Dear Christians: Use Your Brains. Love Paul

I am reading in Rom 6.11 this morning where Paul says "Likewise, reckon ye also yourselves dead unto sin" (KJV). The word that the KJV translates "reckon" means: "To determine by mathematical process as a result of calculation." In other words, Paul wants his readers to think through what he has written so that they can come up with the right conclusion. "If Christ conquered death, and you are Christians, then you are no longer under the power of death, or the dominion of sin." This is not a matter of faith, but of thinking through correct doctrine. Which is why we can summarize Paul's message as "use your brains" or "think!"

As Christians we should never be afraid to use our brains or to encourage others to do so as well. In no place do the Scriptures tell us to check our brains at the door before we come to the Bible. We use our God-given brains to investigate God-glorifying truth.

Be Like Abraham, not Like Mike

I'm reading in Heb 6.15, this morning where the writer to Hebrews sets up Abraham as an example of patient endurance. "After he had patiently endured," comments the author, "he obtained the promise" (speaking of Isaac, the promised heir).

The word that the KJV translates "patiently endured," is a word that BDAG says means: "to remain tranquil while waiting." After Abraham's failed machinations to bring about God's promise from his own plan, he "patiently endured" the wait for the promised heir.

The author of Hebrews points out Abraham's example because he wants to teach us a lesson. "Be like Abraham," he says. "As he patiently waited for the fulfillment of God's promise, you also wait for the fulfillment of God's promise that you will enter his rest." Indeed some of the most soaring and inspiring words that the author pens are in this section. God swore by an oath in order that "we might have strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us" (vs. 18, KJV). "Which hope we have as an anchor for the soul, both sure and steadfast" (vs. 19, KJV).

O Christian, be like Abraham!