Two Minutes With The Bible

[Ambassador4Christ]

CHRIST OUR PASSOVER IS SACRIFICED FOR US

By Russell S. Miller

When Israel came out of the land of Egypt and the Lord's gracious forbearance with Pharaoh required that he release the people of God from slavery, that Egyptian did not revere the Lord and would not let God's people go. On the fateful night of "the Lord's Passover", Pharaoh arrogantly hardened his heart against the Lord (Ex.5:1; 14:15-18,27).

God told the Israelites to take a lamb, roast it with fire, and bitter herbs, and eat it in haste, for "it is the Lord's Passover", and "strike [the blood] on the two side posts and on the upper door post" of each house (Ex.12:1-11).

"For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord."

It is not Pharaoh and his Egyptian "gods", but Jehovah who rules the world!

"And... when I see the blood, I will pass over you... " (Ex.12:12,13,29,30).

Now we come to the New Testament, and as our Lord celebrated "Passover" with His disciples, He instituted "the Lord's Supper", a memorial of His shed blood, the revelation of which Christ first delivered to Paul. It was later revealed to "His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit" (ICor.1:18; 15:1-4; Rom. 3:25,26; 5:9,10; Eph.3:5; IPet.1:11,12).

That Christ was born of "a virgin" makes His blood efficacious to save us from our sins (Matt.1:18-25; John 1:47; Rom.5:12; 8:3; Heb. 7:26).

This is why the Apostle Paul could say of the Lamb of God on Calvary's cross:

"FOR EVEN CHRIST OUR PASSOVER IS SACRIFICED FOR US" (ICor.5:7).

Now we see that not only were Israelites redeemed by blood in the Exodus of Egypt some 1500 years Before Christ (Ex.12:11-14), the typification of which is revealed to Paul, but we also learn that Christ's "Passover" blood now saves believing Jews and Gentiles (ICor.11:25).

"Neither by the blood of goats and calves, BUT BY HIS OWN BLOOD HE ENTERED IN ONCE INTO THE HOLY PLACE, having obtained eternal redemption for us" (Heb.9:12).
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Two Minutes With The Bible By Pastor Stam

Mailing Address:
Berean Bible Society
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[The Crusader]

Amen

Now we see that not only were Israelites redeemed by blood in the Exodus of Egypt some 1500 years Before Christ (Ex.12:11-14), the typification of which is revealed to Paul, but we also learn that Christ's "Passover" blood now saves believing Jews and Gentiles (ICor.11:25).

And Amen

Your friend and brother

The Crusader
<))><

[Ambassador4Christ]

What We Believe

By Paul M. Sadler, President

Scripture Reading:
"Who also hath made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life."
-- II Corinthians 3:6

We have been hearing from a good number of our readers who are confused, perplexed and even concerned over the doctrine of the New Covenant.  Apparently there are a number of strange teachings floating around the Grace Movement on this subject, which has given rise for alarm among some of the brethren.

It is our firm conviction that the Body of Christ falls under the umbrella of the New Covenant.  Paul clearly teaches in Romans that we are partakers of Israel's spiritual blessings (Rom. 15:27 cf. Eph. 1:3-14).  There is absolutely no possibility that this could refer to anything other than the New Covenant.  One thing that should never be overlooked, however, is the fact that Israel received it by promise whereas we are the glad recipients of it by grace (Jer. 31:31 cf. Titus 2:11).

As we know, one of the principal blessings of the New Covenant is the blood of Christ.  This particular element can never be divorced from the covenant nor should it be.  We have often said that if the Body of Christ has no connection to this covenant whatsoever, then our Savior must return a second time to die for the Gentiles.  To us this is unthinkable.  Christ died "once for all" (Heb. 10:9-12).  Furthermore, the New Covenant shows that there is a connection between the two programs of God which highlights His eternal purpose.  Surely, He is Lord of all.

Who could fail to see that Paul charges us to remember the blood of this covenant until the Lord comes: "This cup is the New Testament [Covenant] in my blood: this do ye…in remembrance of me.  For as often as ye [Members of His Body] eat this bread and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till He come" (I Cor. 11:23-26).
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Subscribe at:
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Two Minutes With The Bible By Pastor Stam

Mailing Address:
Berean Bible Society
N112 W17761 Mequon Road
P.O. Box 756
Germantown, WI 53022

Web Site:
http://www.bereanbiblesociety.org/
Gospel Books, Materials, & Free Mailings

Email: berean@execpc.com

[Ambassador4Christ]

A Challenge for Our Parents

By Paul M. Sadler, President

Scripture Reading:
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
-- I Corinthians 15:58

Probably the most commonly asked question of a seven year old is, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"  Usually the little one is so frozen with fear that the one inquiring must resort to a form of interrogation: "a doctor, lawyer, policeman; I know, a fireman!"  These are noble professions indeed, but why are children almost never encouraged to pursue the ministry?  Is the Lord's work any less meaningful?  Are the callings of pastor, evangelist, missionary and Christian counselor unworthy of our childrens' consideration?  Parents do well to remember that there is no higher calling in life than the Lord's service.

Sadly, our young people are so preconditioned to aspire to worldly professions that the ministry is not even a viable option.  Timothy's mother had no way of knowing whether or not God would call her son into full-time service.  But to her credit, she trained Timothy from a small child in the Scriptures to prepare him for the things of the Lord.  Shortly after his conversion to Christ, he was called into the ministry where he delivered many from a Christless eternity (II Tim. 1:6).

During those formative years we need to encourage our young to seek the face of the Lord as to what area of Christian service the Lord might use them.  Perhaps you have a quiver full of teenagers who don't know what vocation to pursue.  What better place to search for an answer than to have them attend the Berean Bible Institute here in Milwaukee.
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Subscribe at:
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Two Minutes With The Bible By Pastor Stam

Mailing Address:
Berean Bible Society
N112 W17761 Mequon Road
P.O. Box 756
Germantown, WI 53022

Web Site:
http://www.bereanbiblesociety.org/
Gospel Books, Materials, & Free Mailings

Email: berean@execpc.com

[Ambassador4Christ]

God's Gifts to His Church

By Paul M. Sadler, President

Scripture Reading:
"And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry."
-- Ephesians 4:11-13

Paul warns us about those who, whether wittingly or unwittingly, would spread unsound doctrine among us.  We are living in a time when some of the brethren seem to deem it important to find something new.  Of course, it is not our intent to discourage anyone in regard to exercising the "Berean spirit."  However, care should be taken not to undermine the foundation upon which our faith rests.  We do well to remember that the "Doctrinal Statement" our forefathers forged for us was a product of intense debate with the denominational leaders of their day.  Each plank of the statement was carefully crafted as a defense and confirmation of the Fundamentals of the faith and Pauls gospel.  Therefore, let us not be too quick to challenge those things which are "tried and true."  

At this late hour, there are those who tell us that the "gifts" of evangelists, pastors and teachers or pastor-teachers are no longer in operation today.  Some have even gone as far to say that the enabling "gifts" have also passed.  This flies in the face of our "Doctrinal Statement," which has served us well for over fifty years.  It states:

"The gifts necessary for the ministry of the Body of Christ are those enumerated in Eph. 4:7-16.  Of these, only the gifts of evangelists and pastor-teachers are in operation today.  All the sign gifts of the Acts period, such as tongues, prophecy and healing (I Cor. 12:1-31), being temporary in character, have ceased (I Cor. 13:8-11)."

Here in Ephesians, one of Pauls later epistles, the apostle sets the tone for the course of this dispensation.  Clearly, the context of this portion concerns itself with the gifts God has given to His Church.  It is true that the gifts of "apostles" and "prophets" passed with the completion of the Word of God (I Cor. 13:8-13 cf. Col. 1:25).  Once the Word of God was dispensed, these two offices and the gifted men who held them were nonessential.  We now have something far better, the written revelation that they handed down to us, which is to be obeyed in matters of faith and practice.

There is no indication, whatsoever, that the gifts of evangelists, pastors and teachers have ever been withdrawn.  In fact, Paul plainly states their purpose: "For the perfecting [maturing] of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying [building up] of the Body of Christ."  And how long shall this continue?  "Till we ALL come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge [Gr. epignosis -- full knowledge] of the Son of God" (Eph. 4:13).

Surely, it could not be said there has ever been a period in Church history, past or present, that the "unity of the faith" has been attained, much less a "full knowledge" of the Son of God.  But this is exactly what we are being asked to believe; that is, the unity of the faith has been attained. Perhaps, we should put this to the Berean test.

Creation: Some believe God created all things in six literal twenty-four hour days.  Others teach the "ruin and reconstruction theory" that God created, destroyed and re-created.  This is commonly called the "gap theory" which places millions or billions of years between the original creation and the re-creation.

Redemption: The battle has raged for centuries over whether Christ died for the sins of all mankind or merely for the sins of the elect.  Which do you believe?

Things to Come: It is well known there are those who believe the events covered in the Book of Revelation are entirely futuristic.  Many would challenge this assertion as absurd.  They teach that the early chapters of the Apocalypse describe the various stages of Church history up to the present "Laodicean" age.  If we agree that there are two camps of interpretation on any Biblical subject, then we have yet to come into the unity of the faith.

There is not one scintilla of evidence that the "unity of the faith" has ever been attained by all.  Even in Pauls day, the saints were wielding the sword of the Spirit against one another (II Tim. 1:15 cf. 2:17-19).  In addition, we must inquire: Has the Church come to a full knowledge of the Son of God?  That is, of His person, work and present heavenly ministry.  We shall answer this question with a question: Has the Church, which is His Body, acknowledged the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the Mystery?

The "unity of the faith" and a "full knowledge" of Christ is a goal set before us that will never be fully attained until the Rapture.  Thus, the responsibility of Gods gifts to His Church is to proclaim the whole counsel of God in light of the Pauline epistles.  Why? that the saints might be established in the faith!

There is also an experiential side to this truth as well.  When God called me into the ministry nearly thirty years ago, it was definitive.  Other pastors have testified of similar experiences, which confirms that the "gifts and callings of God are without repentance" (Rom. 11:29).  Beware of those who would rob you of this precious truth!
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Two Minutes With The Bible By Pastor Stam

Mailing Address:
Berean Bible Society
N112 W17761 Mequon Road
P.O. Box 756
Germantown, WI 53022

Web Site:
http://www.bereanbiblesociety.org/
Gospel Books, Materials, & Free Mailings

Email: berean@execpc.com

[Ambassador4Christ]

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.

[Ambassador4Christ]

Sad, But True

By Paul M. Sadler, President

Scripture Reading:
"Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."-- I Corinthians 10:12

Heard a story told by a Grace Believer who met another Grace Believer in the middle of the Golden Gate Bridge.

"I was standing in the middle of the Golden Gate Bridge admiring the view when another tourist walked up alongside of me to do the same.  I heard him say quietly, as he took in the beauty of the view, 'What an awesome God.'

"I turned to him and said, 'You a Christian?'  He said, 'Yes, I am a Christian.'  I said, 'So am I,' and we shook hands.

"I said, 'Are you a liberal or a fundamental Christian?'  He said, 'I am a fundamental Christian.'  I said, 'So am I,' and we smiled and nodded to each other.

"I said, 'Are you a Covenant or dispensational, fundamental
Christian?'  He said, 'I am a dispensational, fundamental Christian.' I said, 'So am I,' and we slapped one another on the back.

"I said, 'Are you an early Acts, mid-Acts or late Acts,
dispensational, fundamental Christian?'  He said 'I am a mid-Acts, dispensational, fundamental Christian.'  I said, 'So am I' and we agreed to exchange Christmas cards each year.

"I said, 'Are you an Acts 9 or 13, mid-Acts, dispensational,
fundamental Christian?'  He said, 'I am an Acts 9, mid-Acts,
dispensational, fundamental Christian.'  I said, 'So am I' and we hugged one another right there on the bridge.

"I said, 'Are you a pre-trib, or post-trib, Acts 9, mid-Acts,
dispensational, fundamental Christian?'  He said, 'I am a pre-trib, Acts 9, mid-Acts, dispensational, fundamental Christian.'  I said, 'So am I,' and we decided to exchange kids for the summer.

"I said, 'Are you a 12 in or 12 out, pre-trib, Acts 9, mid-Acts,
dispensational, fundamental Christian?'  He said, 'I am a 12 in, pre-trib, Acts 9, mid-Acts, dispensational, fundamental Christian.'

"I said, 'You heretic, and I pushed him off the bridge!'"
-- Author Unknown

The above is sad but all too true, with the exception of being pushed off a bridge, although some may have even considered that!  Of course, the shoe could have been on the other foot; that is, the weary traveler might have held the 12 out position -- heaven forbid!  The point is, no matter how deeply our convictions may run on secondary issues, they should never disrupt our fellowship together.  Issues such as: Are the 12 in or out of the Body of Christ?  Was Paul the author of Hebrews?  Should we observe holidays?  Was Paul in or out of the will of God in Acts 21?  Where did the Church begin -- Acts 9, 11, or 13?  And on and on we could go.

Our Fellowship in Christ must rest solely on the Fundamentals of the Faith and the Doctrines of Grace found in Ephesians 4:4-6.  There is no room for further discussion on these matters.  On other areas of the Word of God where we may find ourselves in disagreement, let us "agree to disagree" in a Christ-like manner.  This will help maintain the unity of the Spirit among us and glorify God in the process.
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Subscribe at:
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Two Minutes With The Bible By Pastor Stam

Mailing Address:
Berean Bible Society
N112 W17761 Mequon Road
P.O. Box 756
Germantown, WI 53022

Web Site:
http://www.bereanbiblesociety.org/
Gospel Books, Materials, & Free Mailings

Email: berean@execpc.com

[Ambassador4Christ]

The Wonders of His Grace

By Paul M. Sadler

Scripture Reading:
"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich."
-- II Corinthians 8:9

Whether the occasion is a holiday, a birthday celebration, or a graduation, it is customary to give a gift.  While some gifts are given out of necessity, for the most part, a gift is an expression of our love.  We normally bestow these tokens of our affection on those whom we feel deserve the honor.  But God's ways are not our ways.  He gave the gift of His beloved Son to His enemies.  That's a true love story!  Oh, the wonder of His grace that God sent His only begotten Son, the Son of His love, to save sinners like you and me while we were fleeing from the glory of His presence.  Little wonder the Apostle Paul says, "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift" (II Cor. 9:15).

The word "unspeakable" here has the idea of "indescribable."  The gifts I've received through the years were all describable.  Some may have been a little harder to describe than others, but describable nonetheless!  But the gift of God's dear Son is indescribable.  Who can explain the incarnation, how the eternal Son of God left heaven's glory and took upon Himself the form of human flesh, yet was not tainted with our sin.  Who can explain how Christ was wholly God and wholly human in one person?  These wonders can only be received through the eye of faith.

The manger and the Cross stand at the two extremes of our Lord's life, but they are connected by the tapestry of redemption.  Hence, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners."  A love story that ends with a death is tragic; in contrast, the death of Christ is the greatest demonstration of love this world has ever seen.  How much does God love you?  He gave His only begotten Son to die on your behalf.  You see, Christ wasn't dying for His sin, He knew no sin; He was dying for your sins and my sins at Calvary.  He was made sin for us that we might receive the righteousness of God in Him.  Have you trusted Him?

Surely you would never think of paying for a gift; why, the giver would be highly offended -- how much more so with God.  The payment for your sins has already been furnished by the Giver; simply receive Him as a gift from God.  If you have, then why not thank Him today for His unspeakable gift?  After all, this is the Gift that includes all others!
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Subscribe at:
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Two Minutes With The Bible By Pastor Stam

Mailing Address:
Berean Bible Society
N112 W17761 Mequon Road
P.O. Box 756
Germantown, WI 53022

Web Site:
http://www.bereanbiblesociety.org/
Gospel Books, Materials, & Free Mailings

Email: berean@execpc.com

[Ambassador4Christ]

Applause

By Paul M. Sadler, President

Scripture Reading:
"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him."
-- Colossians 3:17

There seems to be a growing trend in Christendom for congregations to physically applaud those who are ministering in the things of the Lord. Pastors are applauded when they wax eloquent or say something humorous.  Also, after soloists lift the hearts of the saints into the heavenlies they are often met with a round of applause as they step down from the platform.  Having pastored a number of local assemblies, I've risen from my chair, on more than one occasion to interrupt the hand clapping of the saints.  While I am sure their applause was well-intentioned, it is nonetheless very irreverent and disrespectful to the Lord.

When the world gives a standing ovation after a performance of an actor or comedian they are expressing their appreciation for having been acceptably entertained.  They are also praising the performer for his excellence in an art which has been cultivated through years of hard work.

When the servant of the Lord comes to the platform, to minister on our behalf, the purpose of his labor of love is not to entertain the congregation.  It is to be viewed rather as a ministry, which is an integral part of our worship of the Holy One of Heaven.  Anyone who serves the Lord, sincerely, would never want the applause of men, but would insist that all the honor and glory be given to God.  May all our adoration go to the One Who is worthy to be worshipped, for He has given us his Word and the opportunity along with the gifts to minister on His behalf.  Amen!

CHRYSOSTOM ON APPLAUSE
345-407 A.D.

"... some clapped their hands in applause, according to the custom of the times.  Then Chrysostom raised his voice: 'How does your applause help me?' It will be the right approval if you practice in life what I say to you.  The church is no theater, where men listen for their own pleasure."  (From the Life of Chrysostom, by Frederic Perthes, P. 18).

[Ambassador4Christ]

Paul's Two Roman Imprisonments

By Paul M. Sadler, President

Scripture Reading:
"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing."-- II Timothy 4:6-8

Approximately two years after being delivered into the hands of Roman authorities things had apparently gone well for the apostle, therefore he anticipated his soon release from prison.  Thus he writes to the church at Philippi: "For I KNOW that this [their prayer for his release] shall turn to my salvation [deliverance from prison]" (Phil. 1:9).

We believe that Paul did in fact enjoy a short period of freedom which enabled him to continue his apostolic journeys.  We know, for example, that according to the Acts record the apostle never visited Crete on any of his previous apostolic journeys.  Paul did sail around the island on his way to Rome as a prisoner, but it was not until his release from his first Roman imprisonment that he actually visited Crete.  The apostle's brief stay on the island was long enough to see that the churches there were in a state of chaos (Titus 1:10-16).  Consequently, Paul leaves Titus behind, his companion in travel, "to set in order the things that were wanting" (Titus 1:5).

Probably from Crete Paul made his way to Corinth where he writes to Titus to inform him that he planned to winter in Nicopolis (Titus 3:12).  It could well be that the apostle was apprehended at Nicopolis and taken again to Rome for preaching Christ.  This time however, the sentence would go against him.  So without hesitation he writes to Timothy, since it was nearing winter, to bring his cloak and also the Parchments (II Tim. 4:13).
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Subscribe at:
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Two Minutes With The Bible By Pastor Stam

Mailing Address:
Berean Bible Society
N112 W17761 Mequon Road
P.O. Box 756
Germantown, WI 53022

Web Site:
http://www.bereanbiblesociety.org/
Gospel Books, Materials, & Free Mailings

Email: berean@execpc.com

[Ambassador4Christ]

The Teaching of Self-Esteem

By Paul M. Sadler, President

Scripture Reading:
"Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince [refute] the gainsayers."
-- Titus 1:9

Satan never rests in his insatiable desire to corrupt the Word of God. A case in point is the present-day teaching of self-love, self-esteem and self-worth.  The influence of this unsound doctrine has nearly permeated every strata of Christendom, including the Grace Movement. Like the beat of a drum, this theme is heard almost constantly from the pulpits of America and frequently appears on the pages of Christian literature.  Beware when you hear or read: "It is important to feel good about yourself," "Learn to love yourself," "Probe your innermost self to understand why you think and feel as you do," "God sent His son to die for you because you are of great value."

On the surface these phrases may seem commendable, but in reality they are diametrically opposed to the Scriptures.  The above has been weighed in the balance and found to be wanting.  For example: "The heart [innermost self] is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jer. 17:9).  Paul concurred when he said, "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh, [old nature or self]) dwelleth no good thing" (Rom. 7:18).  The old man (self) is at enmity against God.  He hates God and the things of God and left to himself he will not seek God.  The Scriptures, from beginning to end, speak with a unified voice that the old nature is rotten to the core (See Rom. 3:9-18).

Consequently, our old man (self) has been crucified with Christ.  Paul made reference to this when he wrote to the Galatians, "I am crucified with Christ [i.e. his old man]: nevertheless I live [Paul's new nature]; yet NOT I [self], but Christ liveth in me."  We are to put off the old nature and put on the new, which is created in holiness and righteousness (Eph. 4:22-24).  It is futile to improve one's self-image, especially since God abhors any attempt to do so.  Rather, we are to conform ourselves to the image of His dear Son.  Thus, those of the household of faith are to live accordingly:

"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let us esteem other better than themselves.  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 2:3-5).

Self takes great pleasure in acclaim, indulgence, approval and praise. It glories in all these things.  But are we not robbing God when self is esteemed more highly than His glory?  "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have of God, AND YE ARE NOT YOUR OWN?  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (I Cor. 6:19,20).

Shall we permit the "love of one's self" doctrine to overshadow the love of God in Christ Jesus?  God forbid!  May God help us to stand against this insidious teaching that essentially robs God of the glory that is rightfully due Him.
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Two Minutes With The Bible By Pastor Stam

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[Ambassador4Christ]

Avoiding Strong Drink

By Paul M. Sadler, President

Scripture Reading:
"Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken."
-- Habakkuk 2:15

There are many passages in the Word of God, such as the above, that are timeless and transcend all the dispensations of God.  While the liquor industry goes to great lengths to get people to believe that drinking is a harmless way to have a good time, the facts are otherwise.  They are very careful never to advertise the drunk driver who kills innocent people or the homes that have been destroyed by strong drink.  But a voice in the crowd says that a few social drinks will never hurt anyone.  Most recovering alcoholics, however, tell a much different story of how their slide into a life of drunkenness all started with a social drink.  "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise" (Prov. 20:1).

A couple of years ago, I was driving through Apollo, Pennsylvania where I saw a piece of twisted wreckage along side of the road.  Upon slowing down, I discovered that it was an automobile, or at least what was left of it.  Apparently someone survived the crash because there were beer cans strategically placed beside the car along with a sign at the rear bumper which read, "And they told us we were going to have fun."  Someone lied!

While the world refers to alcoholism as a disease, the Word of God calls drunkenness a sin.  It is not a disease, it is a matter of choice.  Oh, the sorrow and heartache that has been caused by careless men and women who have given themselves over to the treachery of this sin.  The answer is not found in the bottom of a bottle -- the answer is Christ.  Only He can deliver the drunkard from his drunkenness.  Therefore, a life yielded to God is the solution to the bondage of this terrible sin.  Throughout the year social gatherings often bring with them a strong temptation to join the crowd.  For those who struggle with this temptation, it is important to remember that the victory is already yours though Christ Jesus our Lord.  Simply claim it!  Then live one day at a time, by God's grace, for His grace is more than sufficient (II Cor. 12:9).  Amen!
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Two Minutes With The Bible By Pastor Stam

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Berean Bible Society
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[Ambassador4Christ]

That Precious Deposit

By Paul M. Sadler, President

Scripture Reading:
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."
-- II Corinthians 4:7

The story is told of how a wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art.  They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael.  They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.  When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war.  He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier.  The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.  About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door.  A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands.  He said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life.  He saved many lives that day, and he as carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly.  He often talked about you, and your love for art."

The young man held out his package.  "I know this isn't very much, I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this."  The father opened the package.  It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man.  He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting.  The
father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with
tears.  He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture.  "Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift."  The father hung the portrait over his mantle.  Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the great works of art he had collected.

The man died a few months later.  Shortly thereafter, there was to be a great auction of his paintings.  Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having the opportunity to purchase one for their collection.  On the platform sat the painting of the son.  The auctioneer pounded his gavel.  "We will start the bidding with this picture of the son.  Who will bid for this picture?"  There was silence.  Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, "We want to see the famous paintings.  Skip this one."  But the auctioneer persisted.  "Will someone bid for this painting?  Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?"  Another voice shouted angrily.  "We didn't come to see this painting.  We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!"  But still the auctioneer continued.  "The son!  The son!  Who'll take the son?"

Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room.  It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son.  "I'll give $10 for the painting."  Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.  "We have $10, who will bid $20?"  "Give it to him for $10.  Let's see the masters."  The crowd was becoming angry.  They didn't want the picture of the son.  They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.  The auctioneer pounded the gavel.  "Going once, going twice, SOLD for $10!"  A man sitting on the second row shouted, "Now let's get on with the collection."

The auctioneer laid down his gavel.  "I'm sorry, the auction is over."  "What about the paintings?"  "I am sorry.  When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will.  I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time.  Only the painting of the son would be auctioned.  Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets every thing!"

God gave His Son 2000 years ago to die on a cruel Cross.  Much like the auctioneer, His message today is, "The Son, the Son, who'll take the Son?"  Because, you see, whoever takes the Son inherits everything!

EARTHEN VESSELS

In biblical times earthen vessels were clay pots that had been
thoroughly baked in an oven.  They were fraught with imperfections, which meant that no two were exactly alike.  Archeologists have discovered that those who lived during that period secretly buried their treasures in clay pots for safekeeping.  As we shall see, the master illustrator uses this facet of everyday life to illustrate a grand spiritual truth.

Those who have taken the Son are heirs, joint-heirs with Him.  As members of the Body of Christ, we are partakers of His glory, His power, and His reign.  In short, we are the recipients of the wealth of heaven!  While the believing Gentiles will partake of the blessings of the kingdom, they were never promised to be heirs.  In the kingdom, heirship is a question of nationality.  In the present dispensation of Grace, heirship is based upon relationship.  We are one in Him. Therefore, we have come into possession of what rightfully belongs to Him, and will share it mutually with Him for eternity (Rom. 8:17 cf. Eph. 3:6).

Today when men want to safeguard their riches they place them in vaults made of steel and concrete.  But God's ways are not man's ways.  God has deposited the riches of His grace in earthen vessels.  We need not wait until we arrive in heaven to learn what we presently possess in Christ.  We have this treasure, that is, the gospel of the grace of God in earthen vessels.  Those who have been saved by grace are blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies.  But what we positionally enjoy in Christ must become a practical reality in the Christian experience if we ever hope to maintain a godly testimony among men.  For example, we are forgiven in Christ, but grace teaches us that we are to forgive others even as Christ has forgiven us.

But why would God place these unspeakable riches in such an unsecure place?  We are unworthy sinners, weak and frail, who have the sentence of death within us.  Perhaps the hymn-writer, Robert Robinson, has expressed it best, "Prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love."  The answer to the question is found in the latter part of our passage.  "That the excellency [exceeding greatness] of the power may be of God, and not of us."  While others usually think more highly of us than they should, essentially it is the power of God working through us that produces results in the Lord's work.

Many years ago I was invited to minister the gospel at a Bible camp in the Rocky Mountains.  On the last evening, I spoke on "The Danger of Falling Into the Hands of An Angry God."  Earlier that day I hadn't been feeling well, due to altitude sickness.  In addition to being exhausted that night, I was short of breath.  At ten thousand feet it doesn't take much to get winded.  I now understand why it took Moses so long to return from Mount Sinai with the tablets of stone.  He undoubtedly had to keep stopping on his way down to catch his breath!  As I arose to speak that evening I thought to myself, this is going to be an absolute disaster.  It was, or at least I thought it was, until I learned two months later that an entire family was saved that night.  Brethren, the gospel is the "power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth" (Rom 1:16).  
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[Ambassador4Christ]

The Seventh from Adam

By Paul M. Sadler, President

Scripture Reading:
"And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints."
-- Jude 14

About two weeks prior to teaching the Dispensation of Conscience in my Dispensational Survey class at the Berean Bible Institute, I raised the following question to the student body.  What is the significance of Enoch being addressed as "the seventh from Adam"?  The entire class drew a blank -- they were stumped!!  Although it may seem rather insignificant at first glance, the Holy Spirit has added this phrase for good reason.  In fact, this phraseology is only used in reference to Enoch.

A number of the students gave some thought to the matter and even ventured a couple of explanations, which were true, but not the answer I was looking for.  Finally, one student eventually got two or three hints out of me and came up with the answer.  Upon arriving at the fourth and fifth chapters of the Book of Genesis, I explained to the class that there were two Enoch's before the days of the great flood.  
Therefore, we must carefully distinguish between the Enoch who descended from Cain, and the Enoch who was the "seventh from Adam" (Gen. 4:16-18 cf. 5:22-24).  The first Enoch walked in the way of Cain
-- his descendants were morally bankrupt.

God would have us follow the example of Enoch, the seventh from Adam, who walked in the way of faith.  Thus "Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found [implying everyone searched for him], because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he PLEASED GOD" (Heb. 11:5).  In addition, the path of the coming Redeemer would pass through Enoch, the seventh from Adam, not Cain's Enoch (Gen. 3:15).  So then, a seemingly insignificant phrase suddenly helps us better appreciate that: "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).
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Berean Bible Society
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[Ambassador4Christ]

Creation

By Paul M. Sadler, President

Scripture Reading:
"And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.  And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.  And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night.  And the evening and the morning were the first day."
-- Genesis 1:3-5

I am a creationist.  I personally believe that God created all things in heaven and earth in six literal 24-hour days.  A proper understanding of creation is essential, since it is the foundation upon which all the doctrines of God rest.  Sadly, some in Christendom have sought to erect an elaborate system known as the day-age theory to accommodate the geologic timetable of billions of years.  But does this position pass the Berean test?

Those who subscribe to the day-age theory believe that the Hebrew word "day" (yom) can refer to a 24-hour day or a long period of time.  This is true!  For example, the day of the Lord is an extended period of time which covers well over one thousand years.  Consequently, the context must always be consulted to ascertain the duration of time under consideration.  Of course, those who defend this position teach that the days of the Genesis record quite literally cover millions and millions of years, which conveniently accommodates evolution.

Interestingly, when the Hebrew word yom is used with a number, it always refers to a 24-hour day, without exception.  In regard to the Passover God instructed Moses, "Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel" (Ex. 12:15). Would we conclude otherwise that the "first day" here is anything other than a normal day?  Furthermore, when perimeters are set on the term yom, such as "the evening and the morning," as found in Genesis 1:4, this limits the day to 24 hours.

But perhaps the most conclusive evidence that each day was 24 hours is found in Exodus 20:11: "For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it."  Here Moses uses the term yamin, the Hebrew plural for "days," which exclusively speaks of 24-hour cycles.

If the Holy Spirit had intended to convey that the days of creation were "eras," He would have used the used the Hebrew olam, which is defined as "indefinite time."  We accept by faith that God is sovereign and all-powerful; therefore, it was a small matter for Him to speak all things into existence in six days (Psa. 33:6-9).
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Mailing Address:
Berean Bible Society
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P.O. Box 756
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Web Site:
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Email: berean@execpc.com