Why was Jonah Angry that the Ninevites Repented?

WHY WAS JONAH ANGRY THAT THE NINEVITES REPENTED?

By Ezekiel Kimosop

This question cannot be adequately addressed without appreciating the historical background of Nineveh and the geo-political dynamics that informed the relationship between this Assyrian port kingdom and Israel. The political, socio-cultural and the moral predisposition of the Ninevites is more clearly revealed in the book of Nahum 1-3. It was an extremely evil and violent society (Notice the appalling description given in Nahum 3:1-4).

At the time of Jonah, scholars believe that the Ninevites were the arch-enemies of Israel. They were famed for their extreme cruelty including the torture and skinning of their enemies alive! The fact that Jesus mentions Nineveh in Matthew 12:41 is instructive of their infamy. The Assyrians were therefore rightly perceived by the Jews as enemies of God (Nahum 1:2). 

Some scholars have estimated that the city of Nineveh held a population of about 600,000 people at that time of Jonah's ministry and the 120,000 mentioned in Jonah 4:11 may have been innocent children whom God sought to spare. It may also suggest that the Ninevites were ignorant of good and evil because of their lack of divine revelation on God’s moral standards. They were also blatantly evil so that the 120,000 may have been the total number of people including children.

When God sent Jonah to deliver his warning of imminent judgment on Nineveh, Jonah was perhaps convinced that the time for the destruction these enemies of Israel had come. Jonah had hoped that that God would not forgive the Ninevites though he knew that He was a gracious God (Jonah 4:2). Three possible reasons may explain his flight to Tarshish (Jonah 1:1-3). 

First, Jonah perhaps sought to evade the opportunity to deliver the message so that God would eventually destroy them. 

Secondly, his flight may have been informed by the fear for his safety. This was a legitimate concern but we know that God preserves His people wherever He sends them. 

He may also have been driven by his personal prejudice and hatred for the Ninevites who were rightfully counted as the enemies of his people. 

At the preaching of Jonah, the Ninevites did the unusual thing. They all repented of their evil and God graciously forgave them and for this reason, Jonah was exceedingly bitter with God. His anger betrayed his deep seated hatred for the Ninevites. Notice his lament in Jonah 4:2. Jonah knew that God as a forgiving God and yet he did not want to see His mercy extended to the enemies of Israel. When Jonah prayed that God would take his life, God rebuked him for his evil attitude and it is hoped that Jonah’s ministry changed for the better after this encounter with God.

So why was Jonah bitter and angry? 

Jonah was shocked that God could deal with the Ninevites in the manner He did. His anger perhaps represented that of the average Jew! This story also teaches us that God loving and forbearing. It demonstrates His universal sovereignty over all humanity. Unlike us, God is not vengeful. He loves the redeemed and the lost alike and seeks their redemption in Christ (2 Peter 3:9). God was taught his prophet (and us) an important lesson that perhaps jolted his ministry focus forever. The story of Jonah carries prompts us to confront our deep seated prejudices for people we perceive as our sworn enemies. God doesn't share that conviction. 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2021

What can we Learn from the Life and Ministry of Apostle Peter?

BQ NO. 33 - WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF APOSTLE PETER?

By Ezekiel Kimosop

Apostle Peter was one of the key disciples of Jesus. He was called into ministry along with his brother Andrew (Matthew 4:18). Peter was a fisherman by family training and occupation and is believed to have been from a humble family. He was not given to novelty compared to, say, Mark or John.

Peter is believed to have authored the two epistles by his name and was the head of the Jerusalem church that was predominantly Jewish. He headed an apostolic council consisting of James the brother of the Lord and John. James [not to confused with Apostle James] was the writer of the Epistle of James. Apostle James was martyred by Herod during the great persecution that led to the dispersal of the Jerusalem church (Acts 12:2). He could therefore not have written the epistle of James.

John is the author of the 4th Gospel as well as the three letters of John. He finally received and wrote the Revelation of Jesus on the Island of Patmos to which he had been exiled by Roman authorities. 

Tradition has it that John died at a ripe old age, being the last living apostle. 

Now back to Peter. 

Despite his denial of Jesus Peter was assigned leadership of the Jerusalem church. He was a courageous man but often acted involuntarily and hastily (John 18:10). 

Jesus indicated to him that he will lead the church but will also be martyred for his faith.

Peter was a member of the inner circle of Jesus' disciples, indicating that he was perhaps a trusted steward who kept secrets (Mark 5:3; Luke 8:51).

Peter also witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus, an exclusive event by which Jesus authenticated His Messianic ministry with the aid of two witnesses; Moses and Elijah (Matthew 17).

Peter is perhaps most remembered for his denial of Jesus ahead of the latter's crucifixion. We should however remember that inspite of his weakness ahead of Calvary, Peter delivered one of the most powerful sermons ever recorded in the Bible leading to a harvest of 3,000 souls (Acts 2:14-42).

The post-Pentecost Peter was therefore far more courageous, full of the Holy Spirit. Peter was later arrested and locked up by the Roman authorities under the connivance of the infuential Jewish religious leaders.

He was dramatically rescued by an angel of God and reunited with the Jerusalem brethren who were earnestly praying for him (Acts 12:1-18).

Peter later heals a crippled man at the Temple (Acts 3:6)..

Unlike Apostle Paul, Peter was married and his wife travelled with him during his missionary journeys (1Cor.9:5). Little is however known about his family.

During his visit to Antioch, Peter was sharply rebuked by Paul when he shied away from mingling with Gentile believers after the brethren sent by James arrived.

This was in total contradiction to the revelation by Christ during the vision recorded in Acts 10. Little is reported on Peter in Paul's letters. It is however evident that Paul spent fifteen days with Peter before commencing his missionary work (Gal. 1:18).

Was Peter the first pope as claimed by Roman Catholics? The Bible does not affirm this claim. Although Jesus alluded to Peter's pastoral responsibility when He commanded him to shepherd the flock, some consider this directive as a representative instruction on the apostolic authority and oversight responsibility for the Church and that Peter was simply receiving the instructions on behalf of the other apostles.

It is difficult to conclude with certainty that the shepherding duty was exclusive to Peter. Paul was also called by Christ to oversee the Gentile ministry which incidentally covered a far larger geographical territory than Peter's ministry that was apparently restricted to the Jerusalem Church.

Peter perhaps needed the assurance from Christ to show that Jesus had indeed forgiven him for denying Him. 

What an amazing truth to know that our Master does not treat us as our sins deserve! (Psalm 103:10-11). God does not treat us as our sins deserve. 

Is it not amazing that Jesus was justified to reject Peter for denying Him but He stuck with him! God graciously spoke well of David despite his many sins (Acts 13:22).

What a privilege indeed that God is willing to use us as we are, sinful, weak, often fearful, resentful as Jonah was (Jonah 4:11) yet He still calls us His servants, His saints; His stewards!

This is not a celebration of sinfulness or disobedience but a sincere  acknowledgent of our fallibility by which we daily fail God's perfect standards even as we earnest seek to serve Him!

We serve under God's grace and none of us deserves to stand in His Presence.

So was Peter the first pope and did his apostolic authority flow continously through the papal order of the Roman Catholic Church?

The claim to papal continuity since Peter cannot be proved from Scripture or even by reading through church history.

This is not to suggest that Peter was less significant. We need to debunk the unbiblical myths surrounding the apostolic stature of Peter.

So what do we learn from the life and ministry of Apostle Peter? I have four key moral lessons.

1) God is not a respector of persons. He says that He will have mercy and compassion on whom He wills (Exodus 33:19; Romans 9:15). 

Peter represents the commoner called to royalty; the uneducated and unskilled in the religious circles whom God calls to ministry.

Scripture teaches that God has called the lowly or foolish of this world to confound the things which are mighty (1 Cor. 1:27-28).

Someone said that God does not call the qualified but qualifies those He calls.

2) Peter exemplifies the raw, imperfect, incomplete man or what some may call God's "work in progress". This is basically what we are before a perfect and holy God.

Romans 8:28-30 reveals that God uses the process of sanctification of saints to refine us so that we are ultimately conformed to the likeness of His dear Son. We can never attain spiritual perfection under the sun but we are confident that God will ultimatly accomplish His divine purposes in us and through us for His glory.

The claim to papal infallibility by Roman Catholics is therefore unbiblical.

3) God seeks trustworthy men and women to whom He assign the secrets and mysteries of His Kingdom (Matthew 13:11; Luke 8:10; 1Cor.13:2, 14:2).  Paul instructed Timothy to commit the gospel message into the hands of faithful men who will teach others (2Tim.2:2).

Peter was among the three disciples that Jesus confided in. The Bible teaches that ministers are stewards of God's grace on whom God counts to discharge faithful ministry work (1Cor.4:1-2).

Can you and I be trusted with the things of God and shall we be found faithful by our Master?

Bible scholars say that Peter was martyred for his faith. The statement by Jesus in John 21:16-17 has traditionally been accepted as indicative of the ultimate sacrifice that Peter would pay. 

We may not all suffer martydom but each of us has an opportunity to make personal sacrifices for the kingdom of God. These may come as opportunity costs at our disposal or even the investment of our time, skills and talents.

Jesus taught that our obedience will come at the cost of self denial and sacrifices. This is what the cross symbolizes (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34, 10:21; Luke 9:23).

Are we willing to walk the extra mile to the glory of God?

4) Peter struggled with religious legalism and racial prejudice even after Pentecost. He continued to see ministry through narrow racial prejudices. It had not dawned on him that Gentiles were entitled to the grace of God in Christ in the same way that Jews were. God taught him a hard lesson through the vision in Acts 10:8-15.

At one time, Peter shied away from identifying with Gentile believers in Antioch and Paul sharply rebuked him for his hypocrisy (Galatians 2:11-21).

Religious legalism and ethnic or race discrimination are some of the leading vices that negatively impact on church ministry today. Some Christian leaders are unable to break from its shackles.  

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2021

 

Eight Marks of a Biblical Church

 EIGHT MARKS OF A BIBLICAL CHURCH

By Ezekiel Kimosop

INTRODUCTION

There are varied opinions on what constitutes a quintessential Christian community. I wish to outline eight principles that are, in my view, pertinent in marking out a Christian congregation or communion as a congregation of God's people who are committed to following Christ and upholding the fundamental truths of the word of God. This list is by no means exhaustive. It merely serves to typify biblical Christianity in Biblical context.

1) THEY BELIEVE IN SALVATION BY GRACE ALONE THROUGH FAITH ALONE AND IN CHRIST ALONE. 

The Biblical church recognizes that salvation is by grace alone through faith and that no one can earn their way to heaven through deeds or personal effort. This is contrary to what is taught by Roman Catholics and other works-based theology groups. The religion of works defeats the purposes of the cross that predicates our redemption on Christ's finished works of the Christ alone.

Ephesians 2:8-9 says "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,  9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (NKJV). 

If one believes that they are Christian simply because they attend church every Sunday or that they were born into a Christian family or have been baptized in church but have no saving relationship with Jesus Christ, they should think again…

2) THEY SUBMIT TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE WORD OF GOD

Any Christian community that does not uphold the purity, authority, finality and infallibility of the word of God in the written Scriptures is perhaps a lost community! The true church reveres the word of God and trembles at God's voice. This is not to suggest that the Biblical church is perfect in their obedience but that they are yielded to Christ, always seeking to conform to the image of Christ (Romans 8:28-30).

Scripture reveals the mind of God to all men in all human civilizations since Calvary. It is the only cannon or yardstick by which the issues of our religious faith can find resolution. 

Here is why...

First, the Scriptures are sealed and no other revelation is to be expected (Hebrews 1:1-2). Any claim to new inspiration is utterly false and must be flatly rejected.

Secondly, the Holy Spirit does not contradict the Scriptures but reminds the Church of the teachings of Christ which are written in the Bible. John 14:26  says “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” 

The word of God keeps us from willful and habitual sinful disobedience and guides us in our journey of faith. It is the lamp unto our feet and the light unto our path (Psalm 119:11; 105). Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit and is sufficient for our obedience and edification in Christ (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 

The Biblical church should beware of false teachers who claim to have received new inspiration outside the revelation of God’s written word in Scripture. Such groups should be condemned and avoided. 

Have you ever come across a Charismatic group that wantonly rejects the authority of the word of God while insisting that the apostolic authority of the New Testament church has been restored in the last days. Nothing can be further from the truth!

3) THEY UPHOLD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

A Biblical community is a belonging community. No one walks alone in Christ (Hebrews 10:25). The Church is corporate in nature. It is an organic body of God’s people who edify and uplift one another in Christ. We are all one in Christ and should identify with one another in essence. 

We learn from Acts of the Apostles that the New Testament Church exhibited the highest ideals of Christian unity and harmony. They carried each other’s burdens. Acts 2:42-44 says “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.  43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.  44 Now all who believe were together, and had all things in common..”

4) THEY GROW IN CHRIST

The first evidence of spiritual growth is the teachability of believers. Paul told the Corinthians that they needed to be weaned on basic spiritual food before they could assimilate deeper truths because they were spiritually immature in Christ (1 Cor. 3:1-2). No Christian can outgrow the learning paces in their journey of obedience on earth. We should therefore be open and willing to learn so that we may daily grow in the knowledge of Christ and edify one another in the Lord. 

A Christian would undergo spiritual retardation if they neglect opportunities for growth and fail to regularly feed on God's word. A Biblical church must pay attention to the nourishment of its members through regular and methodical instruction in the Scriptures. The regular and consistent exposition of the word of God in the congregation is the most effective method for building and equipping God's people for Christian obedience and ministry. 

A growing church is a learning church which builds its capacity for the discernment of Biblical truth such that they can distinguish between Christian heresy and Biblical truth.

5) THEY GIVE FOR CHRIST

A Biblical church is a giving community. They are motivated by God’s love in giving and making sacrifices in support of church ministry work through regular financial giving and other contributions. 

There's been lots of debate on whether or not Christians should tithe. Whatever our convictions, we need to bear in mind that church ministry programs cannot run without regular financial support and that each community should support their ministers and their ministry programs in line with the command of Scripture. 1 Timothy 5:17-18  says “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.  18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages." 

This is clear evidence that believers should support their churches by giving to God regularly cheerfully and generously. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7  says “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” 

The church resources should however be handled under an accountable stewardship system in the fear of God (cf. Matthew 25:14-30; 2 Corinthians 8:16-24). 

6) THEY GO FOR CHRIST

A Biblical church is a witnessing church. It reaches out to its neighborhood and beyond in taking the gospel to the lost. Whereas the command in Matthew 28:19-20 is explicit about the call to taking the gospel to the world, there is much more to going than simply witnessing or preaching. 

Going for Christ is being available to be used of God in whatever capacity that God entrusted to us. We may not all be preachers but serving God in other ministry capacities is equally part of the great calling.

These ministries require our commitment and dedication. 

Onesiphorus was known for his Christian hospitality and this passion led him to minister to Paul in Prison when many had abandoned him. 

Paul’s tribute to this great minister is recorded in 2 Timothy 1:15 - 2:1 where Paul says "This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.  16 The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain;  17 but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me.  18 The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day -- and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus.”  

We should release and immerse ourselves into the things of God if God is ever gonna use us and glorify Himself in us in our generation. 

Isaiah offered to serve God and his response to God's question in Isaiah 6:8 should inspire us as a Christian community into action. Isaiah the prophet readily offered himself to preach, saying "Here am I, send me." 

God used him for His glory.

7) THEY ARE A WORSHIPPING COMMUNITY

A Biblical church is a worshipping community of believers. Worship is central to the spiritual health of any Christian congregation. 

How ought we to worship?

There are many dimensions of worship. However, true worship comes from the hearts of people who are committed to obeying God and submitting to His leading in truth. This should be evident at individual and corporate level. We ought to worship God in truth and in spirit (John 4:23-24).

At individual level, each believer should have a regular worship pattern which should not be mechanical but spontaneous, carefully planned and by which we immerse in the Spirit. 

An effective Christian prayer-life is not necessarily about the length or the time of the day that we pray or worship but the intensity of our connection with God. 

We should not create a doctrine on prayer which is not taught in the Bible. There is no passage of Scripture that commands believers to pray at, say, between 3-4 am in the morning or on a mountain top or that praying in tongues is the most effective method of prayer! 

Every believer or Christian community should pray at a time and in a manner that works for them. It is the quality and intensity that matters and not the methodology.  We ought to balance the word and the Spirit. When we engage in prayer and neglect the study of the word of God, we shall be in danger of hyper spirituality and may easily fall into heresy. Similarly, when we focus on the word to the exclusion of worship and prayer, we may fall into the religious legalism identified with the Pharisees.

8)THEY ARE AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY 

A Biblical community is an open and inclusive community where people from various ethnic groups or races or social classes or genders come together to worship God. Everyone ought to belong. Galatians 3:28 says, "There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free; there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." 

Some Christian communities consist exclusively of one race or a predominant ethnic community in urban and cosmopolitan areas perhaps because no effort is made to integrate people from other ethnic communities or races into the congregation. Some Christian communities use one ethnic language during their church services, thereby shutting out other Christians from joining them. These churches, by their practices and traditions, end up segregating themselves along their ethnic or racial distinctions.

CONCLUSION

As we serve God and grow in Christ and edify one another, let us never forget that Christ is coming soon. We should therefore look forward to His soon coming with expectant hearts knowing that this world will ultimately pass away. We should eagerly yearn for the heavenly country or city whose architect and builder is God and where God is not ashamed to be called their God (Hebrews 11:13-16).

We should seek to embrace Biblical truth in our practical Christian living and allow God's word to govern our lives and inform our daily world-view.

Are you part of the Biblical Christian community? 

Is your daily living informed by the principles of God’s word?

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2021

What does the Bible Say About Alcohol Consumption?

 

TOPIC: WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION?

By Richard Rice, Ezekiel Kimosop & Heshimu Collar, 9 October 2019. 

Please follow this discussion thread on Facebook by three Bible teachers, namely 

1) Richard Rice, (aka, Richard Musyoka on FB). Richard is a Reformed Pastor from Portland, Oregon, USA

2) Evangelist Heshimu Collar, Christian missionary, Lagos, Nigeria.

3) Ezekiel Kimosop, Evangelical Pastor, Nairobi, Kenya. 

We begin with the first comment by Richard Rice and follow sequentially....

RICHARD RICE

I won't engage in a discussion on this, I've done it too many times to wage a public battle once again. But since others may be too busy, fearful, or without knowledge to answer, here's what I will say and leave it at this: The Scripture doesn't absolutely forbid the drinking of alcohol (1 Tim 5:23). It is suggested by Paul there in a "little" amount - NOT in moderation but "little". And not as a beverage, but only in connection with drinking water. That means the alcohol was used as a medicinal treatment to purify Timothy's drinking water contaminated by harmful bacterial.

Alcohol was used in the ancient world to purify water, though they didn't understand the mechanics. Today we know that alcohol dissolves the outer membrane or skin of bacteria and some parasites. It can be used to sterilize human skin for surgery, cleaning of wounds, cure sores in the mouth, and purify medical instruments before surgery. When added in small amounts to water, it makes the water drinkable for humans, killing both bacteria (like Salmonella and norovirus) and many parasites harmful to human health and life before they reach the intestines or blood stream.  Research also shows that alcohol kills many varieties of dangerous insects. None of these are reasons, from a Biblical position, to "drink" alcohol as a beverage for pleasure or even a religious observance.

Personally, I've never consumed alcohol, but I would add a small amount to water if it was my only option for purifying water. Today we know that the use of certain chemicals or boiling water kills both bacteria and most parasites, but these aren't always available.

The first time drinking of alcohol is mentioned in the Bible (Gen 9:21), it's connected with sin. The second time it's connected with sin (Gen 19:30-35). There isn't a single positive example of drinking alcohol in the Bible. Those who drink alcohol are called unwise. I tell my congregation if they want to drink alcohol, it makes them fools, and for me, that says enough.

Some Reformed folks use Luther as an example to drink. We know that Luther drank beer. We also know that the beer was of a much lower alcohol content than beer today, and that the drinking water available in Germany was heavily polluted with animal and human feces. There was no Coca-Cola or coffee in Luther's day. He had the option of beer or water that would kill him. That is not the case for most of us today.

I've had this discussion with some of my Reformed brethren who drink alcohol as a beverage for both pleasure and "for the glory of God." They say the sin is only in becoming "drunk." When I've asked how the Bible defines the sin of being "drunk" none will answer. Instead, I'm called a pharisee for trampling on their "freedom in Christ". Yet consider that God uses the Bible to define sin for us so we can avoid sinning. If we can't explain what it means to be drunk, how can we avoid it as sin? Are you drunk only when you fall down? Once you vomit? When you get your father to impregnate you? Slur your speech? We can clearly and absolutely define sexual immorality, theft, and blasphemy. Why are we so fearful of defining "drunkenness"?

John MacArthur has done several wonderful sermons on this issue and includes dozens of pages of linguistic, historical, scientific, medical, and Biblical material in his commentary on Ephesians. He shows, for example, that wine in ancient times was far less alcoholic than what is made today. He shows from historical references that in the time of Jesus, no Jew nor Roman would ever drink straight alcohol; it was always mixed with at least 7 parts (or more) of water for each part of alcohol. Only pagans wanting to get drunk consumed it straight. MacArthur also gives excellent reasons why the "wine" Jesus miraculously created at Cana wasn't alcoholic.

HESHIMU COLLAR

Bro Richard Rice has given a view that is held by many, including Charles Spurgeon. Other believers see it differently and do not get drunk. If I'm around a saint that's offended by it, I would usually refrain. I do believe, however, the wine was real wine in John 2, and Judges 9 and Ps 104 both teach us that wine is good, a gift from God, and cheers both God and man. It was accepted in Deut to drink, and the clear admonitions of the new testament are never towards abstinence but drunkenness. That said, we must love others more than our freedoms, and refrain when conscience and love won't allow it. I'd define drunkenness as the point when you go from thankful to under the control of alcohol, but it is a hard definition, though people who drink can generally tell in themselves and others can definitely notice. It is something mature Christians must disagree about and love each other; it falls into Rom 14 for so many people. George Whitefield said Rom 14 was written, and some things are not defined clearly, so that we can love each other.

RICHARD RICE

Agreed Heshimu Colar that freedom in Christ is not personal freedom to do as we choose. Paul carefully defines that freedom as "liberty ... through love serve one another" (Gal 5:13). All that might be acceptable is not beneficial. Many who claim "freedom" for certain things employ that freedom to engage in satisfying personal likes, tastes, and desires rather than the service of other believers.

Let me also add, as MacArthur outlines, the multiple words translated as "wine" in most of the Old Testament translations describe any product of a grape vine. The various words describe everything from fresh grapes off the vine, dried grapes (raisins), fresh-pressed grape juice, a dehydrated grape paste, a grape gel we call "jelly" today, as well as an alcoholic beverage. This widely varied definition of "wine" was recognized in US law into the 1920s when the term was re-defined to refer to only alcohol. Readers of the Old Testament should be careful to understand the nuances of the various Hebrew words and not assume a certain reference is to alcohol.

EZEKIEL KIMOSOP

Heshimu Colar, Charles Spurgeon smoked cigars. How different was this from alcohol?

HESHIMU COLLAR

Ezekiel Kimosop, You can't get drunk off cigar, but other health hazards. Again, nothing in scripture to forbid. He eventually gave it up, if I remember correctly, because of influence on others. A cigar manufacturer began to promote his brand or choice to smoke.

EZEKIEL KIMOSOP

Heshimu Colar, it is an addiction substance nonetheless and believers should not toy with such. Even if there is no express command from Scripture forbidding the practice, there is no denying that hard drugs, cigarettes and alcoholic beverages ultimately destroy the body. This inescapably draws into focus the principle taught in 1 Cor. 6:13, 18-20. That's my point here.

HESHIMU COLLAR

Ezekiel Kimosop, 1 Cor 6 has nothing to do with cigarettes, eating red meat, skydiving, playing in the NFL, or living in a polluted city, all of which can kill you. It has to do with holiness, particularly relating to fornication, and loving each other more than our freedoms.

Paul continues the subject in 1 Cor 9,and talks about having a right to be paid and to marry, but he forsook those rights for a higher purpose.

Christian maturity isn't hating each other because we differ on things that can't be proven. Rom 14 teaches us to give people freedom to serve their own Master. Spurgeon disagreed with Luther and Calvin drinking alcohol, but he read them and esteemed them highly. Let's follow this example and be wise.

There are too many false prophets for needless division among saints.

EZEKIEL KIMOSOP

Heshimu Colar thanks for the remarks. 

I disagree with your interpretation of the Scriptures I cited. I believe that the moral principle goes beyond fornication.

I have not expressed hatred in our divergence of opinion. I have simply taken issue with your view that there is no biblical authority that governs these addictions. That's the elephant in the room!

We were discussing gambling in biblical context and this inevitably took us to other addiction habits such as alcohol and cigarettes.

The truth is that gambling is an addictive habit which creates zombies with eyes only focused on the Jackpot. They neither labor nor apply any known  professional skills other than probability theory.

Nothing motivates a gambler more than the win factor. Millions have been reduced to paupers as a result. 

My sincere view is that a faithful minister of the gospel cannot accommodate such harmful practices under the guise of Christian liberty.

You have not convinced Richard Rice and I that this practice is godly and admissible for believers. Show me a successful Christian gambler and I will show you a greedy and lazy chap.

However, you are at liberty to hold onto your convictions without taking offense with legitimate criticism.

We shall definitely take on the false teachers together but we should not shy away from pointing out the vagaries of this earthly life as well.

HESHIMU COLLAR

Ezekiel Kimosop, Addiction is your issue but the believer has self control. Just because a godless man can't do something, or even a believer with weak faith, doesn't mean a strong believer in that area cannot enjoy it. This is how Romans 14:1-2 opens. Addiction is sin, and people are addicted to their wives and forsake the kingdom, but we don't ban marriage. They're addicted to money and love it, destroying their souls. They are addicted to leisure, politics, and everything under the sun, but the issue is the unthankfulness of the heart.

Grace to you..

EZEKIEL KIMOSOP

Heshimu Colar thanks for the detailed discussion on this issue of alcohol consumption and the believer. 

I stand in disagreement with you on your argument.

Kindly note that addiction is not my issue. I do not consume the froth!

It is a fact that of life that alcoholic beverages and other addiction substances are dangerous not only to the believer but to everyone who engages in the habit. 

We cannot use our Christian liberty to walk the path of ruin simply because we are supposedly strong in faith! Scripture warns in 1 Corinthians 10:12: "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall."

The idea that Scripture does not forbid these addiction substances is, in my view, a lame excuse intended to justify the ungodly habits. Scripture does forbid these harmful habits and I have quoted Scriptures  that provide moral principles on the issue.

I am aware that in certain societies, alcoholic beverages are liberally consumed even among believers.

This does not change facts on its danger.

I suggest that we register our divergence of opinion on the matter and amicably close the correspondence. 

Blessed day.

HESHIMU COLLAR

Ezekiel Kimosop, "The idea that Scripture does not forbid these addiction substances is, in my view, a lame excuse intended to justify the ungodly habits." I agree. Let's end it here.

The Snare of Addiction Substances

NOT ALL THINGS ARE BENEFICIAL OR EXPEDIENT FOR BELIEVERS

By Ezekiel Kimosop

Is it permissible for a believer to indulge in alcoholic beverages or gambling? I have repeatedly come across this question on Facebook.

We have also extensively discussed on this forum in the past about dangers of addictive substances and ungodly practices.

Gambling is definitely not listed in the Bible as sin. However we can discern from our study of Scripture that its practice is ungodly.

Those who chose to indulge in the practice are inviting Mammon, the god of money, to rule them. 

God expects us to earn our living from the work of our hands. Someone said that the only place where success comes before work is in the English dictionary. How true!

Gambling is decidedly evil and every child of God should never even think about it!

Now turning to alcohol and narcotics...

My view is that the consumption of any addiction substances is ungodly. They ultimately destroy our bodies which God gifted us and which is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:12-20). 

I would classify alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics in the same range.

I know someone will quickly cite several passages of Scripture in an effort to defend alcoholic consumption but that would amount to proof texting. 

The illustrations of drunken people in the Bible are nothing to be proud about.

Noah drunk wine and was unaware that he was naked! This is utterly shameful!

The daughters of Lot used strong wine to get their father into a deep drunken stupor and we all know what followed after that (Genesis 19).

The Bible condemns the brewer of wine for the consequence of the business. It is a cursed trade. This condemnation extends to all ungodly businesses including sports companies that are daily luring young people into gambling addiction.

CONCLUSION

There are several practices we can observe from Scripture which we shall do well to avoid. 

For instance, polygamy is commonly identified with key Bible characters including David. 

Does this justify it's practice? 

Of course not! God's idea of marriage is one man and one woman. Period. (Genesis 2).

The Bible admonishes us to judge all things and to cling to that which is good (1 Thess. 5:21). 

Paul also taught that not all things are beneficial for our spiritual well-being. He chides "Food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food but God will destroy both" (1 Cor. 6:13).

Any substance or practice that results in addiction is evil. It does not matter how appealing it is.

Think again...

What is Sound Doctrine?

WHAT IS SOUND DOCTRINE? 

By Ezekiel Kimosop

INTRODUCTION

I recently had a conversation with a pastor friend and in the course of our discussion, I mentioned the phrase "sound doctrine" in relation to the conundrum of shallow Christianity that is rapidly emerging in our contemporary society. 

In some Christian communities today, Biblical truth has been replaced with motivational cliches and high sounding slogans that say little about Christ and His finished works of the cross.

Now back to my conversation with my pastor friend... 

The phrase "sound doctrine" apparently caught the pastor's attention and as we concluded our conversation, he requested that I expound on the concept and consider doing a teaching sermon on it. 

This is a challenge that I seek to pursue on this page.

If there is a time that the significance of sound doctrine mattered most in Christian communities, it is perhaps during this season where false teachings and half baked truths constantly crowd our airwaves and TV screens. 

I have mentioned a couple of times on this page that I have difficulty tunning in to "Christian" sermons on some local radio and TV channels.

There are many flamboyant preachers today who have taken over these channels but what they teach has totally no relevance to the truths of Scripture.

Sadly, millions of unsuspecting Christians blindly follow these latter day teachers of Mammon who also milk them dry financially as they promote their prosperity gospel merchandise.

WHAT IS SOUND DOCTRINE?

So what is sound doctrine? Allow me to supply my definition.

Sound doctrine is, in my view, a set of related Biblical teachings that are singly or collectively recognized by Bible-believing Christian communities in all church ages as both foundational and fundamental to their faith and practice. 

These doctrines must therefore be consistent with the broader revelation of Scripture. 

For example, the following statements would constitute some of the fundamental doctrines for a Bible believing Christian community:

A) All the things in the universe, seen and unseen, were created by the almighty God. He created everything from nothing [Ex-Nihilo] (Genesis 1:1-2; John 1:1-2; Col. 1:16).

B) The Fall of Adam resulted in the sinful condemnation of ALL men and their alienation from God until Christ (Rom. 3:23-26, 5:12-19, 6:20-23).

C) The atonement in Christ is the exclusive solution to man's sinfulness and rebellion against God. Christ alone is the way the truth and the life (John 14:6).

D) Christ's incarnation [His coming in the flesh] implies that He was fully God and fully Man at the same time during His earthly life (John 8:54-56; 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15). His divinity was not discounted by His humanity.

E) God eternally exists in three divine Persons namely God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The three divine Persons are One (Matt. 12:32;  Mark 3:29; Luke 12:10; John 1:1-3, 10:30; Col. 1:15-18; Rev 1:9-20)

F) Christ is coming again at a time appointed by God to take away His church and to judge the wicked (1 Thess. 4:17-21, Rev. 20:7-15). 

PURPOSE OF SOUND DOCTRINE

Christian doctrines inform the beliefs that shape the faith and theological expression of a particular Christian community. It is hinged on their knowledge of Christ and of His revealed word in Scripture. We cannot know Christ outside Scripture!

A religious community that is lacking in sound doctrine is likely to fall prey to the advances of false teachers or cultic movements (cf. Ephesians 4:14-15). 

A person who rejects or violates the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith or "wanders from the truth" is considered to err and should be corrected and restored to the truths of the faith (Galatians 6:1; James 5:19-20)

If they persist in their false teaching after having been offered an opportunity for doctrinal correction, they will be treated as heretics and will be liable to church discipline. They will be suspended from the fellowship of the particular group until they express remorse for their erring [cf. 1 Tim 1:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:16-19]

NON ESSENTIAL DOCTRINES

Every doctrine embraced by a Christian society should satisfy the above standards. It is however important to recognize that there are Christian doctrines that are not part of the fundamental truths and on which Christians are generally divided.

For instance, some traditions do not recognize the 1000 years reign of Christ as a literal futuristic event. 

Equally, there are rapture views that have divided Christians for centuries. Some traditions subscribe to the pre-tribulation rapture while others don't. Others recognize the mid-tribulation and post tribulation raptures as resonating with their discernment of Scripture. 

Another example is whether or not Christian marriages should be celebrated in a church congregation. This statement may sound weird to the African Christian! However, in Western Christianity, marriage is considered a private ceremony and some Churches don't get involved at all. 

Other traditions do not ordain pastors or elders in elaborate ceremonies as some do. They reject clerical robes and collars and do not use ecclesial titles such as Reverend, Cannon, Bishop, archbishop etc etc. 

Still others do not celebrate some Christian religious festivals or events such as Easter, Christmas or Lent.

These traditions however agree on the fundamentals, the inelianable truths. This is the foundation of our brotherhood in Christ amidst our conflicting doctrinal persuasions.

It is generally recognized that if we are agreed on the fundamentals, we should allow for liberty on the non essentials.

There should however be no compromise on the fundamentals of Biblical Christianity.

GUIDING QUESTIONS

In order to set the foundation for our treatment of this topic, I wish to propose a number of reflection questions that would hopefully guide our conversation. Please take time to reflect on them as we examine this important topic.

1) Do the Scriptures outline a set of discernable teachings for the church that can be classified as sound doctrine? 

2) What can we learn about the concept of sound doctrine in the Old Testament Scripture? 

3) What does the New Testament Scripture teach on sound doctrine?

4) How can sound doctrine be applied in the faith and practice of a Christian community?

5) What are the marks and pillars of a sound doctrinal system in a biblically centred Christian community? 

CONCLUSION

We shall be discussing these questions, among others, as we explore this concept of sound doctrine on this page. 

Let me conclude this introductory section by saying that fundamental Biblical doctrines provide for our Christian identity, uniformity and consistency in the assimilation and practice of the Christian faith. They distinguish a true Biblical group from Christian cults that misrepresent the fundamental truths of Scripture. 

It is my hope this series will be enriching to us all even as we seek to grow in the knowledge of Christ.

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2021