The Hidden Gospel (Part 1)

By Clifton Angel   "I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent" (Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21). These are the words of Jesus, uttered in public prayer, on at least two occasions. At the heart of the contexts of both occasions was the good news that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God—the world's only Savior. Luke says He "rejoiced in spirit" (Luke 10:21) as He praised God in prayer. Why would Jesus be joyful and thankful that the Father restricted the gospel from some?    The Father's hiding of the gospel should not be understood as He kept some from the opportunity to hear it. I submit that the "wise and prudent" of Jesus' day not only audibly heard the gospel, but they visually saw it. Yes, the scribes, Pharisees, and scholars in the Mosaic law audibly heard the good news of Jesus, but the majority of them did not receive what was said. They visually saw Jesus in the flesh, they saw the miracles He performed, and the miracles of His disciples, but they did not recognize what was right in front of their eyes. Sellers S. Crain, Jr. wrote, "The contrast between the wise and intelligent and infants is not really that of intelligence, but of attitude; it is the difference between those who rely on themselves and those who rely on God" (Truth For Today Commentary: Matthew 1–13, pp. 385–386). They were deafened and blinded by their own pride. In another place, Jesus said of these types of people, "They seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand" (Matthew 13:13).    The scribes, Pharisees, and Mosaic law scholars were very intelligent. Many of them had tremendous knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures, but when it came to applica-tion and teaching, pride intervened. What many call "The Sermon on the Mount"—Matthew 5:1–7:29—was not some new teaching in contrast to the Old Testament. Rather, it was the correct teachings and applications of principles in the old law (which principles are now a part of the New Testament because of Jesus' teaching of them) because religious leaders in Jesus' day had misused and misapplied them (see Matthew 5:17–20).    If space would allow, we could consider the "wise and prudent" of Paul's day, such as those he encountered in Athens (Acts 17:16–33), or those he had to deal with in Corinth (see 1 & 2 Corinthians), or those he had to refute in the region of Colossae (see Colossians). Who are the "wise and prudent" of our day? We could spend time naming prominent faiths which misuse and misapply the gospel. We could spend time naming popular false teachers who misuse and misapply the gospel. But for the sake of space, let's each ask ourselves, "Have I allowed my 'wisdom' and 'intelligence' to get in the way of truly hearing the gospel?"

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

Hidden Gospel (Part 2)

By Clifton Angel     "I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes" (Matt 11:25; Luke 10:21). Again, this is a public prayer of Jesus on at least two occasions. At the heart of these contexts was the good news that Jesus was the Messiah—the world's only Savior. Last week, we noted how God’s message was hidden from some who were blinded by their own pride. Now, let us consider those to whom it was revealed.     “Thou...hast revealed them unto babes.” Those who received God's revelation were not literal infants. Rather, they were lower on the "totem pole" of society in Jesus' day. Who were these "babes" who were recipients of the revelation of the gospel?     Peter, Andrew, James, and John were commercial fishermen. Such a tasking position made them "infants" in the eyes of the Jewish elite. Example: Peter and John were "perceived" to be "unlearned and ignorant men" by the Jewish rulers, elders, scribes, and priests (Acts 4:1–13).     Matthew, also bearing the name Levi, was a tax collector. In the United States, we know tax collectors as the IRS. While tax collection has always caused animosity from many of those being taxed, Matthew's position brought far greater hostility. In the eyes of the Jews, he was a traitor and a sinner. He was taking money from God’s people and giving it to an ungodly tyranny. Tax collectors were often grouped with prostitutes, indicating their moral destitution in the eyes of the Jews. Luke tells us that when Matthew began to follow Jesus, he made a great feast for Jesus, his disciples, and other tax collectors. The scribes and Pharisees "murmured" at Jesus' disciples, asking, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" (Luke 5:27–30).     As we previously cited, "The contrast between the wise and intelligent and infants is not really that of intelligence, but of attitude; it is the difference between those who rely on themselves and those who rely on God" (Truth For Today Commentary: Matthew 1–13, pp. 385–386). Disciples like Luke and Paul are testimonies to this fact. They were highly educated and intelligent. Luke was a physician (Col 4:14). Paul’s education has been likened to multiple doctorates in theology (Acts 22:3; Phil 3:4–7). However, their humility led to their reception of God's glorious gospel message.     Maybe you are thinking you could never be good enough to be a recipient of the saving gospel. Maybe you are thinking you have committed too many sins to be saved. Maybe you are thinking you are not smart enough to teach others God's saving message. You are precisely the person Jesus wants to save and to whom He has revealed the gospel. Will you allow us to help you follow Jesus?

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

Hidden Gospel (Part 3)

By Clifton Angel   From Matthew 11:25–30 and Luke 10:21–24, we've noted how that God’s good news is hidden from those who are not willing to hear and receive it, and it is revealed to those are humble enough to hear and received it. Continuing a little further into the same text of Scripture, let us consider some fundamental principles of God’s good news revealed to man. Jesus said, "All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him" (Matt 11:27; Luke 10:22).   First, God's revelation can only originate with God. Jesus said, “All things are delivered unto me of my Father” (Matt 11:27; Luke 10:22). The revelation that Jesus was the Christ—the Savior of the world—and that His disciples' teachings were confirmed by miracles all originated from God. Yet, many claim to have revelation and power that God has not given them.   Second, Jesus is Deity. "And no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son." Jesus was reiterating the fact that He is the Son of God—God in the flesh (see also-John 1:1–3, 14). This is absolutely fundamental to the gospel, as it is the foundation of the gospel being good news.   Third, we can only know God if we know Jesus. "Neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him” (Matt 11:27; Luke 10:22).   Fourth, we can only know Jesus if we know His Word. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matt 11:28–30). The "yoke" mentioned here is teaching. Therefore, we must look to Jesus' teachings so that we may "learn of" Him and know Him.   What a blessing to have God's revelation written down for us to read! As we consider these fundamental principles of the good news of Jesus Christ, let us answer the questions of the refrain of a hymn co-authored by Vep Ellis and W.F. Lakey: "Do you know my Jesus? Do you know my friend? Have you heard, He loves you, and that He will abide 'til the end?” What is your response to these questions?

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

The Rapture

By Clifton Angel     If you are reading this, you missed the rapturing that Joshua Mhlakela predicted to happen last week. “Rapture” comes from the Latin rapio meaning “to be carried away.” The word can have the meaning of “a feeling of intense pleasure or joy,” indicating an extremely heightened emotion. This is still connected to the original meaning, as one who is “singing the rapturous chorus” may be “carried away” in emotion. Is there a rapture found in Scripture? If so, does it agree with the modern world’s teaching called “the rapture”?     Paul wrote, “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thess 4:17). For “caught up,” the Latin Bible has the root rapio, from which we get our English word “rapture.” In this sense, there will be a rapturing of the Lord’s people.     However, the context of 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17 (cf. 1 Cor 15:51–54) connected with the sum of Scripture concerning Jesus’ Kingdom and His Coming, directly contradicts “the rapture” of denominational doctrine. Many teach this rapturing is a secret—yet predicted—event, in which Jesus will invisibly and quietly carry away His faithful, and leave behind the lost. To them, this is not the end. Rather, there will be a period of tribulation, then Jesus will return to the earth with His raptured saints to set up His earthy kingdom in Jerusalem, save Israel, and grant another opportunity for the lost to be saved (Note: there is variation in the content and timeline of the events they teach).     First, the Bible teaches Jesus’ kingdom has already been established and it is not an earthly kingdom (cf. Isa 2:2–3; Dan 2:31–45; Joel 2:28–32; Acts 2:1–47; Dan 7:13–14; Matt 4:17; Matt 16:18–19; Mark 9:1; Acts 1:6–10; John 18:36; Col 1:13; Rev 1:9; 1 Cor 15:24). Jesus’ kingdom is His church, and if we are not in His kingdom before He returns, we will never be in it. Second, the Bible teaches that Jesus’ final return cannot be predicted (cf. Matt 24:35–36; 1 Thess 5:1–11; 2 Pet 3:9–10). Also, there is no indication that Jesus will ever set foot on earth again. Finally, the Bible teaches that the Lord’s rapturing is not a secret, nor silent event. Rather, “the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thess 4:16–17).     The truth is that no one on earth, and not even the angels in heaven, knows the time of the Lord’s return. He may return tonight; He may not return for another 2,000 years. The importance is that we be ready at all times. Are you ready?

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

Eternity

By Clifton Angel   If he were still on earth, last Sunday would have been my dad’s 45th anniversary married to my mom. While the physical event of his death almost 12 years ago was and is a nightmare that I try not to think about, I believe spiritually it was a dream come true. My father died a Christian.!    Everyday, there's something that reminds me of him when he was here. My son is his namesake. His favorite truck was given me by my mom and sisters. Genetically, he passed his rheumatoid arthritis down to me. On and on I could go, but the fact is, he's not here. He's in eternity. Therefore, I've tried to spend some time thinking about him there and not just his time here. It has me wondering: What would this world be like if everyone's heart was set on eternity?    First, hearts set on eternity would solve our problems of unity. I plead with you, do not fall into the media's trap of divisiveness. Perhaps, more than ever, in a world where social media exists, we need to: "Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath" (James 1:19). True unity can only be had by those who truly follow the Spirit's teachings (Ephesians 4:1ff).! Paul said, "I … beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:1–3). If our hearts were set on eternity, this would be more readily accomplished.    Furthermore, hearts set on eternity would solve our problems of immunity. We would still get sick. We would still have disease. We would still suffer death. However, none of these things would hinder us because of our immunity from sin and its condemnation. Paul wrote, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" (Romans 8:1). This does not mean we will never sin as a Christian. This does not mean we are "once saved, always saved." However, if we truly keep our hearts set on eternity as Jesus has prescribed, we will always be saved.    Finally, hearts set on eternity would solve ALL the problems of humanity. If no one else needed saving, the Lord could return now. "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). The fact that Jesus has not returned should remind us of His long-suffering and His desire to save as many as possible.! We do not know when He will return (2 Peter 3:10), but may He find our hearts set on eternity when He does!

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

Christ in Genesis—The Creation of Man

By Ron Bartanen        The creation of man originated in the mind of God.  It would begin with the creation of “the heavens and the earth, and the preparation of a paradise for man’s habitation, a bountiful garden, the garden of Eden, to be available for man’s food supply.  It would not be accomplished through thousands of years of  unimaginable evolution, but through six evenings and mornings, each, followed by a “day of rest”, thus establishing a period of time we know of as a week, as described in Gen. 1:1 to 2:25.   The pre-flood diet for humanity was vegetarian, consisting of the fruit of the garden (1;29-30).  Everything was in readiness then for humanity.      With the garden in readiness for human occupation, Adam was physically formed from the “dust of the earth” (2:7)”.  However, man was unique from the animals. And said to be “in the image of God” (1:26).  God “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.”  Unlike the life of the animal-creation, man’s life is sacred in origin—the breath of the Creator.  It is thus described to Noah following the great flood: “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made He man” (9:6).  The penalty established by God for murder is rightly the murderer’s surrender of his own life.       The sacredness of human life should also be recognized in the taking of a human infant’s life in the process of abortion, and be perceived as willful murder.  From the moment of conception in a mother’s womb, a human baby is a human baby, made “in the image of God.”     The account of the creation of man requires the recognition of Adam’s wife, Eve, the “mother of all living.”  “Male and female created He them” (1:27b; 2:18-24).  As is often noted, Adam’s wife was a part of himself—not of his head that she would rule over him, nor of his feet that he should walk over her, but from his side, nearest to his heart, that he might love her—a covenant of marital unity and loyalty.  The apostle Paul compared the love and unity of husband and wife to the love and unity designed in our relationship with Christ in Ephesians 5:22-35.       The attachment of Eve to Adam is seen in the fact that she was not taken from the “dust of the ground” as was Adam, but from what the King James version calls his rib (1:21),  I read that the word translated rib is “tzela”, which in Exodus 25:12-14 and 26:20 is translated as “side,” not “rib”.  Adam’s side was opened in the process of providing for him a wife.  It is interesting that this would fit this as a prophetic picture of the opening of the side of Jesus, whose side was pierced (John 19:24) to purchase His church “with His own blood” (Acts 20:28).       As Adam in Genesis is seen as the head of the human race, Jesus is portrayed by Paul as the head of the church—the “body of Christ” (Ephesians 5:23).  In 1st Corinthians 15 he goes into more detail, likening Christ to Adam in the context of describing our resurrection.  He refers to Christ as the second Adam, declaring, “The first man, Adam, was made a living soul: the last Adam was made a quickening spirit…. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven” (vs. 15, 17),  He expresses our hope in Christ to be raised from the dead, wherein our corruptible bodies will “put on incorruption and this mortal shall put on immortality” (v. 23).  In verse 22 he adds, “As in Adam all die, even so, in Christ shall all be made alive.”      We can see Gen. 2:23-25 as the first marriage as so-defined by God as the marriage of one man (male) and one woman (female—the “one flesh” in the bond of marriage.  That’s God’s definition.       Man is the crown of God’s creation, but this is especially seen in Christ, the “Son of man” as well as the “Son of God.”   I’d suggest the reading of Hebrews 2, but especially verses 6 to 9, where Christ is portrayed as being made at His first coming “a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, (yet) crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God should taste death for every man” (v. 9).

- Ronald Bartanen is a retired minister who for many years served the Lord's church in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee. After the passing of his beloved wife, Doris, Ron has relocated from Illinois to Florida where he is near family. He may be contacted at: ron33dor@yahoo.com

Life’s Three Most Important Questions

By Ron Bartanen     I can think of no question more important than these three: Who am I? Why am I here? And ... Where am I going? The escalating number of suicides, especially among youth, may be largely attributed to persons not knowing the answers to these questions.  One may pursue wealth, pleasure and fame, only to find that becomes little more than a dead-end-street.      Jesus, more than any other, gives purpose to life.  He demonstrated it in His own life, His life’s purpose was to know the will of the Father, and to do it.  He said, “I must work the works of Him who sent me” (John 9:4); and again, “My meat is to do the will of Him who sent me” (John 4:34).     Being here because God wants us here, and realizing that He desires to grant us eternal life, we find purpose in His Son, Jesus Christ.  Jesus said, “I am come that you more abundantly” (John 10:10).       The successful life is not necessarily one of wealth and fame, but finding the will of God and doing it.  God calls us to serve.  With a purpose found in serving God, you will know who you are and why you are here.  Serving God in Christ, you will know also where you are going.

- Ronald Bartanen is a retired minister who for many years served the Lord's church in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee. After the passing of his beloved wife, Doris, Ron has relocated from Illinois to Florida where he is near family. He may be contacted at: ron33dor@yahoo.com