Truth about Baptism

Searching for Truth About Baptism from World Video Bible School on Vimeo.

In today's world, there are many differing viewpoints about baptism. Some say that babies should be baptized, while others say that it is reserved only for adults. Some believe that baptism is necessary for salvation, while others do not. What is the truth about baptism? Have you ever wondered about whether or not you needed to be baptized? And, if you have been baptized, was your baptism for the right reason as described in the Bible?

For further study of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, it's origin from God by His own words, His purpose and more about it, please click this link.

Scriptures Weekly 72 - God Takes Care of His

Proverbs 10:2-6

"Treasures of wickedness profit nothing,

But righteousness delivers from death.

The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to famish,

But He casts away the desire of the wicked.

He who has a slack hand becomes poor,

But the hand of the diligent makes rich.

He who gathers in summer is a wise son;

He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.

Blessings are on the head of the righteous,”

Ill-gotten gain is worthless, the righteous are never hungry, and the righteous and diligent people are always blessed with wealth; is that really what Solomon meant to say?

We know good people suffer. In fact, Peter wrote, 

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you…However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name” (1 Peter 4:12, 16).

We know trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger and sword exist for Christians as well as those alienated from God for we are given the assurance that even these things will not separate us from the love of God in Christ (Romans 8:35).

How then should we understand the words of Solomon?

Jesus said, with concern for food, clothing and shelter, 

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

“I tell you the truth,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields – and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life” (Mark 10:29-30).

By faith we know that even with suffering the Christian life is the best life now and forever.

Brother, David Bearden
2014

My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?

Psalm 22 has been a favorite among Christians for many years, the reason being because of its wonderful messianic thrust. It contains so many powerful thoughts regarding the Savior, and His death on our behalf, that the Christian cannot but be stirred by it. The psalm logically divides into five segments. Consider these enriching treasures of truth.

Christ’s Rejection by God (v.1-5)

1 My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?

Why are You so far from helping Me,

And from the words of My groaning?

2 O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear;

And in the night season, and am not silent.

3 But You are holy,

Enthroned in the praises of Israel.

4 Our fathers trusted in You;

They trusted, and You delivered them.

5 They cried to You, and were delivered;

They trusted in You, and were not ashamed.

It may seem curious to say that Jesus was rejected by God, but, in a certain sense, that is very true. The song begins with the words, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” — an echo from the cross, of course (Mt. 27:46). The Lord Jesus was “forsaken” by the Father in the sense that God allowed him to drink the full measure of suffering and death (without intervening — see Mt. 26:53) because of His great love for humanity (Jn. 3:16). Divine “justice” was thus satisfied (Isa. 53:11; Rom. 3:25-26), and mercy was extended to Adam’s sinful family (Eph. 2:4). What a magnificent plan!

Christ’s Rejection by Man (v.6-13)

6 But I am a worm, and no man;

A reproach of men, and despised by the people.

7 All those who see Me ridicule Me;

They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,

8 “He trusted in the Lord, let Him rescue Him;

Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!”

9 But You are He who took Me out of the womb;

You made Me trust while on My mother’s breasts.

10 I was cast upon You from birth.

From My mother’s womb

You have been My God.

11 Be not far from Me,

For trouble is near;

For there is none to help.

12 Many bulls have surrounded Me;

Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled Me.

13 They gape at Me with their mouths,

Like a raging and roaring lion.

At the hands of cruel men, the Son of God was treated as a “worm.” He was despised, ridiculed, and abused. Nevermind. Jesus’ trust was focused in His Father — a confidence instilled in him by his mother from the days she tenderly cradled Him on her breasts. What a tribute to the sweet maiden from Nazareth.

Christ’s Ordeal at Calvary (v.14-18)

14 I am poured out like water,

And all My bones are out of joint;

My heart is like wax;

It has melted within Me.

15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd,

And My tongue clings to My jaws;

You have brought Me to the dust of death.

16 For dogs have surrounded Me;

The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me.

They pierced My hands and My feet;

17 I can count all My bones.

They look and stare at Me.

18 They divide My garments among them,

And for My clothing they cast lots.

The cruelty of the crucifixion is poignantly depicted — bones out of joint, parched tongue, pierced hands and feet. The physical pain and emotional turmoil are incalculable. And all the while hardened soldiers -unmoved by the drama - gambled for his garments. Such insensitivity finds a modern counterpart in many a man today.

Christ’s Prayer for Deliverance (v.19-21)

19 But You, O Lord, do not be far from Me;

O My Strength, hasten to help Me!

20 Deliver Me from the sword,

My precious life from the power of the dog.

21 Save Me from the lion’s mouth

And from the horns of the wild oxen!

You have answered Me.

In the hour of darkness, hope could be found only in God. “Stay close to me, Lord … save me from the beasts that would devour me,” is his pleading sentiment. In times of dire need, to whom else can we turn? Happily, however, in this time of danger, the Lord exclaims: “You answered me!” Compare with this the thought expressed in Hebrews 5:7; in the trying ordeal of Gethsemane, He was “heard on account of his godly fear.”

Christ’s Thanksgiving for Victory (v.22-31)

22 I will declare Your name to My brethren;

In the midst of the assembly I will praise You.

23 You who fear the Lord, praise Him!

All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him,

And fear Him, all you offspring of Israel!

24 For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted;

Nor has He hidden His face from Him;

But when He cried to Him, He heard.

25 My praise shall be of You in the great assembly;

I will pay My vows before those who fear Him.

26 The poor shall eat and be satisfied;

Those who seek Him will praise the Lord.

Let your heart live forever!

27 All the ends of the world

Shall remember and turn to the Lord,

And all the families of the nations

Shall worship before You.

28 For the kingdom is the Lord’s,

And He rules over the nations.

29 All the prosperous of the earth

Shall eat and worship;

All those who go down to the dust

Shall bow before Him,

Even he who cannot keep himself alive.

30 A posterity shall serve Him.

It will be recounted of the Lord to the next generation,

31 They will come and declare His righteousness to a people who will be born,

That He has done this.

The Savior breaks forth in an anthem of praise in the midst of God’s people. Jehovah is to be extolled. He did not abandon the son of Mary; rather, He “heard” the cries of His suffering child. There is the implication here of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead by the hand of God Almighty. No wonder, then, at the praise that issues from the Lord’s grateful lips.

Finally, what should be the effect of these amazing events? Grateful people from the “ends of the earth” are invited to “turn unto Jehovah,” to come and “worship” before Him — honoring Him who is ruler of the nations and whose plan will not be thwarted.

Lesson by Wayne Jackson,

Christian Courier

Scriptures Weekly 71 - The Spiritual Workout

Jeremiah 17:5-6

    Thus says the Lord:

“Cursed is the man who trusts in man
And makes flesh his strength,
Whose heart departs from the Lord.
For he shall be like a shrub in the desert
And shall not see when good comes,
But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,
In a salt land which is not inhabited."

 

I was driving down the boulevard today when I noticed the workout gym sign above that says it all about how the world thinks. Ah but I need to be careful how I categorize the subject because, I vividly remember when I too worshiped my fleshly body during a tumultuous period in my life. I would work out 4 times a week pumping iron looking fit and trim which I must admit, burned away my depression paving the way to a more clear mind, so I thought. I can recall putting all of my effort into planning and performing in the gym like a fiend just for muscle tone. This was my religion. And as I look back, it was all vanity and self gratification. Little did I know at the time I was digging deeper and deeper into sin separating myself from God more and more, and I felt good (sic) doing it!

I know brethren in the church that maintain regular weekly gym workouts, are they worshiping their physical bodies? Well lets not be judgmental. The difference is this. They are mature in the faith to know their physical bodies aren't the center of their lives - Jesus is. I know that if they felt working out got in the way of their faith and service to Christ, they would drop the work out regiment. We need to remind ourselves, God gives us this shell of a body for a little while as we prepare our minds and spirits for service and eternity with Him. Is your physical body fit and trim? Good for you. And if it isn't there really is no spiritual consequence because no matter the shape of our physical bodies, the important question God is interested in is this, "Is your spiritual life fit and trim for God?"

Here is the best section of Jeremiah's words to us today that fills the godly soul with a life of eternal hope, and with the right direction in his or her "spiritual workout" for God.

Jeremiah 17:7-8

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes"

Your spiritual gym sign of Life might read:

Be the one NOT talked about, And the one talking about Jesus

Is Jesus Church a Denomination?

"Substitute Christianity podcast"

JESUS' one Church

(text version)

Jesus said, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” Matt. 16:18

Ask yourself this one question; If Jesus established His one church around 33 A.D. and in the Bible (Daniel 2:44) God declares that His last Kingdom (the church) would be Eternal, meaning that it's been on the earth ever since Jesus established it on the Day of Pentecost (Acts, Chapter 2).

Why would you want to belong to any man-made Denomination, rather than the doctrinally sound church that Jesus established in the first century? Sure denominations can help people learn the Bible, but they are still a very, very, serious enemy against the “unity” that Jesus prayed for in John 17:22-23 which He said then and says now:

“And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”

You see, these denominations actually assist the devil's joy of dividing Christ. They're all man made and their doctrines can easily be proven False by using many scriptures within the Bible.

The Alliance denomination only exists because of its  . . . Alliance DOCTRINE

The Baptist denomination only exists because of its  . . . Baptist DOCTRINE

The Catholic denomination only exists because of its  . . . Catholic DOCTRINE

The ICOC (Boston C of C) only exists because of its  . . . ICOC works DOCTRINE

The Jehovah's Witness denomination only exists because of its . . . J.W. DOCTRINE

The Lutheran denomination only exists because of its . . . Lutheran DOCTRINE

The Mormon denomination only exists because of its . . . Mormon DOCTRINE

The Pentecostal denomination only exists because of its . . . Pentecostal DOCTRINE

The Presbyterian denomination only exists because of its . . . Presbyterian DOCTRINE

The Seventh Day Adventist denomination only exists because of its . . . SDA DOCTRINE

Etc.  etc. etc.

Have you ever wondered why God created monkeys?  Especially when they give so much power to atheists and their theories of evolution? Because God is the "ultimate" God of fairness.  He gives every possible means to non-believers so that they can have their way if they want.  Without monkeys on the earth, atheistic theories would be at a great disadvantage.

Well God has also given every person many different possible Doctrines to choose from.  He could have written His word so cut and dried and so plainly that there would be absolutely no question whatsoever regarding Doctrine.  But He didn't, He wrote the Bible in such a way that gives every person the ability to choose their Doctrine.

And it just so happens that only one Doctrine fits  ALL  scripture, and all other Doctrines only fit  "some"  scriptures. And then God goes and says in 1 Timothy 4:16, Watch your Doctrine; persevere in it because it will save both you and those who hear you.

* * Important Note * *

The word church is simply the Greek word for assembly or called out. And every church can only exist because of whatever Doctrine it embraces.

False Doctrine is one of Satan’s most sinister schemes because with it he is able to promote Denominations which hinder those who are searching for Truth.  Who are searching for the church that Jesus established back on the Day of Pentecost (33 A.D.). False Doctrine is rampant in the religious world today.

1 Timothy 6:3, if anyone teaches False Doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to Godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing.

Surely you would think that any empathetic human being would pursue unity in light of the torture that Jesus went through, Right?  Well NOT so.  Many religious people would much rather just follow their own feelings rather than God's True Doctrine.  And by doing so they support Denominations and division based upon false man-made Doctrines. (Just like Paul prophesied would happen.)

Acts 20:30, Men will arise and distort the Truth in order to draw away their own followers.

According to Acts 20:30, Jesus did NOT endure excruciating pain in order to build Denominations. God's church is called to refute False Doctrines.

Titus 1:9, Encourage others with sound Doctrine and refute those who oppose it. So, those who refuse to abandon False teachings are actually saying to Jesus, "We know that your crucifixion may have been a bit uncomfortable but we just don't see a real need to pursue True Doctrine, but thanks anyway."

And Yet, get this;

Society would never accept a police force that did not pursue truth. Society would never accept a school system where teachers teach that 2+2=5. So why is it, as we're compelled to ask you? That only in the realm of religion, is man so willing to accept so many teachings that fall short of Truth? Perhaps it was even prophesied.

2 Timothy 4:3, For the time will come when men will not put up with SOUND DOCTRINE. Instead to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

God's church does not have a Name. It can't, it's the church... God's vessel of salvation from the cross on is just like Noah's ark.  The church is God's last and Eternal Kingdom, prophesied 600 years before Christ, in Isaiah 9:7 and Daniel 2:44

God refers to His ONE church using four different terms;

1. The church of the Living God

2. The church of God

3. The church of the Firstborn, and

4. The church of Christ

These are not meant to be Names of denominations; they are only references that God uses concerning His Body.

Characteristics of God’s church

1. God’s one church was prophesied to be God's last reigning Kingdom, an Eternal Kingdom, one that would last forever. - Daniel 2:44, Isaiah 9:7

2. God’s church was NOT founded by any man or woman, but rather by Jesus Christ who is its only Founder and its only Foundation. - 1 Corinthians 3:11

3. God’s church was started by Jesus, He began its construction in the first century, it was born on the day of Pentecost and on that day the church grew by 3,000 souls. - Acts 2:41

4. God’s church is made up of repentant sinners, not buildings, etc. and only God Himself adds believers to His one Body.  This happens when they choose to accept His Word and obey His ONE Plan of Salvation. - Acts 2:38,47

5. God’s church will be rivaled against by False Doctrines and the False Teachers who promote them. - Acts 20:30   

6. God’s church is DEFINED by its one Doctrine, the Doctrine of Christ's New Covenant.  God's church is NOT a Denomination, it can't be.  Denominations are False Divisions that break off of God’s church. - Titus 1:9  Acts 20:30

MOST IMPORTANT FACT

The majority of Denominations do not baptize sinners into the Body of Christ, for the forgiveness of a person's sins and to receive the gift (the indwelling seal) of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:38, Romans 6:3 - Galatians 3:27 - 1 Peter 3:21

Were you added to God's Body by God Himself, or by man?

Acts 2:47, The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Were you added to Christ's Body according to the Doctrine of His New Covenant?

Acts 2:38 says, Repent and be Baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven.  And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. By the sounds of this next scripture, God doesn't like man made teachings.

Matthew 15:9 says, They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.

Contemplate what the world would be like with no Denominations. Just one church around the world perfectly united in mind and thought, exactly like what Paul and God plead for.

1 Corinthians 1:10 says, I plead with you brothers, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be  "no divisions"  among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. Imagine non-Christians seeing ONE church. How powerful would that be!!

Indeed the unbelieving world would then in their hearts say, "Wow, God really must have sent His Son."

Well this is exactly what Jesus prayed for.

John 17:22, I have given them the glory that You gave me, that they may be one as we are one, I in them and You in me.  May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

But now the world only rightfully mocks saying, "Those religious wackos can't even get that Bible of theirs to agree, let alone persuade us to believe."

Denominations do nothing more than bring doubt to the minds of unbelievers. Denominations (those who refuse to abandon false teachings, not the innocent folks who are in them searching for Truth) are nothing more than a disgrace towards God's Word, and they fuel Satan’s war on Truth.  Denominations actually enable Satan, in a most sinister way, to spit in Jesus' face.

Pursue God's True Doctrine,   Not Denominations

Scriptures Weekly 70 - The Emotions of Jesus

IN ADDITION TO POSSESSING A DIVINE NATURE, JESUS CHRIST WAS ALSO FLESH AND BLOOD (John 1:14), A HUMAN BEING. HE THUS SHARED WITH US THE FULL RANGE OF HUMAN EMOTIONS. HE COULD BE HAPPY OR SAD. WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES OF LIFE MADE OUR LORD WEEP? WHAT MADE HIM JOYFUL? A STUDY OF THIS THEME IS BOTH THRILLING AND REWARDING.

The Tears of Jesus

The book of Isaiah prophetically speaks of the Lord Jesus as “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). Three times in the New Testament there is the record of Jesus weeping. Let us consider each of these.

Jesus wept for friends

John 11:35 poignantly states: “Jesus wept.” The Greek term for “wept” is dakruo, used only in this New Testament passage. It literally means “to shed tears.” It suggests a silent, tender weeping. The occasion of this touching scene is in connection with the death of Lazarus.

What precipitated the Master’s tears at this time? It was surely not the grief of hopelessness (cf. 1Thessalonians 4:13) for Lazarus was in a better state of being. Nor was it a weeping of loneliness, for the Lord knew that his friend would be back with his family and associates presently.

Some have suggested that Jesus wept because he recognized he would be bringing Lazarus back to a life of hardship (cf. John 12:10). More likely, however, is the view which suggests that Christ wept out of pure sympathy for those whose hearts were breaking at this time. John writes:

“When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping who came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, and said, "Where have you laid him?” (John 11:33-34).

How comforting it is to know that our great High Priest really shares our feelings (cf. Hebrews 2:17). If we would be Christ-like, we must learn to truly empathize with others (cf. Romans 12:13).

Jesus wept over his enemies

When the Son of God contemplated the impending fate of his beloved Jerusalem, which was about to crucify him, he audibly wept (for so the Greek word klaio indicates) in genuine anguish (see Luke 19:41). Without question, the Lord here evidenced great sorrow as he anticipated the horrors which would descend upon the rebellious Jews who were on the verge of murdering their own Messiah.

More tragic even than their physical suffering was the ultimate reception of the wrath of God as a consequence of their disobedience (Matthew 23:34-36; 1 Thessalonians 2:16). Truly, we too must grieve for the lost.

Jesus wept for Himself

Though the Gospel accounts do not specifically mention it, another inspired writer indicates that Christ wept bitterly in those dark hours before the crucifixion (Hebrews 5:7). Perhaps his tears were for a lost humanity so oblivious to the tragedy about to be performed. Likely, however, his weeping also reflected the dread of his holy soul as he contemplated bearing the consequence of sin upon the cursed tree (Galatians 3:13; Hebrews 12:2).

Maybe there was a connection between his tears and that agonizing cry from the cross, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

Did Jesus Ever Laugh?

Though the Scriptures nowhere speak of Jesus laughing, one should not adopt an unbalanced view of the Son of God by assuming that he was never happy. There are several occasions in the Lord’s preaching ministry wherein a touch of humor was tucked away into his illustrations.

The allusion to attempting to remove a splinter from another’s eye, while a beam protrudes from one’s own eye (Matthew 7:4), and the reference to straining out a gnat, yet swallowing a camel (Matthew 23:24), are packed with humor.

In point of fact, though, the New Testament indicates that Christ “rejoiced” on several occasions. Let us consider this side of the Lord’s emotions for a moment.

Jesus rejoiced in saving people

In the parable of the lost sheep, when the concerned shepherd found his wayward lamb which had wandered from the flock, he carried it home on his shoulders, rejoicing. Moreover, he called together his friends and said, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost” (Luke 15:5-6).

It is scarcely necessary to emphasize that Jesus is the good Shepherd (John 10:11-14), and that this narrative, therefore, reflects the Savior’s emotions when the lost return to the fold. There is no greater sense of elation than seeing a doomed soul reclaimed from the eternal curse of sin.

Jesus rejoiced in victory over Satan

When the seventy disciples returned from a preaching mission and reported their success over Satanic forces, the Lord rejoiced (Luke 10:21).

Jesus rejoiced in fortifying the faith of his friends

Christ was glad (rejoiced) that his followers had the opportunity of seeing Lazarus raised from the dead that their faith might be increased (John 11:15).

It is interesting to note that the two references to Jesus’ emotions in John 11, have him both glad and sad on the same occasion—just twenty verses apart (vv. John 11:15 & John 11:35). Mourning can be transformed into happiness!

Jesus rejoiced in the anticipation of the resurrection

Jesus is represented as prophetically rejoicing in anticipation of his glorious resurrection from the dead (Psalm 16:9; cf. Acts 2:26). Again, we are reminded of Hebrews 12:2. Christ, “for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.”

In conclusion, it is interesting to note that the things which brought forth sadness or joy to the heart of our blessed Lord were not the mundane matters of this world, to which our emotions are generally tied. Rather, he operated upon a plateau that far transcends that which is characteristic of those who know only this earthly environment.

Perhaps our emotional emphasis could stand some refinement.

Wayne Jackson,
Christian Courier

Hebrews 11 - What Is Faith?

The eleventh chapter of Hebrews has often been called the biblical "Hall of Faith." Certainly it does present an informative discussion of what constitutes genuine belief. Note the following points.

Faith Is Rational 

By faith we “understand” that the universe is not self-existent; rather, it was designed by the Creator (Heb. 11:3). The notion that one cannot be intelligent without being anti-religious is a myth propagated by those who hate God. Logic and faith are companions.

Faith Depends upon Revelation

God has, in history, “borne witness,” “warned,” “called,” etc. (Heb. 11:4,5,7,8). Man does not intuitively know how to serve God. The Lord has spoken (Heb. 1:1), and, in the final analysis, that revelation is embodied in the Holy Scriptures.

Faith Involves Trusting Our Maker

When Noah was warned of God, though he had never seen a flood, he prepared the ark (Heb. 11:7). Abraham left Chaldea “not knowing whether he went” (Heb. 11:8). Clearly, trusting the unseen God is a vital component of true faith.

Faith Is an Action Word

Whereas many seem to entertain the notion that faith is merely a mental conviction, this chapter reveals that faith, in order to be valid, must act. By faith Abel “offered” a sacrifice (Heb. 11:4), Noah “prepared” an ark (Heb. 11:7), and Abraham “obeyed” the Lord (Heb. 11.:8). Faith, divorced from obedience, is dead (Jas. 2:26).

Faith Discriminates

It chooses the spiritual over the material, the eternal over the temporal. Moses chose heavenly riches over the treasures of Egypt (Heb 11:26).

Thus, somewhere in your margin write: The nature of true faith. Then, under that, list the five components outlined (and italicized) above, and the verse numbers appropriate to each of them.

By Wayne Jackson
Christian Courier

Scriptures Weekly 69 - Brittany Maynard Has Ended Her Life

Click HERE for her Story - 11/02/14

Taking ones life via assisted suicide is a subject of spiritual debate within the body of Christ. The Brittany Maynard case who learned she had stage 4 glioblastoma cancer at age 29, full of life with a beautiful young family, ended her life this weekend by taking a fatal dose of barbiturates prescribed by her doctor. Her reasoning was she didn't want to have to suffer a terrible and terrifying death and wished to die with dignity. She also had an agenda to forward assisted suicide in the US as is regularly practiced in the Netherlands (which is now being abused after 10 years of history).

I have no indication that Ms. Maynard was a born again Christian having a love for God who gives life to all mankind. Based upon this premise, its understandable one may have no qualms with taking their life having in their mind no consequences with eternity, But what about the child of God, the Christian who loves and serves God with the goal of eternal life in front of them? Let us notice these thoughts from Mr. Wayne Jackson of the Christian Courier.

_________________________

Solomon once observed that there is “a time to be born, and a time to die” (Eccl. 3:2). Dying, which ultimately is the price tag attached to human rebellion (Gen. 2:17; Rom. 5:12), is man’s final earthly experience. It shuts the door to this-world activity (Eccl. 9:6; Heb. 9:27) — the views of many fanciful speculators to the contrary notwithstanding — and opens vistas into eternity.

By virtue of humanity’s accelerated technological advances, the modern mind is challenged with numerous questions that pertain to the dying phenomenon. We have gathered several of these inquiries that have been posed to us in recent times, and, in this article, explore them for study and reflection.

Pain Relief:

“Is it ethical to provide morphine to a terminally ill patient, when it is a known fact that this drug can hasten death. Is not this a form of euthanasia?”

This is a most interesting question, and one that many of us have had to deal with on occasion as loved ones faced death. The morphine remedy is, in a manner of speaking, a “double-edged sword.”

The design of the medication is to provide the cancer victim, for instance, with some relief from pain in the agonizing final phases of terminal illness. In the cases with which I’ve been acquainted, there is no hope of recovery. While it is true that the morphine does tend to restrict certain bodily functions, as a by-product of the relief of suffering, it is not the intent of the administering physician, and the family, to terminate the life of the patient.

In the judgment of most morally sensitive people, it is much better to provide some easement from the torturous pain — even if life is abbreviated slightly — than it is to allow the victim to languish in agony as the inevitable approaches. This may not be the most ideal situation imaginable, but until something better is developed, most caring people see no ethical problem in the humane relief of suffering.

There are numerous medical techniques that are risky. Nonetheless, in many cases the physicians, in concert with the patient and his or her family, will opt for a procedure, knowing full well that such could result in death. At times, we struggle in knowing precisely what to do in attempting to save life or to provide comfort. We try to do the very best that we can for the patient.

There is a distinct difference, though, in attempting to save life, or to provide easement from pain, and in a deliberate intention to terminate a person’s life. The latter is not an ethical option.

Prolongation of Terminal Illness:

“Is the Christian morally obligated to prolong his life by the use of artificial techniques? May he refuse chemotherapy, knowing that such would only add a few months to his life (and that with considerable suffering)? Is it wrong to refuse permission to be connected to a machine that can sustain biological functions, when one knows that death will result otherwise?”

Life and death issues entail some of the most difficult decisions one will ever be called upon to make. The Bible does not provide us with explicit answers to the complex medical questions with which we are confronted in today’s technological world. The Scriptures, however, are perpetually relevant, and they do contain principles that will enable the devout person to make reasonably confident decisions in many of these areas of ethical concern. Let us consider the following.

The Christian must acknowledge that human life is a gift from God (Acts 17:25; 1 Tim. 6:13). No person, therefore, has the arbitrary right to destroy that life — either by homicide or suicide. And this includes what has come to be called “euthanasia” (a term meaning “good death”). Mercy-killing is morally wrong. It is an infringement into divine territory.

It is a grim reality, taught both by experience and the Bible, that death is the inevitable destiny of all human beings (with the exception of those who will be alive at the time of Christ’s return — 1 Cor.15:51; 1 Thes. 4:15). As a consequence of human rebellion, death has passed to all people (Rom. 5:12), and so it is “appointed” to man to die eventually (Heb.9:27). One may, with good health habits and sound medical procedure, delay the “grim reaper” for a brief while, but the fact is, all of us are terminal!

What, then, is one to do if he is informed that he has terminal cancer? Suppose your physician tells you: “With chemotherapy you may be able to live a year; without it, you will likely have only two to three months.” Is the Christian morally obligated to subject himself to additional months of inch-by-inch wasting away?

Some may decide to take the treatment (hope springs eternal), feeling that such will provide them with the opportunity to continue doing good works, even under dire circumstances. Perhaps, they envision, a dramatic cure will be discovered. One certainly could not argue against that choice, should a person elect to make it. On the other hand, it would be extremely presumptuous to contend that this prolonged agony was divinely required. Could one be morally faulted for not wanting to retard his journey to heaven?

Here is the Point:
There is a marked difference in deliberately terminating one’s life as Ms. Maynard chose, and letting natural processes take their providentially permitted course. Allowing death is not the equivalent of producing death.

And what about the accident victim who is “brain-dead,” but whose biological functions still are maintained by sophisticated machinery? Must a Christian family prolong the physiological processes of a loved one who is in a state of suspended animation — and that for years? There is nothing in the Scriptures that would mandate this.

Where is our hope ultimately focused? There is something to be said for “quality of life” (though this expression is abused frequently by modern advocates of euthanasia). Sometimes the very best thing that one can do for a Christian loved one is to let him go on home to be with the Lord (2 Cor 5:8).

It's the Churches Problem...

If we could get into a time-machine back to the first century church in its purity, what would we see? Would we see it doing works other than preaching and teaching the Gospel? In modern times would we see social needs like the Lung Association, the American Heart Association, the Red Cross, even the good works of Wounded Warriors for our Veterans being a priority of the church? By this, is societies problems the churches problem? The New Testament teaches a much different way of life and purpose as a disciple of Jesus Christ. These few scriptures give us a glimpse into the first century purpose of the church that still holds today.

Luke 6:22,  Blessed by God are you for teaching Christ when rejected and even considered vile!

Acts 8:1-4,  The teaching of the Gospel occurs when one is being persecuted.

Acts 13:1-5,  Leaving the comfort of the church at Antioch (your home church), the Holy Spirit sends disciples out to foremost teach and preach the Gospel.

Acts 13:46-49,  Apostle Paul shows us how to be bold in the Gospel with the prime purpose of spreading it.

There is no clue in these few scriptures (there are many more) that benevolence alone is enough.

There exists a disconnect from the sole purpose of the Lords church among many religious movements and denominations. The reason I bring this up is we so often see people in the body of Christ getting wrapped up into many good works to help social mankind, forgetting to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Food kitchens, the Salvation Army and the like are not the church. They are social networks of benevolence that have grown out of the need to supply help and welfare to the down trodden, the homeless and many other real needs. These are very noble and much needed avenues of help. And Jesus did say to find our cross and put others first and serve them with our talents, resources and prayerful support.

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”   Galatians 6:10

But when the church is established in the book of Acts just 5 weeks after Jesus ascended into heaven, we learn that the priority of the church from this point forward is to teach and preach the Gospel.

The point is, are you while doing benevolent works outside your local church body, teaching the Gospel to those you come in contact with? If you are not teaching the Gospel, then one can hardly be pleasing to God in these works outside the body of Christ for not taking advantage of the situation God has put you in to glorify Him. Are you making disciples in the ways Jesus commanded while participating in these good works? (Matt 28:19-20)

Good works are necessary in ones walk with the Lord as it produces godly character and shows yourself in front of the world and your brethren as one approved by Jesus (James 1:12). This so long as one is verbally proclaiming His name to people i.e: attributing the blessings you bestow to the ones you are helping in the name of Jesus Christ. We must be willing to actually say the name of Christ out loud to everyone we come in contact with in His behalf or all the good works in the world will be of no credit under your name in the book of life. Its by Gods grace through the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His resurrection do we have a chance to live with God forever. This not through the filling of his stomach or the sheltering of his family just to be helping out. But by attending to the soul of mankind through teaching the Gospel during these times of trouble of souls you encounter.

This is the primary focus of the Lords church of Christ. To be the voice of Jesus calling to the world to be healed of sin, not social ills.

Click this player to listen to a podcast on what the Original Church looked like.