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What About Holidays?

December 5th, 2008

Someone said, “There’s no place like home for the holidays.” (Lyrics by Al Stillman, 1954).  In this brief expose, we shall explore the biblical concept of the term, “holiday (s), as it pertains to the broader concept of the Christian home.

1. Holiday is derived from Anglo-Saxon usage of holy day, according to Webster’s New Universal Dictionary (unabridged), correlating  holiday to the definition of holy itself-“1. belonging to or coming from God; hallowed; consecrated or set apart to a sacred use”  (p. 868).

2. Any accurate usage of “holy,” however, (and its associated terminology-holiness, sanctified, etc.) stems from the N.T. root word hagios.    The New Testament usage, unlike Old Testament usage, does not show particular holy days (such as Passover or Pentecost).  Furthermore, the association of Christmas Day cannot find specific endorsement from the Scriptures as ordered holy days.  The Christmas story may have a basis in Scripture (see Lk. 2:1-20); but, the Christian religion has no support for liturgical observance of such holy days (see Col. 2:16-17).  Nevertheless, Thanksgiving, for example, would fall under the Romans 14:5-6 authorization.

3.     New Testament Christians are encouraged to recognize that all days are God-given (Psalm 118:26); to recognize the incarnation as a very special day in history (Heb. 1:5-6; 2:14; 5:7; 1 Tim. 3:16)  and, also, to regularly observethe Lord’s day” (Rev. 1:10; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2).

In conclusion, then, we are not commanded to keep Holidays-but, we are commended to interpret all reality with a Christian worldview (2 Cor. 10:5; Col. 3:17; Phil. 4:8,9).  “God, give us Christian homes” RMH

Categories: Bible, holiday, Luke, New Testament, Topical Tags:

Time in the Kingdom

March 11th, 2007

“…but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?”

(Luke 12:56)

In the story, “The Well of the Star,” by Elizabeth Goudge (Farmington, PA: The Plough Publishing House, 1996), we meet David, a young, ragamuffin shepherd boy whose father is ill. David’s mother is desperate as her entire family is plunged into wanton physical needs. It is recalled that a fabled well offers hope to those whose hearts are pure enough before God who is able to answer the prayers of the needy. The story goes on to suggest that David encounters three kings at the well. These royal travelers had temporarily lost sight of a star which they were following. After it is found again, David goes with them to a stable in Bethlehem. Taken by the moment, he gives his only possession to the baby boy—his treasured shepherd’s pipe. The way home was long, for he had not served the purpose for which he left. Reluctant to return to the family hut helpless, he falls at the well, broken and empty-handed.

“The utter deadness of the hour before dawn weighed on him. Like a pall and the cold of it numbed him from head to foot. He felt himself sinking lower and lower, dropping down to the bottom of some black sea of misery”

While we realize the revisionist nature of Goudge’s novel, based loosely upon the biblical narrative, are there not times in our own lives when we question the worth of our time spent in the kingdom of God? Church work at times brings heartaches and headaches. But, the kingdom of God is its own reward. A spiritual depth that quitters never know. To serve in the kingdom of God will mean sacrifice, brokenness, and selflessness. But, the godly among us will not give up. Time in the kingdom is its own reward. “He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23).

Will God widen his kingdom through you, with you, and in you?

– Robert M. Housby

Categories: Bible, kingdom, Luke, New Testament Tags:

Luke 3:6 In American Thought

January 28th, 2007

(Salvation as Materialism)

“…and all flesh shall see the salvation of God”

(Luke 3:6, ESV)

The Gospel of Luke, alone, includes the words, “and all flesh shall see the salvation of God” (Luke 3:6). Luke’s emphasis seems to be a worldwide approach and appeal, whereas the Gospel of Matthew, for example, is extremely Jewish in emphasis. For this reason (and others), the Gospel of Luke is perfect for the American audience.

Americans, regardless of status: whether affluent or poor, all share one common denominator—the addiction to, or, at least, the habituation to material based living (from cell phones to ice cream cones). Many are too busy supporting this lifestyle to worship the Lord on Sunday, or to do ministry on a weeknight. There can be no doubt that Americans are blessed materially. The main problem which accrues from this lifestyle, however, is that it has become the standard by which we interpret the good life.

So, how do you spell “salvation”? Typically, our spelling is not what Luke had in mind at all. And, yet, Luke did have something in mind. The purpose of this brief article is to get us thinking about salvation along the lines of what it means biblically and spiritually. So, when we are tempted to slack-off, give up, or slow down, remember the words of the Lord Jesus—“No one can serve two masters…You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 5:24).

Robert M. Housby

Categories: Bible, God, Luke, materialsm, New Testament, salvation Tags:

What Did You Expect?

October 1st, 2006

“What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in king’s courts. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you”

(Luke 7:24-27)

Great expectations can be very advantageous (Lk. 3:15; Phil. 1:20). However, expectations can also be very disheartening if they are not based in fact or on faith (Prov.11:23; Acts 12:11).

1. Acts 3:5 states that a certain beggar expected one thing from the gospel, but got quite another. Should he have been disappointed? No.
2. Luke 7:24-28 raises the whole question about who was John the Baptist. Those who did not realize John’s divine identity (Malachi 3:1), were faced with either revising their expectations of him, or rejecting him altogether. Of course, revising our thinking is in order—if by revising our thinking, we correct to the will of God.
3. Proverbs 3:6 is warranted wisdom regarding expectations: “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” If one is usually discontented an expectation check may be in order.

So, even though things are not how you would like for them to be—do not base your daily happiness or eternity on it. Base your expectations on the Rock, and, then, come what may, you will be satisfied (Ps. 18:2; 40:2; Isa. 51:1,2; Matt. 7:24; 1 Cor. 10:4). The Lord is the Rock.

– Robert M. Housby

Categories: Bible, expectations, Luke, New Testament Tags:

Disappointed with the Kingdom of God?

August 6th, 2006

“He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. And someone said to him, Lord, will those who are saved be few? And he said to them, Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, open to us, then he will answer you, I do not know where you come from. Then you will begin to say, We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets. But he will say, I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil! In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out. And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

(Luke 13:22-30)

Through the years, we have seen people both elated and disappointed with their various  experiences in the kingdom of God. Some have expectations of being served, instead of serving; others work themselves into a burn-out and wind up becoming bitter; and, yet others serve with no other agenda than being well-pleasing to God their Father. The story of Luke 13:22-30 uses the phrase, “the kingdom of God” twice. Those seeking to enter, but who are unable to enter, start to present a false picture of their association with the master. The best light they could spin, however, was to say, we know who you are. We saw you teaching in our streets while we dined. All of a sudden, the kingdom becomes gravely important.

The time for seeking is now.

– Robert M. Housby

Categories: Bible, God, kingdom, Luke, New Testament Tags:

Learning at the Master’s Feet

October 9th, 2005

“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s

feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me. But the Lord answered her, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

(Luke 10:38-42)

The story of Mary and Martha offers many valuable insights. We use the term insight because an insight, in addition to being discernment, also means introspection. In other words, this story allows us to see ourselves. Consider some interesting observations about this event:

1. It was Martha, not Mary, who initiated the visit (Lk. 10:38).
2. Mary, by sitting at the Lord’s feet, chose close proximity (Lk. 10:39).
3. Martha makes two pointed statements, not one (Lk. 10:40).
4. Although, Martha is concerned about Mary’s behavior, a closer look reveals that she directs both of her statements to Jesus: “…do you not care…?” and “Tell her…” (question and command) (Lk. 10:40).
5. The doublet, “Martha, Martha” shows Jesus’ tender concern (Lk. 10:41).
6. Since this is a comparative study, “Mary has chosen…” infers that Martha has also chosen (Lk. 10:42).
7. Is Jesus’ last comment, “which will not be taken away from her,” in force today through Bible-Study?

Won’t you sit at the Master’s feet today, and learn while you may?

-Robert M. Housby

Categories: Bible, Jesus Christ, Luke, New Testament Tags:

“Does Matthew 28:16-20 Apply Today?”

December 19th, 2004

(Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:15,16; Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:3-9)

 

“Does the Great Commission, as found at the end of the gospels, have legitimate application to members of the Lord’s church today? We were asked this question most recently. What follows is an attempt to demonstrate why we think the Great Commission does have legitimate application to the church today, beyond “the eleven” of Matthew 28:16.

1. The Great Commission is different from the Limited Commission. The Limited Commission is not to “all nations” (Matthew 28:19), but only to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:5). So, to begin with, any legitimate application of the Great Commission must concede this essential point of difference.

2. Second, biblical context and biblical content should harmonize. Does Matthew 28:16, with its reference to “the eleven,” negate any other applications beyond the eleven? While careful exegesis cannot allow all specifics to apply indiscriminately (for example, the miraculous element of the Great Commission, Mark 16:17-20, does not have continuity with the church in all ages), nevertheless, when the content of the message exceeds the immediate recipients of the message, there is then a warrant for a broader application [antecedent and application should agree]. Even the Limited Commission had extended applications beyond “the twelve” of Matthew 10:5 (See Luke 10:1 regarding the “seventy”). On harmonizing context and content, take the example of Genesis 12:1-3. Here, Abraham is the only proper grammatical recipient of the message. Nevertheless, it would be improper to suggest that Genesis 12 had no legitimate application to Israel. Why? Simply because the context and content of Genesis 12 extends beyond Abraham.
3. Third, Matthew 28:20 is a mandate to perpetuate apostolic doctrine; and, the most immediate application of 28:20 is 28:19. To say that 28:20 refers to most everything except 28:19 appears problematic. Matthias, for example, was not one of “the eleven” of Matthew 28:16; still, the Great Commission, as stated in Matthew
28:18-20 would compose the very substance of Matthias’ apostolic ministry. And, if we admit a twelfth, what of those whom Matthias taught (see 2 Tim. 2:2; 2 Thess. 2:15)?

We conclude that the Great Commission applies to the church today.

– Robert M. Housby

The “I Must” Statements of Christ

October 10th, 2004

( from the Gospel of Luke)

 

“Those things are dearest to us that have cost us most”

-Montaigne

“For I say unto you, that this which is written must
be fulfilled in me, And he was reckoned with transgressors…”

(Luke 22:37, ASV, emphasis mine, RMH)

 

It would be an understatement, indeed, to say that Jesus lived an amazing life. Not only did he perform wonders (Acts 2:22), he was, himself, a Wonder (see Isaiah 9:6). By reading the gospel accounts, one gets the sense that Jesus lived his life with a great purpose, compelling him on to some glorious goal. The “I
must”statements of the Gospel of Luke are especially of interest to us. They express a grammatical imperative (mei dei from deo – binding, necessary, obligatory). Let us examine the “I must” statements of our Lord from the Gospel of Luke (Luke 9:22; 17:25; 22:37; 24:7; 24:44):

1. Luke 2:49 – “I must be about my Father’s business”
2. Luke 4:43 – “I must preach the kingdom of God”
3. Luke 13:33 – “Nevertheless I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following … ”
4. Luke 19:5 – “… Zacheus, make haste, and come down; for today I
must abide at thy house
”

In a world of “maybe,” “possibly,” and “perhaps,” it is truly refreshing to be exposed to someone who lived with a sense of “I must.” Yes, before he was bound to the cross, he was bound by “I must.”

-Robert M. Housby

Categories: Bible, Luke, New Testament Tags:

“The Cave of John the Baptist”

August 22nd, 2004

(Newsbreak: Wednesday August 18, 2004)

 

“This is he of whom it is written,
Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
Who will prepare your way before you”

(Luke 7:27, ESV)

The Toronto Star (Wednesday August 18, 2004) recently reported, “Archaeologists said Monday they have found a cave where they believe John the Baptist anointed many of his disciples—a huge cistern with 28 steps leading to an underground pool of water. During a tour of the cave, archaeologists presented wall carvings they said tell the story of the fiery New Testament preacher…British archaeologist Shimon Gibson, who supervised the dig… said the cave was carved in the Iron Age, somewhere between 800 and 500 B.C., by the Israelites, who apparently used it as an immersion pool. It apparently was adopted by John the Baptist, who wanted a place where he could bring people to undergo their rituals. Gibson further posited, “…a foot washing stone… also constituted strong circumstantial evidence that John used the cave ” (Karen Laub, Associated Press).

Essentially, then, this discovering speculates that (1) John the Baptist used this cave, and (2) He used the cave for religious ritual purposes. The evidence seems to center around: a. the cave’s proximity to John’s home (Ain Karim) b. carvings which seemingly depict the life of John, and c. that the cistern easily coincides with John’s baptismal ministry. However, Matthew and Mark report that John
baptized, “…in the river Jordan” (Matthew 3:6;Mark 1:5); secondly, near Bethany beyond the Jordan (John 1:28); and, thirdly, “… in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there” (John 3:23). If a cave was a part of his ministry we are not told. We are told in Scripture, however, that John “was not the light, but came that he might bear witness of the light” (John 1:8).

As the world media delights in this latest discovery of a cave near Jerusalem, we, as Christians, remember an empty tomb.

–Robert M. Housby

Categories: baptism, John, Luke, Mark, Matthew Tags:

“The Cave of John the Baptist”

August 22nd, 2004

(Newsbreak: Wednesday August 18, 2004)

“This is he of whom it is written,
Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
Who will prepare your way before you”

(Luke 7:27, ESV)

The Toronto Star (Wednesday August 18, 2004) recently reported, “Archaeologists said Monday they have found a cave where they believe John the Baptist anointed many of his disciples—a huge cistern with 28 steps leading to an underground pool of water. During a tour of the cave, archaeologists presented wall carvings they said tell the story of the fiery New Testament preacher…British archaeologist Shimon Gibson, who supervised the dig… said the cave was carved in the Iron Age, somewhere between 800 and 500 B.C., by the Israelites, who apparently used it as an immersion pool. It apparently was adopted by John the Baptist, who wanted a place where he could bring people to undergo their rituals. Gibson further posited, “…a foot washing stone… also constituted strong circumstantial evidence that John used the cave ” (Karen Laub, Associated Press).
Essentially, then, this discovering speculates that (1) John the Baptist used this cave, and (2) He used the cave for religious ritual purposes. The evidence seems to center around: a. the cave’s proximity to John’s home (Ain Karim) b. carvings which seemingly depict the life of John, and c. that the cistern easily coincides with John’s baptismal ministry. However, Matthew and Mark report that John baptized, “…in the river Jordan” (Matthew 3:6;Mark 1:5); secondly, near Bethany beyond the Jordan (John 1:28);and, thirdly, “… in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there” (John 3:23). If a cave was a part of his ministry we are not told. We are told in Scripture, however, that John “was not the light, but came that he might bear witness of the light” (John 1:8).
As the world media delights in this latest discovery of a cave near Jerusalem, we, as Christians, remember an empty tomb.

–Robert M. Housby

Categories: Bible, Luke, New Testament Tags: