Newsletter Vol.1, #49—November 27, 2005

Matthew 7 ⁶"Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.”

In Vol.1, #41, October 2, 2005, we started some Letters to the Editor. We conclude with this … ~ Note: you may access the Newsletter referred to by going to http://www.caprockcoc.org/

To the Editors of Today’s Christianity: I've recently taken time off from single-handedly inventing perpetual revival in the Church in order to read your fine publication. Though many might be critical of the recent article by Paul Apostle, I happen to believe that Mr. Apostle's more dogmatic sentiments are simply misunderstood, and that one needs to look at his article in fresh, new ways. That's why I am pleased to announce that I've asked my good friend Eugene Peterson, editor of The Message Bible, to create a paraphrase of the article so that today's Christian can get a better sense of what Brother Apostle is trying to say. For a small fee you'll soon be able to download this new paraphrase from the Pastors.com website, and then you'll see that Paul is much more tolerant and laidback than you think. Paul doesn't think the Galatians are fools; he just thinks they're a little crazy! Then again, aren't we all? Richard Warren; Lake Forest, ca

editor's note: Today’s Christianity apologizes for our rash decision in publishing Paul Apostle's exposé of the Galatian church. Had we known the extent in which our readership and advertisers would withdraw their financial support, we never would have printed such unpopular biblical truth. We regret any damage we may have caused in propagating the doctrines of Christ.

In all seriousness, these fictitious "Letters to the Editor" are not far removed from the current sentiments that go against many Christian apologists today--- especially against those who endeavor to make Scripture the guiding rule of the Church. More and more, subjective feelings and emotions are superseding the authority of Scripture in matters of doctrine. We should not be influenced by this prevailing notion that loving Christians, like Paul, cannot (or should not) engage in legitimate disagreements concerning our faith and practice. Christ and His apostles have set a biblical standard in which we can rightly judge and discern the validity of every new teaching that comes into the Church. As it says in 1 Timothy 4:1, 6, 16: ".The Spirit explicitly states that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons...In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following...Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you."

Basing our theological beliefs on a sincere assessment of Scripture may not always bring us perfect understanding, but at least we are striving to be grounded in God's word, and not upon the feebleness of human wisdom or experience. If and when Christians disagree, let us always strive to define our particular beliefs on the teachings of Scripture alone. As Charles Spurgeon once said, "The best way to promote (Christian) union is to promote truth." God's word is truth!

He Made One Mistake

Selected

1. He brushed his teeth twice a day - with a nationally advertised toothpaste!

2. The doctor examined him twice each year!

3. He slept with a window open each night!

4. He stuck to a daily diet of fresh vegetables!

5. He walked three miles everyday checking his heart rate along the way with his $100.00 Casio watch!

6. He got at least eight hours of sleep each night!

7. He never smoked nor drank nor lost his temper!

8. He was all set to live to be one hundred!

He made one mistake! "He Forgot God!" He lived as if this world was all there was to life. He is now with those who say, "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved" (Jer.8:20).

IF YOU WERE TO DIE TONIGHT, WHERE WOULD YOU BE IN ETERNITY?

"Greet With A Holy Kiss"

Larry Ray Hafley

Question: Larry, I have been talking to a man that insists that Romans 16:16, "Salute one another with a holy kiss," is a direct command and should be practiced like all the other direct commands. I don’t know how to answer him. I know you are busy, but if and when you have time I will appreciate it.

Reply: A kiss was the customary manner of greeting. Paul was not commanding it; rather, he was regulating it. In other words, it was to be a "holy," or morally pure kiss, not a sensual one. It is similar to the admonition given to Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:2. He was told to treat the younger women "as sisters with all purity;" that is, greet and treat them as you would your sister in the flesh and not in a manner which would suggest or produce sinful lusts.

In Luke 7:44-45, the Lord rebuked Simon for not greeting him with a kiss and for not offering him water to wash his feet. Those were customs of the day. If you came to my house, and I said, "John, before you come in, please let me wash your feet," you would be insulted! That is not our custom; that is not our way of greeting and welcoming people to our homes.

It is always right to be cordial to people, to greet them as friends; however, the way we show or demonstrate that cordiality differs. Then, they kissed one another. Today, we shake hands. The principle always applies (show friendliness), but the manner of it differs (handshake vs. kiss). In whatever age we live, we must be cordial to one another, but how we manifest it may vary from time to time.

It is always right to show hospitality to people when they come to our homes; however the way we show or exhibit that hospitality differs. Then they offered water to wash the feet of their guests. Today, we might offer them tea or coffee, and tell them to sit down and take a load off their feet! We must always extend hospitality to one another, but how we do so differs from generation to generation.

Again, a key to Romans 16 is to remember that Paul was regulating, not commanding, the kiss. He was saying, in effect, "When you greet one another with a kiss, make sure it is a holy kiss and not one which will gender sinful behavior or shameful conduct.

Must man sin?

Herschel E. Patton

Viewing the power and grace of God, some men have concluded that any action or response being necessary to man’s salvation would negate the grace and power of God. Calvinism, beginning with Inherent Total Depravity and expanding to other consequent tenets, has as its underlying theme, “man has no ability, therefore responsibility, whatever with regards to his sins or salvation.” The teaching that man’s sinful (carnal) nature, which Calvinism says is inherited from Adam, necessitates sin and furnishes man an excuse (“I couldn’t help it”) that soothes or eliminates a guilty conscience. Our grace-fellowship brethren contend that we are all sinners, and cannot help but be such; therefore we should be tolerant of and fellowship other sinners – people in error. The purpose of the whole idea is to excuse man for his transgressions; to declare him not responsible because of the way he was made or what he inherited from Adam. The doctrine of Hereditary Total Depravity and the belief that man has to sin, simply provides for the corrupt an excuse and apology for their sins. The corrupt like to hear their wickedness referred to as innate depravity, rather than something acquired or developed; their unholiness as the result of natural incapacity, rather than any fault or neglect of their own; that they can do nothing to procure their salvation, excusing them from seeking or doing anything to prepare for it. Man is still responsible, and will be held accountable, regardless of these false doctrines.