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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.

EVER WONDER WHAT HAPPENED TO JOHN THE BAPTIST

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WHY BAPTISTS DON’T FOLLOW JOHN THE BAPTIST

By Ken Blue
The pages of Matthew and mark start out blazing with the ministry of John the Baptist. He is among the prophets, is the greatest born of women and has a unique ministry. Although 400 years of silence has elapsed, John, Jesus, and the Twelve are still operating under the Old Testament Covenant. There is not one word of proof to the contrary.

Mary and Joseph offered sacrifices as prescribed by the Law, at His birth. He was careful to obey the Law during His earthly ministry. “And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city” Nazareth. Luke 2:39. He said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” Matthew 5:17-18. The sacrificial and ceremonial Laws was not fulfilled until He died on the cross and said, “It is finished.” Here is where the Law ended! “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;” Colossians 2:14. To pretend that the Law ended before the cross is unscriptural and dishonest. (Matt. 5:23, 40; 7:12, 8. Luke 10:26; 16:17.

After Jesus had chosen His Twelve, Peter became the central figure and was always in the inner circle of our Lord’s work. However, after Acts 15:7 Peter never shows up again! There are 28 chapters in Acts; wonder what happened to Peter?

Paul says of John, “When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose. Acts 13:24-25. Like Peter, John the Baptist is also forgotten and left behind.

Did you ever notice when the Corinthians were choosing up sides to name their favorite leader, none mentioned John the Baptist! “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:12. Ever wonder why no one claimed John as their leader and teacher? If John is the founder of the Church, isn’t it rather peculiar that no one claimed to follow Him? In fact, the only one who claimed to follow John was Apollos, and he did it ignorantly and had to be corrected by Paul! See Acts 18:24-26.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]John fulfilled his ministry by presenting Christ to Israel, and his followers to Christ.[/perfectpullquote]

The answer is simple. John fulfilled his ministry by presenting Christ to Israel, and his followers to Christ. Peter’s apostolic leadership ended with Israel’s final rejection of Christ. Jerusalem, the temple, the Law, the sacrifices, and the nation were being set aside and a new man and ministry were being introduced by Luke in the second half of Acts. That man was the Apostle Paul.

John the Baptist’s ministry and that of Peter came to a close in the mid-Acts period. (John was killed during the Lord’s earthly ministry; however, some of his followers continued his teachings in ignorance of the change taking place).The new Apostle had a new ministry, a new sphere, and a new gospel. “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:11-12. “For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 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:” Ephesians 3:1-6.( The “holy apostles and prophets” were the companions of Paul. They were not the Twelve. (Acts 14:4,14. Rom. 16:7. I Cor. 1:1; 4:6, 9. Gal.1:1. I Thess.1:1,6,9; 2:4,6).

So, what happened to John and Peter? They were left behind when it became evident that Israel was not going to repent. The nation and all associated with their Kingdom of Heaven ministry ended, and a NEW MAN was born! “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;” Ephesians 2:15. Where did Peter and John go? Their ministry was finished when God set the nation of Israel aside. Now you know.

IT NEEDS TO BE SAID

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MY FRIEND AL HUGHES

Al HughesBy Ken Blue

There are many things in life that should never be said. Everyone would have been better off, had we kept silent about certain things. On the other hand, there are things we put off until it is to late. So, as I get closer to the finish line, I feel there is one thing I must say, and that concerns my friend Al Hughes.

Al and I attended the same college; not at the same time. I have known Al and his family for about 37 years. He served on staff with me for five years, and we have been in constant contact throughout the years. In fact, I spoke with him today.

Al and I do not have the same personality or daily habits. He is far more disciplined that I am. We don’t copy each other’s music, preaching style, or theology, but we are the best of friends. Al has never tried to build a following or a little kingdom. He pastors his church and allows others to pastor theirs; without censorship. I have been invited to preach each year at his Jubilee for the past 15 years, and lord willing, I will be with him again this August.  (2010).

He has never shunned me, avoided me, or rejected me over decisions and choices I have made. Personally, I don’t believe he has ever gossiped about me or anyone else. He has never demonstrated a spirit of control or power over any pastor because of their choice of friends or ministry. Some cannot see this as grace. To them, it is compromise and tolerance.

Few things in life are more helpful and encouraging than, real, lasting friendships. To me, that is what Brother Al Hughes is. I am thankful for every friend I have, but I wanted to personally and publically thank Pastor Al Hughes for his encouraging, unwavering, and enduring friendship. Thank you, and your dear family, Brother Hughes!

Brother Hughes is an excellent preacher and you should contact him at: http://www.avhughes.com/page6/index.html

Brother Ken Blue

SAMSON, THE SUCCESSFUL FAILURE

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GOD’S PLAN FOR SAMSON

By Ken Blue

“And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life. Then his brethren and all the house of his father came down, and took him, and brought him up, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the buryingplace of Manoah his father. And he judged Israel twenty years.” Judges 16:30-31.

The parents of Samson had to be delighted and proud of their little boy. The nature of the announcement by the Angel of the Lord, and the fact that he was a Nazarite from his birth must have kindled all manner of hopes in their heart.

But Samson was a paradox and an enigma. He had the power of God upon his life, in spite of the times he broke the Nazarite vow or disobeyed Old Testament Scripture. He was a man of great faith and is named among those in Faith’s Hall of Fame, in Hebrews 11.

God had a plan for Samson to deliver Israel from Philistine oppression. We are confident that Samson was unaware of that plan. However, one thing we learn is that God can take man’s failures and disobedience and use them to accomplish His overall plan. God’s will was to deliver Israel from the Philistines. Samson seemed to care less that he lived under slavery and idolatry. His only revenge on the Philistines was for their mistreatment of him. He would get even.

First of all, he married a Philistine woman. This must have severely grieved his parents. But, that did not matter to him for he said, “Get her for me.” That short marriage ended in disaster and death to many, including his wife and her family.

Then we find him spending the night with a harlot in Gaza. She, no doubt betrayed him and informed the Philistines of his presence. Then there was another woman by the name of Delilah. She too, would betray Samson for a large sum of money and deliver him to the Philistines to be put to death. It is obvious that Samson had serious moral and women problems. Evidently, none of them loved him.

Samson broke his Nazarite vow when he touched the dead lion and the jawbone of an ass. Only one prayer of his is recorded, and God answered it. Also, his vow was broken when his hair was cut. It was at this point “…he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.” Judges 16:20.

What a sad story. Here he is, the great Samson, who could have done so much more for the Lord. His head is shaved, he is bound like an animal, and his eyes have been gouged out. He is as helpless as a child. All the lords of the Philistines have gathered at the great coliseum to celebrate and praise their God, Dagon and be entertained by the enemy of their nation.

A youth leads Samson from his place of confinement. He asks the young man to allow him to lean against the pillars that support the coliseum. It is there, Samson calls upon the Lord to avenge his two eyes and let him die with the Philistines. This was Samson’s last act, and he brought the house down.

There are many lessons that could be learned from the life of Samson, but it is enough to know that God’s plan and purpose will be accomplished. Therefore, Christian, do not fret about the enemy or how it appears things in life are going. God is in charge and his purpose is right on track and on time. Let us be sure that we do not abuse the power and position granted us. We should not overlook all the sorrow Samson must have brought to his family and friends.