Search The Scriptures: January 21, 2001
THE LANGUAGE OF ASHDOD
INTRODUCTION:
A. Good morning ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of the Danville church of Christ, I am
delighted to welcome you to this broadcast of Search the Scriptures. Jesus told the disciples in
Mk. 16:15 to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. The Search the
Scriptures program is one of the means by which the Danville church of Christ seeks to carry
out this command.
B. As we begin our study this morning, I want to note - with you - something revealed in the Old
Testament book of Nehemiah. In Neh. 13:23-24 we read, in those days I also saw Jews who
had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. And half of their children spoke the
language of Ashdod, and could not speak the language of Judah, but spoke according to the
language of one or the other people. This will serve as our beginning text. Ashdod was one of
five major cities of the Philistines. It was where the Philistines defeated Israel and captured the
ark of the covenant. Ashdod was two and a half miles east of the Mediterranean Sea on the
Philistine plain. In the Old Testament Ashdod was a place where some of the Anakim, which
was a warring clan - and enemies of the people of God, remained during the time of Joshua.
King David defeated the Philistines, including Ashdod in 2 Sam. 5:25, but it was not described
as being under Israel’s control until Uzziah captured it in 2 Chron. 26. Although the city was
captured, it did not remain long under Judah’s control. The Assyrians conquered the Philistines,
and Ashdod remained under Assyrian control until captured by the Egyptians. Under
Nebuchadnezzar, Babylon captured this territory and took the king of Ashdod prisoner. Also, the
Babylonians captured and deported the people of Judah where they remained for 70-years. A
decree issued by Cyrus, king of Persia - the nation who conquered Babylon - allowed the Jews to
return to their homeland. Several years after the first refugees returned Nehemiah came to
Jerusalem where he served as governor. Under his leadership the walls protecting the city were
rebuilt and he instituted several religious and moral reforms. A problem of major proportion was
the intermarriages between Jewish men and non-Jewish women. This brings us back to the text
we noted earlier. In Neh. 13:23 we again read of Nehemiah saying, in those days I also saw
Jews who had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. Not only was this sinful, but the
children born to these marriages were neither Jewish nor pagan. Their religion was some
perverted combination of the two. Nehemiah continues in verse 24 and half of their children
spoke the language of Ashdod, and could not speak the language of Judah, but spoke
according to the language of one or the other people. Nehemiah says that a number of the
children of these marriages were not able to speak the language of the Jews, but they spoke the
language of Ashdod. My friends, you can learn a lot about a man by the words he speaks. Jesus
said in Matt. 12:34 for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. That is, what one
says, even the very words he uses, gives others an accurate picture of what is in the heart. The
descendants of these marriages did not speak Hebrew - instead they spoke the language of the
region. They spoke the language of Ashdod. Ladies and gentlemen, I sincerely believe we are
witnessing a revival of the language of Ashdod among many claiming to be New Testament
Christians. The apostle Peter wrote in 1 Pet. 4:11 if anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles
of God. Brethren, throughout the years have always tried to refer to bible things by using bible
designations. For example it would be taught in both the pulpit and the classroom that it isn't
“my church,” or “our church,” but it is “Christ's church,” and it isn't “our kingdom,” but
“God's kingdom.” This has undergone a drastic change as we will see. Also, in years gone by,
preachers, elders and members avoided terms that were unbiblical at worst and questionable at
best. But as we emerge from yesteryear, the sounds of Ashdod are greeting us from within the
body of Christ. The language of the ancient gospel has been tossed aside for a new one that often
betrays hearts filled with denominational notions, and as a result strange words are falling on our
ears.
I. I wish to return to this premise in a moment but first let’s consider something that occurred in
Gen. 11. When God wanted to scatter people and cause them to divide from one another, he
accomplished this by confusing their language so they could not understand one another. Gen.
11:7-8 says, come, let us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not
understand one another's speech. So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face
of all the earth, and they ceased building the city. The building of the city and the tower
stopped, because of the confusion of their language. They were scattered - separated and divided
over the face of all the earth. The point we need to learn from this is that where there is
confusion in language and words, people cannot live and work together. They will be alienated
and divided. Absolutely essential to God’s people living and working together to do God's will is
- in the statement of Paul in 1 Cor. 1:10 that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no
divisions among you. Whenever men and women begin to speak different things, unity cannot
be maintained. Paul wrote in 2 Tim. 1:13 to hold fast the pattern of sound words. The sound
words we are to hold to and the sound words we are to speak are found within the pages of the
New Testament. This takes us back to Peter’s admonition we considered earlier in 1 Pet. 4:11 if
anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. And this verse brings us back to the
language of Ashdod. In a desire for acceptance, respectability, and good will from the religious
[or denominational] world, many of God’s children have listened to the seductress’ song of
religious neighbors to embrace their ways and express those ways in their own language - and
some have complied. Throughout the length and breadth of the land, members of churches of
Christ have made spiritual alliances with the denominational world and adopted the
nomenclature and speech that [in my judgment] betray their spiritually adulterous hearts. They
are speaking the language of Ashdod, using words that are not scripturally based. My friends, we
have partaken freely of the language of the nations around us and as a result we don’t know how
to speak the pure language of the scriptures. Even when biblical words are being used they are
often given a different meaning from their use in the bible. Frankly the claim to “speak where
the bible speaks and remain silent where it is silent” is often just so much fiction. In many
places, my friends, church members call non-biblical things by bible names and bible things by
non-biblical names. Sadly, our speech is corrupted - it’s rotten - and confusion reigns. Ladies and
gentlemen, you and I must understand that language, the use of words, is often used to conceal
rather than to reveal. Sophistry, quibbling, double-talk, and the deliberate misuse of words are
found in every area of life. Lawyers often use their legal mumbo-jumbo to confuse us. This is
also the practice being employed by many so-called gospel preachers. Sometimes when someone
preaches - instead of speaking as the oracles of God he is speaking the language of Ashdod. He
is neither purely biblical nor completely denominational. Instead he is using language he has
borrowed from denominationalism and is trying to mix and mingle it with biblical concepts. This
is the language of Ashdod and like Nehemiah we need men and women to rise up against such
compromise.
II. Let me show you how this is being done so that you and I can become vigilant. Take for
example, the term Christian or Christianity. Webster’s Dictionary says Christianity means “the
Christian religion, founded on the teaching of Jesus. A particular system of the Christian
religion.” The dictionary also says that the word “Christendom” is an equivalent of
“Christianity.” In other words, according to the dictionary, the whole world of Christendom, all
the multitudes of religious systems claiming any sort of belief in Christ - whether Catholic,
Methodist, Pentecostal, Baptist, Lutheran, Christian Church, or the Church of Christ, are
included in the words “Christianity” and “Christendom.” And, my friends, this is exactly the way
most people understand the word. It covers everything and every religion that claims any
connection to Christ. Let that essential fact sink into your mind. Think about what the word
actually means in common everyday usage. Now, also think about how you are hearing the word
used by some gospel preachers today. Often sermons are delivered or articles written about the
religion of Christ that lend support to the denominational definition of Christianity. Frankly, I
agree with those among us who lament that many sermons given by gospel preachers and heard
in churches of Christ could - without editing - be preached in most denominations and be well
received. This is because the language of Ashdod is being spoken. A gospel preacher once
preached a sermon entitled “Is Christianity Worthwhile?” In the sermon he strongly declared
that Christianity is worthwhile. He, however, never defined the word. Perhaps it was by design,
perhaps by was because of an oversight, but his failure to define what he meant did not direct the
lost to the pure religion of Christ. Did he mean that all of “Christendom” is worthwhile, biblical,
and from God? Well, that is what he affirmed whether he intended to or not. My friends, in effect
he taught that all religions claiming any connection with Christ are worthwhile. Given the
climate and mind set prevalent in the modern denominational world preachers do not have the
luxury to be vague. Also, think about the use of the word Christian today. This is a word found
but three times in all the bible. The first time it is used is in its plural form in Acts 11:26. And
the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. The second time it is found is in Acts
26:28 when Agrippa said to Paul, you almost persuade me to become a Christian. The third
and final time it is used in the bible is in 1 Pet. 4:16 when Peter writes, yet if anyone suffers as a
Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. The word is a noun
used to refer to the disciples of Christ. But, my friends, the denominational world is not content
with such restricted use. Therefore, the word has become an adjective used to legitimize many
things. If it can be called Christian, then it must be worthwhile. Then along come those among us
who have picked up on the unscriptural uses of Christian and before long the language of
Ashdod is being spoken in pulpits and in bulletins. Today you will hear our brethren speak of a
Christian home. Sermons are being preached about how to have a Christian home. Or you likely
will hear preachers plead for men and women to become a Christian father or a Christian
mother. My friends, where do you read of such uses of the word Christian in the New
Testament? Neither is America a Christian nation. Furthermore, we cannot have a Christian
magazine, or Christian doctrine, or a Christian marriage. Neither can there be such things as a
Christian school, college, or university. In all these cases the word is being misused. In each
instance men are speaking the language of Ashdod. The reason we are carelessly using the word
is because of being influenced by the religious groups around us. But, by far, the most popular of
the current terms of Ashdod is, “My Church Family.” Zeroing in on Paul's statement to Timothy
that the church is the house of God in 1 Tim. 2:15, change agents and their blind followers have
adopted this term describing the church, almost to the exclusion of all others. In so doing, they
have appropriated it to focus the religion of Christ inward to meet the “felt-needs” (or desires) of
its members. Ladies and gentlemen, there is no more scriptural authority for referring to the
church for which Jesus died as “my church family,” than there is for calling it “my church,” or
“my kingdom.” I mentioned in the beginning that some are beginning to refer to the Lord’s
church as their own, and this is often how this is manifested. The Lord’s church has, in the
language of Ashdod become “my church family.” While we are members of the house of God,
or family of God, it remains his house. This practice is an attempt to supplant the sound speech
of Titus 2:8 with the corruptions of a modern Ashdod, and it springs from embracing every
denominational error those change agents palm off on us. Frankly, it betrays a kind of spiritual
humanism that places man and his desires at the center. Therefore, instead of looking outward at
the fields that are white unto harvest, these agents of change turn inward to so-called “Family
Life Centers,” volleyball leagues, “Food, Fun, and Fellowship,” ski trips, pizza parties, small
group therapy, and other elements of the social gospel. What is happening, under the very noses
of elders is, the church is being transformed from God's vehicle for the salvation of souls, into
“My Church Family” whose total mission is to cater to “my” carnal desires for momentary
entertainment, diversion, and “feel-good religion.” Ladies and gentlemen, the house of God,
which is the church of the Living God, is also the kingdom of God, the body of Christ, the Lord's
vineyard, and the temple of God. It is no more “My Church Family” than it is my church, my
body, my kingdom, my vineyard, or my temple. The phrase, “My Church Family,” belongs to
Ashdod. Also, there is another area where confusion abounds in speech being uttered today. This
centers around the preacher and his work. Candidly I believe it is safe to say that in some places
some brethren have developed an entire clergy system with all its necessary parts. Before
preceding let me give you a brief excursion into something very important Jesus said. The Lord
said in Matt. 23:8-12 but you, do not be called Rabbi; for one is your teacher, the Christ, and
you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for one is your Father, He who
is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for one is your teacher, the Christ. But he who is
greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he
who humbles himself will be exalted. In these verses’ Jesus is cautioning the disciples not to be
like the Pharisees. Among the Pharisees there was a clergy/laity arrangement. Those among the
clergy were singled out to be given special honor and prestigious titles, such as Father or Rabbi.
Jesus said this was not to be done among his disciples. In the church built by Jesus there was not
to be a caste system where some Christians were to be given special titles. This, however, has
been ignored by denominations for years. In denominationalism there is a special clergy class
distinct from the laity. Titles of honor have been bestowed upon this class. They are called
Reverend, Rabbi, Father, Bishop, Pastor or some other such distinguishing title. For years
gospel preachers spoke out against this clergy/laity caste system of denominationalism. Brethren
understood that designations found in the bible were not titles. Rather, they were descriptions of
work begin done. For example, the term elder is not a title, but a work to be done. A man serving
God in this work was not to be called “Elder Jones.” Also, a man serving God in the work of a
deacon was not to be referred to as “Deacon Jones.” And this is also true when it comes to
preachers. A man who serves God in the work of an evangelist is not to be called “Evangelist
Jones.” He may scripturally be said to be an evangelist because this is his work, but evangelist
is not his title. Yet, many in churches of Christ have become so influenced by
denominationalism’s clergy that they have developed a clergy mind set, and are speaking the
language of Ashdod. Language that was unknown in churches of Christ a few decades ago has
now become commonplace. And, if we just look at the titles or names being used today in some
churches of Christ, we should have some idea of how far into denominationalism many have
drifted. Let me list some of these and you check to see if any of them, or their equivalent, are
found in the New Testament, as they are being used today. This is not to say that everyone of
them is unscriptural, but it is to point out that none of them - as they are being used - is found in
God’s word. For example, the word “preacher” is indeed found in the New Testament, but it in
no way refers to a clergyman who is an employee of the local church. Also, the word “minister”
is a New Testament term, but not the big M type (or title) who is employed as the “full time
Pulpit Minister” of the such and such church of Christ. My friends, if you just check out some
bulletins or signs or web pages on the Internet, you will soon discover titles being used that are
direct from modern Ashdod. Hear me out on this ladies and gentlemen. There is absolutely no
bible authority for any of the following. The Pulpit Minister, Youth Minister, Hospital Minister,
Minister of Involvement, Minister of Discipleship, Minister of Concern, Campus Minister,
Associate Minister, Singles Minister, Minister to the Elderly, Minister of Outreach, Education
Minister or Ministry Leader. Each of these smacks of denominationalism. Each term is borrowed
from the language of Ashdod. My friends, such as this has brought on such things as “try outs”
and “preacher resumes,” and “intern training,” and dozens of “schools for preachers.” Gone
are the days when brethren decided to support a man who devoted his life to preaching the
gospel. This simple biblical concept has been replaced by Centers for Biblical Studies for
Ministers who are seeking a “Master of Divinity” or “Doctor of Ministry” degree. Whatever the
denominations have - some among us must have because many churches of Christ have become
so influenced that they are speaking the language of Ashdod. So far as I know no gospel
preacher yet use the title of “Father” or “Reverend,” but in time they likely will do so, because
some have made the designation “brother” a title. Some are using Doctor as a title for some
preachers. Granted, there are some preachers who have received PhD’s but why do we insist on
calling them doctor? Is it because we have been influenced by Ashdod? And let me return to the
denominational use of the word church. Many have become so inundated by how the
denominations use the word church that they have begun to speak the same language. The word
church is a New Testament word used to describe the saved whether worldwide, such as Matt.
16:18 when Jesus said, on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not
prevail against it. Or whether in a local or restricted sense such as Rev. 2:1 where Jesus says, to
the angel of the church of Ephesus write. The word church in the New Testament is used to
describe saved men and women whether throughout the world on in a given location. Never does
the New Testament use the word church like we hear it being used today. Denominations have
for years used the word church at the end of a denominational phrase, like Baptist Church or the
Assemblies of God Church. Not to be outdone, many who should know better have adopted this
Ashdodish phrase. Often we hear people speak of the Church of Christ Church. My friends, this
is denominational to the core. This very term suggests that the church of Christ is simply one
from among many composing the Church. Also, we are hearing more and more gospel preachers
being referred to as Church of Christ preachers. What is a church of Christ preacher? Does he
preach church of Christ doctrine? And if he does what is church of Christ doctrine? And who
originated the church of Christ doctrine? Ladies and gentlemen, preachers should be gospel
preachers; men who preach only the gospel of Christ. Preachers today must not be proclaiming
anything but the gospel of Christ. In the words of the apostle Paul in Rom. 15:9 preachers must
affirm I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Furthermore, today you are also likely to hear
professed believers say “I’m a Church of Christ.” How can this be? The bible says in 1 Cor.
12:14 for in fact the body is not one member but many. One person cannot be a church. It is
incorrect and grossly inaccurate to say “I’m a Church of Christ.” “Ah, but you know what I
mean,” someone may say when it’s pointed out that one person cannot scripturally claim to be a
church of Christ. Yes, I know what you mean! You mean exactly what those who say, “I’m a
Baptist” mean. And you have borrowed the term from denominationalism. You are speaking the
language of modern Ashdod. My friends, if we are going to speak as the oracles of God, then
let’s stop denominationalizing the word church. Now, while I will gladly acknowledge that the
bible mentions a great brotherhood of believers in passages like 1 Pet. 2:17 that says, love the
brotherhood, yet, I deny the bible says anything about “the brotherhood of churches of Christ.”
Neither does the bible mention a “sister church,” nor a “mother church.” This is wording direct
from the dictionary of modern Ashdod. And so are terms like church kitchen, church
kindergarten and church staff. Brethren we need to begin using bible words in bible ways. We do
not “go to church” or “attend church.” Instead we gather as the church to worship God and
edify one another. Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 11:18 for first of all, when you come together as a
church. Now, I know you might be saying this is much ado about nothing. But is it really? When
the bible demands that we speak as the oracles of God, is it a small thing when we stop speaking
as the oracles of God? My friends, the reason we might decide it is a small thing is because we
have allowed the influence of denominationalism to erode our speech. We have adopted the
language of modern Ashdod without even realizing it.
CONCLUSION:
A. Now, you might be thinking - with all the problems facing the church why focus on phrases
and expressions being used? I do so for this reason. Jesus said this about disciples in Jn. 17-14-
16 in a prayer to his 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. In order for the world to be converted to Christ,
disciples must be unlike the world. We cannot hope to make progress when we have co-opted the
phrases and concepts of denominationalism. I urge my brethren to speak as the oracles of God
and strike the language of Ashdod from your vocabulary.
B. My time is up for today. Thanks for inviting me to spend these few minutes with you. Stay
tuned for some important closing announcements, and be sure to join us next Sunday at 7:00 AM
as we again Search the Scriptures. Until then, this is J.R. Bronger saying goodbye for now.