By E. L. Bynum
Sermon Preached Sunday Morning, Nov. 7, 2004 At the Tabernacle Baptist Church, Lubbock, Texas
“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is henceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world, a city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16
In this scripture we notice that the Christian is likened unto salt and light. These two elements, salt and light, typify and set forth the life of a true born-again person
I would hate to live in a world where there was no salt or light. The world would be a terrible place to live in if there were no Christians in it. I want us to study together for a few minutes, that we might find God’s will for our lives. “Ye are the salt of the earth . . . ”
This was not spoken to the unbelievers, but unto those who had already been given eternal life. This was not written to religious professors as the Pharisees and the Sadducees, but unto all the Christians. So often in the Bible we find that the common everyday elements of the world are used to set forth spiritual truths. To find out what Jesus is talking about let us think for just a little while what salt is used for.
Salt has often been used to preserve. Many of you remember when people would kill hogs down on the farm that the meat would be preserved or cured with salt. Thus we have salt bacon, or salt pork. The salt was rubbed into the meat, and would then be left for the salt to penetrate down into the meat to keep it from spoiling. Pickles could be preserved the same way. They would pack the pickles in wooden kegs or barrels by placing a layer of salt between every layer of cucumbers. I don’t think I would like that much salt on my pickles, but nevertheless they used to eat them packed that way. Salt will preserve.
Salt Preserves
The Christians that God has placed here upon this earth, acts as a preservative, to preserve this civilization from perishing. Let us go back to the Old Testament for a Bible example of how a number of Christians could preserve a city or nation from ruin. Lot chose the city of Sodom to live in. Sodom was one of the most wicked cities that we have any record of in the Bible. Before God rained fire and brimstone down upon it, He revealed His plans to Abraham. Abraham pleaded with God not to destroy the city if there were 50 righteous people in Sodom. God promised not to destroy it if there were 50 righteous people there. Then God even promised not to destroy the city of Sodom if there were 10 righteous people living there. Alas, the record is given and 10 saved people could not be found; and the city was utterly destroyed. Yes if there had been enough salt (Christians) the city would have been preserved.
Many people are looking to our great armies, our air force, and atomic bombs to preserve our freedom. We want to look to strength and wisdom to do this for us, but if God be against us, all of these things will not help. We say that it was our armies, and our great arsenals yonder in Detroit, and Los Angeles and other places that gave us the victory in World War II. I would say to you with all the earnestness of my soul that the only reason that God gave us the victory, was because of the Christians here in America that He wanted to preserve for a few more years that souls might be saved. So it has been down through the history of this nation. I am not against the armed forces but I had rather have the blessings of God upon our country than all the armed might of the world to protect us. I only pray that we have enough salt left to preserve our nation
Salt Seasons
Every one of you use salt to season your food unless you have high blood pressure. Very few foods taste good unless they have salt added to them. Salt brings out the flavor.
This world would be a terrible place to live in if there were no Christians to give it a better flavor. No city would be a fit place for a woman to walk down the street, if it were not for the saved who season and preserve our way of life. You would not want to live in a city where the Word of God was not preached. Go yonder to Russia where the Bible was not printed for many years, and see what kind of condition the people live under. They have no salt. Many a person has become discouraged in life to the point that they were about to take their life until they talked to some Christian who helped them see the true purpose in life. Salt seasons.
Salt Melts Ice and Keeps Us from Sliding
Salt is often used on icy steps or streets to keep people from sliding down. The saved are used of God to keep sinners from slipping into hell. Many icy hearts have been melted by salty Christians. In ancient times salt was greatly valued and sometimes they had to travel along way to get. Christians who are the salt of the earth are of great value.
Light will kill germs and give warmth. The life of a true Christian will kill the lies of Satan, and warm the old sinner’s heart till he is willing to take Jesus as his Saviour. How wonderful to walk into a room that is dark and turn on the light and watch the darkness flee.
Years ago while in northwestern Oklahoma my brother-in-law drove me a number of miles out into the country to see a cave. We carried our flashlights with us as we started our way down into the earth. We had no guide, and the nearest house was several miles away. I was a little doubtful but he convinced me that it was quite safe. We started off in the direction of the bat roost which he had seen in his only trip into the cave. After we had gone quite some distance I noticed pieces of string along the way. He then told me that the fellow that had guided him through the cave always left a trail of string so that he could find his way out. By that time I was wishing for some extra flashlight batteries. You could turn off your light and not one thing was visible except the darkness. We got lost several times but finally we thought we were on the right path and suddenly we turned a corner and saw a narrow beam of light coming from the mouth of the cave. The light looked really good to me. Yes light drives away the darkness that you may see your way. Light dispels the gloom that hovers over the world. A true Christian will be a light pointing others to Jesus Christ.
While Jesus was here upon the earth he was the light of the world but that same light is given to every saved person. “Ye are the light of the world.”
Salt or light can lose their usefulness if they are used the wrong way.
Lost Savor
“If the salt have lost its savour.” Salt can lose its purity and food flavor if it is placed close to kerosene or filthy garbage. It needs to be kept away from filth and stench.
We can also lose our savour if we spend our time down in the filth and stench of the world. We are in the world, but we are not to be of the world. The gutter of sin will cause the salt of the earth to lose its savour.
When salt loses it savour, it becomes of little worth. “Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (Luke 14:34-35)
Hidden Light
A person would be very foolish to place a candle under a bushel where it could not be seen. A person would be very foolish to cover a light bulb with a wash tub so that the light would be hid.
Many Christians have their light hid under a bushel. It may be the bushel of gossip. It may be the bushel of cursing. It maybe the bushel of drink. It may be the bushel of stealing from God. It may be the bushel of not attending church. It may be any one of hundreds of sins that is hiding your light from the world.
I remember when I was a boy down on the farm how that we used the old kerosene lamps to light our house at night. I always did like to come from school and do the chores and read till my folks would make me go to bed. I always wished that we had good lights to read by like the people who lived in town. Sometimes when the light would be dim I would turn up the wick a little to get better light, but if you turned it up too high the globe would get smoked and the light was hid. There are many people who are letting their light shine for their own glory, and the globe is smoked over. If your light is shining for selfish purposes it will do very little good.
Sometimes we had to trim the wick on the old kerosene lamp to get a better light. The light would be turned out and then the old twisted, charred part would be cut away. God often has to use his golden snuffers on the Christian and trim the light that it might shine forth. For the Christian it is either let your light shine or God will do some trimming.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works . . . ” v. 16. Here is a positive command. There is no maybe so, hope so, think so about this statement. God expects us to so live that it will cause others to glorify Him.
Salt Causes Thirst
A number of years ago I heard a missionary who had spent some time in China tell of teaching the Chinese children. While they were discussing this text of scripture, the teacher was asking questions concerning the use of salt. One small boy stood to his feet and said, “Teacher, salt will make you thirsty.” The life of a Christian ought to make someone else thirsty for a drink of the water of life. Jesus stood by the well curb and talked to the Samaritan woman. He told her that the water from Jacob’s well could not satisfy. He told her that He could give her a drink of water that would cause her to never thirst again. The woman replied, “Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not . . .” (John 4:15) A conversation with Jesus made her thirsty. “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt . . . ” (Colossians 4:6) I wonder tonight, how many of us cause others to thirst after Jesus?
Hold The Light High
“A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” v. 14. A city down in the valley can be hid. A light shining down on the lower plain can be hid. We need to climb up on the mountain top with God and let our light shine. Our light will do no good if it is hid from the world.
On A Candlestick
We are told in our text that the light needs to be on a candlestick. In the first chapter of the book of Revelation we have the vision of John on the Isle of Patmos. In the vision John saw Jesus Christ walking in the midst of the “seven golden candlesticks . . . ” (Rev. 1:20) A candlestick represented a church. There were seven candlesticks, and seven churches. If we want our light to really shine for God it must be in the church. Some are trying to do it through man-made churches, but the only place is in a true New Testament Church. Some of you have moved to this city and your membership is back in a distant city. Some of you have it in a trunk at home. It cannot shine there hidden in the trunk. Put it on the candlestick (church) then it will shine.
Shine Before Men
“Let your light so shine before men” v. 16. I feel so sorry for those who isolate themselves from the world, as do the Nuns, Priests, and Hermits. Even if they had a light it could do no good off in a convent, etc. We need to get our light before men. Carry your light to others. The Bible teaches that we are to take our light from house to house.
God to Receive Glory
The purpose is that men may see our good works and glorify God. The Lord Jesus gave this testimony of John the Baptist. “He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.” (John 5:35) Some seem to want people to glorify them. That is what the Pharisees wanted. God help us to have as our only purpose in serving, the glorifying of the Father. If we stand true to God people will glorify Him.
Must Have Oil
If you want to serve God, then you must have oil in your lamp. The five foolish virgins had everything but oil. They had no oil and therefore they could not let the light shine. Religion will not do. You must come to Jesus and accept Him as your personal Saviour. He will pour in the oil and start it to burning.
A watchman once stood at the railroad crossing one night waving his lantern as he tried to warn an onrushing train that the bridge was washed out ahead. The train did not stop and a terrible wreck took place. In the investigation the watchman was asked if he had waved his lantern as the train approached. He testified that he did, but under close questioning he finally admitted that he had failed to put oil in the lantern. The watchman waved his lantern. But he had no light burning. I fear that this describes a lot of people in religious work who are busy waving the lantern of their life, but they have no oil and no light.
Brightly beams our Father’s mercy,
From His lighthouse evermore,
But to us He gives the keeping
Of the lights along the shore.
Dark the night of sin has settled,
Loud the angry billows roar;
Eager eyes are watching, hoping,
For the lights along the shore.
Trim your feeble lamp, my brother,
Some poor sailor tempest tossed,
Trying now to make the harbor,
In the darkness may be lost.
Let the lower lights be burning,
Send a gleam across the wave,
Some poor fainting, struggling seaman,
You my rescue, you may save.
Years ago the communist government in China commissioned an author to write a biography of Hudson Taylor with the purpose of distorting the facts and presenting him in a bad light. They wanted to discredit the name of this consecrated missionary of the gospel. As the author was doing his research, he was increasingly impressed by Taylor"s saintly character and godly life, and he found it extremely difficult to carry out his assigned task with a clear conscience. Eventually, at the risk of losing his life, he laid aside his pen, renounced his atheism, and received Jesus as his personal Savior.
Whether we realize it or not, our example leaves an impression on others. Let’s ask God to help us make it one of love, faith, and purity of life.
By E. L. Bynum
As we come near to December 25th, there is a deluge of excitement over the prospects of gifts and of families getting together for the celebration. Unfortunately there is more and more of Santa Claus and less and less of Christ. He is largely the forgotten God-man of the whole holiday. Bible believers know that Christmas has a pagan connection, and today it has turned into a commercial enterprise. Most of the large retail companies care nothing of Christ, but they will gladly take the huge profits that come from the shopping spree that consumes the public during the season.
The liquor stores and the bars love this holiday because many spend their bonuses there during the season. What a way to honor Christ. Load up with liquor, pickle the mind, shame the family and drive drunk and perhaps kill someone.
Liberal churches really tick me off at Christmas time. They make a big thing out of the celebration with plays, programs, cantatas, and various other ways. The preacher stands in the pulpit and reads Scriptures about the birth of Jesus. They may even read from a version that speaks of the virgin birth, but they in their hearts do not believe that it is literally true. Gullible people sit in the pews thinking that their preacher believes in the virgin birth. What a travesty and what hypocrisy they exhibit.
Here at Tabernacle we do not major on celebrating Christmas. I usually preach on the birth of Christ and proclaim the gospel. We have never had a Christmas tree in the Church, neither does Santa Claus ever appear. We honor Jesus Christ and glory in His birth. Since we are not instructed in the Bible to make a big celebration of His birth, we do not.
On the other hand we do not forbid families to celebrate the occasion in the way that they see fit. We do not exhibit the methods of Ebenezer Scrooge, and we do not crusade on this matter. Most of us fondly remember the joyous times when families gathered during this celebration, the exchanging of gifts and the good home cooked meals. We never told our children that the gifts came from Santa Claus. We always told them that the whiskered fat man was just a man wearing a costume. They believed us, but they enjoyed it all just the same.
I am sure that I will hear from critics on both sides of the issue. It my estimation too many people go to the extreme. I never meant to say all these things, because the main thrust of this article is the Virgin Birth. The following part of this article was written and published in the Plains Baptist Challenger, December 1977.
By E. L. Bynum
The Hebrew word for virgin in Isa. 7:14 is “almah.” I cannot agree that “almah” should be limited to mean only a “young maiden.” I am sure than any such interpretation or translation of the word is in very serious error. Matthew 1:23 is a Greek language verse that forever settles this question for the serious Bible believing student. For in this passage, by Divine inspiration, Matthew quotes the Old Testament prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 and uses the Greek word “parthenos” for the Hebrew word “almah.”
There is a malicious attack, that is increasing in intensity, against the Virgin Birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Those who plainly and openly deny His Virgin Birth are not nearly so dangerous as those who are consistently inconsistent in their treatment of certain Hebrew and Greek words. For instance, the translator of “Good News For Modern Man, The New Testament in Today’s English Version,” has taken great liberty with the Greek word for “Virgin” (Parthenos). In Matthew 1:23 he correctly translates “Parthenos” as “Virgin.” However, in Luke 1:27, he incorrectly translates “girl.” Then in Luke 1:34 he inserts the word “virgin” where it does not belong, for “parthenos” does not appear in the Greek text. In this instance he gives an interpretation, rather than a translation. No man has any right to so tamper with the Word of God!
Getting back to the Hebrew “almah,” I would like to make a few observations. The Revised Standard Version (1952) dared to translate “almah” in Isaiah 7:14 as “young woman” instead of “virgin” as it should be. The New English Bible (1970) makes the same diabolical mistake. The Old Testament section of the TEV has made the same error. Bible believing scholarship (the only kind of true scholarship), stands opposed to this dastardly attack upon the deity of Jesus Christ.
Among the liberal theologians it is said that “almah” does not mean “virgin.” However, J. Gresham Machen, D.D., Litt. D., a noted conservative scholar of Princeton and Westminister Theological Seminaries, has much to say on this word “almah” in his monumental book “The Virgin Birth of Christ.” He says, “there is no place among the seven occurrences of ‘almah’ in the Old Testament where the word is clearly used of a woman who was not a virgin.”
Dr. Howard A. Hanke, in his book “The Validity of the Virgin Birth” says: “The Hebrew word ‘Almah’ in its two forms, is used only seven times in the Hebrew Scriptures (Gen. 24:43; Ex. 2:8; Psa. 68:25; Pro. 30:19; Cant. 1:3 and Isa. 7:14). In each of these references the text clearly implies a chaste, unmarried girl. This word is never used in any other connection. On the other hand, the Hebrew word ‘Bethulah’, also meaning virgin, is used fifty times and has reference to persons as well as nations. The careful scholar cannot help but note that in the RSV the word ‘Almah’ in Genesis 24:43 and Isaiah 7:14 is rendered ‘Young woman’ and in Psalms 68:25; Proverbs 30:19; Canticles 1:3 and Canticles 6:8 it is rendered ‘maiden or maidens’ while in Exodus 2:8 it is rendered ‘girl.’ It may well be asked: Why these inconsistencies or divergent readings?”
“Dr. George Allen Turner, noted Harvard graduate, points out that ‘In none of these instances is the idea of virginity clearly lacking in the term ‘Ahnah’. On the contrary, it is implied in each instance and specifically indicated in at least one (Genesis 24:43; cf. 24:16). The only basis for saying that ‘Almah’ is not the regular term for virgin is that it is not the common term. Dr. Turner continues: ‘It seems clear that the derivation of ‘Almah’ is from the verb Alan meaning to hide or conceal and means a young woman who has not been uncovered, i.e., one who has not known man. The evidence indicates also that had Isaiah wished to say young woman, he would have chosen the term Na’arah, the term which the RSV usually translates as young woman.’ Dr. Turner points out, and rightly so, that ‘the importance of the verse . . . lies not only in the fact that it is a proof-text for the virgin birth, but that Matthew 1:23 quotes it as a prediction of Jesus’ birth to the Virgin Mary. Thus, it involves Matthew’s trustworthiness as an interpreter of the Old Testament. (We would go further and say that it involved the trustworthiness of the Holy Spirit of God since it was inspired by Him. E.L.B.) . . . Matthew uses the same Greek term (parthenos: i.e., virgin) as is found in the Greek Old Testament, the Septuagint (LXX).”’
Hanke further says, “By giving the world a virgin-born Messiah, God eliminated the possibility that a counterfeit or false Messiah could come. Only the virgin born would be able to lay claim to this office. The fact that this person was to be called Emmanuel, meaning ‘God with us,’ is clear indication that a ‘sign’ would accompany the manifestation of the Redeemer here clearly set forth in prophecy. This divine name could not have been given an ordinary human being — it could have been given, only to the God-man Jesus Christ, who was truly born as the prophets had declared.”
“Sifting world history does not reveal a single human being of whom it could be said he is ‘God with us.’ This reference can refer only to Christ because Christ is God. Christ is the only One who can be rightfully called Immanuel, God with us. This is indeed an appropriate name for His coming to earth. He is God . . . manifested in the flesh (I Tim. 3:16). He (Christ) was made flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). Christ is the Immanuel — God with us.” (From The Virgin Birth of Christ, by Sabiers).
Hanke says, “It is interesting to note that the prophecy clearly states that a virgin should bear a son, not a daughter. This careful detail of gender is indeed indicative of the prophet’s inspiration. The Messiah to come was to be a son, born of a virgin. Nowhere in history can another than Christ be found who fits into this picture.”
“The name ‘Immanuel’ in Isaiah 7:14 definitely proves that the birth mentioned could not be an ordinary birth, but must be a Virgin birth. The Person born was to be called ‘Immanuel’ — ‘God with us.’ If he was to be ‘God with us’ certainly He could not have been born of two human parents such as Joseph and Mary. They never could have given birth to God — they could have given birth only to a mere human being . . . Only through the Virgin birth could there be in the One Person a union of both the human and divine. This is the only way He could have been both God and man — ‘God with us.’” — Karl G. Sabiers.
This is all the more reason that we should stick with the King James Version of the Bible. The modern versions are tainted with modernism.
By C. H. Spurgeon
A rush of thought has hurried through our soul while traversing the streets of the long lost city of Pompeii. Worn as its pavements are by the traffic of a thousand chariots in days of yore, it is all silent now, and its temples and palaces echo only to the footfalls of inquisitive visitors, who guess its life from its suggestive relics. The city was not destroyed by a fiery stream of molten lava, as is popularly supposed; but it would seem that first there fell a shower of ashes and cinders, with here and there a huge mass of volcanic matter; and then there followed torrents of liquid mud, which flowed over all and formed over the city a crust, preserving everything that remained from further injury or decay. Had the stream been burning lava, it must have melted down the bronzes, calcined the marbles, and reduced all to one vast heap of molten matter; as it is, the most delicate frescoes remain uninjured, the most minute articles are found in their integrity, and even such readily combustible materials as thread and skeins of silk, are gathered from the ruined dwellings. We have seen a glass jar of oil still retaining its contents, delicate bottles of perfume apparently as fresh as when purchased at the shop, and amphorae of wine; with the age of the vintage as freshly marked thereon, as though but yesterday placed in the cellar. How marvellous does all this seem when we remember that the city was buried in A.D. 79, and, therefore, has lain in its grave for close upon eighteen hundred years.
Comparatively few human remains have been found in the excavations, for although the inhabitants of Pompeii had but scant warning, it appears that the bulk of the population were, at the time of the eruption, assembled in the great amphitheatre, which is outside the town, and, finding themselves cut off from the rest of the city by the falling ashes, they made their escape from the impending doom. All of them were not, however, so fortunate, for some six hundred skeletons have been exhumed, and as yet a bare half of the city has been uncovered. In the ear of our imagination have sounded voices from the dead in Pompeii, and in a hurried moment we sit down to record the impressions they have made.
The full chorus of the disinterred chants one solemn line, “Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh.” To many in that fair abode of luxury and vice the outbreak of Vesuvius appeared to be the end of all things. When the darkness which might be felt settled down upon them; when the earth rumbled and reeled beneath them; when the groaning waves of the tortured sea foamed beyond them; when the scorching glare of vivid lightnings flashed above them, and huge rocks blazing and hissing with fire fell all around them; they believed that the world’s death had come, and so, indeed, in a manner it had come to them, but in a fuller and truer sense it hastens on for us ! Even now, while the ink is flowing from our pen, the Lord may be on his way, and may suddenly appear. In Pompeii’s last tremendous hour the bread was in the oven, but the baker never saw it taken from it; the meat was seething in the pot never to be eaten; the slave was at the mill, the prisoner in the dungeon, the traveller at the inn, the money dealer in his treasury, but none of these saw aught of their labours, their pains, their pleasures, or their profits again. The burning dust fell over all, the poisonous vapours sought out every crevice, and the ocean of mud buried inhabitant and habitation, worshipper and temple, worker and all that he had wrought! Should a sudden overthrow come upon us also, are we ready?Could we welcome the descending Lord, and feel that for us his coming with clouds to recompense justice would be a joyful appearing, to be welcomed with exulting acclamation? The question is too important to be dismissed until honestly answered: may sincerity direct, the examination it suggests.
A very large proportion of the dead were discovered in the barracks; thirty-four were found together, beyond all doubt the guard called out for the fatal night: discipline must have been powerful indeed to have kept men to their duty at such a time, especially when they were not far from the city gate. It would seem that the officers’ wives and children shared in the same spirit, and remained with the band, and with them, those ever faithful friends of man, the dogs who had fed beneath their table. Soldiers are expected to endure hardness, and these Roman legionaries discharged their trust to the last. Christians are called soldiers of Christ, shall they be less firm, less bravely obedient, even unto death? Whoever flees in the evil day, a Christian must not. His it is to be at his post at all hazards, and faithless never. Christian and coward, saint and deserter, are words as much opposed as heaven and hell. Every one has heard of the lone soldier at the Herculaneum gate of Pompeii, who stepped under an arch to shelter himself from the hot ashes, and there remained close by the gate which he was set to guard, and was found there spear in hand, faithful unto death. His martial voice rings in our ear, and bids us, even if alone, abide in our appointed place come what may. Ours it is not to consult personal ease or safety, but to abide where the great Lord of all has marked our station till he himself shall release us from it. Like the dove which was found sitting upon her nest in the garden of Diomed, if we are entrusted with the care of others we must sooner perish than forsake our charge. If Jesus has said “feed my lambs,” we must not flee when the wolf cometh but must, under evil report and good report, feed the flock of God which he hath purchased with his own blood.
One of the first buildings seen by the traveller upon entering the excavations, is the villa whose owner is supposed to have been named Diomed, because a tomb on the opposite side of the road bears that name. In the ample cellars of this house seventeen persons were found. huddled in a corner, who from their ornaments and dress are believed to have been females, and some of them the ladies of the house. Where was the father, the master, the husband of the family? Why did he not form the centre of the group, and prove the mainstay of the tremblers in their hour of horror? A skeleton, believed to be that of the master of the house, was found near the garden gate, with the key of his villa firmly grasped in his hand; and behind him was an attendant with one hundred pieces of money in his girdle. What was he about to do? He was doubtless fleeing for his life, and perished in the attempt but why escape alone? It would have been useless to carry the key if the door remained unlocked. Had he then fastened in his family and left them all to die? Let us not judge even the dead severely perhaps the timid females would not venture with him, and he went to discover for them a way of escape. The taking of a considerable sum of money with him does not give much countenance to the theory, but this much is clear, for some reason or other the strong man left his household behind him and sought safety for himself: meanwhile, outside his door, on the other side of the road, a lady stumbled through the heaps of small loose pumice stones which filled the roadway, and sought a shelter under the vault of the hemicycle where many a traveller had rested ere he entered the splendid city of pomps. She was not alone, but had two children clinging to her garments, and she carried another at her breast. Did she sever herself from the little ones? Did self preservation drive her to drop her helpless burden? No; folded in each other’s arms they fell into their last sleep, the mother still cherishing in death the children, about whose necks her love had hung pearls and finest gold while yet their days were happy. “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion upon the son of her womb?” Man is too often hard and selfish, but a mother’s heart is tender, and her love makes sacrifices and counts them sweet.
In the street of abundance, in the house of a money-changer, in a dark vault-like room at the rear of the building, lies a skeleton upon a heap of rubbish, with outstretched arms and clutching fingers, as if he had been grasping at earth with his last life-throb. Near him the diggers found some 400 coins, mostly of silver, with quite a little fortune in rings and cameos. Was he a thief, and were these the spoils he had gathered and purchased with his life? Was he a money-lender, and were these his capital and his securities for loans? No man can answer these questions, but the blending together of death and gold in one story is no new thing; it is, indeed, but another among a thousand in stances in which death has slain men with gilded darts. In another place was found an adventurous pilferer, who, after the destruction of the city, had marked the spot where stood a rich man’s house, had burrowed down into it, and had met his end through the falling in of the earth upon him. He digged for treasure, and knew not that he had prepared his grave; fit warning to other earthworms among men that they also perish not in their grovellings, though it is to be feared the admonition is seldom heeded, and men continue to barter heaven for yellow clay. Less ignobly died the prisoners in their cells, and the soldiers in their stocks, for they were bound by no voluntary fetters, and may have been free in spirit while they lay in durance. Avarice both imprisons and degrades.
The skeleton in the large room behind the Temple of Isis reveals the overpowering energy of even a base animal appetite, for there it was found with bones of chickens, eggshells, fish bones, bread, wine, and a garland of flowers around it. He must have been a rare feeder who could find stomach for his meat amid such convulsions of nature; his worship of his belly had furnished him with a courage which far nobler devotions have not excelled. It shows how sottish he becomes who lives to eat instead of eating to live; he may one day die by his eating, and go from the banquets of Bacchus to the tortures of Tophet. Let all men beware of the tyranny of carnal passions, for no despots are so exacting as the appetites of the flesh. Suicide by one’s own teeth is the meanest of deaths, and involves a man in everlasting contempt; the cruelest of tyrants have not demanded this of their victims. By all that we value for time and for eternity, let us conquer fleshly appetites lest they conquer us.
Time would fail us to tell of the wretch who left his bones in a temple with all the evidence of his sacrilege about him. Will a man rob God? How will it fare with him should he perish in the act? Neither can we speak much of the gigantic personage, who with an axe had pierced a way through two walls of the temple of Isis in his efforts to escape from the all-surrounding death. He at least was no sluggard or foolhardy glutton. He perished, but he had made desperate efforts to be saved; many also will share this fate, in a spiritual sense, if they rely upon their own strength; but, blessed be God, none shall ever be left to die, who labour against sin, trusting in the merits of the Redeemer. Vain also would it be to conjecture who was the owner of that remarkable brain that once filled that skull of striking conformation, which has excited the speculations of so many phrenologists. He whose eyes looked out from under that overhanging brow was crushed beneath a falling column, literally severed in twain by the prostrate mass. Had he lived and thought for God, for truth, for man? Or was he some arch deceiver, a deluder of the multitude? Echo alone answers to our enquiries, and she by mocking them. The tomb is silent, and so also are those to whom sepulchre is denied. But one thing is clear to the most superficial glance: these skeletons are the petrifactious of vitality, the abiding record of life’s latest moment. As in the forum remain the half-finished columns, with the last mark of the sculptor’s hand; as in the chambers of the household remain the essences and rouge of ill-fated beauty; as in the bath remains the strigil, and in the hall the treasure-casket; so in the stone-like relics of the departed Pompeiians abide the records of their concluding acts; they are the finis of their own history, observed by all men. Behold, at this hour our moral history is being preserved for eternity; processes are at work which will perpetuate our every act, and word, and thought; not alone the last line, but every word and letter of our actual history is being stereotyped for the world’s perusal in the day which shall reveal the secrets of men. We are not writing upon the water, but carving upon imperishable material— the chapters of our history are graven with an iron pen and lead in the rocks for ever.
Time and thought alike fail us just now: we have indicated a subject worthy of an abler pen, and we have done more if we have also suggested to our readers a worthy theme for thought.
— From The Sword and the Trowel, 1872
Edited by E. L. Bynum
(Editor’s Note: In our News & Views column we quote from many different sources. Please understand that this does not necessarily mean that we approve of all of the publications from which we quote.)
Hate Crimes or Heavenly Commission? — An Indian court in the state of Orissa recently charged five Christians with the crime of “wounding the religious feelings” of Hindus. After a week in police custody, they were released on bail. (Voice of Martyrs, 11/9/04) The Lord commissioned His church to preach the Gospel to very creature. (Mark 16:15) He also said some would be offended. (Matt. 15:12) Preaching salvation, service, and separation will always bring complaint from the ungodly. The homosexual crowd and their Hollywood and political supporters would like to bind every believer in America so they could not preach the truth about their diabolical sin. “Having done all, to stand. Stand therefore...” — (W. W. Mosley, hereafter WWM)
‘Coming Out’ Not So Popular — This is the message 11 states sent to the boisterous gay crowd in the Nov. election. These states and others with the same conviction have made it clear that they believe God is right about this unnatural act of debauchery. Those who think it is ‘cool’ to ‘come out’ had best consider ‘going down’ on their knees in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom. 1:26,27; Acts 20:21) —WWM
Blue Grass & Blue Jeans — “The Dyson Family will be presenting a Bluegrass Gospel Concert & Praise Celebration at the Granite (OK) 1st Bapt. Ch. (SBC).” (Mangum Star, 11/11/04) This is NOT an advertizement of this publication but simply to reveal where “another gospel” which is not another, is replacing the true Gospel. (Gal. 1:6,7) Banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass fiddle and guitars are the accompaniment instruments. A photo reveals teen-age girls in tight jeans, a fatherly appearing man, and a 10-12 year old boy. All with their various instruments. Coffee and desserts will be served afterwards. The public is invited to “come and enjoy a great evening” at the church. ‘Enjoy’ is closely associated with the flesh. Moses chose rather to suffer affection than to “enjoy the pleasures of sin.” (Heb. 11:25) Joy in the Lord increases for the meek at heart. (Isa. 29:19) Rejoicing in the most Holy God is more readily seen in the poor. I feel sure this family of musicians are not performing free. —WWM
The Difference in Worship & Worldly — The following describes the above section well. (WWM) “Much singing . . . has in it more of romance than it has of the Holy Ghost. Words and music [don’t reflect] the reverent intimacy of the adoring saint, but the impudent familiarity of the carnal lover.” Nor are those churches that are driven by the new “purpose,” which has become the vision of tens of thousands of today’s pastors, the only ones that have turned worship upside down and inside out. The same is true of thousands of other churches that have forgotten the fact that worship, far from being for our enjoyment, is supposed to be directed toward God! Rare is the awesome reverence that befits those bowing in His presence to sing His praise. The attitude, dress, and sensuality of many “worship teams” and their “music” would not be tolerated for a moment by God before His throne! (Berean Call, 11/1/04)
Oppression Is Oppression Though Whitewashed — A group of Russian immigrants in California are fighting their local government’s hostile effort to keep them from filling their church pews. The immigrants who make up the congregation of the Independent Baptist Church of Sacramento fled Russia to escape communist oppression. But now, they have had to seek legal assistance from the Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) in order to avoid what many see as another kind of oppression — the tyranny of municipal bureaucracy. Brad Dacus of PJI is representing the Independent Baptist Church. He says the church’s building can hold 500 people, but the city of Sacramento will only allow the congregation to have 120 — the capacity of the church parking lot. (AgapePress via Crosswalk, 11/9/04) Likely if they were having a band for entertainment the city would furnish one of their own parking lots and bus participants to a time of fun and excitement. Don’t marvel if the world hate you. (John 15:18; 1 John 3:13) —WWM
Alarming Truth — On October 24th, a large mob of about 500 people vandalized the Nusantara Indonesia Christian Church, damaging doors and windows, destroying pews and vandalizing the sound system. When the pastor arrived, he was warned to flee with his family for their safety. The night before when a group from the church had gathered in a home for choir rehearsal, Muslims who were annoyed by the music came to complain. After the vandalism, representatives from the mob met with local authorities to discuss closing this church. ( Voice of Martyrs, 11/9/04) Those who believe Islam is a peace loving religion must recognize the above situation is not isolated to so called ‘radical Muslims.’ This is common practice throughout the world. It will happen in America unless God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit has His rightful place in the hearts of believers. At this time believers are being referred to a ‘moral activist.’ Praise the Lord for those 11 states who banned gay marriage. The Phil Donahues may mock the voice of God now, but one day they will be forced to listen. (Matt. 7:23; 25:41) —WWM
Witches No Fantasy — Eugene, Oregon’s Krystal Barger sits each morning with her 10-year old twin girls when each “choose a Tarot or fairy card to meditate upon as they sit around an improvised altar of stones, feathers, driftwood, candles, sage and other totems.” Barger says, “That’s the most important thing to me, to make sure they feel connected with what they came from, the planet and nature.” (Berean Call, 11/3/04) Parents, be aware of what parents of your children’s friends are up to with their own children. Wicca is a growing organization of the pagan world and their father, the devil, may roar but he is also very sly & deceptive. (Phil.3:2) “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.” —WWM
A Parental Challenge — Ellison Research . . . reported that divorce was listed as one of the top three concerns by 43 percent of all ministers surveyed while 38 percent cited the media as a key issue they need to guard families in their communities against and 36 percent said materialism. (Baptist Press, 11/12/04) In the report some paid particular attention to parental alcohol and drug use. What a damaging effect a bottle of beer in the family fridge of a Christian(?) could have on the future life of a child. Little(?) things like card playing or dice rolling games can ruin the life of a child when he comes to adulthood. If it was OK at home to play these games, what is wrong if money is involved? Little foxes still spoil tender grapes. (Song of Sol. 2:15) —WWM
Further Change In Worship — The Texas Baptist Standard Online 27 October, 2004 — Speakers Predict Sermons Will Change In Next Wave of Postmodern Worship. (Edited by DCB) “In the past half-century, evangelical worship has seen a lot of changes. Music styles have morphed, orders of service have flip-flopped, chalk talks gave way to PowerPoint presentations and pew Bibles and fill-in-the-blank sermon outline forms have appeared. In some cases, the lectern has disappeared, and the speaker has ‘dressed down.’” Chris Seay, a pastor in Houston, Texas and a “frequent commentator on postmodern culture” said he did not “think we will have master orators much longer,” because “Art, dance and music are new forces that will play increasingly larger roles” if the church is to be relevant to the Millennials, today’s teens and young adults.” (AIB Newsletter, 10/29/04) The editor of AIB is right on target here. This transfigured type of worship is not confined to those affiliated with an organization. Too often performances are squeezing out preaching. Almost anything can be called worship. It better be the Saviour rather than self, or the Father of spirits will step in. (Heb. 12:9) —WWM
Muslims Gaining Power — The title, Christian, is claimed by many who might have missed being called this by the same manifestation as did the Antioch church in the NT However, the Islamic religion knows nothing about God’s inspired Word, so it matters little to them what doctrinal beliefs a group has. If they are known as ‘Christians’ they are on the Muslim hit list. One such group of Christians have been evicted from Muslim owned property in Florida. (Crosswalk, 11/18/04) The mystery is why would a Christian group rent facilities owned by Islam worshipers? Every American should be convinced by now that the Islam religion hates all other religions to the point of murder. While we weep when one of our service personnel die in Iraq true Islam worshipers rejoice that they have pleased their false god. —WWM
Once A Communist . . . “...in August, the Chinese government issued three new internal directives calling for much tighter control of religion, according to Compass Direct news service. The first directive reaffirmed that no Communist Party member can openly or secretly join a religious organization. Over the past three years, 230 top party members became believers and were dismissed from the party, Compass Direct said.” (Baptist Press, 11/18/04) Communism and Christianity are incompatible terms. Two can’t walk together unless they be agreed. A Christian may be able to survive in a Communist country, but only with the help of God. Communism will no more be a friend to Christianity than will Islam. There is no fellowship between righteousness and unrighteousness. (2 Cor. 6:14) —WWM
The Anti-Christian Liberties Union has done it again! This time, they’ve successfully sued the Pentagon over the Boy Scouts. They filed a lawsuit five years ago that claims that the Pentagon is violating the separation of church and state by sponsoring a group that requires a belief in God for membership. An ACLU spokesman claims that the government should “not be administering religious oaths or discriminating based upon religious beliefs.” (TVC News, 11/16/04)
More on Radical Islam — For several years now, radical Muslims in northern and central Nigeria have been carrying out a ‘holy’ war, or jihad, against Christians. The attackers, mostly Fulani Muslims, use guns and machetes as their weapons of destruction. They make no distinction between men, women, and children — who will not only carry the physical scars for the rest of their lives, but the emotional ones as well. (Agape Press, 11/18/04)