“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Concerted attempts have been made in our day to blur distinctions between the sexes. Some identify as neither male nor female. Changes in legislation and education have been made to soften the line between male and female to the point that even gender specific pronouns are being discouraged by some. A few Bible translators some years back aimed to produce a “gender neutral” version by employing “inclusive language” regarding the sexes. The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) and Today’s New International Version (TNIV) are examples of such attempts.

Galatians 3:28 has for years been twisted by feminists to mean because Christ sees no difference between the sexes, women should be able to exercise all the religious leadership roles as do men, regardless of what passages like 1 Timothy 2:11-14 and 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 teach. Yet, Jesus Himself said, “from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female,” (Mark 10:6). God’s design for the reproduction of humans included a male and a female (Gen. 1:27). God told Noah to bring both male and female animals of each kind into the ark so propagation could take place (Gen. 6:19). Even today, those who work with animals recognize gender differences are not trained into the animals. Gender differences are part of God’s natural created order and no amount of surgery, legislation, or indoctrination will change this distinction. So what is Galatians 3:28 saying? God created the sexes. With all the focus on gender in today’s world, it is important to recognize what Galatians 3:28 is and is not saying about males and females. Let us consider how it appeals to this sense of gender equality so prominent in our culture, and yet does not condone the thrust of contemporary movements to flout one’s biological sex.

The context of Galatians 3:28 is not specific roles in the church, nor social conduct, but salvation. Paul was combating Judaizing teachers who required circumcision and keeping the law of Moses in order to be righteous before God (Gal. 5:2-4). He shows that there are no second-class citizens in the kingdom of God. Galatians 3 is about being children of Abraham and inheriting the promise God made to him. Because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous (Gal. 3:6). Abraham was told that through his Seed, all nations would be blessed; that Seed is Christ (Gal. 3:8, 16). Thus, those who have become children of God by faith, by being baptized into Christ, are blessed with Abraham (Gal. 3:7, 26-27). The chapter ends with, “And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:29). Thus, the longing for equality is provided by Christ. All people—regardless of race, social status, or gender—have equal access to being part of God’s family and inheriting salvation.

But while we are all allowed to be on God’s team, that does not mean we all play the same position. God has particular requirements for those who oversee His flock, among which are the requirements of being a man who is the husband of one wife and has obedient children (1 Tim. 3:1-5). God wants older women to teach younger women particular lessons about their role as women (Titus 2:3-5). All can equally secure the blessings that come from being in Christ, but in how each of us serve the Lord, He has made His will clear that there are different roles He intends for men and women.

-Mark Day

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The apostle of love, by inspiration, marveled, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” (1 John 3:1). God’s love is so great that He gave His own Son so that we could be His children. John went on to write that this sacrificial love of Jesus Christ continues in each of us loving our brothers and sisters in Christ:

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.” (1 John 4:9-12).

Love is absolutely necessary for us if we are to be God’s people. A car may have an efficiently-designed engine that can turn out tremendous horsepower, but if it does not have oil, then the results will be disastrous. Likewise, we can have very talented people, who possess tremendous knowledge, working in well-designed programs in the Lord’s church, but if there is no love, then failure will follow. Consider the Father’s love for us and how it translates to our love for one another.

Discipline – Proverbs 3:12 says, “For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” Correction is an essential part of loving a child. There are no doubt cases of fathers who abuse children, just as there have been abuses of churches in their treatment of members. How should we react to this? When a good father hears of child abuse, he commits himself to lovingly disciplining his children, not allowing them to do whatever they wish. “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” Hebrews 12:11). Congregations where members are allowed to live in sin without correction are not loving the souls of individuals with the long-term results of eternity as the emphasis (1 Cor. 5:1-5).

Forgiveness – After a statement on how far God has removed our transgressions, Psalm 103:13 says, “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.” Our heavenly Father is merciful. He wants to see us be reconciled to Him; He is pictured as the father who runs to meet the son who has come back home, takes the son in his arms and kisses him (Luke 15:20). As brothers and sisters in Christ, we should desire reconciliation with each other (Matt. 18:15-20). We have too many important tasks to accomplish for the Lord to remain at odds with one another.

Encouragement – Paul wrote, “as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children,” (1 Thess. 2:11). Paul was like an encouraging father to his converts (1 Cor. 4:14-15; 2 Cor. 12:14). Our Father in heaven has given us His word to build us up (Acts 20:32). Brothers and sisters in Christ should encourage one another daily to be faithful (Heb. 3:13; 13:22).  Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up (1 Cor. 8:1). As we grow in knowledge of the Lord, we should help others grow by building them up in the faith.

Take some time this week to consider God’s word. Thus, you can be filled with the Father’s love for you, and let His love empower you to love in the true, biblical sense — through discipline, forgiveness, and encouragement of your brothers and sisters in Christ.

-Mark Day

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To the Pharisees, “who were covetous” (Luke 16:14), Jesus described what happened after death to the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). In earthly life, the rich man had refused to help Lazarus, a beggar full of sores who was laid at his gate. The dogs did more than the rich man to help Lazarus, at least they licked his sores (Luke 16:21). Lazarus was not an able-bodied man trying to sponge off others; he could not work, but had to be carried to the rich man’s gate. He simply desired to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table (Luke 16:21). Wealth is not inherently evil, nor is poverty inherently good; however, a self-absorbed life sets a course for the soul that leads to eternal ruin. In this part the book of Luke, Jesus has been speaking on neglect. In Luke 14:16-23, Jesus highlighted the neglect of responding to the invitation. Here he speaks of neglecting a man clearly in need whom the rich man could easily have helped.

After death the situations of these two are reversed, as Abraham, a great Old-Testament saint in paradise, explained to the rich man, “Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented” (Luke 16:25). This was a reply to the rich man’s request for Lazarus to be sent with water to cool his tongue (Luke 16:24). It seems that even in torment the rich man’s self-centeredness remains. He wants Lazarus to be his servant, to fetch water for him.

The rich man had made Mammon (wealth) his god (Luke 16:13). Unlike Lazarus, the rich man is never given a personal name in this account. Perhaps this hints at the fact that he had established his identity on his wealth. When he left all his wealth behind at death, he lost his sense of self as well. We ought to take heed that we base our identity on God, Who never changes, but will live with the saved eternally after this short life on earth is finished.

Even the rich man’s request on behalf of his brothers turns out to be self-centered. He still wants Lazarus to be his servant, sent to warn his brothers (Luke 16:27-28). His plea also smacks of self-justification by suggesting that he, along with his five brothers, did not have ample opportunity to know what should be done to avoid torment.  Abraham responds with, “They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them” (Luke 16:29). The rich man is quick to dismiss this with, “Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent” (Luke 16:30). To dismiss the Law and the Prophets—the Scriptures that had been written at this time—is also to dismiss the gospel of Jesus Christ, for the Law and Prophets pointed to Christ (Luke 24:27, 44). The rich man demands something more than the clear warnings of the Bible. He wants an unavoidable sign such as someone speaking from the dead. Jesus, the one who rose from the dead, told us to go to what is written in God’s word to have eternal life (Luke 10:25-26; John 5:39).

There are many today who follow the rich man’s steps. Sadly, their blame-shifting blindness to their own spiritual need will lead to the same eternal destiny if they do not wake up and repent. Their self-absorption will lead them to choose torment, to be free from God who calls them to repent and think about someone other than themselves.

-Mark Day

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Debates are not heard of much these days. Religious debates are heard of even less. However, there was a time when those of conviction would engage in honorable debate. In fact, in time past many Gospel Meetings (Revivals) conducted by our brethren would not come to a close without a challenge to debate from one of the denominations in the community.

Debating is a Biblical concept. Jude said Christians “should earnestly contend for the faith,” Jude 3. Paul said, “I am set for the defence of the Gospel,” Philippians 1:17. Jesus engaged in debates as we see in Mark 12:28, “And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered him well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?” Jesus was a controversialist, so was Paul. In Acts 17:17 we read that Paul, “disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. The word “disputed” in this passage means “to discourse with one, i.e. he reasoned (ASV). Used of a discussion likely to end in a dispute. He engaged in a debate with them.” To engage in debate and set forth the truth of the Gospel has done and still does great good in evangelism. The view was once stated that “a week of debate is worth a year of preaching.”

The advantage to an honest and open religious debate is that both sides of the proposition is set forth. Light has its greatest effect when contrasted with darkness (e.g. religious error). Reading the religious debates of our brethren have the same advantages. Regarding a given issue, the position of a denomination is expressed, and the Bible answer is given by the defender of Truth. There are many debates still in print, either in book form or eBooks, audio recordings, video recordings, etc. There are several debate books in our library and many more can be found online. Such debates as:

James D. Bales and Woolsey Teller:  The Existence of God, A Debate

1. Perry B. Cotham and Peter John: The Cotham-John Debate on Miracles Today
2. B. Hardeman and Ben M. Bogard: Hardeman-Bogart Debate on The Work of The Holy Spirit, The Necessity of Baptism, The Establishment of The Church, and The Possibility of Apostasy.
3. B. Hardeman and Ira M. Boswell: Boswell-Hardeman Discussion on Instrumental Music in the Worship
4. Charles R. Nichol and A. S. Bradley: The Nichol-Bradley Debate on The Kingdom Of Christ Was Established On The First Pentecost After The Resurrection Of Christ and Man Is Wholly Mortal And Unconscious From Death Till The Resurrection.
5. Gus Nichols and J. D. Holder: Nichols-Holder Debate on Salvation Without The Preached Or Written Word, Or Any Condition On Their Part.
6. Gus Nichols and Max R. King: The Nichols – King Debate on The 2^nd Coming of Christ Occurred in 70 AD with the Fall of Judaism. (aka 70AD Doctrine)
7. Foy E. Wallace, Jr. and Charles M. Neal: Neal-Wallace Discussion on the Thousand Years Reign of Christ
8. Thomas B. Warren and L. S. Ballard: Warren-Ballard Debate on Is Obedience (Water Baptism) Necessary For Salvation.
9. Thomas B. Warren and E. C. Fuqua: The Warren-Fuqua Debate on Are Men Out of The Church Amenable to the Law of Christ on Divorce and Remarriage.
10. Guy N. Woods and A. U. Nunnery: The Woods-Nunnery Debate on Baptism and Apostasy

Many of these debates can be found in our church library. Many are still in print and can be ordered from Christian Bookstores (i.e. Tucker Bookstore, Chula Vista Books, etc.). Those listed in this article (and many more) can be found in PDF format through such websites as International College of the Bible (http://www.icotb.org/).

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18

-Jerry D. Sturgill

Many in the world would be surprised to hear that the message of Christ is inclusive, but the reality is­­—as the good old hymn goes–the Gospel is for all. The teaching that Christ only died for a restricted few people whom God has unconditionally chosen is false. God wants all to be saved (1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9). In Galatians 3:8, Paul writes, “And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.” The Gospel in seed form was preached to Abraham in Genesis 12:3. The seed of Abraham who would bless all nations of the world is Christ (Gal. 3:16). Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Mt. 11:28). After His death and resurrection Jesus commissioned that His followers make disciples of all nations (Mt. 28:19), going into all the world to preach the Gospel to every creature (Mk. 16:15). The apostles were to start at Jerusalem and carry the message to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Centuries before Christ issued these marching orders, Isaiah prophesied that all nations would flow unto Jerusalem from whence Christ’s law would come forth (Isa. 2:2-3).

God is not a respecter of persons; He shows no partiality regarding race and nationality (Rom. 2:11; Acts 10:34). Salvation is by God’s grace through man’s faith (Eph. 2:8). Today, God does not have a special benefit package reserved for the Jews. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile in God’s eyes (Rom. 3:22; 10:12). “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:28-29). How much more inclusive could God get?

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not only inclusive, it is all-inclusive—that is, it is comprehensive in its instructions to all regarding what to do to please God and be eternally saved (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:3). While the Gospel of Jesus Christ is extended to all, He provides eternal salvation to those who obey Him (Heb. 5:9).  The totality of Christ’s message was not delivered to His apostles before His death (John 16:12).  But His apostles were guided into all truth by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). They were reminded of what Jesus had said while physically present with them and they were taught the totality of the message including instruction Jesus did not personally give (John 14:26). For example, Paul had some instruction regarding marriage that the Lord Jesus did not delve into during His earthly ministry (1 Cor. 7:10-12). Through the total message the Holy Spirit delivered by the first-century apostles and prophets, He reproves the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment (John 16:8). The all-inclusive Gospel commands all men everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30). Let’s not limit the Gospel to only people who are like us in cultural background, race, and class but strive to cross those boundaries to deliver the soul-saving message to all.

–Mark Day