Musick-al Notes

Musick-al note # 106                  

       From the beginning of time, God has always desired and expected man to obey Him and blessed those who did.  His love for man continued even after man disobeyed Him.  His love was expressed in the magnitude of forgiveness to every person every time they turned back to Him. However, His wrath and retribution upon rebellious persons has always been an awesome recompense of rejection and destruction.  Now we have sixty-six inspired scripture writings that are bound into one volume – the Bible – that has been virtually unchanged for centuries.  Jesus said of the Old Testament, “The scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:36).

       The written Word was important to Jesus for they spoke of Him.  He said, “I tell you that everything in the scripture must be fulfilled in me” (Luke 22:37). Paul said that the former writings were given for our learning to give us hope (Romans 15:4).  John stated that Jesus did many things that were not written down but the present writings are given that we might believe and receive life (John 20:30-31).  The remainder of the New Testament has come under the same category – being scripture as Peter declared in 2 Peter 3:14-16 when he warned Christians to be diligent in the Word concerning Christ and bestowed upon Paul’s writings the term ‘scripture’.  John ended the book of Revelation with the warning that no man can add to or take from these words that are written without dire consequences coming upon him.  It stands to reason that we must be diligent in study and to obey the written Word because each one will come to Judgment based upon these Words (Revelation 20:12).  Therefore our greatest need today is to know God and Jesus to have eternal life (John 17:1-3).  Jesus has given us everything for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3) and Peter wrote that men can continue to know His will even after his death (2 Peter 1:13-15). The scripture is the certain Word to guide men today (1 Peter 1:19-21).  We must give careful attention to this Word lest we let them slip from our minds. Since the message given by angels was binding and every transgression brought its punishment, how can we expect to escape if we ignore this Word brought to us by God’s Son? (Hebrews 2:1-3)  This is our greatest need.

                   Gordon Musick

Musick-al Note # 105    

         One of the hardest things for men to do is to measure himself/herself objectively.  Our egos, habits, emotions and thinking are so interconnected that it seems impossible to do, yet our Lord wants us to know ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5).  This means we must be willing to take stock of ourselves so we may measure and really know ourselves.  When we think of our abilities, talents and responsibilities, how do we measure ourselves? Do we constantly short change ourselves when asked to do a certain job, saying we just “can’t”, or “I am not able”, “I’m not  qualified”, or “others are better”, in order to excuse ourselves from the effort involved?

         When we measure our giving, do we again short change ourselves? We just “can’t” give more or give to help someone or give to extend our work, or do we so measure ourselves and our ability to give because we want to keep more for ourselves?

         When we think of our attendance, how do we measure up?  Do we “have” to attend?  I just don’t have time for that much “church going”.  Is too much expected of us to attend “all” the services of the church?  How do we measure up anyway?  Do we attend to worship God, sing praises to Him, show our love and devotion or do we attend because we “have to”? Do we come to obtain strength for life, strengthening others or to fulfill the law?  Do we take every opportunity to develop and grow or try to get by with as little as possible?

         How do we measure spiritually?  Are we filled with love, hate or indifference?  Do we think of the awe of God and the majesty of Christ or the sin, littleness and bigotry of man?  Do we see the concept of the brotherhood of man or consider others in a different caste and denigrate them as unworthy of friendship?  Do we have the desire to help or do we hinder others in Christian living?  Do we worship God or do we merely attend?  Do we live for Him or for self?  Only you can measure your spirituality.  Let us measure ourselves by the Word of God.

              Gordon Musick

Musick-al note # 104

            Christians are to live righteously in the world.  Only in this way can they be an influence for God and godliness.  We are to live holy lives because God (and Christ) is holy. One cannot live like the world in satisfying every lust and whim and glorify the Lord at the same time.  Further, such living will cause no one to know the greatness of living in Christ but will hinder the cause of Christ Jesus.  When Christ died on the cross of Calvary, He did so to satisfy the justice of God for sin who had decreed that the soul that commits sin would die (Ezekiel 18:3).  Christians have been sanctified to live pure lives.

            SANCTIFICATION has a basic meaning of “separation” and, in the Bible relates to that which is separated from ordinary things to be used for a sacred purpose.  It is used of times, places, things and people who are set apart for special work for God.  The idea of some denominational groups that sanctification means “total sinless-ness” is not supported by the Bible.  When the Bible speaks of God as being “holy” (the root word is the same as “sanctified”), it refers to his being separated from all evil.  When man is sanctified, he is separated from the world and worldly things and his life is therefore dedicated to God.  Of course, if he is thus ‘set apart’ i.e. sanctified, he should live apart from sin.  Paul wrote to those “saints” in Corinth, who were “sanctified” or holy, in the sense that they had been separated from sin in their obedience to the gospel.  He pointed out that they were not living sinless lives, and needed to repent of every sin committed. John also spoke of Christians who needed to repent (not walk in darkness of sin) and stated that in so walking in the light, the blood of Christ continually cleansed them of all sin (1 John 1:6-8).  

                Gordon Musick

Musick-al Note # 103

       There are various answers to this question, leaving people in a quandary as to what they should do.  The New Testament teaches that an individual must believe in Christ, repent of all sin, confess Christ before men and be buried with Him in baptism to have sins forgiven (Acts 22:16) and become a child of God(Galatians 3:26-27).  When one fails to do these things, that person cannot be in Christ and is yet in his sins. One may hear otherwise, but these things remain true for they remain in the Word of God.  The Word of God is also explicit on how we are to live before Him, yet so many excuse themselves and others as though all these things were a matter of opinion.  Even when admonished in sermon, class or home teaching, some continue to consider these commands and works as optional.  Consider the question, “Does God mean what He says in the Scriptures or not?”  If He doesn’t then all is well, but if He does, what sort of reasoning is it to treat His Word as common and feel that we can change it, ignore it or disobey it and be guiltless?  A careful reading of the Bible shows that God is greatly incensed when man disobeys His Word.  His recompense for sin is truly harsh, dreadful and appalling to man but the Hebrew writer called them ‘just’ (Hebrews 2:2).  Think about the following Old Testament examples: eating forbidden fruit (Genesis 3), using unauthorized fire (Leviticus 10:1-3), work on the Sabbath (Numbers 15:32-36), and many others. God expects His Word to be exalted and obeyed.

       Jesus taught that obeying His word would bring life (Matthew 7:21-27, John 14:6-26, John 15:10-15, 1 John 5:2-3). Since His commandments are not grievous (1 John 5:3), shouldn’t we be willing to obey in all things so that our lives will be blessed by Him?  Should we not be afraid of meeting God in disobedience (Hebrews 10:26-31), knowing that His vengeance is harsh and overwhelming?  Sin still brings death (Ezekiel 18:4, Romans 6:23), separation from God and to be cast into eternal destruction (Revelation 20:10-15), yet Jesus ransomed us! (1 Timothy 2:6).

                Gordon Musick

Musick-al note #   102           

     Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:20, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”  An ambassador is one who has authority to speak for another and whose words will be accepted by that one who have given authority nor them to speak.  Paul said, we speak for Christ, this is what He would say if He were here to speak for himself.  He would tell you, “God laid all sin upon me and I bore it for you.  I had no sin but you could not pay for your sins and be saved.  God laid all sin upon me that you might be made righteous before Him by being in me (Romans 8:1).  By my death, I paid the ransom to redeem you from the curse of sin (1 Timothy 2:6). Come unto me and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).  There is no way to God except by me (John 14:6). Obey my commands and you will be free (Hebrews 5:9).  I sent my apostles and teachers that you might know my will. The necessary words of faith are those that are written (John 20:31). If you hear them and be obedient, I will accept you and take you home to heaven with me (John 14:1-3). “Considering then what an ambassador does, we can be ambassadors for Christ ONLY IF WE SPEAK HIS WORDS!  We have no right to change His message or His commands.  No ambassador has such rights.  Be sure you are hearing the words of the New Testament (John 20:31, 2 Peter 1:3-21) and not man’s doctrines (Matthew 15:9) for man’s doctrines will render your worship vain.  Be sure you speak ONLY THE WORDS OF CHRIST if you speak for Him.  God will not hold anyone guiltless who adds to or takes from His words (Revelation 22:18-19).

                   Gordon Musick

Musick-al Note #  101

         When lost men, who were convinced that Jesus was both Lord and Christ, cried out, “What shall we do?”, Peter answered, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).  Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and is no clearer and more understandable statement of what man has to do to be saved!  There is no reason why anyone would have trouble with this unless he has had his misunderstanding helped along with outside teaching by false teachers such as giving meaning to a word that changes the ordinary definition used by common persons.

         May I suggest that each reader turn back and read carefully the whole book of Acts. It will only take a little while, and when you have finished, you will have read of every case of conversion ever recorded by inspired men.  If you have already obeyed the gospel, you will be much stronger in the faith.  And if you have never become a Christian by obeying the Gospel of Christ, you will then be sure in your mind as to what the Lord wants you to do to become his child.  The apostle Paul who met the Lord on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) and after three days of prayer was told, “What are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on the name of the Lord”. (Acts 22:16).  Paul called himself the worst of sinners because he persecuted the church and caused the death of innocent persons.  Paul exhorted the believers to obey the Lord Jesus in being baptized into Him so they would become children of God (Galatians 3:26-27).

        There is no other way for man to get into Christ and be saved from sin.

                Gordon Musick

Musick-al Note # 100            

          Do you ever think what it would be like if Jesus came to your house to see you?  Would you welcome Him?  Do you ever think of what He would ask if He came to see you?  What would you answer if He were to ask, “Why have you not obeyed my commands to become a Christian so I could give you eternal salvation? (Hebrews 5:9)  My Father sent me, His only Son, to the earth that you might have the hope of eternal life. I died on the cross to erase the sin-debt (Ezekiel 18:4), suffering the most humiliating death of the first century, in order that you might be saved.  I established my church (Matthew 16:18) in order that you might be a part of my body.  I gave my New Covenant that you might know what my will is. (Hebrews 7:22-25)  Since all this has been done for you, why are you not a Christian?”  What would your answer be if the above question was asked to you and you were not a Christian?  Could you give a logical answer?  Would you offer an excuse?  Or would you just remain silent?

          What would you answer if He were to ask, “Why are you not a faithful Christian?  After all that my Father and I have done for you, why have you not remained faithful to me? (Matthew 24:13, Revelation 2:10)  Have we not kept every promise we ever made to you? (Hebrews 10:23, Romans 4:21)  Are not my judgments sound?  Isn’t your soul worth all that I paid for your eternal joy? (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10)  Did I come to the world in vain?”  What would your answer be if the above question were asked you if you are not living faithfully to Jesus Christ, whether it be in worship, in Bible study, in speech, in character, in conduct or whatever it may be?  Would you dare to answer?  What would you answer if He asked, “Why did you not tell your friends about me, my death for their sins and urge them to obey?  Did it not matter that I died for all and they are lost?”

          Someday, we will all stand before Him to be judged and to be sure, these questions will be asked.  What will your answer be when you stand before the mighty throne of God?

             Gordon Musick

 Musick-al note # 99          

John 12:32,”if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto me.”

        Jesus was lifted up when nailed to the Cross of Calvary (John 20:25-27). He was lifted up to die because of the instigation and insistence of the religious leaders of the Jews (John 19:6) and crucified by the cruel hands of the Roman soldiers (John 19:18).   The Scriptures reveal that Jesus was crucified according to the eternal plan and foreknowledge of God (Acts 2:23), Revelation 13:8).  He was lifted up to complete God’s work of redeeming all men by paying the ransom price for their sins (1 Timothy 2:6, Ezekiel 18:4), making it possible for all to enjoy eternal salvation.

        Jesus was lifted up from the grave by the power of God (Matthew 28:7, Luke 24:36-39, John 20:15-18) for it was not possible for death to hold him (Acts 2:24).

        Jesus was lifted up into heaven (Acts 2:30-36) to sit at God’s right hand (Romans 8:34, Ephesians 1:20). Now from God’s right hand, he offers salvation to all who obey him (Hebrews 5:8-9).

        Now he must be lifted up by all who believe and love him.  We lift him up when we obey the Gospel of Christ. (Romans 6:3-10, 17-18).  We lift him up when we live godly lives in all that we do (1 John 5:3, Titus 2:11-14).  We lift him up when we show our love for him by obeying his commands (John 14:15, 21-24). We lift him up when we love one another as he has asked us to do (John 13:34-35).

                  Gordon Musick

Musick-al note # 98           

          Many people today seek and purchase for their enjoyment various antique items.  These may range from coins to locomotives, and in usefulness from a chair that cannot be sat in to an ancient timepiece that keeps perfect time and used every day.  Their value is determined by the antiquity, the rarity and the condition of the item.  In this land of plenty, collectors flourish and are encouraged to enter not only one field but several because the people have ability to spend for that which is beyond the necessities of life.

          In the area of religion alone, the collecting of the ancient is neglected by so many people.  Christ as He is revealed in the New Testament, is the only person that will accomplish what He set out to do (the rebinding of man to God) (Acts 4:12), thus it is rare indeed yet can be had in its perfect condition.  Christianity has been so perverted until the original seems to be the counterfeit and that substitute has been taken for the truth. God said that His Word had become an object of scorn to Israel (Jeremiah 6:10).  Isn’t the Word of the New Testament scorned by many so that few seek the ancient, the antique, the original source of truth today?

          Christianity has often been tried and found difficult but it has never been tried and found wanting.  With the sure foundation of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Christianity will never waver or fail.  With the perfect door, the Messiah, all who enter therein shall be saved if they continue therein (John 8:1-9).  With the perfect sacrifice, the blood of Christ, all who come to God by Him can have assurance that he will be accepted by Him in Christ (Hebrews 9:11-28).  Seek and receive the ancient, the true, the perfect Way and walk therein, for by following Jesus, you will never be ashamed, even when you come before the Lord God almighty in Judgment.

            Gordon Musick

Musick-al Note #  97 

          Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32.  All around us, people disagree as to how we obtain freedom from sin.  We know there is a way that is right.  For example; two men are not in agreement over the weight of a sack of potatoes.  The way to know their exact weight is by weighing them on scales that meet the governmental standards. However if both men disregard the scales and insist on their own opinion, they will never know the exact weight of the potatoes. The same is true in religion.  We have Standard and that Standard is the truth, the Word of God by which we are saved when we follow it (John 17:17).  If one wishes to know how to obtain remission of sins, he goes to this Standard, the Bible.  In this he finds that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).   Faith that saves is faith that obeys (John 14:21-24)..  The truth can make us free if we follow truth completely for man cannot live on bread alone but on every Word from God (Matthew 4:4).  It is to our shame that we do not rely upon God in our daily lives but blissfully live in unthinking happiness living in disobedience and rebellion to Him simply because we do not study our Bibles. It still reveal Christ to us and all we need (2 Peter 1:3, John 14:6). This book is sufficient (John 20:31). How much time do you give to know His Word?  Do you read to learn and know or just to prove a point?  Let us be those who read, believe and obey God.

                  Gordon Musick