THE LAW AND WORSHIP

Introduction

Man was made to worship. Since the Fall, he will either worship the Creator or the creature. There is no neutrality because there are no vacuums. In other words, there is not a nothing but a something. Can man make an exact representation of God? To do so, man would have to be God’s creator. This is an impossibility if there ever was one. The Lord Jesus Christ made this known about God in John 4:21-24, "Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 23But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." God is looking for us to be like Him. This is only possible through the atonement in Christ Jesus. True worship is spiritual worship. In other words, we have to realize not only that God is Triune, but that He is also Spirit. What can we use to represent this Spirit since none of us have seen Him with our physical eyes? We can only recognize His effects. This is what the Lord Jesus said in John 3:8, "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit." We can only see the effect not the source of the wind. If we cannot see the source, how can we make an adequate representation of the source?

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

Leviticus 26:1-2 reads, "Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God. 2Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD." Making representations of God was forbidden by the second commandment. This is a negative commandment. Therefore, the positive side has to be spiritual worship. To keep God’s Sabbaths and to have veneration for His established sanctuary is part and parcel of spiritual worship. To worship God in spirit and truth is to recognize Him as both Creator and Lord.

Man will either worship the Triune God or seek a god of the creation to worship. He will bow down himself to someone or something. It is inherent in his nature. Paul wrote this truth in Romans 1:18-25, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. 20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen." Verse 25 is very telling. Those who break the second commandment worship the creature more than their Creator. In other words, they are in idolatry. They are offering false worship to a false god. Therefore, they are not worshiping in truth and spirit. They are living in a fantasy world.

The apostle John was shown seven visions in the book of Revelation by an angel as Revelation 1:1 expresses, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John." This angel was a messenger sent by God to John. In other words, whether this was an actual angel or a man who had gone to heaven, he was a creature and not the Creator. Here is what happened at two different junctures during this vision process. Revelation 19:10 says, "And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." This messenger obviously shone with the glory of the Lord. John was tempted to worship him. This messenger rebukes John and points him to whom he should worship, God. Again John finds himself wanting to worship the creature more than the Creator in Revelation 22:8-9, "And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things. 9Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God." The messenger once again enjoins John to true worship. Only worship of the Creator is in keeping with the second commandment. All other worship is idolatry.

Conclusion

Paul wrote this about the Lord Jesus Christ in Hebrews 1:5-6, "For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? 6And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him." Verse 6 conclusively proves that the Lord Jesus Christ is God (second person of the Trinity). He is worthy or our worship. When we worship Him, we are worshiping in truth and spirit.

TRUTH AND LYING

Introduction

We live in a day and age when lying has become the norm rather than the exception. It is used to be said that a man’s word was his bond. You could rely upon people’s word. Not today. If someone tells you something, it may or may not take place. We have become jaded. We simply do not trust other people’s words. They tell us one thing and do another. This has serious consequences. I remember hearing a man at work say, something he thought was clever, "That contracts were made to be broken." What was he really saying? All men are liars. They will not abide by their word, if they think that they can get an advantage. This attitude is all to common in the sports world where athletes will break contracts and hold out for more money. They are simply liars.

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

The ninth commandment in Exodus 20:16 reads, "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour." This is a negative commandment. The positive side would entail telling the truth regarding our neighbors. Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary renders "false" as, "Not true; not conformable to fact; expressing what is contrary to that which exists, is done, said or thought. A false accusation imputes to a person what he has not done or said. A false witness testifies what is not true. A false opinion is not according to truth or fact. The word is applicable to any subject physical or moral." In the same dictionary, "witness" is "1. Testimony; attestation of a fact or event. 2. That which furnishes evidence or proof. 3. A person who knows or sees any thing; one personally present; as, he was witness; he was an eye-witness. 4. One who sees the execution of an instrument, and subscribes it for the purpose of confirming its authenticity by his testimony. 5. One who gives testimony; as, the witnesses in court agreed in all essential facts." So a false witness would be some one who says that they saw, heard, was present etc., when in fact, such was not the case. A false witness is essentially a liar.

Where does lying come from? John 8:44 answers this question, as follows: "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." The devil is father of lies. The devil did not abide in truth, therefore by definition, he abides in falsehood and he is the first false witness. His testimony cannot be trusted because it is not and cannot be truth. He is synonymous with all that is untrue. The word "devil" means slanderer.

Webster’s Dictionary defines a "liar" as, "1. A person who knowingly utters falsehood; one who declares to another as a fact what he knows to be not true, and with an intention to deceive him. The uttering of falsehood by mistake, and without an intention to deceive, does not constitute one a liar. 2. One who denies Christ." Notice the elements which establish lying. First, there is a knowing what is being spoken or represented is false. The liar knows it is untrue. Secondly, it is done with the intent to deceive by false report spoken or written to another person. Revelation 21:8 says, "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." This verse should make it apparent that all liars eternal state is one of eternal punishment. They have given false witness against their neighbor in the same that their father the devil does. Therefore, it is not surprising that they will spend eternity with those that they are like. The law is likes beget likes. Liars beget liars.

In contrast, Jesus said in John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." As the devil is a liar and the father of all lies, the Lord Jesus Christ is the truth. If we are a Christian, then we must walk in the truth. The Lord Jesus said of the Holy Ghost in John 16:13, "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come." He is the Spirit of truth and by definition can only speak truth. Therefore, since a Christian has the Spirit of truth in their hearts, they will bear true witness. Their word can be relied on.

Conclusion

Since there is no neutrality, we will be either true witnesses or false. The ninth commandment was given to us to encourage to speak the truth in love as Ephesians 4:5 enjoins, "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ." Finally, 1 John 2:4 reads, "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." In other words, those who claim to be Christians but do not obey His commandments, John the apostle says plainly that they are liars. They are liars because they do not have the Spirit of truth in their hearts. They are hypocrites and false witnesses and break the ninth commandment.

TESTIMONY AND WITNESSES

Introduction

Courts are important for the punishing of evildoers. This is what our government’s main function should be concerned with. This is why it is important to have testimony and witnesses that are truthful. Without it, we will not have justice. Biblical law is concerned with accurate testimony. After all, we do not want to condemn innocent people and we do not want to see the guilty go unpunished. Justice is essential to the proper order of any society. If we do not think we can get fairness from our court system, then good people are at a definite disadvantage. Truth in the courtroom is of the upmost importance. Men’s lives hang in the balance on the truthfulness of the witnesses statements. The ninth commandment follows the fourth commandment in the covenant model of sanctions, blessing for truth, cursing for lying.

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines "testimony" as, "A solemn declaration or affirmation made for the purpose of establishing or proving some fact. Such affirmation in judicial proceedings, may be verbal or written, but must be under oath." This oath is calling down curses upon oneself for not telling the truth. In other words, there are curses for testifying falsely. Psalm 19:7 says about the testimony of God, "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple." We can rely on the word of God because of the veracity of the Lord. Numbers 23:19 testifies to this integrity, "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" He hath spoken and He will make it good for He can only tell the truth because He is truth. We can rely on His testimony regarding Himself.

In the first message on the ninth commandment, I defined the word witness. Its primary meaning is testimony i.e. attesting to a fact or occurrence. The strongest form of evidence admissible in a court of law is eye-witness testimony. This is why hearsay evidence is not allowable as testimony. It was something heard second hand, not something that they actually witnessed themselves. In the Bible, we have the concept of two witnesses. Jesus said in John 8:17, "It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. 18I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me." Based upon the law, Jesus bore true witness of Himself and the Father was the other true witness. There testimony is of course above reproach.

The reason for two witnesses with corroborating testimony in convicting one of wrongdoing is that an individual can have a vendetta against someone else and make up lies. This becomes one word against another. But where two are in agreements as to the facts, it takes away this revenge factor. In fact the death penalty can be only carried out based on this two witness system. Numbers 35:30 bears this out, "Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die." It takes witnesses i.e. plural testimony to put someone to death.

The Lord Jesus was put to death based upon this two witness testimony, only the declaration was given by those who broke the ninth commandment. We find this account in Matthew 26:59-61, "Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; 60But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, 61And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days." These men were seeking to pervert justice. Finally, they found two that could agree. These men were not interested in seeing justice furthered. In fact, they wanted just the opposite.

Deuteronomy 16:19 reads, "Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous." One of the attributes of God is that He is that he does not show favoritism. If you do wrong, you suffer for it, no matter who you may be. We are to be like God in this manner when dispensing justice. Bribes cause people who have seen things to lie. They break the ninth commandment by being false witnesses. Justice is perverted by bribery. It leads to corruption and justice given to the highest bidder. The court system then becomes a place ruled by liars.

Conclusion

Being a witness and giving testimony is an inescapable concept. It depends upon the condition of the heart. The Lord Jesus said in Matthew 15:18-19, "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies." Out of an evil heart comes false witness and the breaking of the ninth commandment. False witnesses essentially are calling God a liar by their dishonesty. They are saying that there is no true justice. They are of their father the devil.

THEFT AND RESTITUTION

Introduction

We live in a material world. We use goods and services in which to maintain our physical life. This requires that we own property which we call possessions. These belong to us for enjoyment and we can dispose of them as we see fit. If lawfully obtained and used, no one has the right to tell us what we can do with them because we own them, not even the government. There is freedom in owning our own property. We do not have to be dependent upon others when we have our own assets. Theft, however, is symptom of a breakdown in the social order. We live in a day and age when we are never secure in our possessions because of rampant thievery so prevalent in our day and time.

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary renders "theft" as, "The act of stealing. In law, the private, unlawful, felonious taking of another person’s goods or movables, with an intent to steal them. To constitute theft, the taking must be in private or without the owner’s knowledge, and it must be unlawful or felonious, that is, it must be with a design to deprive the owner of his property privately and against his will." The key here is deprivation or use of. It converts property from one person to another without any form of remuneration. It is the unlawful taking of another’s goods. It is performed without the knowledge of the owner. In other words, thieves work undercover. They are sneaks and cheats.

1 Corinthians 6:10 reads, "Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." Thieves eternal fate has already been determined by God. They will not inherit the kingdom of God. They do inherit eternal punishment. A thief is present oriented and more concerned with the material world rather than the spiritual. Revelation 9:21 says, "Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts." A thief may so be hardened in his sin that he refuses to repent of his thievery, no matter what kind of judgment the Lord may bring upon him. He does not like to work for a living. In the final analysis, thieves end up spending more energy in stealing and covering up their thefts than if they would do an honest days labor. Their intelligence is negligible.

Once a thief should come to saving knowledge, he will be convicted by the Holy Ghost to make restitution for his thefts. Webster defines "restitution" as, "1. The act of returning or restoring to a person some thing or right of which he has been unjustly deprived...2. The act of making good, or giving an equivalent for any loss, damage, or injury; indemnification. 3. The act of recovering a former state or posture." In other words, a thief will return what he has stolen and ask for forgiveness from the one that was harmed by his actions. Instead of being dishonest, he has now become honest as Ephesians 4:28 expresses, "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth." The opposite of stealing is working. To repent is to do the opposite of what you were previously doing. Once a man begins to labor, he will have funds to provide for those who are in need. This is also a form of restitution. Sometimes a thief may have stolen from someone who is dead or cannot be located and thus by supplying the needs of others, he would essentially be making restoration in a different form.

When salvation had come to Zacchaeus’ house, he told the Lord Jesus in Luke 19:8, "And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold." When a man gets saved, he is willing to make whole those whom he has defrauded from their property. He is even willing to follow the law of restitution by paying the fourfold penalty. King David realized this principle when Nathan the prophet came to him regarding his sin with Bathsheba. In 2 Samuel 12:6, we read, "And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity." This concept of fourfold repayment comes from the law of God in Exodus 22:1. If someone was caught stealing sheep, he had to repay four sheep for each he had stolen. This made getting caught for stealing an extremely expensive proposition. It had an obvious deterrent effect. The victim was to be given the restitution, not the state.

Conclusion

We live in a day and age when theft is rampant. Thieves are thrown into prison where they cannot make restitution to their victims. They continue their life of thievery by stealing from taxpayers who have to pay for them in prison. God’s law does not recognize the putting of thieves into prison. Rather, they are to labor until they have made the required reparation for their misdeeds. In the process, the thief learns to labor honestly. The victim gets repaid and the thief learns to work. God’s law is what works. Humanism’s policies are always failures. Everyone loses.

EVERY KING NEEDS A QUEEN

Introduction

As many thoughts turn to the birth of Christ, it is important to remember that He was born to be a king and every king needs a queen. Matthew 2:1-2 reads, "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." Wise men still seek the one that is born King. The queen of this King is the church. To be the queen of King Jesus requires a righteous character.

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

The seventh commandment deals with representation or hierarchy. Image or representation is an inescapable concept. This commandment has to do with marriage or the thought of two becoming one. To prevent the breaking of this commandment the character of the future marriage partner becomes of the utmost importance. It can, in the final analysis determine our eternal future. 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 says, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?" Marriage partners are never to be taken from pagans. They have a covenant with death and the Christian has just the opposite. It comes down to dating versus courting. Try and find any Bible verses regarding dating. There are none. Dating is the invention of man and it does not work very well.

Abraham was a righteous man. Notice his attitude toward dating and his son being married to a heathen. Genesis 24:1-5 reads, "And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things. 2And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh: 3And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: 4But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac." Question, Would parents know better than their children regarding potential marriage partners? Abraham did not ask Isaac’s opinion regarding a wife, but took matters into his own hand. When looking for a husband and wife, marry them only if their character checks out. If they are of Canaan (a type of the world), you know automatically that they do not qualify. It is better to start out right than to have to go back and try to make things work out.

Let us notice some characteristics of Rebekah, Isaac’s chosen bride. Genesis 24:16 says, "And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up." She was a pretty young woman (she cared about her outward appearance). A virgin (purity) and one willing to accomplish her assigned tasks (not lazy). These are good qualities when looking for a wife.

Here is the account of Isaac meeting Rebekah for the first time. Genesis 24:62-67 reads, "And Isaac came from the way of the well Lahairoi; for he dwelt in the south country. 63And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming. 64And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel. 65For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a veil, and covered herself. 66And the servant told Isaac all things that he had done. 67And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death." Isaac was meditating which is an admirable quality for any young man. Notice Rebekah’s response to seeing Isaac. She covered herself with a veil. In other words, she was not forward but rather shamefaced in the presence of men. Another excellent virtue. Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves His church. This is what Isaac did. Rebekah represents here a type of the bride of Christ, the church. She was a fit queen for a king.

The same could not be said for Esau, Isaac’s son. Genesis 26:34 says, "And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite: 35Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah. He married heathen women. It displeased his parents, but he did it despite them. To get back at his parents regarding the incident with Jacob, Esau purposely violated his father’s command in regard to marriage. Genesis 28:6-9 reads, "When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, and sent him away to Padanaram, to take him a wife from thence; and that as he blessed him he gave him a charge, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan; 7And that Jacob obeyed his father and his mother, and was gone to Padanaram; 8And Esau seeing that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac his father; 9Then went Esau unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife." Esau was a man of weak character and his choice of wives reflects his lawlessness. He was told to stay away from the women of the world, but having no admirable characteristics, he chose those who would lead him astray.

Conclusion

Making the right choice in marriage will keep us from breaking the seventh commandment and displeasing God. Look for excellence of character when choosing a marriage companion.

THE CONCEPT OF PRIVATE PROPERTY

Introduction

The eighth commandment mirrors the third commandment in regard to the covenant model. They both deal with ethics or law in this conceptual framework. Since God is the Creator of the earth, this means that He is the ultimate owner of all things. Psalm 24:1 declares, "The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein." This means that God has original jurisdiction. Psalm 50:10-11 reads, "For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.11I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine." All animals belong to God. Haggai 2:8 says, "The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts." Everything ultimately belongs to the Lord. We just borrow the earth’s resources for a time.

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

Exodus 20:15 four words read, "Thou shalt not steal." Once again, this commandment is straightforward. This is a negative command. On the positive side is the recognition that there is private property. What belongs to me does not belong to you and vice versa. Micah 4:4 says, "But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it." Notice here the personal pronouns showing possession. Each man is to have his own possessions. Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary’s fourth definition of "property" is "The exclusive right of possessing, enjoying and disposing of a thing; ownership. In the beginning of the world, the Creator gave to man dominion over the earth, over the fish of the sea and the fowls of the air, and over every living thing. This is the foundation of man’s property in the earth and in all its productions...The labor of inventing, making or producing any thing constitutes on of the highest and most indefeasible titles to property. Property is also acquired by inheritance, by gift or by purchase..." In other words, property has to do with ownership. Ownership is a legal concept which ultimately becomes a religious practice.

The eighth commandment is inherently tied to work, productivity, capital, and money. Property is obtained by different methods, but God intends that we obtain the majority of our possession through gainful employment. This leads us to why do men steal? Stealing issues from the heart of man. It ultimately is the desire to get something for nothing or without working for it. Proverbs 20:13 reads, "Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread." Laziness is one the main reasons for a person having the desire to take someone else’s property. They do not want to put the effort to get something for themselves through labor, so they decide that they will simply take what someone else has labored for. Another example is found in Proverbs 24:30-34, "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; 31And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. 32Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. 33Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: 34So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man." Those who love sleep and are slothful are thieves because they refuse to work to supply the needs of their families. They are stealing from their own family members.

The Proverbs are filled with axioms concerning be diligent in labor and the consequences about being indolent. An example is found in Proverbs 28:19, "He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough." Here is someone who is diligent in their work and the result is that they have property that will provide for their needs. In fact, they have plenty which gives us the idea of abundance. Hard work produces results and prosperity. Those that follow after worthless people will come to poverty and may in the end of it have to steal.

Proverbs 30:7-9 reads, "Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: 8Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: 9Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain." Here we have the example of the poor being tempted to steal and take the name of the Lord in vain. This is the tie in between the third and eighth commandments of the covenant model being ethics or law. If you steal, you are taking the name of the Lord in vain by saying that God does not bless those who are industrious in their labors. They are saying that the world is governed by chance not providence.

Conclusion

We as Christians are to be obtain property legally. We are not to take something that does not belong to us. In other words, we are to uphold the concept of private property. What someone has legitimately labored for is theirs to enjoy and dispose of as they see fit. If we want something, we are to labor at honest activity providing for our necessities. To not labor is the workshop of the devil. It is theft.

NO ONE TAKES THEOLOGY SERIOUSLY

There are reasons that things are not taken seriously. This does not mean that they are not important. It means that the majority of people are not able to see the tie in. We live in a time when the predominant thought pattern is visible orientation. This means that people are only concerned with what they can see with their physical eyes. They can only understand effects, not causes. In other words, they are mentally stunted.

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh fo us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." Paul is giving us a perspective concerning priorities. He is telling us what is most important.

The "seen" that Paul is talking about are effects. The effects are temporary. They will not endure forever and therefore to put all of our trust in these temporary things is to become an idolater. It is what Paul described in Romans 1:25, "Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." Another way of saying this would be that "they worshiped and served the effect more than the cause." Being visibly oriented thus leads to being an idolater just as the night follows the day. It is effect worship.

Only the spiritual understand the law of cause and effect. The spiritual worship the Cause and not the effect. This is because they have understanding. The natural man (man without the Spirit), as Paul described him, cannot see the spiritual realm and therefore to him this invisible world is a myth and yet, this world is the underlying basis for all things that the natural man sees with his physical eyes. The invisible world is as real as the visible world.

The world that God created is based upon ethical cause and effect. The problem for the idolater is that he does not understand ethical cause and effect because this is spiritually discerned and the natural man lacks discernment. When someone does not understand anything, it is going to cause spiritual problems. Visibly oriented thinking is circular thinking. Once they begin to think in terms of what they see with their physical eyes, they cannot then jump to seeing things spiritually. They are stuck in an endless loop that keeps leading them back to where they started from.

For this reason the natural man (idolater) does not take theology seriously because he is incapable of understanding it. He is a dolt. This is why there must be a spiritual transformation before someone can be open to the invisible realm. Likes beget likes. Idolatrous thought begets idolatrous actions. The one precedes the other every time. The spiritual always precedes the physical because the cause always precedes the effect. The natural man must be born again spiritually. He will then begin to take theology seriously.

UNDERSTANDING THEOLOGY

The Bible is God’s word or if you will God’s testimony concerning Himself and truth. Truth is an absolute that can never not be truth. Basically, man can only think in one of two ways. When man thinks in that particular way, he cannot think in the opposite direction. Man can only think one thought at a time. Man is limited in his thinking ability. The only way that man can think in the opposite way is for there to be a transformation. A transformation is the changing of the cause.

Man will either think in spiritual or visible terms. The spiritual thinker thinks in terms of cause and effect and understand that the spiritual precedes the physical. The visible thinker thinks in only what he can visibly see. He thinks only in terms of effects. These two types of thinking will obviously have two different results. The spiritual will look at the world through the lens of absolutes, while the natural man (Paul’s word for the unspiritual) will think that there are no absolutes and therefore, the world is relativistic.

There is no third alternative available. To understand where the truth lies, all one has to do is to know what mode of being God is. John 4:24 reads in part, "God is a Spirit..." God is Spirit and therefore all truth will be spiritual, not physical. In other words, all causes are spiritual. Effects are a result of the preceding spiritual reality. When someone thinks in spiritual terms, they are thinking like God, who is Spirit. When man thinks in terms of effects, his thinking is false and dead, which is the definition of idolatry.

Hebrews 11:3 reads, "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." Faith is spiritual and through faith we have understanding. To understand means to comprehend. Comprehension means to grasp with the mind the significance of truth. To understand a topic means one must think in terms of cause and effect. God created the world by uttering it into existence. Words are not visible. Words are spiritual. It is through words that effects come into existence. Once again, the axiom is that the spiritual precedes the visible or the cause comes before the effect, every time.

Man can only be an imitator of God. He can never be God. There always will be a distinction between God and man that can never be bridged. Understanding who God is enables us to be in accord with His world that He has created. Only those who think in spiritual terms can operate effectively in His world because they think in terms of absolutes. God has preordained how His world is to operate. He has predefined the world. Understanding theology means knowing what these definitions are and making the necessary adjustments to be in accordance with these predefined limitations. This demonstrates our understanding and wisdom.

JUSTICE DEMANDS IMPARTIALITY

Introduction

In any civil case, it is essential that the truth about the matter come to the forefront. Civil law is designed to punish evildoers. This means that the one guilty must be guilty of the crime and not falsely accused. Impartiality is therefore paramount in biblical law. Truth telling is absolutely necessary in a court of law. Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:25, "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another." This would even mean being witnesses against our family members and church members if we are witnesses against them. There are many secret societies that are forbidden to turn in fellow members even if they have committed murder. This is a perversion of justice and a Christian will have no part with this evil.

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

Exodus 23:1-3, 6-7 reads, "Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. 2Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment: 3Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause. 6Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause. 7Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked." These are case laws under the ninth commandment against bearing false witness. The ninth commandment prohibits false testimony and therefore on the positive side encourages telling the truth regardless of who is involved.

Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines "impartiality" as, "1. Indifference of opinion or judgment; freedom from bias in favor of one side or party more than another; disinterestedness. Impartiality is indispensable to an upright judge. 2. Equitableness; justice; as the impartiality of a decision." An impartial jurist is one who will hear the testimony of the witnesses and look at the evidence and make a determination based upon what has been presented no matter who is involved. An impartial witness is important for the jury to make an impartial decision.

James 2:1-7 says, "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 4Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? 5Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 6But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 7Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?" Here is an example of partiality. This is showing favoritism to the rich over the poor. This is showing a respect of persons. This is not in keeping with God. He is not a respecter of persons.

Proverbs 14:20 show a disparity between the rich and the poor, "The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends." Poor men do not possess much so they are often excluded especially from being able to obtain justice because the of the expense involved. The rich are able to gain access to judgments because of their wealth. Biblical law grants access to the civil courts regardless of financial ability. Proverbs 29:14 reads, "The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever." This means that this king has not despised a man because of his financial wherewithal. God will ensure him staying on the throne. Job 34:19 says, "How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands." Whether rich or poor, God expects us to uphold justice by testifying truthfully and impartially.

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:6-8, "But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. 7Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?" For a brother to take another brother to law before unbelievers is showing a partiality against that brother by thinking that one could get better justice from an unbeliever than from believers. This is clear violation against God’s law. Matters pertaining among believers are to be resolved within the church, not in the civil courts.

Conclusion

We are to be truthful in our dealings with our fellow man. This means not perverting justice by showing respect of persons. Even in testifying against a family member that tries to lead one into following a false god, Deuteronomy 13:8 says, "Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him." Even such must be exposed for their wickedness. Justice demands it.

JUDGING RIGHTEOUSLY

Introduction

We live in a day and an age when people are told that they are not to judge. To do this they quote one verse Matthew 7:1. This is the only verse they know. They do not realize that there are more than one verse in the Bible. One verse taken out of context leads to error. A correct rendering of Matthew 7:1 must also take into account through to verse 5 to have the proper understanding of what is being prohibited in verse 1. Matthew 7:1-5 reads, "Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye." The Lord Jesus Christ is obviously not talking that we should not judge serious matters in light of God’s word. The judging here would be hypocritical judging. That is doing the same thing you condemn in someone else.

How is it they quote Matthew 7:1 but not John 7:24? John 7:24 says, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." Here we are instructed by the Lord to judge righteously. One cannot use the Lord Jesus against the Lord Jesus. We are instructed to avoid hypocritical judgment and enjoined to judge according to truth which is according to God’s law.

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

In fact, John 7:24 is an application of Leviticus 19:15 which reads, "Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour." When we judge a matter, we are to do so impartially and fairly. We are not to judge by economic status but by the actual merits of the case. This is righteous judgment. We would demand the same for ourselves. The Golden Rule of Matthew 7:12 is applicable even in this instance, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." Since Leviticus 19:15 comes from the law, this principle of treating others like you wanted be treated is appropriate.

In all cases of judgment, we are not be respecter of persons. Personality is not to be determinative of our decisions. The law of God is our standard by which we make our determinations. To says that we can never judge means that no one can be held accountable for their actions and denies the sin nature in the heart of man. It is antinomianism right out in the open. It is a love of the criminal rather than the victim. It is unrighteous judgment.

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2:15, "But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man." This means essentially the same thing as does 1 Timothy 1:8-10, "But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine." The civil law is not designed for the righteous man because he does not disobey the law. He is righteous, not unrighteous. The spiritual man, likewise judges everything, in determining whether it be from the Lord or no, but no man especially the natural man can judge him because he does not comprehend spiritual matters.

Our chosen text, prohibits unrighteous judgment but commands righteous judgment. Obviously, there are matters to be judged, otherwise, this verse would become absurd. We are to think analogically. This means to follow the example of the Lord. This is explained by Paul in Romans 2:5-8, "But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath." Notice how God judges. He does so in righteousness, without showing favor to any man. With the Lord, you get what you deserve. In judgment He has no favorites. Do good and you get a positive judgment. Do wickedly and you will pay for your wickedness.

Conclusion

All matters deserve righteous judgment. Paul passes judgement on the unrighteous in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." Paul judges here righteously. He judges and condemns what God has already judged and condemned. Go and do likewise.

THE LAW AND INTEREST

Introduction

Interest is a fact of life. It is inherent in the operation of money. We do not always have adequate funds for different items of purchase and have to borrow money. Those lending money need to be compensated for the use of their money. Money’s Investment Terms defines "interest" as "1. Cost of using money, expressed at a rate per period of time, usually one year, in which case it is called an annual rate of interest..." Therefore an interest rate is based on a rate plus a time period. The Lord Jesus said in Luke 19:23, "Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?" Obviously, the Lord Jesus did not condemn the use of money and receiving interest on the lending of that money. Business could not be conducted without the use of interest. Without an incentive to loan money, none would be lent. People have to compensated for their efforts and their taking of risk i.e. being paid back the money they have lent.

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

However, there are times when it is not appropriate to charge interest. This is the exception and not the rule. The exception establishes the rule. Leviticus 25:35-38 is an instance, "And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee. 36Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee. 37Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase. 38I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God." The condition here is that a brother is poor. If so, no interest is to be charged upon a loan to him. It would be hard for the poor man to pay back the loan with an added burden of interest. In other words, it would compound the problem rather than solving it.

1 John 3:17-19 is a restatement of this Old Testament law, "But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him." We know that the law of God defines what love is. When we see a brother in need, we are to be compassionate and either give or lend as he have need. We are not just to say that we love them, but rather prove it and the best way to do that is by actions.

The only way one can have faith is by actions rather than words, which is the message of James 2:14-17, "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." We are obviously back up our talk with action. The poor brother and sister have needs that can only be met by giving, whether by a charity loan or an outright gift. Do not say what great faith you have, if you do not back it up with practicality.

Paul instructed us in Galatians 6:10, "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." We are to look out for the needs first of all those who are brother and sisters in the Lord. Then we are to look out for the needs of others. We are to take of our own first. Looking out for and taking care of the poor was something the first century church considered to be normal operating procedure as Galatians 2:10 says, "Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do." Helping the poor is practical way of taking back charity from the government who turn people into welfare dependents. The goal is the all charitable help is to be short term in nature. We do not want people to become dependent but rather independent. The charity loan is a stop gap measure to help someone get back on their feet, not as a permanent form of income.

Some people are unscrupulous and seek to take advantage of people. They may prosper short term but Proverbs 28:8 says not in the long run, "He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor." No one ever prospers by breaking God’s law. They will not be able to prosper. David explains what a holiness man looks like in Psalm 15:1-5, "LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? 2He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. 3He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. 4In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. 5He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved." He lends without taking interest. He lends willingly to his poor brethren. In other words, he obeys all of God’s law.

Conclusion

Proverbs 19:17 has a promise attached to it, "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again." When we lend to our poor brother, we are in essence lending to the Lord. He promises that He will pay us back and with interest.

THE LAW AND INCREASE

Introduction

Everything in this world is governed by God’s law. We are not to try and legislate what has already been legislated. Our task is simply to apply God’s law to our everyday life. God expects everyone of us to increase in our abilities that He has given unto us. In other words, He wants us to be more productive. The Lord Jesus Christ said in Luke 19:15-19, "And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. 17And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. 18And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. 19And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities." God blesses us when we put our efforts in increasing what we have. When we are faithful, God gives us authority. Those who take responsibility will also exercise greater authority. In fact, authority flows to those who take responsibility. The market system which is undergirded by the Bible’s concept of private property allows us to increase our estates. We are to increase our net worth.

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

The law of increase or tithing comes from Leviticus 27:30-32, "And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S: it is holy unto the LORD. 31And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof. 32And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD." Any increase that we receive because of productivity, a tenth of it is the Lord’s. This is how the kingdom of God is to be financed. A tithe is essentially a tax for God providing for our needs. It is also designed for us to keep in mind who our Lord and provider is.

Moses explained to those who were preparing to cross the Jordan and enter the Promised Land about wealth and increase in Deuteronomy 8:10-18, "When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. 11Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: 12Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; 13And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; 14Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; 15Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; 16Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; 17And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. 18But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day." We are not to forget the reason that we have the increase of wealth. A good way to do this is to tithe. It reminds us that the Lord is the one who has enabled us to increase our net worth. To not tithe, means that we will forget where our material blessings come from. We will begin to take credit for what God has provided.

Many today say that tithing is legalistic. If not ten percent, then how much should be given? Those who claim that it all belongs to God, nine times out of ten do not even give anywhere close to ten percent. Paul expected the Corinthian church would give in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, "Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come." Paul knew that God would prosper Christians. Christians understand that this if their Father’s world. In other words, they work!

Conclusion

The law of God is one of likes beget likes. The same is true in the wealth realm. Paul understood this principle in 2 Corinthians 9:6-12, "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. 12For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God." Those who do not even tithe can expect to receive back less than those who are faithful to tithe their increases. Sparingly giving begets sparingly receiving. In other words, they will have less to give when they do so. God gets His tithe one way or another. Those who are faithful in tithing have the right to expect greater increases in the future.

HOLINESS MEANS SEPARATION

Introduction

One of the attributes of God is His holiness. The soft gospel of today is characterized by love exclusively without reference to God’s holiness. It should be obvious that these are worshiping a false god. Holiness has to do with a separation from the world. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 6:17, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." We are not to be part of the world system. We are to be different as 1 Peter 2:9 declares, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." Peculiar here means special. We are to stand out as lights against the darkness of sin. John wrote in 1 John 4:4-5, "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them." Greater is the Holy Ghost in us than the devil’s spirit in them. Those in the world speak and act like the world and the world loves their own because likes beget likes.

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

Exodus 22:31 reads, "And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs." God’s requirement is holiness. Is not optional but essential. Without it we shall not see the Lord as Hebrews 12:14 says, "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." This means to be morally separated from the world. The world is the fallen aspect of it. By God’s redeeming grace our lives are to be radically different from the lives of sinners around us. People should be able to identify us as belonging to the Lord.

The Lord declared in Leviticus 11:44, "For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." God says that we are to separate ourselves and be holy because God is holy. We are to be like Him. This verse contains a specific example of something that a holy man would separate himself from i.e. creeping things. Moses was instructed by the Lord to speak the following in Leviticus 19:2, "Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy." This is what Peter declared in 1 Peter 1:15-16, "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." We are to be holy in our entire life. Our lives are to be one of a living sacrifice as Paul said in Romans 12:1, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." I believe that we get the idea that God wants His people to be a holy people. Totally set apart for His use and service.

God prohibited his people from eating meat (flesh) that had been torn by the beasts of the field. In God’s estimation, this meat was only good to be eaten by dogs. Ezekiel 4:14 says, "Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth." God used the prophet Ezekiel to do some bizarre things in an attempt to get the attention of His people and this verse was a protest by Ezekiel regarding what the Lord had instructed him to do.

The Jews did not look favorably upon dogs. Usually when dogs are spoken of in the Bible, it is not in a favorable light. The word dog is used at various times in the New Testament in a metaphoric sense. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon defines this word as, "a man of impure mind, an impudent man." Paul said of dogs in Philippians 3:2, "Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision." Here Paul was warning about the Judaizers, the false circumcision. John wrote in Revelation 22:15, "For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie." These are those who are outside the city i.e. the church. These dogs are the impure and they are not able to enter into the church because they are not separate from the world but rather their source is the world.

Conclusion

Anyone who has honestly read the Bible cannot help but notice that God is holy and He demands holiness in His people. We are to be a separate people. This does not mean that we are to become ghetto dwellers. Rather, we are to show others the way of holiness. God’s law automatically separates us from the world. The law is our righteousness. The sinner does not want to separate. He wants to conform with the profane. True ministers of the Lord will do what Ezekiel 44:23 says, "And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean." Holiness unto the Lord is what we desire.

HAIR DESIGN AND THE LAW

Introduction

Christians do not think too much about their physical appearance. In our day and age, it is almost impossible to tell those who profess to be Christians from those who do not. They all look the same outwardly. Is there to be a difference between the Christian and the unbeliever with regard to our physical appearance? We know that one is born again and sanctified inwardly as Romans 2:28-29 expresses, "For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God." This inward change will have an outworking element. The inward will effect the outward. Because one has crossed over from spiritual death to spiritual life, there will be a change also in the physical appearance from one of death, to one of life. Likes always beget likes.

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

Leviticus 19:27 reads, "Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard." These prohibited practices were those of the idolatrous Egypt and possibly of those in the land of Canaan. This law is dealing with the forbidding in the physical appearance. In other words, the Christian’s physical appearance is to be different from the world’s standards.

This is the message of 1 Peter 2:9, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." We are God’s special people and as such we are to show forth that we belong to Him by being different in our physical demeanor than that of the world. The way that we wear our hair says something about the condition of our heart.

Most Christians act as if these are trivial matters. They make stupid statements like, "God does not care what I look like or what I wear." Are they so sure? Obviously, they have not searched His word to see if these things be so. God said this about His ministers in Ezekiel 44:20, "Neither shall they shave their heads, nor suffer their locks to grow long; they shall only poll their heads." The Amplified Bible render this verse as, "Neither shall they shave their heads, or allow their locks to grow long; they shall only cut short or trim the hair of their heads." The Jewish men were known for their short hair, while the Greeks were known for their long hair. Once again, it is either Jerusalem or Athens.

Most Christians of today act as if 1 Corinthians 11:3-16 is not in the Bible, "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. 4Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. 5But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. 6For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. 7For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. 8For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. 9Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. 10For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. 11Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. 12For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God. 13Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? 14Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? 15But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. 16But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God." This is because it goes against their belief that God does not care about their physical appearance.

1 Corinthians 11:14-16 is in the Amplified Bible, "Does not the native sense of propriety (experience, common sense, reason) itself teach you that for a man to wear long hair is a dishonor (humiliating, and degrading) to him. But if a woman has long hair, it is her ornament and glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. Now if anyone is disposed to be argumentative and contentious about this, we hold to and recognize no other custom (in worship) than this, nor do the churches of God generally." This can be simply stated that men are to have short hair and women are to have long hair. Is this what we see in our day and time? We see men looking like women with long hair and women looking like men with short hair. This is an obvious confusion which is at root of a homosexual nature. God has given us His law concerning our hair design. To ignore this is to show how depraved the heart has become against our natural sense of correctness.

Conclusion

In our day, when we see a supposed picture of the Lord Jesus Christ, He has long hair. Is this accurate with scripture? The Bible does not give a physical description of our Lord. We can be assured of this though, since He was not a Nazarite, He did not have long hair. When Nazarites vow ended, they cut their long hair as in Numbers 6:18, "And the Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall take the hair of the head of his separation, and put it in the fire which is under the sacrifice of the peace offerings." They would now obviously have short hair. The Hebrew men wore beards. It was not considered to be a banned thing as in our Holiness Churches today. These Hebrews were scriptural. Our Holiness churches have made up their own law in this regard.

THE LAW AND FREEDOM

Introduction

We have been told that this is a free country and we can do whatever we want. This sounds nice in theory, but in reality, it does not work. Whether we like it or not, there are laws that restrict our freedom. Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines "freedom" as, "A state of exemption from the power or control of another; liberty; exemption from slavery, servitude or confinement." Freedom can only be enjoyed when one does not infringe upon the freedom of others. Freedom has consideration for the rights of others. Freedom is not being able to do whatever what someone wants to do. This is licentiousness. Freedom has the idea of restraint. A synonym of freedom is liberty. There are different kinds of liberty. These concepts of freedom and liberty are not unlimited, but there are constraints upon both by the law.

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

Exodus 21:16 reads, "And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death." This is what we call kidnapping. Webster’s renders "kidnapping" as, "The act of stealing, or forcible abduction of a human being from his own country or state. This crime was capital by the Jewish law, and in modern times is highly penal." Notice that the punishment for this act is the death penalty. In our modern day, this seems an extreme punishment. But this is viewing it from the criminal side not from the victim. No one is to be forced against their will to be deprived of life or liberty if they have done nothing wrong. Kidnapping is the imposition of one’s will upon another by force. We are talking about at the individual level, not the civil government.

Another reference to this civil crime is found in Deuteronomy 24:7, "If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you." Here an individual has stolen a man and seeks to make money off of him. He has stolen his liberty without the benefit of a trial. In other words, the victim is not deserving of the actions of the perpetrator. God has only given the civil government the power of constraint by force. He has not granted any single individual this authority. This is why vigilantism is forbidden for the individual. We are not to take the law into our own hands, but to use what God has provided.

Paul wrote in Romans 13:1-4, "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." God has established civil government to take care of evildoers. He has given the civil government the power of death for capital crimes. It is their responsibility as ministers of God. They execute His wrath in the earth and then He executes His wrath on the guilty for all of eternity. If we do, what is right, rulers are not a terror to us. It is when we step outside the bounds that we become fearful of the governing authorities.

Have you ever stop to consider that criminals usually make sure that they are well armed? They know what they are doing is wrong and they seek to protect themselves because they know that they are fighting against the police force who is armed. In one other place in the Bible kidnapping is mentioned. In 1 Timothy 1:8-10 we read, "But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine." The civil law was not designed for the righteous because they are obedient citizens. However, because of the sin nature, not every one is going to obey the law. Thus, the necessity of the civil law is to protect the righteous from the unrighteous. Here one of the crimes listed is man stealing or kiddnapping. We are not steal another’s freedom and to do so can bring the death penalty.

Conclusion

A free society is one characterized by being able to go places without losing one’s freedom. This is why there is a prohibition against kidnapping. It breaks the sixth and eighth commandments specifically. If you break one, however, you end up breaking them all. We are to allow others their freedom of motion. We are not to try to force them against their will. If someone does, they set themselves up as sovereign. They try to take the place of God.

GOD'S LAW PROTECTS THE LESS FORTUNATE

Introduction

God intends for us to act civilly to all that we come into contact with. Paul expressed this principle in 1 Corinthians 12:23-26, "And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it." Here there is given special attention to that which is lacking. God wants us to look out for those do not have the same advantage as we do. The Lord Jesus represented as such in Luke 12:48 which reads in part, "...For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more." Those who have been given much by the Master will have greater accounting on the day of judgment. We need to realize the solemness of this fact.

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

Leviticus 19:14 describes some that are less fortunate than we and how we are not to take advantage of them, "Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD." This law is not enforceable by the civil government. It can only be administered by God Himself. This limits the size of the civil government. This is an issue of self-government. Each Christian is to make sure that he does not behave with cruelty toward the deaf and the blind. Cursing the deaf and causing a blind person to fall are the height of cruelty.

Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines "cruel" as, "Disposed to give pain to others, in body or mind; willing or pleased to torment, vex or afflict; inhuman; destitute of pity, compassion or kindness; fierce; ferocious; savage; barbarous; hardhearted..." It certainly sounds like anyone associated with abortion. Proverbs 12:10 depicts the attitude of the cruel, "A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel." In other words, the heartless have no regard for anyone or anything but themselves. They take pleasure in tormenting animals. They love to torment. If these individuals will curse the deaf and cause the blind to stumble, there is nothing that they would not do to demonstrate their fierceness.
The children of Israel pronounced blessing and cursing in Deuteronomy 27 with one of the cursing being found in Deuteronomy 27:18, "Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen." This is the height of cruelty to purposely cause a blind person to wander not knowing where they are going. It shows a definite lack of compassion for a condition in which the person themselves cannot help. A godly society will pray and seek the cursing of God on such individuals. Children can be among the cruelest people especially those in the government schools to those who have physical deformities.

Deuteronomy 32:32-33 speaks symbolically regarding these individuals, "For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter: 33Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps." The symbolism here is that the poisonous bite of the asp is cruel. The venom must torment its victim and the bite must be extremely painful. Poisonous snakes here are implied to take pleasure in causing harm to their victims.

The cruel are representative of their father the devil. Lamentations 4:3-4 gives us an example how just cruel can become, "Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people is become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness. 4The tongue of the sucking child cleaveth to the roof of his mouth for thirst: the young children ask bread, and no man breaketh it unto them." They do not look out for the less fortunate, but rather delight in causing pain to the weak. Rather than die from starvation in God’s judgment, these individuals will become cannibals, as Deuteronomy 28:53 says, "And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body, the flesh of thy sons and of thy daughters, which the LORD thy God hath given thee, in the siege, and in the straitness, wherewith thine enemies shall distress thee." This is the ultimate in taking advantage of the weak. This is clear violation of God’s law.

Conclusion

The remedy is found in Philippians 2:1-5, "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." The Christian is considerate of others, especially those who are less fortunate than themselves. They realize that they have what they do only by the grace of God.

FORBIDDEN PRACTICES AND POSTITIVE DESTRUCTION

Introduction

God has given us boundaries. Boundaries are designed to protect against harm. To go beyond a boundary is to trespass or transgress. Sin is transgression. 1 John 3:4 reads, "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." The Amplified once again does justice to the meaning of this verse. "Every one who commits (practices) sin is guilty of lawlessness; for (that is what) sin is, lawlessness (the breaking, violating of God’s law by transgression or neglect; being unrestrained and unregulated by His commands and His will)." God sets the law and if man violates it by commission or omission, it is sin. Sin does not like restraint or standards. It abhors authority and is in rebellion against it.

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines the verb "transgress" as, "1. To pass over or beyond any limit; to surpass. 2. In a moral sense, to overpass any rule prescribed as the limit of duty; to break or violate a law, civil or moral. To transgress a divine law, is sin..." God’s law contains either boundaries in negative connotations or enjoins us positively as a duty or requirement.

Exodus 23:23-24 says, "For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off. 24Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images." The children of Israel were going to be coming into the Promised Land. God was warning them about the peoples of the land. He had said this about these people in Leviticus 18:24-25, "Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: 25And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants." Reading Leviticus 18:1-23 will tell you of some of the wickedness of the "Ites of the land."

Exodus 23:24 is a repeat of the second commandment which says in Exodus 20:4-5, "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 5Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me." It is forbidden to make an idol and then prostrate oneself before them and give them homage due only to the Creator. Paul said that if man did not worship God as Creator, he would worship the creation in Roman 1:21-23, "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things." Man without God will make idols of something because he is religious to the core being made in God’s image.

In Exodus 23:24, there are three things that are prohibited. To go over these limits is to transgress God’s revealed law. They were not to bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works. These are clear prohibitions. These are negative commands. These are things forbidden to the child of God. The main reason for this is because idols are dead and false gods. Isaiah 2:8-9 reads, "Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made: 9And the mean man boweth down, and the great man humbleth himself: therefore forgive them not." Idols are man made and not God made. They are not living because only God can give life. This is why it is vain to serve the works of man’s hands.

God believes in positive destruction. In the chosen text, He enjoins a positive duty. The children of Israel were to destroy these images and the works of men’s hands. Deuteronomy 7:5 restates this case law with more detail, "But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire." The negative commands limit in our actions and the positive puts us into action. Fire was to be used upon these graven images, to burn them into ashes. This is what happened to the magic books in Acts 19:19, "Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver." Here is an example of positive destruction in action.

Conclusion

God forbids transgressing in certain actions. He puts limits on our freedom. This is for our good and not hurt. Those who go beyond the established limits suffer harm. They would not listen to sound wisdom. God also wants us to positively destroy wickedness. His law says in Deuteronomy 7:25, "The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it is an abomination to the LORD thy God." We are not to desire what the world has but are to destroy their works of wickedness.

THE LAW AND FIGHTING

Introduction

No matter how old some people get, they seem to think that they can legitimately solve their problems by the use of force. When one is not able to express himself well, he usually resorts to his fists to get his point across. Men’s minds are not changed by such, just the desire for revenge has been inflamed. Because of the sin nature, there will always be the necessity of civil law. This is the number one problem. Men are born with a tyrant in their hearts that controls their actions unless born again and sanctified by the Spirit. Not everyone is going to get saved. Therefore, it is necessary to have laws that forbid certain actions of men and if men go over these clear prohibitions, then there has to be remedies for their actions that both restore the victim to wholeness and punishes the perpetrator in hopes of him amending his future actions. This is essential to protect those who are obedient. The law protects as well as prosecutes.

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

Exodus 21-18-19 reads, "And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with his fist, and he die not, but keepeth his bed: 19If he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff, then shall he that smote him be quit: only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed." These case laws are cause and effect situations. That is they are if-then scenarios. If the above situation occurs, here is what is to be done to rectify the circumstance.

Here we have the example of a fight between two combatants. One takes a stone or his fist and does a number on the other. If death is not involved and if the injured one is able to get around again i.e. not permanently disabled, then the penalty to the one using the greater force is to pay for any lost wages and medical payments. The winner of this fight ends up losing economically. This is obviously a deterrent to keep people from solving their disputes by using force. Problems do not get solved this way. This is a destructive problem solving, not constructive.

The question could be asked, "Should we as a society allow pugilism? People in our society get paid mega-bucks to beat up another individual. Even death has resulted as the result of this legal sport. Romans 12:18 reads, "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." How can it be that we are fulfilling this scripture if we are trying to knock the brains of our opponent out? Now women are getting in on the act. Can you imagine your mother or grandmother getting into the ring and fighting another woman? It sounds so ludicrous because it is. Does violent sports promote social order and peace?

Some parents take their children’s sports so serious that they have been known to beat up coaches, referees, other parents etc. and even kill them from outright rage. All this over a little league game. People need protection from such actions. Take any sport, and there have been bench clearing brawls and people really get hurt. In one basketball game, a player hit another player that did not even see it coming. It shattered his face and he had to have much surgery and medical attention. The one who did it is clearly a thug. The examples of like things are endless. A society of peace will not allow such sports to be played. Should Christian parents allow their children to participate in such events? I do not know how they can defend it on biblical grounds. Is there any examples in the Bible of any of God’s people playing sports of any kind?

We as Christians are to be concerned with being in peace and harmony with our fellow man, not in fighting with him. Hebrews 12:14 says, "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." This verse makes it clear that peace is our aim with all. To fight over issues shows a clear lack of grace in our hearts. When we received terms of peace with God, we are to be at peace with all men. Romans 15:33 reads, "Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen." God is a God of peace and when we are saved and sanctified, we are to reflect this by our actions toward our fellow man. We are not to beat them up. I have been personally threatened with bodily harm because I have spoken out against men’s sin. This is the way sinners try to solve their conflicts, by the use of force. It is the way of stupidity because it is costly.

Conclusion

People who fight are not smart. Someone usually comes out the victor, but under biblical law, the victor ends up being the loser. God wants to use deterrents to try to persuade men that there are more constructive ways to resolve their disputes with one another. The use of force ends up causing everyone to be a loser. It is destructive of order and peace. It settles absolutely nothing but always makes things worse. It is simple, do not fight!

GOD'S APPOINTED FEASTS AND MALE REPRESENTATION

Introduction

It is an amazing thing that in the world, we expect there to be authority and a hierarchy. However, in the church and family, we do not want anyone to be in charge. This attitude leads to a state of confusion. Someone has to make a final decision. Someone has to be in charge. Point two of the covenant model is hierarchy or representation. The question is who represents God in the earth? Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:3 regarding hierarchy, "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God." Here is authority structure with a vengeance. Also, God expects us to feast. This is because we are to praise God for His faithful bountifulness to us. The feasts are no longer binding, but the principle of worship and praising God for His goodness has not been done away with.

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

Exodus 23:14-19 reads, "Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year. 15Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:) 16And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field. 17Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD. 18Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread; neither shall the fat of my sacrifice remain until the morning. 19The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother’s milk." God here instructs the children of Israel to have hold three feasts each year. The first is Passover, the second is Pentecost, and the third is Tabernacles or Booths.
According to Gary North in his book Tools of Dominion, these feasts had to do with citizenship. Paul wrote in Philippians 3:20, "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." The word here for conversation is citizenship. Our source of citizenship is therefore heavenly. We have dual citizenship with the heavenly always being the superior of the two. To be a citizen in Israel required circumcision. The females were represented by the circumcised male, whether father, husband, or priest. This gave them access to God’s feasts.

Baptism in the New Testament has replaced physical circumcision. Matthew 3:16-17 record the baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ, "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Jesus was circumcised and He was also baptized. Christians are baptized and this is a means to open up the feast of communion to them. In other words, it gives them entrance or citizenship to the heavenly commonwealth. It is important for Christians to be baptized as soon as practicable.

Also, the males were to appear before the Lord three times a year. These were those who were in covenant with God. They had to be physically circumcised. Most who followed the law would have been so since the eighth day as was commanded by the Lord. The males were to represent his family before the Lord. Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 2:11-14, "Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression." Paul had also written in Ephesians 5:22-24, "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing." The wife in religious assemblies is to be in submission to her husband. She is not to usurp his authority that he has over her.

Paul makes it clear that the woman is not to be the teacher of doctrine in the church. In the home, she can teach her children with the oversight of her husband and other women as Titus 2:3-5, but never the men. By Adam being created first, this gave him preeminence over Eve. She is to help him in his calling before the Lord. She has her sphere of influence in the home. Paul has also said in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, "Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 35And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church." This is plain enough for any of us to comprehend it, if we want to. This forbids a woman to be a preacher of a congregation of men. They are to be under the authority of their husbands, fathers, or elders of the church.

Conclusion

It was God’s idea to have feasts. There is nothing wrong with rejoicing in the abundance that God has provided us with. This is why it is good to have celebrations especially the Lord’s Supper. Males are to take up their rightful authority. Women are to be submissive to proper authority.