Watchman Magazine

Time 2020-11-03 05:04:11

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Great is the Mystery of GodlinessBy Stan, on September 13th, 2018In the third chapter of Paul s first letter to Timothy, he explained to his young friend his purpose in writing. This explanation is contained in verses 14-16 of the chapter.These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:God was manifested in the flesh,Justified in the Spirit,Seen by angels,Preached among the Gentiles,Believed on in the world,Received up in glory.Paul noted the importance of proper conduct in the church. There is a right way, and a wrong way to behave. The instructions given to young Timothy in his work as an evangelist as well as those given to diverse groups in the church at Ephesus all are designed to bring about this proper conduct. This truth is demonstrated by the phrase, And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness (vs. 16). The nature of the mystery is great, and with it are grand ramifications. Paul, of course, spoke here of God s scheme of redemption. Note his words to the Colossians, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (1:26-28). Continue reading Great is the Mystery of Godliness Worship in Spirit and TruthBy Cox, Jeremiah, on September 7th, 2018“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)The profundity of Jesus’ words must be taken into consideration. We often skim over this statement without stopping to ponder its deep spiritual implications. We take it to be one of the simpler statements of inspired truth. Yet, the waters of this statement run deep. A plunge beneath the surface gives greater insight into the essence of true worship. Continue reading Worship in Spirit and Truth What is Repentance?By Stan, on April 30th, 2018I recently had a discussion with a young man with a Baptist background, who was advocating the position that a man is saved at the point of faith. He used typical arguments that I have heard many times before. As we talked I asked him if he thought repentance was necessary for salvation.In his absolute opposition to the idea God requires any acts of obedience (works), how did he deal with the Bible call to repent? His answer was interesting. He said, “I believe something different than you about repentance. Nowhere are we called to repent of our sins to be saved. We are to repent of unbelief!” His view is that we have to change our mind (repent) from unbelief to belief, to be saved. Continue reading What is Repentance? Walking in the Light – 1 John 1 – Abuse and MisapplicationBy Cox, Jeremiah, on April 30th, 2018“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5-7)While approaching the text of 1 John 1:7, some have become too focused on individual words at the expense of the overall context of the passage, and scripture in general. Some do this to find a proof text that would justify them acting in ways contrary to scripture. Some approach this text seeking assurance of their fellowship with God, and venture beyond the context, resulting in potential for great harm. In approaching this text, one must do so with integrity, and no ulterior motives. There must be a desire for the message the Holy Spirit is seeking to convey in the context. Continue reading Walking in the Light – 1 John 1 – Abuse and Misapplication My people have committed two evils By Stan, on April 5th, 2018Jeremiah was chosen to be a prophet by God during the reign of Josiah, in Judah. It was a perilous time for the small nation, as pressure was rising from an ascendant Egypt, and from the growing menace of Babylon. King Josiah was killed by Pharaoh Necho at Megiddo (cf. 2 Kings 23:30). His sons Jehoahaz and Eliakim (Jehoiakim) were vassals of the Egyptian king, as Judah lost its sovereignty at Josiah’s death.A decade later Babylon’s increasing strength led to the subjugation of Judah to a vassal state. After an ineffectual rebellion, the people were dispossessed of the land that God had given them. All of this was witnessed by the prophet, who saw the siege of Jerusalem during the reign of Zedekiah, and the burning of the temple of Jehovah. Continue reading My people have committed two evils Walking in the Light – 1 John 1 – ContextBy Cox, Jeremiah, on April 5th, 2018“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5-7)It is my intention with this article, and one to follow, to address the idea expressed in 1 John 1:7 of walking in the light as He is in the light. It is central to Christian living, and therefore fellowship with the Father. Despite the fundamental nature of this concept, some have used this verse as a proof text for error. Additionally, there is a popular approach to this text which is inconsistent with its context, and the remote context of scripture which yields great potential for harm.However, to stress the points alluded to which I consider to be of great importance, I think it necessary to first deal with the text exegetically. Establishing the context of 1 John 1 will help us further understand the proper application of it in our lives today. Continue reading Walking in the Light – 1 John 1 – Context Rejoice!By Stan, on March 6th, 2018Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!”~ Philippians 4:4The apostle Paul knew something wonderful. In every letter, and every circumstance in his life, he radiated the joy of the Lord. It was evident in his service, in his writing and preaching, and in his daily interaction with his brethren. Did Paul have a secret which helped him to constantly rejoice? Hardly. The state of rejoicing is possible for every Christian and should be the default state each day of our lives! The means of attaining the state where we constantly rejoice is available to all of God’s children. Continue reading Rejoice! Encouraging Moral DeclineBy Cox, Jeremiah, on March 6th, 2018“For the Lord brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel, for he had encouraged moral decline in Judah and had been continually unfaithful to the Lord.” (2 Chronicles 28:19)Jotham, king of Judah, reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. He “became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God” (2 Chronicles 27:6). “He did what was right in the sight of the Lord” (v. 2). When he rested with his fathers, “then Ahaz his son reigned in his place” (v. 9).At only twenty years old when he became king, Ahaz wasted no time in departing from his father’s legacy of righteousness. Jotham rose above the corruption of the people, and sought to bring them out of their evil ways by following God. Ahaz descended to the filthy road of unbridled living on which the citizens of Judah trod. Yet, he did not simply follow their lead in unrighteousness, but grasped hold the helm of the ship destined to perish in the tempest of rebellion, and steered Judah to their humility before God, and the nations. Continue reading Encouraging Moral Decline “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”By Cox, Jeremiah, on February 8th, 2018“Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.’ Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone,’ and ‘A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.’ They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.” (1 Peter 2:4-8)It was God’s desire – therefore, the apostle Peter’s desire – that those “who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy” (v. 10) would grow. It is the desire of every parent to see their child grow, and such desire is no different with our spiritual Father. To grow, they would first need to lay aside the evils which characterized their former man (v. 1). Then, as does the newborn babe, they would need to “desire the pure milk of the word, that [they] may grow thereby” (v. 2). Continue reading “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense” Desperately Seeking RelevanceBy Stan, on February 7th, 2018The following article contains observations and perceptions that I have developed in the last few decades as a Christian and preacher.  The warnings are offered because of my concern and love for the people of God. I have tried to write cautiously, and to avoid inflamed rhetoric.  I pray my comments will be considered, and my intent understood.Perhaps you have heard of the apocryphal “Chinese” curse, “May you live in interesting times.”  While it might seem to be a blessing, the phrase is most commonly used in an ironic sense.  It seems that times of physical peace and blessing are typically rather boring, but times of conflict and upheaval are, at least historically speaking, much more interesting.It is our misfortune to live in interesting times!  We have rogue nations with nuclear bombs; a rapidly increasing world population, resulting in significant economic and ecological challenges; a militant faction of Muslims declaring jihad throughout the world; an extremely partisan spirit in Washington D.C. that has made our government ineffectual and unresponsive to the needs of the American people.  We have militant social activists seeking to disrupt and remake the norms of morality and decency.  We have racial unrest. Continue reading Desperately Seeking Relevance Pressing Toward The GoalBy Cox, Jeremiah, on December 29th, 2017“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14)The apostle Paul was not shortsighted. His vision reached beyond this present world to that above where he stored his heavenly treasures. Yet, “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption” (1 Corinthians 15:50). So, Paul wished to “attain to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:11). While all men will be raised in the end (cf. John 5:28-29), those who long for the “resurrection of life” must live in such a way to attain it. So, Paul pressed on.The Christian should always view life through a spiritual lens. He should “not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). While this should already be our daily focus, the new year is a good time for introspection, and improvement. Spiritual goals and resolutions should outweigh the physical. In 2018, heaven should be our constant focus. We, like Paul, should “press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Continue reading Pressing Toward The Goal The Relationship Between God and ManBy Cox, Stan, on December 26th, 2017“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:11-14).God created man for a specific purpose.  That purpose is stated clearly in the book of Ecclesiastes.  “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Though God is self-sufficient (we do not supply Him with any necessary thing, Acts 17:25), He nevertheless determined to crown His physical creation by making man and woman.  Unlike the rest of creation, He declared us made in His own image (Genesis 1:26-27).  Continue reading The Relationship Between God and Man Have You Seen Jesus?By Robertson, John, on July 18th, 2013We all have loved ones that we long to see converted and saved.  What will save the sexually immoral homosexual, fornicator and adulterer?  That which will forever change man from the power of darkness to light is to see Jesus as did the Apostle Paul.  Seeing Jesus will cause the murderer, thief, thug, agnostic, atheist, pessimists, evolutionist, pro-abortionist, prejudice, drug user and alcoholic to repent and obey God (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).  Seeing Jesus will transform the mind from corruption to righteousness (see Romans 12:1-2 and Colossians 1:12-14).  A mind opposed to Christ will only come to receive Christ by seeing him.  Saul of Tarsus was baptized for the forgiveness of his sins because he saw Jesus (see Acts 22:16). Continue reading Have You Seen Jesus? God s Will Be Done By Kristofer Gardana, on May 25th, 2013A phrase often heard from Christians referring to sickness and tragedy desiring to bring comfort, conclude God s will be done . If they were simply wishing that in the future God s will be done, that would be fine. But sometimes it appears as though the well meaning brother is referring to the event itself when he says with a perplexed look on his face: God s will be done . On the contrary, God s will is that we remain faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10)…not that we get sick or do not get sick or die! After all it is appointed for men to die (Hebrews 9:27). One may be reading more into the statement than the brother means, but words and phrases have meaning. We ALL need to be as articulate as possible for we will all be held accountable for our words (Matthew 12:37)! Continue reading God s Will Be Done Signs Given for Faith and SalvationBy Robertson, John, on March 19th, 2013God told Ezekiel that he would take away from you the desire of your eyes with a stroke (Ezekiel 24:16).  The desire of the prophet s eyes was his wife.  The Lord further instructed his prophet not to cry or mourn the death of her.  God stroked Ezekiel s wife the next evening and she died.  Ezekiel did not cry and neither did he mourn her death.  Ezekiel writes, And I did in the morning as I was commanded (Ezekiel 24:18).  The captives of Judah, who were now living in Mesopotamia, ask Tell us what this means to us.   Ezekiel tells them that as his wife died without his tears so will their sons and daughters die in the siege of Jerusalem and they will not cry nor mourn their deaths.  Rather than cry they would pine away in your iniquities and moan one toward another (Ezekiel 24:23).  The Lord then tells the people, Thus shall Ezekiel be unto you a sign; according to all that he has done shall you do: when this comes, then shall you know that I am the Lord God (Ezekiel 24:24). Continue reading Signs Given for Faith and Salvation Your sin will find you out By Cox, Stan, on March 17th, 2013Numbers 32 records the petition the children of Reuben and Gad made to Moses and the leaders of the congregation of Israel. They desired to settle on the east side of the Jordan River rather than with the rest of the Israelites in Canaan. Moses agreed to allow this, so long as the two tribes guaranteed they would fight with the rest of Israel until “until every one of the children of Israel has received his inheritance” (vs. 18). Having given his approval, Moses warned the people should they go back on their word:“But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out” (vs. 23).There are many different examples, in both the Old and New Testaments, of people trying to hide their sin. While it is possible for the sinner to hide his sin from men, it is not possible to hide his sin from the Almighty. Continue reading Your sin will find you out Running Ahead of GodBy Rogers, Heath, on February 5th, 2013“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14).Most people are aware of the fact that Jonah tried to run away from God. He could not do so, and neither can we. We are also aware of Saul of Tarsus resisting God, or kicking “against the goads” (Acts 9:5). In this article, I want to consider some lessons we need to learn from those who made mistakes in the “opposite direction” – those who tried to run ahead of God. To put it another way, we will consider the accounts of those who presumed to know what God wanted and acted on their own to carry it out. Continue reading Running Ahead of God Rationalizing Sinful BehaviorBy Rogers, Heath, on January 22nd, 2013Whatever happened to sin? The belief in sin, and the idea that someone could be referred to as a “sinner,” have all but disappeared from our permissive society. Sinful behavior has been explained away, excused, tolerated, defended, and now accepted by many people. To accommodate this “enlightened” view, the doctrines of sin and Hell have even disappeared from some churches.The Bible tells us that the proper way for God’s people to deal with their sins and receive forgiveness is to confess these sins, repent, and pray to God for forgiveness (1 John 1:9; Acts 8:22). When confronted with the reality of his sin, king David simply said, “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Samuel 12:13). However, when some Christians are confronted with the sin in their life, they become defensive and seek to excuse the behavior that is under question. In this article we will consider some of the more popular methods that men and brethren use to rationalize their sinful behavior, and we will look at what the Bible says about such efforts. Continue reading Rationalizing Sinful Behavior Whoever shuts his ears to the poor will cry and not be heardBy Smith, Jeff, on January 1st, 2013Commentators debate whether Jesus’s story about the rich man and Lazarus is a parable or an actual event that crossed the border between this physical world and the invisible next (Luke 16:19-31).Regardless, the antagonist of the story is a notable example of a wealthy man who treasured up his riches and ignored the plight of the poor all around him. Dives (pr. die-veez) is the Latin word for wealthy and has become attached through the centuries to the miser of the story, clothed in purple and faring sumptuously each day while this second Lazarus, full of sores, begged for scraps at his gate. Continue reading Whoever shuts his ears to the poor will cry and not be heard The Bible Doctrine of HellBy Rogers, Heath, on December 15th, 2012On one occasion I was visiting an older man who was in the hospital recovering from a stroke. His wife and two grown children were in the room with him. As we were talking about his serious condition, he told me that he was not afraid of dying because he knew he would be in heaven. His son, sensing this was directed towards him, replied, “Dad, I’m not afraid of going to Hell when I die because at least I know I won’t be alone.”I was shocked when I heard him say this. How could a person not be afraid of going to Hell? However, when you think about it, most people probably do not really know what the Bible says about Hell. If a person understood what Hell is like, they would never make a statement like the one cited above. Therein lies the problem: many people today are ignorant of what the Bible really has to say about Hell. Continue reading The Bible Doctrine of Hell

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Watchman Magazine is a conservative, religious journal, featuring articles written from a Christian perspective. All Watchman authors believe the Bible to be the inerrant, inspired Word of God.

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