Whatever Happened to Truth?

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Dale Babinsky under Culture, Uncategorized

It seems such a long time ago that common sense was more common, and people believed that there were some things that were absolutely true. Our own Declaration of Independence states that there were certain truths that the population held to be undeniable and self-evident. Today, however, truth has taken a back seat as our nation has embraced relativism. In short, relativism is the idea that what is true for you may not be true for me. It’s all relative and based upon our own experiences. Modern scholars will declare that there is no absolute truth, to which I would like to ask if they believe that absolutely.

The Bible paints a different picture of truth. Jesus prayed in the garden that God the Father would sanctify or set apart His followers in the truth and declared that God’s word is truth (John 17:17). In his conversation with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, when she stated that she did not currently have a husband, Jesus told her that she was correct in this and proceeded to point out that she had a spiritual problem (John 4:16-18). She and the Samaritans also had a truth problem in that they were worshipping upon Mt. Gerizim rather than in Jerusalem. Jesus did not tell her that she needed to live out her own truth. Instead, He told her that they who would worship God must do so in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). God wants us to follow the truth of His word, and to not make our own path (Matthew 15:7-9). That would seem to be absolute.

Absolute truth means that there are some things that are true for all people and at all times. Boiled down, truth is always true. It doesn’t depend on our circumstances or experiences. Water is always wet, ice is always cold, and fire is always hot. God has revealed the truth to us in His word, and it is that truth that will set us free (John 8:32). Nothing from our imagination will compare to the truth. If we are to escape the eternal fire, then we need to learn, understand, and obey the truth of God’s word and follow His will (Hebrews 2:1-4; Matthew 7:21ff; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). Be a seeker of truth, and follow God’s path to salvation.

What Is Sin?

Posted on January 12, 2016 by Dale Babinsky under Culture, Doctrine

If you ever want to bring a conversation to a screeching halt, just talk to someone about the issue of sin! In our politically correct, nothing is ever wrong, who are you to judge me world, the topic of sin or of pointing out that something is morally wrong has been equated with hate speech. Thus we are left with an “if it feels good, do it” society that does not understand the difference between right and wrong.

arrows missing target

Just what is sin? The first mention of sin in the Bible has to do with Cain’s undesirable sacrifice. God says, “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it” (Genesis 4:7, NKJV). The word ‘sin’ in this passage carries with it the idea of a crouching beast, waiting to pounce on its prey. In archery, the term ‘sin’ is used when the archer misses the mark and fails to hit the target. With regards to us, we sin when we miss the mark and do not live up to God’s desire for us. Sin is breaking the law of God. “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). These are sins of commission (something that we did). There are also sins of omission (failing to do what is right). “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).

How then do we judge between what is right and what is wrong/sinful? It is not according to our own wishes and desires, for we are mere men. Who are we to determine what is right or wrong and to be the judge of it? We need a higher standard than what man deems right or wrong. Solomon has said, “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12). Jeremiah prophesied that it is not in man to direct his own steps (Jeremiah 10:23). Thus we need to turn to God’s word, and His Holy Standard in order to see what is right and what is wrong. Paul wrote that he would not have known what was sin had God’s law not revealed that to him (Romans 7:7).

We have an obligation to check these things out in the Bible. Let us allow God’s word to give us our direction regarding what is right and wrong. Let us not lean upon man’s understanding and end up in sin. Sin leads to death (James 1:12-15; Romans 6:23). Obedience to God will lead us to life (Romans 6:16). Let us reject sin and live!

How Do You “Feel” About That?

Posted on October 20, 2015 by Dale Babinsky under Doctrine

I recently read a blog article by someone who claims to be a Christian about what it takes to be a Christian. I am sure that there are many blogs out there that address this issue in one way or another, but what was interesting about this particular post is what the author claimed he believed. Or, to be more accurate, what he claimed to not believe. The author stated that he does not believe that Jesus is God. He does not believe that Jesus walked on water, healed the sick, raised Lazarus from the grave, was born of a virgin, was raised Himself after three days in the grave, or that He died for the sins of mankind. So we may ask the question, why does he consider himself to be a Christian? Reading on in the article, the author’s beliefs were based purely on what he “feels” about God.

If the basis of religious truth is nothing more than how we feel about something, how could you ever prove what is true? I may feel that one thing is true and someone else may feel that the opposite is true, so which one is correct? Truth has to be based on facts. I may feel that the water is cold. Someone else may feel that the water is hot. But if we take a thermometer and measure the temperature of the water, now we have established the facts. Now we can know if the water is really cold or hot.

If we are going to follow Jesus. If we are going to be one of His. If we are going to call ourselves Christians (meaning that we belong to Christ). Then we need to pay attention to what He said and what He did. Jesus established the basis of truth in His prayer to the Father, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17, NKJV). What are the facts in this case? What is it that we are to believe? Let us look into the truth of God’s word for that answer, for without God’s word we would have no facts at all about who God is, what He is like, or what He desires for us to do.

Jesus said that He was God. “And He said to them, ‘You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins’” (John 8:23-24). In this particular passage Jesus says that unless you believe that “I am” you will die in your sins. That “I am” statement should take us back to Moses and the burning bush, where God told Moses to tell the Israelites that I AM had sent him (Exodus 3:14). If we are going to claim to be followers of Jesus, should we not believe what He said?

Why claim to follow Jesus if He was not raised from the dead? This does not make any logical sense. If He was not raised from the dead then there is no basis for the Christian religion. Without the resurrection of Christ, there is no foundation for Christianity. Consider what the apostle Paul wrote by inspiration:

Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable (1 Corinthians 15:12-19, emphasis added).

If Jesus was just another man, why follow Him rather than anyone else?

The reason that Christians follow Jesus Christ is because He was not just a man. Jesus is God (John 1:1-5, 14). Jesus arose from the dead and was seen by many witnesses, which the people in that day and age were unable to discredit (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). Because He rose from the grave, His apostles and disciples had a newfound courage to be able to go to martyrdom and not worry about losing their physical lives. Now they understood that there was something more beyond the grave, and so they no longer turned away or deserted their Savior in times of trouble. If Jesus had not been resurrected, this would not have been the case.

If we are going to call ourselves Christians, it would seem logical to suppose that we are going to believe what Jesus said, and that we are going to do what Jesus said to do. We can claim all day long to be one of His, but if we are not doing what He said, then that claim is false. I can claim to be the King of Morocco, but claiming it does not make it so. What is the truth of the matter? Jesus said,

Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7:21-23).

We had better know what the will of the Lord is, which is based upon the truth of His word and not upon our feelings. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). You cannot prove it, if you do not know it! However, we can know for sure what the Lord requires of us. Paul wrote in Ephesians, “how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)” (Ephesians 3:3-4). When we read God’s word, we can understand what He requires. We can know what His will is. Come and see what God’s word has to say on this subject and many others. The Holy Bible can help us to cut through the fog of confusion and see the truth for what it really is!

Show Me the Evidence!

Posted on August 4, 2015 by Dale Babinsky under Christian Evidences

When it comes to matters of faith these days, it seems that many have determined that they are just going to believe in something whether there is any evidence for it or not. For instance, I could state that I believe that the world was created by the one eyed spaghetti monster, and that is who I am going to worship. When pressed for evidence of said creature, I could state that we just need to have faith and evidence is not necessary. It may be pointed out that belief without proof/evidence is irrational. It does not make logical sense to believe in a spaghetti monster without evidence.

Our faith and belief in God, who is not visible, must then be based upon the evidence that is visible. This is biblical faith. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1, NKJV emphasis added). There is evidence of God in the creation. “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). The fact that there is a cosmos proves that there has to be a God. Because there is something now, there must have been something before. We cannot get something from nothing. Something must then be eternal, but we know that matter is not eternal. Thus it had to come from somewhere. The design we see in the universe also shows us that there has to be a designer. Systems as complex as the human body could not have come about by chance. Those who place their faith in random chance and evolution have the same problem as those who believe in the spaghetti monster. The evidence does not support their claim.

Imagine that you are on trial for your life. Now imagine that I am on the jury that will decide your fate. How would you want for me to proceed? Should I say that I think you are guilty because that is how I feel? Should I say that you are innocent because you have an innocent looking face? How about if I base my judgment in your case on the evidence? Looking at the evidence takes all of the emotion out of the issue. Looking at the evidence will help us to achieve a logical, rational, and correct viewpoint. This is how God wants us to proceed! That is why He invites us to come and reason together (Isaiah 1:18). Faith and reason are not enemies; they are joined hand in hand. Our faith must be based upon reason!

The evidence of God is all around us.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened (Romans 1:18-21).

The power and wrath of God has been revealed. Those who are unrighteous wish to suppress the truth. They do not want for there to be a God, so they ignore the evidence. The evidence is manifested within their own bodies. God has shown us the evidence, and true science indicates how complex the human body is (skeletal system, digestive system, nervous system, cardiovascular system). Each part of our body receives just what it needs when it needs it. If we were to look upon a manufacturing system with such complexity, we would certainly conclude that it did not happen by chance. Since the creation of the world, the workings and power of God have been clearly seen. So then, if we choose to ignore the evidence, God says we are without excuse. We cannot claim that we did not know. Ignorance is not an excuse.

Let us not run from evidence, reason, and science. All of these prove to us that there is a God. All of these indicate to us that there has to be a God. Since there is a God, how should we react? (Deuteronomy 6:5; Joshua 22:5; Mark 12:30; John 14:15). Because there is a Creator, we should seek Him out and find out what it is that He wants for us to do (Matthew 7:21ff). The answers are in His word. Let us continue to dig for the evidence, which will show us that our faith is true and not based on irrationality. Let us then show that evidence to those who are around us!

The Truth is Black and White

Posted on July 28, 2015 by Dale Babinsky under Culture, Doctrine

Rachel Dolezal is not black. She was born to two white parents, but later bronzed her skin and changed her hairstyle. After claiming to be black, she was made a local leader in the NAACP. Recently, her parents have spoken out to say that Rachel is not black. Rachel responded by saying, “Nothing about being white describes who I am. So, you know, what’s the word for it? The closest thing that I can come to is if you’re black or white, I’m black. . . I’m more black than white. On a level of values, lived experience currently. In this moment, that’s the answer. That’s the accurate answer from my truth” (http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/rachel-dolezal-says-theres-no-biological-proof-of-who-her-parents-are/ar-AAbI12V?ocid=ansnewsap11).

Notice that she says “in this moment” she is black, as if we are able to change our heritage over the course of time. I can get a suntan, grow dreadlocks, and start to speak with an accent (Hey, mon, don’t ya know it), but that will not make me Jamaican. The truth is not something that is subject to change over time. Jesus prayed that God would sanctify or set His people apart by the truth, which is God’s word (John 17:17). The Bible tells us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NKJV). We are not to add to or take from God’s word (Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32). Jesus said His words would endure forever (Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31).

Rachel believes that her answers are according to “her truth,” but truth is not relative. I cannot have one truth that is different from your truth. I can have an opinion that is different than yours, but there is only one truth. If I were to say that the lights are on and you were to say that the lights are off, both of those statements cannot be true at the same time. The truth does not depend on our environment or our situation in life. Water is wet. Jesus is Lord. There is just one God. These things are true whether we believe and accept them or not. The truth is not gray. The truth is black and white.

“Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And Your law is truth” (Psalm 119:142). “You are near, O Lord, And all Your commandments are truth” (Psalm 119:151). “The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever” (Psalm 119:160). God’s word could not be clearer on this subject. Yet, there are those who will still ask the question that was on Pilate’s lips as Jesus stood before him, “What is truth?” (John 18:38). If you want to know more about the truth, read God’s word. If you want to find eternal life, you must believe it to be true (Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6). If we can help you on your journey, come and see what the Lord has done for us!

Marriage Matters

Posted on July 7, 2015 by Dale Babinsky under Culture

Over the course of the past two weeks there has been much discussion to be found regarding the issue of marriage and the Supreme Court’s decision to legalize gay marriage in all fifty states. Additionally, there has been a wide range of responses offered by the Christian community. There have been some who have embraced the high court’s mandate, others have railed hard against it, and a third group has declined to address the issue. It leads us to wonder just what should the Christian’s reaction be to what is going on?

If we are to be Christians, then we need to speak where the Bible speaks. If we only looked at Romans 1 we would be able to get a picture of what God says about homosexuality. Paul writes, “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due” (Romans 1:26-7 NKJV). He starts off by saying for this reason. It is because mankind has ignored God, even though they once knew Him, and even though there is evidence in the creation to point to Him. Because they have rejected God, He has allowed them to walk away. They have instead been given over to vile passions.

In looking at this passage we should notice four things about God’s opinion of homosexuality. First, He calls it a vile, or degrading passion. This word can also mean dishonorable, disgraceful, or shameful. This is not something that God sees as desirable. Second, He calls it unnatural. This is simple science and biology. Nature itself declares that the union of woman with woman or man with man is unnatural. Their bodies are not designed to fit together as God intended. Thus, nature even shows us the compatibility of man’s body with that of woman, and that is the only way to procreate and bring forth a child. Third, God calls homosexuality shameful. That which is shameful is an indecent act; it is unseemly. This particular word is never used for anything that is acceptable to God, but instead refers to that which is rejected by God. Man has acceptable passions, but lust for another man is not one of those. Fourth, He calls homosexuality an error. The Greek word here also indicates that it is a perversion, a delusion or deceit. It shows a deviation or leaving of God’s Divine pattern. It says that they receive “in themselves the penalty of their error.” Could this be a reference to STD’s and particularly the AIDS virus?

If we are to go by God’s word, then we cannot rejoice or embrace the decision. There are many on Facebook and other social media outlets who are expressing joy over the decision, because now their gay friends can get married. They change their profile pictures to show a rainbow to illustrate their support. This is not Christian behavior. The Christian cannot rejoice or embrace what God has condemned and described as degrading, unnatural, indecent, and error. The Bible is clear that God will punish those who practice such activities, but will also hold those who approve of them just as guilty as those engaged in the act (Romans 1:32).

While we are called to preach the truth, we are to do it in love. This does not mean that we are to soft peddle the truth. This does not mean that we are to shy away from what we have to say. God said that we are to love one another (see the whole letter of 1 John). But there is a vast difference in that Agape, all encompassing, self-sacrificing, love that God wants us to have, and the erotic love that is only meant to be shared between a husband (male) and his wife (female). Imagine that you saw someone in a burning house. How would you react? Would you call out, “Hey, friend. Maybe sometime we should talk about the danger of fire.” Are we to think that we cannot call out in haste that they need to flee the burning building now? Do we think that we are being hateful by telling them to get out now? Then why would it be hateful to point out to them their lost condition and their need to escape from the eternal flames of hell? If we truly love people the way the God described, then we need to tell them what is best for them to know. If those who claim to love their “partner” really loved them, then they should be willing to change their relationship in order for that person to make it to heaven. God makes it clear that homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of heaven (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). But then He says, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11). They were able to change their lifestyle and be sanctified and made holy. If they could do it then, people can do it now.

We cannot just ignore the issue and hope it will go away. Some do not want to address the issue for fear of appearing as if this is all that Christians talk about. We don’t want to single out one sin and ignore all the others. However, no one is trying to force us to accept the lifestyle of murderers as normal. No one is telling our first graders that lying is just an alternate method of communication. No one is mandating that we never speak out against those living in adultery, or else be accused of hate speech. While I would agree that this is not the only sin, and that it is not any more important than any other sin, it is one that the world wants us to accept and embrace as normal, and that does make it different. We have an obligation to speak the truth in love, but sometimes we swing the pendulum too far in one direction or the other. We do need to speak out on this issue. If we do not, then who will warn the world? See Ezekiel 3:17 and Matthew 5:13-16.

Why does it matter? Many will ask the question of the Christian, “Why do you care if two people get married?” “How does that affect you?” Here is the thing. To be a Christian means that you belong to Christ. He is your Lord and Master. How can we then divorce ourselves from God and act as if something that He has called an abomination has no affect on us? Can we really ignore or rejoice over something that grieves God’s Holy Spirit, and still call ourselves one of His? (Isaiah 63:10; Ephesians 4:30). It matters because of our struggle against the darkness of this world. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). Our struggle is for the souls of mankind, and in that struggle we must be on God’s side if we are to be one of His children.

Additionally, it matters because as a nation we will all be subject to the consequences of God’s wrath. When the Israelites conquered Jericho they were told not to take of the accursed things that were in Jericho. However, Achan took of the spoils and the whole camp was affected by the punishment for that sin (Joshua 7). When God’s patience ran out on the nation of Israel and all of their idolatry, they were taken away into the Babylonian captivity. Not all of the Israelites were guilty of idolatry, but they still suffered the consequences of the sins of that nation. Today, we say, “Well, what affect does it have on me if two men want to get married?” Make no mistake about it, God will punish sin. “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). God’s patience eventually ran out with Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, and Israel. You can read about that in the pages of the Old Testament. When God decides that His patience with America has run out, it will affect us all. It is up to us to try to return our nation to the principles of God before it is too late. It would do us well to heed the words of God, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Marriage matters to us, because marriage matters to God.

The Impossible Dream?

Posted on June 23, 2015 by Dale Babinsky under Doctrine

Unity. Too often today we look for unity, only to find division and strife. Whether in regards to race relations, politics, sports, or our outlook on life, we as a people seem to have gravitated towards focusing on what divides us rather than what unites us. But how do we achieve unity? Is it achievable? How do we begin?

First we need to realize that unity is only achievable if we are all using the same standard to measure our beliefs and behaviors. That standard is the Word of God. If we would all go to the Bible for the foundation of our beliefs, our behavior, our religious practices, and what we say and do, then we would have unity. Not possible, you say? Well, just look at Jesus’ own Apostles. One of them was Simon, a zealot (Luke 6:15). The zealots were known for political assassinations of Romans and for stirring the people up in revolt. Another of the Apostles was Matthew, who was a tax collector for the Romans (Matthew 10:3). Yet, the two of them worked together in unity as Apostles, because they were united in Christ, the Word of God (John 1:1-2, 14).

If we were to use the Bible as our guide, not our own understanding or our own thoughts and ideas, then we could fulfill Jesus’ prayer in the garden. Jesus said, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:20-21 NKJV). Jesus wanted His followers to be one, to all be on the same page, to be united, so that the world would believe. Many point to divisions between religious groups as proof that there is no God. They are right about the divisions, but not about atheism.

The Scriptures often speak of unity. We are to be of the same mind (Rom. 12:16; 1 Cor. 1:10; Phil. 2:2; 3:16; 4:2; 1 Peter 4:1). We are to speak the same things (1 Cor. 1:10; 2 Cor. 4:13). We are to have the same foundation (1 Cor. 3:10-11; Eph. 2:19-20). Paul wrote, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1-3 emphasis added).

We are to have unity, but not a unity where we water down God’s word to the point that it is no longer recognizable. We can preach tolerance for others and diversity to the point where we accept two mutually opposite points as both being true. How can that be? No, if we are to have unity, then that unity must be based upon the same standard. It must be based upon the truth of God’s Word. We do not achieve unity by capitulating on the truth or by trying to make truth relative.

You may not believe that we can have unity. However, in looking at how much the Bible speaks of unity ask yourself one question. Would God ask us to do something that is not possible? God as told us to be unified. He has given us His standard to guide us in that unity. His Son prayed for that unity. Why do that if it is not achievable? If we would just go to His Word, study what it really says, and then do that, we could have unity. We could be one in Christ like as the Apostles. That would be a better way!

Following the Pack

Posted on February 3, 2015 by Dale Babinsky under Article

In a recent interview, Lance Armstrong has reiterated that he would cheat again if he had a chance to do it all over. Lance Armstrong was revered as one of the greatest cyclists ever. He won seven consecutive Tour de France titles from 1999 to 2005. However, all the while Lance was winning those titles; he was also guilty of taking performance enhancing drugs (PEDs).

Once it became known that Armstrong had been doping, his titles were stripped from him. After years of denials that he was taking PEDs, he finally came clean in 2013 and admitted to the doping during his illustrious career. He states in his recent interview that he would do it again to be competitive, because everyone was doing it. His only regret is that he was put in a place where he had to make the decision to take PEDs, not that he actually gave in and doped to improve his performance.

So, Lance would make the decision to run with the pack again. Do you ever remember your mother asking you if you were going to jump off of the bridge just because everyone else was doing it? Is that a legitimate excuse? Lance Armstrong’s philosophy reeks of situational ethics.

What do the words of Scripture have to say about situational ethics? Is there ever a right time to do a wrong thing? Paul writes, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:7-9 NKJV). Armstrong has allowed bad company to influence him to also do that which is wrong (1 Corinthians 15:33). He has given in to running with the pack, rather than standing for what is right and good (competing according to the rules). In his constant lying about his drug use, he has not let his yes be yes and his no, no (Matthew 5:37; James 5:12).

Furthermore, James says, “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). Lance knew what he was doing was wrong. He circumvented the rules to gain an advantage. Many might say they understand. Who wants to work in a bicycle shop in Plano, Texas when they can be on top of the world? The problem is that if we do that which is wrong, and say that we would do the same thing again, we show no repentance for our sins. It does not matter if everyone else is doing it. Jesus said there was a broad and easy road, that many were traveling, and that this road leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14).

God wants us to follow Him, not the pack. He wants for all men to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). There is never a right time to do a wrong thing. Ethics are not situational. Truth is absolute. Cheating and lying are always wrong. Will we be like Lance, and do whatever it takes to achieve fame and fortune in this life, only to lose our own souls (Matthew 16:26)? Or will we be like Jesus and keep our focus on doing right so we can join Him for eternity, even if we have to struggle in a bicycle shop in the meantime? Who will you follow?

Speaking in Tongues – Part III

Posted on December 16, 2014 by Dale Babinsky under Article

In the first two lessons of this series we examined the purpose of speaking in tongues and the limited duration of this spiritual gift. Finally, we want to consider what rules for the use of this particular spiritual gift were put into place by God. In this lesson, we will answer the question of what rules were to govern the use of the gift of tongue speaking. Once again we will turn to Paul’s first epistle to the Corinthians for an answer to our question about the rules for tongue speaking.

Rule #1 – If one speaks in tongues and there is no one to interpret, he is only speaking to God (1 Cor. 14:2). This is not to be desired in the worship assembly as the church is not edified by the tongue speaker (1 Cor. 14:3-5). It does no benefit to others if I preach the greatest sermon in the world in Latin and no one can understand what has been said.

Rule #2 – Tongues could be interpreted (1 Cor. 14:5). This means that the tongue speaker does not speak some unknown gibberish, but a known language that could be interpreted by others. Like a missionary to Africa who only can speak English, without one to interpret the message into Swahili, his words will be meaningless to the crowd. This point is illustrated by Paul in the passage that follows (1 Cor. 14:6-12). Notice here that Paul makes reference to the many languages of the world, which supports the fact that the tongues being discussed are known languages of the world.

Rule #3 – Without an interpreter, speaking in tongues was useless (1 Cor. 14:13-19, 27). Paul asks how anyone can say ‘Amen’ to our blessing if they cannot understand the words of our public prayer (1 Cor. 14:16). Again, if I pray in Latin and no one can understand what is said, it does them no benefit and they have no opportunity to share in the blessing by being able to say ‘amen’ to the prayer. We are told to sing and pray with understanding, so to do either without being understood by others does them no benefit. Paul would rather speak 5 words that are understood than 10,000 words in a foreign tongue that are unknown to the listener (1 Cor.14:19).

Rule #4 – All things in the worship service were to be done for the edification of the whole body (1 Cor. 14:26). Once again, we have seen that speaking in a foreign tongue does nothing to edify the rest of the congregation who cannot understand what is said without an interpreter. All things are to be ruled by the edification that is created for the hearers.

Rule #5 – Tongue speakers were limited to 2 or 3 per service (1 Cor. 14:27).

Rule #6 – Tongue speakers were to speak one at a time and not all at once (1 Cor. 14:27). This comes back to the need for there to be an understanding of what has been said. One cannot understand if everyone is speaking at the same time.

Rule #7 – If there was no one to interpret the tongue, the speaker was to keep silent (1 Cor. 14:28). This means that the tongue speaker had control over their gift. They did not fall into some sort of a trance. They were not forced to speak. They fully had the option to keep silent if they were going to speak in Latin (or any other language that the listeners would not understand) and no one would be able to tell what had been spoken.

In reviewing the purpose, duration, and rules for use with regards to the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues, we can draw a few conclusions. First, the purpose of tongue speaking was to confirm the word. Second, the duration of tongue speaking was limited until the completion of the New Testament writings. Third, the rules for the use of tongues shows us that tongues were not unknown gibberish, but known languages of the world and there were at least 7 rules for the use of the spiritual gift of tongues. This can be a difficult subject to understand, but by reviewing God’s holy word we can arrive at the truth of the matter.

How Many Are There?

Posted on November 18, 2014 by Dale Babinsky under Article

Have you ever looked around and wondered why there are so many different religious organizations or churches in the world? It seems that there are new religions popping up everyday in most places around our country. What is even more confusing is that most of these religious groups are all teaching and preaching a different message. In many ways the message of one group is a directly opposed to the message of another. Can all of these be true to the directions of God? Is God’s message to man really full of oppositions and contradictions? Is truth relative?

Consider what we find written in God’s word in Ephesians 4:4-6, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all (NKJV).” Notice in this passage that there are many faiths (one) and as many bodies (one) as there are Lords and Gods (also just one). We can also see that the body is the church by reading further in the Ephesian letter (Ephesians 5:23) and in the book of Colossians (Colossians 1:18, 24).

Since we see in God’s word that there is just one body – just one church – then we should do all that we can to make sure that we are in that one church. This is the church that Jesus promised to establish (Matthew 16:16-19). This is the church that was established on that day of Pentecost in Jerusalem (Acts 2). Back in the first century there was only one church that the believers were a part of. There were not different denominations on every corner or on every street. Let us strive to belong to that church that was built by God!

salvation's path

Finding God's Message in the 21st Century

Tag Archives: Truth