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Putting Zeal Back Into Our Worship

Let it be understood at the outset that the worship I am contemplating here is scriptural worship. Jesus said that those who worship God must do so in truth (John 4:24). By this He meant it must be scriptural or according to the revealed pattern (Heb. 8:4,5). Anything less than this is already vain worship (Matt. 15:9). If you are engaging in unscriptural worship practices, you may feel satisfied, at least for now, but God is neither glorified nor pleased. That is not even under consideration here. We are dealing here only with scriptural worship.

Having said that, another aspect of true worship about which Jesus spoke is worshiping in spirit. To worship in spirit is to worship with the right moral attitude and with the proper emotional response. In the worship of Jehovah, the heart and spirit must be actively engaged. Sometimes in the courses of our lives, we may grow calloused and our worship may become commonplace to us or mundane. It may become old hat or just a matter of going through the motions. It is then that we must try to rekindle the fire of our first love (Rev. 2:4).

In this article, let me presume to make some practical suggestions that may rekindle the fiery flame of zeal in our worship.

Get a good night’s rest
I think I would list this as the most important thing you can do individually to maximize your own worship. So many times people come to worship and Bible study only to use it as a place to sleep. (I confess that I have struggled with this problem at times.) I realize that in our day and age we become so exhausted because of work and family activities. But we need to make a very serious and conscious effort to find a way to truly rest and sleep before coming to worship.

I know how hard it is sometimes to stay awake, especially if the speaker is flat or dry. But while a gifted speaker will try and make his sermon interesting, as long as he is speaking the truth, that is the most important thing and deserves to be heard. I also know many people have medical problems that could affect their ability to stay awake. Even taking a short nap just before coming to services would help greatly in staying awake and lucid. A lot of the time, however, the attitude of the listener affects the way the speaker is heard. The listener often prejudges the speaker and shuts down emotionally and cognitively before the lesson is even had a chance to develop.

On one occasion, the apostles Peter, James and John fell asleep when Jesus asked them in His most trying hour to watch with Him. When He came back and found them asleep, He asked them this pertinent question: “What, could ye not watch with Me one hour” (Matt. 26:40)? That is a question we should ask ourselves. It would do well to remember Paul’s admonition: “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” (Romans 13:11). Many places stand to sing the song just before the sermon. This helps to get the blood flowing and rejuvenates the worshiper some before sitting to hear a sermon.

Let Your Devotion Be Centered On God and Not Yourself
Worship services are not for our entertainment. God did not command worship so that we could be amused or awestruck by the activities. Worshiping God means offering our praise and adoration of Him. It is a solemn, holy occasion. David said, “But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple” (Psalm 5:7). Again, David wrote, “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness” (Psalm 29:2). And again, “Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy (Psalm 99:5). Worship is not about us. It is all about God.

Make sure there are no hindrances to your worshiping God
Another problem we sometimes face is that we bring the rest of our problems with us when we come to worship and they preoccupy our minds so that we cannot concentrate clearly. Are you thinking about what you will have to eat later? Are you thinking about work, friends, your upcoming vacation, etc.? Does a problem with a brother or sister cloud your thinking during worship? Take care of this problem first before you come to worship lest your worship be hindered (Matt. 5:23,24).

Get your wardrobe ready the night before
This has been a practice of mine for many years. Instead of waiting till Sunday morning to rush around to try to find matching clothes that are not in the laundry, find your clothes the night before and have them ready. This will save a lot of time and will allow to think about expressing your attitude in worship with the way you dress. If we think about dressing appropriate to the occasion, perhaps the Lord will not ask “Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless” (Matthew 22:12).

Have your lessons ready for Bible class
If you take the time to go through your Bible class lesson, it will greatly aid you in being mentally prepared as you study God’s word. This will also carry over into the worship service. It will allow you to be prepared to ask or answer questions that may arise during the study. By studying the lesson, whether it just be reading the assigned Text or reading a prescribed reading or answering questions, you will be a workman that will not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (II Tim. 2:15).

Immerse Yourself in Spiritual Things and Surround With Godly People
If you just have to listen to the news that morning, make it brief. Just look at the headlines and then view them only through the lens of a biblical world view. Don’t let the affairs of this life entangle your mind and distract you (II Tim. 2:2). Stop listening to screaming, lying denominational preachers. If you must listen to anything at all, listen to sound gospel lessons before you go to worship.

Talk to your brethren about scriptural matters. I was privileged as a youth to be guided by two or three older brethren in the congregation. I would generally get to the building thirty minutes early and we would discuss matters of doctrine and brotherhood concerns. In effect, we had already had a Bible class even before services began. My mind had already been tuned to spiritual matters by the company I kept.

Spiritual, zealous worship is no one’s responsibility but your own. The Lord’s supper may go through the same actions every week. Those who lead prayers may say the same thing week in and week out. The song leader might not sing in key and often lead the same songs over and over. The preaching might be dull. But ultimately, effectual worship is your own responsibility. These are just a few, simple ideas that I think are helpful. There are of course many other things that could probably be said more specifically, but I hope these help in putting zeal back into our worship.

Eric L. Padgett

We Are In Trouble

People’s attitudes are different now than when I was growing up. I’m not really that old, though I have passed my life’s mid-century mark, but I remember a time when people conducted themselves in a much more dignified, decorous and decent manner. People were generally more conscientious about their appearance, were more polite, showed respect to others, especially their elders, were not offended by every little thing, could laugh at themselves, did not feel that the world owed them anything, felt a sense of self-reliance and felt embarrassed if they had to depend on someone else, especially the government, to support them.

Of course there have always been problems. There were broken homes then, too, but there was also an understanding and an appreciation of the fact that the family was the moral center of society. I don’t think many people today own that view. Marriage was held up as a sacred institution and divorce was frowned upon and considered a failure. There was no question about the nature of marriage, as to who could marry another. Marriage was by definition–and understood by everyone–to be only between a man and a woman. Period.

Homosexuality may have been practiced, but it was hidden, for the most part. In fact, it wasn’t until 1973 that the American Psychiatric Association voted to downgrade homosexuality in its official list of mental disorders to a “sexual disturbance.” It wasn’t until 1987 that it was removed completely from it’s official list of mental disorders. Today, however, if you suggest in any way that homosexuality is sinful or irrational behavior, you are considered to be the one with a mental problem. To top it all off, we now have a man who thinks he is a woman acting as the assistant health secretary in the United States who has indicated he intends to go after those holding the traditional views of marriage.

People’s attitudes have changed with regard to modesty. People then dressed with dignity, especially the older generation. Men wore hats and doffed them to women out of respect. People wore their best dress clothes when going to a function like worship or a funeral, again, out of respect. Today it is not unusual to see people dress in very inappropriate and sloppy attire when attending these functions. All of this indicates a general lack of respect for others and for traditional customs and values.

Now, the younger generation back then, my generation, was already on it’s way to wearing less modest clothing. But my dad’s generation and his dad’s generation continued to wear modest, respectful attire and my dad and mom always saw that their children dressed with respect and for the occasion when we went somewhere. We were poor, but we were always taught to wear our best in public and be modestly dressed. Some people may respond that times and styles change. That is true, but while styles may change, modesty is timeless.

Another area where you can see a change in the attitudes of people is speech. It used to be that people were taught to be respectful, to say “Yes sir” and “No sir” and “yes Ma’am” and “No Ma’am” and to say “Thank you” and “You’re welcome.” I am sure there are still young people being taught to do this, but I don’t think it is all that common. Many young people I meet today, and even a lot of the adults I come across, carry themselves without a true sense of humility and it shows in their speech.

There has always been a generation gap. There was one when I was a boy. I know from history that in various other ages the younger generation often did not connect with their parent’s generation. Yet the attitude of the young today toward the older generation is even more alarming. It is not just one of disconnect, but of disdain. This younger generation has been brought up, it seems, to hate the older generation. We see certain segments of our society brutally attacking older, defenseless Americans by punching them in the face. It has also manifested itself in an attack on those who are in authority, like the police, for instance. Groups of young, restless, hateful terrorists take over portions of our cities and we just let them do it. In fact, they are glorified by the left. Those who would try to bring peace and order are the ones who are condemned.

We are in trouble, very deep trouble, as a society. The world has been turned upside down and no one has the courage, perhaps even no one has the power, to set it right. The reason for all of this is nothing more than that we have left the moral compass of God’s will. Our society does not believe in much less glorify God. We have turned coldly materialistic except when some false, man-made idol can be concocted and worshiped. We kill innocent babies and let the elderly die because they drain financial resources with no return because we no longer believe all life is sacred. We fund those who mutilate their bodies because they have the delusion they “identify” as something other than what they are biologically because they reject the order of God’s creation. This horrendous list could go on with stories that literally would make your skin crawl.

I pray for our nation and the world. We are spiraling out of control into the depths of perdition and damnation. The momentum of the moral direction we are falling may not be able to be stopped in any short period of time, if at all. As time goes on, things may grow considerably worse for the Christian. We must be prepared for the worse, pray for the best and never lose our faith in God.

Eric L. Padgett

Mrs. Johnny Gospel

Oh, hi, Timothy! How are you? You know, I am so glad I caught up with you. I was just talking to my friend the other day, Johnny Gospel. You might remember him. I introduced him to you before (here). Remember? I asked him how he was doing and, well, he was telling me about how blessed his life has been. As the conversation got around to his family, he was especially thankful, he said, to be married to his wife. I was so impressed upon hearing about her, and I knew you were thinking about marriage, that I thought you would want to hear about her, too. This is what he told me.

First, he said he was thankful because he never had to worry that she was anything but completely faithful to him (Tit. 2:4; I Cor. 7:2). He knew that she submitted herself to him completely and only to him (Tit. 2:5). She would not allow herself to be put into a situation of temptation by being alone with another man or give other lewd people an occasion for idle talk (Prov. 31:11). He told me, without going into detail of course, that she fully satisfied him in every way a good wife would and should a husband (I Cor. 7:2-6). She recognizes his God-given leadership role in the home, but also works together with him as an equal partner in married life (Eph. 5:23,24). He said he esteemed her as far more valuable than great riches (Prov. 31:10).

He also said he could not want a better mother to his children. I will tell you about his children some time later, but she truly loves them (Tit. 2:4). She is as devoted to them, as Rebekah was to Jacob (Gen. 27) and Hannah to Samuel (I Sam. 2:19; 1:28). She is always up bright and early every morning to make certain her children have a good, nutritious meal before they head out (Prov. 31:10). She also sees that they are always clothed with appropriate attire (Prov. 31:21). It is a testimony to her character that her children all love her and publicly praise and bless her (Prov. 31:28).

Since she, herself, will not dress immodestly, she sees that her children not only dress appropriately but also dress in modest apparel (I Tim. 2:9-15). They wear nothing too tight, or too revealing or too suggestive. She conducts herself as a godly woman should and expects her children to behave the same way (I Tim. 2:10). She is a virtuous woman (Prov. 31:10). She is generous (Prov. 31:20) and kind, humble, peaceful and patient (I Cor. 13:4-7) but also strong and determined and industrious (Prov. 31:16-20). Her importance cannot be overstated because she oversees and runs the household. Her children heed her counsel because they love an respect her so.

Brother Gospel also says that Mrs. Gospel is actively involved in the work of the church (I Cor. 15:58). She is, of course, a faithful Christian (Rev. 2:10). She is thoroughly acquainted with God’s word because she studies it every day (II Tim. 2:15). She instills in her children a love for Christ and takes every opportunity to cultivate in them Christian principles and teaches them God’s word (II Tim. 1:5; 3:14-17). She teaches Bible classes for the young and regularly visits those who are sick and shut in (James 1:27). She is always present when the doors of the church are open and never misses the assembling together of the saints (Heb. 10:25).

Whenever she has the opportunity she teaches others about Christ (Acts 8:4). But she is not pushy or overbearing or loud. Those who come across her path immediately know that she is different by the character which she displays (Tit. 2:3). Her demeanor and deportment set her apart from most other women. She has a quiet intelligence and is respected by all in the church for her wisdom (Prov. 31:26). The younger women seek her counsel and the older women know she is trustworthy.

I know it sounds like I am describing the perfect woman. But she has her faults (Rom. 3:23). She is only human. But she prays regularly to the Lord and for her children and her husband and the church (I Thess. 5:17). When she fails, she doesn’t get too discouraged but asks the Lord for strength and for the courage to start over and keep going (I Pet. 5:7; Phil. 4:13). Her and her husband work hard at being good servants of the Lord (Eph. 5:22). Johnny said he didn’t know where he would be without his wife (Prov. 18:22).

Well, anyway, I thought you would be interested to hear about Johnny Gospel and his lovely and gracious wife. He certainly is blessed to have such a wonderful companion in living the Christian life. I pray that you are blessed enough to find the same kind of loving companion as Johnny Gospel.

Eric L. Padgett

I Thirst

The whole ordeal surrounding the arrest of Jesus and the stress of the illegal trial and the physical abuse He suffered put tremendous strain on the Lord’s earthly body. In the garden, His anxiety was expressed in strong crying and tears and by hematidrosis, or the sweating of blood. On the cross, His humanity burst through with one loud cry, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” Then, as if to signal the end of all His earthly trials, while still suspended there between heaven and earth, the Lord expressed both an earthly desire and fulfilled the scriptures at the same time when He said “I thirst” (John 19:30).

Those who have experienced great physical exertion or experienced great stress know just how dry and thirsty a person can get. Our bodies need hydration to function properly. Indeed, water makes up sixty to seventy percent of our body weight and a loss of only fifteen percent can prove fatal. In fact, water is so essential to life, you can’t live but a matter of days without it.

The children of Israel complained to Moses at Rephidim because “there was no water for the people to drink” (Ex. 17:1). “And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst” (Exodus 17:3)? Because of their need for water, and the lack of water at that place, God miraculously allowed Moses to bring forth water out of a rock (Ex. 17:6).

Thirst has long been a symbol of a deep desire or need or craving for something more or something needed. God promised His people that “When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water” (Isaiah 41:17-18).

Not only is physical thirst a powerful force in life, but so also is spiritual thirst. David expressed a deep, spiritual thirst when he wrote, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God” (Psalm 42:1,2)? Again David wrote, “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is” (Psalm 63:1).

The Lord surprised the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well when he asked her “Give Me to drink” (John 4:7). When she expressed surprise that Jesus, a Jew, would ask her, a Samaritan woman, for a drink Jesus told her that He could give her “living water” (John 4:10). Jesus told her that “Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:13,14). Jesus was explaining to her how to draw waters out of the wells of salvation.

The only way to quench our spiritual thirst and hunger is through the Lord. Jesus said that those that hunger and thirst after righteousness are blessed and shall be filled (Matt. 5:6). We learn that even ancient Israel, when they drank from the water that flowed from the rock, all drank “the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ” (I Cor. 10:4).

The Lord says that even to day “It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely” (Rev. 21:6). John was given a glimpse of heaven and was shown “a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb” (Rev. 22:1). We can have the privilege of drinking the water of life from that same holy fountain.

If you are thirsting for something more in life, if you thirst after righteousness, then your thirst can be quenched with living water drawn out of the well of salvation. The Lord suffered great thirst so that our thirst for God could be quenched. “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:17).

Eric L. Padgett

Why Can’t We Get Along?

Why can’t people get along with one another? James asked and answered this very important question in one verse. “From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?” (James 4:1). James answers the question by saying that people don’t get along basically because they are selfish. They want what they want when they want it. Conflict arises out of a blind pursuit of selfish lusts without consideration of others or, especially, of God.

The lusts encompassed in this declaration are many. They are subsumed under the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes and the pride of life (I John 2:15). It is out of a wicked heart that all kinds of evils proceed, evils like murder, adultery, fornication, theft and lying (Matt. 15:19). These temptations to fulfill our desires are always there but it is when we countenance them and dwell on them that our lusts begin to have power over us (James 1:14). These fleshly lusts war against our soul (I Pet. 2:11). This is the essence of sin. It is to do what I want and not what God wants (I John 3:4).

From the beginning of time this has been the case. Cain slew Able because he wanted God’s approval and didn’t get it. He was jealous of Able who did receive God’s approval. But Able received God’s approval because he did what God wanted (Heb. 11:3; Rom. 10:17). Able received God’s approval because he subjugated his own will to the will of God. However, Cain did not try to receive God’s approval by doing what God wanted. Rather, he wanted God’s approval on his own terms. He was selfish.

The Noachian world was destroyed because every imagination of the thoughts of men’s hearts were only evil continually (Gen. 6:5). The post flood world once again pursued their own desires when they attempted to make a name for themselves when they tried to build a tower whose top could reach to heaven (Gen. 11:4). They wanted to get to heaven on their own terms. Self-centered egoists.

The conflict between Abraham’s servants and Lot’s servants apparently arose out of a desire to possess the best of the land (Gen. 13:6,7). Abraham resolved the conflict by selflessly giving Lot the choice of which land to take. Abraham said “Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren” (Genesis 13:8). Abraham was willing to unselfishly offer Lot what seemed to be the best of the land.

A conflict arose between Jacob and Esau when Rebekah, their mother, favoring Jacob over Esau, sought Isaac’s blessing for her favored son (Gen. 27:6-10). Because of this, she set out to deceive her husband into giving Jacob his blessing instead of Esau. Her plan brought further conflict into their family when Esau, angered by this deception, sought to kill his brother (Gen. 27:41). Fortunately in this case the anger was abated over time and Jacob and Esau wee reconciled, but not without much anguish and fear (Gen. 33).

Saul’s conflict with David arose because Saul wanted the glory that David was receiving but had not done what David did to receive that praise (I Sam. 18:6-9). And in New Testament times, such conflicts persisted, even in the church. The church in Corinth, for instance, faced such problems of division and conflict because men put their own will over God’s will (I Cor. 1:10)?

And on and on this list could be extended. In fact, this desire to fulfill the lusts we face will continue until the very last day where men will still be walking after their own lusts (II Pet. 3:3). But individually, we can escape the corruption that is here through lust (II Pet. 1:4).

If we really wanted peace, we could truly seek peace with one another. Not a false peace where truth is not spoken. Nor a peace where we ignore differences. But one in which we face realities head on but with calm, clear, Christ-like character. As much as lies within us, we should honestly and truly strive to live peaceably, with all men (Rom. 12:18).

Eric L. Padgett

The Sound of Music


The sound of music! Everyone loves good music. In fact, music is so universally enjoyed that it’s very name has become synonymous with good things, or a euphemism for things that work well. For instance, when we hear something we like, we say “that is music to my ears.” If something worked well, it is sometimes said that it “worked like a song.” Music can also have such a unique pacific effect on us we sometimes use the expression that “music calms the savage beast.” The Bible also has quite a lot to say about music if we are willing to listen.

When God created the universe and laid the foundations of the earth, it was a time of rejoicing. All “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy” (Job 38:7). Indeed, the heavens themselves declare the glory of God and their voice transcends all languages so that all have heard their song (Psalm 19:1-3). As the hymn, This Is My Father’s World, states, “all nature sings and “round me rings the music of the spheres.” There is such purpose and design to the universe that we all enjoy the harmony of the heavens and the chorus of creation.

Some of the most beautiful music ever produced is the sound of nature in the morning when the sun yawns and stretches out over the horizon and warms the cool morning air as the woodpecker beats out a tune, the sparrows whistles their songs, the Mourning Dove coos and the rest of the avian chorus joins in while the brook murmurs gently over the rocks and the wind rustles through the leaves of the trees. What music they make! And eventide brings an equally beautiful melody when the crickets chirp in unison, the frogs bellow out their tune in the creek bed, the cats meowing and the dogs barking in the meadow as the heavens follow their course and light up the black velvet, night sky.

The first explicit mention we have of music in the Bible is found in Genesis 4:21. Jubal, son of Lamech and Adah, apparently invented stringed and wind instruments of music. This suggests music was already well known by this time. This also suggests that the first music was acapella, before human, mechanical instruments of music were invented. It is not hard to imagine that Adam and Eve would have already employed vocal praise of Jehovah God.

Several songs are mentioned in the Bible but perhaps the most notable is the song of Moses as he led the children of Israel across the Red Sea to safety, and out of the reach of Pharaoh of Egypt. Moses led the children of Israel in a song unto the Lord and in that song he described Jehovah as “my strength and my song” (Ex. 15:1,2). Then there are the beautiful songs (psalms) of David such as the matchless 23rd psalm: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” David’s seventy plus psalms constitute about half of the psalms.

Music has the power to affect the physical and mental well-being of man. When king Saul was in the throes of depression, David, who was “the sweet psalmist of Israel” and “a cunning player on a harp” was called and played and “Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him” (I Sam. 16:14-23). Likewise, it appears that Elisha called for a minstrel to play for him to calm him down before he prophesied for Jehoshaphat because the presence of the despised king of Israel, Jehoram, had angered him (II Kings 3:15).

It should not surprise us then that a “2011 study by researchers from McGill University in Canada found that listening to music increases the amount of dopamine produced in the brain – a mood-enhancing chemical, making it a feasible treatment for depression.”1 Even in the face of heading to the cross, the Lord the took time to sing a hymn with His apostles (Matt. 26:30). Paul and Silas, languishing in the inner prison of a Philippian jail, having been beaten and their feet secured fast in stocks, sought refuge and solace in prayer and in song at the midnight hour (Acts 16:).

Music also expresses heartfelt feelings. The Psalmist said “O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms” (Psalm 95:1,2). God said through the prophet Isaiah, “My servants shall sing for joy of heart” (Is. 65:14). James advises, “Is any merry? Let him sing psalms” (James 5:13).

Salvation is an occasion of great joy and singing. At the announcement of the birth of the saviour, a multitude of heavenly hosts appeared to the shepherds in the fields and praised God (Luke 2:13). Jesus said that there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth (Luke 15:7,10). When the elder son came in from the field, having been working all day, he heard music and festivities at the return of his brother, the prodigal son (Luke 15:24,25).

In the Lord’s church, one of the avenues by which we worship God is to sing. The music of the Lord’s church reverts back to the original form of singing, which, as we saw, was acapella. This worship in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs is to be a sincere expression of a pure heart and is to be accompanied by grace in our hearts and understanding in our minds (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; I Cor. 15:15). It is said of the Lord that in the midst of the church, He would sing praises with us to Father (Heb. 2:12).

When the Holy Spirit allowed John and us to a glimpse into the throne room of heaven with what are we greeted? The four and twenty elders, representing the redeemed from both dispensations, “casting down their golden crowns around the crystal sea” and worshiping He who sat on the throne. “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:9-10).

“He took my burdens all away, up to a brighter day, He gave me a song. A wonderful song. And one of these days in that fair land I’ll sing with a chorus grand, He gave me a song, a wonderful song.”

  1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/302903

Eric L. Padgett

No God? No Morals.

No subject of any magnitude can be intelligently addressed that first does not, at some level, acknowledge that God exists. The world we live in has to be explained for us to understand it and anything else in it. But that explanation cannot be advanced until the primary question of origins is answered. If one proceeds in any endeavor based upon faulty assumptions, the end result will be skewed and could, in fact, be very harmful. For instance, if a doctor assumes your dizzines is the result of an inner ear infection instead of a stroke, the results could be disastrous for you. Basic, underlying assumptions, then, are obviously very important.

Fortunately, the answer to the question about ultimate origins is actually very simple in that it can only have one of two answers. Either God does exist or He does not. But setting aside for the moment the actual arguments for His existence, it is important to understand the implications of either of those propositions. Both propositions imply very different, alternative worldviews.

If God does not exist, then certain things follow. First, if God does not exist, then all questions of morality are subjective. By “subjective” I mean that there would be no objective truth–that is, realities external to the mind–to be discovered only personal positions to be advocated. When Israel did not acknowledge the law of God during the period of the Judges, it is said that “every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6; 21:25). This is so basic a truth, a first-truth, if you will, that it hardly demands any defense.

Yet some have attempted to deny the force of this truth by saying that even if there were no external, objective moral standard given by God, that we could all agree on what we consider to be right and wrong and that that agreed upon view would then constitute the “objective” standard by which we are to decide all moral issues. However, even if everyone in the world were to agree on a particular view, that view has the potential of changing over time through the changing of the individual opinions of the people who make up the deciding group, in this case the world.

But clearly, no standard could be considered objective in any real sense of that term–i.e., existing in reality, external to the mind of the thinker–that is liable to change based upon the mere whims of fancy or opinions of vast multitudes of disparate peoples.

In addition to this point, it would also have to be true that whatever view was decided upon as the standard for morality for all people would have to stand the test of broad practical application across a broad spectrum of people. These alleged accepted “moral” principles would have to be quite distinct from the kinds of laws we find in the legal codes of the many coutries of the world. These laws are all localized and fitted to the particular population to which they apply and without notable acception, all of them continue to grow in size and volume.

But moral principles would have to necessarily transcend these local statutes. But man has not shown the slightest indication that he is capable of fashioning a principle that is both universal in nature and also comprehensive in scope. That makes the word of God so much more incredibly wondrous when you consider that within the pages of God’s word, the little book we call the Bible which we can hold in one hand, we find principles that have guided all mankind all over the globe throughout the centuries since it’s creation. These principles have never been improved upon. What is more, it is not a mere coincidence that whenever man tries to develop principles to govern man’s moral decisions they very often resemble what we already know to be true from the Bible. That is because it is not in man to direct his own steps and he must plagerise God’s word to have a semblence of credibility.

It is clear that if God does not exist then there is no objective standard of right and wrong and anything that we might call immoral or evil would only be so in name, not in reality. If God does not exist, then everything that we would call vile could also be called good. Child molestation? Only a preference. Rape? Only a choice. Torture? Just someone’s idea of a fun.

No one in complete or even partial possession of their faculties believes these previous, final, few statements are true. We know that morality lies not in the uncertain and unstable opinions of man but in the immutable counsel and omniscient mind of God. That part of the mind of God that we need to know for our life in this world and for our salvation is revealed to us in His inerrant, plenary, word revelation to us in what we call THE BOOK, the Bible. If God does exist and He has communicated to us through not only the created world but also His Word, then that fact underlies and is the true foundation of all knowledge.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7).

Eric L. Padgett

The Bible, Political Parties and World Views

The Bible is God’s plenary, inspired, word-revelation to man (II Tim. 3:16, 17). It is a presentation to us of the things that God wants us to know about Him, ourselves and the world (Psalm 19:7-14; 119:97-112; etc.). While the immediate concern of the Bible is man’s fellowship with God (i. e., our initial, pristine fellowship with Him, subsequent fall, and ultimate restoration through Christ), the Bible also presents to us principles that address every aspect of our lives. God has truly given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness (II Pet. 1:3).

While it is certainly not incumbent upon every Christian to develop a formal and systematic world view philosophy based on scripture in order to be saved, every Christian must realize that God’s word must be the final say on how we view the world, what actions are legitimate in God’s sight and what we should believe and know (Psalm 119:30,31). “God’s word is truth” has important implications for every field of human endeavor and inquiry (John 17:17). Issues and topics may arise that are not directly spoken of in the scriptures, but in principle, they are addressed when all of the passages and teachings of the scriptures are gathered and handled correctly (II Tim. 2:15).

Concomitant with the view that scripture is the final authority for all legitimate views and actions, both in religious activity and in everyday life (Col. 3:17), is the necessity of handling the scriptures with the correct hermeneutical approach. All men who handle the scriptures correctly will only draw such conclusions from them as is warranted by the evidence. Being irrational is always inappropriate, but especially so when handling the word of God (Is. 1:18; Rom. 12:1,2).

Politics, for example, is one of the most divisive issues that we face. It is so divisive that many families are literally torn apart by disagreements. For that reason many people just avoid talking about it altogether. But does the Bible have anything to say about it? While the Bible does not say anything specifically about modern American politics, for instance, it does give us principles which would affect our views of politics in these times.

For example, one’s views on the subjects of abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality, pedophilia, the nature of gender, the nature of marriage, the nature of the family, personal responsibility, economics, government, capital and corporal punishment, psychology, entertainment, science, creation, medical ethics and an endless list of other issues are both topics of concern in the sociopolitical and cultural world presently, but they are also addressed in principle in the Bible. Biblical teaching on these issues is relevant when we try to determine what kind of politics or world view we should embrace with God’s approval.

Yet many who call themselves Christians will identify with a party that embraces all of the unscriptural views on these issues. That is not to say that everyone in either party (or in any of the other third parties) holds to monolithic views. This is not a blanket condemnation. Naturally, there may be a few who do not hold the party line. But by and large, it cannot be successfully denied, that the democrats, as a matter of party philosophy, hold to increasingly more liberal, less scriptural and emphatically more radical views.

When the left does attempt to offer scriptural support for their views on these issues, they are always very loose and very shallow with their handling of Biblical principles of interpretation. By definition liberals, leftists and progressives seek to cast off the traditional and established norms. Long-standing and time-tested views are always discarded in favor of the latest social novelty and theological fad. First and foremost, modern leftist ideology seeks to normalize and justify the most grotesque and heinous kinds of behaviors and views under the very thin and sheer veils of tolerance and love. But their tolerance is most intolerant and their love strongly resembles hate.

However, every single time the left gets a chance to pursue their vision of life, chaos, hatefulness, lies and deception, the breakdown of law and order and moral decay always follows. Always! The reason the left persistently gets the answers to life’s most pressing questions so wrong is because the left always looks to themselves for answers to life’s most pressing questions instead of God. Such an approach to knowledge and life is doomed to failure from the start. It begins at the wrong starting point and is based upon a false foundation and presumes a false conclusion.

It is important, then, to understand that the word of God gives meaning and direction to every facet of our life. God’s word should guide us in thought and in word and in deed (Col. 3:17). If we cannot fit a proposition or belief into a solid, coherent, Biblical world view, then that proposition or belief should be disqualified, dismissed and discarded. Christians should train themselves to think of God’s word not only in terms of a compilation of religious tenets to be believed and obeyed (though it is that) but also comprehensive, coherent manual to life to be studied and a world of verbal truths to be mined for spiritual treasures.

Eric L. Padgett

Peace On Earth

When will there be peace on earth good will toward men? Every year around Christmas, certain local companies put up signs quoting Luke chapter two declaring “Peace On Earth” and “Good Will Toward Men” (Luke 2:13,14). Most people take this to mean that the Lord is going to literally bring peace to this earth and that nations will no longer rise in war with one another. Bing Crosby and David Bowie famously sing together about a time when men will live in peace again, the day of glory. But is this what Jesus was describing?

Before Jesus left this earth He told His apostles, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). Later Jesus told them “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Jesus promised peace to His apostles. Just what did this mean?

Certainly it will not be denied that as Christians we enjoy blessings that no others do. All spiritual blessings are in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph. 1:3). Peace is among those spiritual blessings afforded Christians (Gal. 5:21-23). We are allowed to partake of the divine nature having escaped the pollutions that are in the world through lust (II Pet. 1:4). The Lord of peace Himself gives us peace always by all means (II Thess. 3:16).

Indeed, there is a peace that passeth all understanding (Phil. 4:7). It is the kind of peace that allowed Paul and Silas to sing in the face of persecution (Acts 16). In nearly everyone of his epistles, the apostle Paul began by addressing the letter with “grace and peace from God the Father” (cf. I Cor. 1:3; II Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:3; Eph. 1:2; Phil 1:2; Col.1:2; I Thess. 1:1; II Thess. 1:2, etc.). We are enjoined to follow peace with all men (Heb. 12:14) and live peaceably with all men, as much as lieth in us (Rom. 12:18).

But this calmness of soul and lack of conflict with our fellow man derives from a deeper source of peace. Before we can have any real, meaningful peace of mind, we must first have peace with God. In describing the sinful condition of man Paul quoted Isaiah and affirmed that the way of peace we have not known (Rom. 3:17; Is. 59:7,8). Both Jew and Gentile fall under this condemnation for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). This puts us at enmity with God (Rom. 8:7; 5:10).

But Jesus is our peace and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us–that is, between man and God (Eph. 2:14). The middle wall of partition refers to the curtain that separated the holy place from the most holy place in the tabernacle and in the temple (Ex. 26:31-33). The ark of the testimony with the mercy seat was in the most holy place (Ex. 26:34).

Thus, the most holy place, or the holy of holies, represented Heaven and God’s throne (Heb. 9:24) and no one but the High Priest could go in and approach God (Heb. 9:7). Now, Jesus, our High Priest, has broken down that wall so that the way into the holiest of all has been made available by our forerunner, providing us a sure and steadfast hope (Heb. 9:8; 10:19; 6:18-20). By His own blood He entered once into the holy place having obtained eternal redemption for us (Heb. 9:11,12).

Therefore, Christ has slain the enmity and reconciled both Jew and Gentile unto God in one body by the cross, so making peace (Eph. 2:14-17). God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself (II Cor. 5:19). Being the Prince of Peace He came and preached peace with and reconciliation to God. Peace always comes after belief in and obedience to the Lord (cf. Luke 8:42, 8:48). Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God (Rom. 5:1).

The United States and, indeed, every other place in the world is experiencing great unrest and lack of peace. Politicians and those other persons who occupy the halls of power may claim and give assurances that they can secure peace through treaties and agreements among men or through legislation but they have yet to prove it. From the beginning of time, peace has not reigned on the earth, at least not for very long and only in local situations. The longing for peace is real and it is also illusive. The world may be able to give a temporary cessation of conflict, but it cannot give the kind of true, lasting, inner peace that the Lord gives. The world has tribulation; Jesus gives peace. The world will continue to have conflict and it will only get worse and worse (II Tim. 3:13). Because we have been reconciled to the Father and because Christ has redeemed us by the blood of His cross, we can have peace with God and our fellow man. No God, no peace. Know God, know peace.

Eric L. Padgett

Be Ye Thankful

This year has been very difficult for almost everyone. In my own case, at the beginning of the year, my own family suffered a very personal loss of a dearest loved one. I am not alone in that, I know, as many others have faced the same trials and have not even been allowed to put them to rest as a family. We have faced government supression of worship and people are now afraid of one another because the government and news media have stoked a unreasonable fear of a virus that has a ninety-nine percent survival rate. As lockdowns persist, depression and suicides are up and alcohol addiction has increased. We have faced killer hornets and a near collision with an astroid. Our political system is in an uproar, cities are burning and we may well be on the verge of another civil war. How can we be thankful in the light of all these calamities?

Each of us, if we examine our lives, will still find many things for which we can be thankful. We can be thankful for our portion of health. Do you have vision? Have you enjoyed a beautiful sunrise or sunset lately? Be thankful. Do you still hear? Have you heard a little, innocent child laugh or heard someone say “I love you?” Or have you heard a beautiful piece of music? Be thankful you have your hearing. Do you still enjoy good food? Did you enjoy a good Thanksgiving meal? Be thankful for taste. Do you have money in the bank? Be thankful? Do you have a family who cares about you? Be thankful. Do you miss someone very badly? Be thankful they were in your life and filled your life with love. On and on the list could go of simple things that are truly great blessings.

Yet life can be cruel. We all face trials. My trials may be different than yours but it is just as great a burden on me as yours is on you. Nevertheless, James tells us to count it all joy when we fall into divers temptations knowing that the trying of our faith worketh patience (James 1:3). In fact, Peter tells us we should rejoice that we are partakers of Christ’s sufferings (I Pet. 4:12). Early Chritians rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name (Acts 5:41). The Lord said they are blessed who are reviled for the name of Christ (Matt. 5:10-12). Jesus further said in the world we will have tribulation but that He had overcome the world (John 16:33). So can we because faith is the victory that overcomes the world (I John 5:4). No suffering now is even worthy to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us (Rom. 8:18). We may sow in tears now, but we will reap in joy (Psalm 126:5).

No matter how bad it may seem, no matter how bad it actually is, there remains hope for the Christian (Rom. 8:20), a hope the world does not have (I Thess. 4:13). That, by itself, is plenty of reason to be thankful.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations (Psalm 100:4,5).

Eric L. Padgett