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Genesis 15:6

Give a brief explanation of the dispensations.

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
July 28, 2011

According to “dispensationalists” a dispensation is a period of time during which God administers His program with humanity in a particular way. Commentators are in disagreement as to how many – if any – of these “administrations” can be supported by the Scripture (which must remain the final authority), but it seems most agree there are seven periods during which God related to man or will relate to man in the future.

The first dispensation is called the dispensation of “innocence.” Adam & Eve lived in a state of purity and innocence and enjoyed pure communion with God in the Garden. After the fall the dispensation of “Conscience” carried through to the time of the flood. God related His will to man through his conscience. After the flood commentators recognize the dispensation of “Human Government” where God committed the rule of man to “self-government.” But the dispensation of “promise” began with the call of Abraham. He was called upon to live a life of obedience while looking forward to a future fulfillment of a wonderful promise. The Dispensation of “Law” was administered to God’s people through Moses. It established God as the legitimate lawgiver for mankind. This period ended at the death of Jesus Christ, which ushered in the dispensation of “Grace.” God now relates to man solely through His Son, Jesus Christ, and all mankind can find complete forgiveness and wholeness with God. Some would argue that this period is followed by another dispensation called the “Great Tribulation” but I’d argue that the Tribulation period is a time in which man is also tested by God’s Grace. The 7th and final dispensation, according to classic dispensationalists is the dispensation of “Kingdom Rule.” Some argue it’s 1000 years in length during which time the Lord, Himself, will reign as King on earth.

Although the content of God’s revelation changes during various eras of human history, the basis upon which man relates to God never changes. That basis is FAITH! From Adam & Eve in the garden their relationship with God was determined by their trusting God and His word regarding the tree of good and evil. Noah and his family trusted God to be leading in healthy ways of relating to the world through their conscience. Abraham trusted God and acted on his faith. The law included the sacrificial system through which man could find forgiveness for sin if he believed. Today, in the era of Grace, we too can find all we need for a healthy and happy relationship with God through faith in what He has revealed to us in the Person of His Son.

Chuck
“And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” Genesis 15:6

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Revelation 6:9-11

Will anyone be saved after the Rapture?

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
July 27, 2011

A “Pretribulationist” is one that believes Jesus will return for His Church before the great tribulation falls upon the earth as prophesied in Daniel, Ezekiel and Revelation. This view has been made popular by the “Left Behind” series of novels by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins. The removal of the Church from the earth as a prelude to the “Day of the Lord” is often referred to as the Rapture. The removal of all believers in the present age before the coming of God’s judgment is often supported by 1 Thessalonians 5:17. It says, “But you (plural – believers) are not appointed to incur God’s wrath (Judgment), but to be saved through Jesus Christ.” For all believers in today’s economy, the judgment of God for sin has been placed on His Son Jesus Christ. Paul encourages us to realize and appreciate the truth that “Jesus paid it all” (As we often sing on Sunday!)

After the rapture there will be a time of God’s judgment that will fall upon the earth in various ways. This is often referred to as the “Great Tribulation.” The question today asks if anyone during this period, after the church is gone, will turn to faith and be saved. Most commentators turn to Revelation 6:9-11 to support their belief that the answer is “yes.” The opening of the fifth seal records what John saw, “…under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne.” The focus seems to shift from the events on earth to a group of martyrs in heaven. They are there because they were brutally martyred for their “testimony.” We can assume they are not the martyrs of the Church age because the Church has been “raptured.” Therefore, Ryrie observes, “They must be those who were saved after the Rapture.” These believers were then martyred for their faith during the great Tribulation. Wiersbe agrees with Ryrie’s position. He sees the Holy Spirit as the restraining force against evil in today’s world as He (the Spirit) works in and through the Church. But at the Rapture, the Church will be removed and evil will have an easier road. Yet, He clearly says, “Of course, the Spirit will still work on earth, since people will believe and be saved after the rapture.”

But for us who believe now there will be no such trials and tribulations. Thus, as Paul, quoting from the Book of Isaiah, exhorts those in Corinth to preach the Gospel message to everyone because now is “the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Now is the time to come to faith in Jesus Christ. And now is the time to share the Gospel!

Chuck
“… Wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” 1 Thessalonians 1:10

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1 Corinthians 15:55

Do We Go Right To Heaven When We die?

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
July 26, 2011

In the first chapter of Philippians Paul expresses his desire to “depart.” Since he’s in prison and faced possible martyrdom, we can assume that referred to dying. He writes, “My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.” He knew that he had a purpose in life, and if God desired to keep him here on earth, God’s had more for him to do. Yet, he’d rather go be with the Lord. When a believer dies, he or she will immediately be in the presence of Christ. The soul does not go to sleep until the physical resurrection. There is no such thing as “soul sleep.”

The body sleeps. As a matter of fact the early church coined the term “cemetery” from the Greek word for “Inn.” It describes the place where strangers would stop for a temporary rest before continuing on their way to their ultimate destination. The body is put to rest in a cemetery until the final resurrection when the soul and body will be reunited as a unit once again. Moller rightly adds, “Thus this resurrection does not only imply the soul’s continuation after death. Man in his totality, spirit, soul and body, rises from the dead. Other religions have a teaching of life after death, but not of a resurrection as taught by the Bible. In most cases, the body is seen as a prison from which the soul must be delivered after death. “This is a unique Christian doctrine.

in 2 Corinthians 5:8, Paul also said that he’d much rather be absent from the body and present with the Lord.” I don’t think this is a death wish, or an exclamation of on how Paul was fed up with life and wanted to get out of it. Paul did not struggle with suicidal tendencies. He was absolutely certain that death was not the end of all things. He was convinced that there was life after life. As a matter of fact, I believe Paul was convinced that death brings the believer into a much fuller, richer and more abundant life. It’s a life that’s lived in the very presence of the Lord. If you are a believer, the Bible promises you that the instant you leave this body, you will enter paradise to begin eternity with Jesus. Just as Jesus said to the thief on the cross, so too he speaks to us. “This day you will be with me in Paradise!” At the resurrection your body and soul will be reunited to live forever with the Lord.

Chuck
“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:55

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2 Peter 1:21, 2 Timothy 3:16

How Did We Get The Bible?

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
July 25, 2011

I read the preface to Vincent Bugliosi’s book, “The Divinity of Doubt” and found a clear presentation of the presupposition that every agnostic must subscribe to in order to worship at the altar of doubt. He said, “if there is a God, he has chosen to keep those he created in the dark about him. So we are all handicapped, mentally handcuffed, in our desire to understand the mystery of life.” I come from a whole different perspective. God’s existence and greatness is obvious through the things he has created. Further, God’s love for us, those he has created, is clearly communicated to us in His Word, the Bible.

The Bible as we have it today was originally written in Greek, Aramaic and Greek by men who were inspired by God. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture was breathed out by God.” The words of the Bible came from God and were written by men. Peter says it this way, “For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” The Scriptures contain the words God wrote to us using the individual personalities of the men who wrote them: Moses, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Matthew, John, Paul, etc. As the Holy Spirit moved these men along they used their own vocabularies, personalities, writing styles, and experiences in composing the text. The Scriptures are not mechanically dictated, although one might see the 10 Commandments written by the hand of God himself on the stone tablets. So the Scriptures were inspired by God, and then written by men.

God’s Word has been miraculously preserved through hundreds of attempts to destroy it. Norm Geisler writes, “Diocletian attempted to exterminate it (c. A.D. 302/3–305), and yet it is the most widely published book in the world today. Biblical critics once regarded much of it as mythological, but archaeology has established it as historical. Antagonists have attacked its teaching as primitive, but moralists urge that its teaching on love be applied to modern society. Skeptics have cast doubt on its authenticity, and yet more men are convinced of its truth today than ever. Attacks on the Bible continue to arise from science, psychology, and political movements, but the Bible remains undaunted.” The Word of God, the Bible, will be around long after Vincent Bugliosi and all the agnostics and atheists in the world are dead and gone.

Chuck
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” Isaiah 40:8
(See also1 Peter 1:25).

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Sex – 2 Sermons

Filed Under: Sermons by Chuck
July 24, 2011
This is two part sermon series which was part of a larger series called “I’m glad you asked.” For the summer months of 2011, we asked the congregation for questions that they might have on the bible. There were about 70 questions submitted. I answered many in my daily devotions and the ones on sex I answered in this two part series. These sermons were preached at CBC on July 24th and July 31st.

 

Sermon Videos
Click a link below to watch the video. Click the same link again to close.

1) Sex and the Single Life

2) Sex and the Married Life

 

Sermon Audios
Click a link below to listen to the audio. Click the same link again to close.

1) Sex and the Single Life (audio)

2) Sex and the Married Life (audio)

 

Sermon Outlines
Click a link below to view the outline.

1) Sex and the Single Life (outline)

2) Sex and the Married Life (outline)

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Genesis 1:1

How Old Is The Earth?

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
July 22, 2011

Some think that the young earth/old earth debate is between Christians and evolutionists. But the truth is many evangelical Christians believe in an old earth. Those that support a young earth normally estimate the age to be between 6000 and 10000 years old. Others allow for millions and sometimes billions of years. Those who argue for a young earth connect their view to a literal interpretation of Genesis 1 &2, along with the laws regarding the seventh day in Exodus 20. You might find it interesting, however, to know that the old earthers claim the same basic hermeneutic (basis for Bible Interpretation). They insist the language of the days of creation could honestly allow for the billions of years view to be accurate also. The age of the earth is not a test of true Christianity. Sincere believers are on both sides of the issue. Neither view can be proven scientifically as far as we know. The fact of creation is a much more important issue and the common enemy of all true believers is naturalistic evolution, not the “how” of God’s creation as expressed in Genesis 1 & 2.

However, with that said, I find it less cumbersome to subscribe to the younger earth position with a few personal variances. I’ll give you my reasons for believing this and you can disagree with me and we can still remain friends. ( I hope!) The normal use of the word “day” in Genesis refers to a 24 hour period. Whenever days are numbered in the Old Testament they always refers to 24 hour days. The use of “Evening and Morning” in the creation accounts supports the idea of a 24 hour day. According to Exodus 20, the work week was to be followed by a day of rest. It’s called the Sabbath. This illustrates that the work week parallels God’s creative work week of six literal days of creation after which he rested. However, I must admit that I’ve heard good biblical arguments that refute each of my reasons. So, we can dialogue about this issue and continue as brothers & sisters in Christ.

There is no necessary conflict between Genesis and the belief that the universe is millions or even billions of years old. Indeed, of all the ways of interpreting Genesis 1–2, only those who say Genesis is simply a myth hold to a totally incompatible view since they reject the Bible as providing literal information about the origins of our universe.

Chuck
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

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Philippians 4:6

Should I Pray to the Holy Spirit?

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
July 21, 2011

I’d argue that we pray “in the Holy Spirit” but not to the Holy Spirit. Prayer in the Spirit means to pray along the same lines or about the same things, or by “means of” the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 says we are to be “filled with the Holy Spirit.” Therefore our prayers are in complete reliance on the Holy Spirit. Our prayers are to be addressed to God the Father in the Name of Jesus the Son, in accordance with the Holy Spirit. We are often deeply immersed in Spiritual warfare and find ourselves often under attack spiritually. Paul instructs us about our spiritual armor in Ephesians Chapter 6 and then instructs us further regarding prayer. He says in verse 18, “with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit.” Jude 20 adds the idea that prayer in the Spirit is that which builds us up in our faith. It says, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.”

There is no recorded prayer in the Bible that is addressed specifically to the Holy Spirit, and Jesus always prayed to God the Father. He also taught the disciples to do that when he said that they should pray in this way, “Our Father who art in heaven…” Galatians 4:6 also teaches that: God sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, “crying, Abba, Father.” It seems best to me for us to pray to the Father in Jesus Name depending on the Spirit to help us. However, there may be times when we might appeal directly to Christ like Stephen did. Acts 7:59 says, “And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’”

But to be honest, not all evangelical believers agree with me. The Emmaus Journal had an article by Larry Dixon on “The Shy Member of the Trinity.” In it he says, “If the Holy Spirit is God, then worshiping Him and praying to Him seem justified. Some Christians object to praying to the Spirit because we have no explicit text of anyone praying to the Spirit. …I personally believe that the more we understand about the ministries of the Spirit, the more opportunity we have to ask Him to convict of sin, illumine our minds as we study Scripture, remind us of our sonship, etc.” He may be right!

Chuck
“…but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6

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Luke 12:40

Are We In or Near The End Times?

Filed Under: Devotions by Chuck
July 20, 2011

There have been many who have suggested a time or even date for the End Times. There is one prediction that failed in May so was changed to October 21, 2011. If we learn anything from Jesus’ words, we learn that only the father knows. I dealt with this question yesterday when I discussed the different roles of the Persons in the God head. In the Gospels Jesus tells of great calamities that will fall upon “This generation.” (Mark 13, Matthew 24) Many solid commentators argue that these events were adequately fulfilled with the fall of Jerusalem and the total destruction of the temple in 70AD. Since in the very next passage, Jesus says he does not know when the end times will be many accept this interpretation. Some argue that it refers to the ultimate end times. Others see a dual fulfillment. Those signs of the end are pre-figuring the great end times as well. I have gone back and forth in my understanding of this. Thus, I am left with the same confusion the disciples had regarding the end times.

The bottom line regarding this issue for me concerns the practical conclusion that Jesus draws regarding the subject. We know it’s coming! But we do not know when. We all live with the shadow of the end looming over us, both personally and corporately. We never know when it will fall. But that is no reason to be fearful or hysterical over that expectation, but at the same time we know that to forget about God and to become consumed with the things of earth is a very foolish way to live.

The scriptures teach us clearly that the wise man never forgets his mortal state and knows that he must be ready when the summons comes. What it should motivate us to consider is that each day we have life we have something to be thankful and grateful for. We have good work to do which is not a chore but a privilege. It means that we must live our lives in such a way that it doesn’t matter when He comes. Let’s make every day of our lives fit for Him to see. Let’s live in such a way that we’re ready to meet him face to face at any moment. If we live like this the end will not be a terror, but an eternal joy.

Chuck
“You also must be ready. The Son of Man will come at an hour when you don’t expect him.” Luke 12:40

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