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LOOKING THROUGH COLORED GLASSES

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GLASSES OF LIMITED VISION

GLASSES

By Ken Blue

“Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” 1 Corinthians 13:8-13.

I saw a sign on a nursery door in some church which read, “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed…” A father was seen picking up toys from his front yard. He said, “Now I know what Paul meant when he said, ‘when I became a man I put away childish things.’”

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The older we get and the more we study God’s Word, the more aware we become of just how little we know.[/perfectpullquote]

The supernatural gifts of the early church have ceased, and we are left with incomplete knowledge of this life and the life to follow. God has revealed to us all we need to know to trust Him. But, what has been revealed is childlike compared to what we are to know and experience in the next life.

The older we get and the more we study God’s Word, the more aware we become of just how little we know. Paul says our understanding at present is like that of a small child.

We are so limited on what heaven is like. What will we do throughout eternity? Where will the church be located and what will be its function? What will be our age in heaven and will we retain our features? Will we know each other as we knew them in this life? As we seek to see the answers to these and other questions, we find ourselves looking through a dark glass.

The glasses are dark, but we have enough light to know that faith, hope and charity abide, and we can trust Him who is saving the good wine for a future day. We know that to depart and be with Christ is far better than this present life. One day soon, we will be translated from this childlike understanding to the full knowledge of adulthood. What a great day that will be!

DOES GOD HATE YOU

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The Hate of God

By Ken Blue

Most Bible believers teach that God hates sin, but loves the sinner. However, recently a small group of believers have challenged that teaching, and affirm that God not only hates sin; He also hates the sinner. If God does indeed hate the sinners, does He hate you?

Let us look at a few things God says He hates and see if you are on His hate list. “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:  A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,  An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,  A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” Proverbs 6:16-19.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Does God hate you?[/perfectpullquote]

 Are you guilty of pride? Have you or do you tell a lie? Is there someone you hate? Do you have wicked thoughts? Are you involved in any mischief? Have you misrepresented someone? Are you guilty of sectarianism or discord among the brethren? Now, we know God hates all the above sins.  I am sure you are not guilty of these but are you sure that God hates other people who commit these sins?

Since God hates divorce, does he hate the divorcees; and if He hates them, why don’t you? “For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.” Malachi 2:16.

I have no doubt that the brethren are going to adjust their theology to accommodate themselves and their friends. They will excuse themselves and exclude their sins from God’s hate list while adding the sins of others to it. So, we ask, does God hate you?

JOB; THE QUESTION OF SUFFERING

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THE BENEFIT OF SUFFERING

By Ken Blue

While a student in Omaha, I pastored a small church in Iowa. Mrs. Blue and I visited a young man who was a teacher in the college town. As I attempted to discuss spiritual things, he said to me, “the God of Job would be my devil.” Needless to say, I was taken back and found that further discussion was useless. His problem, like many, was his inability and unwillingness to accept that God wants to use our suffering to fulfill a purpose in our life and in the lives of others.

Recently I received the following question. I will attempt to answer it as I understand the subject. However, the final answer to all our questions will be answered at the Judgment Seat.

“Hi Pastor. I have a question that keeps bugging me, and I thought I would see what your thoughts are. It’s about God’s actions that seem somewhat contradictory to his character (or at least by my perception)- in regard to Job. It seems contradictory to me that God could truly love Job and yet allow such tragedy to be placed upon him for what seems like no reason but to “prove” Satan wrong…. maybe I have it all wrong. It just seems like if Job was as good of a servant to God as the Bible says, that it would be totally wrong to inflict such pain on him. It wasn’t like God was disciplining him, or rebuking him, or correcting him- it was “just because” and I just don’t understand how that can possibly show God’s love in any way.”

The book of Job is the oldest book in existence. It is a literary masterpiece, and many colleges use it in their study of literature. It was written between 1800 and 1700 B.C. before the Exodus, or the nation of Israel existed. It was written to answer man’s question; why do the righteous suffer?

Suffering is in the world because of sin. That does not mean you are suffering because of your personal sins. We suffer because of the wickedness of others also. We may suffer for other reasons. If God protected every person from suffering, there would be no such thing as a free will, and without a free will, the word love, and choice have no meaning.

Suffering should be a warning to us not to sin. Suffering is intended to purge us from our sins, and we learn obedience by the things we suffer. David said, “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.” Psalms 119:67.

The following verse should be meditated on. “ Though he (Jesus) were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;  And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Hebrews 5:8-9. No one was as perfect as the Lord Jesus, yet God saw value in allowing Him to suffer. There were things Jesus did not know until He suffered. It is in the midst of suffering we prove and demonstrate our faith in God’s love, wisdom, and goodness. Every reader should pause here and read Hebrews 11:24-40.

Suffering is to bring us to the end of our self-sufficiency and show what helpless sinners we are. This is the end to which God was bringing Job. Although Job is said to be perfect and upright, he still had a sinful nature, and it manifested itself in his self-righteousness. His ordeal and personal confrontation with God brought him to the end of self-sufficiency and self-righteousness. Listen to his confession, after God had finished His test. “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:5-6. This may not sound appealing, but this is the end God has for every believer.  

God does not choose every person to suffer as Job. He knew Job’s character, and that he would justify God in the end. Many would not, thus they never learn the lessons Job learned or experience the knowledge of God he did. God restored to Job double what he had.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Was God fair in his dealings with Job?[/perfectpullquote]

We often hear the word fair associated with suffering. Was God fair in his dealings with Job? Our problem is understanding what the word means. When used in this context it means “just.” Was God just in His treatment of Job, and the Lord Jesus Christ? The answer is yes and no. If God had been fair with Job, you, and me, we would be in hell. That would be just and fair; but His mercy prevailed. Then, was God fair by allowing Jesus to die and suffer in your place? The answer is yes.

If we are to be what God intended, we too must suffer. “Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.  And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?  For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.  Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;  And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.” Hebrews 12:4-13.

Job was a perfect man in chapter one; but he was a more perfect and much wiser man after chapter 42. You too will be better and wiser if you submit to the hand of God.  

ANTI-BIBLICAL VS UN-BIBLICAL

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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “ANTI” AND “UN.”

By Ken Blue

In an attempt to justify one’s personal decisions, Bible believers have resorted to terms such as anti- biblical and unbiblical. Anti-biblical means, the decision, or action taken is against the Bible. Verses will be cited to demonstrate this anti-biblical violation.

However, where the Scriptures are silent, (un-biblical), anything we approve may be protected. To illustrate the point; I might show that the Scriptures are anti-alcohol at a stock car race. But, going to the race is acceptable, since nothing in Scripture speaks against auto racing. Racing is un-biblical and acceptable because nothing is said against it. It is also not anti-biblical for the same reason. Another example would be the Sunday school. Since the Bible says nothing about it, it is un-scriptural, (Not in the Scriptures), but not anti-scriptural, therefore acceptable.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]This is the word game some of the brethren are playing to justify themselves and their friends while condemning others.[/perfectpullquote]

Now that these two standards have been established only one more authority remains. And who would that be? Why, it would be the person who approves or disapproves that which is un-scriptural, (not in the Bible). Since there are no Scriptures to make it anti-biblical, I may choose as I please. The problem is, others may not be pleased with what I choose.

This is the word game some of the brethren are playing to justify themselves and their friends while condemning others. Once you see how it is played, you too can play it. However, you should not be the hypocrite when playing it. If you are going to justify your actions on the basis that it is not in the Scriptures, (un-scriptural), you should at least give others the same courtesy.

WHO’S ON FIRST? THE CHURCH?

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WHEN DID THE CHURCH BEGIN?

The ChurchBy Ken Blue

“Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.” Romans 16:7.

One’s view of when the Church, the body of Christ, and the dispensation of grace started will determine how the verses in the above context are interpreted. A few examples of the differing views of when the church began will clarify that point. However, the fact that there are many views on the birth of the church is another issue altogether.

There are those who hold that the church has existed from the time of Adam. They argue that all the people who follow God are the people of God and constitute the church. Thus the church of today is simply a continuation of a long line of believers.

Some believe the church began in Matthew 4 when John the Baptist called his first disciples. Others view Matthew 10, Matthew 16, Acts 2, Acts 9 and after Acts 28! So, there is little wonder as to the confusion about this matter. The position one takes will of necessity determine how all other scripture will be interpreted.

Those who question that the church started with Paul, site the above verse to show that there were those “in Christ” prior to Paul’s conversions. Thus, they choose an earlier date for the birth of the church. However, the above verse does not say anything about anyone being in the church; it speaks of being in Christ. One could have been in Christ, redemptively; without being in the Church which was a mystery; but one cannot be in the Church, which is His body without being in Christ.

If we accept the idea that being in Christ was synonymous with the Church, then we must concede that one can be cut off and loose his salvation. John 15 is clear that Christ is the vine and certain believers are the branches. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.  Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.  If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.  If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” John 15:1-8.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The Church revealed to Paul was a mystery from before the foundation of the world and was revealed to him.[/perfectpullquote]

If being in Christ is the same as being in the Church, which is His body, then the brethren must do some Biblical gymnastics with the above verses to maintain an eternal security view. Now, don’t pretend that the above verses do not say He was in them, and they in Him. It won’t work.

The Church revealed to Paul was a mystery from before the foundation of the world and was revealed to him. “If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:  How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,  Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;  That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:  Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.  Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;  And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:” Ephesians 3:2-9. Note the bolded words.

Finally, we ask, why Paul? If the Church which was the mystery was prior to Paul, and the commission was given to the Twelve to take this gospel into the entire world and to every creature, why was Paul saved, commissioned, given the gospel by divine revelation, and used to write the Church epistles? Why not use the Twelve who were given the great commission in Matthew, Mark and Luke, and Acts 1:8? In addition, they had over three years of personal training by the Lord Jesus Christ.

Believers, prior to Paul were in Christ by identification with Him in John 15. After His death, believers were in Him by redemption of His blood. But, none were in the Church which was kept a secret until it started with the Apostle Paul. The church, which is the body of Christ, is made up of Jews and Gentiles who lose their distinction in the one body. Paul was both a Jew and a Gentile, and no doubt, the first in the Body of Christ. It seems evident to me that the dispensation of Grace and the Church, which is the One New Man and a New Creation, begin with Paul. This in no way nullifies the practice of water baptism.