First of all, let us review this passage of Scripture and see what it says and get a rounded view of what the context is.   The Cambridge Dictionary explains what context means, as follows: “… the text or speech that comes immediately before and after a particular phrase or piece of text and helps to explain its meaning.”

Context is a vital piece of biblical understanding, eliminating the use of a particular word or passage of Scripture which, on its own, may give a misunderstanding of what is meant. 

Acts 2:44-45 reads as follows:

“Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.”

This was written at a time following the birth of the New Testament Church after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.   We read in Acts 2:41-42: “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

These were amazing, exciting and dangerous times.   It was a one-off demonstration of a tidal wave of conversions but the Bible makes no further explanations of any long-term continuance of this manner of living.   For a while, they integrated and pooled their resources for their mutual safety and protection but scripture is silent on such an arrangement becoming the norm.

Let us get some definitions, firstly about socialism.

Wikipedia explains that “Socialism is a political, social and economic philosophy encompassing a range of economic and social systems characterised by social ownership of the means of production, and democratic control, such as workers’ self-management of enterprises. It includes the political theories and movements associated with such systems.  Social ownership can be public, collective, cooperative, or of equite. While no single definition encapsulates the many types of socialism, social ownership is the one common element.” 

thebalance.com states that “socialism is an economic system where citizens share ownership of the various factors of production.  That ownership is acquired through a democratically elected government, a cooperative, or a public corporation in which everyone owns shares.”

We can see from these brief and general explanations that socialism varies greatly from capitalism where thebalance.com states that “Capitalism is an economic system where private entities own the factors of production. The four factors are entrepreneurship, capital goods, natural resources, and labor.  The owners of capital goods, natural resources, and entrepreneurship exercise control through companies. Individuals own their labor.”

Barnes Notes on the Bible makes these comments about Acts 2:44-45:

“All that believed – That is, that believed that Jesus was the Messiah; for that was the distinguishing point by which they were known from others.

“Were together – Were united; were joined in the same thing. It does not mean that they lived in the same house, but they were united in the same community, or engaged in the same thing. They were doubtless often together in the same place for prayer and praise. One of the best means for strengthening the faith of young converts is for them often to meet together for prayer, conversation, and praise.

“Had all things common – That is, all their property or possessions. See Acts 4:32-37; Acts 5:1-10. The apostles, in the time of the Saviour, evidently had all their property in common stock, and Judas was made their treasurer. They regarded themselves as one family, having common needs, and there was no use or propriety in their possessing extensive property by themselves [This seems to be wrong. We know, for example. that Jesus owned a house and maybe more than just one.] . Yet even then it is probable that some of them retained an interest in their property which was not supposed to be necessary to be devoted to the common use. It is evident that John thus possessed property which he retained, John 19:27. And it is clear that the Saviour did not command them to give up their property into a common stock, nor did the apostles enjoin it: Acts 5:4: ‘While it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold was it not in thine own power?’ It was, therefore, perfectly voluntary, and was as evidently adapted to the special circumstances of the early converts. 

“Many of them came from abroad. They were from Parthia, and Media, and Arabia, and Rome, and Africa, etc. It is probable, also, that they now remained longer in Jerusalem than they had at first proposed; and it is not at all improbable that they would be denied now the usual hospitalities of the Jews, and excluded from their customary kindness, because they had embraced Jesus of Nazareth, who had been just put to death. In these circumstances, it was natural and proper that they should share their property while they remained together.”

The reference to Acts 5:4 above is about Peter’s censure of Ananias behaviour where he exposed his deceit, not the retention of property. It is clear that Peter does not condemn private ownership of property both before and after the sale.  The problem was the sin of lying by stating that Ananias and Sapphira had held back part of the proceeds for themselves while giving the impression that they were giving their all.   Such sinful behaviour cost them their lives.

The Pulpit Commentary makes some other interesting observations:

“Had all things common. Just as the Transfiguration gave a passing glimpse of the state of glory, so here we have a specimen of what Christian love and unity in its perfection, and unchecked by contact with the world without, would, and perhaps someday will, produce. But even at Jerusalem this bright vision of a paradise on earth was soon troubled by the earthly dissensions recorded in Acts 6; and the Christian community received a timely lesson that things good in themselves are not always practicable in an evil world…..”

Another aspect of this situation is spelled out well by the Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges:

“were together, and had all things common: With the words of the angels still in their ears (Acts 1:11): ‘This same Jesus shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven,’ the disciples were no doubt full of the thought that the return of Jesus was not far distant. Such an opinion spreading among the new disciples would make them ready to resign their worldly goods, and to devote all things to the use of their brethren. For so the spreading of a knowledge of Christ could be made the chief work of the whole body of believers.”

The faithful disciples realised after a short while that Jesus would not return during their lifetime and, down through the last 2,000 years, His return has been anticipated. In the meantime, we continue to look for the return of Jesus and the signs are now that it is close to fulfilment.

Biblehub.com observes: “Luke describes the spontaneous outcome of the Spirit’s outpouring at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-41). Verse 42 lists four core devotions—apostolic teaching, fellowship (κοινωνία), breaking of bread, and prayers—while verses 44-47 detail practical outworkings of that fellowship: meeting daily, eating together, praising God, and meeting material needs. Nothing in the context hints at governmental coercion or an imposed economic system; rather, Luke is chronicling the joyous generosity of a newborn community amazed by the risen Christ (v. 36).”

It is interesting that thebalance.com comments as follows: “Socialists assume that the basic nature of people is cooperative. They believe that this basic nature hasn’t yet emerged in full because capitalism or feudalism has forced people to be competitive. Socialists argue that the economic system must support this basic human nature before these qualities can emerge.”

Put, quite simply, man has been competitive by nature for the last 6,000 years and that is not going to change during this age of man.  Socialism, as explained above, is doomed to failure as are all other types of human government.  It will take the return of Jesus Christ to this earth to set up a theocratic government that will have everyone’s best interests at heart. 

Coming back to the original question: “Is Acts 2:44-45 a biblical example of socialism?”   The answer is “No.”  Acts 2:44-45 describes a temporary solution to a problem that arose after the extraordinary events on the day of Pentecost and no other examples of this exist in the New Testament.   

Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom) 

We will conclude this three-part series on what it means to be a Christian pilgrim, having looked at five attributes so far, that are required. Let us continue with additional necessary attributes. 

(6)                A PILGRIM views correction in a positive way.

This is something that is alien to the non-Christian mind.  Man, in general, wants people to flatter them, to cosy up to them and to be sycophants.   Immediately when any correction appears on the horizon, however gentle, however lovingly given, and however right that correction may be, the hackles usually go up, a defensive position is taken and offence can so often be the result.   That’s the way of the world.   As with almost everything, our position should be diametrically opposed to such behaviour.

This matter is addressed in Hebrews 12:5-11:

“And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: ‘My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the LORD loves He chastens,  And scourges every son whom He receives.’ If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

God’s people have their faults and problem areas which need to be corrected. God will correct sin in His own children; we are His begotten Family, and should not expect to escape such rebukes when necessary.   From time to time, we may have corrective sermons if it’s thought necessary – but those are for our own good.  Our heavenly Father treats us as a loving father will; no wise and good father will wink at faults in his own children, and his relationship and affections oblige him to take notice of the faults of his own children.   We must have done that within our own family; if not, we will have let them down by not correctly and lovingly disciplining them for their own good and well-being as appropriate, at the right time and in the right way.   

This principle is confirmed in Revelation 3:19, where Christ says to the Laodicea Church: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.”

Because this world is upside down in almost everything, it can find it hard, if not impossible, to understand that having love for your children and other people may, at times, involve correction.   It is warped thinking that should not be the case, but then, this society has warped thinking anyway.   Because God loves His people, He rebukes and chastens them as is necessary.   This is not something that we may always appreciate, at least not at the time, but it is for our ultimate good.  

As an aside, in general, many countries have banned the smacking of children, confusing abuse with the gentle correction that is sometimes needed with an unruly or naughty child.   “Spare the rod and spoil the child” (compare Proverbs 13:24: “He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly”) is a biblical admonition of right and wrong behavior that seems to be completely ignored by so many today.   No decent person should want to see any sort of abuse of children; that is not the way it should be, but to allow them to run riot, as they so often do, is the other extreme and is causing so many problems today as children, in many cases, rule over adults.  However, that was prophesied to happen (compare Isaiah 3:12: “children are their oppressors”) and so we shouldn’t be surprised!    Balance, as always, is necessary, but we do see that God does rebuke and chasten us, His children, and that is a splendid example of God’s Way.

A pilgrim will view correction in a positive way, realising that it is an assistance to him or her in making it into the Kingdom of God.

(7)              A PILGRIM knows that the trip has to be completed – successfully!

We, as pilgrims, are on a journey, and that journey has to be completed.   Quitting or falling away is not possible for a true pilgrim of God.   We can all feel like quitting at times; who hasn’t felt so discouraged that that thought has crossed his or her mind?  But if and when that happens, we should immediately eliminate it from our thinking.   We should never wonder if we will make it.  People can quit because they lack vision, as was discussed previously. We have to keep in focus what is in store for us in the Kingdom of God.   We have the greatest calling in the world and quitting must never enter our thinking at any time, irrespective of the circumstances in which we find ourselves.

We are to make our calling and election sure – and that is not done by falling away or quitting.   But we know that there will be those who will quit because Scripture reveals this.   Let us review 2 Timothy 4:1-5:

“I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. ^But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

There are those today in the various Churches of God or the independents who may have embraced “new-found knowledge” and concepts that have historically not been part of our long-time understanding.   Usually, when sound doctrine goes, so do those who are involved in believing and teaching wrong ideas. In verse 4, it does say that fables will be heard and accepted.  In a way, they have quit: they have quit the Truth.   And it is all very sad.   But Paul goes on to say that he had kept the faith, fought the fight and finished the race.

Continuing in verse 6:

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. ^I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ^Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

By persevering and not quitting, there was laid up for him the crown of righteousness.   Surely, something worth hanging in there for. 

In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul compares our way of life to a race: 

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified (that is, rejected after having been tested and found wanting; compare Daniel 5:27).”

Paul is saying that all who run may win the imperishable crown.  There is room for ALL to get the prize. You cannot fail if you run well.  The fact is though, that world-class runners will slip drastically if they only train once or twice a week.   The body and mind are no longer in top shape and the runner suffers accordingly.   Most experts agree that a marathon runner should put in at least 3 hours of training a day to stay in top form.   It’s the daily workouts that keep an athlete in prime condition.   The same is true for a Christian’s spiritual condition.   Daily prayer and Bible study are a key to being in the finest spiritual condition (This is not to say, of course, that we must do so three hours each day).   We’ve heard this mentioned so many times before, but do we really understand the importance of this habit?   It could mean the difference between finishing the course or dropping out along the way.  

In Philippians 1:3-6, we see that God, having begun working with us, will perform that work.

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ…”

Only we, individually, can stop the Work that God has begun in us, as indeed some, unfortunately, have done, but if we are receptive to God and His calling and stay on that course, we will complete the journey!   We weren’t called to fail; we were called to make it, with God’s help, into the Kingdom of God.

In addition, we have and just did have our pilgrimages to the annual Feast of Tabernacles as shown in Leviticus 23.   In the first two verses, we read:

“And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: “The feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts.”’”

The chapter outlines the Holy Days of God.   Of course, the main one is where everyone who is able to travel to a site describes the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day for 8 days.   Others, where possible geographically, keep the Days of Unleavened Bread for 7 days. And all the Holy Days that we keep ought to remind us that we are Christian pilgrims. 

CONCLUSION

In these three Q&A’s, we have looked at 7 qualities that are required of a Christian pilgrim:

• We clearly see the vision.
• We understand that our roots must not be entrenched in this world.
• We know that the physical joys of this life are only a type of something better.
• We keep physical life and health in proper perspective.
• We understand what physical life and death are all about.
• We view correction in a positive way.
• We know that the trip has to be completed – successfully.

Let us all make sure that we practice these qualities so that we can all make it into the Kingdom of God and be part of the millennial rule of Jesus Christ that must surely now be just over the horizon!

As a final thought, some time ago we published a Q&A entitled “Why Are True Christians Called Ambassadors for Christ?” This complements this 3-part Q&A about being a Christian Pilgrim and states that “the political world is openly antagonistic to Christian principles and is riddled with humanist thinking. There are no Scriptures to indicate that the Christian should attempt to influence things for good through political processes and activities.” 

Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)

In part one of this series, we started to look at what it means to be a Christian pilgrim.   First of all, we saw that we must clearly see the vision that is ahead of us and to seek those things which will last for eternity in the Kingdom of God.

Let us now continue with our study of this subject.

(2)              A PILGRIM’S roots must not be entrenched in this world.

We alluded to this already in part 1 of this series. To elaborate, there was a classic case of someone being entrenched in the ways of this world that ended in the loss of her life.   In Genesis, chapters 18 and 19, we find a story we know well – discussing the depravity of Sodom and Gomorrah.   And our current society, with all of its sexual sins, homosexuality and deviant behavior, is just like that.   

It was not the place to be.   God destroyed the place because of all sorts of sins, including that of homosexuality.   We read that in Ezekiel 16:49-50,  there was also a broad base of sinful behavior, including iniquity, abomination, pride and loveless conduct.   In Genesis 19:13-14, we read what the two angels who appeared as men said to Lot and his family:

“‘For we will destroy this place, because the outcry against them has grown great before the face of the LORD, and the LORD has sent us to destroy it.’ So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who had married his daughters, and said, ‘Get up, get out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city!’ But to his sons-in-law he seemed to be joking.”

We should be able to imagine this. It was just like today with many youngsters thinking that this vile society is fine when it is, generally, alien to the ways of God.   Also, like today, they had lived in that society so long that evil seemed good.   They became unable to differentiate. Continuing with verse 15:

^“When the morning dawned, the angels urged Lot to hurry, saying, “’Arise, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the punishment of the city.’” 

They had to forsake the city emotionally as well as physically.   They were to loathe it as God loathed it.

In verses 24-26, we find  a salutary lesson for those who disregard what God instructs us to do:

“Then the LORD rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the LORD out of the heavens. So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.”

“Looked back” is a translation of the Hebrew word “nabat,” which means, looking back attentively or longingly.   Lot’s wife seemed to be the type who looked back to times or situations with some affection.

It seemed a small thing, but it really was a great sin.   She disobeyed an express command, and unbelief must have been at the bottom of it.  Possibly, she hankered after her home and goods in Sodom, and was loath to leave them.  In Luke 17:31-32, Christ intimates this to be her sin when He speaks about the time of the end, the flight to the place of safety, and the coming Kingdom of God:

“In that day, he who is on the housetop, and his goods are in the house, let him not come down to take them away. And likewise the one who is in the field, let him not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife.”

The punishment of Lot’s wife for this sin was that she was struck dead in the place.   Jesus did say in Luke 9:62: 

“No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Since it is such a dangerous thing to look back, let us always press forward.   

In 1 John 2:15-17, we find a clear admonition about not loving or being entrenched in the world:

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ^For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. ^And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

This is very clear-cut.   And there are quite a number of other passages with a similar warning, but this example should be sufficient for this Q&A.   We should all hope that this present evil society will end soon, and the sooner it passes away and the Kingdom of God is ushered in, the better!

(3)              A PILGRIM knows that the physical joys of this life are only a type of something better.

In this life there are many physical joys to be had; for example:

The joy of getting married; of having a family to be proud of.   

The joy of scholastic achievements.   

The joy that we can make things with our hands where we display the talents that God has given us.   

The joy of listening to beautiful music.

The joy of seeing a gorgeous sunset.

The joy of seeing nature and a beautiful landscape.

The joy of having a beautifully prepared meal.

But these physical joys in this life are only a type of something better.  As mentioned before, God has limited us in our knowledge and understanding, as we would probably be incapable of taking all of it in during our current physical existence.  But we must never forget that there are the spiritual joys of knowing God’s wonderful Truth.

In 1 Corinthians 13:12, Paul writes:

“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.”

Mathew Henry’s Commentary states the following on this verse:

“Now we can only discern things at a great distance, as through a telescope, and that involved in clouds and obscurity; but hereafter the things to be known will be near and obvious, open to our eyes; and our knowledge will be free from all obscurity and error. God is to be seen face to face; and we are to know him as we are known by him… We are known to him by mere inspection; he turns his eye towards us, and sees and searches us throughout. We shall then fix our eye on him, and see him as he is.”

The Bible gives us much information about the future, but again, we are limited by our own faculties in fully understanding what will be.   God has given us a glimpse of the future, but our anticipation will be exceeded many times over by the reality.   We can have joys now, but in the future, it will be joy unconfined forever in the Kingdom of God.

Let us review Matthew 2:7-10.   This is about the wise men and the young Christ Child:

“Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.’ When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.”

They rejoiced with exceedingly great joy because they were being led to the Savior of mankind, who by then was apparently several months old. We will see the Savior of mankind at His return in all His marvelous glory, and our joy will be running over, and it will continue for eternity.   The joys of this physical life are only a type – or a forerunner – of the joy that we will experience forever – but we have to be steadfast and loyal to the very end in order to inherit these marvelous promises and this fantastic future.

(4)              A PILGRIM keeps physical life and health in proper perspective.

This life is just a temporary physicochemical existence. Real life is that which we will enjoy as a Spirit being for eternity.   Atheists, those who don’t believe that there is a supernatural being who sustains the universe and has promised us such a marvelous future, just live for today.   If there is no future after this life, then this life becomes the be-all and end-all of their existence, as it is all that matters to them.   There have been those who, after death, have been put in blocks of ice (cryonics) so that if a remedy for eternal life is found, they can be brought back to life!!!

According to the Smithsonian magazine: “In Scottsdale, Arizona, as of 2022, 199 people have had their heads and bodies cryopreserved at the Alcor Life Extension Foundation facility in hopes of being revived later. By preserving bodies at below-freezing temperatures, Alcor’s goal is ‘restoring good health with medical technology in the future.’”

It is truly amazing to see what lengths some people will go to!

But those of us who have been called into the knowledge of the Truth don’t have to go to such lengths.   We keep physical life and health in proper perspective.   Let us review 1 Corinthians 6:19-20:

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit [which] is in you, [which] you have from God, and you are not your own? ^For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

We can’t preserve this flesh forever.   Of course, we should do everything possible to look after our body by eating the right foods and abstaining from those things which can cause us severe problems, like taking illicit drugs and smoking; that is something that God expects of us, but in spite of everything we do (and it is in our own interests to look after ourselves in order to avoid aches and pains, and ill-health), nevertheless, the body will still wear out eventually.   It has a built-in life span that will, eventually, give way!   Like so much of what is manufactured today which has built-in obsolescence, we are much the same!

Food gives us the energy to serve God.   Health foods are fine but it really does depend on our motivation.   Of course, we should do everything we can to only eat the right foods and glorify God in our bodies, but we do have to keep life and health in proper perspective.   It shouldn’t become an end in itself – and a distraction from the bigger picture.   We are only temporary in this life and we must never forget that.

In 1 Chronicles 29:15, we read that David was giving praise to God:

^“For we are aliens and pilgrims before You,   As were all our fathers;  Our days on earth are as a shadow,   And without hope.”

That is, “without hope” if we don’t have God on our side. 

Israel was dependent upon the care and protection of God, just as an alien is dependent upon the goodwill of the ruler of the land in which he finds himself.   And our days are as a shadow.   Our days are our proving ground and limited in their length – and when we pass the test – as we indeed must – eternity is before us.   This brief span of life will have proved to have been but the blink of an eye!

Let us keep a Godly perspective on this matter – and balance.   Balance is so important in every aspect of a Christian’s life.

(5)               A PILGRIM understands what physical life and death are all about.

We know that this is a training ground for something much more important, which is an  understanding that eludes most of mankind – and most of mainstream Christianity, for that matter.   We are but a few breaths away from death.   No air for a few minutes would also ensure our complete demise.   James 4:13-14 reads as follows:

“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; ^whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”

Our human life viewed against the backdrop of eternity is only a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.   We’ve probably all smiled at the story of the rich man, increased with goods, who said that if he couldn’t take it with him, he wasn’t going!   But that sort of attitude that can prevail is symptomatic of those who think that this is all there is; there is no afterlife, no future, no eternity for mankind.   As true Christians, we have to eliminate any self-sufficiency in this area, fully realizing that we just can’t live independently from God.   True wisdom and true humility keep God continually in view.   

Psalm 39:4-5 also has something to say on this matter:

“LORD, make me to know my end, And what is the measure of my days,  That I may know how frail I am. Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths,  And my age is as nothing before You;  Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor.”

Man’s life is so brief and tenuous as to be utterly vain.   Our life in its comparative brevity is something that has been revealed to us, and so when anything happens to a loved one, we grieve, but not as others, because we understand the plan that God has for all of mankind.   Putting too much store on this life is a worldly attribute, and those who do so don’t understand God’s intentions for humanity, but we have been privileged to have been given that invaluable knowledge.

Paul clearly understood our future as we read in 2 Timothy 4:6-8:

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

Paul’s life’s work was done.   He had been true to his calling and he knew what reward was awaiting him.   He was a pilgrim nearly 2,000 years ago and knew that death was only the beginning, not the end.   

This was not only stated by Paul but also by Peter, as we read in 2 Peter 1:13-14:

“Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, ^knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me.”

The word “tent,” or “tabernacle” in the Authorized Version, is used for “body” and is a reminder of the frailty and temporary nature of the earthly body.   The comparison of the body with a tent suits the general conception of life as a pilgrimage.

We all want to enjoy life and have all the good things that can come our way, but Christian pilgrims understand what physical life and death are, and that they should not be overly concerned about this brief part of their existence.   As the song goes – the best is yet to come!

(To be continued.)

Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)

True Christians—those who are called by God to His Way of Life—may be referred to as Christian soldiers, ambassadors for Christ, disciples, followers and pilgrims.   In this Q&A, we will look at what it means to be a Christian pilgrim.

There are many religions that have pilgrimages to certain “holy” places, but as these are not of the One True God, they will not be addressed.  What we will look at in this three-part Q&A is the act of being a Christian pilgrim.

In bibledictionarytoday.com, we read this definition of a pilgrim:

“The term ‘pilgrim’ comes from the Latin word peregrinus, which means ‘foreigner’ or ‘wanderer.’ In the biblical sense, it refers to individuals who are on a journey, often with a divine purpose. The concept of being a pilgrim encapsulates the idea of living as a stranger in a foreign land, seeking a spiritual homeland.

“In a more symbolic sense, pilgrimage can be viewed as a metaphor for the Christian life. Just as pilgrims journey toward sacred destinations, believers are called to navigate their spiritual path, encountering trials and growth along the way.”

In Psalm 84:5-7, we read:

“Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, They make it a spring; The rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; Each one appears before God in Zion.”

One writer made these comments about the above verses:

“Those with their hearts set on pilgrimage embark on a spiritual journey towards growth, enlightenment, or closeness with the divine, just as pilgrims do on a physical journey with a specific purpose or goal in mind. This verse encourages us to approach life as a pilgrimage, with our hearts focused on spiritual growth and connection with our higher purpose. It beckons us to remain steadfast in our faith and committed to our spiritual journey, finding strength and solace in our beliefs along the way.” 

In a more symbolic sense, pilgrimage can be viewed as a metaphor for the Christian life. True believers are called to navigate their spiritual path, encountering trials and growth along the way.

We read in Hebrews 11:13-14:

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland.” 

This passage emphasises the idea that life itself is a pilgrimage.  Believers are urged to focus on the future in God’s Kingdom, while striving towards spiritual maturity and faithfulness. God’s rule will soon be established on this earth at the return of Jesus Christ, not in heaven as mainstream Christianity believes. 

All of the people in the examples given in Hebrews 11 did not receive God’s promises before they died. They saw these in a spiritual way, in the distance and lived their lives in their walk of faith, recognizing that they lived as strangers on the earth, as we still do today as God’s people.

Wikipedia observes: 

“‘He Who Would Valiant Be’ is a Christian hymn by John Bunyan, first published in 1684, which encourages perseverance and faith in the face of challenges, likening life to a pilgrimage.”   

This poem is uplifting and encouraging and we reproduce it below:

“He who would valiant be
‘gainst all disaster,
let him in constancy
follow the Master.
There’s no discouragement
shall make him once relent
his first avowed intent
to be a pilgrim.

“Who so beset him round
with dismal stories
do but themselves confound
his strength the more is.
No foes shall stay his might;
though he with giants fight,
he will make good his right
to be a pilgrim.

“Since, Lord, thou dost defend
us with thy Spirit,
We know we at the end,
shall life inherit.
Then fancies flee away!
I’ll fear not what men say,
I’ll labor night and day
to be a pilgrim.”

Uplifting and encouraging words!   

We will now begin to look at a number of ways that describe the Christian pilgrim. 

First and foremost, it is important to understand that even though we have to live in the world, we are not to be part of it.   Just before His crucifixion, Jesus made this very point.   We find this assertion in John 15:18-19:

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. ^If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”

Two chapters later, in John 17:14-17, Jesus reiterates this same theme in His prayer to the Father:

“I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.  I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. ^They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.”  

Jesus did not pray that we should be taken out of the world where we could, no doubt, sit in splendid isolation somewhere, but that we were to be kept from the evil one – and we all know who that is.   If we were to be taken out of the world, how could we let our “lights shine” and set the Christian example?   It would be impossible.   But we are not to be part of the world and its ways – the system that envelopes the world controlled by Satan.

We are set apart by the Truth that God has revealed to us, as we read in John 17:17: “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”

Let us review several qualities needed to be a pilgrim, hoping that the following will give everyone some food for thought.

(1)  A PILGRIM clearly sees the vision.

We, in fact, have to see the vision of what God’s Holy Days mean – His Master Plan for all of mankind. When putting all of the Scriptures together, the future in the Kingdom of God is something that will exceed our wildest expectations.    That must be correct because God has limited our faculties and abilities and will only give us full understanding at the resurrection.

Vision is an act or faculty of seeing further than the end of our nose.   We can get so bogged down with the everyday concerns of being a breadwinner, of working, of looking after a family and any number of other everyday activities, that spiritual vision of our future in God’s Kingdom is a quality that can elude us.   But we ought to keep in mind our calling at all times, and what God has in store for those of us who are faithful to the very end.   Maybe, with all of the things that are part and parcel of our everyday life, it may be that we can be distracted, at times, and have our attention diverted away from the promises that we have been given for the future.  

Satan tries to keep us so busy with other matters that we can become deluded into thinking that we have little or no time for the spiritually essential areas. He does this by offering many attractive and appealing but unprofitable and harmful alternatives.   In addition, the environment around us offers many perfectly wholesome and right pursuits that can, nevertheless, distract us if we overemphasize them or place them before our spiritual obligations. 

And as we become so busy in these everyday activities, we can lose the vision for the future. For those who have gone back into the world, or who have embraced theology contrary to what the Scriptures clearly teach, their vision of the future will be at variance with that which we have, if indeed they have any vision at all.   It is a sad state of affairs, but one which should spur us on to greater effort to make sure that we don’t fall into the same error.

Vision is quite different from daydreaming, where someone may wish that this, that, or the other may happen.   Dreaming can be a wish list – but vision in the Christian context is believing what the Scripture says about our future and praying, “Your Kingdom Come”.   And we have sufficient biblical information to be able to put together a picture, however incomplete it may be at this time, of the World Tomorrow.   But because of our human limitations, whatever vision we have will, undoubtedly, be exceeded by reality.   But vision is a necessary quality of being a pilgrim.

Proverbs 29:18 backs up the need for this quality:

“Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.” The margin in the New King James Bible explains that the meaning of “revelation” in this passage is “prophetic vision.” The passage can also be rendered that people without vision “perish.”

Colossians 3:1-2 shows where our vision should be:

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

We are to seek those things that will last for eternity.

We will live out our physical lives, but in relation to eternity, our life now is less than the twinkling of an eye.   Our future is assured if we are faithful to the end. We must have that vision of a wonderful future, something that pales our current mortal life into total insignificance.   

(To be continued)

Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)

This is a question that may seem obvious to anyone living the true Christian Way of Life but may be confusing to those who feel that their priorities, even though they may think that they are a committed follower of Jesus Christ, must be to their spouse and children with God being subordinated to a lesser role in their lives.

A well-known sportsman in the UK was asked about the priorities in his life, and he said that they were his family, his faith and then listed other priorities.   His Christian faith was known to those who knew him well, and it seemed that he was a man of faith.   However, was he correct in listing God as second to his family in his list of priorities?

Each and every one of us will have their own list of priorities.  We may not sit down and list them, but we will know what we put first and those things that mean the most to us.   When we have a list of things to do, we generally organise these according to how we perceive their importance.   When we put God first, it means that He is top of our list of priorities.

By putting God in the premier position means that He will get the top priority in our lives.  Praying and studying will be those things that we prioritise on a daily basis and ensure that we do those things that are most important to us.   Once we let go and other things become more important to us, then God can slip down the pecking order, and that is not what He expects of us.  When He calls us to be a part of His Church and a Spirit-begotten member of His Family, then that must be the most important thing in our lives because it will translate, at the First Resurrection, to us being born into the Family of God for eternity.

We read in Matthew 6:33:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”  

The word “but” is instructive.  In previous verses Jesus told His disciples not to worry about their lives (see Matthew 6:25) as many of us may do constantly, but that God will take care of the things we need (see verses 26-32).   The most important thing in our lives is to obey and worship God in the first place and all the other things will be taken care of by a loving God who knows what our needs are.

To seek first is not to relegate God to the back seat.  In Matthew 22:35-40, we read of the response that Jesus gave to a lawyer who questioned Him:

“Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, ‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?’ Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.’”

This was a direct instruction, not a suggestion.

Further, John 14:15 clearly reveals what we should and must do, if God is to be first and foremost in our lives:

“If you love Me, keep My commandments,” which is a simple answer that, sadly, is neglected, misunderstood, misconstrued and misinterpreted by most of mainstream Christianity today.

This was also a direct instruction, not a suggestion. Matthew 6:24 adds further clarification:

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”

Way back in time, the nation of Israel was given clear instructions on how seriously putting God first was to be to them as we read in Deuteronomy 6:4-9:

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

It wasn’t to be from time to time as it turned out to be with ancient Israel, but a lifelong process as we understand today.   Israel suffered the consequences of their pronounced allegiance to God with their behaviour which Scripture describes as frequently deviating from what was acceptable to God.

But it was not only those in ancient times who fell short of what was required, but also those many centuries later in the time of Christ, as we read in Matthew 15:7-9:

^“Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”

It is well documented how the religious authorities in the time of Christ were upbraided for their hypocrisy by Jesus Christ and nearly 2,000 years later, it has changed little today.   We MUST be different.   We MUST put God first in our lives or we will be in the same position as those throughout history, having failed to do this, have suffered the consequences of their actions.

Simply put, it is in keeping with the First Commandment which states quite simply: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (compare Exodus 20:3).   Anything or anyone that comes before God is detrimental to our spiritual well-being.   This is clearly shown in Matthew 7:24-27 where Jesus instructs us to “build on the Rock”:

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

This is a case of cause and effect.   This is revealed in Galatians 6:7: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”

We should, voluntarily, want to live our lives in the way that has been revealed to us.   In 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, sub-headed “Glory Only in the Lord” in the New King James Bible, is an interesting and invaluable insight into our calling:

“For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.”

We are not the great and mighty of this world, but the very ordinary, to put to shame the wise.   How many have been called to this Way of Life?   Only God knows the answer to that question, but it is obvious that it is a small number because Jesus said in Luke 12:32: “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

To have been given the opportunity that we have, should fill us with gratitude to the great God, and He must be first in our lives.  If not, we can be overtaken by the things of this world, which are but transitory and will soon pass away.

In Proverbs 3:5-6, we read: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”  

It is not an easy path, but the narrow way, as we read in Matthew 7:13-14:

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

Anything really worthwhile takes effort to achieve, and we have been given the greatest gift of all by being called into the Church of God and receiving the Holy Spirit upon repentance.  And when this is our approach and attitude, God is pleased, as Psalm 37:23 points out:

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.”

We read in 1 Peter 2:21: “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.”  

Whenever we read about Jesus in the biblical account, we see that He was always subordinate to His Father’s Will, putting the Father first in all things.   Never did Jesus treat the Father as anyone other than in first place in His life, and we should always follow His example.

Today’s prevailing ethos is that it is all about me, me, me.   There are some worthy exceptions to that, but they are certainly in a small minority.   Members of God’s true Church must not fall into the trap of “accommodating” society, always putting God first irrespective of any situations that might require us to do differently.

And why wouldn’t we want to put God first in our lives?   We should think on these things which show us the might of the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ:

• “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).
• “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16).  
• “Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure’” (Isaiah 46:10).
• ^“But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: ‘As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God’” (Romans 14:10-11).
• ^“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God” (Revelation 19:11-13).

It’s a winning team to be part of, and for eternity.

There is much more to be said on this matter and one website reveals that there are 158 quotations about putting God first in our lives.  However, what we have shown in this Q&A is that God has to be first in our lives at all times.   Second, or any other place than first, is not acceptable to Him, and for good reason.

True Christians will be distinctive in their actions of putting God first in their lives as opposed to the world where compromise and fitting in with society is generally the accepted way.  With a twenty-four-hour-a-day-commitment to God’s Way of Life where the things of God are deemed far more valuable than society’s so-called “values,” we will demonstrate to our Creator how much we appreciate our unique calling and the promise of much better things to come.

Interestingly, there was a situation in the UK where a big sporting event was taking place in the summer of 2023 at 11am on a Sunday morning.   A senior bishop (female) from the Church of England said it was “fine” for churches to move morning services so that their parishioners could watch this event and added that people should choose the service that is “right for them.”  Unfortunately, God never seems to be first in the lives of many mainstream Christians as they put worldly pursuits first.

We will finish this Q&A with a few quotations.

One writer put it this way: “God is smarter, wiser, and more powerful than any person can ever become. Thus, when God issues a commandment, our duty is to trust and follow Him in whatever direction He takes us. In the end, we will not be disappointed, but we will if we do not put God first in our lives.”

Put God first in everything you do—Denzel Washington

Put God first and you will never be last—Anonymous

When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives—Ezra Taft Benson

If you have not chosen the Kingdom of God first, it will in the end make no difference what you have chosen instead—William Law

Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)

First of all, let us look at this phrase. From Wikipedia we can glean this interesting information: “‘In God We Trust’ is the official motto of the United States of America, Nicaragua, and of the U.S. state of Florida. It was adopted as the United States’ motto in 1956 as a replacement or alternative to the unofficial motto of E pluribus unum, which was adopted when the Great Seal of the United States was created and adopted in 1782. ‘In God We Trust’ first appeared on the two-cent piece in 1864 and has appeared on paper currency since 1957.”

It is an interesting question to ask if this would be permitted today.   And even if it were, would it be embraced with the same deep intended meaning? You just have to wonder as the USA, as well as many other nations around the world, have become much more secular and permissive societies. 

As ever, there are those who, not having any religious affiliation or affinity, object to the use of this phrase.   Wikipedia continues:

“Some groups and people have expressed objections to its use, contending that its religious reference violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. These groups believe the phrase should be removed from currency and public property.  In lawsuits, this argument has so far not overcome the interpretational doctrine of accommodationism, which allows government to endorse religious establishments as long as they are all treated equally. According to a 2003 joint poll by USA Today, CNN, and Gallup, 90% of Americans support the inscription ‘In God We Trust’ on U.S. coins.”

In an article by Dr. Elizabeth Mitchell on May 7, 2013, she wrote: “Following the April 29 (2013) opening of their documentary The Unbelievers at Toronto’s Hot Docs Film Festival, outspoken atheists Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss discussed the merits of their approaches to ‘ridding the world of religion.’ In a recent interview with Steve Paikin, they made it clear that, despite their sometimes different personas, they have the same agenda—getting people to get rid of their belief in God. Yet they both say that Christians should not feel ‘threatened’ by their efforts to expunge religion from human history.”  

That is the society that we live in today, where trust in God is belittled, undermined and scoffed at, and this background should give us the extra urgency and energy to trust in God for all our needs.

And so, back to the question. This phrase is not found verbatim in the Word of God but there are many verses that give the same meaning and understanding. 

In Psalm 91:2 we read: “I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.’”

There are many other verses that say much the same thing, for example:

Psalm 18:2: “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

Nahum 1:7: “The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him.”

Psalm 40:3: “He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD.”

Psalm 73:28: “But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the LORD GOD, That I may declare all Your works.”

Proverbs 29:25: “The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.”

Jeremiah 17:7-8: “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.”

These are but a few verses that show us where our trust should be.

As we know, times have changed drastically over the last several decades. There was a time when most people had a belief in God but, in more recent times, as the world has become more and more secular, that belief and acceptance have dwindled, been questioned, dismissed and even ridiculed by many as being outdated and unnecessary.   There are those who wonder why the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord will be necessary, and even as severe as they will surely be but, even a cursory review of how society today thinks and behaves should give more than a clue as to why “there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21).   It will be the only way of getting man’s full attention.

Dismissing trust in God, along with many other sins, will lead to much trouble and suffering for mankind.

Unfortunately, as so often happens, this phrase has been misappropriated by those who seem to know no better.   For example, an increasing trend with football (soccer) supporters in the UK can be seen when showing banners at matches with God’s Name being replaced by the manager or a star player.   Instead of “In God We Trust” it becomes “In (name of person) We Trust”.   In a way, that is hardly surprising, as football in the UK (and in many other countries) has become a religion.   This phrase with a human being’s name inserted, can also be heard in conversation and it is indeed a godless and unwelcome trend where a human being is seen as more important than God.   Regrettably, that means nothing to those who are so involved but they will see, one day, how ridiculous such assertions were.

We are told not to trust in man.   In Psalm 118:8-9 we read: “It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man.  It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in princes.”

Also, Psalm 146:3: “Do not put your trust in princes, Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.”

And in Jeremiah 17:5: “Thus says the LORD: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the LORD.’”

It is quite clear that trust is not to be in mortal man but in the great Creator and Eternal God.  Those in the true Church of God today, do trust God.   In 2 Samuel 22:2-3, David, when giving praise for God’s deliverance said:

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, My stronghold and my refuge; My Savior, You save me from violence.”

A stronghold is a “fortified place, a place of security or survival,” and that is what God should be to us.   In God we trust, not in any man, and while this exact phrase cannot be found verbatim in the Word of God, the principle is seen throughout the Bible.

Let us, as the people of God, never forget where our trust should be and make our motto “In God We Trust.”

Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)