer.  That they are not fighting something they believe exist but they’re fighting a lie that is caustic or dangerous.  Yet, when one honestly examines history concerning those which are true Christians⁴, those that follow the teachings of Jesus Christ as his follower; there has been nothing but positive additions to humanity.  Name me one atheist hospital, none; they were all originally started by Christians.  Of the original universities, all of them were schools of divinity teaching Christianity.  Concerning Charity, over 95% of all charitable activity in the world is done by Christians.  And concerning the allegations of the wrongs done by religion, such as the murder of Jewish babies during the Crusades, or of Hitler’s pronouncement that he was a believer.

Remember my previous qualification; a Christian is one who follows the behaviors of Jesus and his teachings.  The Inquisition, mass murder of the Catholic Church, genocide in Eastern Europe; along with Hitler, the curse age and many other extremist in humanities perpetrated against man; none of them followed the behavior or teachings of Jesus.  They were fraudulent.  And we never used the fraudulent to hold the genuine accountable.  It is simply the only evidence that the atheist, and those opposed to Christianity can attempt to use to validate their presupposition that Christianity is evil.

The atheist might respond that he is only fighting the manmade idea of God.  However, if he is truly obsessed by this mania, close examination may indicate an excessively emotional irrationality, bordering on absurdity.  This same condition is also seen in some cults and even mainline religions.

Agnostic
There are those that call themselves agnostic, which is also a Greek word.  It is taken from the word “nous,” which means understanding or knowledge and “a” which again means non or against.  The word meaning is, “one who does not know of God.”  The agnostic doesn’t say that there is no God, he simply says, if God exists He is not knowable.

The agnostic also asserts that no other person can know God; subsequently all organized religions are erroneous.  The one thing that atheists, agnostics, occultists, spiritualists, religionists, and Christians all share is a belief system.  Their belief system may be, to not believe what others believe, or to not believe anything at all.  They still hold ideals that govern their lives and therefore their actions.  Everyone believes something, even if what they believe is to believe in nothing; or that no one else can believe in what is truly the truth. 

American Idols
In America today we have a tendency to think of a god as a being, something alive, rational, and omnipotent.  The English word “god” means: “Any of various beings conceived of as supernatural and immortal; esp., a man deity,” “An idol,” “A person or thing deified – in monotheistic religions, the creator and ruler of the universe; Supreme Being.”⁵

An idol is a god because it is worshipped.  It is believed either to be deity itself or to represent deity.

Other cultures openly worship idols, and have a diverse understanding of what the word “god” means.  We Americans have a tendency to believe because of the greatness of our nation, that we are superior to the rest of the world.  No doubt, we are advanced in technology, and are the richest and perhaps freest nation on earth.  Our form of government may be superior, and our military force better-supplied and stronger than most.

However, because of our humanity, freedom, and affluence, we have become materialistic, self-indulgent, and spoiled.  We have chosen to believe Madison Avenue advertising and rationalized our own narcissism.  In doing so, we have accepted many lies that have corrupted our thinking and tainted our objectivity.  We have believed that bigger is better than smaller and newer is superior to older.  That immediate gratification is healthy, and therefore good things are not worth waiting for.  Patience is not ta virtue; it is better to get, than to give.  Life is not all that valuable, if it gets old, get rid of it, and money and things bring heappiness.⁴

Consequently, we have become shallow and blinded to real dangers, unconcerned about issues we deem as unimportant.  We look down upon deep-rooted standards, and cultures that are older and have time-honored values.  As a result, we devalue other civilizations, their ways, and their views as archaic, illiterate, and superstitious.

World Views are Based upon Value – Value Placed in Something
Much of the worlds ethnic groups believe in idols.  An “idol” is defined as: “an image of a god, used as an object of worship,” “Any object of ardent or excessive devotion.”⁵

According to this description an idol can and is anything which we love or place excessive devotion in.

In order to understand this more clearly let’s examine the word “worship” which means: “a service or rite showing reverence for a deity,” “Intense love or admiration.”⁵   the word worship is a cognitive two words: “worth,” with the suffix “ship.”  We know that worth is defined as the value of something.  The suffix ship is defined as: “A word ending that indicates quality, state, status, skill, or collective body. Created by people to expand meaning of words;” therefore the word “worship” means the quality state of something which is expressed.  We give homage by our worship.

Idols, which are objects of our worship, can be: forces, powers, animals, people, animate and inanimate objects, life, and even death.

The point is that anything can be an idol, something we put excessive worth in.  If we agree with the dictionary, and a majority of the world’s population, then we in 21^st century America are unquestionably guilty of idolatry, because of the inordinate value we place in things or people (an unhealthy fixation).

Biblical View
The Bible says,

“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”⁷

The Bible also says,

“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.”⁸

The Scriptures equates idolatry with covetousness, but why is this?  The reason is simple, if we covet which Biblically speaking means; “to strongly desire,”then we have a passion, love, or admiration for something.  Furthermore, if we have a strong desire for something, and refuse to let go of this desire, we become discontent, and distrustful of God, who did not give us what we needed.

Ultimately, our strong desire becomes overwhelming, and competes with our love for God.  It shows our dissatisfaction with God’s choices for our life.  We start to look at this thing, or rather the obtaining of it, for our pleasure in life, instead of looking to God for our meaning.  We become preoccupied with a thing, and lose focus of what is most important in life; which is God.⁹   God will not allow anything to take His place in our hearts.

Unseen Spiritual Insight
The act of inordinately desiring something is spiritually dangerous, because until it is obtained, we do not and cannot see its superficiality.  It cannot meet our spiritual needs; only God can.

When we finally acquire what we have been coveting, we are unfulfilled and start the hunt all over again looking for something else to occupy our time, attention, and love.  As a result, we go from one desire to the next, showing the excessive value we place in things or people.  This indicates a longing far beyond what is healthy and appropriate.  It is worship; indicating the extreme worth or value we place in something or someone.

God’s Definition of Idolatry
Perhaps the best definition of the display of worship concerning something that is not God and therefore would be termed as an idol is found in Psalms 135:15-18, which states:

“The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not; They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths. They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them.”

However enlightening is the conclusionary statement: “… So is everyone that trust us and them.”

Faith
You see everything gets back to faith; rather it’s faith in God unto salvation, or faith in a worldview that believes there is no God, wherein the person makes themselves out to be God to judge all things by their own purview, it all comes back to faith.  The deceived have faith in their false prophets, the atheists have faith in their own determinations, the fallen Angels have faith in Lucifer; and the true follower of Jesus Christ as faith in the atoning work of Christ death upon the cross as a substitute for their own sin – this unto eternal salvation.

We also find within this passage that God points out that the idols have human traits which are fraudulent, yet ratifying that they are objects of worship that have no life in them – “… Neither is there any breath in their mouths.” However, it is this next statement that I find so amazing: “…they that make them are like unto them…”

We Become like Our Idols
What an insight, we become like our idols.  If a man’s idol is money, he becomes cold, self-centered, superficial,; never satisfied.  If a man’s idol is sex, he becomes self-centered in seeking his own pleasure, he becomes superficial concerning anything else, when he achieves his own stimulation, there is nothing left; only the next conquest.  Yet, there is a good side to this issue.  If a man worships Jesus Christ, he will come more like that which she worships; he will become more Christlike in acquiring the mind of Christ.  Displaying more of those biblical traits of the Fruits of the Spirit, which are simply the fruits of Christ.  The follower of Christ should look more like Christ with each passing year, if – he is one of His.

Conclusion
The identity of your God or gods is easy to perceive, whether you admit it, refute it, or decline to see it.  Those around you, family, friends, or mere acquaintances can, with little effort, see what or whom you ultimately value and love.¹⁰

The answer to the question of where the object of your worship lives is the same for every one, whether you’re a believer, atheist, agnostic, or hold another religious view.

Your God or gods live in your heart.¹¹

Don’t be fooled, no choice is still a choice.  Therefore the only important issue left for you to understand and consider is, that you will “choose for yourselves today whom you will serve.”¹² 

 Endnote
  1. Romans 1:21,22.
  2. Psalms 139:14.
  3. Psalms 14:1; 53:1.
  4. The Christian church even has such people.  They do not resemble Christ.  They
      don’t act in a way that would indicate the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  They do not
      bear fruit, proving their God’s children.  They are tares, growing along side wheat,
      false believers ruled by their corrupt minds & evil (often, overly emotional) hearts.
  5. WEBSTER’S NEW WORLD DICTIONARY AND THESAURUS, 1996.
  6. “For a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he
      possesseth.”  Luke 12:15; Matthew 6:19-21,24,25,31-33; 13:22; 16:26; 19:23-24;22:1-14; etc.
  7. Ephesians 5:5.
  8. Colossians 3:6.
  9. Mark 12:30.
10. “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34).
11. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart⁹ be also.” (Matthew 6:21).
12. Joshua 24:15.

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Subject: The Christian Walk
in a Sinful World
Topics Covered: Daniel & His 3 Friends,
Examples of Bad Christian Leadership,
Biblical Definition of the word “Heart“, 
Christ’s Example of Humility,
A Grammatical Breakdown of Phil. 2:5-8,
Thinking & Feeling,
Essence vs. Attributes
               “Meek,” the Biblical Understanding of the Word
The Christian walk: Introspection, Developing Humility, and Fighting Pride
A Story by Golda Meir
Acting & Being, The Difference in “Being” Authentic Compared to External Displays
We are to be Led by our Mind, Not our Emotions
Controlling our Minds, Dwelling upon that which is Good, Taking Every Thought Captive
Defining: Denying Yourself and Picking up your Cross, Daily
Slavery and the Biblical Definition of a “Bond Slave”
My Own Bad Example as a Less Mature Christian 
My Later Application of the Lessons Learned from God’s Word
How to go Through Secular College with Honors, Without Compromising your Biblical Principles
See – Choose – Do
Endnote: Psychology – Why it has Gained its Credibility
Endnote: Psychology – Its History in a Nutshell
Endnote: Psychology – When Mixed with Christianity
Endnote: The Difference between Attributes & Essence, How Christ was all God & all Man
Endnote: Apologetics – A Rudimentary Example of External Biblical Evidence 
Endnote: Black Liberation Theology, and Christian Liberals.
  

Introduction (created: 01-2012)
Currently, I am on paid staff at a major North Texas hospital as a chaplain.  Chaplaincy, both as paid staff member and as a volunteer worker has been something I’ve done for the last few decades.  However, on the purely secular side of life, I entered my third secular profession over a decade ago which is within the mental health profession.  My field is chemical dependency, I am a LCDC (License Chemical Dependency Counselor), and a CCJP (Certified Criminal Justice Addiction Professional).  My training was in classical psychology, specializing on the clinical aspects of treatment.  This is not to say that I practice psychology or support any of its presuppositions; I don’t (See Endnote #1). However, throughout my endeavor in this occupation I have learned how to survive: within a secular unbelieving industry (See Endnote #2), within the structures of atheistic higher education, and how to function under the limitations of being a state employee; yet all without compromising my Christian beliefs (no I am not talking about utilizing what is referred to as “Christian Psychology,” which is as fraudulent concerning the mixing of Christianity and psychology as the mixing of oil and water.  See Endnote #3). 

Being a Daniel in a Nebuchadnezzar Type of World
A good biblical example of how this is done is seen in Daniel and his three friends (Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah) who when faced with the secular demands of they’re day as seen in the types and preparation of food that they ate, held to they’re beliefs and did not eat of the King’s food in violation of their conscience. 

However, these wise men did not make demands, display condescension or superiority, or attempt to muscle their way concerning their convictions, they simply stopped eating; and were willing to suffer for their beliefs by starving themselves at the same time that they were presented with some of the most elegant and extravagant food known to man at that time.  It’s one thing to starve when there’s no food to tempt you.  It’s another thing to starve when you have nothing but great food in your pantry; cakes, cookies, and candy; steaks vegetables and fruits; homemade bread of every variety.  Yet, these individuals abstained while sitting at the table with some of the greatest foods prepared of the day.   This was suffering.

Then, as their keeper noticed that they were not eating they did not take a demonstrative stand displaying pride or arrogance, they simply explained their belief, and then respectively suggested to their keeper that their dietary requirements would suit them better, and that a test might prove the point.  There submission is seen in their willingness to suffer (to hunger, even if death if that was necessary because of refusing an order of the king to eat his food) for what they believed in as well as their submissive behavior.  Yet, because their behavior was not outright arrogant brashness, for which they would’ve lost their head, a test was allowed to occur proving the superiority of their own diet.  We will come back to this later under the heading: “The Lessons to Learn.”    

Today’s Type of Example
Very often within Christian circles we see leaders who display proud arrogance, who attempt to power thrust their way through any opposition; using intimidation, grandiosity, and self-righteous superiority; in order to win at any cost.  They attempt to use emotional-based types of presentations in order to whip their audience into an emotive state in order to manipulate them into submission.  It is the use of the emotions that these heretics, false prophets, and wolves in sheep’s clothing utilize to motivate and control their followers.  The Bible repeatedly advises us to use our minds, not our emotions in order to do God’s Will according to His Word.  It is with our minds that we handle God’s Word in dealing with our daily walk (the biblical use of the word “heart” which as I have repeatedly stated, never means the emotions only; but in both the Greek and Hebrew languages refers to the internal makeup of man.  The order of priority is the: 1) mental reasoning, 2) emotional response, 3) willpower in making decisions between the two.  We’re never told to emotionally respond to any situation, with the exception of worship and adulation to God.  Search out the original Hebrew and language word studies if you feel any different – this is not subject to interpretation is a fact based upon the language and the meanings of the words. See the essay entitled: ”The Heart and the Mind – What the Biblical word “Heart’ Means“), yet these individuals display flamboyant presentations, using emotionally driven, experientially derived language in order to motivate and drive their audiences, merely to promote their own agendas.  It is unfortunate that the Bible becomes a prop in their hands to validate their own presuppositions, as opposed to the Bible being their guide that they follow.    

When ever these individuals address the powers that be, rather in the forms of our governmental structure, our political system, are schools of higher education, or any other secular institution; they utilize power and intimidation which is merely a display of their own egos and pride, as opposed to humility and submission based upon faith in the God they profess to believe in.  This is never to say that we should allow ourselves to be abused to the extent that we allow evil to run rampant, this has more to do with the attitude that we display to the world when we confront them, as we are never just to allow evil to exist or grow.   

Christ’s Example
It is Christ that is our best example of how to be in the world, but not a part of the world (John 15:19).  Understanding that He is the Divine Son of God, sinless; and that we will never even come close to His example; yet He is our best source to attempt to follow as best as we can.  How often have we seen spiritual leaders filled with self-righteous indignation demand that their enemies submit to our own belief systems.  This is NOT what Christ came and did.  Concerning Christ, a simple reading of Philippians 2:5-8 paints an amazing picture.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

Please allow me to share a few insights concerning this passage.

Concerning the word “mind“,consider the following passages:

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart [which includes primarily the mind, as well as the emotions and the will], be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”  Psa 19:14

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart  [which includes primarily the mind, as well as the emotions and the will], that I might not sin against thee“  Psa. 119:11

“Keep* thy heart  [which includes primarily the mind, as well as the emotions and the will] with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life“   Pro. 4:23

*”Keep” (nasar) = “guard.”  A verb meaning to guard, to keep, to observe, to preserve, to hide. The word refers to people’s maintaining things entrusted to them, especially to keeping the truths of God in both actions and mind

“be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” Rom. 12:2

“…bringing into captivity every thought“  2 Corth. 10:5    

“forgetting those things which are behind…”  Php. 3:13

“…think on these things” Php. 4:8

“…gird up the loins of your mind“  1 Pet. 1:13

Concerning the doctrine that Christ is fully man and fully God.

First we know that the Scripture says that “God is not a man, that he should lie, ” (Numbers 23:19); yet those that would espouse that Jesus maintained His divine attribute of Omnipotent (“All Powerful, Visible & Invisible.”), naïvely accuse God of breaking His Word, because here in Philippians (Php. 2:7-8), it unequivocally it states that Jesus became a man in every sense of the word, yet a sinless man. 

And for those that would say that Jesus being sinless would not make him fully man, ignore the fact that Adam was fully man and he was created sinless until his fall.  So Jesus could be fully man, and yet sinless at the same time, and exactly fulfill this passage. 

One of the phrases in the Philippians passage is, “and was made [Greek: ginomai," to become"] in the likeness [Greek; homoioma, "a figure," "image," "likeness," "representation," i.e. resemblance such as amounts almost to a quality or identity" ~ again this addresses the essence of Jesus being God and not the outward manifestations of attribute] of men: And being found in fashion [Greek: schema, "The habitus, as comprising everything in a person which strikes the senses, the figure, bearing, discourse, actions, manner of life etc." ~ this is his attributes - and proves the fact that he did not have Omnipotent power] as a man,”

When it says that Jesus “took upon him the form [Greek: mophe, "the form by which the person or thing strikes the vision" or external appearance" ~ this refers to a being's outward attributes, not their inward essence, such as supernatural power] of a servant,” what does that mean?  A King is a King, and a servant is a servant; and a servant never exercises the powers of a King. 

What about the analogy of the “The Prince and the popper,” as a rationality that Jesus look like a man, yet maintained His power.  This would overlook the fact that when the Prince traded places with the popper, he did not have the power of a Prince.  In fact, it was not until he traded places again that he would regain the power of a Prince.  If the prince, who had traded places with the popper, walked up to a soldier and gave him an order, the soldier would have laughed, because a popper doesn’t have the power of the Prince.  And if Jesus was to become a servant it would be a charade if He had the power of God, and acted like He was defenseless.  Also see Isa. 53:3, “The Suffering Servant” of God, who lived in poverty & need, relying solely on God in faith.

Essence vs. Attributes ~ Jesus was all God and all Man
It is our understanding that Jesus, the Divine eternal Logos (Greek: “word,” or “communication of…”) of God (John 1:1), became fully man and was fully God.  this would appear to be an impossibility, a contradiction in terms.  However if we understand the difference between attributes and essence, we gain the understanding of how this could be No. 

It is whenever we dig deep into the original languages of the Bible that we glean a much clearer understanding of what is stated. One such example can be found in the use of the word “meek,” both as it is utilized in the Hebrew of Numbers 12:3, in reference to Moses; yet more importantly concerning the study at hand when the same word is used of Jesus as found in Matthew 11:29 , which states:

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

Meek
Unlike the English understanding of the word, the word “meek,” in the Greek meek means: “power under control,” in reference to the passages concerning Moses (those that say that he stammered and was weak or powerless, seem to gloss over the display of how powerful and dominant his personality really was as seen in the exodus of Israel.  The incident at the burning bush is a display of his humility, not any weakness) and Jesus. How do we come to this.  Utilizing the Greek Septuagint translation of the Old Testament, and the Byzantine Greek translation of the New Testament; the two words for “meek” used are synonyms in their root.    

“for I am meek” (praos) [G4235] – Matt. 11:29 ~ Taken from the New Testament Greek Textus Receptus

“Moses was very meek” (praus) [G4239] – Num. 12:3 ~ Taken from the Old Testament Greek Septuagint 

If we utilize the Old Testament Hebrew Masoretic Text in examining Numbers 12:3, the Hebrew word translated “meek” in the English is from the Hebrew word, “anaw,” (Strong’s # 6035). 

According to Vine’s Hebrew Dictionary:  “anaw is translated, humble; poor; meek.”  “Anaw” appears almost exclusively in poetical passages and describes the intended outcome of affliction from God, namely “humility.”  In its first appearance the word depicts the objective condition as well as the subjective stance of Moses “who was entirely dependent on God.”

In the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament, called the Septuagint (which Jesus mainly quoted from), the Greek word (praus) is translated from Hebrew word “anaw.” Praus is a synonym of the same Greek word used concerning Christ in Matthew 11:29, where Jesus refers to Himself as “meek.”

The first use of the word praus (understanding the first use of a word gives the clearest definition of the word, as over time often the word is used differently in secular sources.  This rule of in hermeneutics this refers to is ”The Law of First Mention”), was in a classical Greek play about the training of a particular breed of horse.  In the play, this breed of horse was known as the strongest runners, but also as the hardest to break because of their will power.  It was common for the stallions to die rather than being broke.  In the play, a very rich man fell in love with and purchased the strongest stallion out of a herd.  No matter what the rich man’s horse trainer did, he could not break the horse.  He advised the owner to destroy the horse due to its lack of utility and the danger it presented due to its uncontrollably.  The master decided to personally train the horse, which was very unusual because of his high station in life. The master decided to break the horse with love and patience as opposed to attempting to use power and force, which he knew would not work.

The master took over the feeding of the stallion. He had a giant pin built outside of his own tent, where the horse could readily observe him. Every morning and evening he would feed the horse personally by stepping out of his tent with a bucket of feed and slowly and methodically approach the pen, wherein he would place the bucket on the inside of the pin, and walk backwards to his tent slowly. After quite some time the master eventually stepped inside of the pen and proceed to step one step further each day then set down the bucket and step backwards, returning to his tent.

The animal was shrewd as well as powerful; he always stood in the middle of the pin where he could watch all the fence line for possible predators. The horse maintained his vigilance in the center of the pen whenever the master would step in to feed him, never moving as day by day the master stepped closer. Then, finally after months the master was close enough to touch the animal, and did so by petting his mane. The master continued to do this for another few months, until one day he walked out into the pin without a bucket, holding a bridle as he approached the horse slowly. The master walked up and placed the bridle on the horse, then gently slid upon the horses back and nudged him to move. The horse gently walk forward, and as the master pulled on one side of the bridle the horse’s head turned in that direction and accordingly the horse turned in that same direction. Within one day, never having to use force the master had broken the spirit of the horse to obey his own will.

The horse would allow no one else to come near him, and was dominant over all the other horses. He was known far and wide as the fastest, most powerful steed in the region.  He would jump any gorge or obstacle his master directed. He was courageous because of his trust (his faith which was not blind, but based upon their interaction) in his master.  He was not weak, powerless, afraid, or beaten down.  He was “power under control,” he was tamed by love, based upon faith; he was “meek.”
 
For these reasons, in today’s vernacular it seems more relevant for our usage of this Greek word to employ the English word tamed, rather than “meek” which simply means power under control.  Jesus was humble in nature, attitude and behavior; yet at the same time He was powerful, and fully in control of Himself. 

The Lessons to Learn
Keeping Christ as our ultimate example, the behavior of Daniel and his three friends display a pragmatic approach of conducting ourselves as believers in a unbelieving world by first displaying humility (which is the opposite of pride), which is “power under control” – “meekness.”

1) Engage in Introspection - Self-discernment
Yet, to be humble necessitates self discernment – introspection.  Introspection to be able to discern when we are simply defending our own egos based upon pride, as opposed to defending the gospel in humility.  And believe you me, unbelievers have the ability to know the difference.  Don’t forget that the unbelievers were created in God’s Image (in the person of Adam prior to man taking on a fallen nature), just as much as a believers were, even though the fallen nature has been corrupted, much of their discernment (many things are simply to easy to recognize, rather for the Believer or non-believer), is much better than we wish to give them credit, especially in regards to pride.  And do not attempt a fool yourself that because you’re a believer, and because the Holy Spirit indwells you cannot be self-deceived about your own sinfulness (remember Christ’s admonition to the apostles “be not deceived,” which would make no sense if this could not occur ~ Luke 21:8.  Believers can be deceived, and the worst type of deception is self-deception), God is a gentleman and will not crush you into seeing the truth, but will use His Word and experiences in life to teach you concerning your own pride and self-deception – if you will allow this to occur.  And this does not diminish the fact that unbelievers can tell the difference between an arrogant attitude, and a humble one.  So self-examination is necessary in order to foster humility based upon a true examination of who we really are as sinful creatures.  Paul elegantly said it best when he stated in 1 Corinthians 11:31, which states:

“For if we would judge [Greek: diakrino] ourselves, we should not be judged [Greek: krino].”

The first word for judge, diakrino, means to separate thoroughly, to withdraw from, to discriminate, or decide; depending on the grammatical breakdown.  The second word for judge, krino according to its grammar means in this passage to condemn.

The literal Greek rendering is: “if we discern for ourselves, then we will not be eternally condemned.” According to the full context of the chapter which centers around the Lord’s Supper; what is implied is that if a person discerns according to the Gospel, faith unto salvation, they will not be eternally judged – the discernment here is unto life.  Those in verse 29 are unbelievers, which is displayed because they could not see the value of Christ’s death, and indulged in the Lord’s  Supper focusing on themselves – if they were righteous enough to partake, not on Jesus’ as the only acceptable sacrifice for their sins.  In verse 32 it states literally in the Greek:

“when we perceive we are condemned as sinners, this perception by faith leads to God’s training/teaching [by and through His Word] wherein we are saved apart from the world that is condemned to pay the price for that condemnation“. 

2) Develop Humility
As displayed by Christ Himself, as well as Daniel and his three friends; humility is not the same as self loathing, but is a recognition of a person’s true worth.  Whereas Christ understood His Divinity, yet never needed to flaunt it.  He never defended Himself or justified Himself (which is normally from a human standpoint based on insecurity, “I know this one far too well”).  And concerning the self-evaluation of a believer as fallen man, self-righteousness should be the last manifestation that should be seen.  We gain the proper attitude by stopping the justification for our own sinfulness.  By stripping away our rationality’s of why our sin is acceptable, yet others is not.  We call a spade a spade.  We look into the mirror of God’s Word and come to the only conclusion possible, we’re terrible sinners deserving of hell and damnation.  And the only value we have is the value that God has placed on us, never deserving; but always grateful. 

If we truly look at ourselves as we are, humility is the natural fruit that is born.  And it is what we see in the life of Daniel and his three friends as living as believers in an unbelieving world.

3) Fight Pride
Developing humility is not a one-time experience, it is a lifelong progression.  We should always continue to do as stated above, to stay mindful of our true sinful motivations and behaviors.  Yet, in fostering humility is also necessary to fight against pride.  So the question becomes how to we fight against pride.  What we must also understand is fighting pride is not ACTING humble – acting something is not being something. Acting is faking it, (Editorial: which is why I wonder why actors and movie stars are given so much attention concerning their views on political and controversial issues.  We forget that we pay these people to lie to us.  These individuals display some of the most self-centered, deceitful and emotionally disturbing behavior of those among us – why, because they live in a world of faking it, of saying and doing what profits them.  Acting is a fraudulent deception wherein the actors fool their audience, even if it is by choice of the audience.  It is still antithetical to that which is authentic), it cultivates deception within a person’s life.  Please allow me to share a story. 

Golda Meir, one of the great Israeli leaders, was seated in the Knesset next to a gentleman who was making a speech to the General assembly.  As he was concluding his speech, attendees would start to clap as he was trying to seat him.  He would start to sit down and then rise his hands making gestures to stop the clapping, but then he would start to raise up again and bow.  After repeating this behavior five times, Golda leaned over and stated: “stop acting so humble, you’re not that great.”  What an example of what so many people think humility is – faking it, acting humble as a charade, while only fostering genuine pride.

Acting and Being
This is the way a lot of individuals approach the subject of humility; it’s all simply an acting game.  It’s like the motion picture executives said: “sincerity, when you learn to fake that, you’ve got it made.”  This is what occurs whenever we start acting and stop being something.  The difference between these two words necessitate the application of the first principle – introspection, self discernment.  Many people are so used to acting they have no realistic understanding of what it is like to simply be.  The activity of being, as opposed to acting, is the activity of being genuine, of being authentic.  It is NOT always easy to distinguish this many times. 

If I know that there are certain expectations concerning my behavior, and I behave that way in order to achieve acceptance (within dysfunctional families this becomes a survival tool, and is more easily seen in abused individuals; especially victims of incest and extreme abuse.  Alcoholics and drug addicts are masters in this area either to being victims or abusers themselves.  We forget that most addicts while perhaps starting their addiction for purposes of enjoyment, maintain their addiction to medicate themselves as a coping strategy to deal with internal pain), therefore, am I acting or am I being.  Well, unfortunately most the time we would be acting. 

However, there is a good side to this type of acting, if it done concerning acting in the positive. If you act something long enough, many times you become what you are acting.  One of the positive things about human nature is that many times if we keep doing the right thing, even though we don’t want to, even though we are doing it to be accepted by others; after a while this habituation becomes natural and we stopped acting, and start becoming what we are doing.  Yet, what we must always do is be honest with ourselves about our true motivations.  Many state that this is the basis for socialization, that individuals perform at the level they know they are required to perform.  No matter what, if this is true or not, the point is if you can do something long enough that it affects the way that you think and your attitude; and therefore it can affect the difference between being and acting, as it becomes an innate part of who we become.

Act the Way you Think, Not the Way you Feel
Many people say that the reason they don’t behave correctly is that it’s not authentic; it’s not the way they really feel.  Well, were never supposed to be fully dominated by the way we feel.  Some would say that this is fraudulent that you need to act the way you feel.  Yet, if you notice that these individuals’ lives are full of drama, their normally self-deceived concerning their own pride and motivations, because emotion’s are so deceptive.  We need to smile when you’re happy, we need to cry when you’re sad – this is not what I’m talking about.  The point is if I allow my emotions to be my master then I sidestep utilizing my brain.  This is why the Scripture says and Philippians 4:7-9, which states:

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

The reality of life is this – I act the way I feel, yet I feel the way I think.  My point is that you must think in order to even feel.  Thinking is what you utilized understand the situation that you respond by feeling.  If we learn to challenge how we think about something, we learned to feel differently.  If myself talk rationalizes that I can be a thief because I was brought up poor, my feelings will follow this type of logic.  And my emotions will demand that the world owes me something.  This will come out in my attitude.  This is why Paul said in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5:

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ“

It’s really not as complicated as it seems but the point is this: if you spend your time in God’s Word, thinking upon those things to be true (“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~ Philippians 4:8) that God has said they will affect how you process information, and therefore how you feel in response to what occurs in your life.  This in turn will develop your attitude in response to those events.  Act the right way – be honest about your motivations, even if your honesty is only internal – because the outcome is that you become different in a process, gaining a greater ability to become more honest with yourself the more you practice this. 

This may be the reason that Jesus was so comfortable with sinners.  Their sin was obvious to everyone, including themselves and could not be rationalized, so there was a sense of being authentic about who they really were, they were NOT fake.  Yet the religious leaders of Jesus’ day always received His criticism, because the act did righteous, deceiving others as well as themselves and self-deception; and were therefore guilty on the inside (Matthew 23:25).  Even if the best we can do at the time is to act the right way, based upon the motivations of being accepted by others as opposed to being good for the sake of being good, be honest about it – at least to yourself.  Shakespeare said it best when he said: ” to thine own self, be true.”  

Fighting Pride
Fighting pride is much easier than it seems as seen in Luke 9:23, which states:

“And He [Jesus] said to them all, If any man wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

Notice what it does not say, it does not say to pick up Jesus’ cross — No one could do that. It says to pick up “his,” referring to our individual cross.

What cross was Jesus speaking about?  What did he mean?

A cross is an instrument of death; it is only used to kill something.

In this case it is a device to kill the flesh; it is something that we can use to put to death our self-centered, narcissistic, and self-ruling life.  We are not speaking only of the kind of obvious vanity that is seen in movie stars and rock stars. 

Were talking about a self-centered life which is void of submission to God.  These individuals, many times display philanthropic and humanitarian characteristics; where benevolence, compassion and even deep love are seen.  However, many times it is in the unseen aspects of a person’s motivations that we come to understand the sincerity of their sacrificial gestures.  As a counselor the question I often ask myself prior to a session is, ” who’s needs am I meeting.”  Unfortunately, many times they are simply my own, yet I must pose the question constantly in order to attempt to stay on track and stay client centered rather than allowing my own agenda to creep into the situation. 

The individuals that I’m speaking about are those that may do very loving and righteous acts, yet if their motivation is to make others appreciate them or to fulfill some sense of self-worth, in reality it is still self-centered behavior.  I can’t honestly say that I can come close to reckless abandon concerning self.  Many times words like these harm my own soul.  However, truth must be spoken, even if it harms the speaker.  And the point of all this goes back to the need for introspection, and being true to ourselves concerning our true motivations concerning any and all behaviors.  It is at this point that we can come to understand how diabolical the sin nature within us really is.  And therefore the necessity up picking up our cross and crucify our own narcissism and self-centeredness, daily as Christ says.

The Grammar
In Koiné Greek, when two nouns are connected with the conjunctive, “and” (Greek: kia [G2532]), and ONLY one has the definite article, (Greek) ho [G3588]), while the other noun does not have the definite article; the two nouns are speaking about the same thing in essence, they are referring to the same person or thing; not separate entities.  An example of this can be found in Luke 19:23, which states:     

“…let him deny himself, and [Greek: kia] take up his [Greek: ho] cross daily…”

The definite article can normally be found in one of three different spellings in the Greek; ho, hay, to (Greek: [G3588]), though there are other definite articles which apply as well.  In most cases the definite article is translated into the English: “the,” “this,” “these,” “that,” “his,” “he,” “her,” “she,” “some,” “it;” as well as other pronouns.

And IF these conditions are not met exactly, then the two nouns are NOT the same in essence, and are not synonymous, but separate (example of where the nouns are separate can be found in: Rom. 8:17, Acts 6:8).

Therefore, what this verse is saying is that denying yourself is the same as picking up your cross, the two are the same in essence. Very simply, Christ is defining how we pick up our cross, how we crucify the flesh, how we die to self; which is to done by denying ourselves.

Another very notable example of this grammatical principle (called the “Granville Sharpe Rule of Greek Grammar”), is found in Ephesian 4:11, which states: “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some (Greek: ho [G3588]), pastors and (Greek: kia [G2532]) teachers.” Therefore, some pastors and teachers referred to here is speaking about the same person who is responsible for both functions, not two separate individuals – these two nouns, pastors and teachers are not two people but one person who holds two functions.

Your cross will aid in helping you “to die to self”
As we previously addressed in the essay “the leaven of the Pharisee“, the foundational sin of Lucifer was that of pride, and therefore every sin has its root in pride.  As we discussed, you cannot sin without pride being the foundation that the sin was motivated by.  And pride is not simply wanting to look good, it actually has to do with the focus of attention.

This explains why pride can be seen in both self grandiosity, “seeing me, how great I am,” as well as self loathing, “see me, how sick I am;” the point of both of these types of behavior is the focus of attention, which must be on self.  Pride, seeking to have the attention “I feel I deserve” is the most prominent spiritual sin committed within the clergy, which again explains why Christ referred to it as the “doctrine of the Pharisee“ (Matt. 16:12).  He also spoke about following their instructions when they spoke out of the Torah, yet not following their behaviors which were examples of pride, being puffed up with self, which Jesus referred to as their “doctrine.” 

So if self-centeredness, which is self-obsession, is at the root of every sin, then it is pride that must be killed by “daily picking up our cross,” wherein we deny ourselves. 

When it comes to fighting against self, against pride; what tools besides denying self are there – I only know of one other way to kill my pride, to pick up my cross daily and die to self – it is by FIRST exercising humility .

It has been wisely said: “pride cannot grow where humility has already been planted.”

And in case we need any reassurance about how God feels about pride, what is it that James 4:6 states:

“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”

Christ, who is our example, as well as our Lord; did not come on a King’s steed; He came on a lonely colt, and as Matthew 20:28 states:

“just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

When Jesus spoke about leadership within the church, of how His followers were to treat their followers, what did He say as recorded in Luke 22:25-27:

“And He said to them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called benefactors. But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves.”

Another passage which directs where we should put our focus, as opposed to on self only; is Philippians 2:4, which states:

“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

This is not stating that we are not to take care of our own interest, but that we are also to care about that which is a priority to others.  It is about asking people about their lives not just talking about our own.  It is about seeking to help others, not only to get them to help us.  It is the working out of humility on a daily basis.

Understanding that Jesus is our only true example, as He is Divine and righteous, and our Savior, but most importantly our God; yet when I look to the examples of men in the Bible, besides that by Daniel, I always consider Paul.

Paul was a very human man, he displayed his sin, as seen openly within his many letters – he was not pretentious, he did not try to hide his humanity.  He was a man that could act out in pride or arrogance, yet would admit those sins just as freely (2 Cor. 11:23; 12:11). 

Humility, A Tool to Fight Pride
You see humility does not mean that a person does not have pride in their life.  Humility is what they do to fight the pride in their life.  It’s when pride goes unchecked, without restraint that sin runs rampant. 

It is when we humble ourselves that we stand any chance of holding pride in check.  It’s by taking ownership of our sins and wrongs that pride is resisted by humility.  It is not falling down in pride, as much it is how many times we get up in humility (James 4:10). 

And if we choose not to humble ourselves, if we are God’s child, He is then forced to humiliate us (James 4:6).  And it is far easier when we humble ourselves and grow in character, then when God humiliates us in front of all, and we stumble yet one more time.  However, even then if we take ownership of our sin, confessing our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us (1 John 1:9).

Concerning Paul, one of his repetitive introductions and epitaphs was his reference to himself as a ”bond salve” of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:1;1 Corinthians 7:21; Colossians 1:10; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:7; Titus 1:1;).  Unfortunately, our English translations of the Bible many times translate this term into “servant,” however; the Greek word utilized by Paul has much more meaning than our simple English term.  The Greek word which is translated into the English word “servant” is: Dulos and meant “A bond salve by choice,” indebted for life to serve humbly.  It is understanding the history of this word that we gain a much clearer view of the humility which Paul exhibited.

Slavery
To equate what the Bible refers to as being a “bond slave,” or selling oneself into slavery; with projections concerning 18th or 19th-Century, is completely false (See Endnote #6). 

In the Old Testament slavery was an option allowed for an individual that had become destitute or due to calamity lost his entire livelihood and possessions in order to save his life and or his families. 

The idea was this.  If a man lost everything and had no grain to feed his animals, he could sell himself to another man to become his servant, which we commonly referred to as employment, but the Bible refers as becoming a slave, some translations use the word “servant.”  Many of these individuals were referred to as “field hands,” and slept in their own homes at night and worked for their master’s during the day.  There were other situations where individuals would become totally destitute and have no food for their family whatsoever.  In these cases they could indeed sell themselves as a slave 24/7, living with the master (a term sometimes to be equated with the current label “boss”)  for a set period of time in order to feed their family, while paying off that debt that they had incurred. 

Whereas without the Biblical guidelines they could be forced into a form of slavery which the nations around Israel participated which was barbaric.  It was not that God was rationalizing slavery; it was that God was allowing this form of servitude so that someone was not sold into slavery such as Joseph was concerning the Egyptians.  According to God’s law, a man would work 7 years to pay off his debt no matter what size the debt was.  There was also a celebration called Jubilee which was held the year after the 49th year (7 times 7), and redemption was again given within Israel. 

The point was, if you owed a non-Hebrew individual money and you didn’t pay they would come and take you and your family; and you would spend the rest of your life as slaves if not for the law which God had instituted inside of Israel as a protection for His people. 

Under God’s law you could go to a family member, a “kinsman-redeemer,” and seek to have him pay off your debt, and you could go work as a servant for him under conditions which were much better working conditions, again somewhat synonymous with today’s type of employment.  Now to the definition of a “bond slave.”

Bond Slave
A bond slave was an individual who had worked off their debt, and had obtained their freedom.  Yet, during the course of their servitude they had married another servant and had children.  According to the Torah, the father could sell himself gladly back to the family to purchase and redeem his other family members.  This was an honored position, and treated much differently than normal servants or salves; because it was servitude by choice – we get the concept of a trustee from this situation. 

There was a ceremonial act that would take place where the husband who is purchasing his family would stand at the front door of the house, leaning his ear against the door-frame, and have his ear nailed to the door with awl, placing a part of their skin within the door frame, a symbol of the strength of the house, and of him becoming a prominent part of the house.  

Then the nail would be pulled out, and he would wear an earring in the hole in his ear as a symbol that he was a bond salve, which was a sign of superiority indicating he had become a servant with the home for life others own free will, sacrificing himself for his own family.  Therefore, he was admired and respected by the other slaves for having sacrificially placed his family before himself.  And because this was a lifelong commitment, and was only done by individuals with integrity; bond slaves were always supervisors in the household, not doing hard labor, but taking care of and managing the master’s estate in good stead.  This is what Paul meant when he meant he was a bond slave of Jesus Christ. 

God use this kind of symbolism to also teach the foreshadowing of what his son would do by purchasing humanity when He was bonded to the cross with awls (nails), displaying perfect servitude to the Father and purchasing us with his blood (this is where we get the understanding of what Jesus meant in John 5:39, which states: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”  Everything written in God’s Word is to teach us about Christ, rather directly or indirectly, even in the object lessons such as this.). 

My Un-Daniel-Like Years
During my first 20 years or so a be the Christian, I practiced apologetics (See Endnote #5); attempting to win arguments and debates concerning the gospel.  And when I say arguments, I do not mean heated displays of rage, I mean it in the rhetorical sense of presenting opposing views, sometimes informal one-on-one; sometimes structured such as debates.  But I am NOT speaking about trying to cram anything down someone’s throat, simply presenting an analytical and scientific presentation concerning the validity of Christianity. There are unbelievable internal evidences, as well as external evidences (See Endnote #5) to prove the validity of Christianity.  However, I was not following Daniels example of humbly addressing my opponents; atheists and agnostics.    

Application of the Lessons Learned
During those 20 years, when an atheists or agnostics would present something that was un-biblical, or opposed to Christianity I would debate them displaying a lack of respect, never realizing it was really my own ego that was in control (which is what I’m referring to concerning the above supposed spiritual leaders), I used a rationality for my lack of humility (which displayed a lack of power under control), that I was fighting the good fight.  I came across far too emotionally (which unfortunately is far too easy as I am an emotional responder by nature), allowing my feelings to get into the battle.

However, when I started my latest career in substance-abuse counseling, where I was required to attend secular college; I was more amenable to following Daniels example.  I managed better self-control than I would’ve ever thought was possible.  Please do not misunderstand I do not claim to have mastered this ability, in fact I have much further to go before I should be acting as one with authority on the subject. 

But one of the little secrets I learned on how to survive within a secular college was that it was not my job to correct the teacher or the curriculum.  Their responsibility was to teach me information.  What I needed to do was to learn the information and display that I learned it by answering the test questions appropriately, according to what they said was the correct answer.  Their job (though most of them didn’t understand this) was to teach me information; that was it. 

Now, during class interaction when our opinions were sought, I presented my belief system, what I felt the Word of God had to say when what they were teaching or others were stating contradicted the Bible.  And I must admit there were many occasions that my feelings were hurt, and I went home feeling awful.  But the point was I did much better during those years in college than I had done in the previous 20 years; as far as learning to survive as a believer in an unbelieving environment.  I have an awful long way to go, and because of my own insecurities I will probably never ever get close to the level that Daniel and his three friends did. 

But our Christian walk is simply that, a life of progression.  And whereas I am not the example, it is when you are I follow God’s Word as our example that we get a little further down the road, and do a little better.  I received honors at my college, never receiving lower than an A on all my assignments, tests, and midterms exams, and term-papers.  Yet, more importantly I was a better example of a follower of Christ in an unchristian environment.  

Conclusion
So, to conclude; to live as believers in an unbelieving world we need to:

First, judge ourselves through fervent introspection, by using critical self-discernment – SEE
Second, consciously cultivate then display humility based upon introspection – CHOOSE
Thirdly, fight pride by humbling yourself, putting others first, and taking ownership of your sin – DO 

Endnote
1. Psychology ~ Why has it Gained its Credibility.  Have you ever asked yourself as a Christian, why does humanistic psychology have so much credibility within our culture.  Agreeing first that the un-saved individuals lack an aspect of discernment which renders them spiritually blind.  However, we must remember at the same time that the imageness of God, which was placed in Adam (though affected by man’s fall unto degradation); is still a part of humanity, as seen any intelligence in man, and mans abilities to yet discern his environment, and others.  Man’s perception may be limited in certain areas, or at certain times; yet the unbeliever still bears a perception that God placed within man.  Therefore, how do we explain the hundred years of radical acceptance of psychology by the masses, both believers and unbelievers all over the world?  I believe the reason for this is that psychology as a supposed scientific pursuit has made many thoughtful observations concerning man and his behavior.  And that as psychologists learn from these observations, and can therefore make predictions, they thereby gain credibility from the masses.  Example: you can watch a dog for weeks, perceiving and recording its reactions to its environment; and therefore conclude a very thorough sophisticated outline concerning the dogs actions and the probability of future actions.  However, this does not give you any formation concerning the true internal aspects of the dog.  You cannot tell if the dog has a spiritual aspect – a soul, and if so, where it’s soul came from prior to its physical existence.  And if this could be true, you could not determine if there was a master designer – a God who originally created the dog; or who that personage may be.  Nor can you tell what happens after its death.  And though you may be able to make certain somewhat qualified predictions concerning its behavior, you would only be guessing concerning the working of its motivation and understanding of life, both actually would be foreign to your endeavor.  the best you could do is gasp based upon your insights into the thinking process of man, understanding that a dog is not the same and could not truly be compared.  However, this is what psychology has done concerning humans, and concerning their observation of dogs have stated that they can make conclusion concerning dogs in reference to humans, because humans are just animals themselves and there must be some similarity.  Psychologist, whether stated or not must group man within the same arena as animals, explaining how experiments can be done animals that will reflect aspects concerning humanity.   It’s done concerning biology wherein lavatories are set up to test products on animals before human consumption, and psychology just takes it one step further than.  Example: one of the many psychological insights that has given psychology such credibility is referred to as ”Birth Order Personalities,” as originally created by Kevin Leman. This hypothesis conjectures that within an original family group, that certain personalities will develop according to which child is born in what order.  The first child normally becomes the hero, the achiever; the second child normally becomes the rebel, the third child becomes the clown, and the fourth child becomes the silent child.  Now this all breaks down whenever you bring in blended families where conflict between the chronology breaks down as prior established personalities conflict within the new blended family unit.  Where there are now two heroes who duke it out, and so on.  This is a very understandable phenomena.  With the first child, the parents having no experience and treat the child as if it is gold, treating as if it would not grow up right unless they treated like the center of their world.  It is common that this child is spoiled, having been doted over by parents and grandparents alike as the first introduction of children to the family.  They invest more time and energy into this child, which creates a sense of empowerment and entitlement in the child which normally leads to this child being a leader, a winner, more dominant than others.  The second child may attempt to usurp the first child’s station in the family, yet the parents and others have already accepted the role of the first child, so the second child would search for identity, and normally finds it as being the opposite of the first child, as the antagonist; in the form of being in the rebel, where they gain attention in this way.  The third child, in searching for identity finds acceptance by being non-threatening in getting attention as the family clown, he receives attention from others by being the funniest.  The fourth child, finding no ready acceptance becomes more introverted, usually astute and excels academically.  The commonality that all of these children seek is in the form of seeking love, which is manifest in seeking attention.  It has been wisely said that the opposite of love is not hate, but in the refusal to acknowledge the other person’s existence.  If two people were in love and broke up, and the one that left still hated the one that wanted the relationship to continue, the rejected one still is involved in a relationship even though it is based upon hate – there are emotions still being churned.  Yet, there is nothing worse for the rejected one than to sense that there is completely no feelings whatsoever for them; they are nonexistent in the world of the person they love.  This is devastating, even worse than being hated.  There is nothing worse in the world then isolation, and isolation is based upon a lack of relationship, it is based upon a lack of acceptance and acknowledgment.  Therefore, as a child grows up it is primed to their feeling of love to be accepted and acknowledged as who they are.  Therefore as intelligent creatures as God made us, as we grow up within our own family we seek out acceptance and acknowledgment, validity of our existence.  And this is done by our behaviors, and habitual behaviors are simply manifest in what we refer to his attitudes, which are presented into the world as personalities.  Therefore, this observation; if true, is not based on any great the nominal of psychology, simply an observation of reality.  Before I ever heard of Kevin Leman, my grandfather spoke about the same kind of phenomena concerning humanity having never went to college a day in his life.  As it goes there always breakdowns in classifying anything, and exceptions to the rule, and the same is true concerning this type about starvation; especially within a culture where divorce and remarriage is the standard rather than the exception.  Also exceptions are seen in the length of time between the different births.  Such as a baby that is born 5 to 10 years after the rest; which may become the golden-haired child because it’s siblings, if female will nurture it, and it becomes spoiled having many more people to render time to its parenting – it’s the “baby”.  The point is, that this type of observation wherein psychology has grained such credibility is merely based upon spending time studying something.  It does not validate the science as a whole concerning any conclusions or treatment that psychologist may render, hence the reason we have over 500 different types of psychological pursuits.  and despite all of the clamor and rhetoric concerning psychology, these observations may or may not help in assisting individuals in the treatment of how to deal with (what psychology terms as), mood disorders, personality disorders, or physical or environmental stressors (as identified and classified in the  “DMS-IV-TR”, the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” utilized by the medical and psychological establishments), as well as any other psychological condition people display.
2. Psychology ~ Its History in a Nutshell.  While many say that Sigmund Freud, and his apprentice Carl Jung are the fathers of European psychology, William James and Wilelm Wundt are considered by most to be the fathers of modern psychology in America.  Many people think of psychology as one discipline, rather than understanding that it is more of a category with over 500 individual disciplines under it’s heading.  By the late 1970s there were over 250 different psychological disciplines – forms of therapeutic approaches to the treatment of mental deficiencies or problems; with this number increasing almost 500 by the turn-of-the-century.  What most people don’t understand is that each new psychological approach was created usually in deference to another approach, so within these 500 different forms of treatment while there may be an eclectic use of the same terms, or tools; most of them seem to be antithetical one to the other.  The point is there is NOT a uniform consensus that can be addressed when one form is used to attack Christianity.  The devil was very smart in this, rather than have one arch-enemy where a template could be devised where Christians could understand how to deal with these philosophies which are antithetical to Christianity, Satan create hundreds of different modalities, with different presuppositions.  However, there are certain presuppositions which a majority of these forms of treatment hold to as foundational.  There as are many types of psychology; consequently, there are many different groupings of these presuppositions.  A random listing might consist of: Determinism, Experimentalism, Reductionism, Naturalism, and Relativism.  Others might also add Materialism, Evolution, Empiricism, Humanism, and even Occultism.  attempting to make overboard statements concerning the field of psychology becomes different whenever we approach the methodology or foundational presuppositions of these diverse therapies.  Yet, many of these approaches deal with thinking processes that have been disturbed because of past experiences and or physical trauma to the muscle referred to as a brain.  The mind is not a physical description, the brain is.  And as many of these disciplines seek to understand those activating events which initiated trauma to the human mind, many believe that this knowledge will indicate the proper course to addressing the treatment of these traumas.  In the early part of the 20th century a divergent philosophy concerning psychology, which was antithetical in many aspects emerged.  This new approach rejected introspective methods or mere talk therapy and sought to restrict psychology to experimental methods which reduced problems to behaviors, behaviors which could be learned and unlearned. All of us have heard of “Pavlov’s Dog,” where Ivan Pavlov observed the connection between behavior and thought processes.  It was B. F. Skinner who perfected many of the insights gained within behaviorism.  And while an avowed atheist and humanist, Skinner dealt with behaviors and conditioning as opposed to delving into the psyche of the subject.  Skinner’s modality, termed ”Radical behaviorism is the philosophy of the science of behavior. It seeks to understand behavior as a function of environmental histories of reinforcing consequences. Such a functional analysis makes it capable of producing technologies of behavior. Unlike less austere behaviorisms, it does not accept private events such as thinking, perceptions, and unobservable emotions in a causal account of an organism’s behavior” (Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B.F._Skinner).  Of all the forms of psychology, over 500; this approach to the human condition is much more conducive to dealing with training or retraining human behaviors.  Yet, this as all psychological approaches must be understood to be humanistic and man oriented as opposed to Christian and God oriented.
3. Psychology ~ When Mixed with Christianity.  Today there are many in the church who practice what they refer to as “Christian Psychology.”  These individuals are normally well-meaning believers that have great empathy (to experience compassion for someone who is going through something that YOU HAVE went through yourself) or sympathy (to experience compassion for someone who is going through something that YOU HAVE NOT went through yourself) for others; however, it is their training in psychology that we should question, not their motives.  Yet, if you take the time to thoroughly examine this practice, you will find that it is a psychologist or therapist that uses biblical citations, merely as props, yet does not fully follow biblical doctrine.  Even those that use a lot of Scripture, MAINLY do so loosely and merely to make their own presuppositions (I am not ONLY referring to psychological premises, but also to the positive side of the human conscience.  Many of the teachings found in God’s Word are just good common sense.  This is because we are made in the imageness of God Himself, through Adam.  Therefore, these presuppositions may line up with the Bible, but the question becomes what came first the presupposition or the Bible that they use to find Scriptures that validate their beliefs), while practicing a psychological framework which is their ultimate guide; rather it is antithetical to the Bible or not.  Many times what they state is simply common sense, and may even be neutral.  But it is when they present psychological presuppositions concerning discretion that you must be alarmed.  Remember the old adage, simply because the poison is only a drop within a large glass, does not nullify the death that follows.  There over 500 different types of psychological pursuits, and it is impossible to address them all, yet if you take them one by one you will find that their practitioners are psychologist first and foremost, and that the use of Scriptures as props does not validate their forms of therapy, even if they call it Christian psychology.  Psychology, according to the popular Rogerian (Carl Rogers) example, is “client centered,” which is anathema to the book of principles wherein the Bible is God centered.  Foundational to any therapeutic pursuit is a relationship between counselor and counselee; wherein the counselor is always on the side of the counselee, taking what they say at face value, rather than the pursuit of truth.  Often I have heard supposedly Christian counselors advise Christian women to divorce a man who the woman states is verbally or emotionally abusive, which is not validated in the Bible; nor do they even attempt to use Scripture concerning these types of cases.  And worse yet, they never attempt to validate the merit of what the counselee says by meeting with the husband.  Pastorally speaking, having run into this type of situation the first saying is to bring the couple together and utilize God’s Word to work out the problems of their relationship.  What I mean by the premises or presumptions of psychology is such belief that verbal abuse is the same as physical abuse.  Or they haphazardly throw out the term emotional abuse.  Yet they are never there to witness these declarations that they assist occur based upon one person’s perspective.  As that counselor, how arrogant is it to believe that you can discern the reality by only hearing one side of the issue.  The arrogance and pride that is submitted by a counselor who thinks that they can judge a situation by hearing the counselee only displays a lack of humility, as well as a lack of faith in God that trusting in Him will result in a righteous conclusion.  Personally, within pastoral counseling I have repeatedly found how Christians that are uncomfortable in a situation; wishing for an excuse to leave, rather voluntarily or not distort the situation.  A good counselor looks for the truth, not for simply building a good relationship with the counselee, believing that they can interpret a situation from such a limited perspective.  Biblically speaking, the way to deal with an abusive husband is lined up in God’s word which I’ve never seen a Christian psychologist ever use.  The scriptural basis is very simple and found in Matthew 18:15-18.  This has to do with when Christians violate other Christians.  Yet the one thing I have never seen happen with a Christian psychologist is to state that marriage is to be honored even if it’s participants do not do so.  That divorce is not recognized except in the case of adultery as per Jesus very own words.  I have seen situations where women have been physically abused, and for their own physical safety as well as the safety of their children have left the husband, yet without divorcing them.  I have also seen God bring these families together by using the separation of losses a family to motivate the man to again seek God and correct his behaviors.  However, the Christian psychologist who set their priority as their discernment of the happiness of their client never speak of leaving the abuser without divorce.  Because why should the woman be tied to an abusive man and be unhappy.  This is their kind of thinking it has to do with a false belief that believers were created to be happy, as opposed to the Bible which states that believers were created to glorify their God.  This is why I say that Christian psychologist build their practice upon psychology first and foremost; because they do not have the courage to totally reiterate what God’s Word has to say within these kind of devastating situations.  Therefore, the psychologist is not allowing God to work in the situation, but they must manipulate based solely upon man’s ability, as opposed to God’s superiority.  Within the biblical framework for  pastoral counseling, a pastor already has built credibility in a relationship with the individuals prior to those situations that biblical counseling is needed.  Also, those that refer to themselves as Christian Counselors (those trained in psychology that utilize psychological theories and tools; rather they call themselves “Christian Psychologist,” or “Christian Counselor;” it is simply semantics, it is their premise and tools that define their behavior that counts), and charge money (even if they have to pay for higher education, this does not mandate that they make money from pastoral counseling to do so – it’s not about making money online it’s about serving God.  If He owns everything in my life, then why do I need to use Him to make money to pay for those tools that have equip me to better serve Him) for that which they have freely received of God, according to and through God’s Word (if they truly do use God’s Word as a foundation for their work), do so in violation of God’s Word (Matthew 10:5-8, as an example to us now).  There are no biblical allowances for an outside paid occupation of being a Christian psychologist. The presuppositions that are necessary to practice psychology are antithetical to God and His Word; it is like mixing oil and water.  Either you serve one, or you serve the other, period (Matthew 6:24).  They do not mix, at all.  I spent years as a proponent of Christian counseling, always fighting my internal biblical reasoning, until finally I had to stop following the vanity of my own mind in order to legitimize my wholesale commitment of time and energy that I had made to psychology.  Many Christians are won over to Christian psychology because it legitimizes their behaviors, and many times appears to free them from challenging, if not dangerous situations.  However, it is God and His Word that is to be supreme in our life, not humanistic philosophies which can APPEAR so helpful, or even logical. remember Colossians 2:8-10, which states:

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.”

4. The Difference Between Attributes and Essence – How Christ was all God and yet all Man.

Attributes
A common problem that I see in the church today is confusing attributes and essence.  The essence of something is what it is in its makeup, internally, whereas the attributes are behaviors (which can be seen and therefore identified, which is not true of essence, which is the inner part of a person), which are simply displays that radiate from, and are distinct from the essence that created them.  It is very common for people to mistake attributes for essence, and falling short in their understanding many times they misinterpret the essence of something because the attributes or behaviors may vary in diverse situations.

Roles 
This may seem like a rationality for hypocrisy, however different situations mandate different responses, this is more readily seen because different roles maintain different responsibilities and therefore mandate different responses.  An example of this can be seen in human relationships.  A man may be the King of his castle at home, yet a servant while at work.  He may be a father to his son and therefore hold that prominent place of respect, yet when he is in the presence of his own father, he is to be the one displaying respect.  He is the same person, yet functions differently in different roles.  He may be a kind and loving father to his daughter, yet a stringent judge in the courtroom.  He may be the loving husband to his wife, yet the aggressive defender in his home taking the life of an intruder.  The person is the same, the essence of him has not changed, yet his roles and responsibilities are diverse in different situations, and therefore he displays different attributes.

Distinction between Attributes and Roles
In examining anyone we must always be aware of the role that the individual is playing at the time in order to evaluate the correctness of those attributes.  It is in examining those attributes, or behaviors that discretion must be seen according to the mandates of the situation.  It is rightly said that we should not judge one another as referred to in Matthew 7:1 (for the sake of this argument let us temporarily set aside the different Greek words for “judgment,” which can vary from unrighteous condemnation to righteous condemnation to evaluation for edification sake.  Whereas certain judgment is demanded in certain situations, such as: I Corinthians 5:12, 13; 6:2-5; 11:31;14:29; I Thessalonians 5:21 as compared to that which is condemned in other situations, such as: Matthew 7:1; Colossians 2:16; James 2:4;4:11,12), yet only of few verses later, Christ commanded that we judge concerning false prophets in Matthew 7:15-20.  What is the main difference in these two situations, it is the role of the one being evaluated, because they are a leader and therefore affect people in a different way than normal members of a group.  Wherein a false student may lead one or two astray, a good teacher will ferret them out; however, a false prophet (remember that the word “Prophet” means “one who speaks for another”, and may not have anything to do with telling the future, such as the case of John the Baptist) , especially in the role as a teacher, can do an immense amount of damage to many individuals; therefore because of their roles, and the responsibility that it entails, we are to evaluate or judge teachers because of this.  The role makes the difference, and as such, there should be different attributes that also follow.  Roles many times define attributes, or behaviors. 

The Roles of God  
The reason this discussion is necessary is to distinguish those attributes that God displays during certain roles He performs at certain times in history, as compared to other roles at diverse times.  This is why individuals have made the mistake of stating that the God of the Old Testament is a warring God that kills and judges; and the God of the New Testament is a loving and forgiving God, as seen in Jesus.  God the Father is the same, and so is Jesus in both Testaments, yet it is in the roles that they play at certain times wherein the confusion lies.  It is when men do not take the whole counsel of God1 into consideration; by using the justification of the local context only, isolating it from the rest of Scripture in an attempt to make their own point.  Scriptural context is more than its local application; it is in its application to the Bible as a whole that it must be utilized. 

When God the Father instructed the Israelites to kill every man, woman, and child of certain tribes and nations in the promised land, He did so as a father that is protecting His own child from those that would later seek out to destroy that child by either destruction or genetic contamination.  God the Father’s role was that of a protecting father.  Yet,  how could one question the love of God the Father in that He would nail His own Son to the cross for His enemies, which He would then adopt. 

It is in misunderstanding the roles of Jesus Christ that many liberals rationalize pacifism.  They concentrate on Jesus in His First Coming and interpret Jesus’ essence according to those attributes of that particular role that He displays on this occasion. This is why it is so helpful to understand that the four Gospels display four views of Jesus in His First Coming: that of the Matthew as the Messiah, the lion of the tribe of Judah; that of Mark as the suffering servant; that of Luke as the perfect man; and that of John as the son of God. 

Without the benefit of this perspective many concentrate only on Jesus as the suffering servant, and therefore only see him as demanding that everyone always turn the cheek.  While Jesus instructed the 70 disciples not take a sword with them on their first Ministry training outreach, they forget that Jesus latter speaking concerning His upcoming departure instructed them to carry a sword.  When they speak about His kindness, they do so by isolating Him from the contempt He showed to the Pharisees, or the intolerance he displayed to the opportunist when He turned over their money tables in the Temple courtyard. 

And most importantly they separate Him from the role He will play at His Second Coming, that of a warring conqueror claiming His prize.  They allegorize fire coming from His mouth, and the fact that He will kill millions of people.  His role at this time is defending Israel, and vanquishing the earth dwellers.
 
They also seem to have a hard time with the Christophanies of the Old Testament, the fact that Joshua was confronted by Him at night wearing a soldier’s uniform, a sword drawn in his hand, and announcing that he is the captain of the Lord’s Host, meaning that he is the very highest ranking warrior leader of God’s armies.

The world either wants to keep Jesus as a baby at Christmas who has no power; or as a pacifist unwilling to display power; either way, they can avoid his sovereignty to their own demise.

Caveat
Understanding that God displays different attributes according to the role He is fulfilling at that time, we must still understand the deficiency in defining God according to those, or any attributes; because attributes are not a definition of essence.  And whenever we attempt to define God according to His attributes we in essence attempt to minimize and compartmentalized Him.  We attempt to bring Him down to our capacity to understand.  How can the finite define the infinite?  It can’t, and any attempt to do so is condescending. 

Yet at the same time, we are intellectual creatures, created with logic and rationality’s, and have a need to understand anything and everything.  And by necessity, we must attempt to understand or define God, while at the same time; regarding the task with great reverence.  We can never rap our arms or minds around God, and to think we can to any large extent is blasphemous.  Yet, how do we know which God is really God.  God is a title and not a personal name or descriptor.  So which deity is truly deity?  This can only be accomplished by the mere act of attempting to understand, and therefore define that deity, but to do so in reverence and awe.

Technical Definition
Elwell’s Evangelical Dictionary of Theology says, concerning the attributes of God:

God is an invisible, personal, and living Spirit, distinguished from all other spirits by several kinds of attributes: metaphysically God is self-existent, eternal, and unchanging; intellectually God is omniscient, faithful, and wise; ethically God is just, merciful, and loving; emotionally God detests evil, is long-suffering, and is compassionate; existentially God is free, authentic, and omnipotent; relationally God is transcendent in being immanent universally in providential activity, and immanent with his people in redemptive activity.2

Answer to the Question
Of those attributes which are observable concerning God, if I had to name one that was most appealing to me, it would be that attribute for which my whole existence hinges that of God’s mercy.  We know that mercy is not receiving that negative reward we deserve, and that grace is receiving that benefit we do not deserve.  Therefore, it is difficult at best to separate grace from mercy. 

What is most amazing is that God in His infinite wisdom could display both attributes of justice as well as mercy, because they are mutually exclusive.  To display mercy mandates the restraint of justice; to display justice mandates lacking the ability to display mercy.  Yet God, as only God could; devised a means to maintain both of these attributes; while also maintaining an attribute just as necessary, that of integrity. 

In comparison, how unfortunate for those deceived by the false religion of Islam.  The non-existent god of Islam, lacks mercy as well as integrity.  This imaginary god is as inconsistent, as he is cruel. 

By contrast, we as Christians have a heavenly Father, who in His role as Father, is invincible; we have a Savior, who in His role as Savior is the perfect perpetuation for sin.  Their mercy and grace unwavering, and their integrity unceasing.

Footnote to this Endnote
1. Acts 20:27 – “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.”
2. ELWELL’S EVANGELICAL DICTIONARY OF THEOLOGY, Walter A. Elwell, Baker 
     Book House Company, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, USA, 1984, electronic media.

5. Apologetics ~ A Rudimentary Example of External Biblical Evidence.
 According to secular history we know that the man Jesus existed in the place and time which the Bible records.  Even false religions (the Koran) record these facts as well as His crucifixion as a criminal.  The question then becomes from a secular point of view, in order to explain His death, He either was a liar, a lunatic, or who He said He was, the Lord; the Son of God (and for those individuals that say that Jesus never made this claim to be God, they have never really read the Gospels ~ Matt. 5:18, Luke 24:27, Luke 24:44-47, John 1:1, John 1:14, John 1:29, John 1:45, John 5:39, John 8:13-58; John 12:16, John 13:13,14; John 14:6, John 14:9; John 15:25, John 17:6-7, for starters).  We see no evidence whatsoever to indicate He was a lunatic, and if He was we are at a total absence to explain how over 500 individuals thought contrary to this.  Therefore, the pivotal question becomes either Christ was a liar, or He was who He said He was, Lord of all (which is why the Pharisees kept trying to stone Him for claiming to be God, which is what the Torah demands as punishment).  If He was a liar, and during the post-resurrection He was seen by over 500 individuals who were living when the Gospels penned (meaning as the letters were being circulated, there would people who could give creditability or dispute those claims), how did He fake His resurrection.  The hypothesis referred to as “Swooning,” where Jesus was not actually killed, but due to the temperature of the cave and other conditions He later revived.  This displays a lack of insight concerning Roman crucifixion, wherein death was from suffocation and the inability to hold oneself up by their legs, which is why when the soldiers would get tired of waiting for a prisoner to die, they would break their legs (and if a prisoner got away, the soldier would take his place – do you think that a Roman would take any chances – there is never a record of this occur, no man crucified ever lived).  Yet, Jesus only lasted six hours, and to verify His death, a soldier plunged a spear into His side up into His heart cavity, wherein both water and blood flowed.  There has never been recorded case of a prisoner of crucifixion surviving the practice.  Therefore, if Christ was a liar, and somehow 500 individuals attest that He was resurrected, Christ must have had other accomplices in His conspiracy to fake everyone one out, but who; it could only be the apostles.  What is amazing about the 12 apostles, is that the prophesied one Judas, who took his own life, John lived to a ripe old age which appears to be somehow related to Christ’s words? (John 21:22), the remaining 10, according to secular history died as martyrs for the faith, claiming that the resurrection was true.  Now presuppose that you lived during this time in history when there was no common communications as we know it today.  And if you were a liar, 1000 miles from all your friends and were told you would be killed unless you were canted the Gospel story, why not recant.  I mean you could meet up with others later and claim that you did not recant, but were miraculously saved, who would know.  Yet, there has never been a story found in all of secular history of this occurring.  What secular history has recorded is that the 10 apostles of Jesus Christ were all tortured and murdered for claiming that Jesus Christ was the divine Son of God, that was resurrected three days after his death.  Peradventure, that a virtuous man would give his life for his brother; could we imagine that a liar would ever give his life for a lie, that he knew was a lie, when it wasn’t necessary to do so in order to maintain his integrity with his co-conspirators.
6. It is ironic when Black Liberation Theology proponents, and those that refer to themselves as Christian liberals desecrate the Bible based upon what they suggest is God’s sanction of slavery, as if the Bible was suggesting the type of slavery that they referred to as the brutalization that occurred on Southern plantations up until a century ago, was the same.  They gloss over the history that the original slave traders were Black African chieftains who captured to make money on the slave trade, never allowing the white-man beyond their coastline, or that many slaves were treated very well.  However, this does not take from the fact that slavery is perhaps the worst injustice perpetrated in American history.  So that individuals do not misunderstand what I am saying, there is no rationality for slavery as it is practice outside of God’s Word; which is not a rationality, but instructions so individuals will not become abused.  I am not supporting slavery in any way, shape, or form.  Man was created to be free, and the first and most important right due to humanity is this freedom.  Without freedom we have no choice to respond to God’s love, and choose to have faith in Him or to reject Him.  You asked me why God does not destroy evil as it exists today, it is because of the love He has for us; and that to destroy all evil, He would have to destroy all humanity.  And for the love that God had for man, He has allowed evil to exist – yet this is due because of the complete necessity of freedom.  And it is God, our Creator who tolerates sin, as opposed to destroying the sinner.  Of all the inhumanity of man, outside of mass genocide and murder; next in line is that of slavery.  The slavery that was practiced in United States displays perhaps the greatest wickedness of mankind, with the mass-murder of American Indians and enslaving them, as well as the wholesale destruction of their way of life and great nation (there are so many examples of the atrocities that we have done, neglecting any at this time is only because of a lack of space, we do not have time to address such examples as the interment of American Japanese during World War II, and many other atrocities that even now occur on a daily basis).  Fallen man, throughout history has done diabolical and evil things to each other, yet to equate God’s directions concerning servitude with the slavery of the United States is completely without merit.  It only takes a simple reading of the basic doctrine of Black Liberation Theology to understand that these are Christian cults, which have nothing to do with the true gospel of Jesus Christ.  Denigrating the atonement of Jesus Christ concerning salvation by faith in Christ alone into a corporate salvation, where social justice and the social gospel are foundational.  They openly teach that Christianity has been shanghaied and polluted by white Caucasians who have attempted to use the Bible in an effort to conquer the known world under the guise of capitalism. 

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Just for information to my friends the following is what I have undergone in the last month or so. 

Emergency room visit because of kidney stones. Apparent heart or upper body pain which mandated a heart Cath Lab procedure for arterial blockage.  An upper G.I. and lower G.I. (the colonoscopy was my Christmas present – G thanks). Two CAT scans and an ultrasound, trick finger thumb surgery, and gallbladder removal, and liver biopsy. 

The end result is I’m in great shape, no artery blockage, or other major problems besides the gallbladder trouble.  But between this and the dozen or so doctor’s visits I feel like a human pin cushion. 

Not complaining, God has always been more than faithful; even with the answers are not positive; such as having cancer a decade ago.

In fact what is amazing is how God has so orchestrated all of the above for an individual that didn’t any have insurance 60 days ago, and without necessitating the building up of bills. 

No, what I need to say is that God has always taken great care of me, and the above is just more proof of that.

And none of God’s grace is less deserved than one such as myself.  I don’t normally share personally like this, but let me take this opportunity to affirm that as most of us, I am a terrible sinner; who has spent most of his life serving self and neglecting God.  

Yet, God is faithful to His word that He would save a wretch as I, holding nothing back; providing nothing but the best, yet this does not mean that He gives me only good things.  It is those unanswered prayers (not really, the answer was just no), where the unavoidable pain and loss occur, that I’ve learned to praise God for the most.  

This is the reason I harp so much on faith, it is because most of the church world miss-believe that faith is a tool to receive what you’re asking for; rather than a condition for a relationship with the living God wherein you trust Him even when the results are painful. 

The name it and claim it guys have to leave out vast portions of Scripture, while reinterpreting others in order to pander to the lust of the flesh in order to produce their message that the sign of Christianity is wealth and prosperity.

The simple question is this, if wealth and prosperity without trial and tribulation are a reflection of the Christian walk, then all of the apostles and Christ Himself died failures. 

This form of faith is not only abusive, it is illegitimate.  Job said it well when he said: “Though he slay me, yet will I have trust in him…;” (Job 13:15) and Christ said it best when He said: “…nevertheless not my will, but thine be done” (Luke 22:42).

Thank you for your commitment of time, and hopefully investment in time in visiting this ministry and blog site.  As the world has much to fear in the coming years, we have so much more to look forward too; that of the coming of our Lord and the reign of His “kingdom on earth” (“…thy kingdom come…”).   

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Introduction
I am re-issuing this essay due to the necessity of understanding the subject matter.  Especially in light of how important this teaching is, as it was when the church was first established.

We are also to judge other believer’s behaviors within the church which are sinful (1 Corinthians 5:1-12; 6:2-6).

We are to judge the actions of our leaders as well (Matthew 7:15-23), determining by their behavior, referred to as their “fruit“, if it lines up with sound Biblical doctrine, displaying what good spiritual leadership should entail, or if their behaviors can identify them as false leaders or prophets (2 Peter 2:1-3).

Fallen Human Nature & Judging
At the worldly, secular level it is common to observe a lack of desire to judge or be judged, which becomes understandable in light of the natural (fallen nature) human rejection of authority in general (Proverbs 12:15; 16:2; 21:2), and the authority of God in particular (Psalms 107:8-11; 10:4). Added to this is the observation that the display of judgment lends itself to the manifestation of condescension, aggression, a lack of sensitivity or being unsympathetic, and of being inconsiderate, callous, unkind, or harsh.

What is unfortunate is that those in the church are following this example, many times in the name of tolerance, diversity, acceptance, and what it refers to as love.

However, without the ability to discern, there is no ability to rightly choose, and without the ability to choose correctly [only made possible by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit] we are cursed to follow the sin nature, which is opposed to the Word of God.

The Source of Godly Discernment
Perhaps the most elegant passage that addresses the application of judgment, also referred to as discernment is found in Hebrews 5:11-14, which states:

The repetitive and habitual use of Biblical judgment.

Correctly Dividing God’s Word Regarding Judgment
As was stated in the introduction, many times we hear well-meaning Christians state we are not to judge one another, citing Matthew 7:1, or Luke 6:37, or Romans 2:1.

Judgment Commanded

Church Discipline

It’s like allowing your oldest child to habitually violate your rules with no repercussions, while their younger siblings watch and learn from this pattern of rebellion. Excommunication is demanded in this situation, it is not an option. The motive was always to correct, to drive the brother to repentance, in order to receive him back (2 Corinthians 2:6-10). It must also be seen that when a brother was excommunicated, there was no Biblical defense against litigation. 1 Corinthians 6:1, forbids a brother from taking another brother to court, yet when a believer has been maltreated, or mistreated by a nonbeliever, they have the right as a citizen (Matthew 5:40 ~ presupposes involvement in the judicial system) to utilize the legal system which was meant as a defense against evil being allowed to permeate, and grow, perverting the community, and contaminating every one.

What About Forgiveness as in: “turning the cheek”

Matthew 5:38-41 ~“Ye have heard that it hath been said, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, that ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on the right cheek, turn to him the left also. And if any man will sue the act the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.”

An eye for an eye
The problem that we have in understanding this passage is our lack of awareness that it had become common during that period of time, that if a Jew (wealthy & powerful prominent individuals) had felt that he had been wronged and suffered loss at the hands of another, rather than following Gods ordained system of law (Deuteronomy 19:18-21) which dictated that a local magistrate would investigate the situation and render justice in the form of any prescribed punishment according to the law of God, the Jews would revenge themselves, which meant that it was no longer a system of justice, but of vengeance.

What Christ is NOT saying here is to disregard the law, which contained a criminal justice system concerning the punishment of criminal behavior (Matthew 7:12; Romans 3:31). What Christ is saying here is that believers are not to revenge themselves upon perpetrators, but being willing to forgo what had become the standard of the day, which was to retaliate when one was wrong. Christ is indicating that we should forgive those that offend us.

Resist not evil, but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other
It had become common that if a Jew felt humiliated or shamed by another, in return they would strike a person upon the cheek which in itself was viewed as a humiliation. This was usually done with an audience, in front of others as a display of shame and ridicule. The physical pain was minimal and not meant to address or correct negative behavior, but it was the humiliation of the act that was the point of the offense.

The very act of slapping another person on the face was an act of condescension, displaying pride and arrogance, and therefore considered evil in its self.  The Greek phrase used here (me antistenai toi poneroi), would be more literally translated: “resist not him that is evil,” which concerning the grammar is in the infinitive (second aorist active), an indirect command; which could place the emphasis either on “the evil man,” or “the evil deed,” but either way this plays the assumption of the definite article (“THE“) in the English, which indicates not that Christ is saying to allow evil to permeate our society, without resisting it according to God’s law (1 Timothy 1:8).  But that on any individual basis, when a believer is minimally assaulted physically, and (to the real issue at hand) is humiliated or shamed, which is evil or done by an evil person; don’t retaliate, or defend yourself physically. We must keep in view that the issue here is not so much the physical contact, but the humiliation and shame intended. This also doesn’t say that we don’t question or defend ourselves verbally. Jesus displayed this Himself when He was slapped (as a sign of humiliation and ridicule) by one of the Temple officer’s while being questioned by the High Priest (John 18:19-23), and Jesus responded by verbally defending himself and saying, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?”

The point is that Jesus is not presenting a pacifist doctrine here. As believers we are always to fight against evil, and those that promote it, otherwise we would violate the very law which God had given to man as a reference concerning what was good, which always mandated fighting and punishing what was evil. Jesus was not contradicting the law, He did not come to change the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17; Luke 24:44) by dying for the sins of the world (2 Corinthians 5:21). The point was not that we are all forgiven, but that our punishment was paid by Jesus, but the point is there had to be punishment (1 John 2:2; Romans 3:25; 1 John 4:10) that the justice of God would be upheld (Romans 3:25).

What Christ is saying is that if a (small) offense is committed against you, such as being shamed by another (to reiterate, which is what being stricken on the cheek meant to the Jews, striking on the cheek was considered a non-punishable offense, one of questioning another’s integrity by publicly shaming them), take the offense and don’t revenge yourself, show honor and character in the face of humiliation.

If any man will sue thee at the law
First, and most importantly, what Jesus indicates here is that you are guilty in this litigation, and that your accuser wins against you, according to the legal conclusion against you in that the court determines to: “take away thy coat.” The law was very specific concerning the loss of personal property, especially if it was the essentials, such as a personal wardrobe (which are many consisted of the clothes on their back).

Jesus is here referring to a common occurrence of his day, wherein an individual would utilize their (tunic) inner garment as collateral for a purchase, and after being found guilty of not having fulfilled your part of the bargain, be prepared to surrender your outer garment as well. Because of the essential nature of the need of clothing, such as the tunic, in Hebrew law, the only way that your adversary could seize your tunic was because you used it as collateral for a loan and default on the loan. It was common that if an individual conducted a street transaction (bartering) and did not have the items with them (which in a case where coinage was not used or available, bartering by using animals or other intrinsic articles was common), they would leave as collateral something of greater value with the person, such as their interior coat / tunic. This is seen when Judah doesn’t have the price of bartering (“a kid of the flock“) to pay Tamar, but uses as collateral (pledge) his signet, both bracelets and his staff (Genesis 38:17-18).

Therefore what Christ is saying is if you lose litigation, indicating that you are wrong, be prepared to pay not just your obligation but even more in recompense, which in this case would be to allow the claimant to have your outer cloak as well, which was more expensive.

Whoever shall compel thee to go a mile
The expression “shall compel” was a specific terminology of Persian origin (a Figure of Speech, a current American cultural expression would be like saying “the few, the proud, …”, which would set the stage for the understanding that the reference was a expression concerning “…the Marines”), and was utilized concerning a royal standing command that was as a Royal law of the kingdom, throughout the conquered lands of Persia (from which the Jews had many times been under, such as Cyrus), and was understood that one of the officers of the King’s court could demand that a local citizen would personally escort them during their journey for a distance of up to 1 mile in aiding them during their travels. This principle was used by the Romans, and known as the law of Angaria.  Whereas verbal instructions concerning directions could be misunderstood (“go straight for 1 mile, then turn right at where Farmer Joe’s barn used to be”), having a local citizen personally take you to your destination became necessary.

The point that Christ is making is that when it comes to our civil commitments (whether they seem righteous or not), we should be willing to not only fulfill the requirement of the law, but sacrifice even more than required. Believers, as citizens are not only to meet their requirements, but to exceed them.

A final thought
It is amazing to consider that due to a lack of understanding concerning cultural issues of the (Biblical) times, that when believers do not study (studying is far more than simply reading, it is using credible Biblical dictionaries, encyclopedias, commentaries, word studies, and being fed by Spirit and guided Bible teachers; and more. If we love God with our whole being [Mark 20:30], why would we do less) God’s Word, that what they perceive superficially ends up being much different than the reality that is presented.

Summary
Concerning Matthew 5:38-41, these 3 short verses hold tremendous insights and immense meaning.

First, do not revenge yourself, but allow the Powers that God has ordained (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17) to administer justice. ~ Be a forgiving person

Second, if someone shames, humiliates, or ridicules you; do not revenge yourself, but show honor and character by not reiterating the same back. ~ Be a humble person

Thirdly, if you have been found legally guilty, and rightly so, be prepared to suffer for your wrongs into pay back even more than what seems fair. ~ Be a righteous person

Fourthly, concerning your civil commitments; be willing to not simply meet your requirements, but to exceed them as well. ~ Be a good neighbor and good citizen, therefore be a good example

Endnotes
1. See section: “Judgment Commanded,” from our teaching website,  located in the endnotes of the “Faith” webpage of www.faithbibleministries.com
2. See section: “Church Discipline,” from our teaching website,  located in the endnotes of the “Faith” webpage of www.faithbibleministries.com 
3. Thayer’s Greek Definitions, Parsons Technology Inc., Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.
4. Robinson’s  Morphological Analysis Codes, eSword, Ver. 9, Rick Myers, esword.org.
5. Robertson’s Word Pictures In The New Testament, Vol. IV, A.T. Robertson, Broadman Press Inc., Nashville, TN 37234.
6. Albert Barne’s Notes On The Bilbe, William McDonald, Thomas Nelson Pub., Nashville , TN.
7. Psalms 119:11 ~ “Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

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This is dedicated to Nonni, as I promised that I would write a ”real” blog. Reissued

What an unusual title for a post, you might be thinking; and you would be absolutely correct.  Let us see if I can make sense of this enigma in the form of a title.

Prelude
I am a second amendment advocate.  No, I not only believe in the constitutional right to bear arms as an individual (which also meant to be organized with a group of my fellow citizens – a militia, which was a generic term used at the writing of the Constitution which did not include a formal regiment or standing army.  The word militia has changed in its meaning, yet it is the meaning of the writers that is most important – this is why I am considered a constitutionalist, a purist concerning the document), I believe in the biblical mandate concerning self-defense and the protection of one’s family as well (please see my next post concerning: “Judging – Church Discipline – Forgiveness &; Turning the Cheek  concerning Christianity and proper judgment” – and please use parentheses on both sides within the search bar, which also addresses turning the cheek and Christian pacifism). 

I’m not speaking about revenge on a personal basis, nor am I addressing justice on a secular basis; but God’s directive to protect myself as His vessel (unless God has directed otherwise, or the situation is better served by dying for the cause, such as the persecution of Christians who were martyred for their belief – and died for the gospel of Jesus Christ), as well as those under my roof.  Now what does this have to do with a dog, burnt hands, and the cross; I hope the following will explain. 

A Gun
Having been a police officer and an investigator; I was privileged to have the ability to carry a firearm to protect myself and others.  Many have called me a gun nut, at least those that lean more to the left – however, I would take issue with that type of description as being bigoted and inappropriate at least concerning myself.  To know my heart, is to know that the use of a gun has never been my desire, yet the ability to use a gun always has – it is this deterrent factor that has saved my life on more than a few occasions. 

You see I have been firearm trained through 2.5 police academies (don’t ask about the .5); and had to re-qualify every year for over a dozen years, spending 24 hours each year going over the laws, as well as the technical proficiency of firearms handling and discharge.  In that training; and in my law enforcement career I had mentally prepared myself to take a life in the protection of saving a life.  Because the only reason to use a gun is to stop somebody else from taking your life or someone else’s life, and in that action you never shoot to wound because that does not stop the assailant’s behavior immediately, you shoot to kill – this is what stops the other person from killing someone else.  So to me the gun was a tool to save life, not take it. 

Yes, this was accomplished by taking the life of the perpetrator (and it was the perpetrators choice to put himself in a position where his life would be taken by cold heartedly attempting to take another persons life, whereas the victim had not chosen such an evil behavior) who is attempting to kill someone else, yet it was the only full proof way of immediately stopping someone from murder, hence it is referred to as self-defense; and while it is killing – it is not murder.  Murder, or attempted murder is when someone attempts to unlawfully take the life of another, and the only lawful way to take the life of another was in protecting yourself or another person from murder.  Not too complicated when you really think about it, yet not quite what the liberal anti-gun proponents might attempt to present. 

I’ve always understood that you don’t hesitate in an emergency situation, you don’t second-guess yourself when someone’s life is on the line; you pull your firearm and shoot mid body mass – the heart, in order to defend someone else’s life.  This sounds gruesome, but I have always felt that it is one of the noblest of all acts of man, that of saving someone else’s life.  The reason I find nobility in this type of killing; is in understanding my own mindset of what it would cost me to do so. 

I am painfully aware that due to my sensitive conscience, if I ever had to take a human life it would bother me every day that I lived afterwards.  Yet, what I could not live with is the thought of my in-action costing an innocent person their life.  You see if I ever used a gun, even if I shot Charlie Manson; it would come at a very grave price to my own conscience.  And not simply a thought that would bother me, I know myself well enough to say that there would be many tears; and thoughts of the loss of that human being to his own family (and for those that feel that Christianity promotes passivity – you are biblically wrong.  Again, please see the following post: “Judging – Church Discipline – Forgiveness &; Turning the Cheek  concerning Christianity and proper judgment” – and please use parentheses on both side within the search bar ~ I will reissue it soon). 

Thankfully, this has not ever taken place.  Though as a deterrent on many occasions having a firearm in my hands stopped a felon in his tracks, while also protecting myself and others.  What is my point; it is that things sometimes don’t appear as they really are.  And what does this have to do with a dog, burnt hands, and that cross; well it is an analogy, a metaphor for explaining a principle that is hard to comprehend.  Perhaps explaining the story of “a dog” would help you understand the story of the gun, and how it relates to burnt hands, and the cross.

A Dog
There was a lady who was quite dismayed that her husband had purchased a new puppy for their baby.  She was painfully aware that it was her that would feed this “urinating in the house,” “barking at night,” “whining for attention,” “flea carrying mongrel.”  She would be the one picking up the poop in and outside.  She would be the one preparing its meals.  She would be the one that would watch this 4 legged creature lick the face of her baby – she did not like having a dog.  However, something would change this opinion when her baby was 3 years old. 

You see although the baby was still a baby at 3 years old, the dog had grown into adulthood at 3 years; and as all dogs are faithful true and better than humans when it comes to loyalty and honor, this dog loved the little boy – with undying affection.  And while this baby was very beautiful, some saying he would grow up to be a model, Rex the dog was an ugly mix breed mutt. 

There wasn’t a day that went by that the woman did not display her disgust for Rex.  One day while the little boy was playing in the backyard, the mother heard the dog bark in an unusual manner.  Out of the corner of her eye, she could see a figure of a man in the backyard approaching the baby, with the dog in between the two.  As she turned to see what was going on, to her horror she could see that the individual was dressed in all black, with a mask on, and obviously attempting to abduct the baby.  And there was Rex, barking in a very aggressive manner, biting at the man and holding him off, until the perpetrator pulled out a knife and cut Rex repeatedly; but Rex did not retreat, he stood his ground and protected the little boy from the abductor. 

While running to the backyard the women dialed 911 and yelled help, dropping the phone as she ran, while yelling and screaming at the perpetrator, who then ran off.  When the woman approached Rex she thought he was dead though he didn’t stop lunging at the man until the man ran off, then Rex fell over, as though dead.  The woman grabbed her baby and Rex, and without thought drove to the animal hospital, calling the police on her way to give them the details of the situation.  Some dogs are beautiful in their appearance, long flowing hair, beautiful colors, profound in the stature of their breed, even exquisite physique; however Rex was none of these – he was an ugly mix breed mutt, who loved to roll around in mud, play in the water, and get into the trash. 

These are just a few of the reasons why the woman had such great disdain for this dog living in her immaculate house, which she worked very hard to keep that way in spite of this four-legged creature.  However, after the situation their relationship totally changed. 

Now Rex was a member of the house, treated with privileges even beyond his masters.  The woman fed Rex the best dog food, bought him treats and toys; but more importantly displayed love and affection for Rex that he had never known before from this woman.  This ugly mutt was now treated like a Prince due to the quality and honor that he displayed in loving this woman’s child – Rex now had meaning and importance in the eyes of the woman who she could never repay, though would spend the next 10 years attempting to do so until the day Rex died, which broke her heart. 

Now what does this have to do with the subject at hand, well let me use yet one last analogy to paint the picture, that of burnt hands.

Burnt Hands
There was a beautiful teenage girl who was dearly loved by her family and fostered in every pursuit that she would endeavor.  She was on the cheerleading squad, the debate squad, the high school newspaper, and on the student council.  She was outgoing and popular, and excelled at anything she attempted.  Much of this had to do with the adulation, love, acceptance, and encouragement of her mother. 

However, in spite of all that her mother had done in promoting her physical and emotional well-being; it was noticeable that the girl was ashamed of her mother; attempting to avoid her mother ever been seen in public with her.  Yet, this never detracted the mother from supporting her daughter in every manner she could. 

The girl was not a bad girl, yet due to her popularity and social stature she had become somewhat vain, and the problem with her mother was not her mother per se; but the fact that she had terribly scarred hands and arms which embarrassed the daughter when seen in public. 

Finally, a situation arose in which the daughter blatantly told the mother she didn’t want her to be seen in public because of her scares, and the embarrassment it brought to the daughter. 

A few days later, the mother walked into the daughter’s room late one night and while saying good night, her daughter asked how did her hands and arms get so horribly disfigured.  The mother hesitated, then sit down on the bed and said, “I’ve not wanted to share this story with you until you are old enough to understand, maybe now is the right time.  When you were a few months old and we lived in an old house on Jefferson Street, there was a terrible fire, and your nursery was on the second floor. 

I had put you down for your nap and went downstairs to do the laundry.  After some time I smelled what smelled like burnt rubber, and started to investigate.  As I started up the stairs I could smell smoke and see it coming out of the cracks of the door of your room.  As I ran to your room and opened the door, in horror I could see that the room was filled with smoke, and I saw flames in the corner were your crib was located.  I ran over to see my greatest fear; the outer frame of your crib was engulfed in flames.  As I went to reach for you in the crib, the railing, which was on fire was too high to reach you, so I had to reach into the flames to lower the railing, I then reached inside and grabbed you why the flames engulfed my arms and upper body.  You were not burned in any way, though you did have smoke inhalation. 

I spent months in the hospital, and spent years undergoing reconstructive surgery on my hands, arms, chest, and shoulders while you are still quite young.”  As the mother looked up from having her eyes fixed on the floor during the story, she could see the tears flowing from her daughter’s cheeks.  The daughter grabbed her mother’s burnt hands so tenderly and started kissing them. 

This changed the girl’s attitude and perspective as she understood that this terrible disfigurement was the ultimate display of her mother’s undying love 

The Cross
Now you understand why I love the cross of Jesus Christ.  The cross is a cruel instrument of death and shame; yet it was by my Lord’s willingness to die on the cross that He displayed His love for me in such an overwhelming manner.

Now maybe you understand the connection between a gun, a dog, burnt hands, and the cross. 

Sometimes the value of something is not readily apparent.

And sometimes things aren’t always as they seem.  Sometimes an instrument of death, such as a gun can save the life of a beloved family member, and becomes an instrument of life; sometimes an ugly old dog that appears to have no value can protect the thing that we love the most, and sometimes terrible scars are a visible reminder of sacrificial love – yet all of these are pale in comparison to the apparent barbarism of a Roman cross, a cross that exhibits what our Lord went through when He was nailed to it for our sins – a thing of pain, ridicule , and shame becomes a beautiful symbol of love.

“Whereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”  (1 John 3:16) 

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                   Yes, there is a vast difference if you try to seperate the two.

Primise
It has been said that there are three mindsets concerning presenting the Gospel to the unsaved:

1) those that demand too much,
2) those that demand too little; and
3) those that present the gospel correctly.

Concerning those that demand too much, there are some that would seek to set such legalistic standards to salvation, those that would “strain and a gnat and swallow a camel“ (Matthew 23:24); attempting to foster legalism when explaining salvation to the unregenerate (this will not be discussed in this post, but will be addressed in a later blog).  And then there are those that would attempt to paint such a pretty picture of the Christian walk, to make it attractive at the expense of the truth; that many false converts in our churches enter only leave once they find out that the true Christian walk demands everything we own, sometimes even our very lives.

Presenting Jesus as Savior only, not Lord
It is this second group, those that would present the gospel in such a milquetoast manner that they would not explain to the potential convert the full ramifications of following Jesus Christ (“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” ~ Luke 19:23). 

This is never to imply that one earns their salvation, or that they trade or barter for the same (“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” ~ Ephesians 2:8-9). 

However, if one attempts to present Christ as the Savior of mankind who has come to die for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2), without presenting Jesus as the Lord (John 13:13; Matthew 12:8) and King (John 18:37; Revelation 19:16) over the followers life, this is deceptive and unworthy of those that say they are His followers.  It is unfortunate that many supposed believers do not have enough faith in God that they would think that they must leave out the hard parts of the story in trying to sell Jesus Christ by presenting only a positive side of the issue.  Yet, there are many who take on the mindset of a salesman in presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ, and in the process emasculate the power of God, while denigrating His sovereignty.  The point is that there will be trials and tribulations of this world if follow (following Jesus Christ is a euphemism which is synonymous with becoming a believer, accepting the grace given to become a son of God, adopted into God’s family – there are those that attempt to delegate this word beyond its natural meaning as Jesus used it) Jesus Christ (“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:33; and Mark 13:21).  However, this is nothing in comparison to what is gained in the next world, or the punishment for rejecting God’s Son in hell for all of eternity. 

The Great Caveat – Your Saved from Hell in Eternity, but you will Go through Tribulation Here.

Therefore, it is an imperative to witnessing concerning Jesus Christ that we fully explain what becoming a follower and believer in Jesus Christ mandates of our life.  Jesus doesn’t want only our Sundays and our money; He wants everything, all of us - we no longer own ourselves (“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own” ~ 1 Corinthians 6:19); we are that which He purchased with His own blood (“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” ~ 1 Corinthians 6:20; and 1 Cor. 7:23; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; 1 Pet. 2:9; 2 Pet. 2:1; Rev.5:9; Acts 20:28).  We must be completely frank about this in order to fully prepare the new convert with the mindset that trials (“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” ~ 1 Peter 4:12-13) and tribulations (Matthew 13:21) are a part of this walk, and to gloss over this point we lack preparing them for the reality they are about to enter, while also being dishonest in the process.

Witnessing
For the last century, attempting to present the gospel of Jesus Christ to the unsaved has been referred to as witnessing (“witness,” from the Greek: martus, which we get our English word “martyr;” in that to witness was synonymous with pledging your life concerning the trustworthiness of that which was stated - been willing to die rather than to recant – and willing to die if it was a lie - Acts 1:8), which is spoken of as leading to an individual to Jesus Christ.  Its main purpose has been a one time encounter to solicit a convert.  And while the idea of making converts is Biblical (Matt. 13:15; Matt. 18:3; Mark 4:12; Luke 22:32; Johe 12:40; Acts 3:19; Acts 28:27; James 5:19; James 5:20;), the idea of a one-time encounter is not.  Jesus instructions concerning converts is seen in Matthew 28:19-20, which states:

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

We need to notice a few aspects of Jesus instructions (time does not permit to take the verses in whole, which would take more than a few pages, we will take the first verbs of each verse), He says:

1) “Go,” Jesus doesn’t say to bring them into the church - make them come to you; but go to them.  We are to present the gospel in the world, to the potential convert where they are at.  The verb, “Go,” is in the aorist tense, which is characterized by its emphasis on punctiliar action (point action – occuring in time); that is, the concept of the verb is considered without regard for past, present, or future time.  It is a passive deponent voice which in almost all cases are translated as being in the passive voice, which is the voice that represents the subject as being the recipient of the action.  Hence, the subject; those that Jesus is speaking to, the hearers - us, we are to “Go.”   
2) “teaching,” Jesus doesn’t say convert them in the sense of present them with the gospel and leave – this is not a one-time encounter that Jesus is instructing us to do.  The verb, “teaching,” is in the perfect tense, meaning that it is an ongoing continuous action to does not stop.  It is in the active voice, meaning that the teaching is done by the individual that is witnessing.  The point is, a one-time encounter makes no great demand of the believer witnessing – it is superficial, and lacks no real commitment of time or effort.  Yet, the act of teaching; the idea of introducing someone to Jesus Christ and then to become a part of their life, wherein you teach them the Word of God – you disciple them, this is what Jesus is saying here.  You take them to church with you, break bread with them, and spend your life with them – sharing the gospel; this is “teaching.” This is much more of a commitment than simply a one-time presentation, which is what witnessing has  

Philosophy (Greek: Philosophia, ‘love of knowledge’)
Let me continue on by way of emphasizing an expression which is true and authentic to the human experience.  It has been well documented and replicated within management circles that the following expression that has proven itself time, and time again:

“Responsibility cannot be separated from authority.”

The point is that authority by its very nature represents more freedom, at least over those or that which is governed over; rather it’s an elected governmental official, an employer, or a parent.  However, freedom is never without restraints.  Freedom may be free, but it’s not cheap (freedom always costs someone something, perhaps not those down the road, but it did cost those that gained it).  Within the principles which God has created within the makeup of man’s soul, and heart (biblically speaking, the heart never refers to the emotions alone; but to the complete inward man which involves the 1) Mind, reasoning, 2) Emotions, and 3) the Will, where choice is made; discretion more predominantly – see the post:  ”The Heart and the Mind – What the Biblical word “Heart’ Means”); there are certain attributes of humanity which cannot be violated, without repercussions – reciprocity.  Such is the above expression.

Reciprocity
God has built reciprocity (“a mutual agreement to exchange privileges, dependence, or relationships,” also it is defined as: “when things are coupled together because of there very nature”) within His creation.  From such we get the idea of conditions on the one side, and consequences on the other.  This is where God has built within humanity the mandate for responsibility.  And within this moral or standard of responsibility, you never get something for nothing, even if what is gained is the consequence of an attitudinal change.  In one case it may be gratitude and thankfulness (Colossians 3:15), while in another it may be expectation and presumption (2 Peter 2:10).  The point is we live in a world where nothing is isolated unto itself.

Freedom
The myth of our current age is that one can be totally free and unaccountable to anyone or anything, and that this is achievable on some realm (personal note: by nature I hate restrictions, guidelines, and rules.  I naturally enjoy the easier softer way, and have a real hard time with self-discipline.  I am not proclaiming what is comfortable for me or what I like.  So please understand that these rants and raves are against my very soul, and not made in self-righteousness; judging others.  Every one of these negative qualities I wrestle with daily, so if you hear any self-righteousness, it is only your own perception).  However, freedom requires responsibility, in the same way that righteous authority demands accountability.  And if these principles, which are part of the framework of humanities disposition are missing or decline, then the attribute ceases or lessens.  These are principles of life, unchanged by our philosophy or religious bent.  Anarchy only works if there is only one person on a island, and even then, it still affects change in your attitude, and mindset, wherein if indulgence is completely given over to, inner peace and joy are the casualties. 

Christianity
In the same way, within the spiritual realm of Christianity there is responsibility which mandates adherents. Man cannot live within a vacuum, because God refuses to allow it to occur.  If you attempt to isolate God’s sovereignty in your life, then you make moot His salvation.  And while salvation is never solely an act of our will, and is a free gift of God, there are conditions of receiving that cannot be sidestepped, or else the gift has no value.

An Analogy
There is the old analogy that if someone wanted to give you $100, and extends their hand with the bill in your direction, stating: “I give this to you as a gift, it is free if you received it.”  To receive it, you would have to take the action of extending your hand and taking it from the giver.  Though the gift is totally free and unearned there are still conditions to receiving it, you still must take an action; as well as implying your reception of the gift. 

The point is while true that belief is the only necessary condition of receiving salvation, what is that which is to makeup the belief.  To receive the forgiveness of God implies that you believe that it is truly God who exist and does the forgiving; and is therefore sovereign. And in the process if it is God that has given you the salvation, and by the very definition of the word “God,” His sovereignty is implied; and how can a person not believe that they are to submit to that sovereignty within receiving the free gift.  Does one believe that you could receive salvation, then go down the road and completely disassociate yourself from the belief that God is truly sovereign in your life as well.  Salvation is based upon grace, and grace is received through faith; and faith by its very definition implies trust as the basis for a relationship, which when the relationship is with God implies submission to His will and rule of your life. 

Not Overdoing It – Baby Steps, Nevertheless Steps must be Made
I do not believe that when you are explaining the gospel to an unbeliever, that you should lay down the 613 requirements of the law found in Leviticus, If done so as requirements of accepting the free grace of Jesus Christ.  But one must share the law (10 Commandments) to show the sinner that he is indeed a sinner, and has violated God’s law (“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” ~ Romans 3:20); how else shall he repent from that which he has done, unless he knows it is wrong – sin.  Explaining the concept of repentance (“And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” ~ Mark 1:15“; “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…” ~ Acts 3:19), which is not a singular act, but actually means to “change a person’s mind, which in turn changes the direction of their life – how they walk  (John 8:12; Romans 6:4; 8:1,4; 1 John 1:7; 2:6; 2 John 1:6; 3 John 1:4).  This understanding of repentance is completely necessary; and by its definition the law must be presented in some form, with the 10 Commandments being a good example. 

Or if all you did was explain the basis of faith as simply believing a story than a man lived 2000 years ago and died on a cross for your sins without informing them that faith is a relationship of trust wherein you rely upon God as your sovereign deity, and that as in the case of all sovereign you are obligated to obedience.  For how can you trust a deity if you refuse to do what He says.  Telling a potential convert anything less concerning accepting God’s free gift of salvation is intellectually dishonest, and many times is referred to as “cheap grace.” 

Repentance
Jesus displayed that there cannot be a separation between repentance and salvation, when the Scripture states:

 “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”¹ 

The Greek word for “repentance” is metanoeo, and involved a changing in direction or purpose in life.  It was never simply the motive, or resided in the emotive or cognitive realm; but transcended to change behavior.  It is to believe something so powerfully that it changes the way a person acts.  And used by Jesus, it  represents a redirection of behavior; that of a person normally heading towards sin, then turning completely around, and heading toward God, in His direction.

Obedience
If the conclusion of the definition of salvation is entering heaven, then according to Jesus obedience to do God’s Will is also required, as seen when he said:

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” ²

Discipleship
The Greek word “disciple” is mathetes, which means a student, pupil, or follower.³  The word Christian is similar in that it denotes a follower of Christ.  Therefore, if a person is not a disciple of Christ, he is not a Christian.  And if he is not a Christian, then he is not saved.  Being saved does not stand on its own, but is part and parcel of discipleship, and therefore mandates responsibility, as well as servitude.  Jesus said:

“If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.  And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”⁴

Responsibility
Responsibility is built into salvation; it is not responsibility to pay for sin, but responsibility to meet the conditions that God has laid upon those that would choose to respond to God’s free gift of salvation – to follow Christ.  To do what Christ said to do, because of trusting in what He has said, this is faith. 

Faith
Faith is a synonym for “belief,” which is much more than believing that Jesus existed as a man 2000 years ago, it is even more them believing that Jesus existed as the Son of God to pay for the sins of the world.  Faith, because it is a relationship of trust, demands that obedience at some level is the goal.  To have faith in God, you must have faith in what He has said, and that if He says to do something, you do it out of obedience because you trust Him. We do not obey for the sake of obedience, but we obey because of faith. 

Obedience because of Faith – Not Obedience for the Sake of Obedience (taught by false religions)
If we obey ONLY because of obedience, we will be exchanging our behavior for salvation.  But because faith is a relationship, which produces repentance; which is a change in direction from the way that I want to go as a sinner, unto the way that God would have me go as a believer - where He loves me and only wants the best for me ( Romans 8:28 ), this is the reason I can have faith in what He says to do, and therefore obey because of that faith.  Obedience because of faith is what the Christian walk is meant to be.   You can’t earned salvation, but you must receive it, according to His condition, that of faith.

To reiterate,

The very definition of Christian faith involves a trust in God, and that He will reward those that diligently seek him⁵, therefore how can you separate a servitude to the God that you have imparted your trust in.  It is in your cooperation with His Will that benefits your soul.  It is in laying aside your own presuppositions, along with perceptions, that validate your faith in Him to begin with.

If you can trust God with your eternal salvation, why can you not trust Him to rule your earthly life.  This is not paradoxical, it is antithetical.  Unfortunately, there are those that call themselves Christians and attempt to preach this blasphemy.  They attempt to substitute their will for Gods.

It is impossible to separate God’s sovereignty as Lord of your life, from His application as Savior of your soul.

The Gospel ~ The Whole Word of God
Any Gospel (“good news”),that reports or implies, a softer easier way outside of complete submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, is a false gospel.  Salvation is much more than a few verses taken out of context.  This is why Paul stated, in defense of his ministry that he presented the complete volume of God’s Word when he stated in Acts 20:27-28:

“For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God [the whole will of God - His complete Word to man ~ which is contained in the gospel, that 13 letters Paul wrote; and the 10 others written by apostles]. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”

False Teachings
It is when false believers dissect God’s Word, leaving out what opposes their own false doctrine, utilizing Scripture out of context; that they attempt to make the Bible support their own false teachings. 

Be it the: “Manifolds Sons of God,” “Dominion Theology,” “Replacement Theology,” “Word Faith Movement,” “Seed Faith Movement”; or any other form of chicanery; if it attempts to replace, or subvert the Lordship of Jesus Christ in the life of the convert or believer: it is a damnable heresy that will lead people to hell.

Subtlety
The subtleness of the “doctrines of demons” has been attempting to work its way into mainline Christianity in United States for decades now.  It is very appealing to our desire (lust) to have a easier, better, softer, more successful life, as opposed to the type of Christian life Christ did spoke about ( Matthew 1023-24).  Some have called it “Christianity Light.”  It plays down our responsibilities to God, man, and our country; and appeals to the narcissism, which is the hallmark of our day. 

We even see it in those churches which we refer to as “Seeker Friendly,” or even those movements which are called evangelistic.  And there are a lot of good-hearted people behind these churches and organizations as they attempt to continue to evangelize the world, but at what cost? 

They attempt to make it as easy as possible for people to enter the Kingdom of God.  The services become a concert, where emotionalism, rather than worship is exhibited.  Where stories and presentations behind the pulpit are mere entertainment; and Scripture is used sparsely as props to rationalize a presupposition, or themes. 

Don’t get me wrong, while raised as a child with the old hymnals, my preference is with some the newer (40 years old) praise songs.  But many of the much newer songs just talk about us: they are the me and Jesus type of songs, rather than just worshiping Jesus alone.  And so many of the messages are about leading better lives, being better Christians, better parents, and better citizens.  while these things are good things, are these what should be this Sunday morning services to the congregation, about us – or should it be about Jesus.  There is so much self-help going on in the church, as seen in all the individual type of groups and classes; yet always at the expense of teaching the meat of the word – things that are hard to hear him take focus to understand.  It’s much more appealing to talk about ourselves rather than our God.  It becomes very attractive to use the tools of the world and modernity, to court the masses.  But at what price?

“Theopedia, An Encyclopedia of Biblical Christianity,” states:

Easy believism is the “popular slogan for the view that one simply has to believe in order to be saved and that there is no corresponding need for a committed life of Christian discipleship.”⁶ The result is that sanctification is divorced from justification, and discipleship is seen as a path that some Christians follow, but not others. The term carnal Christian is used to describe such a supposed Christian, who once made a “decision” but has not continued in discipleship. Names applied to this doctrine by opponents include no-lordship and cheap grace as it suggests that “accepting Jesus” does not involve any further commitments. Proponents of this view, on the other hand, prefer the term the “free grace” to describe their position. Easy-believism is also said to overemphasize the doctrine of assurance of salvation at the expense of personal authenticity.

Those who hold to the Free-grace position are generally Arminian in theology, although classical Arminianism does not adhere to this. By contrast, Reformed Christians generally hold to what is termed Lordship Salvation. However, among adherents of each view one will find there are differences of language and emphasis. According to Phillip Johnson:

“These days, support for the no-lordship gospel is mostly confined to a small but prolific group of speakers and writers. Dallas is still the geographical hub of their movement. The Grace Evangelical Society has published their journal since 1988. In fact, for the past 15 years or so, GES has almost singlehandedly kept the drumbeat alive for the no-lordship position.”⁷

Lest you misunderstand what this teachings by this orgination is really all about, the website for “Grace Evangelical Society” is: http://www.faithalone.org/about/affirmation1.html; and it states in their “About” section, under their “Affirmations of Beliefs”:

Salvation
The sole condition for receiving everlasting life is faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ, who died a substitutionary death on the cross for man’s sin and rose bodily from the dead (John 3:16-18; 6:47; Acts 16:31).

Faith is the conviction that something is true. To believe in Jesus (“he who believes in Me has everlasting life”) is to be convinced that He guarantees everlasting life to all who simply believe in Him for it (John 4:14; 5:24; 6:47; 11:26; 1 Tim 1:16).

No act of obedience, preceding or following faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, such as commitment to obey, sorrow for sin, turning from one’s sin, baptism or submission to the Lordship of Christ, may be added to, or considered part of, faith as a condition for receiving everlasting life (Rom 4:5; Gal 2:16; Titus 3:5). This saving transaction between God and the sinner is simply the giving and receiving of a free gift (Eph 2:8-9; John 4:10 ; Rev 22:17 ).

Cheap Grace
In this new style of worship service, that is progressive, spectator oriented, emotionally driven, and “Word of God” delinquent; where is the emphasis.  Where are the messages on repentance, sin, hell, suffering, sanctification, discipleship, sacrificial love, and dying to self.  And prior to making altar calls, why have we not followed Jesus’ admonition to “count the cost.” 

Why do we gloss over Jesus’ words so easily, when he said:

“And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?   Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.  Luke 14:27-33

It is this form of “Cheap Grace” (that also devalues the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as well is encouraging the flesh), that impregnates our appeal to the masses to “accept Jesus.”  How more condescending could we be to the God of the universe – we must accept Him.  It is what we imply that holds as much weight is what we say.  It’s all been said many years ago, and was seen back then as a progression of carnality.   

 Dietrich Bonhoeffer said:

“Let the Christian rest content with his worldliness and with this renunciation of any higher standard than the world. He is living for the sake of the world rather than for the sake of grace. Let him be comforted and rest assured in his possession of this grace – for grace alone does everything. Instead of following Christ, let the Christian enjoy the consolations of his grace!

That is what we mean by cheap grace, the grace which amounts to the justification of sin without the justification of the repentant sinner who departs from sin and from whom sins departs.

Cheap grace is not the kind of forgiveness of sin which frees us from the toils of sin. Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession.

Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.

Costly grace is the treasure hidden in the field; for the sake of it a man will gladly go and sell all that he has. It is the pearl of great price to buy which the merchant will sell all his goods. It is the kingly rule of Christ, for whose sake a man will pluck out the eye which causes him to stumble, it is the call of Jesus Christ at which the disciple leaves his nets and follows him.

Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must the asked for, the door at which a man must knock.

Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life. It is costly because it condemns sin, and grace because it justifies the sinner. Above all, it is costly because it cost God the life of his Son: “ye were bought at a price, and what has cost God much cannot be cheap for us. Above all, it is grace because God did not reckon his Son too dear a price to pay for our life, but delivered him up for us.” From: “Costly grace is the Incarnation of God.”  - Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship

 The Last Word
Jesus himself said in John 13:13:              “Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.”

 Endnotes

1. Matthew 4:17 – “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
2. Matthew 7:21 – “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”

(1.)            Concerning the topic of obedience, Walter A. Elwell states: 

(2.)            Text:  The whole of biblical theology centers on the notion of divine revelation and the receptive response of man: God speaks his word, man hears and is required to obey. The connection between hearing and obeying is therefore essential. Hearing is always viewed as a process of the mind. When divine revelation is its subject, man must respond with obedience. This connection is borne out in particular by the language of obedience in the Bible. In the OT sama conveys the meaning of both “to hear” and “to obey.”Israelmust hear Yahweh’s voice and act in obedient response. In the Torah the theme of responsive obedience is underscored (Exod. 19:5, 8; 24:7; Deut. 28:1; 30:11-14). Abraham was blessed because he heard and obeyed the Lord’s voice (Gen. 22:18). This theme lies behind the prophetic injunction, “Thus says the Lord.” The prophetic word reveals both who God is and what he is callingIsraelto do. Disobedience, then, is any hearing which is not attentive, and this too is the story ofIsrael: “They have ears, but do not hear” (Ps. 115:6; cf. Jer. 3:13; Isa. 6:9-10).

(3.)            In the LXX sama is regularly translated by words in the akouein word group, and this again expresses the inner relation between hearing and response. Emphatic forms hypakouein and hypakoe (lit. “to hear beneath”) convey the meaning “obey/obedience” (in the NT the verb appears 21 times; the noun 15 times, esp. in Paul). The NT, to be sure, brings out this OT background in full when Jesus demands that he “who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Matt. 11:15; 13:9, 15-16; Mark 4:9, 23; 8:18; Luke 14:35). This kind of constructive response to divine revelation is illustrated well in the parable about the man who built his house on the rock. The story follows the exhortation of Christ: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46-49). In Matthew this same parable concludes the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 7:21-27), clearly indicating the seriousness of personal response to Jesus’ ethical injunctions.

(4.)            Jesus stands in the OT prophetic tradition when he callsIsraelto a discipleship which essentially involves “doing, ethics. When a voice in the crowd praises Jesus’ mother, the Lord replies by saying, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28; cf. John 10:16, 27; 15:5, 10). Bonhoeffer remarks: “The actual call of Jesus and the response of single-minded obedience have an irrevocable significance. It is only to this obedience that the promise of fellowship with Jesus is given.”

(5.)            Bultmann points out that Jesus’ call has radicalized an obedience already well known in Judaism. First century Judaism had emphasized cultic and ceremonial rules to such an extent (365 prohibitions, 278 positive commands) that any notion of virtue was almost unknown. Jesus presses beyond the casuistic rules and expects a true obedience, not blind obedience: “You tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law, justice and mercy and faith” (Matt. 23:23). Man, in effect, must exceed the demands of the law (Matt. 5:20) and perceive for himself what God commands. That is, single-minded obedience grasps the spirit of God’s intentions (cf. Mark 10:2-9 on how Jesus applies this to one law) and exceeds God’s desires, not with the measured efforts of a servant (Luke 17:7-10), but as people who enjoy a vital and responsive relationship with him. Bultmann sums up: “Radical obedience exists only when a man inwardly assents to what is required of him,… when the whole man stands behind what he does; or better, when the whole man is in what he does, when he is not doing something obediently, but is essentially obedient.”

(6.)            Paul regards obedience as being one of the consitituent parts of faith. Initially Christ stands as the model of obedience (Phil. 2:5-8), and through his obedience, which is contrasted with Adam’s disobedience, “many will be made righteous” (Rom. 5:19; cf. Heb. 5:8-9 for the parallel thought). Paul in fact views his task as bringing about the “obedience of faith” among the nations (Rom.1:5; 16:26). For him, every thought should be made “captive to obey Christ” so that the Christian’s obedience might be complete (II Cor. 10:5-6). This means that Paul too despairs of any faith that is either simply cognitive (a hellenistic weakness) or mechanistically legal (a Jewish fault). Obedience is of the essence of authentic saving faith and should provide evidence of a responsive relation the Christian shares with his God (cf. James 1:22-25; 2:14-20; I Pet. 1:22; I John 3:18).

(7.)            ELWELL’S EVANGELICAL DICTIONARY OF THEOLOGY 

(8.)            Evangelical Dictionary of Theology by Walter A. Elwell,

(9.)            (c) Copyright 1984, by Baker Book House Company.

(10.)        All Rights Reserved.

3. Concerning the description of what a Disciple is,Easton’s Bible Dictionary states: 

Text:  a scholar, sometimes applied to the followers of John the Baptist (Matt. 9:14), and of the Pharisees (22:16), but principally to the followers of Christ.  A disciple of Christ is one who:

(1.)            believes his doctrine,

(2.)            rests on his sacrifice,

(3.)            imbibes his spirit, and

(4.)            imitates his example (Matt. 10:24; Luke 14:26, 27, 33; John 6:69).

4. Luke 12:26, 27 – “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.  And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”
5. Hebrews 11:6 – “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him”.
6. Donald K. Mckim, Westminster Dictionary of Theology terms, 85.
7. http://teampyro.blogspot.com/2006/10/aftmath.html

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