Stand For Israel?

The church here at Cold Harbor sponsors a weekly broadcast of the International Gospel Hour (check out the broadcast schedule as you can probably pick up a signal wherever you many be). The program is aired on the 50,000-watt WRVA 1140 AM, known as "Richmond's Talk Leader." This means we have a significant listening audience every Sunday throughout the mid-Atlantic region and beyond.

Winford Claiborne does a superb job of addressing subjects that pique the audience's interest from a Biblical point-of-view. Since the program began airing here in the Richmond area around the first of January, we have had a good number of contacts from non-Christians who describe themselves as regular listeners. More often than not, these individuals speak favorably of the program. Sometimes, they have questions regarding something they heard taught on the broadcast, and we are always pleased to help with a Bible answer.

This past Tuesday morning, I received a call from a very nice gentleman who had been listening to the broadcast earlier in the week. Brother Claiborne had been teaching from the Scriptures regarding the present nation of Israel as it relates to the plan of God. The system of doctrine known as "Pre-Millenialism" (as well as other inter-related versions) asserts that full and unconditional political and economic aid must be given to the modern state of Israel if we are to be pleasing unto God (see the image inset above). Our caller did not understand how Winford could conclude that modern-day Israel is no more a "chosen" nation than any other.

The Bible says...

"For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one. He will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law."

Romans 3:28-31, ESV

Verse 29 makes clear, then, that God is not the God of "National Israel" in some special, exclusive sense. Verse 31 explains that the law had already at that time seen its purpose accomplished. It (the law) was a "guardian" or "tutor" until Christ came (Galatians 3:24). Once the law was fulfilled by Christ (Matthew 5:17), it was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14-17) and removed that a more superior system might be established (Hebrews 10:9).

What a beautiful arrangement God has established under the new covenant. In the eyes of the Lord, it matters not whether you and I are Jews nor Gentiles, slave nor free, male nor female (Galatians 3:28). We all enjoy equal inheritance and a common salvation in Christ!

R2

Bidding "God Speed"

This past Saturday, Kelly and I went down to the Richmond Intermediate terminal on the James River to take part in an event dubbed, “Rock The Boat.” This three-day event was in celebration of Richmond’s 400th anniversary. Just 11 days after Captain Christopher Newport and John Smith landed at Jamestowne, a group from that first settlement ventured upriver to the falls of the James. Although the city would not actually be incorporated until years later, this voyage marked the true beginning of what we now know as “River City.”

“Rock The Boat” was an opportunity to see several replicas of the ships these settlers used to make their journeys. One of the three ships that made its way across the Atlantic to Jamestowne in 1607 was the Godspeed. At just 68 feet in length, this 40-ton brigantine was not all that large when compared with some of the other ships of that day. All 39 passengers and 13 sailors she carried on that voyage to the new world were male. The opportunity to see a replica of the vessel that brought the first British settlers to the shores of what would be America was very inspiring.

The evening was capped off by a rousing and impressive performance by the Richmond Symphony. As they wrapped up Tchaikovsky' 1812 Overture, a spectacular fireworks show lit up the night sky. The huge masts of the docked ships on the river were in the foreground, and the skyscrapers of downtown Richmond in the back. It would have made for a poetic photograph showing the past mingling with the present, but our camera battery died.

The tourism tagline for Richmond boasts, “Easy to love.” After five months of living here, it really is hard to argue with such a claim (this is my little plug for our lovely area so you will really think about joining us in November for our lectureship!).

Anyhow, on with the “thinking-food.”

The name “Godspeed” reminded me of the admonition given to us by the Lord in Second John, especially the King James’ translation (who, by the way, was the namesake not only for Jamestowne, but also the James River):

“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”

2 John 9-11, KJV

Bidding one “God speed” was (and still is in some places) a greeting extended to someone to show support and acceptance. Whether this greeting is put forth verbally or merely by implicative action, there is usually no mistaking the message one intends to convey.

Thus, we must be very careful not to lend our support to the spread of false doctrine by words, co-laboring, or financial means. On the other side of the coin, God’s people ought to be actively seeking works by which we can promote the furtherance of the pure and powerful soul-saving gospel.

Consider the words in the last of John’s three epistles regarding the support of faithful brothers walking in truth…

“Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.”

3 John 8, ESV

Thus, if we love the Lord, his gospel, and souls in need of its power, we will always use care in bidding “God Speed” to the ones whom God approves.

R2

Passing The Buck

A sad story involving the loss of a human life has become even more sad. Josh Hancock, a pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, was killed late last month when his vehicle crashed into a tow truck on the side of an interstate in the early morning hours. The first news reports indicated neither drugs nor alcohol played a role. However, when more details were made available, it was learned that Hancock had made not one, but a series of fatal decisions that led to his death.

Not only was Hancock’s blood-alcohol level approximately twice the legal limit, he was also speeding at the time of the impact. Furthermore, he was using his cell phone, was not restrained by a seat belt, and marijuana was found inside the vehicle. By my count, that is four illegal activities (alcohol, speeding, seat belt, and drugs). Clearly, this is a tragedy; but a tragedy that was quite evidently brought about by Hancock’s own foolish decisions.

Late last week, Hancock’s father, Dean Hancock, filed suit against multiple parties who were in some way involved with the death of his son. Those being sued by Dean Hancock include:

1. The restaurant that served his son alcohol that night
2. The restaurant’s manager
3. The tow truck company
4. The driver of the tow truck
5. The driver of the car who required assistance of that tow truck

This is one of those stories that might make you scratch the hair right off your head as you try to figure it out. Although this case is certainly extreme, this has sadly become all too normal in contemporary times. One has to wonder where the sense of personal responsibility has gone in our modern way of thinking. We sympathize with Dean Hancock’s loss, but we cannot condone his selfish attitude in blaming others for what was so obviously an outcome affected solely by his son.

Consider this timely counsel from the word of God…

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.”

Proverbs 9:10-12, ESV

When my words or deeds are indicative of a scoffing attitude, I have a responsibility to take responsibility. "Passing the buck" merely adds to the folly.

R2