THE TURBULENCE AND TRANQUILITY OF “THOMAS”

William Andrew Dillard

Ranking high among the pleasures of reading God’s Word is vicariously identifying with its cast of characters. Perhaps it is the unshakable focus and patience of Noah that inspires us or the unwavering faith of Abraham. Isaac brings calmness to the soul, while adventuresome excitement flows from trickster Jacob. Joseph inspires us in all our troubles as does Job, but what could be more of an emotional roller coaster than the life of Moses. On and on the chronicles of life itself in so many contexts speak loudly to us of what is right or wrong, good and bad. Who could have had a greater storybook life than David or Solomon, or the austerity, faithfulness, and fortitude of the impressive prophets. But some largely prefer to identify with the apostles. John was so trusting and loving. Peter was so impulsive and often wrong. Paul was a trail-blazing evangelist and doctrinal instructor. But there is another that claims a lion’s share of connection in many disciples in every generation. It is Thomas who is more often than not referred to as “Doubting Thomas.”
Often pushed into the back recesses of heart and mind, the more open doubts of our “Thomas” are hidden away. Out of view by others, he will command the mental easy chair of meditation or the center stage of a mind unwilling to surrender to nightly rest, calling into question some things deeply embedded as unchangeable truth. Our personal “Thomas” seems to strongly raise questions, affirm denial, and cause one to flounder in the pool of amazement over what is long known to be truth in the absolute.
The biblical Thomas knew the Lord, he received heaven’s baptism at the hands of John the Baptist, and positively responded to the call of Jesus. He loved the Lord and soaked up so much of Jesus’ teachings. The crucifixion threw him for a loop as it did most of the apostles. But not being present at the early appearances of the resurrected Christ, his knowledge consisted of the reports of the others who had seen Him. But no one rises from the dead. Four thousand years of consistent history proved it. But his brethren were not given to false statements. He wanted so much for it to be so, but determined he would not believe it until he had personally seen Him himself. What a time that was when Jesus appeared to them all inside a locked room, and he was bidden both to see and to feel the body of Jesus. A new level of solidification enveloped him as the turbulence gave way to tranquility.
That process of turbulence to tranquility is the prospective joy for every disciple who will stop long enough to meet with Jesus in the room of His Holy Word. When your “Thomas” finds his way to center stage, allow Jesus to speak as He did so long ago: “Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.” John 20:27.

Doubt

Matthew 14:31; Mark 4:40; Luke 24;25

Here is a time that many people, those faithful and those not faithful, remember and refer to Peter walking on the water. He has just finished seeing Jesus take 2 fish and 5 biscuits and feed a multitude. He has also seen the healing and miracles performed by Jesus. He now sees an apparition in the midst of the storm that was threatening the ship that he was in. Peter experiences fear. We are told that the disciples cried out with fear. They knew that no ordinary man could walk on water. Jesus replied, “Be of Good cheer; it is I, be not afraid.” We have fear and doubt. There is a difference between fear and doubt. Doubt is a lack of trust. Peter replied, “if it is you bid me come to you on the water, Jesus said, come.” In faith and without doubt, Peter stepped out of the boat and began walking on the water. When he realized what was happening, he started to doubt. Doubt defeats. Jesus said to Peter, “wherefore didst thou doubt? Notice the lack of trust in Jesus expressed on the circumstances.

Fear can bring doubt. Our relationship is built on faith. We are saved through faith. Notice that statement. We are saved by faith and become a “new man in Christ.” Then we are to step out in faith trusting the Lord to lead us. There are times that we are like Peter and exhibit exuberance and plunge in and follow. Then we realize we have never done this before and fear starts to set in. That is when we start to doubt. When Peter realized he had never walked on water before, he experienced fear and started to doubt Jesus. Jesus said in Mark, “Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?”

Jesus then says to them, “O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:” We have all we need to serve the Lord in Spirit and in Truth. Why do we hesitate? Do we experience fear in our lives as we try to serve the Lord? Does that bring us to doubt the Lord and His ability to keep us, guide us and protect us? Does fear bring doubt in witnessing to others? Luke 12:5 leaves us with the idea we should only fear God. 2Ti_1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 1Jn_4:18  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

WHAT DID THE APOSTLE PETER DO THAT WAS SO RIGHT?

William Andrew Dillard

Most every Bible student is familiar with the great sin of the Apostle Peter. Peter was a man quick to speak and a little slow to think. It seems that he had to say something on every occasion, and often what he said was wrong. In that regard many of us today can identify with him.
Of course, what is remembered most is his boast to stay with the Lord, and support Him no matter what the circumstances. Jesus told him that before the rooster crowed he would deny Him three times. That is exactly what happened. What must it have been like to know that you not only denied, but cursed to emphasis that denial of Jesus in the crucial hour of his trial and subsequent crucifixion?
So, what did Peter do that was so right? In tears he repented of his deed as he realized the weakness of the flesh and what can happen when real danger knocks at one’s door. His repentance was genuine, and the grace of God was sufficient to forgive him and restore him to prominent service in His ministry. Peter would never be the same. However, his bitterly disappointing sin was totally forgiven and he was so much the wiser for the experience.
God’s Word teaches us that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9. Peter sinned greatly, but he genuinely repented, received the forgiveness of God and went on to serve Him in a great and wonderful way. That is so right!
We should never let past sins and disappointing deeds keep us from a close relationship with the Lord. God is in the convicting business. Additionally, He is in the forgiving business when one repents of sin. He is in the restoration business of broken lives to meaningful purpose in His great cause on earth. No one should miss out on the fulfillment of spiritual potential in this life, and the reward that it will bring in the next one.
Are you disappointed in yourself? Are you disappointed in others? We are all sinners. We all disappoint others from time to time. We also disappoint ourselves, especially when we think we are strong, and we discount the weakness of the flesh. It is not amazing that we should fail, but it is so important that we repent, and go on in serving our wonderful Lord and Savior Who loves us. In this, we can also identify with the apostle Peter, and that is so right!

Sell Me This Power

HEBREW HONEYCOMB
SELL ME THIS POWER

William Andrew Dillard

In biblical Christianity there is power! Saints sing of it often in such hymns as “There Is Power In The Blood.” Repentant lost people rejoice in it at the altar of their heart. Saints who are wise reject the time consuming offerings of the world in order to know Him and the POWER of His resurrection as did St. Paul as he told the Philippians.
Jesus said that all power is consolidated in Him as He commissioned the church in Matthew 28:18-20. Just before ascending, He told His church that they would receive power after that the Holy Ghost was come upon them. According to Acts 2, they certainly did. But it was not a temporary power. It was an age long power to be resident in New Testament churches; power sufficient to bring them through the age with the proper testimony of God, and His love for the world.
But power is one of the objects of the sinful, greedy world which sees material advancement as the purpose of life. Thus the very existence of understood power draws men either to God and Salvation or to Satan and the ladder of materialism and creature comforts.
Such was the case of one Simon the sorcerer as noted in Acts 8. It is interesting to note that Simon was a long time practitioner of sorcery. Doubtless, he accumulated a considerable amount of wealth with it. However, the introduction of Bible Christianity in Samaria was mightily blessed of God so that many were saved and baptized. Make of this what you will, the Bible declares that Simon also was saved and baptized. Simon then continued with Philip, drawn by the miracles which he did.
Some days later Peter and John were dispatched from Jerusalem to Samaria who prayed for them, and laid hands upon them, and they received the Holy Spirit that had come upon the church in Acts 2. Simon was impressed, so impressed that he offered the apostles money to have their power conferred upon him. Peter minced no words rejecting the request, and directing him to repent of such wickedness, 8:22-24.
Unarguably, the apostolic years were filled with extraordinary displays of holy power as credentials of holy men in the absence of the New Testament. But with its completion, focus is shifted more precisely upon the church of the Living God. It is the pillar and ground of the truth under the constriction of the Holy Spirit and the eternal Word. In these things there is staying, aggressive, authoritative, energetic power from heaven. Surely, the world remains filled with satanic inspired charlatans, who emulate Simon saying, sell me this power that I may accumulate wealth through deception. But, as it was then, so it is now. The gifts and calling of God may be only enjoyed God’s way. They are not for sale.

WAS PETER A POPE?

HEBREW HONEYCOMB

William Andrew Dillard
WAS PETER A POPE?

Much usage of the term “Pope” has been employed of late in international news. It is an interesting word that many attribute spiritually to one man, and credit him as father (pope. papa) to the church: the successor to the apostle Peter, they say. Around Easter, the subject appears more frequently. Never mind that Peter was never a pope or a papa to any church, or that he was a married man with a stated mother-in-law. Think about it!
“Father” comes from the Greek word “pater” meaning “father”. From this word, we get the extended adjective “paternal,” etc. Several languages have a similar form of “pater” to indicate that basic idea. The specific term “Pope” is often listed as Pope (from Latin: papa; from Greek: πάππας pappas,[1] a child’s word for father. Of all the many ways these terms may be used, the basic idea of them all is that of origin, progenitor, and creator. We correctly recognize our male parent as “father” and although the idea of caregiver, provider, protector, and instructor may be associated with that person in one’s mind, the basic idea remains progenitor even in the synonyms of “Dad” or “Pop.” These terms certainly are most appropriate in designating our earthly relationships, but in the dimension of the spiritual world greater, more respectful, and worshipful restrictions apply.
Spiritually, the term “Father” became especially endearing to New Testament disciples of Jesus through Whom we came to know our Creator, not so much as “Lord God” but as “Our Father:” a much more loving, mature, and endearing term of close-knit, day to day relationship, as we live within the scope of His holy will. Jesus clearly and commandingly said, “And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.” Matt. 23:9. Jesus also forbade ecclesiastical hierarchy in His church; Matthew 20:20-29. Moreover, those who minister spiritual things in the church are not to be considered priests any more than other members of the church because the entire church is a royal priesthood. I Peter 2:5. Neither is there any man on earth who may take ascendancy over others in regard to approaching God or finding acceptability or blessings from God. There is one mediator between God and man and it is that man Christ Jesus, I Tim. 2:5.
So, what does this writer think about all the hoopla? Well, it is just that,“ Hoopla.” But, it is more profitable to point out truth and errors than to negatively criticize. There is one Judge of us all. No one will escape an appointment before Him, and He will not deviate from His Holy Word. The personal responsibility to know, and to do righteously is too immense to entertain such foolishness for very long. So, is that fried chicken I smell coming from the kitchen? Maybe there is a biscuit and a little gravy there, too!

What the Bible says about Inspiration

I. WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT INSPIRATION.

2Pe 1:21  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

This Scripture is very clear how it addresses inspiration.

1. Human Penmanship – “…holy men of God spoke…”
2. Divine Authorship – “…moved by the Holy Ghost.”

The active source of the Scripture is God. The Greek word “pheomenoi” means “borne along.” God did not correct any mistakes because no mistakes were made. God gave the words and allowed the men to use their own choice of words that corresponded to their natural way of speaking. By Inspiration we mean the Holy Spirit moved the human writers of the Bible in such a way that they recorded the very words and sense of God, though couched in their own literary style.

1. ALL

2Ti 3:16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

1. I Peter 1:25 – “But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

2. Peter agrees with the endurance of the Word of God.

3. Paul refers to all which would include the Old Testament. Surely no one would claim that the Old Testament Manuscripts that Paul had were the originals.

4. Paul makes a request in II Timothy 4:13 “The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.

5. The previous chapter recorded that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.

6. There is very little doubt that Paul here called the copies of the Old Testament Manuscripts inspired.

7. Inspired in the original manuscripts is no where in God’s Word.

8. It was inspired by Satan and made up by man to attempt to allow what man wanted to do to God’s Word.

9. When we claim that the Word was inspired in the original manuscripts then we are equating the ink, the papyrus and the pen to be inspired. That is not what Paul or Peter said.

2. INSPIRED BY GOD

The Word was inspired, man was not inspired.

The phrase that carries so much importance is “…Inspiration of God….” The Greek word translated “inspired” is “theopneustos,” which means “God-breathed.”

There are several theories as to inspiration. I believe in the “Superintendence or Verbal Plenary Theory.”

We shall examine this theory:

3. Verbal inspiration.

We mean that the very words of Scripture are God’s words. Inspiration goes beyond the concepts and message to actual words.

1Co 2:13  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Mat 24:35  Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Jer 1:9  Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

According to Matthew 5:18, Inspiration extends to even the letter “jot” and “tittle.” Luke 16:17.

God places emphasis upon His Words.

Consider these verses: Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 6:6; 12:28; 17:19; 18:18; 27:3; 31:12; 32:1,45,46; Joshua 8:34,35; 24:26; I Samuel 8:10; II Samuel 23:2; Psalm 12:6; Proverbs 30:5,6; Jeremiah 7:27; 23:36; 26:2; 30:2; Ezekiel 3:10; Daniel 10:9-11; Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4; John 8:47; 17:8; I Timothy 4:6; II Peter 3:2; Jude 17; Revelation 1:3; 22:18,19.

Every Word of God is important to Him. To ridicule, change or laugh at the Word of God, I believe is a serious infraction against God. To change the force, power or meaning of His word would be to diminish God and His utterances.

4. Plenary Inspiration

This means “extending to all parts alike,” this leads us to the belief that all of the Bible is inspired and every part of the Bible is equally inspired.

II Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…”

5. Inerrant Inspiration

Inerrant means “not liable to error.” This means there is no mistake or anything false, therefore the Bible was written down correct in every detail.

Hebrews 6:18b; Titus 1:2c; Numbers 23:19; John 10;35

This kind of inspiration provides that the exact divine message be given. Both God’s truth and Satan’s lies are reported and recorded exactly. Inspiration does not change truth into lies.

6. Infallible Inspiration

This means the Bible is without error in its teaching. It is incapable of teaching deception.

Psalm 119:160; John 17:17. The terms “infallible” and “inerrant” are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference:

• Inerrant means without error in its recording.
• Infallible means without error in its teaching.

“Infallibility is obviously restricted to the intended assertions of Scripture understood in an ordinary grammatical exegesis of the text.”

In other words, infallibility takes into account such things as the use of poetic or figurative language, the use of simile, hyperbole, allegory, parable and symbolism, etc.

In most cases, what is inspired is authoritative, but not all cases. Some things in the Bible, though accurately recorded through inspiration, do not have the authority of God.

e.g. The Book of Job accurately records the words of God, Job, Satan, Job’s wife, Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar, and Elihu. Some of the statements in the Book are consequently ungodly or in direct contradiction to other statements of Scripture. They are inspired, but not authoritative.

The Gaze of Jesus

 

Luke 22:55-62

 

“And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice,” Luke 22:61.

 

 

Just a few hours before the Gethsemane prayer meeting, Jesus admonished Peter to pray for spiritual strength, to be on guard because Satan wanted to use him. Peter, like many, depended on his physical strength rather than his spiritual strength. It is better if we depend on God; for when we are weak He is strong, and He will help us when we depend on Him (2 Cor. 12:9). Peter had not yet learned this truth. Admitting our weaknesses is the first step in becoming a stronger Christian.

 

Most Christians fit into one of two categories: the tested and the testers. The tested Christians have been flat on their backs, either literally or metaphorically, and have learned to reach up and out to God and that He will help them. God is willing and honored when they ask Him to lend them His strength. The testers think that they are stronger than the temptations and trials they face or will face. This false thinking leads down a broken hearted path. Peter seemed to fit into the second category. He learned the hard way that failure has a great cost.

 

The rooster crowed—Jesus looked straight into the heart of Peter—shame filled his heart and tears filled his eyes.

 

 

REFLECTION

 

After a good cry, confession and repentance, Peter became one of the most spiritually strong disciples of Jesus. The change began with the heart piercing, loving eyes of Jesus.

 

Beverly Barnett

 

 

Peter Learned To Stand

 

Acts 2:22-24

 

“Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know,” Acts 2:22.

 

Peter Learned To Stand

 

Have you ever had enough and finally had to stand up for the real truth? Peter found himself in this very situation.

 

The filling of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost came forty days after Christ’s ascension. The ability to speak a language other than one’s own happened as the result of the Holy Spirit blessing. In God’s plan, the gospel could be spread into multiple nations at one time during this gathering of nations. But someone always has to put a damper on the Lord’s work even when it is going great.

 

Soon the naysayers found fault with the preaching and began to accuse the speakers as being full of new wine or in other words intoxicated. Peter had had enough and he stood up and began to preach. The religious people of Jerusalem thought they had a monopoly on the gospel, but Peter quickly shattered that thought. He reminded them of a prophecy in Joel and preached to them concerning Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.

 

Peter dared to preach the truth to a group of religiously nice but lost people and the Holy Spirit convicted their hearts. On that day about three thousand people believed the gospel and were baptized.

 

 

Reflection

 

Our responsibility as believers is to speak the truth and let the Holy Spirit convict.

 

Beverly Barnett

 

 

Peter’s Love for Jesus

 

John 21:15-17

 

 

“He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep,” John 21:17.

 

 

Pastors, at times, need the same admonishment that Jesus gave to Peter. As a whole, pastors strive to feed the flock every time they teach or preach. But, are they guilty of viewing the flock as merely church members instead of the lambs and sheep of Jesus and themselves as the undershepherd of Jesus? From time to time we need a reminder of the importance of teaching and preaching relevant, Holy Spirit inspired messages to Jesus’ sheep.

 

Most pastors, like Peter, love Jesus but do they really LOVE Jesus. There is a difference. Pastors like other believers can become cold and indifferent. Their love of Jesus can wane and become stagnant. And, like Peter, they need occasional reminding that they are prone to sin and failure and that the path to rekindling is always open.

 

Early in the morning, still damp from his swim to shore, Peter must truthfully answer Jesus’ question, “Lovest thou me?” His answer was in his actions. It was after that encounter with Jesus that Peter became one of the strongest, most steadfast and influential of all the disciples.

 

 

 

REFLECTION

 

Pastors, do not be discouraged, see the importance of your position and then feed His sheep and His lambs!

 

Beverly Barnett

 

 

The Christ of God

 

“A Baby’s hands in Bethlehem were small and softly curled.

 

But held within their dimpled grasp, the hope of all the world.”

 

(L.S. Clark, Hymns For Children And Grownups To Use Together; Farrar, Strauss & Young, New York, NY, 1953)

 

 

 

Who are you? Your identity tells others who you are, where you came from and what you are uniquely capable of accomplishing. For some people, discovering their unique individuality might take a while, even lifetimes. We were all born into this world in the same chaotic, yet humble manner, and as we have grown, hopefully our unique talents and aptitudes have risen to the top, giving us purpose and functionality. Many of our difficulties lie in the fact that, as we are still discovering who we are and what we are here to do, we must get along with other human beings who are also trying to uncover their identities.

 

Jesus knew who He was. The problem He faced was trying to convince His followers of His true identity. When His disciples finally understood who He was, Peter proclaimed the answer—“The Christ of God.” Historically, Christ followers, including the original disciples, wrestled with what it meant for Jesus to be the anointed Son of God, but today, we know one thing is for certain. Jesus is the Savior of the world, and we begin to discover our unique purpose and identity when we immerse ourselves in who Christ is, becoming more like Him.

 

 

 

JUST A THOUGHT

 

Will you follow Jesus today?

 

Mark Clements