In Christ

Posted on August 11, 2005 by Danny Glover

By Jack Glover

The words “in Christ” appear together numerous times in the New Testament. Depending on the context, they refer to various actions or descriptions. Of all the uses, the most important fact to learn is that none of the things promised to, or said about, those who are in Christ apply to those who are out of Christ.

Freedom from condemnation is found only in Christ. “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1).

Salvation is not promised to everyone. It is only promised to those who are in Christ. The general view of the world is that one can be saved in various religions and faiths, but that is not true. “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

How does one get in Christ? The scriptures say, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Gal. 3:27). When we are baptized into Christ, we become new creatures, putting off the man of sin when we arise to a new life. “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (Rom. 6:4-6; II Cor. 5:17).

Many seem to think the very act that the scriptures say put us in Christ is not necessary. We refer our reader to Matthew 7:21-23: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.'”

Yes, salvation is in Christ, and baptism places us in Him and saves us. “Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you — not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience — through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him” (I Pet. 3:21-22).

Are you IN CHRIST?

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Who Was The First Gentile Convert?

Posted on April 22, 2005 by Danny Glover

By Jack Glover

We all made it back from Guatemala safely thanks to the mercy of God. It was nice to be able to attend Bible study at Centreville, Va., on Wednesday evening.

An interesting question came up in Bible study concerning the gospel going to the Gentiles. The question concerned Acts 10 and Cornelius: Was Cornelius the first Gentile convert, or were the conversion of the Samaritans in Acts 8 the first conversions among Gentiles?

I think I know the answer the scriptures give, but I had never heard the subject of the Samaritans mentioned in this light before. I await your thoughts.

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Jesus And The Pope

Posted on April 5, 2005 by Danny Glover

By Jack Glover

There can be no doubt that the late Pope John Paul II was a good person, devoted to doing things for the betterment of mankind. The Bible tells us that Jesus was also a good man who did many wonderful works and wanted all men to faithfully serve God.

A cursory reading of the Bible shows that God was not pleased with the service of His chosen people. He sent Jesus to preach salvation and to die as a sacrifice for all men. Of Jesus it was said, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

It seems, from the coverage of the news media and the sorrow of the people of all nations, that the pope’s death is a greater event than the crucifixion of Jesus. In our nation, and over all the world, a large number of people are not at all concerned about Jesus or what He did for all men. He not only did a good work but the greatest work ever performed by mortal man.

“For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit” (I Pet. 3:18). Yet Jesus sought no glory or praise (He could have been a king, John 6:15); instead He taught His disciples to be servants, to refuse titles and praise of men, and set the example of humility before them (Luke 22:25-27; Matt. 20:27; Matt. 23:1-12; John 13:12-17).

That is quite a contrast to what we are being subjected to at present regarding the pope. One is made to wonder that if our methods of communication had existed on the day of Jesus’ crucifixion, would He have received this kind of coverage and glorification?

Jesus was rejected because His teaching did not fit man’s idea of what the Messiah would teach and how He would act. A spiritual kingdom was not what was expected but rather an earthly kingdom with all its pomp like we are seeing in Rome. Jesus, however, said “my kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).

Man has always sought the praise of his peers, but the scriptures teach that the kingdom is made up of those who are humble (Matt. 18:4; 23:12, James 4:10, I Pet. 5:5-6). Jesus, Paul, Barnabas, John and Peter (who many claim was the first pope) refused to allow men to exalt or worship them. Peter said it this way: “Stand up; I too am just a man” (Acts 10:26).

Jesus warned: “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.” (Luke 20:46-47).

Does the pope’s death, and the appointment of a new one, deserve all this attention. Possibly as a world event it does. But from the standpoint of the scriptures, it does not. Not only does the Bible not mention a pope as a leader of the church, it teaches the opposite. The scriptures plainly declare that Jesus is head of the church (Eph. 1:21-23, 5:23; Col. 1:18, 2:6-10).

The Bible also condemns doing things to be seen of men, as well as religious titles (Matt. 23:1-12), demands humility as a servant (I Pet. 5:5-6), states specifically the organization of the church, with Christ as head (Philip. 1:1), and mentions nothing about “vicars” on earth ruling in the place of Christ or an earthly headquarters, such as Rome. Men in various councils have established these things over the years, without any biblical authorization.

Why not lay aside all the pomp, glorification and doctrines of men? The Lord left all the instructions necessary for His church to function until He returns. Follow the scriptures and only the scriptures.

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How Is Your Hearing?

Posted on November 17, 2004 by Danny Glover

By Jack Glover

As He said these things, He would call out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Luke 8:8)

Every part of the human body has a purpose. The ear is the part that allows us to learn by hearing. Jesus had just spoken the parable of the sower to a large crowd of people when He uttered the words above. The apostles then asked Him the meaning of the parable. Jesus explained that the reaction of people to what they hear has different results.

The admonition “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” was a common statement of Jesus. It does not refer to the mere hearing of sound but the proper understanding of what was said. Thousands of people listened to Jesus speak the gospel, and did not understand or properly apply it. Even His apostles did not correctly perceive the new kingdom (church) or his death and resurrection (Acts 1:6).

The resistance to Jesus’ teaching fulfilled this prophecy of Isaiah: “You will keep on hearing, but will not understand; you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive; for the heart of this people has become dull, with their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they would see with their eyes, hear with their ears, and understand with their heart and return, and I would heal them” (Matt. 13:14-15).

How we hear (understand) is important because our salvation depends on correct obedience to the commandments.

One time a woman in the crowd called out, “Blessed is the womb that bore You and the breasts at which You nursed.” Jesus replied, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it” (Luke 11:27-28).

James said to “prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:22), and Jesus pointed out that making claims of righteousness without obedience will only bring rejection by Him (Matt. 7:21-23). When the people told Jesus his Mother and brethren were desiring to speak with Him the response was, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it” (Luke 8:21).

Hearing and obedience are linked throughout the Bible. Many people heard Jesus but refused to obey His words. How is your hearing?

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Do I Have To Obey God?

Posted on September 1, 2004 by Danny Glover

By Jack Glover

At a time when the world has gone mad in its desire for sin, and each person is doing his own thing, let us consider the above question. Pharaoh asked Moses “Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? (Ex. 5:2) This also appears to be the general attitude of many today. Look at some statements which exhibit this philosophy:

  • There is no God.
  • One church is as good as another.
  • Each person has a right to his own belief.
  • I live a good life.
  • I don’t see any harm in ___________.
  • All you have to do is believe.
  • We’re all going to the same place.

Pharaoh learned the answer to his question the hard way. After numerous plagues, and the death of his firstborn, he realized who the Lord was and that he must obey him (Ex. 5:2-12:31). How are you answering the question today? Do you believe that God allows man to make the rules? What do the scriptures say?

  • “For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner?” (I Pet. 4:17-18)
  • ” And to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power” (II Thess. 1:7-9).
  • “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter” (Matt. 7:21).
  • “We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He hears him” (John 9:31).
  • “For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and [a]that without partiality” (Col. 3:25).
  • “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God” (III John 11).

Who is God that you should obey him? “For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens (He is the God who formed the earth and made it, He established it and did not create it a waste place, but formed it to be inhabited), I am the Lord, and there is none else” (Is. 45:18).

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Does God Have A Plan Of Salvation?

Posted on July 11, 2004 by Danny Glover

By Jack Glover

Are you saved? Do you want to be?
In a recent survey, more than 90 percent of Americans answered “yes” to the first question? Clearly, most people think heaven will be their final dwelling place. This is also demonstrated by the fact that we seldom hear any comments at funerals except those placing the deceased in heaven, no matter how sinful a life they have lived. Often even those who have shown no faith in God, or attended any type of church, are preached into heaven.

But salvation in heaven is a biblical subject. The statements of men cannot alter the rules of God concerning it because only God can offer salvation. Heaven is His domain, and He will determine who dwells there. With this in mind, let us explore what the Bible says about God, His home in heaven and who can expect to go there.

Does God want you to be saved?
The answer is an unequivocal “yes.”

  • Peter said, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (II Pet. 3:9).
  • John wrote: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17).
  • And Timothy was told, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (I Tim. 2:3-4).

God desires the salvation of His creation and has provided the perfect sacrifice for sin.
Continue reading →

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About Persecution

Posted on March 17, 2003 by Danny Glover

By Jack Glover

Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. (I Pet. 2:18-20)

Peter directed that admonition to his brethren scattered among Gentile nations. It was important that they set the proper example before the Gentiles. He had instructed them to “[put] aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander” (verse 1), and to seek growth in Christ by desiring the milk of the word (verse 2). They (both Jews and Gentiles) were a chosen generation and were to keep their manner of life honest before the Gentiles.

Among the good, correct attitudes to be displayed, Peter said, are respect and honor to various government authorities and their brethren, and a fear of God. By doing this, the Christians of the first century would “put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.” After those instructions, Peter then wrote the words at the beginning of this article.

What kind of reasoning prompted Peter to teach obedience to “froward,” or severe, masters? Actually, Jesus had taught something similar in the Sermon on the Mount: “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. … For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?” (Matt. 5:44, 46-47)

Persecution takes many forms. Many of the first Christians faced death or other physical hardships. We seldom face such things today, but we do face dealing with good and bad actions by others. The boss may be unreasonable; fellow employees often ridicule or seek unfair advantage; friends become enemies; and brethren do not follow the instructions to lay aside guile, hypocrisies and evil speaking. With little thought, this list could increase. Christians often struggle with how to deal with this type of persecution. We do not necessarily face it because we are Christians, but our reactions to it show what kind of stones we are.

The point made by both Jesus and Peter is that suffering for your own fault brings no reward from God. Sin always has consequences. Suffering for our lack of love or wrong actions are simply the consequences of sin and deserve no reward. We should expect it and take it patiently, even if the one causing the suffering is a perverse, unreasonable master or enemy.

However, suffering for doing what is right and good does bring reward from God. We may not see the reward immediately, but God will reward our suffering for good. Peter even had the nerve to say that we should be happy about this type of suffering (I Pet. 3:14, 17; 4:15-17). And Paul added in one of his letters to Timothy: “It is a trustworthy statement: ‘For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us” (II Tim. 2:11-12).

A certain amount of suffering or persecution will come to all Christians, some more than others (II Tim. 3:12). How we deal with that persecution, and with those who are responsible for it, is vital to our salvation.

Christians do not have the privilege of revenge (Rom. 12:19-20). There are times that we simply have to endure the suffering, ridicule, unjust treatment, lies, gossip and lack of love by brethren and the world. We should expect these things from those who do not love God or subscribe to His principles, but it hurts much more when it comes from those in the church, who are supposed to know better. Nevertheless, it will come, as it always has (I Tim. 4:10; Philip. 1:29-30).

Developing the ability to endure suffering does not come easy. For most of us it will be a lifelong struggle. But remember that God is on our side and that spiritual endurance has its eternal reward. “Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right” (I Pet. 4:19).

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The Mugwump Way

Posted on February 3, 2003 by Danny Glover

By Danny Glover

When I was young, my grandfather told me a corny joke about the mugwump. I now know that mugwumps were the politically independent folks who bolted the Republican Party in 1884, but back then Grandpa actually had me convinced that a mugwump was a bird — the kind that sat on a fence with its “mug” on one side and its “wump” on the other. I liked the joke so much that Grandpa calls me Mugwump to this day.

We both chuckle every time he uses that nickname, and I proudly wear it in this life as a childhood term of endearment from a fun-loving grandparent. The moniker is not one I want following me to the hereafter, though, because the last thing I want is for my Father in heaven to judge me a man who sat on the fence between good and evil, looking toward the light but never quite willing to fly away from the darkness of the world.

The Bible narrative is replete with stories of spiritual mugwumps, and those stories serve as a warning of harsh judgment to come for all who travel that noncommittal course.

Lot’s wife was perhaps preeminent among the fence sitters. “God remembered Abraham,” Lot’s uncle, by sending two angels to save Lot and his family from the fire and brimstone about to rain on Sodom and Gomorrah. The angels’ warning was unequivocal — “Escape for your life! Do not look behind you” — but Lot’s wife just could not take flight from the sin cities without one last glance. She paid the ultimate price, instantly becoming a pillar of salt (Gen. 19:12-29).

Judas, too, perched himself atop the treacherous mugwump divide. Jesus chose him as an apostle because he was qualified for that office (Luke 6:12-13), but Judas is remembered as “the son of perdition” (John 17:12) and the “devil” who betrayed Christ (John 6:70). Judas felt remorse when his actions condemned Christ. Yet even then he ultimately chose the wrong flight path, selfishly killing himself rather than being moved to repentance by a “godly sorrow” (Matt. 27:3-9).

And then there was Demas. The apostle Paul once ranked him as a “fellow-worker” with the likes of Luke, Mark and Aristarchus (Col. 4:14; Philemon 1:24) but later complained that Demas had deserted him, “having loved this present world” (II Tim. 4:10). Demas clearly did not understand that “if any one loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (I John 2:15-17).

Like other birds, mugwumps tend to flock to the fence. The Israelites, God’s chosen people, never could quite decide whether they wanted to serve God or mammon. The eye of that nation was so bad that its whole body filled with a great darkness, and God eventually turned to the Gentiles (Matt. 6:22-24). The church at Laodicea faced a similar fate for its apathy toward all things religious, earning this rebuke from Jesus: “So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth” (Rev. 3:16).

The grandchild within me will always smile at the image of the silly mugwump sitting on a fence. But I pray that the soul within me will always strive to be more like those “birds of the air” described by Matthew — those that neither sow nor reap nor gather in barns (Matt. 6:25-26), but rather trust in their Father and feast on His “true bread out of heaven” (John 6:32).

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Another Year

Posted on December 30, 2002 by Danny Glover

By Jack Glover

I’m not certain, but I don’t think I have ever made a New Year’s resolution. Many do make them, but few keep them. It seems that the end of the year causes us to reflect on our accomplishments, and failures, with a desire to change or improve upon our failures. Why is that so? Perhaps it is tradition, or it might be a convenient time, but whatever the reason, we always talk about or make those resolutions.

The years exist because God set that order in creation (Gen. 1:14). Man’s years on the earth also are limited (Psalms 90:10). No man knows when his death will come or the existence of time will end (James 4:13-14; II Pet. 3:10). These scriptures reveal the importance of time and our use of it. Paul emphasizes this further when he encourages us to redeem the time, meaning we only have one chance to use it (Eph. 5:16; Col. 4:5). Obviously, man needs to take account of his life more than at the beginning of the year.

Am I discouraging New Year’s resolutions? No, I am not discouraging our reviewing the different aspects of our life at this time of year, but I am encouraging a more frequent review. Job said, “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and come to an end without hope.” (Job 7:6). The spirit of man can be separated from the body at any moment, bringing death (James 2:26). Paul issued the warning that we should “examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith (II Cor. 13:5).

The importance of being prepared when we are called from this earth cannot be overemphasized, but our being prepared will be determined by our works while here (II Cor. 5:10). The most important resolution one can make in life is to obey God, but that must be a continuous resolution, not something we think about once a year (Heb. 3:13).

So let each of us make the decision to live a life daily that is based upon God’s instructions. If we give diligence in our study (II Tim. 2:15), and strive to correct our faults as we recognize them, there will be little need for resolutions at the beginning of each year. None of us know if we will have the beginning of another year.

Let us understand as the wise writer Solomon said: “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven” (Ecc. 3:1). Let us use the time God gives us wisely, and give thanks daily to Him for life and the blessings he gives (Eph. 5:20).

Happy New Year!

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Celebrating Christ Every Day

Posted on December 16, 2002 by Danny Glover

By Jack Glover

It’s that time of year again. You know, the time when we talk about joy, love, being kind to our fellowmen — all the things Christ taught. Perfect strangers wish us a merry Christmas (Cristes mæsse, literally, Christ’s mass), or happy holidays. Families travel miles to assemble with Moms, Dads, brothers, sisters, Grandpas, Grandmas and many other relatives.

We think about the poor and those who are lonely. We especially care about the happiness of children. We listen to some wonderful music and songs that bring good feelings. Special movies and TV shows fill the airways. It is a hectic yet wonderful time of the year, and it’s all because Christ told us to celebrate his birthday, right? Wrong.

What is wrong with remembering Christ on Dec. 25? Nothing — if we remember Him the same way the rest of the year. We should remember Christ, but we need to do it every day of the year, not just one special day.

Most would say, what is wrong with setting aside a special day to remember Christ, and especially the day of his birth? Nothing, if Christ had taught that He wanted people to do so, but he did not. Christ emphasized His death and our special observance of it on the first day of every week (Matt. 26:26-29, I Cor. 11:24-25, Acts 20:7).

The scriptures relate the story of Christ’s birth in Luke 2. That account includes no instructions to celebrate His birth or any teaching concerning the day of His birth. All conclusions that we can read today concerning His birthday are speculation; none are from the Bible or have a biblical basis.

The story of Christ’s birth is a beautiful account of the fulfillment of prophecy and the scheme of redemption that was in the mind of God from the beginning (Eph. 3:9, II Thess. 2:13-14). It is an account to be studied for the facts available there. It should never be minimized, but it contains no authority for the religious celebration of His birth. Christians must do all things by the authority of this very Christ (Matt. 28:19, Col. 3:17).

It is not acceptable for man to devise his own laws (Matt. 15:8-9). As beautiful as the story of the birth of Christ is, and as much as it seems good to man to celebrate it, there is no authority to do so. Christians must function by the authority of the One for whom they are named.

The many religious functions of Christmas fall into the category of those mentioned in Matt. 15:9 because they are the creations of man, not mentioned in the Bible. Man must not presume what God or His Son desires. Not celebrating the birth of Christ may seem ridiculous, foolish and harsh, or overly narrow-minded to some, but it is a path that must be followed if we are to serve God with authority.

Yes, it’s that time of year again. But I’m wondering why we only seem to think about these happy, kind greetings and concern for others during this limited time. Did not the One whose birthday many claim to celebrate teach that this was to be a way of life, every day. Check Matthew 5-6.

So I wish the best for all during this season, but more importantly my wish is for your obedience to the Christ during all seasons. Only that obedience will bring true happiness and the eternal reward (Heb. 5:8-9).

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