Ezra 10 – The Sin of Marrying an Unbeliever!

Posted on October 16, 2024 by Lanny Faulkner

INTRODUCTION:

1. One will never understand this unless you remember that Israel was both GOD’s chosen people AND they were a Nation!

2. One will never understand this unless you understand that there are THREE KINDS OF LAWS in the Old Testament…

– Civil (How to operate a Nation). These laws are no longer in effect because GOD’s people are no longer a Nation, we are citizens of a Nation.

– Ceremonial (How to worship GOD). These laws are no longer in effect because while these laws pertain to worshiping GOD prior to the coming of Jesus the Messiah, the Church worships differently following the coming of Jesus the Messiah.

– Moral – (The Ten Commandments). Since nine of the Ten Commandments are repeated in the New Testament, and the Sabbath has been replaced by the LORD’s Day, the Church must keep the Ten Commandments replacing the Sabbath with the LORD’s Day.

3. Therefore, Israel had laws that pertain to the governance of a Nation! The prohibition against marrying non-believers pertain directly to Israel in the Old Testament, BUT… BUT… BUT… the very same prohibition against marrying unbelievers is imposed on GOD’s people in the New Testament…

2nd Corinthians 6:14 “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

4. The Old Testament law given to Israel as a Nation commanded GOD’s people to put away their unbelieving wives.

Ezra 10:10-11 (10) “And Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, “You have broken faith and married foreign women, and so increased the guilt of Israel.

 (11) Now then make confession to the Lord, the God of your fathers and do his will. Separate yourselves from the peoples of the land and from the foreign wives.”

5. In the New Testament, GOD’s people are allowed to remain married to an unbeliever IF the unbeliever is willing to live peaceably with them.

1st Corinthians 7:12-13 (12) “To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. (13) If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him.”

Theological Note: When Paul writes, “I, not the Lord” he is not saying that this is only his opinion, he is simply saying that he is not quoting Jesus.

Paul clearly says that the things he writes are the Word of God!

1st Corinthians 14:37 “If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.”

Peter clearly says that Paul’s writings are the Word of God!

2nd Peter 3:15-16 (15) “And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, (16) as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.”

EXPOSITION: EZRA 10

10:1-2 Godly Christians are greatly grieved by sin in the life of GOD’s people!

(1) “While Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, a very great assembly of men, women, and children, gathered to him out of Israel, for the people wept bitterly. (2) And Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, of the sons of Elam, addressed Ezra:

“We have broken faith with our God and have married foreign women from the peoples of the land, but even now there is hope for Israel in spite of this.”

10:3-5 The way to get victory over sin is to confess and forsake it!

(3) “Therefore, let us make a covenant with our God to put away all these wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the commandment of our God, and let it be done according to the Law. (4) Arise, for it is your task, and we are with you; be strong and do it.” (5) Then Ezra arose and made the leading priests and Levites, and all Israel take oath that they would do as had been said. So, they took the oath.”

10:6-9 Since Israel was a Nation, the leaders of the Nation could command the people of GOD to confess and forsake their sin!

(6) Then Ezra withdrew from before the house of God and went to the chamber of Jehohanan the son of Eliashib, where he spent the night, neither eating bread nor drinking water, for he was mourning over the faithlessness of the exiles. (7) And a proclamation was made throughout Judah and Jerusalem to all the returned exiles that they should assemble at Jerusalem, (8) and that if anyone did not come within three days, by order of the officials and the elders all his property should be forfeited, and he himself banned from the congregation of the exiles. (9) Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin assembled at Jerusalem within the three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month. And all the people sat in the open square before the house of God, trembling because of this matter and because of the heavy rain.”

10:10 The first step in repentance is to identify the sin!

“And Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, “You have broken faith and married foreign women, and so increased the guilt of Israel.”

10:11-12 The second step in repentance is to actually forsake the sin!

(11) Now then make confession to the Lord, the God of your fathers and do his will. Separate yourselves from the peoples of the land and from the foreign wives.” (12) Then all the assembly answered with a loud voice, “It is so; we must do as you have said.”

10:13-14 When a whole Nation is caught up in sin, the whole Nation needs to be called to repentance!

(13) But the people are many, and it is a time of heavy rain; we cannot stand in the open. Nor is this a task for one day or for two, for we have greatly transgressed in this matter. (14) Let our officials stand for the whole assembly.

Let all in our cities who have taken foreign wives come at appointed times, and with them the elders and judges of every city, until the fierce wrath of our God over this matter is turned away from us.”

10:15 The desire for repentance and renewal will never be unanimous!

(15) “Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahzeiah the son of Tikvah opposed this, and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite supported them.”

10:16-44 While the sins of a Nation may be very widespread, individuals are still responsible for their sins and GOD knows who they are and what they have done!     

** 112 by name!

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Ezra 9 – GOD’s Sovereignty over the Marriages of HIS People!”

Posted on October 6, 2024 by Lanny Faulkner

INTRODUCTION:

1. Christians, and certainly “Baptist” Christians, DO NOT have difficulty with the doctrine of the Inspiration of Scripture!

2. Christians, and certainly “Baptist” Christians DO NOT have difficulty with the doctrine of the Sufficiency of Scripture!

3. Christians, and certainly “Baptist” Christians DO have difficulty with the doctrine of the Authority of Scripture!

(1st John 2:3-4)

(3) “And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. (4) Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him…”

(Luke 6:46) “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”

4. God, through HIS Word, has authority over the lives of HIS people!

5. GOD, through HIS Word, has authority over the marriages of HIS people!

(Ezra 9:1-2) God’s people had intermarried with the unbelieving people of the land and had adopted their idolatrous worship!

“After these things had been done, the officials approached me and said, “The people of Israel and the priests and the Levites have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands with their abominations, from the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites. (2) For they have taken some of their daughters to be wives for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy race has mixed itself with the peoples of the lands. And in this faithlessness the hand of the officials and chief men has been foremost.”

(Deuteronomy 7:3-4) The Israelites were forbidden to marry unbelievers!

(3) “You shall not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons, (4) for they would turn away your sons from following me, to serve other gods. Then the anger of the Lord would be kindled against you, and he would destroy you quickly.”

(1st Kings 11:1-4) Marrying unbelievers destroyed the life, the family, and the testimony of the wisest man who ever lived!

(1) “Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, (2) from the nations concerning which the Lord had said to the people of Israel, “You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love. (3) He had 700 wives, princesses, and 300 concubines. And his wives turned away his heart. (4) For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.

(1st Kings 11:5-8) It seems to be almost always true that when a believer marries an unbeliever, the unbeliever changes the heart and life of the believer!

(5) For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. (6) So Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and did not wholly follow the Lord, as David his father had done. (7) Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites, on the mountain east of Jerusalem. (8) And so he did for all his foreign wives, who made offerings and sacrificed to their gods.”

(2nd Corinthians 6:14-18) New Testament believers are also forbidden to marry an unbeliever!

(14) “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? (15) What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? (16) What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (17) Therefore, go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, (18) and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”

Theological Note: This is a religious issue, not a racial issue!

GOD blessed the marriages of Israelites to Gentiles when the Gentile had already come to believe in and worship GOD!

(Hebrews 11:31) “By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.”

(Cf. Joshua 2:11) “And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.”

(Ruth 2:12) “The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!”

(Matthew 4:5-6a) Both Rahab and Ruth are listed in the genealogy of Jesus!

(5) “and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, (6a) and Jesse the father of David the king.”

(Ezra 9:3-4) Rebellion and disobedience against GOD is a serious matter and it ought to break our heart!

(3) “As soon as I heard this, I tore my garment and my cloak and pulled hair from my head and beard and sat appalled. (4) Then all who trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the faithlessness of the returned exiles, gathered around me while I sat appalled until the evening sacrifice.”

(Ezra 9:5-12) Rebellion and disobedience in the life of GOD’s people must be repented of!

(5) “And at the evening sacrifice I rose from my fasting, with my garment and my cloak torn, and fell upon my knees and spread out my hands to the Lord my God, (6) saying: “O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens. (7) From the days of our fathers to this day we have been in great guilt. And for our iniquities we, our kings, and our priests have been given into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, to plundering, and to utter shame, as it is today. (8) But now for a brief moment favor has been shown by the Lord our God, to leave us a remnant and to give us a secure hold within his holy place, that our God may brighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our slavery. (9) For we are slaves. Yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to grant us some reviving to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us protection in Judea and Jerusalem. (10) “And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? For we have forsaken your commandments,

(11) which you commanded by your servants the prophets, saying, ‘The land that you are entering, to take possession of it, is a land impure with the impurity of the peoples of the lands, with their abominations that have filled it from end to end with their uncleanness. (12) Therefore do not give your daughters to their sons, neither take their daughters for your sons, and never seek their peace or prosperity, that you may be strong and eat the good of the land and leave it for an inheritance to your children forever.’”

(Ezra 9:13-15)When GOD’s people marry an unbeliever, it is a sin against GOD!

(13) And after all that has come upon us for our evil deeds and for our great guilt, seeing that you, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserved and have given us such a remnant as this, (14) shall we break your commandments again and intermarry with the peoples who practice these abominations? Would you not be angry with us until you consumed us, so that there should be no remnant, nor any to escape? (15) O Lord, the God of Israel, you are just, for we are left a remnant that has escaped, as it is today. Behold, we are before you in our guilt, for none can stand before you because of this.”

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WITH GOD, A PROMISE MADE IS A PROMISE KEPT

Posted on September 23, 2024 by Lanny Faulkner

INTRODUCTION:

1. Remember that Ezra 7:1 moves forward to the time that Ezra was recording the events of his time!

2. Remember that it had been 79 years since the events recorded in Ezra 1-6. (Ezra 1-6 covers the years 537 – 520 BC)

3. In Ezra 7, he begins covering events that took place in 458 BC.

4. This is a great reminder to us that while, as Jesus said, “My Father is always working…” (John 5:17) GOD does not always – or usually – work quickly!

5. Many, if not most, of these men were working on a project they would not live to see completed, but it was completed!

6. The same thing may well be true of us!

APPLICATION: Ezra Chapter 8

(8:1-20) It takes a lot of people doing a lot of different things to accomplish the work of GOD!

  • 1,775 men!
  • Including 23 Levites and 220 of their assistants!

(8:21) GOD works through means and even when we trust HIS promises, we still need to use the means HE has provided for us!

(21) “Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods.”

Theological Note: This is why we still pray, live wisely, and share the gospel!

(8:22-23) The enemies of GOD need to see HIS people practicing what we say we believe!

(22) “For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.”

(23) So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.”

(8:24-27) The people of GOD ought to trust their leaders!

Theological Note: Let us not forget that we are now GOD’s priesthood!

(24) “Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests: Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their kinsmen with them. (25) And I weighed out to them the silver and the gold and the vessels, the offering for the house of our God that the king and his counselors and his lords and all Israel there present had offered. (26) I weighed out into their hand 650 talents of silver, and silver vessels worth 200 talents, and 100 talents of gold, (27) 20 bowls of gold worth 1,000 darics, and two vessels of fine bright bronze as precious as gold.”

(8:28-30) Those who lead GOD’s people must be worthy of their trust!

(28) “And I said to them, “You are holy to the Lord, and the vessels are holy, and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to the Lord, the God of your fathers. (29) Guard them and keep them until you weigh them before the chief priests and the Levites and the heads of fathers’ houses in Israel at Jerusalem, within the chambers of the house of the Lord. (30) So the priests and the Levites took over the weight of the silver and the gold and the vessels, to bring them to Jerusalem, to the house of our God.”

(8:31) As we do the will and work of GOD, we will still face opposition and attacks along the way!

(31) “Then we departed from the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God was on us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambushes by the way.”

(8:32-34) Those who are entrusted with the things of GOD will give an account of what they have been given!

(32) “We came to Jerusalem, and there we remained three days.        (33) On the fourth day, within the house of our God, the silver and the gold and the vessels were weighed into the hands of Meremoth the priest, son of Uriah, and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas, and with them were the Levites, Jozabad the son of Jeshua and Noadiah the son of Binnui. (34) The whole was counted and weighed, and the weight of everything was recorded.”

(8:35-36) Again we see, as we did in the last Chapter, the blessings of GOD lead HIS people to worship HIM!

(35) “At that time those who had come from captivity, the returned exiles, offered burnt offerings to the God of Israel, twelve bulls for all Israel, ninety-six rams, seventy-seven lambs, and as a sin offering twelve male goats. All this was a burnt offering to the Lord. (36) They also delivered the king’s commissions to the king’s satraps and to the governors of the province Beyond the River, and they aided the people and the house of God.”

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B.A.P.T.I.S.T.S. BASICS – Individual Soul Liberty!

Posted on June 23, 2024 by Lanny Faulkner

INTRODUCTION:

Baptist Faith and Message 2000, Article 17a: “God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it.”

No one can be compelled into a genuine profession of faith in Jesus!

No one can be coerced into a genuine profession of faith in Jesus!

No one can be cajoled into a genuine profession of faith in Jesus!

Unsaved people can only be called into a genuine profession of faith in Jesus, and they can only be called into a genuine profession of faith in Jesus by GOD, HIMSELF! Every person who is mentally capable and mature enough to do so decides for themselves – and only for themselves – to repent of their sins and believe in JESUS as their Savior and LORD, or not.

Therefore, every person who is mentally capable and mature enough to repent and believe in JESUS is accountable to GOD for their refusal to repent of their sins and believe in JESUS.

Romans 8:28-30

(28) And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (29) For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (30) And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”

Here is the clearest statement in Scripture about the order of salvation: GOD foreknew who HE would save, HE predestined them to be conformed into the image of JESUS, HE called them to salvation (through the gospel),

HE declares them just on the basis of their faith in JESUS, and HE will ultimately glorify them with JESUS at the time of their resurrection! And, once a person has been saved, they remain personally accountable to GOD for their beliefs and practices.

EXPOSITION:

The individual believer has the sole privilege and responsibility before GOD as to when and how to worship GOD.

Romans 14:5,12 (5) “One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.”

The individual believer will answer to GOD for the decisions they make about worshiping and serving GOD, and how they do – or do not – apply the Scriptures to their life. (12) “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.”

Again, every individual believer must determine to follow their conscience in the matters of faith and practice… and… other believers must not attempt to manipulate them into what they believe and how they behave. Cf. 2nd Corinthians 4:2 “But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.”

This “Individual Soul Liberty” also applies to areas that are not addressed in the Bible!

Church Services: How many? When?

Church Dress: Business, Business Casual, Casual?

Sunday Activities: Recreation, Shopping?

Bible Translation: One, Which One, Multiple?

Family: Married, Single?

Family: Kids, No Kids? School: Public, Christian, Home? Etc., Etc., Etc.                             

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The Priesthood of Every Believer!

Posted on June 9, 2024 by Lanny Faulkner

1st Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 5:9-10

INTRODUCTION:

We Affirm: That every born-again believer in the LORD Jesus Christ is a priest and is both qualified and obligated to carry out the duties of a priest including representing themselves before GOD, interceding for themselves and others to GOD, and serving GOD and others on behalf of GOD.

We Deny: That any born-again believer is a priest over any other person and therefore can neither grant forgiveness nor convey the Person or gifts of the Holy Spirit to another person.

We Affirm: That every person has the right and the obligation to read and study the Holy Scriptures for themselves.

We Deny: That any person has the right to misinterpret, twist, or wrongly apply the Holy Scriptures.

We Affirm: That every born-again believer in the LORD Jesus Christ has both the right and the obligation to offer up to GOD those things identified in the Holy Scriptures as, “Spiritual Sacrifices.”

We Deny: That any person has the right to participate in any “priestly” actions that are not specifically required of and given to born-again believers in the Holy Scriptures.

EXPOSITION: Seven Spiritual Sacrifices to be Offered by Believer-Priest (in biblical order).

Psalm 51:17 A Humble Heart!

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”

Psalm 141:2 Prayer!

“Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!”

Romans 12:1 Our Body!

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

Romans 15:16 Souls Won to Christ!

“to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”

Philippians 4:18 Sacrificial Financial Gifts! (Ministry)

“I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.”

Hebrews 13:15 Praise!

“Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.”

Hebrews 13:16 Sharing What We Have with Others! (Benevolence)

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to GOD.”

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B.A.P.T.I.S.T.S. Basics – The Autonomy of the Local Church!

Posted on June 3, 2024 by Lanny Faulkner

Matthew 18:15-18  “The Autonomy of the Local Church!”

INTRODUCTION:

“Autonomy” means “The quality or state of being self-governing.” Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary

In the context of a Local Church, it means that there is no authority over the majority of the membership except the will of Jesus as expressed in the Holy Scriptures! None.

Colossians 1:18 “And he (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.”

No person or group of persons has any authority over the belief and practice of a local congregation “in matters of faith.”

Of course, governments have limited authority over churches in such matters as building codes, ordinances, etc. Governments have NO AUTHORITY over churches “in matters of faith.”

When I am speaking of “authority” I am speaking of ecclesiastical authority such as Associations, Denominations, Synods, Bishops, Cardinals, or Popes, which have NO AUTHORITY OVER THE BELIEFS AND PRACTICES OF A LOCAL CHURCH!

One of the many reasons that we are Southern Baptists is that Southern Baptists recognize this biblical fact and are organized in such a way that the Local Church is always supreme, and the work of all other denominational entities is to support the work of the Local Churches.

EXPOSITION:

In our text from Matthew 18, we clearly see the authority of a Church over its members.

When a member has attempted to bring about reconciliation with a sinning member and both the first and second steps in the process has failed, the issue is then brought to the Church for adjudication.

NOTE here that the authority of the members of the local congregation is so absolute that a person may be dismissed from membership by an action of the members of the Church.

(17) “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”

Theological NOTE: Treating a person as a Gentile and a tax collector means to treat them as a non-believer, since a member who refuses to submit to the authority of GOD’s Word is most likely an unbeliever.

Theological NOTE: (18) “Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

The verb phrases “shall be bound…” and “shall be loosed” translate Greek verbs that are future perfect passive and could be translated, “shall have been bound” and “shall have been loosed” referencing the fact that the actions for which the person is being disciplined have already been judged by GOD as sinful and are so described in HIS Word.

This is exactly how the phrases are translated in the Christian Standard Bible and are footnoted this way in other newer translations.

The Local Church does not have this authority to bind or loose based merely on its own opinions and preferences, rather the authority of binding and loosing is only given to the Local Church in the case where GOD has already expressed HIS will in HIS Word and in accordance with GOD’s will and Word!

In 1st and 2nd Corinthians, GOD has given us a perfect illustration of this biblical principle in a real case of a real person…

1st Corinthians 5:1-5

(1) “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife. (2) And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.

(3) For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. (4) When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, (5) you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.”

Theological NOTE: Take careful note there that the Local Church had the authority to turn the person over to GOD that the sinning person would die for his sin!

CONSIDER THIS CAREFULLY…

Biblical admonition and discipline many times work and the persons disciplined sometimes repent of their sin! This is exactly what happened in this case!

This man’s repentance was to unexpected that the Church at Corinth apparently wrote a letter to Paul asking what should they do in light of his repentance!

Paul’s answer is clear… 2nd Corinthians 2:5-8

(5) “Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you. (6) For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, (7) so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. (8) So, I beg you to reaffirm your love for him.”

TAKE CAREFUL NOTE HERE AGAIN… The action of removing this man from the Church and turning him over to Satan was done, “by the majority…” teaching us that the autonomous authority of the Local Church lies in the decisions of the majority of its members!

Theological NOTE: While it is not the principal subject of this sermon, take careful note that loving biblical admonition and discipline can work. Biblical admonition and correction of a sinning member is an act of love!

While we are not given explicit examples of every possible scenario that a Local Church may face, the principles in the passages give direction and wisdom for decision making in and by a Local Church.

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Why ever believer should be a “B.A.P.T.I.S.T.S.” believer!

Posted on May 12, 2024 by Lanny Faulkner

Q#1: “Why should a Christian be a, ‘B.A.P.T.I.S.T.S. Christian’?”

A#1: “Because truth matters, and what we believe determines how we behave!”

NOTE: Baptists are not the only Christians who believe these things, but we are the only Christians who believe all eight of these things!

Many other denominations believe, teach, and practice some of these eight biblical truths!

A few other denominations believe, teach, and practice most of these eight biblical truths!

Only Baptists believe, teach, and practice all eight of these biblical truths!

Believing, teaching, and practicing these eight biblical truths is what makes us B.A.P.T.I.S.T.S.

Biblical Authority!

1st Thessalonians 2:13 “And we also thank God constantly[1] for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.”

2nd Timothy 3:15-17

(15) “and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.     

(16) All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (17) that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”

2nd Peter 1:20-21

(20) “knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. (21) For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit”.

Autonomy of the Local Church!

Colossians 1:18 “And he (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.”

2nd Corinthians 8:1-5

(1-5)  (1) “We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, (2) for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. (3) For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, (4) begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—(5) and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.”

Priesthood of every individual Believer!

 1st Peter 2:5, 9

(5) “you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

(9) “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

Revelation 5:9-10

(9) “And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, (10) and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”

Two Ordinances of the Church!

 Matthew 28:19-20

(19) “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,        (20) teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

 Luke 22:15-20

(15) “And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. (16) For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” (17) And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. (18) For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” (19) And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (20) And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”

Individual Soul Liberty Romans 14:5,12

 (5) “One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.”

 (12) “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.”

 2nd Corinthians 4:2 “But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.”

Saved, and baptized (by immersion following competent profession of faith) church membership!

Acts 2:41-47 (41) “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. (42) And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (43) And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. (44) And all who believed were together and had all things in common. (45) And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 

(46) And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, (47) praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

 1st Corinthians 12:12 “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”

Two Officers in the Local Church!

 1st Timothy 3:1-13

 (1) “The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. (2) Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, (3) not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. (4) He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, (5) for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?

(6) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. (7) Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

(8) Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. (9) They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. (10) And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. (11) Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.  (12) Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. (13) For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”

Acts 20:17, 28

 (17) “Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him.” (28) “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”

“Elders”  (presbuteros) “spiritually mature…”

“Overseers” (episkopous) “Superintendent”

  • Care for…” (poimainein) “Shepherd/Pastor”

 Philippians 1:1 “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons.”

“Overseers” (Elders/Pastors) serve the Church by leading it!  “Servant-Leaders”

“Deacons” serve the Church by serving it! “Lead Servants”

Separation of Church and State!

 Matthew 22:15-21 (15) “Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. (16) And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. (17) Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”  (18) But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? (19) Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. (20) And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” (21) They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

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Will we know each other in Heaven?

Posted on May 6, 2024 by Lanny Faulkner

Luke 16:19 – 31

Bible Q&A – “Will We Know One Another in Heaven?”

First, this is a true story! We know that because JESUS is the Author of this story! (By the way, this is not a parable, but even if it was parables are also true.)

Second, these are real people! (In none of the parables is anyone named by name.)

– The rich man. “Dives?”

– Lazarus.

– The Angels.

– Abraham.

– The Rich Man’s Five Brothers.

Third, this is a real place!

“hades” The Greek word here is “hade” (haw-dace) It means “the abode of the dead.”

The Hebrew word for this place is “Sheol.”

Theological Note: Hades was divided into two parts “Paradise” where Abraham and Lazarus were, and “Hell” where the rich man was. There was a gulf between them that could not be crossed.

(Luke 16:26) “And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’”

When Jesus died, HE went to Paradise! (Luke 23:43) “Today you will be with ME in Paradise” and when HE died, HE took Paradise itself and the saints in it up to the Third heaven!

(Ephesians 4:7-10) (7) “But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. (8) Therefore, it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.”

(9) (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? (10) He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)

Then the gulf dissipated, and hell was enlarged.

(Isaiah 5:14) “Therefore Sheol has enlarged itself And opened its mouth beyond measure; Their glory and their multitude and their pomp, And he who is jubilant, shall descend into it.”

Hell is a temporary holding place of the unsaved dead until the final judgment when hell itself and everyone there will be cast into the eternal Lake of Fire!

Revelation 20:11-15 (11) “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. (12) And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. (13) The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. (14) Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (15) And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”

TWO MORE BIBLE FACTS!

When Jesus was transfigured on the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John recognized Moses who had been dead for over 1400 years before they were born, and Elijah who had been dead for over 850 years before they were born!

Matthew 17:1-4 (1) “And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. (2) And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. (3) And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.   

(4) And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

Finally, when we go to Heaven, we will KNOW MORE THERE than we do now, NOT LESS!

1ST Corinthians 13:12 “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”

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DO ANIMALS GO TO HEAVEN?

Posted on April 28, 2024 by Lanny Faulkner

Genesis 1:24-25 “Do Animals go to Heaven?”

INTRODUCTION:

Genesis 1 gives us a historical account of the events of creation.

Genesis 1 gives us the order of creation.

  • First Day: Creation of the physical material of the Universes,
  • First Day: Creation of Light and its separation from darkness
  • Second Day: Creation of the earth’s atmosphere (1st Heaven)
  • Third Day: Separation of earth’s waters and dry land. Take note that the waters and the dry land were originally in “one place.”
  • Third Day: Creation of vegetation
  • Fourth Day: Formation of planets, moons, and stars
  • Fifth Day: Creation of sea animals
  • Sixth Day: Creation of land animals and humans

Genesis 1 gives us some indications of the purposes of creation:

  • Physical materials for the formation of planets, moons, and stars.
  • Physical materials provide nutrition for vegetation, animals, and humans.
  • Vegetation provides nutrition for animals and humans.
  • Animals provide labor, nutrition, and other support for humans.

EXPOSITION:

First, only humans are said to be made “in the image of God…”

Genesis 1:26-27 (26) “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

(27) So, God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

Among other things, the “Imago Dei” means that humans are triune beings possessing body, soul, and spirit.

The “body” is the physical machine encasing the person or animal.

The “soul” is the immaterial part of the creature consisting of mind, senses, instinct, emotions, and will.

The “spirit” is part of humans whereby we can relate to GOD and the part where GOD abides in HIS people through the Holy Spirit and is the source of our personhood.

Minerals do not possess life, or soul, or spirit.

Vegetation possesses life and a body but does not possess a soul or spirit.

Animals possess life, a body, and a soul, but they do not possess a spirit.

Therefore, animals are not moral creatures, they cannot sin, or repent, or believe. Since they do not possess a spirit, they cannot possess eternal life.

There is no indication anywhere in Scripture that an animal has a spirit, or sins, or is indwelt by GOD.

Other than apocryphal (prophetic) language, there are no verses in the Scriptures that indicate the presence of an earthly animal in Heaven. 

Revelation 19:11-14 (11) “Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. (12) His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. (13) He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. (14) And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses.”

Domestication of animals for service began in the Garden of Eden (4,000 BC) where we see that Able was a shepherd.

Domestication of animals for companionship apparently began around the time of Abraham (2,000 BC) as evidence of dogs serving as pets have been discovered in the Middle East. 

In addition to physical labor, animals meet several needs in the lives of some humans:

  • Companionship
  • Protection
  • Other forms of service

Animals are a gift of GOD to humans, and we should enjoy them!

We should use animals for food, labor, and for meeting our needs.

Humans should never abuse what GOD has created including minerals, vegetation, animals, and humans!

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Bible Q&A – What is the Difference between Happiness and Joy?

Posted on April 21, 2024 by Lanny Faulkner

April 21st, 2024 – “HAPPINESS & JOY”

John 15:1-11

INTRODUCTION:

“HAPPY”

** emotional situation based upon circumstances

** From the old English “happenstance” based on circumstance

Hebrew (522 x)

Esher “happy” & “blessed”

Greek makarios (77x)

blessed (1), blessed (46), fortunate (1), happier (1), happy (28).

“JOY”

Spiritual condition based upon one’s knowledge and faith!

Hebrew – simchah “joy” “gladness” “mirth”

delight (1), exceeding joy (1), extremely* (1), festival (1), gladness (34), happiness (1), joy (38), mirth (1), pleasure (6), rejoice (1), rejoiced (1), rejoicing (6).

Greek – chara

“greatly (1), joy (54), joyful (1), joyfully (1), joyously (1), rejoicing (1).

EXPOSITION:

FIRST, THE ASSURANCE OF OUR SALVATION IS THE ULTIMATE SOURCE OF JOY! Jude 1:24-25

“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only GOD our Savior, through Jesus Christ our LORD, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time, and now and forever. Amen.”

SECOND, SALVATION IS A SOURCE OF JOY BUT IT CAN BE LOST WHEN WE ALLOW SIN TO COME INTO OUR LIFE!

Psalm 51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

THIRD, THE GREATEST SOURCE OF JOY IS LEADING AN UNSAVED PERSON TO FAITH IN JESUS!

Psalm 126:5-6 (5) Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! (6) He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.”

Luke 15:7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Luke 15:10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Acts 15:3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers.

1st Thessalonians 2:19-20 “For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.”

FOURTH, SENSING THE PRESENCE OF JESUS IS A SOURCE OF GREAT JOY!

Luke 1:44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.”

John 16:22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

FIFTH, TRUE SPIRITUAL JOY IS A FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE LIFE OF A BELIEVER!

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control; against such things there is no law.

SIXTH, JOY OUGHT TO BE THE ATTITUDE IN WHICH WE ENTER INTO WORSHIP!

Psalm 100:1 “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!”

SEVENTH, THE JOY WE HAVE IN CHRIST IS THE SOURCE OF OUR SPIRITUAL STRENGTH!

Nehemiah 8:10 “Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

EIGHTH, HAVING OUR FAITH TESTED OUGHT TO BRING US JOY!

James 1:2-3 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

NINTH, FAITHFULLY SERVING JESUS WILL RESULT IN OUR JOY WHEN WE STAND BEFORE HIM!

Matthew 25:21 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’”

TENTH, SACRIFICIAL GIVING TO THE LORD’S KINGDOM WORK IS A SOURCE OF JOY!

2nd Corinthians 8:2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.

ELEVENTH, SUFFERING FOR JESUS IS A SOURCE OF SPIRITUAL JOY!

1st Thessalonians 1:6 “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit…”

Hebrews 12:2 “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

TWELVETH, THE GREATEST JOY A PARENT AND A PASTOR CAN HAVE IS TO SEE HIS FAMILY LIVING IN OBEDIENCE TO JESUS!

3rd John 1:4 “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

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