“Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land” (Hosea 4:1). 

This third article on controversial topics will look at a matter that is often as disagreeable among people as the two previous topics of drinking and divorce and remarriage.  Consider carefully the topic that relates to the dress or clothing appropriate for Christians to wear.

3.  Dressing Modestly.  It is written, “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;” (1 Tim. 2:9).  Again, “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Peter 3:3-4).  More often than not, these passages are referenced to deal with the issue of coverage or lack of coverage of the body.  While that issue is important to address, these passages have to do with the nature of what one is wearing.  This will be addressed first before getting into the coverage issue.

Modest apparel is described from the words in First Timothy 2:9 as adorning that is fitting the character of one who is of God.  The Greek word translated “modest” literally means “well-arranged, seemly, modest” (Thayer, p. 356).  It is set in contrast to the words “not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array” (1 Tim. 2:9).  The point behind the modesty is that the appearance is not to distract from the real emphasis of the person, which is “But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works” (1 Tim. 2:10).  The words “shamefacedness and sobriety” (1 Tim. 2:9) also modify the concept of modest apparel.  These are attitudes denoting shrinking back from what is dishonorable with self-government.  Male or female children of God are to reflect both outwardly and inwardly the decorum that is befitting of God’s standard, not the world’s.

Coverage of clothing would involve several areas: exposure of the body and type of clothing that advertises what is befitting of God’s standard.  The first mention of coverage is found with Adam and Eve.  “And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons” (Gen. 3:7).  Here is man’s attempt at dealing with nakedness and its implications.  Note now God’s work.  “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them” (Gen. 3:21).  Exposing the body under the guise of the world’s standard of “modesty” is not befitting of one who is seeking to draw attention to the inner man in contrast to the outer man. Next, what one wears says something about the mind of the wearer.  For example, “And she put her widow’s garments off from her, and covered her with a vail, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife. When Judah saw her, he thought her to be an harlot; because she had covered her face” (Gen. 38:14-15).  Note that the garment itself advertised a worldly concept while being covered even of face.                                                                                                                   Jimmy Clark

“Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land” (Hosea 4:1). 

The previous article addressed a controversial topic that too often is either tolerated or condoned by even religious people: drinking of alcoholic beverages.  The northern kingdom was plagued by such practice (cf. Hosea 4:11).  Isaiah prophesied about this same time and said of the southern kingdom, “Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink” (Isa. 5:22).  A second controversy that arose in that day (and is prominent even today) is the topic now to be considered.

2.  Divorce and Remarriage.  Unfaithfulness in marriage was a major problem to the northern kingdom.  Idolatry brought whoredom (cf. Hosea 4:12-13).  Malachi faced this issue in his day (cf. Mal. 2:13-16).  Jesus faced such in his day (cf. Matt. 5:27-32; 19:3-9; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18).  Society has come to accept divorce and remarriage so readily today that there is even “no-fault” divorce.  The law of the state of Alabama sets forth this declaration concerning no-fault divorce reasons:

Alabama allows spouses to allege one of two reasons as a reason for the divorce:

• irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, or
• incompatibility. (Ala. Code § 30-2-1 (a)(7)(9).)

Irretrievable breakdown means that the marriage is broken beyond repair, and incompatibility means that the spouses simply do not get along anymore. Both no-fault grounds tell a court that at least one spouse wants to end the marriage, which is generally enough for a judge to grant your divorce. (divorcenet.com/resources/grounds-for-divorce-in-alabama.html).

Jesus gave only one exception for divorce and remarriage without the new marriage being adultery.  “And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery” (Matt. 19:9).  Such a restriction both safeguards the integrity of all marriages and sets a deterrent that would lead married people to work hard to solve their difficulties.

Think about such loosening of the restriction as is done today.  For example, if it is Biblical for divorce and remarriage to take place for other reasons besides the one exception, what is to keep second and possibly other divorces and remarriages from also being dissolved upon irretrievable breakdown, incompatibility or any other cause?  Mankind then determines what is permissible with the consequence producing a moral breakdown of the home in society.  God forbid.                                                                                                            

Jimmy Clark

Hear the word of the Lord, you children of Israel, for the Lord brings a charge against the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land” Hosea 4:1

The term translated “controversy” in this passage is from the Hebrew word meaning “strife, dispute, esp. dispute, controversy, case at law” (Brown, Driver, Briggs, pp. 986-987). The northern kingdom had lost its way by being ignorant of true knowledge (cf. Hosea 4:6). Such is not uncommon among people today on various topics. This article will address the first of three controversial subjects of which people have strong views, even to the defense of what the Bible forbids both explicitly and implicitly.     

1. Drinking of Alcoholic Beverages.   Let’s face it. Alcoholic beverage usage is everywhere. Heads of state toast other heads of state with it. Tailgating at major sporting events without alcohol is considered by many an awkward setting. Alcoholic drink is considered by the world to be appropriate at weddings, post-graduation parties or any social event where adults are gathered to “have a good time.” Music, movies, advertisements and the like promote it. Nevertheless, the Bible is not silent about its dangers and destructive nature. A Christian who does not participate in it when others surrounding are imbibing raises the question “Why don’t you drink?”  Solomon wrote, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Prov. 20:1). Solomon wrote an entire section on this subject in Proverbs 23:29-35 especially addressing the addictive nature of the drink. The only scriptural usage of it is seen in Proverbs 31:6-7 to be given as medical treatment. This is in harmony with 1 Timothy 5:23. The world and even some professing Christians who desire to drink alcoholic beverages as an “adult beverage” do not see the above passages as dealing with their situation.

Consider two passages in the New Testament that must be taken into consideration concerning this controversial topic. Paul wrote to the Ephesian brethren, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18). Here is an explicit forbidding command concerning drinking alcoholic drink as would have been practiced by the Greek/Roman world. The tense of the verb forbidding drinking wine is present tense. This denotes the continual usage of the substance which would lead to excess. One has no danger of getting drunk where one does not start the process. Peter wrote, “For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles - when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries” (1 Peter 4:3, NKJV). The New King James Version accurately translates the word “banquetings” (1 Peter 4:3, KJV). These Christians no longer participating in such were considered “strange” (1 Peter 4:4) and ill spoken of. One should note here that drunkenness and drinking parties are two different items. The argument that one is allowed to drink as long as he does not get intoxicated is unsustainable here. All interpretations of other passages involving wine, strong drink, etc. must take these passages into view.                                                                                                Jimmy Clark

“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:” Romans 5:3-4, KJV

It is interesting to read other translations on this section of verses. For example, “And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness; and stedfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope:” (Rom. 5:3-4, ASV). Again, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,” (Rom. 5:3-4, ESV). Regardless of how various translations translate the original words into English, there is a link of qualities here that show a benefit from the Christian suffering the pressures of life. Consider the three qualities mentioned and their strengths in building character.

1. Overcoming in Endurance. The first quality mentioned is “patience” (KJV), “stedfastness” (ASV) or “endurance” (ESV). The original word denotes the idea of to remain or abide under. Thayer says of the word “steadfastness, constancy, endurance; in the N.T. the characteristic of a man who is unswerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings” (Thayer, p. 644). It is what a child develops through the discipline of a parent (cf. Heb. 12:7). It is the quality that a runner has in order to finish a race (cf. Heb. 12:1-2). The Christian does not focus on the suffering but on the product that comes through the struggle. Any tough task or situation demands that the character of endurance be present. Quitting is not an option for the Christian. All must say like Paul “I have finished my course” (2 Tim. 4:7). 

2. Obtaining Excellence. The next quality to arise is “experience” (KJV), “approvedness” (ASV), or “character” (ESV). The original word literally denotes the result of having been put to the test and found of passing quality. It is seen in metallurgy of the trying of metals. Peter writes of such, where he said, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” (1 Peter 1:7). Here is the refined life. Here is where one is made better through the training needed to improve the body, mind and soul. The Christian is here striving to be all that he/she can be through the grace and providence of God.

3. Optimistic in Expectation. The third quality is hope. This term involves an expectation to obtain what is offered to the faithful, enduring child of God. There are no doubts and wavering here. Thayer says of this original word translated hope, “expectation of good, hope; and in the Christian sense, joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation” (Thayer, pp. 205- 206). The Christian has such an attribute because his/her faith and confidence is in “the God of hope” (Rom. 15:13). Hope is a quality of one’s personal salvation (cf. Rom. 8:24). The child of God holds his head high through the trials of life knowing that God will make something of him in this life through the suffering and give the faithful salvation in the end. It is no wonder that David wrote, “O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord” (Ps. 31:23-24).                                                           

Jimmy Clark

“But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Rom. 14:10-12). 

Giving account of personal choices and actions in the last day is a theme clearly set forth in the New Testament.  Knowing that such is going to take place, how should each person look at the subject of accountability?  Consider three particulars on this subject.

1.  Personal Responsibility.  The Holy Spirit specifically stated, “every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Rom. 14:12).  While some may seek to point out the need for others to be accountable for their lives, such does not eliminate the fact that God holds each person accountable for himself.  Jesus gave a parable concerning three servants and their responsibility to handle the owner’s goods while he was away following with these words when the owner returned, “After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them” (Matt. 25:19).  Each servant was not responsible for the other servants and their stewardships.  Each was responsible for his own; therefore, the accountability was personal.  Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10).  Peter wrote, “Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead” (1 Peter 4:4-5).  May all take the time and make the effort to examine their own lives.

2.  Prepare Before the Time.  Since the Bible addresses the subject of the final judgment day, then it moves all to make adequate preparation for it.  Paul followed up his statement in view of all standing before the judgment seat of Christ, “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences” (2 Cor. 5:11).  When Amos addressed the unrepentant sins of the nation of Israel and their failure to return to God, he stated, “Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel” (Amos 4:12).  God has given all things that pertain to life and godliness (cf. 2 Peter 1:3).  It is only fitting that each person take advantage and be fully prepared.

3.  Permanent in Consequence.  Jesus gave a parable of the five wise and five foolish virgins to address the need for adequate preparation.  Jesus stated, “And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not” (Matt. 25:10-12).  Jesus closes his discourse on the final judgment with the words, “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal” (Matt. 25:46).  Giving final account of one’s life will follow with eternal consequences.  May such sobering words take root in the heart and produce fruit.                                                                                                                        

Jimmy Clark

“I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them” (Hosea 11:4). 

Here is a definitive statement as to God’s power to draw men through love.  The context of this verse addresses the Lord’s care over Israel from Egypt until the present.  The problem with Ephraim is “they knew not that I healed them” (Hosea 11:3).  Humanity today is the recipient of God’s love and should appreciate all that such entails.  Consider three aspects of God’s drawing power of love.

1.  Love and Being.  The starting point of all life is with God.  Paul stated, “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things” (Acts 17:24-25).  John wrote of the worship of God by the twenty-four elders in heaven, where they said, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Rev. 4:11).  It was the choice of God to bring all things created, including humanity, into being.  Such love should make one thankful for the Creator.

2.  Love and Benevolence.  The sustaining point of all life is with God.  David wrote, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who health all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Ps. 103:2-5).  Paul wrote concerning redemption, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).  John wrote in like manner, “In this is manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:9-10).  Paul wrote to the Corinthians about this love and man’s response to it, “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again” (2 Cor. 5:14-15).

3.  Love and Belonging.  The sweetest point of all life is with God.  John wrote, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not” (1 John 3:1).  When one is baptized into Christ, he is placed into the relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (cf. Matt. 28:19).  The Lord does not merely desire to save a person “from the wrath to come” (1 Thess. 1:10) but also desires to have the saved as family.  Paul wrote, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” (2 Cor. 6:17-18).  God’s love is such that to the saved “God is not ashamed to be called their God” (Heb. 1:16).

Jimmy Clark

“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:3-4). 

God, the Savior of mankind, desires for all to be saved.  Clearly, the Bible is given for the very purpose of revealing God’s salvation for man.  James wrote, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21).  Paul stated of the gospel of Christ, “for it is the power of God unto salvation” (Rom. 1:16).  Consider three fundamentals concerning this salvation.

1.  Christ-centered.  Apart from the Messiah (Christ), one cannot be saved.  Peter stated as recorded by Luke in the book of Acts, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).  The name, Jesus, means Savior, as Matthew wrote, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21).  Any attempt to gain salvation apart from Christ is certain to fail.  John wrote to the brethren concerning eternal life in Christ, “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5:11-13).  While some may live a kind, moral life before his fellow man or even contribute great sums to benevolent causes, such does not save if Christ is not applied to life (cf. John 14:6).

2.  Conditional.  While God desires for all to be saved (cf. 1 Tim. 2:4), it is clear from the Bible that not all will be saved (cf. Matt. 7:13-14).  Salvation in Christ is appropriated through the conditions set by the Lord to apply the blood of Christ and the grace of God.  Meeting these conditions by no means earns one his salvation (cf. Eph. 2:9).  However, faith must be joined to obedience to be saving faith (cf. James 2:14-26).  This is why Paul wrote in the book of Romans concerning “the obedience of faith” (cf. Rom. 1:5; 16:26).  One must have the truth of God’s word in order to have acceptable faith (cf. Rom. 10:17).  That faith is expressed in repentance (cf. Rom. 2:4; 6:6), confession (cf. Rom. 10:9-10) and then baptism (cf. Rom. 6:3-5; 17-18).  Thus being saved, one lives life not conforming to the world (cf. Rom. 12:2) but living unto God (cf. Rom. 6:10).  Faithfulness is then the mainstay concept of life for the saved (cf. Rev. 2:10; 1 Cor. 4:2).

3.  Conversion producing.  The basic product of being saved is to be converted from a life of sin unto the Lord.  Peter stated to certain Jews in Jerusalem, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19).  While the blotting out of sins is essential to being saved, that salvation would not come without being converted.  The “new birth” of John 3:3, 5 is essential to entrance into heaven and such demands a change in the inner man.  A study of those who obeyed the gospel would clearly show the conversion from a sinful lifestyle to a righteous one (cf. Saul of Tarsus; Acts 26:9; Gal. 2:20).  Gratitude would exemplify it (cf. 1 Tim. 1:12).                                                                        

Jimmy Clark

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isa. 59:1-2). 

From Genesis 3 to Revelation 22, the Bible is a discussion of the solution to the problem of sin.  Since all have sinned (cf. Romans 3:23), it would serve one well to understand how sin gets a foothold on the hearts of men and what happens when such takes place.  Consider three fundamentals about the subject of sin.

1.  Entices.  James wrote, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:14-15).  One of the greatest devices that Satan has in his weaponry is deceit.  Such was his approach with Eve in the garden (cf. Gen. 3:13; 1 Tim. 2:14).  Satan knows that sin must be viewed as having some kind of appeal and reward if the trap is to work.  The naïve and ignorant are especially vulnerable to this.  For example, Solomon wrote of a young man, “For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding” (Prov. 7:6-7).  The last statement made concerning this example is “Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life” (Prov. 7:23).  The Lord God’s description of sin is that which should produce a repulsive attitude (cf. 2 Peter 2:22).  Satan must bait man into seeing sin opposite from what God says.

2.  Enslaves.  Giving oneself over to a life of sin makes one a slave to it.  Jesus plainly stated, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin” (John 8:34).  Paul wrote to the Romans, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Rom. 6:16).  Paul wrote to Timothy, “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will” (2 Tim. 2:25-26).  Paul saw sin from the proper perspective when he said, “For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin” (Rom. 7:14).  Applying the redemption in Christ sets man free from the slavery to sin (cf. Rom. 6:17-18).  Serving a loving Savior is a much greater master than Satan and sin.

3.  Endangers.  Every page of the Bible cries out that a life in sin is a life that is dead (cf. Eph. 2:1) with the ultimate end being the second death (cf. Rev. 20:6, 14).  Sin endangers personal well-being (cf. Gen. 4:7).  Sin brought the flood upon the old world (cf. Gen. 6:5-7; 2 Peter 3:5-6).  Getting close to sin is like getting close to a poisonous viper (cf. Rom. 3:13).  Sin’s price was the life of the sinless, Son of God in order for man to live (cf. Rom. 5:8-10).  The Bible is filled with passages of warning concerning sin and ruin if the warning is not heeded.  Solomon wrote concerning those who reject true wisdom from God, “But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death” (Prov. 8:36).                        

Jimmy Clark

“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man that thou visitest him? (Psalm 8:4). 

While it is fundamental to know the Godhead, it is equally fundamental that man know himself, especially as he lives before God.  David ponders in Psalm 8 the nature of humanity and how it is that God is interested in sinful man among all the created things of God.  The Bible truly will show a man how he really is if he will consider.  The word of God is as a mirror to reveal it (cf. James 1:23-25).  Consider three basic concepts concerning humanity that God wants man to know and appreciate.

1.  Finite.  Only God is limitless.  David wrote, “Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite” (Ps. 147:5).  Therefore, anything that God chose to create would be finite in nature.  God through the Bible reminds mankind of human limits.  “Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah” (Ps. 39:5).  Jeremiah said of man, “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23).  Sin’s entrance into the world brought man to his lowest level.  Paul wrote to the Roman brethren, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Rom. 5:12).  Man’s limits in contrast to God’s infinite being and attributes should keep humility alive.

2.  Free to Choose.  It was the good pleasure of God to create mankind as free moral agents.  Such is an outgrowth of the great love of God.  Man is not forced to obey and serve God, but he is given the opportunity to do so of his own free will.  Choice is clearly indicated in the words to Adam and Eve in the garden, where it is written, “Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Gen. 2:16-17).  Sin comes through choice as James wrote, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:13-15).  The sovereignty of God is not hindered in the giving of free choice to mankind.

3.  Focus of Redemption.  Combining the concepts of finite beings with the capability to choose incorrectly would ultimately bring sin and its consequences into the world.  God foreknowing that sin would enter into the world had the scheme of redemption purposed before the beginning of time (cf. Eph. 3:10-11).  The sparing of the physical lives of Adam and Eve when they sinned meant that someone would have to die in their place that they might live.  It is written in the book of Hebrews, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man” (Heb. 2:9).  Therefore, redemption from sin and the cemetery was and is the focus of the Bible.  The single-minded focus of Jesus in his work is found in the words “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).  Redemption shows that humanity is special in the heart of God.                    

Jimmy Clark

“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” (Prov. 27:1). 

If ever there was a year to confirm the truth of Proverbs 27:1, it would be 2020.  Who, except God, could have foreseen at the close of 2019 the magnitude of such a difficult year as 2020?  So many are talking about being glad to put 2020 behind them.  However, one is not guaranteed that the year ahead will be less difficult than any other.  How shall the child of God see 2021 from a Biblical perspective?

1.  Seek Spiritual Things.  2020 definitely manifested an upheaval against materialistic thinking.  Unemployment, closures, uncertainty concerning the virus, lockdowns, etc. abounded.  If one’s life in 2020 was centered on things temporal, then disappointment and frustration were a constant presence.  Jesus taught about the true purpose of life and its blessings.  “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Matt. 6:33-34).  Life is truly to be lived to be “rich toward God” (Luke 12:21).

2.  Seize Opportunities.  Paul wrote against the background of the first century struggles, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:15-17).  2020 had its opportunities to do good, especially to those who needed encouragement and help.  Every year brings both obstacles and opportunities.  John wrote to Christians in their opportunities to overcome.  “I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one” (1 John 2:13-14).  Victories and virtuous opportunities are always before the eyes of God’s people.  It is simply a matter of seeing the opportunities and seizing the moments.

3.  Secure Oneself in God.  Confidence within the Christian is found only in God.  Paul wrote, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God” (2 Cor. 3:5).  Again, “Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:6-8).  One of the psalms points man to his strength in God.  “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God” (Ps. 42:11).  2020 was a year of shaken and disturbing thoughts on many fronts.  It is a blessing to know that the God of all wisdom and power is the solid refuge in any time of trouble (cf. Ps. 46:1).  Whatever 2021 holds, the child of God has optimism because of God.                                                                                             

Jimmy Clark