BEWITCHED

When I was growing up, my reference for the word "bewitched" was a television show of the same name. It was a light hearted comedy about a witch named Samantha who was married to a mortal (Darrin), and trying to live the life of a typical suburban housewife in America. Samantha's relatives, both witches and warlocks, along with Darrin and Samantha's neighbors, the Kravits and Darrin's employer, McMann and Tate are just some of the characters that contributed to the laughs and entertainment of the show. As a much older man, and member of the body of Christ, I now have a very different reference for the word "bewitched". And this one is no laughing matter at all. It is about something that I pray more Christians become aware of and develop a greater concern for. It is about the bewitching of the Christian church.

In Galatians 3:1, in response to a perversion of the gospel of grace that was occurring in the churches throughout Galatia, the Apostle Paul was inspired to pose the following question to them in his letter. "You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?" The question itself was simply this; "who has bewitched you?" There is no doubt that this question was specific to the matter being addressed by the apostle. The gospel of grace, found wholly and only in Christ, was being deserted for "another gospel", which Paul had unashamedly proclaimed was not another gospel at all.

As I considered the word "bewitched" and the question asked by the Apostle Paul, I became convinced that this issue was not limited to the gospel of grace. On the contrary, I concluded that "bewitching" has so affected Christ's church that one might say that nothing has had a more negative impact on it. Perhaps you may think I'm exaggerating when I say this. It is the meaning of the word that is translated "bewitched" in the Galatian passage that has brought me to this conclusion.

The word translated "bewitched" is the Greek word "baskaino". It's meaning is "to fascinate by false representation". Some of you who are reading this are saying to yourselves, "Oh my gosh, I know exactly what he means about the impact this has had on the Church." Let me repeat the definition one more time. "To fascinate by false representation." There are a multitude of believers who are being fascinated by false representations in the day that you and I live. Oh, how I could only wish it was contained in the churches of Galatia.

What was it that had caused these Galatian believers to "desert the One who had called them by the grace of God for another gospel"? I'm not setting aside the responsibility to be Berean-like and examine what people say in light of God's inspired and infallible word of truth. The Galatian believers were apparently lacking in doing this as they ought to have. But Paul is clearly inspired to write about something else that was occurring. They had been "bewitched". Certainly there were those who had been the instrument of the bewitching. In this case, those composing the churches in Galatia had been fascinated by false representation regarding righteousness coming through the works of the law.

There is a reason that Paul purposed to preach Christ and Him crucified. He admonished against the use of smooth and flattering speech, clever speech and superiority of speech. On more than one occasion he warned of those who would use the same. We have not headed these warnings well. It has leavened the whole lump and has spread like gangrene. In part it is because we have not contended earnestly for the faith. We have neglected to take up the shield of faith. We have failed to take the helmet of salvation and all too often we have left the sword of the Spirit, the word of God, idly in its sheath. We have not rightly divided the word of truth. Many have failed to be on the alert, to exercise discernment and to fix their eyes on Jesus. We have forsaken the assembling together with brothers and sisters in Christ. We have filled our lives with so much busyness that we have no time to consider Jesus, to dwell on the things that are true, honorable, right, pure, etc. We have failed to be serious minded about spiritual matters. We have allowed our minds to be lead astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. We have not gone to the throne of grace as He has welcomed us and bid us come. We have not set our minds on the Spirit as we ought. We have spent too much time walking in the flesh and not the Spirit. We have lacked a passion to know Him and the power of His resurrection; to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Too often we are concerned with what we can get instead of what we can give. Although it is not an exhaustive list, I mention all of these only to say that they have contributed to our susceptibility to be bewitched.

Why is it that many believe in the "health, wealth, and prosperity gospel"? Because many have been fascinated by it through false representation.

How can so many believe in regeneration through water baptism? Because many have been fascinated by it through false representation.

Why have so many believed in the doctrine of holiness or sinless perfection? Because many have been fascinated by it through false representation.

How can so many who claim to be students of the Bible endeavor to use books like "The Shack"  through false representation.

How can so many Christian churches have women participating in roles outside the parameters of the inspired word of God? Because many have been fascinated by it through false representation.

How can so many Christians express acceptance for or be ambivalent about the matter of homosexuality? Because many have been fascinated to do so through false representation.

How can so many pastors, elders and other's in positions of leadership and influence be so quick to jettison our pulpits, box up our hymnals and even remove the cross from our churches? Because many have been fascinated to do so through false representation.

Why are so many churches watering down their statement of faith, if they have one at all, and treating "doctrine" as a word to be feared and despised? Because many have been fascinated to do so through false representation.

How can there be so little difference between a rock concert and a Sunday morning song service at many churches? Because many have been fascinated to accept it through false representation.

Why have so many evangelical believers embraced movements to unite and declare commonality with those whose religions reject the precious truths of Christ? Because many have been fascinated to do so through false representation.

And how can so many Christians, like the recipients of Paul's letter to the Galatians, still be ready to abandoned the gospel of grace for another gospel? Because many are still fascinated by it through false representation.

I could go on but I suppose I have said enough. I hope that any reader of this article will now understand why I consider this matter of "bewitching" so serious for the church today. Oh that we might remember the words written by the Apostle Peter and stand firm in the truth "that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness." Praise the Lord that we do not have to be "bewitched"! We need to be humble recipients of all that God has provide us. His word. The Helper. Brothers and sisters in Christ. Gifted men. We need to take Him at His word. We need to be obedient from the heart. Lord, may you work mightily in the lives of your people. Help me. Help my brothers and sisters in Christ. Help us to cling to the Truth, our best defense in our desire to not be bewitched.

Defending the Gospel of Grace

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;" (Ephesians 2:8) At first I wasn't sure if "defending" was the correct word to use in the title or in the content of this short article. On the one hand I don't feel that God needs me to defend what He has declared as truth. The Bible is His holy word. As the one and only Sovereign He speaks through it with absolute authority. In addition to the authority with which He speaks, power, both of creation and the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, is found in His living and active word. But on the other hand, I am mindful of verses of scripture that admonish the believer to "stand firm", "hold fast", and "fight the good fight of faith". But I believe it was the verses I will note as I continue this article that caused me to conclude that "defending" was perhaps the exact word to use.

In Philippians 1:16 the Apostle Paul wrote that he had been "appointed for the defense of the gospel". I would never suggest that I was appointed for the defense of the gospel in the same manner as Paul was. But in Philippians 1:7, speaking of his imprisonment and of "the defense and confirmation of the gospel", Paul told the Philippian believers that they were all "partakers of grace" with him. Perhaps each one was a partaker and a defender alike. As those who have "obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand", I believe we are also privileged to partake of and defend grace.

The Apostle Peter, in harmony with the Apostle Paul, wrote similar "God breathed" words in 1 Peter 3: 15 when he wrote that we should "always be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you." The "defense" that we are called to make, or to give, is directly related to giving an account, or giving the reason for the hope that is in us. I will suggest that this reason, or this account, can only be attributed to the gospel. Without the gospel, there can be no hope to give an account for! In this sense I believe we are all admonished to be defenders of the gospel. And if called to be defenders of the gospel we are called to be defenders of the gospel of grace. The two are inseparable.

You must believe strongly in something before you will have a passion to defend it. In his letter to the churches of Galatia, the Apostle Paul left no doubt as to his faith in, and of his passion for, the gospel of grace. You will have to look long and hard to find stronger words of rebuke than those written by the apostle in condemnation of those who were distorting the gospel of Christ; the gospel of grace. Paul was inspired to state clearly that a gospel message other than the gospel or grace was in fact no gospel, or good news, at all. He knew that this message of hope, delivered once for all, was not subject to change despite its existence in a changing world. Passing years could not alter it. Cultures could not modify it. The ebb and flow of societal norms, or man's changing concept of right and wrong could not alter its truth. And all the religions of the world? Well, they would come and go and change as they might, but the gospel of grace would continue to
triumph in the redemption of men's souls.

In his warning and admonition, without reservation and with the utmost confidence in God's steadfastness of truth, Paul went so far as to warn the churches of Galatia against even himself. Bear with me as I explain what I mean. In Galatians 1:8 the apostle warned, "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!" Paul himself is clearly included in the "we" of this verse. Some may ask why, and my response would be that it was necessary. God is stressing the immutability of the gospel of Christ, the gospel of grace. Although a new creature in Christ and an apostle, Paul was still a man. And as a man he was subject to the infirmities of the flesh. I believe Paul was saying something like this to the churches throughout Galatia. "In the years to follow, whether in Galatia or anywhere else, if I am found to be preaching a gospel contrary to the gospel of grace previously delivered, don't believe me! And if I am found doing so, I should be counted amongst those who should be accursed." Paul was serious (God is serious) about the veracity of the gospel of grace.

I feel compelled to ask a question. Where are the defenders of the gospel of grace? Where have they gone? Throughout Christendom, one can faintly hear their voices above the murmur of those who would preach "another gospel". Praise God for those who preach Christ crucified and unashamedly defend the gospel of grace! But why aren't there more of them? Many do not defend the gospel of grace because they do not wholly believe it. I know there is not a single answer to why this is so. A lack of dispensational teaching, a rejection of the total depravity of man, a hidden, yet well rooted desire of the flesh to steal the glory that belongs to Christ and boast therein are but a few reasons I will mention. Oh, how quick men are to welcome grace and then add works to it.

A Precious Little Girl

God has blessed my son and daughter in-law with their first child, and me, with my first grandchild, Hannah Grace. She is a beautiful little girl! Perhaps it is simply because she is my granddaughter, I don't know. But I am very much taken by her presence. Oh, did I say she was a little girl? Yesterday she weighed a little more than 4lbs 10oz. I hope to return to my blogging through Hebrews soon. For right now, and I suspect for many years to come, I am pondering the wonder of this little girl and the One who has given her.

THE FOREMOST

There is no doubt it has been read, quoted and preached an innumerable amount of times since the precious word of God has been in the hands of His children. I am referring to the portion of scripture found in 1st Timothy 1:15 where the Apostle Paul describes himself as the foremost of sinners. The verse reads, "It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all."

Paul was not the first to be made God conscience regarding the depth of his sinfulness. In Job 42:5-6 we see Job declaring "I have heard of the Thee by the hearing of the ear; But now m eye sees Thee; Therefore I retract, And I repent in dust and ashes." And in Isaiah 6:5 Isaiah writes, "Then I said, woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts."

In 1st Corinthians 15:9 Paul wrote that he was "the least of the apostles" and that he was "not fit to be called an apostle" because he had persecuted the church of God. To the churches in Galatia he had spoken of how he had persecuted "the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it." In Ephesians 3:8 Paul included the entirety of believers when he stated that he was "the very least of all saints" and yet had been privileged, through grace, to preach the riches of Christ. Indeed, Saul of Tarsus had caused much harm to the body of Christ and to many of its members and their families.

Webster's defines "foremost" as meaning "first in a series of progression" and "of first rank or position." I recently found myself considering Paul's assertion that he was the foremost of sinners. Don't get me wrong; I am not questioning the inspired word of God but just considering the words Paul was moved to write. Was he really first in the line of many and did he actually rank at the very top as the worst of sinners?

Perhaps it was not really his rank amongst sinners that Paul spoke of when he declared himself as the foremost. In 2 Corinthians Paul admonished against measuring or comparing ourselves with ourselves. I suppose that if we did measure ourselves with ourselves, we would come up with a list progressing from the least to the greatest of sinners. Maybe Paul would be at the top of that list and maybe he wouldn't. But the measurement is the "stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ."

And so, was not "foremost of all" sinners Paul's rightful place, his only place, as he looked upon the glorious Christ? In awe, as he considered Jesus and His holiness, aware of his own sinfulness and his salvation by grace, could he have placed himself somewhere other than the foremost? I suspect that Paul may have company in the position as foremost. Is it not the position that will readily be taken by anyone who is granted a heart knowledge of the truths of Christ, His righteousness, salvation by grace and forgiveness of sins?

If you or I would dare gaze wholly on the righteous One, we might also be inclined to declare ourselves as the foremost of sinners and join Paul in crying out, "Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Paul rightly declared himself as the foremost of sinners. As we look upon the glories of our Savior, as revealed through God's holy word, you and I will join him there.

Short Thoughts for Today

The passage of scripture for today's short thoughts will be Hebrews 12:3. It is here where the Hebrew author was inspired to give us some tremendous words of exhortation and encouragement as he writes of Christ. "For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow wearing and lose heart." Oh, what a wonderful savior we have! Will you consider Him today? And will you consider Him all your tomorrows?

Earlier in this chapter we saw the Christian life described as a race that we are called to run with endurance. In other passages of scripture we see our life in Christ described as a fight, a battle, a war. We are involved in Christian service and find ourselves in the face of much opposition. In 2 Corinthians 7:5 we see Paul giving some descriptive words regarding such matters. "For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within." And in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, Paul wrote the following in regards to his life in Christian service. "Are they servants of Christ?--I speak as if insane--I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches."
 
Some may teach that weariness or losing heart comes only from getting our eyes off of Christ or by trying to accomplish His will in the energy of the flesh. Although this can be true, I would suggest that it is not always so. Useful service for the Master, or running the race set before us, can be difficult and trying. Although I made reference to some of Paul's words above, we could find countless examples of brothers and sisters in Christ who have labored long in following Christ amidst trying circumstances. Loss of heart and weariness are realities that face those who desire the high calling of being bond-servants of Christ.      

Praise God that He has provided a remedy, or perhaps even a preventative measure for growing weary or losing heart. We are to consider Jesus. Have you grown weary in service for Christ? Consider Him. Have you lost heart in serving Christ? Consider Him. Webster's provides the following definitions for the word "consider". To think about carefully. We need to do that of Jesus. To regard or treat in an attentive or kindly way. We ought to do so of Jesus. To gaze on steadily or reflectively. Oh, how we need to do so of Jesus! Let us each one consider Jesus.  He is worthy of our consideration!

We have new life in Christ. We have abundant life from Him. But He has called us to be servants. We will find great joy in serving Him in a multitude of varying ministries. You may be poured out and used up as you fight the good fight of faith and look to finish your course. If you find that you are growing weary in Christian service, take time to consider Jesus today. He is our strength. If you find yourself losing heart, do not put if off but consider Him now. Doing so will encourage your heart. Get into His word and read about Him. Think carefully about Him. Regard Him in an attentive and kindly way. Steadily gaze upon and reflect upon Him. This is God's gracious provision for us to not grow weary and lose heart. May we heed His invitation to consider Jesus.

Short Thoughts for Today

The passage of scripture for today's short thoughts will be Hebrews 12:2. This verse concludes the sentence began in verse one and includes a most valuable instruction for the believer in Christ; each one who is running "the race that is set before us". In the fist verse the writer spoke of our need to "lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us." In this second verse we see the importance of "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

"Fixing our eyes on Jesus" is the Divine instruction given by God through the Hebrew writer. When you think about it for a moment, you may find yourself asking the question; "Why would we not fix our eyes on Jesus?" As people who desire to heed the biblical call to live by faith, Christians should long to fix their eyes on Him. He is the author of faith. He is the perfecter of faith. And as people who are called to a life of endurance, there has never been another who has endured more than Him.

Oh, the importance of fixing our eyes on Jesus! Of course, this is not a mere speculative suggestion but an admonition with great significance. It seems evident that if our eyes are fixed on Him they will not be fixed elsewhere. And I cannot suppose otherwise, that if our eyes are not fixed on Him, they will be fixed on matters of much less importance. He is not difficult to find. Seated in glory, He sits at "the right hand of the throne of God." I suppose that our hearts must be fixed on Him before our eyes will be. Scripture tells us that "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." May we earnestly ask the Holy Spirit to make Him our treasure.

"Fixing our eyes on Jesus" speaks of an ongoing, continuous processs. It is not a one time matter. Many, or dare I say all of us who have fixed our eyes on Jesus for a time have found our hearts and minds straying elsewhere. With soberness, alertness and discernment we should acknowledge that there is a spiritual battle for our affections. Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life". May we heed the admonition and in our hearts long to fix our eyes on Him!

Short Thoughts for Today

Today, as I continue to "blog" through the book of Hebrews, I am privileged to begin the 12th chapter. In the first verse we read, "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us". This single verse of scripture is one of those in which considerable time could be spent on the matters it speaks of. Intending to keep my thoughts somewhat short, I will endeavor to do so in spite of the wealth of topics that are found here.

There is a race that is set before us and of this we can be certain. It is a race that is unlike any other we have been in or have ever seen. Entrance into this race came about through saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Regardless of how well we may be "running", this race is set before each believer. There has never been a more important race for the runner to run well. If we haven't already, we ought to consider and act upon the instructions that God has given us through the Hebrew author in today's passage. They were given to assist us in the race. They were given by divine inspiration from the One who has gone before us.

To run well we will need to consciously "lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us". We are not given a list of these "encumbrances" but are directly told to lay them all aside. Yes, all of them. They are various and innumerable. Simply put, they are anything that weigh us down, impede or hamper us from living for Christ. They are unnecessary burdens in our life that work contrary to a desire to be surrendered to His will and to walk in a manner pleasing to Him. The things that encumber us may not be bad or evil in and of themselves. But if they negatively effect our running the race, they are an encumbrance to us.

In addition to "every encumbrance", we are called to lay aside "the sin which so easily entangles us". We are not told specifically what this sin is. Some will suggest that this sin differs from believer to believer. They maintain that each one of us has a particular sin issue that we struggle with or are entangled by. Given the individuality of each believer, I think there is some truth to this. But I also think that there is a sin "that so easily entangles us". All of us. It is the sin of living according to the flesh and not by faith. As we run the race
that is set before us, I suppose that nothing will entangle us more quickly than the flesh and its desires.

Again, in order to run well, both of these matters need our attention. The "encumbrances" will hold us back and wear us down as we try to carry them along in the race. And sin will entangle us. Bad things can happen when the runner of a race becomes entangled. He or she may trip for just a moment before they regain their composure and are back running well. They may trip and be thrown off course for a time. The time may become prolonged. Or the runner may actually fall and scuff a knee or a hand. Or they may fall harder and break an arm or a shoulder. Because we are all in the race and no one is running alone, the entangled runner may affect the other runners as well. He or she may cause others to stumble, others to fall, others to be hurt. Oh, that for Christ we might run free of encumbrances and entanglement.

I must include a final thought on this passage; one that I would consider myself neglectful if I did not. We are called to run this race with endurance. It may not be short and it will not be easy. Some are misleading of this truth. We may have the opportunity to be in this race for only a short period of time or for many, many years. But He does not ask us to run in our own strength. He offers us His. It provides for great endurance. He affords us His divine power. Of the One who endured the cross it is said, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me". May we heed the words of the Hebrew author as we run the race set before us. Through Him let us run well!