The Proclaimer

PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST TO A LOST AND DYING WORLD

Edited and Published by Jack Critchfield

In This Issue:
Sin Is About Choices
The Basis Of Faith
Mercy In Judgment

SIN IS ABOUT CHOICES
By Jonathan L. Perz

Throughout history, men have used just about every conceivable excuse to justify sin in their lives. I am mindful of the time, at the foot of Mount Sinai, in the midst of Israel's wicked idolatry, Aaron tried to justify his poor choice. When questioned about the calf he fashioned for the Israelites to worship at their request, he told Moses, "And I said to them, 'whoever has any gold, let them break it off.' So they gave it to me, and I cast it into the fire, and this calf came out" (Ex. 32:24). Whether it is a one-time act, or a continually repeated sin that besets one, statements such as, "The Devil made me do it", "I had no choice", or "I could not help myself" have often been heard. Nevertheless, such thinking is foreign and contrary to the word of God.

The Bible teaches that sin is a matter of individual choice (cf. Ezek. 18). It begins with discerning good from evil (Heb. 5:14) and then refusing the evil and choosing the good (Is. 7:15). A sure and consistent pattern for such thinking can be clearly established from the beginning of time.

In the garden, Adam and Eve were given free will, as well as some very specific instructions. They could eat of the fruit of every tree except one, which God declared off-limits. When tempted by Satan, Eve made the wrong choice - she partook of the forbidden fruit, as did Adam (Gen. 3:1ff). Though Eve blamed Satan, and Adam blamed Eve, each bore the consequence of their individ-ual sins, as each had made the choice to commit that sin. Pointing the finger elsewhere never justifies sin, nor does it remove the consequences.

In like fashion, Moses committed a sin when, instead of glorifying God and obeying His instructions, he glorified Aaron and himself, choosing not to follow God's command. The incident is found in Numbers 20:7-13. The Israelites needed water and God specifically instructed Moses on how to provide that water (v. 8). Moses did not head the instructions exactly (vs. 10-11), thus, he suffered the consequences of his wrong choice. Even when the choice to sin is made in the heat of the moment, the consequences remain.

King David is another testimony to the fact that sin is a matter of individual choice, and God will hold man accountable. David, walking on his roof one evening, came upon an awkward situation. A woman (not his wife) was bathing where she could be seen. David, now faced with a choice, subjected himself to the temptation instead of turning away from the compromising situation. In so doing, one sin led to another, and before long a great evil was done for which David suffered grave consequences (2 Sam. 11-12). Even if we inherit a tempting situation, the choice to turn away and avoid its consequences is still available-thus, rendering our actions inexcusable.

In truth, the examples are boundless. Sin is all about choices. James wrote, "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will re-ceive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am tempted of God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death" (James 1:12-15). From this passage, we can acknowledge some simple facts about sin, temptation and choices.

1) God does not tempt man. God might allow man to be tempted (cf. Job's temptation by Satan), but He does not directly tempt man. As a matter of fact, with each temptation man suffers, God is faithful, in that He, "will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (1 Cor. 10:13). This verse is bona fide proof that we, as individuals, must bear the burden of choice with each and every sin!

2) We are tempted by our own desires. Often, we place ourselves in bad situations. We spoke of the example of King David, who made the choice to be enticed, and in turn, was enticed. In like fashion, people today do the same thing. For example, men and women often allow themselves to be in compromising situations with those of the opposite sex, who are not their spouses. Too often, the outcome is fornication, infidelity, and broken homes. Likewise, when recovering alcoholics frequent establishments that serve alcohol, they set themselves up to sin. Consider the folly of recovering drug addicts choosing to befriend people who abuse drugs (cf. 1 Cor. 15:33). The list is unlimited. The fact is that we choose our circumstances, be they our workplace, our compan-ions, or our environment. Why do we burden ourselves with situations that we are sure to stumble in, and surely sin?

3) Temptation is the birthplace of sin. We need to realize that we have not sinned until we give in to our temptations. This does not mean we should push the threshold of temptation to the maximum. Rather, we should know that even if we are tempted, we do not have to give in! We can still turn it around! We can still avoid sin! We need to simply say NO! This is why the Spirit teaches us to "abstain from every form of evil" (1 Thess. 5:22). We are instructed to "resist the devil and he will flee from us" (James 4:7). We are told to "flee sexual immorality" (1 Cor. 6:18). We are commanded to "abhor what is evil, cleave to what is good" (Rom. 12:9). Thus, we must acknowledge, that even in the heat of temptation, as Satan is turning up the thermostat, we choose to avoid sin by not giving place to the devil (Eph. 4:27)!

Indeed, sin is all about choices. We make choices between right and wrong, good and evil, acceptable and unacceptable, pleasing and not pleasing, truth and error every day of our lives. These choices can determine our eternity. Thus, it is important to understand: it is one thing to know right from wrong and it is another thing altogether to choose the right over the wrong. Therefore, ask yourself, "What kind of choices are you making?"

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"For this reason I also suffer these things; neverthe-less I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day."

2 Tim 1:12 NKJV

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The Basis of Faith
By John Hendrix

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1, NASB).

Faith is having assurance and conviction about something without having absolute proof. Faith is an everyday part of everyone's life. For the most part, we have faith that our food and water are safe, that our friends are honest with us, that places exist though we have never visited them, that our senses are telling us the truth, and that our minds are functioning relatively well. The list could go on.

Since "absolute proof" is a difficult thing to find, faith is required for us to function in this world and society. Imagine the life of a person who does not believe in anything that he has not personally experienced.

The servant of God must have faith. He must believe that God exists, and that God will fulfill His promises to those who serve Him (Hebrews 11:6). He must believe in the word of God as an accurate and complete guide to godly living (2 Peter 1:3). He must believe that Jesus was God's Son and that He has paid the price for their sins (John 3:16).

We do not have absolute proof of any of these things. Some people wrongly conclude that faith--the kind of faith spoken of in the Bible--has no foundation in "fact." They think that faith is held without any evidence, or against all evidence.

In truth faith *can* be held without evidence and against all evidence. This faith is "blind" and not good. Eve believed the words of the Serpent, despite the very present command of God. She believed without evidence and suffered for her gullibility. Sisera trusted Jail and died at her hands (Judges 4:17-21). Many Jews *did not* believe Jesus--despite the evidence He gave--and called for His crucifixion.

God did not expect the early Christians to believe without providing evidence. Neither does He expect us to believe without evidence. The early Christians heard the voice of Jesus and saw the miracles He performed, or heard the voice of His apostles and saw the wonders that they performed. Many have said, "If I could see what they saw, I would certainly believe." Yet most of those early people who heard and saw, still did not believe. Miracles alone were not sufficient for them to believe.

The wonders of God are not hidden from us. We know wondrous things about ourselves and the world we live in. The universe dazzles us with its incomprehensible complexity and its beautiful order.

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the fir-mament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard. (Psalm 19:1-3)

We see the glorious order of the universe and reject the notion--as old as all the ancient myths--that the universe is the product of chance, that all this order sprung of itself out of chaos. Just like those who rejected Jesus, some see the wonders of creation and reject the notion that God has made it.

The miracles of Jesus were not "absolute proof" to those in Jesus day. Our knowledge of our world is not "absolute proof" of a benevolent God. But the evidence is real and compelling.

In the days of the early church people might have been impressed by the miracles, but they were converted by the message. Faith came by hearing (Romans 10:17), when the hearers understood the message, thought it sound and worth believing, and trusted the messengers.

Our faith is based largely upon the testimony of trustworthy men. This is true in day-to-day life. I have not seen all the accounting books of my bank, but I trust that I can withdraw my money when I need it. This faith is strong in spite of the events leading into the Great Depression seventy years ago. I have no "absolute proof" that the banking system is basically sound, but the evidence is real and compelling.

If the early disciples had miracles to strengthen their faith, we have something they did not: a compiled book of the revelations of God. In the scriptures we have the testimony of many men. Faith comes when we carefully read the words, understand the wonderful message of the gospel and are assured of the reliability of the messen-gers.

Many of the New Testament writers claimed first-hand knowledge of the life and teachings of Jesus: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life. . .(1 John 1:1)

For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. (2 Peter 1:16)

Is their testimony reliable? There is no "absolute proof," but plenty of compelling evidence. They spread a message of morality, devotion to God, and service to fellow man. Would it make sense for these men to encase this message in a giant deception?

But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and *all liars* shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. (Revelation 21:8)

Honesty is one of the great virtues taught in the scriptures. These men *were not* lying. If not deceivers, might they have been deluded?

But [Paul] said, "I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason." (Acts 26:25)

The great and sobering deliberations of the Bible writers are all the testimony needed to build confidence in their sanity. They were not crazy, but very thoughtful and clear-headed.

The immense wonder of creation testifies to the existence and greatness of God. The wonderful message, bold claims and clear arguments of the writers of the Bible books testify to their honesty and reliability.

This is faith based upon evidence that is real and compelling. The more I study the Holy Word, the stronger my faith becomes. What do you think of the evidence?

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"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Phil 4:13 NKJV

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MERCY IN JUDGMENT
Steven Harper

One of the most overused and, at the same time, most MISused passages in the New Testament has to be Matthew 7:1, which says, "Judge not, that you be not judged." (NKJV) This passage has been (mis)used by everyone from drunks who have been condemned for drinking, to homosexuals who are told that the practice is an abomination in God's sight, to Christians who think nothing of breaking certain traffic laws, to Christians who know someone who teaches obvious error on a certain doctrinal matter. Each, in trying to get around the clear prohibition of what is being done, shrugs off all condemnation by throwing out the one Bible verse they 'know' and go about their merry way, satisfied that they have "accurately handl(ed) the word of truth." What they have done is, like the devil in his temptation of Jesus, MIShandled the word of truth and tried to make it say what was not ever intended. Sin can never be excused by simply saying no man has a right to 'judge' another. If that were true, we could not even teach the gospel at all!

While this passage is misused quite often in areas such as we have mentioned, what should not be overlooked is the true teaching of the text, and that is: Do not judge others with a judgment we would not readily accept ourselves, or, don't judge anyone in a way you would not want to be judged.

Too often, I believe this is not practiced in our daily lives---and I am speaking of those who are Christians! Far too often, when a stranger comes in the presence of the 'regular' members of our local congregations, he or she is viewed with an eye of suspicion rather than welcome, and let's just hope that this poor ignorant soul who may have wandered into the assembly of saints is not wearing anything less than a three-piece suit and tie, or dress (whichever is 'appropriate'). Too often, if the stranger uses incorrect terminology (like when they talk about their 'pastor') or wears clothing a little more ragged than what we like, he or she is automatically marked down as 'hopeless' and the heads begin to wag. While words may not be said out loud, there is whispering and scornful looks that drive them away just as surely as if someone led them out the door and told them to never come back (which has happened, too). Some brethren never stop to think that these strangers who may appear in our assemblies every now and then (inappropriately-dressed as they may be) are there because they are SEARCHING --- which means they don't know the truth yet. But judgments are pronounced without mercy and we smugly return to our ways without ever a second thought about their souls.

And the unmerciful judging is done not only towards strangers, either. The unmerciful judging is also meted out to any of the brethren who we feel need it. Quite of-ten, it is judgment about what a certain preacher believes or teaches on a particular subject --- and the judgment is made without ever having read a single word he may have written and without having heard a single word he has said on the topic of discussion. Many times, if the man is simply known to have spoken with another brother who is on 'the list', he is lumped into the same category of 'false teachers' who cannot be trusted. Don't get me wrong: if he is teaching error, he is to be noted, but what I am talking about are judgments made without ever having heard the evidence.

Throughout the history of the Bible, God has demanded fairness in judging, especially among brethren. Under the Old Law, one could not be put to death on the testimony of one witness, but had to have at least two or three (Deut. 17:6), nor could one be condemned for any sin without also having two or three witnesses (19:15). What is happening today is even worse; judgments are being made without even ONE witness! (Holding to the true definition of a witness.) Judgments that are handed out only upon on the hearsay of a friend who heard someone say that he read that he said that somebody heard so-and-so said such-and-such are unwarranted and without mercy.

After awhile, the unchecked stories are simply accepted as fact and a brother is unfairly and unmercifully categorized forever as unfit for the kingdom, somewhere along the lines of the actions of man of the Bible we know as Diotrephes, who would not receive certain brethren and forbade others from receiving them, either (3 Jn. 10). His motive was clear: he wanted preeminence. The reasons today may be the same, or they may simply be done out of pure ignorance and a lack of mercy toward others.

And unmerciful judgment is seen among Christians even in everyday situations. I know one Christian who it seems cannot say a single good word about anyone upon first hearing their name. Whenever a name is mentioned, the first thing you will hear is, "Well, I heard she (fill in the blank)...," and the comment is almost never favorable. It's painfully clear that this individual is saying these things only to exalt self by lowering others.

Again, let me make it clear that I firmly believe that judgments should be made in certain circumstances, but as we do so, we should have a couple of passages firmly in the forefront of our minds BEFORE we begin to judge.

The first passage we should note is one also very familiar (but often unused) --- the one called 'The Golden Rule.' In Matthew 7:12, Jesus said, "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." Or, as it is commonly stated today: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It's a rule we all understand, but sometimes forget --- too often when judging others. If we would keep this in mind as we make necessary judgments, we would do so fairly and with reams of mercy, for it would be done in the same way we would want to be judged! If!

Another passage that should be at the forefront of our minds BEFORE judging another is James 2:13, which says, "For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment." Did you catch that? If we show no mercy here, there will be no mercy shown towards us in the final Judgment! That should literally scare some people to death!

To me, this is one of the strongest warnings given to us about judging others. Keeping in mind that we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ and have to answer for the deeds done in the body (2 Cor. 5:10), what kind of judgment are we looking for? Surely, we realize that none will stand before Him perfect and that we will be in need of mercy, but can we expect that He will show mercy to us if we have not done the same to strangers here on Earth, or even towards our own brethren?

"Have mercy upon me, O God!" (Psa. 51:1)

via The Light of Life

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Editor's Note:
I wish to personally thank everyone who has written and called during the month to check on my wife after her cancer surgery. Her condition has not been fully diagnosed as of yet.

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I also want to apologize for not having written anything for this issue of The Proclaimer. Hopefully, this month will see things settle down a bit and I will get back into a routine.

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Jack Critchfield, Editor & Publisher
403 Coit Way, Salinas, Ca. 93907
critch1@juno.com