Two Minutes With The Bible

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Two Minutes With The Bible - Euthanasia


Sep 7

Euthanasia

By Paul M. Sadler, President

Scripture Reading:

"It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment."   -- Hebrews 9:27

It is our firm conviction that every believer in Christ should strongly oppose euthanasia on the grounds that it runs contrary to the revealed will of God.  Euthanasia is the deliberate act of prematurely terminating the life of someone who is hopelessly ill.  This is normally achieved through the controlled inhalation of carbon monoxide, by a lethal injection of drugs or withholding nourishment. Those who are advocates of this unwholesome rationale believe that it is morally acceptable to end the pain and suffering of a loved one whose life would otherwise be meaningless.  In the name of compassion Michigan's infamous "Dr. Death" has assisted in many such suicides, proclaiming himself to be an angel of mercy.

Thankfully most physicians still hold to the Hippocratic oath, which states that every effort should be made to preserve life.  But even more importantly, man has no moral right to terminate a life that has been given by God.  It has been appropriately said: "Suicide doesn't end the pain, it only lays it on the broken shoulders of the survivors."  Many seem to have forgotten that it is God "in whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind" (Job 12:10).  We sympathize, of course, with any family who has a loved one who is terminally ill.  Nevertheless, to cut that life short may send them to a Christless eternity when they might have otherwise believed before their natural death.  Also, we may never know how many souls in the medical profession have been saved because they were in the presence of a dying saint or family member who was faithful in sharing Christ.  The Lord's consolation at such times is "MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR THEE!"

________________________

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Two Minutes With The Bible - HEAVEN IS BETTER THAN THIS


Sep 8

HEAVEN IS BETTER THAN THIS

By Cornelius R. Stam

A large percentage of the people of the world wake up every morning with some kind of ache or pain. If you are one of the many victims, with some infirmity of the flesh, perhaps you will agree with the little chorus which says:

"Heaven is better than this."

The Scriptures tell us that "the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now" (Rom. 8:22). Note the expression: "the whole creation." This takes in the whole world; no one is excluded. Indeed, the very next verse goes on to say to Christian believers: "And not only they, but ourselves also... even we ourselves groan within ourselves... waiting for... the redemption of our body."

No doubt many of us feel like crying out with the Psalmist David, "Look upon mine affliction and my pain" (Psa. 25:18). In spite of all sorrow, trouble and pain which the child of God must endure, however, he can be assured with the Apostle Paul that: "our light affliction, which is but for a moment [comparatively], worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (II Cor. 4:17). When we go to be with the Lord we will no longer be living in "this earthly tabernacle," but will have "a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" (II Cor. 5:1). Paul even adds that as Christians we earnestly desire "to be clothed upon with our house [our new body] which is from heaven" (II Cor. 5:2).

Finally, St. Paul declared that "to depart, and to be with Christ... is far better" (Phil. 1:23); far better, not only than all earth’s sorrow and trouble and pain, but far better even than earth’s greatest joys and its dearest treasures. How wonderful it is to know that "Christ died for our sins," to have a light beyond the grave, a hope beyond the tomb! Surely "heaven is better than this!"

________________________

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Two Minutes With The Bible - FAITHFULNESS TO OUR COMMISSION


Sep 9

FAITHFULNESS TO OUR COMMISSION

By Cornelius R. Stam

In Paul’s day, his "preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery" encountered opposition on every hand. For faithfully proclaiming the glorious message which had been committed to his trust, he was constantly made to bear affliction and reproach. In one of his earlier epistles we already find a long list of the perils and persecutions he had by then been called upon to endure (II Cor. 11:23-33) and this opposition, bitter and relentless, continued throughout his ministry. In his last letter, written from prison in Rome, he calls attention to the distinctive character of his message, and adds:

"Wherein I suffer trouble as an evil doer, even unto bonds..." (II Tim. 2:7-9).

The almost constant suffering to which the apostle of grace was subjected naturally had its effect upon timid souls. Some, who saw the truth and the glory of his message, lacked the courage to stand with him in making it known. Others, who had started with him were tempted
to -- and some did -- turn back. Of his first appearance before Nero, the Apostle had to say:

"At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: pray God that it may not be laid to their charge" (II Tim. 4:16). In the light of all this it is not strange that Paul should write to Timothy:

"FOR GOD HATH NOT GIVEN US THE SPIRIT OF FEAR; BUT OF POWER, AND OF LOVE, AND OF A SOUND MIND.

"BE NOT THOU THEREFORE ASHAMED OF THE TESTIMONY OF OUR LORD, NOR OF ME HIS PRISONER; BUT BE THOU PARTAKER OF THE AFFLICTIONS OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO THE POWER OF GOD" (II Tim. 1:7,8).

________________________

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Two Minutes With The Bible - A CHRISTIAN OBLIGATION


Sep 10

A CHRISTIAN OBLIGATION

By Cornelius R. Stam

Three times in Rom. 1:14-16, the Apostle Paul uses the phrase "I am," and each one carries an important message for every true believer in Christ.

First he says in Verse 14:  "I am debtor" -- debtor to all men, to tell them about the saving work of Christ.  But why was he indebted to people he had never even seen?  For several reasons.

First, he had in his hand what they needed to be saved from the penalty and power of sin.  If I see a drunkard lying across the railroad track and I do nothing about it, am I not a murderer if he is killed by the train?  If I see a man drowning and I have a life buoy in my hand but do not throw it to him, am I not a murderer if he goes down for the last time?  If I see millions of lost souls about me and, knowing the message of salvation, do not tell them, am I not guilty if they die without Christ?

Further, Paul felt himself a debtor to others, because the Christ who had died for his sins had also died for the sins of others.  As he says in II Cor. 5:14,15: "Christ died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto Him who died for them and rose again." Finally, the Christ who had died for Paul’s sins, had commissioned him to tell others of His saving grace.  Thus he says in I Cor. 9:16,17:

"Woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel!  For... a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me."

Paul could say further what every true believer should be able to say:  Not, "I am debtor, but," but rather, "I am debtor... SO, as much as in me is I AM READY" (Rom. 1:15). He was ready to discharge his debt because he had that with which to discharge it -- the wonderful "gospel of the grace of God."  And he did indeed make this message known to others with all that was in him.

And now the third "I am": "I am debtor... so I am ready ... for I AM NOT ASHAMED of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth..." (Ver. 16).  Paul was always proud to own Christ as the mighty Savior from sin.  Do you know Christ as your Savior?  Do you tell others about Him?

________________________

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Two Minutes With The Bible - RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH


Sep 11

RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH

By Cornelius R. Stam

St. Paul wrote to Timothy, many centuries ago: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (II Tim. 3: 16).

The Apostle referred, of course, to the sacred Scriptures, also called The Bible and The Word of God. All of it, he says, is "God-breathed and profitable," to "teach," to "reprove," to "correct" and to "instruct."

But why, then, have so many heresies and false teachings sprung up through the years - all based upon the Bible? And why have so many thousands of sincere people been led astray by these false teachings?

The reason is that teachers and followers alike have failed to heed another important statement which Paul made in this same letter prior to his declaration that all Scripture is inspired of God and profitable. This statement is found in Chapter 2, Verse 15:

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth."  The Bible can prove "profitable" to us only as we "rightly
divide" it. We must rightly divide the Word of truth for the simple reason that if we do not do this we can pervert the truth and change it into error. Through the centuries God has periodically altered His dealings with mankind. Many religious rites which were commanded in Old Testament times are positively forbidden in this present dispensation of grace.

In Old Testament times, for example, animal sacrifices were required for acceptance with God, and from John the Baptist through Pentecost water baptism was required (Lev. 17:11; Mk. 1:4; Acts 2:38), but some years after the death of Christ Paul was sent forth with "the preaching of the cross," and he declared that: "We have redemption through [Christ’s] blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace" (Eph. 1:7). "Being justified freely by [God’s] grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 3:24).

________________________

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Two Minutes With The Bible - Anger Management


Sep 12

Anger Management

By Paul M. Sadler, President

Scripture Reading:

"Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil."    -- Ephesians 4:26,27

Around the turn of the century, the Church was graced with an array of great preachers, but none were more tenacious and outspoken than Billy Sunday.  He seemed to have a way of driving home a point.  It is said that a woman once approached him after one of his meetings who was well known for her bad temper.  She sought to defend her actions by saying: "But Mr. Sunday, although I blow up over the least little thing, it's all over in a minute."  The evangelist looked her straight in the eye and said, "So is a shotgun blast!!  It's over in seconds, too, but look at the terrible damage it can do."

God created us with a wide range of emotions, each of which serves a purpose.  Yes, even anger can be good.  Contrary to popular opinion, anger itself is not sinful.  Notice how the apostle words his above statement, "Be ye angry, and sin not."  In essence, Paul is saying that we are well within our rights to be angry over an injustice or unrighteous circumstances.

The recent debate over "partial birth abortion" is a good example.  We should be incensed by "abortion" in general and horrified by "partial birth abortions" in particular.  Any procedure (usually performed at 7 or 8 months gestation) that allows the infant's head to remain in the birth canal while the abortionist forces a surgical instrument into the base of the skull to suction out the little one's brains is nothing short of first degree murder.  Here a righteous anger is perfectly justified.  In fact, there are scores of times in the Old Testament where the anger of the Lord is said to be kindled against His enemies (Num. 25:1-9; Jer. 12:13).

Surely our Lord is a prime example that anger itself is not necessarily sinful, for He knew no sin.  Thus the Lord was well within the boundaries of godly behavior when He exhibited a righteous anger toward those who had made His Father's house a den of thieves (John 2:13-17).  In the future Tribulation Period those who reject God's anointed and worship the beast and his image, "the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone" (Rev. 14:10).

Carefully note, Paul adds to the phrase "be ye angry" a warning, "and sin not."  Unbridled anger can easily turn into a fit of uncontrollable rage which normally leaves a path of destruction in its wake.  Unchecked, anger that overflows into resentment almost always results in some form of retaliation.  This may take the form of verbal attacks, threats, or even physical abuse.

In a worst case scenario, it is much like a volcano that builds pressure over a period of time and finally erupts.  Whenever you watch a news report of a lone gunman who enters his former place of employment with a semi-automatic weapon and kills his supervisor and three other fellow workers, you are witnessing the eruption of pent-up anger.  Another example is the believer who allowed his anger to get the better of him and shot an abortion doctor outside a clinic down south.  With one pull of the trigger, this young man disgraced the name of Christ, labeled all Christians as radicals in the eyes of the world, destroyed his personal testimony, and ended up with life in prison.  These are both cases where anger spun out of control with tragic results.

How to Deal with Anger

We are living in a day when philosophy says, "express yourself openly," "tell it like it is," "open up," "let it all hang out." However, the Scriptures counsel us to exercise restraint. The fruit of the spirit is "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law" (Gal. 5:22,23).  As we walk by grace through faith, temperance will enable us to keep our anger under control. But how does this work out in a practical sense?  Those who fly off in a fit of rage permit their anger to take control of them.  Consequently, the energy emitted from this emotion is usually misdirected at someone or something.  Sinful anger tears down.  Thus, in the heat of the moment things are often said and done which cause irreparable damage to relationships.

Paul adds here in Ephesians, "let not the sun go down upon your wrath."  We should never allow our anger to simmer overnight.  This will only cause it to become more deeply seated.  "Neither give place to the devil" (Eph. 4:27).  You see, if you fail to handle things in the proper manner, you may well be giving Satan an opportunity to drive a deeper wedge in your relationships with others.  Surely, we are not ignorant of his devices.  Always remember, Satan is an opportunist.

________________________

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Two Minutes With The Bible - THE OLD NATURE IN THE BELIEVER


Sep 13

THE OLD NATURE IN THE BELIEVER

By Cornelius R. Stam

The believer who would be truly spiritual must recognize the presence of the old nature within. It would be dangerous not to recognize a foe so near.

The old nature in the believer is that which is "begotten of the flesh." It is called, "the flesh," "the old man," "the natural man," "the carnal mind."

Just as "they that are in the flesh cannot please God" (Rom. 8:8) so that which is of the flesh, in the believer, cannot please God. "The flesh," as we have already seen, is totally depraved. God calls it "sinful flesh" (Rom. 8:3), warns that it seeks "occasion" to do wrong (Gal. 5:13), and declares that "the works of the flesh" are all bad (Gal. 5:19-21).

Nor is the old nature in the believer one which improves by its contact with the new. It is with respect to "the flesh" in the believer, even in himself that the Apostle declares that in it "dwelleth no good thing" (Rom. 7:18), that it is "carnal, sold under sin" (Rom. 7:14), that it is "corrupt according to the deceitful lusts" (Eph. 4:22), that it is at enmity against God," and is "not subject to the law of God, NEITHER INDEED CAN BE" (Rom. 8:7).

"The flesh," even as it remains in the believer after salvation, is that which was generated by a fallen begetter. It is the old Adamic nature. It is sinful in itself.  It cannot be improved. It cannot be changed. "That which is born [begotten] of the flesh is flesh," said our Lord (John 3:6), and it is as impossible to improve the "old man" in the believer as it was to make him acceptable to God in the first place.

The "old man" was condemned and dealt with judicially at the Cross. Never once is the believer instructed to try to do anything with him or to make anything of him, but always to "reckon" him "dead indeed" (Rom. 6:11), and to "put him off" (Col. 3:8-10).

________________________

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Two Minutes With The Bible - THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESURRECTION


Sep 14

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESURRECTION

By Cornelius R. Stam

In his great Epistle to the Romans, St. Paul introduces himself immediately as "a bondslave of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle," to proclaim God’s good news about Christ. Paul’s "gospel of the grace of God" was essentially about the Lord Jesus Christ. He was always talking about Christ. His epistles are filled with Christ. Christ, in his message, was everything. This is in striking contrast to much of our modern preaching and evangelism, which is not Christ-centered, but man-centered.

The gospel Paul proclaimed was God’s good news about Christ and His power and glory in defeating Satan, overcoming death, paying for sin and nailing the Law to His cross.

This is why the Apostle calls his message "the good news of the glory of Christ" (II Cor. 4:4). To enter experientially into the truth of this good news is the greatest blessing one can possibly experience.

In Verse 4 of his introduction to the Roman Epistle, the Apostle declares that Christ was powerfully declared to be the Son of God "by the resurrection from the dead."

The resurrection of Christ had been both prophesied and proclaimed as a historical fact before Paul, but to Paul was committed a special message of good news concerning the
resurrection. In his God-given message, Christ was raised from the dead to demonstrate that as God the Son He had paid the full penalty for sins that would have sunk a world to hell. Thus the Apostle writes to Timothy, his son in the faith:

"Consider what I say, and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

"Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David [this is how Christ had formerly been known] was raised from the dead according to my gospel, wherein I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even unto bonds" (II Tim. 2:7-9).

Read the Epistles of Paul and see how salvation by grace through faith always hinges upon the finished work of Christ for our redemption. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved."

________________________

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Two Minutes With The Bible - EVOLUTION AND SIN


Sep 15

EVOLUTION AND SIN

By Cornelius R. Stam

"For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now" (Rom. 8:22).

Modern evolution, of course, denies the Bible account of the fall and has much to say about "the ascent of man," but evolution fails to account for, indeed, assiduously evades, that which lies at the very root of all man’s troubles: sin. It fails to explain adequately why man finds himself weak, poor, miserable, distressed, corrupt, perishing, and it fails to explain why he is so utterly helpless to lift himself from this state. It fails to explain his inherent sense of blameworthiness; indeed insists he has no cause for a "guilt complex."

Every man feels within himself a disorder, a positive dislocation of things, which science -- and certainly the theory of evolution -- is unable to explain. Only the Bible account of the fall explains it and shows how all man’s trouble and distress arise from his own nature, which is fallen and corrupt.

"...BY ONE MAN SIN ENTERED INTO THE WORLD, AND DEATH BY SIN; AND SO DEATH PASSED UPON ALL MEN, FOR THAT ALL HAVE SINNED" (Rom. 5:12).

It is most important for the unsaved to learn this lesson; to learn that it is not merely our sins, but our sin that makes us unfit for the presence of God; not merely our deeds but our nature; not merely what we have done, but what we would do because we are essentially sinful as the children of Adam.

How profoundly grateful we should be, then, that God loves us despite our sins and our sinful natures, and that... "...God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8).

"In whom we have redemption, through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" (Eph. 1:7).

________________________

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Two Minutes With The Bible - THE SINS THAT ARE PAST


Sep 16

THE SINS THAT ARE PAST

By Cornelius R. Stam

In Chapter 3 of St. Paul’s letter to the Romans he declares that God has set forth Christ as a satisfaction for man’s sin and that redemption is obtained by faith in "His blood," or His payment for sin at Calvary, entirely apart from works, religious or otherwise (Rom. 3:21-26).

But in this same passage he states that this "remission" concerns the "sins that are past" (Ver. 25). What does he mean by this? Some have taught from this verse that when a sinner turns to God for salvation all his sins are forgiven up to that time and now that he is saved he is henceforth responsible for himself. But this would mean that God saves men by His grace only to turn them over again to their own weak and sinful natures. If this were the case, the converted sinner would be lost again the same day, for what Christian believer is wholly free from sin?

Paul rather looks back here at past ages and declares that we now know and proclaim that men like Abel, Noah and Abraham, and also like Moses, David and Daniel (who lived under the Law) were actually saved by the redemption wrought by Christ, although Christ’s death was still future in their day. In other words, Christ died, not only for the sins which we have committed, but also for the "sins which are past." The believers of past ages simply believed what God told them then, and God counted them righteous (Gen. 15:6) on the basis of Christ’s coming payment for sin.

We have the same truth set forth in Hebrews 9:15, where we are told that Christ’s death availed also "for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant,"
i.e., the Law.

How blessed we are to live at a time when God’s plan of salvation has been fully revealed, and that we can now look to the Lord Jesus Christ and exclaim with Paul: "He loved me, and gave Himself for me!" (Gal. 2:20).

________________________

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Two Minutes With The Bible - THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST


Sep 17

THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST

By Cornelius R. Stam

The last great book of the Bible opens with the words:

"The revelation of Jesus Christ," and from these words it derives its title: "The Revelation." In this book St. John deals largely with the return of Christ in glory to judge and reign.

II Thes. 1:7,8 tells us that one day "the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven... in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that... obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." This is what the book of the Revelation is basically about. But this phraseology is also used in Paul’s epistles, for in Gal. 1:11,12 he says:

"I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not after man, for I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Surely this is not the same "revelation of Jesus Christ" of which John wrote. St. Paul refers not to "the revelation of Jesus Christ" in glory, but to "the revelation of Jesus Christ" in grace while He delays the judgment; not His revelation to the world in person, but His revelation to the world through Paul the chief of sinners, saved by grace.

In Verses 15,16 of Gal. 1, the Apostle says: "...it pleased God... to reveal His Son in Me." What a revelation of grace to a sin-cursed world when God saved Saul, His bitter, blaspheming enemy! He tells about it in I Tim. 1:13-16, where he says:

" was a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious... Howbeit, FOR THIS CAUSE I OBTAINED MERCY, THAT IN ME FIRST JESUS CHRIST MIGHT SHOW FORTH ALL LONGSUFFERING, FOR A PATTERN TO THEM WHICH SHOULD HEREAFTER BELIEVE ON HIM TO LIFE EVERLASTING."

This is why Paul says: "...it pleased God... to reveal His Son in Me." By saving the chief of sinners (as Paul calls himself in I Tim. 1:15), God would show us that He is willing to save any sinner, "for whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Rom. 10:13).

________________________

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Two Minutes With The Bible - REWARD OR LOSS


Sep 18

REWARD OR LOSS

By Cornelius R. Stam

Fortunately, salvation is by grace, through faith, and we do not doubt that even in the dark ages many were saved in spite of their blind leaders and their limited knowledge. However, we fear that the spiritual leaders of our day will fare little better than the leaders of their day when they appear at the Judgment Seat of Christ, for they have certainly not taken heed to build according to the plans and specifications committed to Paul as God’s appointed "masterbuilder" of the Church (I Cor. 3:10).

Just think a moment. Is the Church today mostly composed of "gold, silver and precious stones" (morally and spiritually), or of "wood, hay and stubble" (I Cor. 3:12)? Surely many a man who enjoys prominence and popularity today will weep in that day to see his works go up in flames, as it were (I Cor. 3:13). It will be a dreadful thing to "suffer loss" when the rewards for Christian service are given out (Ver. 15).

Christian ministers, missionaries, evangelists, Bible teachers, we appeal to you in behalf of a stricken Church. They are God’s building -- we are the builders (Vers. 9,10). "We are laborers together with God." What a calling! Paul, as an instructed "masterbuilder," has given us the plans and specifications in his epistles. We should be intelligent workmen; workmen whom God can approve, who will not need to be ashamed when the divine Building Inspector examines our workmanship.

There is only one way. Take your hand off the public pulse (Gal. 1:10), cease giving so much attention to organizing and advertising -- and compromising -- and begin to diligently, prayerfully obey II Tim. 2:15:

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth." We will not always be praised for teaching the Word of God, rightly divided, but God’s blessing is worth far more than human acclaim.

________________________

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[nChrist]

Two Minutes With The Bible - STANDING, WALKING AND RUNNING FOR GOD


Sep 19

STANDING, WALKING AND RUNNING FOR GOD

By Cornelius R. Stam

In a way the Christian life is a stand; in another it is a walk, and in still another a race.

In I Cor. 15:1 the Apostle Paul writes of "the gospel... wherein ye stand" and in Rom. 5:2 of "this grace wherein we stand," while in Gal. 5:1 he bids us: "Stand fast... in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free." Perhaps all this is well summed up in his appeal to his beloved Philippians:

"Therefore, my brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown... stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved" (Phil. 4:1). But the Christian life is more than a stand -- it is a walk (which in Scripture refers to conduct).

Once, says Paul, we walked "in trespasses and sins" (Eph. 2:1,2) but having been saved by grace, through faith in Christ, we are now to "walk in newness of life" (Rom. 6:4). Thus the Apostle bids us to "walk worthy of the Lord" (Col. 1:10), to "walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Eph. 5:15-16). But the Christian life is even more than a walk; it is a race. Sad to say, many Christians whose "walk" is consistent and commendable, have never come to look upon the Christian life as a race. These never put enough into it so that it might be said of them that they are running. Yet the same great Apostle wrote, by divine inspiration:

"Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us" (Heb. 12:1).

The word "patience" in this passage points up the fact that the Christian life is not a short "hundred-yard dash"; it requires much endurance. Thus we should put into it all that we have. "They which run in a race," says the Apostle, "run all," but they do not all receive the prize. Hence the admonition: "So run that ye may obtain" (I Cor. 9:24).

Those who have not trusted Christ as Savior have not even begun to stand, or walk, much less to run a race for Him. These might as well forget rewards until they first accept "the gift of God... eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 6:23).

________________________

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[nChrist]

Two Minutes With The Bible - HE THAT IS SPIRITUAL


Sep 20

HE THAT IS SPIRITUAL

By Cornelius R. Stam

"He that is spiritual judgeth [discerneth] all things, yet he himself is judged [discerned] of no man" (I Cor. 2:15).

The truly spiritual man is so far above the wisest sages of this world, yes, so far above the mass of Christians with whom he comes into contact, that he can understand them, but they can never quite understand him.

We should all long to be truly spiritual, but what is true spirituality?

In the Pauline Epistles the human race is divided, by the Spirit, into four classes: the natural man, the babe in Christ, the carnal Christian, and the spiritual Christian.

All four of these are referred to in one passage of Scripture (I Cor. 2:14—3:4) and it should be noted that they are classified according to their ability to appreciate and assimilate "the things of God" as revealed in His Word.

Through diligent, prayerful study of the Word, and with a sincere desire to obey it, the spiritual man has come to know God and the Lord Jesus Christ more and more intimately. Babes in Christ and carnal believers about him cannot "discern" him, simply because they have not come to know God as he. But he, having grown to spiritual maturity, quite understands them. He is among those of whom it is written:

"But strong meat [solid food] belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Heb. 5:14).

________________________

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[nChrist]

Two Minutes With The Bible - TAKING GOD AT HIS WORD


Sep 21

TAKING GOD AT HIS WORD

By Cornelius R. Stam

Because of a failure to understand God’s purposes as outlined in the Scriptures some have felt it necessary to alter many of the plainest statements of Holy Writ. Supposing that God could not have meant exactly what He said, they have concluded that these things must be interpreted in a "spiritual" sense.

Actually there is nothing spiritual about failing to take God at His Word, and seeking to explain away difficulties by arbitrarily altering what He has plainly said.

First, this would leave us at the mercy of theologians. If the Scriptures do not mean what they say, who has the authority to decide what they do mean? And how can we turn to the Word of God for light if it does not mean what it says, and only trained theologians can tell us what it does mean?

Second, this altering of the Scriptures affects the veracity of God. It is a thrust at His very honor. If the obvious, natural meaning of the Old Testament promises are not to be depended upon, how can we depend upon any promise of God? Then, when He says: "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Rom. 10:13), He may also mean something else instead of what He actually says. Third, this "spiritualizing" of Scriptures endorses apostasy, for it allows men to alter the meaning of God’s Word according to their will.

The path to a true understanding and enjoyment of the Bible is not in altering but in "rightly dividing" it (II Tim. 2:15).

Those who have resorted to the "spiritualization" of the prophetic Scriptures because they cannot account for the seeming cessation in their fulfillment, will find the solution to their problem in a recognition of the unique character of Paul’s apostleship and message. Recognize "the mystery" revealed through Paul and there will be no need to alter prophecy.

________________________

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