The book of Galatians has two basic themes: 1. A defense of Paul’s apostleship; 2. The destruction of false teaching, namely Judaizing doctrine. As always, Paul does a superb job on both points. This book is a blueprint for how to defend yourself so the truth will not be hindered and how to attack false doctrine and false teachers that condemn men’s souls.

The fact is they cannot.

Various churches teach contradictory doctrines and practice things that are sometimes polar opposites. Sadly, the vast majority of churches teach and practice error. That is not just my opinion, it is taught in Scripture. Jesus said

Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it (Matt. 7:13, 14).

In the same sermon, the Sermon On The Mount, Jesus said even those who acknowledge Him as Lord will be lost because they do not do the “will of My Father in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). There are religious people, those who believe in Jesus as the Savior, who live outside the boundary of His Law, the gospel. He said these “practice lawlessness” (Matt. 7:23).

Are you part of a religious group that practices lawlessness? No doubt, you do not want to be, but might be by mistake. It may be you grew up not knowing any better or accepted the invitation of a friend to go to church or have just been searching yet not found the truth yet.

Do not take my word or any other person’s word for truth.

The only way you will know what is right and what is wrong is by going to the one-and-only standard, God’s word. “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (Jn. 17:17). It is the word by which we will be judged one day (Jn. 12:48). You will not be judged by my word or the pope’s word or your preacher’s word or your parent’s word. We shall stand before Christ and give an account according to His word.

Whenever someone tells you something concerning your soul, test it by the Bible (Acts 17:11).

So, are you convinced that your current religious practices are according to the Bible, God’s word?

Here is a little test to see. This does not cover everything, but might raise some “red flags” that you need to look at closer.

Can you find the name of your church in the Bible?

Can you find the denomination (religious group) of which you are a part in the Bible?

Think about how your church is organized and who has control and/or authority. Is this in the New Testament?
(Church headquarters, hierarchy, priesthood, etc.)

The things your church does when it gathers to worship, are they in the Bible?
(Instrumental music, baptizing babies, entertainment, etc.)

What type of work is your church involved in? Is it in the New Testament?
(pizza parties, craft classes, rummage sales, car washes, etc.)

Do you think Jesus would be comfortable at one of the church’s youth gatherings?

There are many other issues to consider, but think about these for a little while.

Those of us who live in the United States tend to think of China and Iran as rather evil places. One is Communist the other Islamist. One officially denies God; the other officially denies the true God. Both imprison Christians. No doubt, there is much evil in both nations. However, there are some things each nation does that the USA should copy.

First, China recently shut down access to “91 ‘vulgar’” web sites (see article here). Yes, some of the “vulgar” sites included dissident sites that called for democracy in China. The overwhelming number of sites, though, were either pornography or scam related. In our nation the right to “free speech” is a sacred cow. Anytime someone objects to that which is vulgar, sexually explicit, filthy, or otherwise anti-God, the hammer of “free speech” is wielded. Pornography is actually a protected form of “speech” (?) in a so-called “Christian nation.” It would do our nation great good to learn from China that pornography is vulgar and not fit for the masses, or anyone else (Gal. 5:19-21).

Second, in late December two men were stoned to death for adultery in a northeastern city in Iran. A third man escaped (see article here). Most states had very strict adultery laws that were enforced. However, over the past 100 years or so, the laws have either been rewritten, removed, or ignored. In the Old Testament adultery was to be punished by stoning, along with other forms of sexual immorality (Lev. 20:10-21). The New Testament does not call on the Israel of God, the Church, to stone adulterers to death. Rather, Christians are to call on such sinners to repent. The same is true with murderers. Christians exhort them to repent. This does not preclude the civil government from punishing evil doers. In fact, Romans 13:1-7 states that it is the duty of the civil authorities to suppress evil, including using the death penalty to do so. Do you think the rate of adultery and divorce would drop if states had the death penalty for adultery?

Do I want to live in China or Iran? No way! I love my country, but wish it was more righteous. I fear in the lifetime of my children, if not sooner, this nation will utterly fail due to its unrighteousness. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34). Our responsibility is to do what we can while we can. Let us be salt and light (Matt. 5:13-16).

It is stunning how men waste time and money to find answers when God has already given them to us. Perhaps the biggest waste of all is the US space program. It is devoted to finding out the mysteries of the universe, chiefly the origin of it. If they would just open their hearts and a Bible, they would see the answer. This same scenario is true with other issues.

Recently, while going through the web site www.familyfacts.org I ran across the following findings; things that the Bible has taught for thousands of years, but men felt compelled to verify with studies. Don’t get me wrong about this, I understand the need to defend what is right using God’s word and at times it helps to pull in other evidence. The point is, so many of our problems and questions could be resolved and answered if we just open the Bible and read.

Finding: “Compared with peers who had lower levels of religiosity as pre-teens (measured by participation in religious activities, studies, services, and importance ascribed to religion), those with higher levels of pre-teen religiosity tended to exhibit higher levels of religiosity as adolescents and young adults and a lower likelihood of engaging in substance abuse.”

This finding basically says that children brought up to practice religion are affected by it in later years. It helps shape their behavior, continuing to practice religion and refraining from harmful activities. The Bible put it this way, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6).

Finding: “This finding looks at the relationship between youths’ religiosity and alcohol use.
Compared with peers with lower levels of religiosity (in terms of church attendance, importance assigned to religion and frequency of prayer), adolescents who were more religious exhibited higher levels of self control and were less likely to use alcohol. (The effect of religiosity on substance use was mediated somewhat by levels of self control.)”

Children who are raised with religion in the home behave better. The religious principles instilled in them while they are young give them more self discipline and keep them away from destructive behaviors. Self-control is one of the fundamental pillars in the life of a Christian. “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control…” (2 Pet. 1:5, 6). The study finding shows what the Bible has taught all along, religion benefits a person’s life.

Finding: “This study examined the link between the amount of sex viewed on television and teen pregnancy outcomes. Teens who were exposed to high levels of sexual content on television were twice as likely to become pregnant during a three-year period than peers who had lower levels of exposure to sexual content.”

Duh! It takes a study to see that? I do not doubt FamilyFact.org knew this to begin with. It is a secular organization and feels compelled to do academic studies to bolster their position. Again, I have no problem with that. Society, however, seems to lack common sense. The Bible does not. It is an imminently practical and logical book. Long ago it said, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits’” (1 Cor. 15:33). Filth in, filth out. Simple enough.

Finding: The Bible contains all that pertains to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). It is the Book of books; the sole source of spiritual enlightenment. It is the word of life. The ills and ails of society can be corrected if all people would submit to the word. Let us not be guilty of failing in this, but live by the truth, raise our children in the truth, and therefore be a blessing to one and all.

For more information go to http://www.familyfacts.org.

Genesis 40

After Joseph was wrongly thrown in prison, he continued to do the best he could. One day while he was working, he saw two of the king’s servants—men who were in prison for suspicion of acting against the king. These servants were distraught because they each had a dream the night before but did not know the meanings.

Joseph was concerned about them, not just himself, and asked them what the trouble was. They explained their dreams to him. The butler, or cupbearer, of the king told his dream and Joseph said it meant he would be restored to his old job. The baker, thinking he may receive a favorable interpretation of his dream, explained his to Joseph. This time, however, the news was not good. The king would kill the baker in three days.

Joseph asked the butler to remember him. He wanted out of prison. Sadly, the butler forgot him.

Genesis 41

The king of Egypt, Pharaoh, had two dreams in one night that scared him. He asked all his advisers what they meant, but none of them could tell him. Finally, after two years of forgetting about Joseph, the butler remembered him. He told the king Joseph could interpret his dreams.

After cleaning up to stand before the king, Joseph told him God is the one who interprets dreams.

Pharaoh told his dreams to Joseph who proceeded to interpret them with God’s help. He told the king seven years of good crops were coming followed by seven terrible years. He advised the king to store up grain in the good years so they could get through the bad ones. This impressed Pharaoh so much he elevated Joseph to second in the kingdom. Only Pharaoh was higher and had more authority than Joseph.

During the years of plenty, Joseph stopped counting the grain because it was so much. As prophesied, this lasted seven years and came to an abrupt halt. The famine set in and devastated the entire region.

Genesis 42-45

The famine affected Canaan, where Joseph’s family lived. His father sent Joseph’s older brothers to Egypt to buy grain. When they appeared before Joseph they did not recognize them, but he recognized them. He spoke to them in Egyptian and used an interpreter, though he could still understand his brothers.

Joseph wanted to test their sincerity and see if they were still the same evil, selfish men he knew years ago. So, Joseph kept one brother, Simeon, in Egypt and told the rest to go back and return only if they brought Benjamin, Joseph’s younger and favorite brother.

The brothers later discovered that all the money they took to buy grain was in their grain sacks. This scared them because they thought the Egyptians looked at them as thieves, but it was Joseph who ordered this to be done.

Jacob resisted the brothers taking Benjamin to Egypt for fear that he would not return. The famine grew worse and the brothers refused to go get more grain without Benjamin. Jacob gave in and let his youngest son go.

When they returned to Egypt, Joseph continued to test their attitudes. He gave Benjamin more than the others at dinner. He also put Pharaoh’s cup in Benjamin’s grain sack without telling them. On their way home, Joseph’s servant overtook them and found the cup in Benjamin’s sack. The penalty was slavery.

The brothers were very upset and returned to plead for Benjamin. Judah offered himself in exchange for Benjamin. When Joseph heard this he could not contain his emotions any longer. He sent out all the Egyptians and revealed himself to his brothers. They were stunned and fearful. Joseph told them they had nothing to fear and understood that everything that had happened was at the hand of God. By Joseph being in his position, he was able to preserve the children of Israel during the famine.

Joseph did not take vengeance on his brothers or anyone else. With Pharaoh’s blessing and encouragement Joseph invited all of his family to move to Egypt. They were given the best of the land and settled there for about 400 years.

Lessons To Consider

1. They guilt of how Joseph’s brother treated him troubled them for many years (Gen. 42:21, 22). Do you think when we commit sin and do not correct it, it will bother us? Should it?
2. When Joseph was testing his brothers, was he being mean or trying to find out about their character? Why do you think he did this?
3. The real lesson of Joseph’s life is how God works things out. Did Joseph see this at the beginning?
4. Can we learn a lesson about God working with us? Could the difficult things we face be the way to grow and be useful to God and His people later? Should we grow bitter and quit?

Genesis 37:1-11

Joseph was the favorite son of his father, Jacob. Joseph’s brothers were not very good and did bad things; things which Joseph told his father.

When Joseph was seventeen, his father gave him a coat of many colors. This was a visible sign of his favoritism. Jacob’s other sons were angered by this. In fact, they were so mad they could not say anything nice to Joseph.

To top it off, Joseph had two dreams which he revealed to his family. The first dream showed he would rule over his brothers. The second one was about him ruling over all his family. The older brothers could not see how this was possible and envied him.

Genesis 37:18-28

One day when Joseph went out to check on his brothers in the field, as they were keeping sheep, they determined to hurt him. At first they thought of killing him, but the oldest, Reuben, talked them into throwing Joseph into a pit.

When Reuben was away, the other brothers saw a group of Midianite traders. They bought and sold things, including people. Judah convinced the other brothers to sell Joseph into slavery and make some money. When Reuben returned, he saw Joseph was gone and was very upset.

Genesis 37:31-36

To cover up their sin, the brothers of Joseph took his coat of colors and dipped it in goat’s blood. When they showed the coat to their father, they asked if it was Joseph’s. Jacob assumed Joseph had been killed by a wild beast. In effect, what the brothers did was lie to their father. They knew Joseph was not killed by an animal, but that is what they wanted the father to believe.

Genesis 39:1-6

The Midianite traders sold Joseph to an Egyptian named Potiphar. He was the captain of Pharaoh’s military and police force. Because of this, Potiphar was a powerful and wealthy man.

Over time, Potiphar noticed Joseph was a good worker and made things better. So, Joseph was elevated to the top and ran Potiphar’s house. The only thing he knew about was the food set in front of him when he ate. This shows us that in spite of Joseph’s mistreatment, he still did the best he could and, as a result, God blessed him.

Genesis 39:7-23

Joseph’s master, Potiphar, had an evil wife. She wanted Joseph to commit sin. However, Joseph resisted. This angered Potiphar’s wife and she told a lie to get Joseph in trouble. When Potiphar heard the lie his wife told, he threw Joseph in prison. Still, Joseph was not bitter against God, but did the best he could.

Lessons To Consider

1. When we show favoritism in the family, it angers the others. We need to love all our family equally. What are some ways we can do this?
2. What should we do if we start feeling jealous of a brother, sister, or friend?
3. Joseph’s brothers were either going to kill him or sell him as a slave. Which do you think Joseph preferred? (Think about what happens to him later).
4. How old was Joseph when he was sold as a slave? Do you think it would be difficult for someone his age to be carried away into a strange land?
5. Joseph’s brothers lied to their father. How did they lie to him?
6. Joseph had a good attitude when he labored for Potiphar. Why might it be hard to do good in his situation? What would many people do?
7. Potiphar’s wife told a lie on Joseph and got him in trouble. Would it hurt you if someone told a lie on you? Should you lie about others when you are angry at them? Why?
8. Where was Joseph sent because of the lie told against him? What type of attitude did he have? Do you want to be like this?

“Blessed by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Pet. 1:3-6).

What Is Reserved In Heaven?

Peter describes an inheritance reserved in heaven, but what is this? Paul said it is the “crown of righteousness” (2 Tim. 4:8). It is the crown of life, as James puts it (Jas. 1:12). The inheritance is eternal life.

We will one day leave this world and our body. This will happen either when we die or when the Lord returns. When He does come back, everyone will receive a new body, a body suited for eternal life in heaven (1 Cor. 15:35-53).

Who Will Receive The Inheritance?

The faithful. Peter said that the inheritance is reserved “who are kept by the power of God through faith.” Notice, they are not kept by the power of God alone, nor are they kept by faith alone. It takes both God and man working in harmony to receive salvation; man must comply with God’s will (Heb. 5:9).

These people are ones who were “begotten again.” Jesus told Nicodemus that men must be born again, born of the water and the Spirit (Jn. 3:3-5). This takes place when a man receives and obeys the word of God, namely in repentance and baptism (1 Pet. 1:22, 23; Acts 2:38; note Peter was preaching on Acts 2).

When Will The Inheritance Be Received?

“In the last time.” Some people are under the mistaken notion that when a faithful Christian dies, he or she go immediately to heaven. This is not a biblical concept. Rather, the crown of life, the crown of righteousness, salvation, the inheritance, will be received when the Lord returns—the last time—that Day (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

When Christians die, they go to the Hadean world. The account of the rich man and Lazarus sketches for us what happens when the faithful and unfaithful die. The unfaithful go to torments, while the faithful go to Abraham’s bosom, also known as Paradise (Lk. 16:19-31). At the end of the world, this realm, Hades, will be destroyed in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone (Rev. 20:14). Another statement showing that we will not go to heaven until the Judgment.

What Does This Mean For Us Now?

Because of the abundant mercy of God reserving an inheritance in heaven, we have a living hope. This is what keeps us going from day to day in this miserable, dark world. It is the anchor of the soul (Heb. 6:18-20).

This is the one and only true hope of mankind (Eph. 4:4). We will not live on earth forever. That hope is a false hope. We will not pass into oblivion; false hope. There will not be 72 virgins for faithful male martyrs (don’t know what the females are supposed to get); another false hope. The one hope is resurrection to eternal life in heaven with God; a hope that ought to motivate us to live faithful and true to our Savior and God.

Jeroboam completely squandered the opportunity given to him by God. The prophet Ahijah told him God would give him ten tribes (1 Kgs. 11:26-40). We know this came about when Rehoboam refused to lighten the load on the people (1 Kgs. 12:1-24). The northern kingdom was his to rule over, but he blew it.

After becoming king, Jeroboam feared the people would turn back to the house of David (1 Kgs. 12:25-33). He thought the people would go to Jerusalem to worship and rekindle their affection and national pride for Judah and kill him. Therefore, he set up a false religion. God’s response was swift and definite (1 Kgs. 13:1-10). Jeroboam was known forever as the one who introduced false religion into Israel (1 Kgs. 16:19, 26; 22:52).

Jeroboam’s sin sprung from fear of losing the support of the people. He wanted to maintain his power and prestige. He even feared his life would be taken. If Jeroboam had had faith in God, he would have realized the northern kingdom was securely his. God gave it to him. Abraham also lacked faith twice, being in fear that men would kill him to take his wife. He should have trusted God and believed His word.

The point we need to get is the fear of losing support or good will of others is dangerous. The drive for acceptance by others, either peers, those under us (boss-employee relationship, parent-child relationship, etc.), or those over us (vice-versa) can lead us to compromise the faith. The One and only one we need to please is God. As Paul said, “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ” (Gal. 1:10).

There are parents who fear “driving” their children away by being too strict. Christian parents have compromised on television, movies, dancing, cheerleading, sports, and much more in an effort to keep the “affection” of a child. They do not want their child to be isolated from others or get angry about not being part of the in-crowd. Children might want to skip services for the playoff game. When a parent fears offending a child and compromises on the morals and principles of the Bible, it is sin.

Men and women sometimes fear losing their job. The boss may want to hide money from the government or lie to the customer. When the fear of unemployment outweighs the fear of God, a Christian will sin. Jesus warned against putting the things of this world above heavenly things (Matt. 6:19-21). We will either serve God or man (Matt. 6:24).

Many preachers have compromised the faith due to fear of losing the support of a congregation or eldership. Some dare not preach plainly about modesty. Others will not mention social drinking from the pulpit. Why? They do not want to move, do not want to lose their income, or do not want to be separated from the people of the congregation. Such a man is in sin. Paul told Timothy to “preach the word” in season and out of season (2 Tim. 4:2). A preacher’s first loyalty is to God. When this is suppress out of fear of men, not only is the preacher headed to hell, but he is leading others down that path, and stirring up the wrath of God.

We should learn a lesson from Jeroboam: do not compromise the faith for fear of men. Fear God and keep His commandments; this is your all (Ecc. 12:13, 14).

We all saw it coming years ago and it has now finally happened. The Episcopal Church is officially split with the founding of the Anglican Church in North American (AP report).

One of the main issues that drove a wedge in the Anglican fellowship was homosexuality. In 2003 the Episcopal Church ordained an avowed homosexual as a bishop. Conservatives in the church were very upset, with some churches and dioceses pulling away as time went by without change. The new Anglican Church in North American claims to represent true Anglican beliefs.

There are some lessons in all of this.

Lesson 1: Homosexuals are pushing their agenda, trying to force others to not only tolerate their “lifestyle,” but also approve it. They have been very successful at this for many years now. Just think, 10 years ago hardly anyone would have thought states would legalize same-sex marriages. Yet, we have it and it will soon be nationwide.

Lesson 2: Homosexuality is still a sin (1 Cor. 6:9, 10). Just because a major religious body or several of them or state governments approve and promote it does not make it right. Paul described homosexuality as “vile,” “against nature,” “shameful,” and “debased” (Rom. 1:26-28). Every person who believes the Bible is the inspired, inerrant word of God agrees and does not approve homosexuality.

Lesson 3: The Episcopal Church is in error. It is a false religion. Not only does it accept and approve homosexuals, but it is fundamentally contrary to God’s will. When you search the New Testament, you will never find anything like the Episcopal Church. It is an outgrowth of Roman Catholicism via the Church of England. In fact, it was the Church of England in this nation until the Revolution (anything “England” wasn’t popular then). Anyway, its establishment, organization, worship, and doctrine are not in harmony with the doctrine of Christ (2 Jn. 9-11).

Lesson 4: The new Anglican Church in North America is fundamentally wrong too. Yes, it is good that they took a stand against ordaining homosexuals, but they have much further to go to be right with God. The Anglican Church is not in the New Testament. We suspect it will be organized essentially the same as the Episcopal Church, have the same basic worship, and nearly identical doctrines (save homosexuality and a few other things). Instead of representing “true Anglican beliefs” they should strive to represent “true New Testament” beliefs (Col. 3:17; 1 Pet. 4:11).

Lesson 5: The Episcopal Church was not established one year and began ordaining homosexuals the next. Rather, the moral degradation of the church took many decades, perhaps a century or more. When they were founded on unbiblical principles and continued to drift away from the truth of the Gospel, it was inevitable that they corrupt themselves in every facet of religion (2 Tim. 3:13). The Bible warns us to take heed lest we drift (Heb. 2:1, 2). We need to be very careful about the steps we take, because in years to come we may not recognize the church anymore.

No doubt, this is not the last we will hear of the split in American Anglicanism, nor is it the last religious body that will be affected by the homosexual agenda. Our duty is to stick to the New Testament, never compromise, and strive to teach our neighbors the truth.

In ancient Rome there were “sports” matches that were to the death. You may readily think of the gladiators in the coliseum. They also had wrestling matches (rasslin’ for some of you) that were to the death. This is the imagery Paul had in mind when he penned Ephesians 6:10-13.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand.

The struggle we are in is not about our physical life. If we give in to sin and allow the devil to overtake us, we might die, but not usually. Rather, each and every confrontation we have with the wicked one puts our soul in danger. If he wins, we lose and die spiritually (cf. Lk. 15:32).

In this battle to the death, we are hopeless on our own. If we depend on our strength or wisdom, or any tool of man, we are truly defenseless. We need God’s help. He provides the armor, the power, we need to resist the devil and his wiles. Chiefly, God gives us His word. It provides us with truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, and the assurance of salvation. When we utilize this armor that God has given us, in the way that God instructs, we cannot be defeated by our adversary (cf. Jn. 10:27-29; Rom. 8:31-39).

Any and all who neglect to put on the armor of God will fail. If we put it on and misuse it, we will fail. It does not matter how hard you fight, you cannot win the contest apart from what God provides.

The thing we get caught on is thinking we are armed with God’s provisions, when in fact we are depending on our own weapons. This is true of many people in the religious world at large. People who follow the wrong plan of salvation or join a church established by man are not properly armed. Those who seek passages in the Bible to justify themselves instead of searching for what is right then changing to meet those conditions are defenseless.

We need to be careful that we are well armed in the fight against sin and Satan. It is a fight to the death; only one winner.