Intro.
Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. (Psalms 119:89)
Question # 1: Rahab the Harlot – Joshua 2:4-6
“In Joshua 2:4-6, Rahab lies to the King of Jericho about the two Israelites to protect them, hoping to be spared when Jericho falls. In James 2, we read that she was justified by these actions. Some would use this to argue that lying for the purpose of God’s work is justifiable and thus the end justifies the means. What response would you give to those who say these type of lies are permitted?”
· “In Joshua 2:4-6, Rahab lies to the King of Jericho about the two Israelites to protect them, hoping to be spared when Jericho falls.”
o Spies sent to Jericho - Josh. 2:1.
o Rahab hid them - Josh. 2:4 (2:6).
o She lied to the king - Josh. 2:4-5.
o Arranged to be spared – Josh. 2:8-14.
· “In James 2, we read that she was justified by these actions.”
o Not exactly:
o Her faith to receive the spies is commended - Heb. 11:31
o Her work of receiving and sending out the spies is commended - Jas. 2:25
· “Some would use this to argue that lying for the purpose of God’s work is justifiable and thus the end justifies the means.” (Biblical response?)
o Nowhere is it said that Rahab was justified by her deceit (Lie is recorded, not praised)
o A sin of weakness (had faith, but sinned)
· Does the end justify the means? NO!!
o Lie is not sin only when purpose is evil
o Lie is sin because God says it is! - Prov. 6:17; 1 Pet. 2:1
o Otherwise, makes God’s law subject to man’s purposes!
o Man becomes judge over God’s law! (Jas. 4:11)
· The end does not justify the means
o “Let us do evil that good may come” was slander against Paul - Rom. 3:8
o Condemned by Christ - Mk. 7:8-13
o Calls evil “good” - Isa. 5:20
o Self-serving approach to God’s word that honors man instead of God!
· Lessons from Rahab
o Active, obedient faith saves
o Obey God rather than men
o Vilest of sinners can be converted - Josh. 6:25
Question # 2: Bible Authority (Col. 3:17)
“Where do we get biblical authority to use electricity in worship?”
(I was told that because electricity was not available back in the times Jesus was here in the flesh or in the times of ACTS then we, if trying to follow the roles of the Apostles, should not use electricity during worship because it is not written to. )
· Commandments include aids which expedient obedience
o Noah and the ark – Gen. 6:14, 22
o Great Commission – Matt. 28:19-20
o Assemble to worship – Heb. 10:25
o Sing – Eph. 5:19 (Books, pitch pipe, lights)
AIDS!!
· Commandments do not include things which change command
o Not gopher wood + pine
o Not “go” teach gospel + language
o Not sing + play
ADDITIONS!!
Question # 3: Teaching a Baptist Friend
“I have a Baptist friend. What exactly is the Baptist religion & how do I introduce them to this church?”
· The Baptist Church:
o Denomination started by men
o First English General Baptist Church formed by John Smyth (Holland, 1609)
o Today, about 40 million Baptists worldwide
· On being Baptist:
“Give a man an open Bible, an open mind, a conscience in good working order, and he will have a hard time to keep from being a Baptist.” (A. T. Robertson)
· Our request of Baptists:
o Please open your Bible and show us:
o Where Christians were called “Baptists” in NT times? (Acts 11:26)
o Where we read about how to become a Baptist? (Acts 2:38, 41)
o Where we read about the “Baptist Church”? (Matt. 16:18; Rom. 16:16)
· Seeking God’s commands is our salvation!
· I am Yours, save me; For I have sought Your precepts. (Psalms 119:94)