Author Archives: Dean N. Hoff

Christian

A Vow Not Taken

Lately I’ve been watching mostly Christian television, specifically Loveworld.

They have been preaching and telling personal stories of how making a vow to God moved him to help them out of their troubles. That’s what Benny Hinn and his friends say, but what does the Bible say?

In James 5:12 KJV it says, But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

A vow is a serious matter, especially one made to God. This is seen in Ecclesiastes 5:4-6 and in James 5:12 above.

Loveworld is advocating that you make a vow in order to increase their donations. If you want to donate that is your business, but I ask that you wisely do not make it a vow.

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Christian

In His Presence

I don’t really have anything negative to say about revivals these days. If people are getting together for hours or days to worship and honor God, that appears to be a good thing. Who are we to judge someone else’s servants? Roman’s 14:4.

But if you are driving or flying hundreds of miles to experience the presence of God, you haven’t read the Holy Bible. Jesus said in Matthew 18:20 KJV, For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

This means you can be in the presence of God in your own home, at the coffee shop, virtually anywhere with a friend or a spouse or even a new acquaintance. Jesus said it, he meant it. Why crave the “Holy Ghost experience” elsewhere when Jesus will come to you.

It reminds me somewhat of Jesus telling us that people will say look here or look there. It shouldn’t be about catching a feeling. Strike up a conversation, literally anywhere, We are gathered here today in the name of Jesus Christ or simply visit your local Church.

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Christian

Of Heaven or Of Man

In Genesis 40:8 KJV Joseph asks, Do not interpretations belong to God?

I believe that whether an interpretation of dreams or of Bible verses they only belong to God when they are correct and accurate. Yet, men too often interpret incorrectly and of their own accord. Following are some notable examples:

Hebrews 9:27 KJV And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: . Men treat this as an immutable law seeking to bind God to it. They say Enoch and Elijah must come back as the two Prophets of Revelation in order to die.

Amos 3:7 KJV Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. Again, some treat this as a law. Should an observation by Amos bind the Lord from doing whatever he wants, when he wants?

1 Corinthians 16:2 KJV Upon 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. Used by virtually every Church to pay their bills and claim donations to the Lord every Sunday. It was originally a comment by Paul to the Church at Corinth concerning donations to the saints in Jerusalem.

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Christian

By His Stripes

Have you heard “by his stripes we are already healed”?

Most preachers and teachers today use this as a verse to say God doesn’t want you sick. They use it to talk about healing from physical illness or diseases, even going so far as to say it is a promise of God.

I interpret it differently. I believe we are to place value on each stripe and wound laid upon Jesus when he was scourged. If we truly appreciate his suffering, the healing referred to in “by his stripes we are healed” is healing from sin and death. We stop sinning and learn to walk in the light. In other words we strive to live righteously because Jesus suffered and was crucified showing us exactly that, how to live for God.

If you are seeking physical healing, seek it in accordance with James 5:14-15. If you want to truly be healed, appreciate our Lord’s sacrifice and turn from sin.

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Christian

The Right Answer

In my previous post I discussed some teachers asking the wrong question, but have I really helped anyone if I do not try to provide the right answer.

What’s the right answer:

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Luke 6:46 KJV

If women are not supposed to speak in Church how can I teach them? First, no man can give women the permission to speak in Church. If it is a shame for women to speak in Church then all they can do is participate in their shame. Women are instructed to ask questions of their husband at home. What if they aren’t married? I suppose they could write their question on a piece of paper and hand it to the preacher/teacher or they could ask their father at home. I believe the Lord himself will teach you if you pray and read the Holy Bible.

What about Roman’s 16:17-18? If God says avoid someone, then you should avoid them, you don’t ask how can I teach them and try to circumvent the word of God. Are you wiser than God? In another place it says, Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Galatians 6:1 KJV

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Christian

The Right Question

Twice now I have heard preachers and teachers ask the wrong question.

If women should not speak in Church how then can I teach them? 1 Corinthians 14:34-35.

If we are to separate ourselves from those that cause division how can I teach them? Romans 16:17-18.

The correct question is not how can I fulfill my own desire, but how can I keep the word of the Lord? The desire to teach may seem Holy, but any answer that moves you away from keeping God’s word is incorrect.

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I Think Therefore

The Church of Christ, at least where I attend, teaches it preachers to not say “in my opinion” or “I think”. However, these phrases may save a preachers soul. If you say something is the word of God and it isn’t or if you are just plain wrong these phrases could save you from God’s eternal judgement.

If you let the people know your thought isn’t necessarily the word of God you cover yourself and you give them a chance to consider the issue or thought on their own. You give them the opportunity to form their own opinion.

Opinions aren’t bad, but serving up doctrines of men as the word of God could prove deadly both to the preacher and the listeners.

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The Cross

Lately I’ve been thinking about the many songs dedicated to the cross. I’ve also wondered about wearing the cross. Whether made of metal, stone, wood, or some other material is it appropriate to wear one?

I do believe the cross is an important symbol. Jesus himself prophesied in John 3:14-15 KJV And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: [15] That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

The cross embodies symbolism involving death, baptism, and resurrection. Romans 6:3-6. Near where I live there is one of those billboards that says, He loved you this much and it shows a depiction of Jesus on the cross with his arms outstretched wide. I appreciate these things and I suppose there may be something I’m missing, but I have two issues I’d like to raise.

What’s the difference between singing a song about a rifle, or a sword, or a guillotene and the cross? It is an instrument of death. My savior is Jesus. He is my focus, not a piece of wood.

The second is wearing or praying with a cross. In my opinion a cross shouldn’t be worn or prayed with. Here’s why: A cross is a graven image or a likeness of something that is in the earth. It is an image. Perhaps intent is key, but what will you reach for when you are in trouble or in time of need? The icon or Jesus? Jesus should be in our hearts and in our minds. Our strength doesn’t come from a piece of metal or wood or a tattoo. Your salvation will not come from the cross in your hand or one worn around your neck. Salvation comes from believing in Jesus, that he is the Christ. And with that faith knowing both what he did and what he does for us.

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Deaf, Dumb, and Worse

I have noticed over the years that some people cannot hear the truth. Whether it’s a New Testament commandment such as 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 or God’s continuing promise of miracles displayed in James 5:14-15 they simply cannot hear it.

It begs the question why?

Perhaps they are attached to errant doctrine. Perhaps they are having difficulty accepting the truth. Perhaps there is an issue with understanding.

Indeed, perhaps there is some mitigating circumstance, but there is a worse case scenario. It is explained by Jesus in John 8. John 8:43-44, 47 KJV says, Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. [44] Ye are of your father the devil… Jesus continues in John 8:47 KJV, He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

Not being all knowing it is possible we go too far if we surmise the worse concerning others, but it is something that requires strong consideration. In the least it is a warning flag.

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Origin

In the last few weeks I’ve heard Church of Christ preachers speak about the origins of the Church. Both mentioning the Catholic’s tracing of position as the true Church from Peter as the first Pope and Christ’s statement in Matthew 16:18. Both disputing the above and claiming the Church of Christ as the only one true Church with origin in Acts.

While I suppose it is not uncommon for denominations to claim they are the one true Church with authority from Christ, I don’t believe either of the above positions is accurate. I believe the true Church can be found in Mark 3:34-35 KJV. And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! [35] For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

I’m not sure if Peter was actually the first Pope or not, but the Catholic church has played a crucial role in the development and spread of Christianity around the world. Meanwhile, the Church of Christ irregardless of their claims was created after the Protestant Reformation in the United States of America.

Looking at doctrine from the Catholic Church and the Church of Christ it is evident some of their beliefs and teachings are right while some are simply wrong. I’m not going to get into that here, but I feel safe in saying there is no denomination following the Word of God perfectly.

Hence the Church in my opinion will come from various denominations. It will be composed of those who do the will of God and keep his Commandments. These are those that read the Holy Bible. They learn of God himself and will not be led astray by commandments and doctrine of men.

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