In This Issue

• THE HEALING OF PETER'S MOTHER-IN-LAW
• GOD AND CAPITAL PUNISHMENT
• TRIVIA
• FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
• UPCOMING GOSPEL MEETING SCHEDULE
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THE HEALING OF PETER'S MOTHER-IN-LAW

Mark tells us that after Jesus had cast the demons out of a man in the synagogue at Capernaum, He and His disciples "entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. But Simon's wife's mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once. So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them." (Mark 1:29-31).

Parallel accounts of this miracle are found in Matt. 8:14-15 and Luke 4:38-39. Let us notice a few lessons we might observe from this incident.

First, we take note of the fact that Simon Peter was a married man. We learn from 1 Cor. 9:5 that he took his wife with him on his preaching tours. What makes this fact most interesting, perhaps, is the fact that one very large religious organization claims that Simon Peter was once the Head of their church. They claim that the present Head of their religious organization is a direct successor of Simon Peter - and yet they insist of that Peter's so-called successor, and even lesser church leaders must remain unmarried. They deny them the right to follow Peter's example. This is not only in open contrast to the practice of the apostle Peter, but it also contradicts the precise teachings of the apostle Paul in Titus 1:5-6 and 1 Tim. 3:2-4 that a bishop "must be the husband of one wife" and that he must have children.

The miraculous healing of Peter's mother-in-law took place on a Sabbath day after Jesus had taught in the synagogue in Capernaum and had there worked the miracle mentioned earlier. This latter miracle occurred in the home shared by Peter and his brother Andrew.

Another important fact to notice is that when Peter's mother-in-law was healed of her sickness, "immediately she arose and served them" (Luke 4:39). As scholar William Barclay observed, "She clearly regarded herself as 'saved to serve.' He had healed her, and her one desire was to use her new-found health to be of use and of service to Him and to others."

This attitude should likewise be manifested by those who have experienced spiritual healing through forgiveness of sins. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10).

--CRJ

GOD AND CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

Politicians, movie stars, sociologists and liberal theologians may oppose capital punishment, but the Bible teaches that certain criminals should be put to death.

Capital punishment was ordained by God immediately after the flood. "Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man" (Gen. 9:6).

To the Jews, God gave a written law in which He commanded capital punishment. In Ex. 21:12-17, the phrase "he shall surely be put to death" is used repeatedly. Similar commands are found in Ex. 22:18-20; Num. 35:16-21 and Deut. 22:22-26. Several crimes are described in the Old Testament as deserving death. The prohibition of the sixth command, "Thou shalt not kill" (KJV) refers to murder and is so translated in the NKJ, NASB, NIV and numerous other translations. This command in no way conflicts with the equally inspired command to "put to death" certain criminals. Capital punishment is not murder.

The New Testament indicates that capital punishment is still ordained of God. Of the punitive agent of the civil government, the Bible says, "he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil" (Rom. 13:4). The apostle Paul recognized that certain crimes are worthy of being punished by death, Acts 25:11. Jesus Himself taught that those who live by violence must expect to die by violence, Matt. 26:52.

For those who respect the teachings of God's word, the question of capital punishment has been settled by God.

--CRJ

TRIVIA

During my thirty years of preaching the gospel I have observed a class of church members who run "hot and cold," year in and year out. These "in again, out again; up again, down again" brethren never add any stability to the Lord's cause, they seem to grow very little spiritually.

Closely related to these is yet another class of brethren so shallow in their conviction that they only become excited or enthused when some new idea or method is presented to the congregation. Just introduce some fantastic novel program and they get "on fire." They are so "keyed up" with enthusiasm that it would appear they have ample supply for the rest of their lives. But alas, this enthusiasm will not endure and it will "fall as flat as a lead balloon" when it comes time to WORK the plan. These people are not thrilled about the gospel, about saving souls, nor building up the kingdom of Christ. Instead, they are thrilled about the TRIVIA, the NOVEL, and the CLEVER SCHEMES of HUMAN INGENUITY.

I never cease to be amazed at some brethren who become so enthused about some clever preacher who shocks them with some "far out" approach, but doesn't give them enough of God's word to fill a thimble. This reminds me of the preacher who spoke on the death and resurrection of Christ, and half of the congregation went to sleep. The next Sunday he spoke on something of a trivial nature and every few minutes he pulled out a referee's whistle and blew loudly. Behold, everyone stayed wide awake and became very excited. The preacher then remarked: "I preached about the death and resurrection of Jesus and you went to sleep; I acted the fool and you became enthused." Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness..." (Matt. 6:33). Lord, help us to choose the better part. 

--W.R. Jones

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

Since farming was a common employment and many people of the first century lived off the land, it became the background for a very common figure in scripture. For instance, Jesus identified false prophets by their behavior and He used vegetation and its produce as an appropriate figure, (Matthew 7:15-20). Jesus also used fruit to describe spiritual production of disciples (John 15:1-7). The sower parable of Luke 8:1-ff, and the tares parable of Matthew 13:31-43, are also "farming" figures. 

Paul did not elaborate on the vegetation figure but much is implied from his expression "fruit of the spirit" in Galatians 5:22, which is the antithesis of "works of flesh" in verse 19. "Fruit of the spirit" may be understood as fruit that is a product of the Holy Spirit's revealed influence. Or, it may mean the "fruit of man's spirit;" that is, fruit that is produced from man's spirit as it submits to the influence of the Holy Spirit (cf. Romans 8:1-ff). 

There are several verses in the general context that may help us understand the phrase "fruit of the spirit." Verse 13, says, "...only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh...;" that is, as an occasion to do the things directed by fleshly, selfish ambition where flesh dominates over noble aspirations of spirit. Verse 16, presents walking in spirit versus not fulfilling lust of the flesh. Verse 17, shows that the spirit and flesh lust against each other; therefore, they are to let the spirit control and abstain from those things instigated by fleshly desire. Verse 18, says that if they are led by the spirit, they are not under law. Then vv. 19-21, describe where the flesh is in control as opposed to vv. 22-23, where the spirit is in control. Finally, vv. 24-25, describe a crucifixion which has taken place with regards to the flesh's desires and since they live in spirit aspirations, they are to walk according to the nobler dictates and desires of the spirit. 

Appropriately, the balanced contrast seems to be between our flesh and spirit. If it is the Holy Spirit, it would seem that the balanced contrast would be to the Devil -- two spirit beings who are opposites; each seeking control of man. 

How can I tell if the spirit is in control? It is just like looking at a tree and its produce. I must look at the fruit I am bearing!!! Is it love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance? "Fruit" is singular probably because it presents the well-rounded character of the Christian, which would be incomplete without all the characteristics. "Fruit" requires an understanding of produce but "fruit of the spirit" demands good fruit. One cannot claim to have the fruit of the spirit, if one of the elements is missing.

--Jim R. Everett, Cedar Park, TX

If you would not throw away real money because some is counterfeit, why let a few hypocrites keep you out of heaven?

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