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WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
February 05, 2012
Number 75
≈
The Great Commission
The Limited Commission
Mat. 10:5-6: “These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying,
Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans
enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
In the foregoing Jesus circumscribed the preaching of the apostles. They
were not allowed to preach to the Gentiles nor to the Samaritans. They
were commanded to preach to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel”
only. For this reason, this is called “the Limited Commission.”
After his resurrection Jesus gave what is called “the Great Commission,”
the World-Wide Commission, the Last Commission to proclaim the Gospel
to the whole world.
The Great Commission
Mat. 28:19-20: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching
them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I
am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Mark 16:15-16: “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and
preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized
shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Luke 24:46-49: “And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved
Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that
repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among
all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in
the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”
From these three records of the Great Commission, it is learned that the
following items are mentioned:
(1) Preaching;
(2) Believing;
(3) Repentance;
(4) Baptism;
(5) Salvation (the forgiveness of sins).
There has been much disputing as to the orders in which these items
should come: i.e., do people “believe” before they “repent,” or does “repentance”
come before “faith?” Does salvation come before baptism, or
must one be baptized to be saved?
With all the disputing about the order in which the acts must come, there
is agreement that the Commission mentioned Preaching, Repentance,
Baptism, and Salvation (the forgiveness of sins).
The Great Commission Was Executed
The apostles began work under this commission on the first Pentecost
after the resurrection of Christ. They were guided by the Holy Spirit in
their work. The history of their preaching and the obedience rendered to
their preaching is recorded in the book of Acts. The record as found in
this book will certainly give us the Divine interpretation of the Great
Commission. Notice the conversions mentioned in the following passages,
just what occurred, and you will find that it is in perfect harmony
with the Commission. Also, it will be learned in what order the items
mentioned came.
Acts 2:14-38: (1) Preaching, (2) Repentance, (3) Baptism, (4) Remission of Sins.
Acts 8:5-12: (1) Preaching, (2) Believing, (3) Baptism.
Acts 8:26-38: (1) Preaching, (2) Believing, (3) Baptism.
Acts 10 and Acts 11: (1) Preaching, (2) Repentance, (3) Baptism.
Acts 16:14-15: (1) Preaching, (2) Baptism.
Acts 16:25-33: (1) Preaching, (2) Believing, (3) Baptism.
Acts 18:8: (1) Hearing, (2) Believed, (3) Baptism.
Acts 19:1-5: (1) Preaching, (2) Believing, (3) Baptism.
Acts 22:12-16: (1) Preaching, (2) Baptism, (3) Wash Away Sins.
– Adapted from C.R. Nichol’s Pocket Bible Encyclopedia
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
January 29, 2012
Number 74
≈
The Holy Spirit and Revelation
A. Introductory remarks.
1. We are concerned in this study with the role of the Holy Spirit
in the revelation of the Word of God. We will consider
how the Word came in both the Old and New Testaments!
2. 2 Peter 1:20-21.
B. [Inspiration of God.]
1. All Scripture came from God (2 Tim. 3:16-17). theopneustos
– “inspired of God.” Thayer. Literally, “God breathed.”
2. God spake and men copied God’s Word (Heb. 1:1).
3. 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 (ASV) (This is inspiration’s own explanation
of how revelation came about.)
C. God spake in times past by the prophets.
1. The prophets were borne or moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet.
1:21). “Moved” “To be converted or borne, of persons
borne in a ship over the sea (Acts 27:17) to be moved
inwardly, prompted.” “The word literally means to pick
up or bear along to a goal of the bearer’s own choosing.”
2. God’s standard of a true prophet (Deu. 18:18-19) – “I will put
MY WORDS in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them
all that I shall command him.” God was the originator of
the Words which He would speak through His servants,
the prophets.
3. A scriptural definition of the word prophet.
a. Exodus 7:1 – Aaron is called the prophet of Moses.
b. Exodus 4:16 – Aaron is called the spokesman and
mouth of Moses.
c. We conclude: A prophet is God’s mouth or spokesman.
One who spoke as God directed.
4. The prophet was a FORETELLER and a FORTHTELLER.
a. Foreteller – Tell of things to happen in the future.
b. Forthteller – A preacher or herald. One who speaks.
Primary mission was a forthteller. A preacher or spokesman
for God.
5. The Spirit of Christ was in the prophets as they spoke (1 Pet.
1:10-12).
a. They claimed God spake what they delivered.
(1) David (2 Sam. 23:1-2).
(2) Isaiah (Isa. 1:1-2).
(3) Jeremiah (Jer. 10:1-2).
(4) Ezekiel (Eze. 1:3).
b. A most important message (Zec. 7:12).
D. God speaks now through His Son (Heb. 1:1-3).
1. Jesus is the revelation of the Father.
2. He revealed the Father (John 1:1-3, 14, 18).
3. He is the very image of His substance (Heb. 1:3).
4. “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father” (John 14:6-11).
E. The Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus from the Father. He gave the completed
revelation.
1. He was sent by Jesus to guide the apostles (John 14:16-17).
a. Not speak of Himself (John 16:13).
b. He glorified Jesus (John 16:14-15). His out-pouring on
Pentecost proved Jesus was glorified and seated
on David’s throne (Acts 2:33-35).
2. The work of the Holy Spirit.
a. Teach you all things (John 14:26).
b. Bring to remembrance all things (John 14:26).
c. Guide in all truth (John 16:12-14).
d. Declare things to come (John 16:13).
e. Bear witness of Christ (John 15:26-27).
f. Convict the world of sin (John 16:8-11).
F. The apostles were given the Words of the Spirit.
1. The Holy Spirit combined spiritual things with spiritual words
and taught them to the apostles (1 Cor. 2:9-13; v. 10 –
“God…revealed…us [apostles]… Spirit.”
2. Paul received the Gospel by revelation (Gal. 1:11-12).
3. That which is revealed is plain enough to be understood by
those who read (Eph. 3:1-7).
G. Concluding remarks.
1. The Bible is verbally inspired. It is perfect and complete (Jam.
1:25; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).
2. It has been delivered (Jude 3) once, for all time.
3. ITS MESSAGE HAS BEEN CONFIRMED (Heb. 2:3-4).
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
January 22, 2012
Number 73
≈
A Valuable Basic Outline Of The Bible Part 2
V. AND FOUR SUB-DIVISIONS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
There are the 4 books commonly called “the gospel” – Matthew,
Mark, Luke, and John, written to convince. There is the book
of Acts, written to convert men to the gospel of Jesus Christ. There
are the 21 epistles (Romans through Jude) written to confirm. And,
there is the Revelation, written to console.
VI. AND WITH FIFTEEN NATURAL PERIODS
1. The ante-diluvian, from the creation to the flood.
2. The post-diluvian, from the flood to the call of Abram, l921 B.C.
3. The patriarchal, from the call of Abram (l921 B.C.) to
the descent of Jacob’s family into Egypt (1706 B.C.).
4. The Egyptian period, from the descent into Egypt (1706
B.C.) to the crossing of the Red Sea (the Exodus, 1491 B.C.).
5. The period of Wandering, from the crossing of the Red
Sea to the crossing of the Jordan River (in 1451 B.C.).
6. The period of Conquest, from the crossing of the Jordan
to the appointment of the first Judge (1431 B.C.).
7. The period of the Judges, from the appointment of the
first Judge to the establishment of the Kingdom (in l095 B.C.).
8. The period of the United Kingdom, from the establishment
of the Kingdom (1095 B.C.) to the division of
the Kingdom (in 975 B.C.).
9. The Divided Kingdom, from the division of the Kingdom
(975 B.C.) to the fall of Samaria (in 722 B.C.)
10. The period of Judah Alone, from the fall of Samaria
(722 B.C.) to the fall of Jerusalem (in 586 B.C.).
11. The period of the Captivity, from the fall of Jerusalem
(in 586 B.C.) to the decree of Cyrus the Great (in
536 B.C.). [The captivity proper began in 606 B.C.
with the first carrying away, notice the “seventy
years of Jeremiah’s prophecy (Jer. 29:10; Dan. 9:2). – Editor]
12. The period of Restoration, from the decree of Cyrus (in
536 B.C.) to the end of Nehemiah’s great career (in 432 B.C.).
13. The period Between the Testaments, from the end of
Nehemiah’s career (432 B.C.) to the coming of John
the Baptizer (A.D. 26).
14. The Period of the Christ, from the coming of John the
Baptizer, to Pentecost of Acts 2.
15. The Period of the Church, from Pentecost of Acts 2 to
the close of the Revelation (perhaps A.D. 96).
This is the great basic outline of the Bible, upon which is
fastened every person and every event dealt in the Bible. How important
it is for us to know this outline!
We have sought to emphasize (as a basic tool in our studying
and learning and living and teaching the Bible) : that the Bible
is one book, made up of two major divisions, and three dispensations,
with four subdivisions in the Old Testament, and four subdivisions
in the New Testament, and with fifteen distinct, natural divisions
or periods. This we submit as a “Skeleton Outline of the Bible.”
– Roy Deaver, “How Effective Proper Bible Study Promotes
And Prevents Change” in Changes In The Church Of Christ,
Bellview Church of Christ, 1994, pg. 53-56.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
January 15, 2012
Number 72
≈
A Valuable Basic Outline Of The Bible Part 1
Numerous are the passages which emphasize our obligation
(and privilege) to be diligent students of the word of God (2 Tim.
2:15; Mat. 7:7; John 7:17; Acts 17:11; Psa. 1).
One of the most powerful tools you can possibly have in effective
study is a good overall picture of the entire Bible. It is essential
that you have in mind – as a vital part of your mental equipment
– this outline of the Bible.
I. THE BIBLE IS ONE BOOK
It is made up of many books: 39 books in the Old Testament;
27 books in the New Testament; thus, 66 books total. Hence,
a situation to which the Latin phrase e pluribus unum is definitely
appropriate.
It is one in purpose – as God, the Christ, and the Holy Spirit
are one; and as husband and wife are one. The Bible is not a textbook
in history, science, geography, ethnology, psychology,
physiology, sociology, etc. It is the textbook in religion. Its theme
is redemption; its purpose is the glory of God and the salvation of
men, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
II. WHICH HAS TWO MAJOR DIVISIONS
These are: the Old Testament and the New Testament. The
Old Testament is made up of the books of Genesis through Malachi.
It was written for our learning, our exhortation, our warning
(Rom. 15:4). It was (is) type, shadow, copy, and figure.
The New Testament is made up of the books of Matthew through the Revelation. It is clearly distinguished from the Old
Testament (as is emphasized in such passages as Matthew 26:28;
Hebrews 9:16-17; 8:8-13. It is anti-type, substance, original, and real.
III. AND THREE DISPENSATIONS
The Bible sets before us three different and distinct systems
of religion. In discussing these, we generally use the term dispensations.
These dispensations are: Patriarchy—embracing all the
events and all the persons from Adam to the giving of the Law of
Moses (and, as I firmly believe, continuing on for the Gentile all
the way to the conversion of Cornelius); Judaism – embracing all
the events and all the persons from the giving of the law (at Sinai)
to Pentecost of Acts 2 (it ended legally at the Cross, but its benefits
would continue, for those under it, to Pentecost); and Christianity
– embracing all the events and persons from Pentecost to the Judgment
to come. We live in the time of this third system, and there
will not be a number four system.
IV. WITH FOUR SUB-DIVISIONS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
There are the 5 books of law (Genesis through Deuteronomy);
the 12 books of history (Joshua thorough Nehemiah, understanding
that Esther needs to be studied at the end of Ezra 6); 5
books of poetry (Job through the Song of Solomon); and prophecy.
The prophecy books are divided into: the 5 books of the major
prophets (Isaiah through Daniel), and the 12 books of the minor
prophets (Hosea through Malachi).
– Roy Deaver, “How Effective Proper Bible Study Promotes
And Prevents Change” in Changes In The Church Of Christ,
Bellview Church of Christ, 1994, pg. 54-56.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
January 08, 2012
Number 71
≈
Is Baptism Necessary For Salvation?
Correctly answering this question means the difference
between an eternity in Heaven or an eternity in Hell. One’s
salvation hangs in the balance. Therefore, one cannot be undecided
about this issue. Some in this world say that baptism is not
necessary for salvation, others say that it is altogether necessary.
The rules of logic demand that one side or the other be correct and
not both, that rule being the law of excluded middle. This rule
states that every precisely stated proposition is either true or false.
Any middle ground is excluded, there is no maybe. So, the
question as to whether baptism is necessary for salvation or not can
be precisely answered. And it is to that answer, that this article
shall be devoted.
First of all the word baptize needs to be defined. The Greek
root word “βαπτίζω” or “baptizō” can be defined in the following
way: “1) to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels
sunk) 2) to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make
clean with water, to wash one’s self, bathe 3) to overwhelm.” The
above definition is from Thayer’s Greek lexicon as found on the
computer program E-sword. Lexicons and dictionaries only give
the usage or usages of a word. The context where a word is found
reveals its intended meaning. In order that the Biblical meaning of
baptize/baptism (particularly as it refers to salvation) can be found,
the Scriptures must be consulted. “Know ye not, that so many of us
as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like
as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father,
even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been
planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also
in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man
is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that
henceforth we should not serve sin” (Rom. 6:3-6). Paul relates
baptism to a burial, the burial of the Lord after His crucifixion.
Jesus said that His burial would be in the “heart of the earth”(Mat.
12:40). The Gospel accounts confirm that Jesus was buried (Mat.
27:59-60). Paul’s comparison must fit, therefore, the only way that
can happen is that baptism is an immersion; because, it is factual
that all of Jesus’ body was laid in the tomb. If baptism is not
immersion then it must logically follow that not all of the Lord’s
body was put into the tomb. One may categorically say that
baptism is not sprinkling or pouring, but rather an immersing or
burial in water.
Now that baptism has been defined, the question as to
whether it is necessary for salvation shall be answered. “He that
believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not
shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). Jesus gave this command just
prior to His ascension to Heaven. He was giving the conditions that
every accountable person must meet in order to be saved. Within
this statement by the Lord the word “and” is very important. “And”
is a coordinating conjunction. “Coordinating conjunctions join
words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical rank.” Chapman’s
handbook of grammar gives the above definition, therefore, one
may correctly conclude that believing and being baptized are equal
in the Lord’s statement. Both are equally necessary for salvation.
Peter made the following statement concerning baptism, “The like
figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the
putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good
conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1
Peter 3:21). One should answer the question of what is “saving
us.” It is certainly baptism. Peter is illustrating the likeness of
Noah and his family being saved by the Flood and the salvation
which comes through being immersed or baptized in water.
The foregoing passages of Scripture are plainly given statements.
If one will accept these for what they are, then the message
is certain. Salvation depends on baptism. Walking in newness of
life depends on baptism. The crucifixion of your old sinful way of
life depends on baptism. Can one be saved without baptism? No.
Therefore baptism is necessary for salvation. – John, Dalton Defender, 2008.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
January 01, 2012
Number 70
≈
What is the Real Tragedy?
I was in a gospel meeting. On Tuesday morning, immediately
preceding the morning service, one of the elders made an announcement
that copies of brother Ira Rice’s paper – Contending For The Faith –
were available in the vestibule of the building, and encouraged all
present to get a copy and to study it carefully. On the previous night I had
made reference to the fact that there were some among us who seemed
determined to try to destroy the church.
There were two young people present who immediately got
copies of the paper, read it, and asked to talk with the local preacher. The
preacher talked with them at length and asked me to plan to talk with
them the next day. The preacher and I met with them in the preacher’s
office, and talked with them for two hours.
These young people were definitely and vehemently opposed to
the exposé of two persons highly esteemed by young people in the
church. It was evident that their feelings for the two men discussed were
very deep. They repeatedly stressed that brother Rice had no right to
print such material, and that all such was contrary to the spirit of
Christianity. They insisted that Christian “love” would preclude the
printing of such material. They even sought to explain the motives of
brother Rice in printing this material.
I proceeded to point out that in making their attack upon brother
Rice, that they were doing the same thing as that for which they were
condemning him.
I sought also to emphasize that brother Rice did not write on the
“spur of the moment,” but that these things had been going on for years –
that brother Rice had been concerned about these matters for many years,
had dealt with these brethren directly, and knew whereof he spake. I
stressed to these young people that they did not have the background
information and did not know of all that has taken place over a period of
many years.
I carefully and purposely turned the conversation to some other
(but related) matters. We talked about Christian “love.” They thought of
love as being some sort of a cover-all blanket which causes the Christian
to accept (this is their word) anything and everything, to overlook faults
and imperfections (“nobody is perfect”), and to refrain from pointing out
errors in others. They insisted that – because of love – the Lord
“accepted” the adulterous woman.
I tried to help them understand Biblical love, and the fact that it
was because of love (for the two men under consideration, and
especially, for the church) that brother Rice had written in the first place.
They had some questions about inspiration. I had preached on
inspiration the night before, and had stressed that the original words were
words selected by the Holy Spirit. The young man didn’t seem to be
willing to accept this. He stated that he did not agree with what I had
said, but that he didn’t mean that he “disagreed.” He was very vague, and
seemed to lean to the “thought” idea of inspiration.
We talked about the church. Several statements led me to
conclude that they were using the word “church” in a sense foreign to the
Bible. He was critical of our talking about the “Church of Christ.” I
asked him: “Is this (the local congregation) a church of Christ?” He was
real indefinite and evasive for a time, but finally admitted that “it might
be.” I asked him about the Baptist church down the road: “Is it a church
of Christ?” He allowed that it might be. It developed that he was thinking
of the “Church of Christ” as consisting of all the saved in all the
denominations and religions of the world.
We talked about salvation. We discussed what God required of
one in order for that one to be saved. On this point they were equally
uncertain and indefinite.
When these involved themselves in difficulties and
contradictions, and when these were pointed out, the repeated cry was:
“We’re just not communicating.”
These young people requested to talk with me again the next day.
They evidenced a better attitude, but it was the same song. They wanted
me to read a sermon on love. I explained again that love doesn’t keep one
from opposing the wrong and pointing out sin and marking the sinner –
that, rather, it compels it. They were concerned about our “legalism” and
our “phariseeism” in the church.
Near the close of the first session with these young people, the
young man referred to the “tragedy” of a publication like Contending
For The Faith, and “tragedy” of criticizing the men discussed in the paper.
Whereupon I emphasized to them: “The real tragedy is that you
have been in a Christian College for three years and haven’t learned the
meaning of love, the church, inspiration, or salvation.”
– Roy Deaver, (deceased), Defender, June, 1973.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
December 25, 2011
Number 69
≈
Does the Bible Authorize Christmas to be Celebrated as a Religious Holiday?
Paul commanded that all things must be done by the authority of
God, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the
Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Col. 3:17). To
do something in the name of the Lord is to act by His authority. When
one is commanded to, “Stop in the name of the law,” he is commanded to
stop his activities based upon the authority of the law. Therefore, all
things that all men do must be authorized by God. That is, men must do
only that which God’s Word authorizes him to do and men must not take
it upon themselves to do those things which God’s Word does not authorize.
Bible authorization is the key to answering the above question.
As it has already been established that all things must be done by God’s
authority, one must regulate his actions regarding Christmas as a religious
holiday based upon the sanction of God’s Word.
To begin, one should understand how God’s Word authorizes.
The Bible authorizes by: direct statements, implication, and accounts of
action. Mark sixteen furnishes an example of both direct statements and
implication, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach
the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). This command was directed
to the eleven apostles (Mark 16:14; Judas was dead and Matthias had not
yet been selected to replace Judas). The command to preach the Gospel
was a direct command and explicitly stated. Implication must be used to
determine if any man now living is also commanded to preach the Gospel
(to all the world). Since no man now living is explicitly addressed by
any passage in the Bible, if the Bible commands anything of any man
now living it must be by implication. Since only the one true Gospel of
the Christ can save men (Gal. 1:6-9), and the Christ is the one and only
mediator between man and God (1 Tim. 2:5), and the Christ’s mediatorial
work is ever abiding (Heb. 7:25-28); all men for all time (that is up to the time of the Judgment) must obey the Gospel to be saved. If all men in all
times – after the Cross and until the Judgment – must obey the Gospel;
the Gospel must be preached in all places until the Judgment. Therefore,
all men now living are to preach the Gospel unto all the world.
An account of action, concerning preaching the Gospel, can be
found in Acts 18: 24-28. A certain Jew named Apollos (living and acting
after the institution of the Great Commission – Mark 16:15-16; et al.)
was preaching the baptism of John which was in force only until the
Cross (Acts 19:1-5). Apollos was obligated to preach the preaching of the
Great Commission, therefore, he was taught “the way of God more perfectly.”
Since Apollos was required to preach only the preaching of the
Great Commission he was required (by the Law of God) to cease preaching
the baptism of John. Thus, Acts 18:24-28 involves an account of action
which is prohibited by God’s Word concerning all living in the
Christian age. (It should be noted that accounts of action recorded by the
explicit statements of the Bible can be either positive or negative in authorization.)
Returning to the subject of Christmas, there are no direct statements
that authorize the institution of a celebrated memorial of the
Lord’s birth. Further, there are no passages which authorize, by implication
or account of action, a celebrated memorial of the Lord’s birth.
There is, however, authorization to observe a memorial of the Lord’s death.
Jesus directly commanded that the Lord’s Supper be observed in
memory of His death, “…This is my body which is given for you: this do
in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). Accounts of (approved) action
are recorded in Acts: “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine
and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (2:42),
and, “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together
to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the
morrow; and continued his speech until midnight” (20:7). By implication
one may deduce that this is to be a memorial observed weekly by the
church in all places in all times from Pentecost until the Lord returns
(Acts 2; 20:1-7; 1 Corinthians 11:20-34).
Notice now how the New Testament writers have remembered
the birth of the Lord: “…God sent forth his Son, made of a woman…”
(Gal. 4:4); “…our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according
to the flesh” (Rom. 1:3); “And the Word was made flesh…” (John 1:14);
and “…but a body hast thou prepared me” (Heb. 10:5). Each writer
simply shows how the birth of the Christ was a fulfillment of Old Testament
prophecies and/or part of the scheme of redemption and eternal
purpose of God (Eph. 3:11; the same could be said about the details of
Jesus’ birth found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke). They did not institute a
celebrated memorial of Jesus’ birth, but recognized it as a necessary plan
of God to reconcile men unto Himself – so also must men today.
No passage of Scripture authorizes any man to establish a memorial
of the birth of Jesus, therefore, Christmas must not be celebrated
as a religious holiday.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
December 18, 2011
Number 68
≈
Is It Enough Just To Be A Good Person? (Part 2)
Paul, was once righteous in his own eyes (this was before
he became a Christian), “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who
hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into
the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and
injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief”
and “…Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of
whom I am chief” (1 Tim. 1:12-13, 15). What had Paul done to become
“chief of sinners?” He had persecuted the church, “And Saul,
yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of
the Lord, went unto the high priest…And he fell to the earth, and
heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou
me” (Acts 9:1, 4). Had Paul thought himself righteous all the time
he was persecuting the church? Yes. Paul declared before the Jewish
council, “…Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience
before God until this day” (Acts 23:1). Paul thought of
himself as a good man while he was persecuting the church, but
this glory was only in his own eyes – the God of Heaven declared
that Paul was yet a sinner (Acts 9:6, 22:10-16).
As Paul had considered himself to be righteous so had
others of the Jews, “And the Pharisees also, who were covetous,
heard all these things: and they derided him. And he [Jesus, Ed.]
said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men;
but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed
among men is abomination in the sight of God” (Luke 16:14-15).
Those who cried “Lord, Lord;” the Jews who tried to
establish their own righteousness or “goodness;” and even Paul who
considered himself righteous [and no doubt considered so by
his peers (Gal. 1:14)] all fell short of God’s standard of “good.”
Those who cried “Lord, Lord” defined “good” as – acting
according to their own law of righteousness. The Pharisees defined
“good” as – following the traditions of the fathers (Mark 7:1-13).
Paul once defined “good” as – persecuting the church. When one is
not “good” according to God’s definition of “good” he cannot and
will not obtain to Heaven.
Finally there is Cornelius. Cornelius was a Gentile military
commander over 100 soldiers. He was, “A devout man, and one
that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the
people, and prayed to God always”…“a just man, and one that
feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews
…” (Acts 10:2, 22). Cornelius was a Gentile living faithfully under
the Law of Patriarchy (this law began with Adam, ended for the
Jews at Sinai, and continued to the Cross for the Gentiles); but yet
he was required, by God, to do more. Why? Because Cornelius
was living on “this side” of the Cross; thus, he was amenable to the
Law of Christ and required to obey the Gospel (2 The. 1:7-9).
“Goodness” was not enough – obedience was required, complete
obedience. An abundance of godly works and piety is truly
commendable, but until one humbles himself and obediently
comes to God on His terms one cannot be saved no matter how
“good” he may be.
One may say, “Well, he doesn’t lie, cheat, or steal. He
doesn’t smoke, drink or do drugs. He is kind to all. He is faithful to
his wife and provides for his family. He obeys the law. He does all
these good things!” Does this mean he is saved? The Scriptures
say, No. The Bible does teach that all these are good things [Eph.
4:28; Rom. 12:17; 1 Cor. 4:2 (good stewards of our bodies); Gal.
6:10; Eph. 5:25, 6:4; 1 Tim. 5:8; Rom. 13:1-2]; but the Bible also
teaches that salvation is only in the Christ (1 Tim. 2:10) one gets
into the Christ through baptism (Gal. 3:26-27) and that the saved
are in the one church which belongs to the Christ (Acts 2:47; Mat.
16:18). In short, one must obey the Gospel to be saved.
One must conclude that to be “good” in one’s own eyes, the
eyes of family or friends, or even the eyes of peers or religious
comrades will ultimately avail nothing. One simply must be obedient
to God’s Word to be good in the eyes of the Lord and find
Heaven after a while (Psa. 34:11-22). – John
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
December 11, 2011
Number 67
≈
Is It Enough Just To Be A Good Person? (Part 1)
The question above is certainly a provocative one. A question
this author hopes will make each person who reads it consider what God,
and not society, demands that men be and do to have eternal life in Heaven.
The world often says, “…but he is such a good person” or, “…he
is such a good person – if any one will make to Heaven it must be him.”
What do men mean when they say, “…he is such a good person”?
One encounters a grave difficulty and fatal error when one attempts to
answer this question. Wherein lies the difficulty and the error? The problem
lies in the statement’s subjectivity. When “good” is divorced from
the context and connotation given it by God’s Word, its meaning is determined
by the opinion of the person using the term.
In contrast, Jesus said this about the term “good,” “And he said
unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is,
God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments” (Mat.
19:17). By these words, Jesus taught – among other things – that goodness
is an attribute of God. Every attribute which God possesses is standardized
in perfection in Him (Mat. 5:48); therefore, God is the standard of goodness.
Can any man rightly be called “good?” Yes. “For he was a good
man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added
unto the Lord” (Acts 11:24). About whom was this said? This was said
about Barnabas, “…and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far
as Antioch” (Acts 11:22). Why was he rightly called “good?” He was a
faithful servant of God, “Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of
God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they
would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy
Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord” (Acts
11:23-24). Being a faithful servant is to be Christ-like, “And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my
Father’s business” (Luke 2:49; cf. John 4:34, 6:38, 9:4). A faithful servant
of God obeys all that God has set before him to do, “And he that sent me
is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things
that please him” (John 8:29).
Can one be a good man and please God and be ready for Heaven
by obeying some of God’s commands? No. Jesus said, “Not every one
that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;
but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Mat. 7:21).
Those who had cried, “Lord, Lord,” said, “…have we not prophesied in
thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done
many wonderful works” (Mat. 7:22). Are these not the works of God?
Yes. Jesus commanded the twelve (apostles) to do those very things;
when they were sent forth in Israel (before the giving of the Great
Commission, Mat. 28:18-20), “And as ye go, preach, saying, The
kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the
dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give” (Mat. 10:7-8).
They preached of things yet to come (prophesying); they cast out devils;
and they healed the sick, cleansed the lepers, and raised the dead (all
wonderful works). This they did in the name of Jesus, or by His
authority, “These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them,
saying…” (Mat. 10:5). The difference between those who hopelessly
cried, “Lord, Lord,” and the twelve was that the latter had not become a
law unto themselves as had the former. The former were righteous in
their own eyes and the twelve were righteous in the eyes of the Lord.
Paul spoke of some who were righteous in their own eyes,
“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they
might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but
not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s
righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have
not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the
end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” (Rom. 10:1-
4). Self-righteousness could not save the Jews who held to the Law of
Moses after the Cross and neither can it save those today who believe
they can serve God according to their own rules.
Establishing a standard of “good” apart from the standard God
has supplied is wearisome treachery to God, “Ye have wearied the LORD
with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye
say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he
delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment” (Mal. 2:17). This
treachery is hated by God (Mal. 2:15-16)! – John
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
December 04, 2011
Number 66
≈
The Most Basic Requirement
It can certainly be helpful to reduce any situation to its most basic
components. Such endeavor affords one focus and concentration upon
the most vital and urgent requirements and allows clarity of recognition
which might otherwise be elusive.
The magnitude of the situation determines the value of the reductive
efforts. The greatest value is assigned to that which has the
greatest importance.
What is of more value to a man than his soul? And what is of
more value to the soul than salvation? Notice Jesus’ words, “For what is
a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul” (Mat. 16:26). The
highest priority of every man is his soul’s salvation. Therefore, knowing
the most basic requirement for salvation is every man’s greatest need.
The foundational source of salvation (its chief cornerstone being
the Christ; Eph. 2:20) is the Word of God. Paul wrote, “For I am not
ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation
to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek”
(Rom. 1:16). Also, notice the words of James, “Wherefore lay apart all
filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the
engrafted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). Notice
once again the apostle Paul, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation
hath appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11; all emphasis, JR).
From the three passages of Scripture given above, one may deduce
that: 1) the Gospel is God’s power to save men; 2) one must receive
the Gospel (that is, believe God’s Word and obey It, 2 The. 1:7-9) in order
to be saved; and 3) all men – everywhere – must obey the Gospel to
be saved.
Therefore, one would understand that there are two principle
parts involved in the salvation of souls – the Gospel and the man: specifically the heart of man that enables him to believe the Word and produces the willingness to obey It.
The Gospel is complete and has been laid before mankind to
either accept and obey or reject and disobey (Jude 3). The Word of God
is the constant in the above salvation equation. The variables are the
hearts of men. This fundamental fact is the subject of the parable of the
soils (Luke 8:4-15).
This parable describes four types of soils or hearts – 1) the wayside
soil represents the heart that hears the Word but rejects It; 2) the
rocky soil, that had no depth, represents the heart that hears the Word, accepts
It eagerly, but has no inner fortitude or substance and soon falls
back into sin; 3) the thorny soil represents the heart that hears the Word
and accepts It, but becomes entangled in worldly pleasures and withers in
atrophy; finally, 4) the good soil represents the heart that receives and
obeys the Gospel and grows and brings forth much good by faithful service
to God.
The key verse of the parable is: “Now the parable is this: The
seed is the word of God” (Luke 8:11). As each soil came into contact
with the seed it reacted a certain way to the seed. So it is with every heart
that hears the Word of God: that heart reacts to the Word with either acceptance
and loving obedience, or disbelief and hateful disobedience.
It is simply a fact, that every time any man hears the Word of
God, he reacts to it by accepting It or rejecting It. The way of salvation
begins with the decision each person makes regarding the Word of God.
The first step – through the strait gate and along the narrow path that
leads to eternal life or through the wide gate and along the broad path
that leads to eternal condemnation – is made by the decision one makes
in his heart about God’s Word.
Therefore, the the most basic requirement – but not the only requirement
– to be saved is a heart that receives, “with meekness the engrafted
word, which is able to save your souls.” – John
[Note: It must be understood that just because something is a basic
requirement to achieve a particular goal does not exclude other requirements
also being necessary. A believing heart, that has heard the
saving Gospel, is but one prerequisite to salvation. One must also: repent
of past sins (Acts 17:30); confess their faith in the Christ (Acts 8:37); and
be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). However, without a believing
heart, no man can perform any of the other necessary acts of salvation.]
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
November 20, 2011
Number 64
≈
Marriage – Why Study It? Part 2
Another thing that is happening in this country is that of allowing
other institutions to take over the functions of the home. The church
should do all of the teaching it can do, but it is still the function of the
home – not of the church – to rear children. God has given parents the job
of raising the children. God expects parents to bring up their children in
the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:1-4). When two people
fall in love, get married, and bring children into the world – as they certainly
should do – then they have automatically brought upon
themselves a tremendous responsibility, a responsibility for which God
Himself shall hold them accountable (2 Cor. 5:10)…
Again, I suggest that marriage should be studied because so
many couples fail to go to the right source for information on how to
form, and build or continue their marriage. Many times couples planning
to marry go to uninformed people, people who claim to know – but do
not. Sometimes they go to magazines, or to newspapers. They use the
lives of people. Sometimes they draw their conclusions about marriage
from what they see in the movies. They use the lives of people whose
lives are rotten to the core. Young people, old people, let us hearken
ourselves back to the sacred will of Almighty God as the source of information
as to how to form and how to build our marriages. In our nation
today one out of every three marriages ends in divorce. Now this is
not as bad as it appears on the surface. It is terrible, but only one out of
every 14 women in this nation has been divorced and remarried. This indicates
that many of these divorces are occurring among those who have
already been divorced and remarried [as of 1962; Ed.]. This should serve
as a warning: when a person divorces once, he is likely to do so again
and again. We need to come back to the sacred scriptures to find the answer
to this problem: Who is eligible to be married? And to this problem:
after we are married, how should we live with one another? We must realize what was involved in the commitment we made when we said “I
do promise to do thus and so.” We must realize that it is not a temporary
arrangement to fit the whims and fancies of people who have never
grown up, but that it is a serious and solemn covenant made in the sight of God.
We need to study this subject because: there are such distorted
views as to how to choose a companion. Today, Hollywood seems to be
setting the standards for our nation to such an extent that our boys and
girls confuse mere physical attraction with being truly in love. If one
“loves” another only for the purpose of gaining purely selfish goals, this
is not the love which should motivate one to be married. Unselfish love
is the love that should develop and grow down through the years of every
married couple (1 Cor. 13). Some people marry for social advantage.
Others marry for financial advantage. There is a great need today for
people to go back to the Bible and study what it has to say about choosing
a companion and what it says about how husbands and wives should
live with one another.
Again, I suggest that we need to study this subject because: our
spiritual development depends upon it. The Apostle Peter taught that husbands
should dwell with their wives according to knowledge to the end
that their prayers be not hindered (1 Pet. 3:7). I am certain that one of
the greatest hindrances to spiritual development would be a marriage that
isn’t working out as God would have it work out. Can you picture a man
or woman whose companion is constantly criticizing, disgruntled, unhappy,
full of self pity, mistrust, jealousy and envy trying to develop
spiritually in that kind of atmosphere? It is possible, but highly improbable.
It is clear that Peter taught that the way we live with one another as
husband and wife has a great deal to do with the way we develop spiritually.
It has a great deal to do with how closely we can walk with God.
Young people, although I will say a lot more about it later in this series,
may I emphasize to you this morning that your choice of a life’s companion
may be the choice of a destiny. It will likely be the choice of a happy
life or an unhappy life here in this world. It may be the choice of an
eternity – whether you will spend it with God in heaven, or in hell prepared
for the devil and his angels.
This subject is important. It is worthy of most serious consideration
not only by these youngsters who are looking forward to being married,
not only by young people who have not been married very long, but
by those of us who have been married a long time. Some who are older
need help with their marriage. They are not happy in their marriage, and
they ought to be. God shows us how to be. I believe the Bible teaches
that they can be. I believe the Bible gives the answer as to how our marriage
can be an instrument to bring us happiness and joy, how it can be a
profound experience which is beyond adequate description, how it can
help us not only to be closer to one another but how it can help to draw
us closer to God. God intends for marriage to do that very thing. He intends
for us to learn in this relationship more of His love for us and of
our relationship to Him (Eph. 5:22-23).
– Thomas B. Warren. Marriage Is For Those Who Love God –
And One Another. Ramer, TN : National Christian Press, 1962. PDF file.
25-26, 30-32.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
November 06, 2011
Number 62
≈
The Attributes of God (Part 3)
The Moral Attributes
The Righteousness and Justice of God.
1. In one sense these are manifestations of the holiness of God.
2. Righteousness is that attribute which leads God to always do right.
3. Justice, as an attribute of God, is devoid of all passion; it is vindicative not vindictive.
4. Scriptural teaching.
A. Psa. 116:5
B. Ezra 9:15 (righteous in the punishment of Israel)
C. Psa. 145:17
5. The revelation of the righteousness and justness of God.
A. In punishment of the wicked.
a. Psa. 11:4-7
b. Exo. 9:23-27
c. Rev. 16:5-6
B. In forgiving the sins of the penitent.
a. 1 John 1:9
b. Heb. 5:8-9
C. In keeping His word and promise to His children.
D. In showing Himself to be the vindicator of His
people from their enemies (Psa. 129:1-4).
E. In rewarding the righteous.
a. Heb. 6:10
b. 2 Tim. 4:8
The Mercy and Loving-kindness of God.
1. We are here speaking of the kindness, goodness, compassion, and love of God.
2. Mercy, more specifically, is often connected with guilt; it is
the attribute of God which leads Him to seek the welfare of sinners, even
though it cost great sacrifice on His part (cf. Eph. 2:4; Rom. 5:8).
3. Loving-kindness is that attribute of God which leads Him to
bestow upon His obedient children His constant blessings (Rom. 8:32).
4. Scriptural teaching.
A. Psa. 103:8
B. Deu. 4:31
C. Psa. 86:15
D. Luke 15:11-32
5. The manifesting of the mercy and loving-kindness of God (cf.,
Rom. 9:18; Psa. 86:5).
A. Mercy towards sinners.
a. Mat. 5:45
b. 2 Peter 3:9 (cf. Isa. 55:7)
B. Loving-kindness towards saints.
a. Psa. 32:10
b. Phi. 2:27
The Love of God.
1. Christianity is really the only religion that sets forth the
Supreme Being as love. The gods of the heathen are angry, hateful
beings, constantly in need of appeasement.
2. Scriptural teaching.
A. 1 John 4:8-16.
B. John 3:16.
3. The objects of God’s love.
A. Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son (Mat. 3:17).
The Christ is “My Chosen.” “The one in whom my soul
delighteth.” “My beloved Son.”
B. Believers in His Son (John 16:27; 14:21-23).
C. The world of sinners (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8).
4. How the love of God reveals itself.
A. By making infinite sacrifice for the salvation of men
(1 John 4:9-10).
B. By bestowing full pardon on the obedient (Isa. 38:17;
Isa. 1:18; Rev. 1:5; Heb. 5:8-9).
C. By remembering His children in all the varying
circumstances of life (Isa. 49:15; 63:9; 1 Peter 3:12).
– Adapted from: William S. Cline. Studies In Christian Doctrine
And Practical Christian Living. 1977. 110-112.
Passages to Ponder
“Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church
which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as
far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was
glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave
unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of
faith: and much people was added unto the Lord” (Acts 11:22-24).
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
October 16, 2011
Number 59
≈
Is it sinful for members of the church of Christ to
fellowship denominations?
Our society is saturated with the idea that one is alright, so far as
his salvation is concerned, as long he is religious. Any religious affiliation
is acceptable. It is thought that there are many roads to Heaven, and
simply being spiritual or religious is enough to put one on his or her way
to eternal life. Therefore, all believers in Jesus are united as brethren: in
their eyes, that is!
The Bible does not teach the above false doctrine: namely, all believers
in Jesus are united as brethren. The Bible teaches that faithful
members of the Lord’s church are in fellowship one with another and
with the Lord.
In order to appropriately answer the opening question: “is it sinful
for members of the church of Christ to fellowship denominations,”
the terms used in said question should be defined. First John chapter
three defines sin as the transgression of the Law of God, “Whosoever
committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of
the law,” (1 John 3:4). To transgress the law of God is to violate His
rules. His rules are contained in His Holy Word, therefore, sin is not
keeping the commands found in the Gospel of Christ. The person who is
a breaker of God’s commandments is a sinful person.
Who are members of the church of Christ? Please note these
verses from the pen of the apostle Paul, “So we, being many, are one
body in Christ, and every one members one of another,” (Rom.12:5) and,
“But now are they many members, yet but one body…Now ye are the
body of Christ, and members in particular, (1 Cor. 12:20, 27). These
verses plainly state that every “member” is a member of one body: the
body of Christ. The body of Christ is the church, “And hath put all things
under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all,” (Eph. 1:22-23).
To be in the body of Christ one must be in the church and to be in
the church one must be numbered with the saved, “Praising God, and
having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily
such as should be saved,” (Acts 2:47). In order to be saved, one must
obey the commands of the Lord, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all
the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and
is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned,”
(Mark 16:15-16).
The next term to understand is fellowship. The word fellowship
is used in the following verse, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful
works of darkness, but rather reprove them,” (Eph. 5:11). The word
fellowship here indicates, a participation in or a partnership with, something
else. The fellowship of the things of darkness is condemned by God.
The last term is denomination. A denomination is a group or
party of individuals that differ from another in practice and belief. The
word “sect” describes correctly the use of the word denomination. Please
note these verses, “Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were
with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,”
and “But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees
which believed, saying,
That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command
them to keep the law of Moses,” finally, “Which knew me
from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect
of our religion I lived a Pharisee,” (Acts 5:17, 15:5, 26:5). The Pharisees
and the Sadducees were both groups of Jews who had devised their own
religious practices and were not worshiping or living according to the
commandments of God (Matt. 15:1-3). That, dear reader, is exactly what
those in the denominational bodies are doing.
Now to put together what has been learned so far. The question
that is being asked is: is it a transgression of God’s Law to, participate in,
or have partnership with, any religious body that has devised its own
practices and beliefs? The answer is a very obvious, Yes!
Please notice again the verse from Ephesians, “And have no fellowship
with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them,”
(Eph. 5:11). What are these “works of darkness?” Consider what is being
said in this chapter. These works of darkness are the works of the children
of disobedience (v.6). The opposite of darkness is light and the
Christ is that Light (v.14). Therefore, we are commanded not to fellowship
anything that is contrary to the Gospel of Christ. The denominational
practices are in opposition to the Gospel. The answer to our question is
still, Yes. – John
Passages to Ponder
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that
which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the
hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto
the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour,
and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind
one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s
sake hath forgiven you” (Eph. 4:29-32).
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
November 27, 2011
Number 65
≈
Almost all Protestant denominations teach that the alien
sinner is saved (becomes a child of God) at the point of faith in Jesus
Christ before and without any further act(s) of obedience. The
Bible makes clear that this is false doctrine. It can be seen to be
false, for a number of reasons.
1. It is false because Jesus said, “…Except a man be born of
water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God”
(John 3:5). This means that no one can enter into the kingdom of
God without being baptized in the name of Christ (cf. Acts 2:38;
Rom. 6:3-5; Mark 16:15-16; et al.) If one is “baptized” (undergoes
some religious acts involving water) without understanding that
being baptized in the name of Christ is an act of faith which is essential
to salvation, then he is not saved, because he has obeyed a
mere human doctrine and not the doctrine of Christ. But one must
obey Christ in order to be saved (Heb. 5:8-9; Mat. 7:21-23).
2. It is false because it affirms (by implication) that the alien
sinner is saved (becomes a child of God) by a dead faith. Yet
James 2:24-26 teaches that faith without works is dead. Since
whatever is dead is powerless, inoperative, unable to accomplish
anything, then obviously no one can be saved by faith only (a dead
faith). One is saved only when – because of living faith – as penitent
believer in Jesus Christ, he is baptized in the name (by the authority
of) Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38).
3. It s false because it affirms that one can be saved without
doing the will of God. Yet, Jesus said, “Not everyone that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he
that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Mat. 7:21).
One is not saved merely by (1) being religious, (2) being sincere in
religion or by (3) crying out, “Lord, Lord.” While all of the above
matters are necessary, they are not sufficient.
One is saved either (1) before he is baptized or (2) when he
is baptized or (3) after he is baptized. These are the only possibilities.
The truth of the matter is: one is saved when (as a penitent believer)
he is baptized into Christ (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Gal. 3:26-27; et al.)
The other two possibilities are false.
So, no matter how religious, how sincere, how zealous, and
so on a person may be, if he has not been baptized into Christ, then
he is not a child of God, he is not a Christian.
Every child of God (that is, every Christian) is a member of
the church of Christ (the church described on the pages of the New
Testament, the church which Jesus bought with His own blood).
There is not one Christian living on earth today who is not a member
of that church. Every other “church” is of human origin and,
thus, is not authorized by God. Salvation is only in the church
which Jesus bought with His blood (Acts 20:28).
May every person deny himself, take up his cross daily and
follow Jesus – not men or the doctrines of men (Luke 9:23).
– Thomas B. Warren. The Bible Only Makes Christians
Only and the Only Christians. Moore, OK : National Christian
Press, Inc. 1986. 100-101.
The Bible plainly teaches that one cannot be taught incorrectly
and baptized Scripturally. Only the pure unadulterated Gospel
and belief and obedience to the same can save. – Editor
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
November 13, 2011
Number 63
≈
In our own great nation, there is no deliberate, ideological, or
concerted attack on marriage and the family [as of 1962, but not so in
2011; Ed.], but the crumbling of marriage and the family is there nevertheless.
The foundations of the family are being destroyed as the result of
the combination of a number of factors. And, I am afraid, there is a very
close analogy between what is happening to our nation and what was
happening to the great Empire of Rome, just before its fall. Note, if you
please, the following things which are happening in America – perhaps I
should have said to America.
For one thing, people do not believe that they must obey God.
Oh, I suppose most of them think it is all right if you do obey God, but
comparatively few feel that one really must obey God. “The Bible is a
back-number,” is the cry of the multitudes. Very few people feel that men
have to pay any attention to the Bible. No religion or just any religion is
just as good as the religion of Christ in the minds of most. Modernism,
which denies the basic fundamentals of Christianity, is rampant on every hand.
In the next place, I suggest that you consider the ease with which
divorce is obtained and how often the ease of the thing is exercised in
this nation. A glance at your newspaper will show that almost as many
people get divorces each day as obtain licenses to marry. Many of the
people who divorce do so over and over. But men and women now obtain
divorces for almost any trifling reason you can think of. Just so long
as they do not want to live together any longer, our civil courts are usually
open to quickly and easily provide them a way out of their marriage.
Another very disturbing thing which has happened to this nation
is the lowering of the standards of sexual morality. Most people in this
nation are no longer shocked by extremely immodest dress. Women
parade the streets in attire which is perhaps best described as being “next
to nothing.” The men are not shocked and the women are not shamefaced
about it. The Bible teaches that women ought to be able to blush when
their bodies are exposed to anyone except their own husbands, but I am
afraid that this nation is far beyond that point. The people are no longer
shocked by pre-marital sexual relationship nor by marital infidelity.
Youngsters who engage in such are given, as it were, a slight slap on the
wrist, and sent merrily on their way. The magazine racks of our nation
are filled with magazines which can be described accurately as just plain
lewd! A few years ago in this nation, it was a disgrace to be forced into
marriage or to be divorced for any reason other than the infidelity of
one’s marriage partner. But such is not now the case. It would be difficult
today to imagine what one would have to do to be disgraced in the average community.
This moral break-down is further seen in the fact that the “heroes”
of the people of this nation are, many times, people whose morals
with the opposite sex are hardly above those of the animals of the barnyard.
Prominent leaders, even religious leaders, urge the people to accept
the idea that there is no such thing as right and wrong. One widely-acclaimed
philosopher, Bertrand Russell, declared that sin is not a useful
notion; that is, it is not a useful notion to hold to the idea that some
things are right and other things are wrong. Nothing is white or black; all
is gray. Not long ago, a prominent preacher was quoted as saying that
there are not enough divorces. He claimed that because so many people
do not get along, they ought to divorce. No, what they should do is to get
right with God, learn how to get along with one another, and help one another
to so live in this life that they will both go to heaven when this life is over.
The leading “slick” magazines of this nation are almost constantly
barraging the people with articles which tend to undermine the
moral fibre of this nation. Only recently one magazine featured an article
entitled, “Do We Need a New Sex Code?” The writer of the article maintained
that we did. Some of the things which he said should be in this
new code are shocking indeed. Such men look upon the moral code upheld
by the Bible as being out of date, not suited for “moderns.” They reject
the idea that when one gets out beyond the limits set by the Bible in
the relations between men and women he has committed sin. This is why
some of them say that sin is “not a useful notion.” But we must stand up
and cry aloud that violations of the moral code as set forth in the Bible is
sin – S-I-N – sin! (I John 3 :4). Sin is the transgression of the law of God.
– Thomas B. Warren. Marriage Is For Those Who Love God –
And One Another.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
October 30, 2011
Number 61
≈
The Natural Attributes
The Omnipresence of God.
1. By this it is meant that God is everywhere present. Thus, it is closely
connected with the above [The omniscience and omnipotence of God,
“Words of Faith,” 60, Ed.].
2. Here we must guard against the pantheistic doctrine that God is everything.
3. Scriptural statements of the doctrine.
▪ Jer. 23:23-24
▪ Psa. 139:7-12 (In vs. 13-19 the Psalmist discusses the omnipotence of God.)
▪ Acts 17:24-28
4. This does not mean that God is everywhere present in the same sense.
A. He is in Heaven, His dwelling place (1 Kings 8:30).
B. Christ is at His right hand in Heaven (Eph. 1:20).
C. God’s throne is in Heaven (Isa. 66:1).
5. The omnipresence of God should be one of –
A. Comfort; and
B. Warning.
The Eternality and Immutability of God.
1. By eternal we mean no beginning, no end. By immutability we
mean God’s nature is unchangeable. It is not possible that He possesses
one attribute at one time that He does not possess at another.
2. God is the “I am.” He remains the same. 3. Scriptural teaching on the eternality of God.
▪ Heb. 1:12
▪ Psa. 90:2
▪ Psa. 102:24-27
▪ Exo. 3:14
▪ Rev. 1:8
4. Scriptural teaching on the immutability of God.
▪ Mal. 3:6
▪ James 1:17
▪ 1 Sam. 15:29
Note: God’s character does not change but His dealings
with men do change.
The Moral Attributes
The Holiness of God.
1. Throughout the Old Testament, He is referred to or [spoken]
about as “the Holy One.” The holiness of God is a theme which runs
throughout the Old Testament.
2. Scriptural teaching.
▪ Isa. 57:15
▪ Psa. 99:9
▪ 1 Peter 1:15-16
▪ John 17:11
3. God is the Holy One of Israel (Isa. 41:14). God the Son is the
Holy One (Acts 3:14). God the Spirit is the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:30).
4. Manifestations of God’s holiness.
▪ Pro. 15:9, 26
▪ Isa. 59:1-2
▪ John 3:16
5. Practical deductions.
A. [We] should approach God with “reverence and fear” (Heb. 12:28; cf. Ecc. 5:1-3).
B. We will only have the right view of sin when we have the right view of God’s holiness.
a. Isaiah, [a holy man of] Israel was cast down at
the sight of his own sin after he had the vision of God’s
holiness (Isa. 6:1-7).
b. The same was true of Job (Job 40:3-5; 42:4-5).
c. Our approach to God must be through the merits of
Christ, thus the need for atonement.
– Adapted from: William S. Cline. Studies In Christian
Doctrine And Practical Christian Living. 1977. 107-109.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
October 22, 2011
Number 60
≈
The Natural Attributes
The Omniscience of God.
1. God is a spirit. He is a perfect being and has perfect
knowledge. By omniscience it is meant that God knows all things
and is absolutely perfect in knowledge.
2. Scriptures that teach such:
▪ Job 37:16
▪ Psa. 147:5
▪ 1 John 3:20
▪ Rom. 11:33
3. God’s knowledge is absolutely comprehensive.
▪ Pro. 15:3
▪ Pro. 5:21
4. God has perfect knowledge of all that is in nature.
▪ Psa. 147:4
▪ Mat. 10:29-30
5. God has perfect knowledge of all human experience.
▪ Pro. 5:21
▪ Psa. 139:2-4
▪ Exo. 3:19
6. God has perfect knowledge of all that transpires in human history.
▪ Acts 15:18
7. God knows from eternity to eternity what will take place.
▪ Isa. 48:5-8
▪ Isa. 46:9-10
8. Problems in connection with the doctrine of the omniscience of of God.
A. Some argue from the standpoint of their limited
abilities that such knowledge is impossible. They should
read Rom. 11:33 and Isa. 40:28.
B. Others would assert that foreknowledge produces
foreordination thus they confound the two which in a definite
sense are distinct.
a. Pharaoh was responsible for the hardening
of his own heart even though it was foreknown and
foretold by God [Exo. 4:21; 7:3, 13-14, 22; 8:15, 19,
32 (the phrase “this time also” is key); 9:7, 12, 34;
10:1, 20, 27; 11:10; 14:4-5, 8].
b. God foreknew the death of Christ (Acts
2:23). Yet, Christ said he gave His life freely, no one
was going to take from Him (John 10:17-18; cf.
John 15:13; Heb. 5:8-9).
The Omnipotence of God.
1. That attribute by which He can bring to pass everything
which He wills.
2. Scriptural declarations of the power of God.
▪ Job 42:2 (ASV)
▪ Gen. 18:14
A. In the world of nature.
▪ Gen. 1:1-3
▪ Psa. 107:25-29
▪ Nahum 1:5-6
B. In the experience of mankind.
▪ Nebuchadnezzar, Dan. 4
▪ Jam. 4:12-15
C. The heavenly inhabitants are subject to Him.
▪ Dan. 4:35
▪ Heb. 1:14
D. Satan is under the control of God.
▪ Job 1:12; 2:6
▪ Luke 22:31-32
– Adapted from: William S. Cline. Studies In Christian
Doctrine And Practical Christian Living. 1977. 105-107.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
October 09, 2011
Number 58
≈
And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man
should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
(Gen. 2:18)
And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall
upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and
closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the
LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and
brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now
bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called
Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall
a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto
his wife: and they shall be one flesh. (Gen. 2:21-24)
Here is the basis of marriage and the marriage relationship.
Jesus refers to this in Matthew 19:9. Theses passages need to be
underscored today, in view of the fact that many think marriage is
simply based on some man-made laws. It is unfortunate that many
have decided that marriage rests upon the laws men have made,
rather than Divine Revelation. “God said” is the basis of marriage.
When men reject this, the breakdown of the home results. The
home is the basic unit of society. When the home deteriorates and
decays, the nation and the church suffer. Both the nation and the
church are suffering today as a result of men who fail to recognize
and accept what God says about marriage.
“God Said” Is the Basis of Hope
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Unto the woman he said, I
will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow
thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be
to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. (Gen. 3:15-16)
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were
written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort
of the scriptures might have hope. (Rom. 15:4)
That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens
from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from
the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God
in the world: (Eph. 2:12)
“God Said” Is the Basis of Judgment
And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I
have created from the face of the earth; both man, and
beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it
repenteth me that I have made them. (Gen. 6:7)
“God Said” Will Be the Basis of Judgment
He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words,
hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the
same shall judge him in the last day. (John 12:48)
“God Said” Will Be the Basis of the Resurrection
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the
which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And
shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection
of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection
of damnation. (John 5:28-29)
This is speaking of the resurrection of the bodies. It is not
speaking of the spiritual resurrection.
– From: Franklin Camp. “God Said.” The Word of Life. Editor,
Franklin Camp. Vol. 1. Memphis, TN : Proclamation Press,
n.d. 116-118.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
October 02, 2011
Number 57
≈
Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we
worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh,
and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the
Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to
worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him
must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:22-24).
Truth is essential for all acceptable worship. “God said” is
the basis of the Truth that must direct all acceptable worship (John
17: 17). If one cannot know God without revelation, and he cannot
[Psalm 19 speaks of God’s revelation to man. Verses 1-6 describe
general revelation (nature) and verses 7-11 describe specific revelation
(God’s Word), both are necessary for men to know God – Editor],
then it also follows that one cannot worship God acceptably
without the truth that comes by revelation. The Samaritans worshiped
God, but it was not acceptable, because it was based on partial
revelation. One’s worship must be spiritual, from man’s own
spirit, and it must be as the truth of the Gospel directs. “God said”
is the basis of all acceptable worship. Some brethren today need to
re-consider this fundamental truth. This will stop some of the foolish
and hurtful things that are taking place in worship today.
“God Said” Is the Basis of All Acceptable Religious Experience
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you
of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints (Jude 3).
Jude speaks of “contending for the faith” – that is, objective
faith (the Gospel, Ed.), written revelation, upon which one’s faith
must rest. Any religious experience not based upon what God has
said is false. One’s religious experience must be tested by what
“God said,” not by what one thinks God says through a religious
experience. Testing what God says by one’s religious experience
today is the basis of false religion. Abraham had a religious experience,
but it was based upon what “God said” (Gen. 22: 1-13). Salvation
is a religious experience, but it must be based upon what
God says. Worship is a religious experience, but it must be based
upon what God says (Acts 17). The Athenians were having a religious
experience, but it was not acceptable unto God, because it
was not based upon revelation. One can find people gathered
everywhere in worship going through some kind of experience, but
this does not mean that experience is acceptable to God. Every religious
experience one has must be in harmony with what the Bible
teaches and must rest upon what God says. When one has some
kind of experience unknown to the Bible, that experience is false
and deceptive and not accepted by God. It is time for men to turn
back to the Bible and to find out what It teaches and then act upon
it. The action then will be an experience which harmonizes with
what “God said.” This will acceptable unto God. Nothing else is or
can be.
– From: Franklin Camp. “God Said.” The Word of Life. Editor,
Franklin Camp. Vol. 1. Memphis, TN : Proclamation Press, n.d. 115-116.
Passages to Ponder
“And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed
thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers
know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by
bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of
the LORD doth man live” (Deu. 8:3).
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ
September 25, 2011
Number 56
≈
Men often inquire about the location of the headquarters of the
church of Christ and are amazed to learn that there is no hierarchy or
central governing office. Because it has been their heritage for many
centuries to be regulated by their pope from the Vatican, Roman Catholics
cannot understand how a religious body can exist without a seat of
power upon the earth. Likewise, all of the Protestant denominations
have their respective headquarters with a central seat of government by
which said denominations are controlled.
By its very nature, the church of Christ has never had and will
never have an earthly headquarters. There is only one head of the church
of Christ – Christ himself (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18). Christ, the head of
the church, is in heaven (Acts 2:32-33; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3-4). The
headquarters of any institution must be where the head is and since
Christ, the head, is in heaven, so is the headquarters of his church. He
made no provisions for a living, perpetual vicar, as the Roman pope
claims to be.
The Son of God did invest authority in various matters to two
groups of men, respectively. First, he chose the apostles, whom he sent
forth (the meaning of “Apostle”) to be his ambassadors (2 Cor. 5:20). An
ambassador has the power to act and speak on behalf of the one he represents,
as if that one were acting and speaking. Thus, the apostles had
the power to “bind” and “loose” the will of God even as Christ bound
and loosed it upon men (Matt. 16:19). This they were able to do by
means of inspiration from the Holy Spirit who guided them into all the
Truth (John 16:13).
The apostles were equipped by the Holy Spirit and authorized by
Christ to bring the church into existence and personally nurture it until
the will of Christ was completely revealed and recorded. Through the
New Testament Scriptures the church is to maintain its purity and identity
under Christ its head.
From the foregoing information it is obvious that the apostles
were given authority to legislate in spiritual matters under the infallible
guidance of the Holy Spirit. No other group of men were ever given
such authority by Christ and despite the claims of Roman Catholics,
Mormons and perhaps others, the apostolic office is not one to be perpetuated.
The original apostles gave the world all of the spiritual laws
and principles it will ever need (John 16:13; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). The very
apostles whom Christ chose and endowed with legislative authority are
still legislating through the New Testament of Christ and will continue to
do so until time is no more.
Christ gave to the elders-bishops-pastors in local churches the responsibility
to keep those respective churches pure, in harmony with the
written Word (Titus 1:9-14). They were also given the authority necessary
to carry out this responsibility. They are to watch for enemies of the
Truth (Acts 20:28-31), rule and teach (1 Tim. 5:17) and stop the mouths
of deceivers (Titus 1:10-11; cf. Heb. 13:17). Theirs is not the authority
to make new spiritual laws, but to insure that those under their care live
in harmony with the complete body of spiritual law already in existence.
Since their work is one of overseeing, superintending and providing spiritual
instruction and leadership, they have both the responsibility and authority
to make decisions on matters that are optional in the local church
(e.g., what time to meet, where to meet, who will preach and teach, how
the money will be spent, etc.). Thus, members are commanded to obey
and submit to their elders in such matters (Heb. 13:17). While elders do
indeed have the aforementioned authority, they do not constitute a hierarchy
or a law-making body of any sort.
It was at the fundamental point of local church government that
the earliest apostasies began to occur in the second century. Systems of
religious hierarchy developed as men who were among the local church
elderships sought and seized unscriptural authority, first over a single
church, then over several. The end of this development was the claim of
one “bishop” to have universal authority and thus the papacy was born in
the seventh century. With the establishment of the papacy the phenomenon
of centralized church government began and it continues as the
norm in religion, whether Catholic or Protestant. However, we have seen
from Scripture that Christ intends for his church to be (and his church is)
governed not by edicts and laws formulated by men, but by himself as he
rules men through his inspired Word. Indeed, there is no need for an
earthly head or headquarters when men have the proper respect for the
New Testament!
– From: Dub McClish. Surprising Things About The Church Of
Christ. Denton, TX : Valid Publications, Inc. 1987.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
September 18, 2011
Number 55
≈
“God Said” Is the Basis of Prophecy
We have also a more sure word of prophecy;
whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that
shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star
arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of
the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the
prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy
men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost
(2 Peter 1:19-21).
And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know
the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a
prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing
follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the
LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it
presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him (Deu. 18:21-22).
Moses declared the failure of the prophecy of false prophets
was proof that God had not spoken through them, but this also was
proof that what the true prophet spoke was from God. The reason
modernists try to re-date all the prophets is they do not believe in
inspiration or revelation in the sense in which the Bible uses these
words. This is the reason the modernist attacks the book of Isaiah.
The prophetic element in Isaiah is too much for modernism to
swallow. Remember that “God said” is the basis of prophecy. If
God could announce the promised seed, Christ, in Genesis 3 (verse
15 – Ed.), why should one have any problem with his speaking through
Isaiah and announcing the virgin birth seven hundred years before
it happened? Isaiah 7:14 is what “God said.” Don’t try to
avoid it, tamper with it, or change it. Just accept it as a prophecy
and the fact that all prophecy rests upon what “God said.”
– From: Franklin Camp. “God Said.” The Word of Life.
Editor, Franklin Camp. Vol. 1. Memphis, TN : Proclamation Press, n.d. 112-113.
“God Said” Is the Basis of Faith
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Rom. 10:17).
Faith must rest upon testimony – that is, what “God said.”
This is the reason Paul declared that what he presented to the
Corinthians was the testimony of God (1 Cor. 2:1). He wanted their
faith to rest upon the only thing that can establish and sustain faith
– that is, what “God said.” This needs to be re-emphasized in our
day, when there are those who want to tell tales and give
experiences and various other things as a substitute for the
testimony of God. It is time we get back to the Book, which is the
only thing that can produce faith, and the obedience of faith (Rom. 1:5)
is the only thing acceptable unto God.
Also, the strength of one’s faith depends upon the
credibility of the testimony. One’s faith can be no stronger than the
credibility of the testimony upon which it rests. The spiritual
weakness of so many today is due to the fact they have allowed the
babblings of men to affect their faith in the credibility of testimony.
It is my conviction that this is one of the main problems we face in
this generation. We must re-establish the credibility of the
testimony, the Scriptures, what God has said, in order for faith to be strong.
– From: Franklin Camp. “God Said.” The Word of Life.
Editor, Franklin Camp. Vol. 1. Memphis, TN : Proclamation Press, n.d. 114.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
September 11, 2011
Number 54
≈
“God Said” Is the Basis of Revelation
Revelation is what “God said.”
When thou art come into the land which the LORD
thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the
abominations of those nations.
There shall not be found among you any one that
maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or
that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an
enchanter, or a witch,
Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or
a wizard, or a necromancer (Deu. 18:9-11).
Men seek to discover the unknown in various ways. Soothsayers
and such prey upon man’s desire for hidden knowledge and,
thus, pretend to unveil the future and the unseen. It is significant
that this chapter places God’s revelation in contrast with such deceivers.
I will raise them up a Prophet from among their
brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his
mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall
command him.
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not
hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I
will require it of him.
But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a
word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak,
or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even
that prophet shall die (Deu. 18:18-20).
The knowledge of the future, unseen and invisible, rests
upon revelation. God said, “[I] will put my words in his mouth;
and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.”
1. That which was to be said was what God put in His
mouth, thus, revelation.
2. It was all that God had to say, not part or some, leaving
the door open for other avenues of knowing.
3. It was authoritative.
The one who rejects this revelation of what “God said” will
be cut off. “God said” is the basis of revelation, and revelation
equals the expression of God’s commands, which, in turn, express
God’s authority. The rejection of God’s commands through Christ
equals the rejection of God’s authority, which is a rejection of revelation,
which is a rejection of “God said,” which is a rejection of God Himself.
– From: Franklin Camp. “God Said.” The Word of Life.
Editor, Franklin Camp. Vol. 1. Memphis, TN : Proclamation Press, n.d. 110-111.
“God Said” Is the Basis of One’s Knowledge of God
Acts 17 offers ample proof of man’s inability to know God
apart from revelation. The people of Athens had gods, but they
were ignorant of the true and living God until Paul made Him
known by revelation. Man cannot discover the knowledge of God;
it comes only by revelation. Genesis 1 is man’s introduction to
God; it is where man’s knowledge of God begins.
– From: Franklin Camp. “God Said.” The Word of Life.
Editor, Franklin
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
September 04, 2011
Number 53
≈
One’s Need For The Bible
A Bible seller in Syria was dragged into police court for
selling “inflammatory political propaganda.” The judge examined
the portions of the Bible being sold and said, “Where is that man
Paul, who wrote this book to the Romans? Bring him into this
court!” The Bible seller tried to explain that Paul had been dead
nearly two thousand years, but the judge was hard to convince. He
said, “Here, you sign a statement declaring that you will be personally
responsible for everything written in this book to the Romans.
This document is too contemporary and its significance too timely
not to have someone personally responsible for its contents.”
That Mohammedan judge put his finger on the strange
power of the Bible. It is contemporary with every age! It is not a
“dead-letter,” but a “living word” which is the “dynamite” of God unto salvation.
People everywhere are baffled by the problems of life and
need a strong and sure guide which can give “direction” and
“purpose” to life and living in this complicated world. The Bible is
such a guide. In It one finds wisdom and light to lead his feet in the
right paths, (Jeremiah 10:23; Psalm 119:105). There is no other
book in the world like the Bible.
Robert Pollack said:
“Most wondrous book! Bright candle of the Lord!
Star of eternity! The only star
By which the bark of man could navigate
The sea of life, and gain the coast of bliss
Securely.”
Sir Walter Scott said:
“Within that awful volume lies The mystery of mysteries…
And better had they ne’er been born
Who read to doubt, or read to scorn.”
The Bible is the “Book of Civilization.” Everywhere It has gone
It has produced the best society, and has been the most consistent
factor in the whole world for directing people into the most
righteous, peaceful, and happy ways of living together.
In matters of religion, the Bible is the authority! It is
God’s revelation to men. It is the standard by which one is to measure
all things in religion, (1 Peter 1:19-21; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
When one tries to determine what is right in religion by following
something other than, or in addition to, God’s Word, he finds himself
hopelessly confused.
The Bible is God’s Book for men. It finds one groping in
darkness and gives him light. It leads one to the Christ, the Son of
God and Savior of the world. It teaches one how to be saved from
his sins. It leads one in the ways of usefulness and joy as a Christian.
When one reaches the end of the way It leads him through the
valley of the shadow of death, and gives him hope for a glorious
resurrection. It takes one through the gates into the New Jerusalem,
and ushers him into the presence of God Himself.
– Carroll C. Trent. God’s Way For Man. Paragould, AR :
Carroll Trent Publications, 1958. 5-6.
What The Word Says About Itself
Means of sanctification – John 17:17 —– Able to make wise – 2 Tim. 3:15
Able to build you up – Acts 20:32 —– Seed for sowers – Luke 8:11
Able to save your souls – Jam. 1:21 —– Incorruptible – 1 Peter 1:23
Profitable for teaching – 2 Tim. 3:16 —– Sword for soldiers – Eph. 6:17
Means of furnishing the work – 2 Tim. 3:17 —– Two edged sword – Heb. 4:12
– From: S.R. Briggs. New Notes for Bible Readings. New
York and Chicago : Fleming H. Revell Company, 1889. 42 .
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
August 28, 2011
Number 52
≈
Logic
The Law of Implication
The Meaning of Explicit Teaching Contrasted with Implicit
Teaching. To say that an action is authorized (by the Bible) explicitly, is
to say that it is taught in just so many words (that is, words which say
that exact matter under consideration). For example, the proposition,
“John is taller than Charlie” teaches in these exact words that John is
taller than Charlie. One does not have to use his powers of ratiocination
(logical deduction) in order to deduce a proposition which is not already
exactly and precisely stated. But, to make clear the difference between
what is taught explicitly and what is taught implicitly, let the following
propositions be considered: (a) “John is taller than Bill”, (b) “Bill is taller
than Tom”, and (c) “Tom is taller than Charlie.”
These three propositions explicitly affirm (teach) three things: John is
taller than Bill, Bill is taller than Tom, and Tom is taller than Charlie.
None of the three propositions explicitly affirms that John is taller than Charlie.
It is also the case that the conjunction of the three propositions
does not explicitly affirm that John is taller than Charlie. However, the
conjunction of the three propositions does implicitly affirm (teach) that
John is taller than Charlie. This is the case because, obviously, if the
three original propositions are true, then the proposition, “John is taller
than Charlie” of necessity must also be true!
It should be noted that while proposition D (the conclusion)
is not explicitly affirmed, it is implicitly affirmed by the three
propositions which are explicitly affirmed. Further, it must be noted
that one can know (if he will only reason validly) that proposition
D is true just as surely as he knows that propositions A, B, and C
are true. And this same principle not only can but must be used in
the study of the Bible. To deny this is to put oneself into a situation
in which it is impossible for him to accurately interpret the Bible.
– From: Thomas B. Warren, Logic and the Bible, pp. 28-29.
When Jesus interpreted the Scriptures for some men (Luke
24:25-27), it was necessary for Jesus to do something more than
merely read the Scriptures to those men. No doubt they had
already read the various Scriptures which Jesus used. Yet, they did
not as yet understand the message which was taught by those passages
of Scriptures. How did Jesus “interpret” the Scriptures so
that they came to understand? He did it by showing what the explicit
affirmations (statements, propositions) implied. He showed how
passages which did not explicitly mention his (Jesus’) name nevertheless
referred to Him. How did He do that? By showing what
those Scriptures imply. He showed what men ought to infer in regard
to the implications of the explicit affirmations (statements) of the Old Testament.
Thus, when men reject the law of rationality, they reject the
Bible, and, when men reject the Bible they, in effect, reject God.
Men should use their power to think validly to “prove all things”
and to “hold fast” to that which is true (cf. 1 The. 5:21).
– From: Thomas B. Warren, Logic and the Bible, p. 42.
This material and the forgoing material dealing with logic has been
included for those who do not have access to Logic and the Bible, or find the
book to be a bit tedious to study. Therefore, this material has been offered
that the basics of valid reasoning might be studied. – Editor.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
August 21, 2011
Number 51
≈
Logic
Three Laws of Thought
Part 2
The Law of Contradiction
1. For things. The law of contradiction for things is: nothing can
both have and not have a given characteristic (or property) in precisely
the same respect (cf.: Ruby, p.267). For example, nothing can be black
all over and not-black all over at one and the same time.
2. For propositions. The law of contradiction for propositions is:
no proposition can be both true and false, in the same respects. It is false
to say that John is the son of Jim and that John is not the son of Jim, in
the same respects. If one affirms both the proposition, “All apples are
red,” and the proposition, “Some apples are not red,” then he has affirmed
a logical contradiction. Every logical contradiction is false. Further,
any logical contradiction implies any and every proposition. Since
this is the case, any so-called preacher of the Gospel who, in his preaching
and/or writing, affirms a logical contradiction, implies that there is no
God (and any other proposition one may think of) in so doing. To affirm
the proposition, “No men can be saved without being baptized in the
name of Jesus Christ,” and also affirm the proposition, “Some men can
be saved without being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ,” is to affirm
a logical contradiction. When any man who loves truth sees that he has
done such, he will retract it. If he loves his own theory more than truth,
he will try to justify his holding on to that theory.
– From: Thomas B. Warren, Logic and the Bible, p. 23.
Logic
The Law of Rationality
The law of rationality says that men should draw only such conclusions
as are warranted by the evidence, or, as Lionel Ruby put it, “We ought to justify our conclusions by adequate evidence.” To say that evidence
is adequate is to say that it is relevant to and/or sufficient to warrant
the conclusion to which it is directed.
Although it is no doubt the case that all men are, at some time or
the other, irrational in their basic response to a given problem and/or situation,
every man ought to strive earnestly to be rational.
But what is it to be rational? To put the matter quite simply, to
be rational is to both recognize (understand) and honor (act in harmony
with) the law of rationality. This means that, as a matter of actual practice
in his life, one will draw only such conclusions as are warranted by the
evidence. When one functions in a rational manner he says, in effect, to
himself, “the conclusions which I draw must not outrun or be out of harmony
with the evidence which is relevant to the truth of the question
which I am considering at any given time.”
What is it to be irrational? Men such as those quoted in chapter one
[F. L. Lemley and Michael Hall, editor], who pride themselves on rejecting
the use of logic (valid) reasoning in connection with Bible study,
seem not to realize that they are acting irrationally. And what is it to be
irrational? To be irrational is (1) to reject the proper roles of evidence,
reason, and conclusion and (2) to hold that one can learn what God
would have men to do today strictly and only by reading the explicit
statements of the Bible without reasoning correctly about those explicit
statements so as to correctly infer what is implied by explicit statements
of the Bible. Some irrationalists also hold that faith (that is, Christian
faith) must involve the espousal of some “leap into the dark” beyond the
relevant evidence. Such a viewpoint is definitely contradictory of plain
Bible teaching (see 1 The. 5:21; Acts 17:11; et al.).
– From: Thomas B. Warren, Logic and the Bible, pp. 14-15.
Passages to Ponder
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking
heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought
thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid
in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O
LORD: teach me thy statutes. With my lips have I declared all the judgments
of thy mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as
much as in all riches. I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect
unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not
forget thy word” (Psa. 119:9-16).
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
November 28, 2010
Number 13
≈
Who are Hebrews, Israelites, Jews and Gentiles?
(Gen. 14:13; Josh.13:6; Jer. 34:9; 1 Kings 8:41-43)
Part 7
Gentile
One should begin his study of “Gentile” by examining the
word and its usages in both the Old and New Testaments. In the
Old Testament, “Gentile[s]” is defined in this way:
Brown-Driver-Briggs – “1) nation, people (noun masculine);
1a) nation, people; 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people; 1a2)
of descendants of Abraham; 1a3) of Israel; 1b) of swarm of locusts,
other animals (figuratively); 1c) Goyim? = “nations” (noun proper masculine).”
Strong’s – “Apparently from the same root as H1465 (in
the sense of massing); a foreign nation; hence a Gentile; also (figuratively)
a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts: – Gentile, heathen, nation, people.”
The following is a sample of verses from the Old Testament:
1. “And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of
Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera,
which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles” (Jud. 4:2, emp.
JDR). This verse shows a distinction between Israel, who was being
oppressed (v. 3) and the oppressor – Jabin, who was a Gentile king.
2. “And the Gentiles shall see thy [Spiritual Israel/ the
Church, JDR] righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt
be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall
name” (Isa. 62:2, emp. JDR). God is stating that the Gentiles (of the first century A.D.) would see the righteous lives of the faithful
members of the New Testament church and be converted. The direct
reference is to the church, Spiritual Israel [Gal. 6:16 “Israel of
God”], but implied is national Israel’s relationship with and responsibility
to the Gentile nations during the Mosaic dispensation.
3. “And the LORD said, Even thus shall the children of Israel
eat their defiled bread among the Gentiles, whither I will drive
them” (Eze. 4:13, emp. JDR). God would remove Israel (more precisely
– the Kingdom of Judah) from its land and they would be
carried away by the armies of the Babylonians into Mesopotamia.
The three verses offered here show by way of illustration the division
between Israel and all other peoples, regarding their nationality and relationship
to God as a people chosen by God to show forth His glory.
God had chosen the Israelites from among all the people on
Earth to be an example of righteousness and faithfulness, thus separating
them from all others in that regard. Please notice these verses:
1. “The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb.
The LORD made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us,
even us, who are all of us here alive this day” (Deu. 5:2-3, emp.
JDR). This covenant was made with Israel and none other.
2. “ For thou didst separate them from among all the
people of the earth, to be thine inheritance, as thou spakest by the
hand of Moses thy servant, when thou broughtest our fathers out of
Egypt, O Lord GOD” (1 Kings 8:53, emp. JDR). God separated or
set apart Israel from among all the nations on the Earth.
3. “And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he
made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified
against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went
after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom
the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them”
(2 Kings 17:15, emp. JDR). Israel was not to do the evil things so
prevalent among the Gentiles. They were to be different. They
were to be separate in actions from the nations around them.
4. “For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land
of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy”
(Lev. 11:45, emp. JDR). Israel was to be different from the Gentile
nations around them; they were to be a holy and righteous people.
Israel was separated from all other peoples on the Earth. They were a
singled out nation, therefore, if a man was not of Israel then he was a Gentile.
THE WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Weekly bulletin of the Central Church of Christ
Sunday, September 05, 2010
Number 01
≈
Listen to a sermon on Genesis!
Outlines of the book of Genesis
Outline of Genesis
Generations of Genesis
“Generations,” comes from a Hebrew word meaning:
descendants, results, proceedings, generations, genealogies,
(Brown- Driver- Briggs’ Hebrew Definitions).
Beginnings of Genesis
This material adapted from brother Bob Winton’s, Outlined
Commentary on Genesis, p.1. Another Outline of Genesis
This material from James E. Rogers, “Introduction to the
Book of Genesis,” in The Book of Genesis: Foundational Truth
and The Unfolding of God’s Plan of Redemption, ed. Curtis A.
Cates (Pulaski, TN : Sain Publications,
Listen to a sermon on Genesis!
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
September 12, 2010
Number 02
≈
The Christ and Melchizedek
(Gen. 14:17-20; Psa. 110:4; Heb.5:5-6,10; 6:20-7:22)
The type and anti-type principle found between
Melchizedek [Melchisedec, KJV] and the Christ is clearly set forth
by the inspired penman of the book of Hebrews, “If therefore
perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people
received the law,) what further need was there that another priest
should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after
the order of Aaron,” (Heb. 7:11). Another priest would arise, not of
Aaron’s seed; but of the tribe of Judah, “For he of whom these
things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave
attendance at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of
Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood,”
(Heb. 7: 13-14). Jesus would be High Priest, not like Aaron but
like Melchizedek, “And it is yet far more evident: for that after the
similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Who is
made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the
power of an endless life,” (Heb. 7:15-16).
The historical account of Melchizedek is recorded in
Genesis 14:17-20. Abraham had fought and conquered the forces
of Chedorlaomer, who had spoiled Sodom and Gomorrah and had
abducted Lot and taken his goods [perhaps including family
members and/or servants of Lot (Gen.14:12,16)]. Upon Abraham’s
return with what had been stolen, he was met in the valley of
Shaveh by the king of Sodom, (14:17). Melchizedek also met
Abraham, (14:18). Melchizedek was the king of Salem and the
priest of God; he brought to Abraham, bread and wine (14:18). Abraham received a blessing from Melchizedek and he also
blessed God Almighty, who had given victory to Abraham over the
invading armies from the north, (14:19-20). After being blessed,
Abraham paid a tenth of the goods; or a tithe, to Melchizedek, (14:20).
The next and only other Old Testament reference to
Melchizedek is found in a psalm of David, “The LORD hath
sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order
of Melchizedek,” (Psa. 110:4). David declares by inspiration that
God has sworn that there is a priesthood, like unto Melchizedek’s, that is for ever.
The Hebrews writer clearly explains the correlation between
Jesus and Melchizedek. The following is a brief look at those points:
The priesthood of Melchizedek gave us a foreshadowing of
the eternal priesthood of the Christ. Melchizedek was a great man,
“Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the
patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils,” (Heb. 7:4). Thanks
be to God that our High Priest is so much, “better,” “By so much
was Jesus made a surety of a better testament…For such an high
priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from
sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily,
as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins,
and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up
himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have
infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law,
maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.” (Heb. 7:22, 26-28).- John
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
September 19, 2010
Number 03
≈
Who are Hebrews, Israelites, Jews and Gentiles?
(Gen. 14:13; Josh 13:6; Jer. 34:9; 1 Kings 8:41-43)
Part 1
Hebrews
These terms can certainly be confusing. They (and their
counterparts) are found from Genesis to Revelation. Considering
that these descriptive titles are used in different ways at different
times, a basic understanding will be helpful to those who study the Bible.
The word “Hebrew,” was first applied to Abram, “…Abram
the Hebrew…,” (Gen. 14:13). Why was Abram called a “Hebrew.”
The reason for this designation is found in Abram’s previous
home:Ur of the Chaldees, (Gen. 11:31). Stephen said (by
inspiration) that Abraham was from Mesopotamia (Acts 7:2).
“Mesopotamia,” designates a land, “lying between the rivers
Euphrates and Tigris,” (Thayer, p. 401). Mesopotamia was the land
between the rivers. The word “Hebrew” is generally considered,
“one who comes from the region beyond the Euphrates,” (Thayer, p.164).
The word “Hebrew” is inseparably linked to those of
Abraham’s seed. However, this term is not limited to those only of
the lineage of Abraham through Jacob (who are Israelites…more on
this later). Abraham had other children besides Isaac. Most notable
among Abraham’s other children: Ishmael (Gen.16:15) whose
mother was Hagar, Sarah’s handmaid. Abraham also had children
by Keturah, whom he married after Sarah’s death (Gen. 23:1-2;
25:1). Abraham had six children by Keturah (Gen. 25:2). Ishmael
and his offspring (Gen. 25:12-18); along with the six children of Keturah and
their offspring (Gen. 25:1-6), would all be Hebrews.
Additionally, Isaac and his offspring would be Hebrews. Isaac had
two sons: Jacob and Esau (Gen. 25:24-26). The children of Esau
(Gen. 36:1-43) would also be Hebrews, as they are of the lineage
of Abraham. Jacob’s offspring would also be Hebrews, but with
Jacob comes a new term: because Jacob’s name was changed to – Israel.
All those of who are of the lineage of Abraham are
Hebrews but not all Hebrews are Israelites!
Israelites
The name Israel is first recorded in the Bible at Genesis
32:28. In this verse God changes Jacob’s name to Israel. “Israel”
means: power with/through God (Gen. 32: 24-32; Hos. 12:3-4).
The descendants of Jacob took his name: Israel. Notice the
progression of terms in the following passage:
Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which
came into Egypt; every man and his household came with
Jacob. Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar,
Zebulun, and Benjamin, Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and
Asher. And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob
were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already. And
Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation.
And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased
abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty;
and the land was filled with them, (Exo. 1:1-7).
Verse one uses “Israel” in reference to the man, Jacob. The
“children” who went into Egypt with Jacob were his eleven sons
(including their households). Joseph, one of the twelve sons of
Jacob, was already in Egypt (verse 5). Notice that all of Jacob’s
sons died and all their generation, but the next verse says that the
children of “Israel” were mighty in numbers. How can that be? The
explanation is very simple: the descendants of Jacob’s family
called themselves after Jacob – whose name was Israel. - John
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
September 26, 2010
Number 04
≈
Who are Hebrews, Israelites, Jews and Gentiles?
(Gen. 14:13; Josh 13:6; Jer. 34:9; 1 Kings 8:41-43)
Part 2
Israelites (cont.)
The descendants of Jacob called themselves after the new
name that God gave Jacob: Israel (Gen. 32:28). Notice the time
record concerning the name:
At this point in Israel’s history there is a change in the
nation’s name. Because of Solomon’s sins God took the kingdom out of
his son Rehoboam’s hands (1 Kings 11:9-13). In the days of Rehoboam,
king over Israel and son of Solomon; the kingdom of Israel was split into two
kingdoms (1 Kings 12:15-19; cf. 1 Kings 11: 29-38). So the former
kingdom of Israel was split into two kingdoms.
The ten tribes that separated themselves from Jerusalem
and Rehoboam took the name of: Israel; the tribes of Judah and
Benjamin remained loyal to Rehoboam (the house of David) and
Jerusalem. They took the name: Judah (1 Kings 12:20-21, 23).
The context of the passage will now determine if the
Biblical narrative concerns Israel and/or Judah. The following are some examples:
1 Kings 14:26
“And he shall give Israel up because of the sins of
Jeroboam, who did sin, and who made Israel to sin.” The reference
to Jeroboam in this verse tells one plainly that the “Israel” in this
verse is the ten tribes who left behind Jerusalem and Judah and Benjamin.
Jer. 4:1-3
“If thou wilt return, O Israel, saith the LORD, return unto
me: and if thou wilt put away thine abominations out of my sight,
then shalt thou not remove. And thou shalt swear, The LORD
liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations
shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory. For thus
saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your
fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.” This passage is
addressed to Judah (verse 3). However, in verse one God calls
upon “Israel” to repent. From this understanding one may know
that “Israel” is being used for “Judah” in this example.
2 Chron. 30:1
“And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote
letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the
house of the LORD at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto the
LORD God of Israel.” Then ten northern tribes “Israel” and the
two tribes of Judah and Benjamin “Judah” are both mentioned in
this passage. The context demands that the “Israel” of “the LORD
God of Israel” stands for both Judah and Israel. Seeing that God is
the God of all the earth (Psa. 47:7) He is the God of both Israel and Judah.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
October 03, 2010
Number 05
≈
Who are Hebrews, Israelites, Jews and Gentiles?
(Gen. 14:13; Josh 13:6; Jer. 34:9; 1 Kings 8:41-43)
Part 3
Israelites (cont.)
The last article left Israel at the time of the split of the
United Kingdom into Israel and Judah, (1 Kings 12:15-19; cf. 1 Kings 11: 29-38).
A History Lesson
Assyria was a major player in the history of Israel. A point
of reference for the empirical expansion of Assyria is the reign of
Ashurbanipal (883-859 B.C.). This time marked a revival of the
previous thrusts of Assyrian power starting about 1300 B.C.
Assyria grew in strength and became the world empire,
eventually over taking the ten Northern tribes (Israel) in 722/721
B.C. (2 Kings 17:6). The overwhelming of Israel by Assyria was
the end of the Northern kingdom, they would never return as a
sovereign kingdom. The ten tribes of the Northern kingdom were
exiled into the land of Assyria (2 Kings 17:6; 18:11). They would
return to their land (Palestine/Caanan) beginning in 536 B.C.,
when the Israelite people left Babylon during the reign of Cyrus
the Medo-Persian king (1 Chron. 9:1-3; Eze. 37:19-22; Ezra 1:1-4).
Note: One will see how the ten Northern tribes (Israel)
were absorbed into Babylon and then the Medo-Persian Empire
along with the remnant from Judah as the history unfolds.
Assyria remained in power until 612 B.C., when
Babylonian joint forces overtook the Assyrian city of Nineveh (as
prophesied by Nahum). By 606 B.C., Babylon was besieging Jerusalem
(2 Chron. 36:5-7). In 597 B.C., Babylon came again to Jerusalem and
besieged it (2 Kings 24:8-14). Finally in 586 B.C. Babylon came
against Jerusalem and destroyed it (2Chron. 36: 11-20). These are
the three carrying-aways of Judah into Babylon.
Judah and the remnant of Israel would be in Babylonian
captivity for 70 years (as prophesied by Jeremiah; Jer. 29:10), then
come out in the days of the Medo-Persians (2 Chron. 36: 21-23).
There were three returns to the Israelite homeland. The first
return was in 536 B.C., under the Medo-Persian king named,
Cyrus; seventy years after the start of Babylonian captivity in 606
B.C. (Ezra 1:1-3; 2:1-2). The second return was in 457 B.C. (Ezra
7:1-8). The third and final return was in 444 B.C. (Neh. 2:1,11).
Summary
The Northern Kingdom (Israel) was taken into Assyrian
captivity. The Assyrians were defeated by the Babylonians and the
land of the Assyrians became the land of the Babylonians. When
the Babylonians were defeated by the Medo-Persians the
Babylonian land became Medo-Persian land. Because of the
change in world empires from Assyria to Babylon to the Medo-
Persians, the captivity of Judah became the captivity of Israel.
Thus, the remnant of Israel, in the land of the Medo-Persians;
together with the remnant of Judah, returned to their homeland as
one people: just as God said they would (Eze. 37:19-22).
A study of the history of the captivity of the Israelite people
is important in understanding the designations by which they are
called; whether it be Israelite or Jew. The captivity has a great
bearing on the term “Jew,” which is the next section of the study.
Jews
The first reference to “Jews” found in the King James
Version is found in 2 Kings 16:6, “At that time Rezin king of Syria
recovered Elath to Syria, and drave the Jews from Elath: and the
Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day.”
The context (2 Kings 16: 1-6) shows that the term “Jew” is
used here to distinguish those of Judah (Southern Kingdom) from
those of Israel (Northern Kingdom). And such is the meaning of
the word “Jew.” The word “Jew” relates patronymically to the
word “Judah” (Brown-Driver-Briggs’ Hebrew Definitions, “Jew”).
That is, the word “Jew” comes from the word “Judah.” Judah was
one of the tribes of Israel and the collective name of the two tribes
(Judah and Benjamin) that made up the Southern Kingdom.
Although the word “Jew” initially referred to the kingdom
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
October 10, 2010
Number 06
≈
CONTRIBUTIONS YOU CAN MAKE
Some members of the church are far too modest in their
assessment of what they can do to help the Lord’s cause. Many
have convinced themselves that they cannot do anything, since
they cannot lead singing or preach, and they become quite content
to do little or nothing. However, there has never been a Christian
who had so little ability or so few resources that he or she could
make no contributions if one really wanted to. Consider some
contributions almost every Christian can make:
1. Faithful Attendance: Sitting in a church building
regularly no more makes one a faithful Christian than sitting in a
henhouse regularly makes one a hen. However, even an infidel
knows that a faithful child of God attends worship and Bible
classes regularly. The regular, public meetings of the church are its
heart-throb and life-blood. Each member who forsakes these
assemblies saps the church of some of its power (not to mention
what he robs himself of). No wonder the inspired writer commands
us not to forsake the assemblies of the church (Heb. 10:25). Every
able-bodied member can make the minimum contribution of
faithful attendance and will do so if he loves the Lord and the church.
2. Service: We are not saved by God to live lives of
celestial ease on this old earth, but to serve, to work for Christ,
according to our opportunities and abilities. The Lord’s people are
made for good works (Eph. 2:10). We are to be “stedfast, unmoveable,
always abounding” in the Lord’s work (1 Cor. 15:58). God has never
made anyone with so little ability that there is no place
of service for him in the church. Unless we are daily making a
positive impact for Christ and His church, for the Truth of the
Gospel, for the pure life God wants us to live daily, we are failing
Him who died for us. Our work for Jesus demonstrates the
sincerity of our worship on Sunday.
3. Money: Even in the early days of the church, when
civilization depended so very little on money and cash flow
compared to the present, it was necessary for Christians to give
their money to do the Lord’s work. The regular Lord’s day
contribution was commanded for this reason (1 Cor. 16:1–2). Not
everyone can give a large amount because not everyone has a large
amount from which to give. The Lord does not measure our giving by
quantity, but by proportion of our income. Even when we cannot attend,
we can still give so that the Lord’s work may go on uninterrupted.
4. Attitude: Men cannot send you to jail for a sordid,
snobbish, hateful, uncooperative, negative attitude, but the Lord
can send you to Hell for it. Two attitudes that cause the church
great harm are selfishness and indifference. Two attitudes that
make great contributions to the Lord’s work are unselfishness and cooperation.
—Dub McClish Denton, TX
This article is from, www.scripturecache.com. At this
hyper-link, one can find many articles, of varying lengths, by
brother Dub McClish. The reader is encouraged to visit the website
as a source of sound Biblical material.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
October 17 , 2010
Number 07
≈
Chronological Table of Events 721-444 BC
DISCLAIMER
The chronological table in this issue is adapted from a chart
created by Dan Cates. Brother Cates is an instructor at the
Memphis School of Preaching. As such he is in error concerning
the fellowship of Dave Miller. However, the material presented in
this chart is accurate and is presented here for your learning.
The time frame of this table (and next week’s )
encompasses the time of the Assyrian captivity to the returns of
Israel to Palestine; which is central to our study of who are Jews and Gentiles.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
October 24, 2010
Number 08
≈
Chronological Table of Events 721-444 BC
DISCLAIMER
The chronological table in this issue is adapted from a chart
created by Dan Cates. Brother Cates is an instructor at the
Memphis School of Preaching. As such he is in error concerning
the fellowship of Dave Miller. However, the material presented in
this chart is accurate and is presented here for your learning.
The time frame of this table (and last week’s) encompasses
the time of the Assyrian captivity to the returns of Israel to
Palestine; which is central to our study of who are Jews and Gentiles.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
November 07, 2010
Number 10
≈
Who are Hebrews, Israelites, Jews and Gentiles?
(Gen. 14:13; Josh 13:6; Jer. 34:9; 1 Kings 8:41-43)
Part 5
Jews (cont.)
Those of the children of Israel who were in captivity in
Babylon and later in Persia (this included those remaining from the
captivity by Assyria, 721 B.C.) were called collectively by the
term, “Jew.” The following verses are typical (emphasis mine):
1. “Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up
from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad
city, and have set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations” (Ezr. 4:12).
2. “That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain
men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped,
which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem” (Neh. 1:2).
3. “And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone;
for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore
Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the
whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai” (Est. 3:6).
4. “Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near,
and accused the Jews” (Dan. 3:8).
Since Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, and Daniel are books concerning
the captivity, all of the above verses contain terms that were employed to
designate those of the people of Israel in captivity;
whether they were of the kingdoms of Judah or Israel.
The term “Jew” was used to describe Israel as a whole
throughout the remainder of the Old Testament. But how were the
Israelites described in the New Testament as pertains to the word
“Jew”? Much the same way (emphasis mine):
1. “So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this
saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day” (Matt. 28:15).
2. “And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the
Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant” (Luke 7:3).
3. “And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem” (John 2:13).
4. “But when I saw that they walked not uprightly
according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them
all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do
the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews” (Gal. 2:14).
The inspired Biblical penmen Matthew, (Mark also used the
term “Jew”), Luke, John, and Paul all used “Jew” to describe the
general populace of the children of Israel in the first century A.D.
“Jew” was used somewhat interchangeably with “Israel” or
“Israelite.” Notice how Paul uses the terms, “Hebrew,” “Israelite,”
and “Jew” in reference to himself (emphasis mine):
1. “I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a
city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel,
and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the
fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day” (Acts 22:3).
2. “Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am
I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I” (2 Cor. 11:22).
Each designation has its own connotation because of its own
individual background, but all three terms were used to describe
one and the same person and one and the same people. - John
Passages to Ponder
“Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort
you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk
and to please God, so ye would abound more and more” (1 Thess. 4:1)
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
October 31, 2010
Number 09
≈
Who are Hebrews, Israelites, Jews and Gentiles?
(Gen. 14:13; Josh 13:6; Jer. 34:9; 1 Kings 8:41-43)
Part 4
Jews (cont.)
As was mentioned in the October third bulletin, the term
“Jew” in the beginning had reference to those of the Southern
Kingdom. Those of Judah, hence the name “Jew.”
The two kingdoms became one kingdom by being
assimilated into one captivity. The change of power between the
kingdoms of the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Medo-Persians
brought the remnant of God’s people under one king and in one
kingdom. Therefore, when Cyrus gave the decree, “Thus saith
Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all
the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an
house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of
all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to
Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD
God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem” (Ezr. 1:2-3);
his statement: “all His people” (who were living among the
Persians in Persian land) included both the people of Israel and
Judah who lived under Persian rule.
Further evidence of God’s reuniting of His people into one
nation is seen in verses from the pens of Jeremiah and Ezekiel.
God declared by Jeremiah that He would bring Israel (the Northern
Kingdom) and Judah (the Southern Kingdom) together as one,
“And I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel
to return, and will build them, as at the first” (Jer. 33:7). Notice also what
God said through Ezekiel, “And say unto them, Thus
saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from
among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on
every side, and bring them into their own land: And I will make
them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one
king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two
nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more
at all” (Eze. 37: 21-22). Ezekiel also wrote, “And I will multiply
men upon you, all the house of Israel, even all of it: and the cities
shall be inhabited, and the wastes shall be builded: And I will
multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and
bring fruit: and I will settle you after your old estates, and will do
better unto you than at your beginnings: and ye shall know that I
am the LORD” (Eze. 36:10-11). God promised that the house of
Israel “all of it” would return and that the “old estates” again
would be inhabited. Both Judah and Israel would return to their
land and all the tribes would dwell in the land of Israel as in the
times before the captivity.
God also promised, “Behold, the days come, saith the
LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised
unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. In those days,
and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow
up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in
the land” (Jer. 33:14-15). The promise of the coming of the Christ
would be fulfilled to both Israel and Judah as one people and in
their own land. The coming of the Christ would transpire in about
586 years from the time of the writing of Jeremiah chapter 33. That
time would be the time period of the Gospel accounts of Matthew,
Mark, Luke, and John. If the Christ came then Judah and Israel
returned to their land! The Christ came, “For unto you is born this
day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke
2:11); therefore, Israel and Judah both returned to the land of Israel.
When would this returning begin? Notice once more the
decree of Cyrus, “Who is there among you of all his people…And
whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth…” (Ezr.
1:3-4). The time of the beginning of the return of all Israel to
Palestine was at the time of Cyrus’ decree. – John
This week’s article proves that all the tribes of Israel
returned to the land of Israel. This is also a refutation of the
premillennial doctrine of the ten “lost” tribes of Israel. Wherein
they say that only Judah returned and that Israel will return to the
land only in their so-called “literial thousand year reign of Christ
on the earth.” Their doctrine could not be more false!
This article helps us to see the transition of the name Jew:
from Judah to all Israel; especially as we look at the New
Testament use of the word “Jew” and how it is used today.
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
November 14, 2010
Number 11
≈
Who are Hebrews, Israelites, Jews and Gentiles?
(Gen. 14:13; Josh 13:6; Jer. 34:9; 1 Kings 8:41-43)
Part 6
The following are definitions for the word “Jew” from A.D.
1100 to A.D. 2004. The usage of the word “Jew” (excluding slang
and words of derision) has changed but little in 900 years as is shown below:
A.D.1100-1500
(Time Period – Early English Bibles)
[Jeu (n.)] (a) A Jew, one of the Jewish race or religion, one
following the Mosaic law in biblical or post-biblical times; sarasin
or ~, ~ or painime, jeues and sarasines, sarasines and jeues, jeues
and samaritanes; (b) one of the Jews of the New Testament, i.e.
inhabitants of Galilee and Judea; esp. leaders and officials; (c) a
subject or king of the kingdom of Judah; also, one of the tribe of
Judah; (d) a member of one of the ten lost tribes of Israel; (e) a
Hebrew of patriarchal or Egyptian times; (f) a Christianized Jew of
early Christian times. (Middle English Dictionary, 1100-1500
A.D.; quod.lib.umich.edu; “jeu”). [Editor’s note: There are NO lost
tribes of Israel. All the tribes returned to the land of Israel: per
God’s promise. The previous articles in this series have already
proven that to be true.]
A.D.1612
(Time Period – King James Version, 1611)
[Jew] Jew outward. sig: He that is a Iew by Nation, Name, and
profession onely. Rom. 22, 8. A Iew which is one outward. (Thomas Wilson, A Christian Dictionary (1612); Lexicons of Early Modern English,1480-1702; leme.library.utoronto.ca/search/; “Jew”).
A.D.1828
JEW, n.
[a contraction of Judas of Judah.] A Hebrew or Israelite.
(Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary of American Engish).
A.D.1912
(Time Period – American Standard Version, 1901)
Jew (jōō), n. an Israelite; Hebrew. Fem. Jewess. [Hebr. Yehūdāh,
Judah.] (New Websterian 1912 Dictionary; pg. 475).
A.D. 1964
Jew n.
1. a member of a people that formerly lived in Palestine, but
now live in many countries, including modern Israel. 2. a person
whose religion is Judaism; Hebrew; Israelite. 3. a Hebrew of the
ancient kingdom of Judah. (The World Book Encyclopedia Dictionary, 1964).
A.D. 2004
Jew [joo] (plural Jews) n
1. RELIGION believer in Judaism:
somebody whose religion is Judaism 2. PEOPLES member of
Semitic people: a member of a Semitic people descended from the
ancient Hebrews. They are now widely dispersed and share
cultural and religious ties based on Judaism. 3. HISTORY
somebody from ancient Judah: somebody who lived or was born in
ancient Judah. (Encarta © World English Dictionary© & (P) 1998-
2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved).
NOTE: These dictionary entries cover the usage of the word “Jew”
as would be found in our English bibles from pre-KJV to modern versions.
The word “Jew” or “Jewish” as it is used today, can have reference to:
1. A person’s ethnic/racial background.
and/or
2. A person’s religion.
and/or
3. A person’s geographic location/where they live.
NOTE: This last point would be a somewhat lesser usage. Most
living in the modern nation of Israel would refer to themselves as
an Israeli; the Israeli and Palestinian disputes notwithstanding.
Today, when one speaks of a “Jew” all three usages above
could be pertinent. However, when “Jew” was used in the Old and New
Testaments, the first two points above would have been its meaning. - John
Passages to Ponder
“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth
through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye
love one another with a pure heart fervently” (1 Peter 1:22).
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
November 21, 2010
Number 12
≈
Who are Hebrews, Israelites, Jews and Gentiles?
(Gen. 14:13; Josh. 13:6; Jer. 34:9; 1 Kings 8:41-43)
Part 6
The calendar was very important to the Jewish people.
They were commanded by God to keep several special days and
feasts each year. One example of this command of God is found in
Deuteronomy, “Three times in a year shall all thy males appear
before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in
the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the
feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD
empty” (Deu. 16:16). Israel had to know their calender to please God.
The following charts show the Jewish calender and the
major commemorative days in their calender:
Special Days
Jewish Calendar
Passages to Ponder
“Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with
hands; as saith the prophet, Heaven is my throne, and earth is my
footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is
the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these things?”
(Acts 7: 48-50) [from Stephen’s sermon before the Jewish council].
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
December 05, 2010
Number 14
≈
Who are Hebrews, Israelites, Jews and Gentiles?
(Gen. 14:13; Josh.13:6; Jer. 34:9; 1 Kings 8:41-43)
Part 8
Gentile
In the New Testament, “Gentile[s]” is defined in this way:
Thayer’s – “G1484; εθνος; ethnos; 1) a multitude (whether
of men or of beasts) associated or living together; 1a) a company,
troop, swarm; 2) a multitude of individuals of the same
nature or genus; 2a) the human family; 3) a tribe, nation, people
group; 4) in the OT, foreign nations not worshipping the true God,
pagans, Gentiles; 5) Paul uses the term for Gentile Christians.”
Strong’s – “G1484; εθνος; ethnos; eth’-nos; Probably from
G1486; a race (as of the same habit), that is, a tribe; specifically a
foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually by implication pagan): – Gentile,
heathen, nation, people.”
and
Thayer’s – “G1672; Ελλην; Hellen;1) a Greek either by
nationality, whether a native of the main land or of the Greek islands
or colonies; 2) in a wider sense the name embraces all nations
not Jews that made the language, customs, and learning of the
Greeks their own; the primary reference is to a difference of religion
and worship.”
Strong’s – “G1672; Ελλην; Hellen; hel’-lane; From
G1671; a Hellen (Grecian) or inhabitant of Hellas; by extension a
Greek speaking person, especially a non-Jew: – Gentile, Greek.”
The following is a sample of verses from the New Testament
showing the contrast between the Jew and the Gentile:
1. “These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them,
saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the
Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the
house of Israel” (Mat. 10:5-6). The Lord speaks of the division
between the nation of Israel and the Gentiles.
2. “Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he
go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among
the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles” (John 7:35). The Jews asked
if Jesus would go out of Israel and unto the Jews dispersed among
the nations of the Gentiles. The phrase “the dispersed” has reference
to the Jews that lived away from Israel among the Gentile nations.
3. “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body,
whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and
have been all made to drink into one Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:13). Both
the Jew and Gentile must be baptized to be added to the body of
Christ, that is, the church. This verse shows that the Jew and the
Gentile are two different groups but one in the church.
4. “But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according
to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If
thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do
the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews”
(Gal. 2:14). Paul rebuked Peter because of Peter’s hypocritical behavior.
Paul contrasts, in general terms, the righteous behavior of
the Jews (those Jews who obeyed God) and the unrighteous behavior
of the Gentiles (those Gentiles who disobeyed God).
Examples of the Gentile nations mentioned in the Bible are
(there are many, many more) :
1. Egypt 4. Moab 7. Medo-Persia
2. Syria 5. Assyria 8. Greece
3. Ammon 6. Babylon 9. Rome
The idea can be simply summed up by saying that every nation
on the earth that was not Israel was a Gentile nation. Some
Gentiles lived in the nation of Israel and some Israelites lived in
the Gentile nations but they were still two separate peoples, separated
by God. This separation was for the purpose of showing the
Jews to be an example of righteousness before God among all the
nations on the earth; and, to be the seed-line for the Coming Christ.
-John
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
December 12, 2010
Number 15
≈
Who are Hebrews, Israelites, Jews and Gentiles?
(Gen. 14:13; Josh.13:6; Jer. 34:9; 1 Kings 8:41-43)
Summary
The past several bulletin articles have been devoted to explaining
who were/are the: Hebrews, Israelites, Jews, and Gentiles.
The following is a summary of what has been compiled
throughout the earlier bulletin articles:
All could be summed up by saying:
1. “Hebrews” refers to the descendants of Abraham.
2. “Israelites” refers to the descendants of Jacob.
3. “Jews” refers to Judah at the first and then to all Israel.
4. “Gentiles” refers to all who are not Israelites/Jews. – John
Passages to Ponder
“For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that
circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which
is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and
not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” (Rom. 2:28-29)
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
December 19, 2010
Number 16
≈
OLD TESTAMENT PEOPLE
PART ONE
GENESIS 13:12-18
Why study Old Testament history, since the old covenant
has been replaced by the new? Because Old Testament history not
only helps us understand God and the way of righteousness, but
also provides background for the New Testament. New Testament
writers frequently refer to Old Testament characters and events,
and a knowledge of these enriches our knowledge of the New Testament.
I. SIXTEEN LEADING CHARACTERS
An outline of Old Testament history built around sixteen
leading characters is easy to learn and remember:
Adam • Moses • Saul • Isaiah
Noah • Joshua • David • Jeremiah
Abraham • Gideon • Solomon • Daniel
Joseph • Samuel • Elijah • Nehemiah
II. ASSOCIATED EVENTS AND PEOPLE
To make this list of names an outline of Old Testament history,
learn to associate with each name a few other names and
events recorded in the Old Testament.
1. Adam and the Creation: Along with Adam we think of
the beginning of the world, mankind, sin, and punishment. But
with punishment came the first promise of redemption (Genesis
3:15). Associated with Adam are his wife Eve and his sons Cain and Abel.
2. Noah and the Flood: The first sin was by no means the last.
As men became more numerous they became more wicked,
and at last God determined to destroy all mankind except the one
family still willing to serve Him. This was done by the great flood,
through which Noah and his family were saved in the ark. Associated
with Noah are his three sons, Shem, Ham, Japheth.[Editor’s
note: Those who died in the Flood were those who refused to repent
at the warning of God through Noah (2 Peter 2:5).]
3. Abraham and the Chosen People: As mankind multiplied
after the flood, wickedness again increased. This time God
did not destroy all the wicked, but chose one godly man to become
the head of a godly race that would be God’s witness in a godless
world and finally would bring the Savior into the world. The man
chosen as the father of this race was Abraham. With Abraham we
associate his nephew Lot, his son Isaac, and his grandson, Jacob,
whose twelve sons became heads of the tribes of Israel.
4. Joseph and Egypt: Sold as a slave in Egypt, Joseph became
a ruler and was able to save his father and brothers from starvation
and give them a pleasant home. In later times, however,
their descendants were oppressed and enslaved in Egypt. With
Joseph we associate his oldest brother Reuben, his youngest and
favorite brother Benjamin, and Pharaoh, the chief ruler of Egypt.
5. Moses and Freedom: Moses, a Hebrew reared and
trained in the palaces of Pharaoh, was chosen of God to lead the
growing nation of the chosen people from Egypt back to Canaan,
to give them God’s law, and to write the books of law. With Moses
we associate Pharaoh, (not the one of Joseph’s time, but a later
ruler of Egypt who was an enemy rather than a friend); Moses’
brother Aaron, who became the first high priest of Israel; and
Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, a wise advisor.
6. Joshua and the Promised Land: Moses, a hundred
twenty years old, died at the border of the Promised Land. Joshua
led his people as they wrested the land from the heathen for their
home. With Joshua may be remembered Caleb, a faithful fellow
soldier; Eleazar, Aaron’s son who succeeded him as high priest;
and Rahab, a friend in and enemy city.
7. Gideon and the Judges: After Joshua died, the chosen
people often fell into sin and were punished by invasions of heathen
people. Each time they repented of their sins, God gave a
leader to help them drive out the invaders. These leaders were
called judges, and Gideon was one of the most notable of them.
Besides Gideon we may remember Samson, the strong man; Deborah,
the woman judge; and Ruth, a foreign woman who became
an ancestress of Christ.
8. Samuel and a New Era: Samuel was the last of the
judges. He anointed the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David.
With Samuel we may remember Hannah, his mother; Eli, the high
priest who trained him; and Joel and Abiah, his wicked sons.
– Orrin Root
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
December 26, 2010
Number 17
≈
OLD TESTAMENT PEOPLE
PART TWO
1 SAMUEL 10:20-26
9. Saul, the First King: In Samuel’s old age, the people asked
for a king. God and Samuel did not approve, but they consented. [Editor’s
note: Samuel prayed unto God concerning this matter and obeyed
the voice of the Lord. Samuel was God’s servant in all this matter (1
Sam. 8:5-22).] The chosen king was Saul, who proved to be an able leader
for a time and won some notable victories. But all too soon he began
to ignore God’s will and follow his own selfish inclinations. In time this
led to his defeat and death. With Saul we remember Kish, his father;
Jonathon, his son who was a close friend of David; and Abner, Saul’s great general.
10. David, the Great King: David was the second king of Israel.
He defeated the surrounding heathen nations and made Israel the most
powerful empire of the time. He was also a great musician, and many of
the psalms are his work. Though notable sins are recorded against him,
the main course of his life was so good that he is known as a man after
God’s own heart. With David we may remember Goliath, the giant whom
he slew; Nathan, the prophet who rebuked his sin; and Absalom, his conceited
son who led an armed rebellion against him.
11. Solomon, the Wise King: Solomon, David’s son and the
next king, was specially gifted with wisdom. Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and
the Song of Solomon are evidences of this. He began his reign well,
building a magnificent temple and adding glory to the great empire David
had built. Later, however, he failed to follow the wisdom of his own
inspired teachings. He taxed the people too heavily,and drafted them
mercilessly for public works as well as for the army. [Editor’s note: Solomon
did require much of Israel to accomplish the many building projects
of his reign (1 Kings 5:13). However, Solomon never made forced slave
laborers of the Israelites (1 Kings 9:22) as he did of the Canaanites
remaining in the land (1 Kings 9:21).] He also married many heathen
women and helped them introduce idolatry and wickedness into Israel.
Because of his oppression and growing sin, his people were ready to revolt
at the end of his reign [Editor’s note: Israel did ask Solomon’s son,
Rehoboam, to lighten the load placed upon them by Solomon (1 Kings
12:3-4). Rehoboam’s foolish answer precipitated the split between Israel
and Judah which followed.] With Solomon we may recall the queen of
Sheba; Solomon’s son Rehoboam who became the next king; and Jeroboam,
king of the northern part of Israel that rebelled and became an independent nation.
12. Elijah, the Prophet: After the kingdom was divided, each
section had many kings, but not many good ones. The rest of Old Testament
history can be outlined better by using the names of great prophets.
One of the greatest was Elijah, who boldly stood against the efforts of
King Ahab and Queen Jezebel to turn the worship of Israel from Jehovah
to Baal. There is no book of Elijah, but his work is recorded in the two
books of Kings. With Elijah we associate Jezebel, the heathen queen;
Ahab, the king who brought her from Phoenicia to be his wife; and
Elisha, another prophet who was a helper and successor of Elijah.
13. Isaiah, the Gospel Prophet: We have come to a point in history
about seven hundred years after Moses and seven hundred years before
Christ. Isaiah prophesied when the northern part of Israel’s split nation
was taken into captivity. He foretold so many things about Christ
and Christianity that he is called the gospel prophet. With Isaiah we remember
Sennacherib, the Assyrian king who took the northern kingdom
into captivity; Hezekiah, the good king of the southern kingdom who survived
the attack of Sennacherib and for a time almost ended idolatry in
the south; and Manasseh, the wicked son and successor of Hezekiah.
14. Jeremiah, the Weeping Prophet: Jeremiah lived when Jerusalem
was destroyed and the remnant of the southern kingdom was taken
into captivity. He foretold and lamented the captivity, but foretold also
the later restoration and the new covenant. With Jeremiah we may remember
Huldah, a prophetess, who also foretold the fall of Jerusalem;
Jehoiakim, the wicked king who burned God’s Word written by Jeremiah;
and Zedekiah, the last king of the southern kingdom.
15. Daniel the Brave: Daniel was one of the Israelites taken to
Babylon in captivity. With God’s help, he became a trusted advisor to
kings of Babylon and Persia. In mystic symbolism his book tells of great
events to come [Editor’s note: Daniel’s prophecies were inspired of God
and written in figurative or symbolic language; e.g. Dan. 9-12.] With
Daniel we associate Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king who
conquered the Old Testament world and made captives of the people of
the Jew’s southern kingdom; Belshazzar, last Babylonian ruler of
Babylon, whose doom Daniel foretold; and Cyrus, the Persian king who
conquered Babylon and freed the Hebrew captives.
16. Nehemiah the Restorer: Nehemiah was a governor of the
Jews after they returned from captivity in Babylon. He rebuilt the walls
of Jerusalem, reorganized its government, and restored respect for the
law of God. Associated with Nehemiah are Artaxerxes, Persian king who
appointed Nehemiah as governor of Judah; Ezra, a scholar devoted to the
teaching of God’s law; and Malachi, who wrote the last Old Testament
book about 400 B.C. - Training for Service by Orrin Root, 1964.
Passages to Ponder
“That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be
with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen,
and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall
pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of
men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will” (Dan. 4:25).
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
January 02, 2011
Number 18
≈
TEN POINTS OF COMPARISON
PATRIARCHAL AGE
MOSAICAL AGE
CHRISTIAN AGE
[Editor’s Note: The material for this article comes from a chart, in
the possession of the editor, whose author is unknown. This article
is an adaptation of the original chart.]
PASSAGES TO PONDER
“For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of
grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word
which by the gospel is preached unto you” (1 Peter 1:24-25).
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
January 09, 2011
Number 19
≈
The following material was taken from a book entitled: You Can
Understand The Bible! Volume 3 in the Series: The Truth About The
Truth, by Thomas B. Warren, pages 56 thru 60. This book was originally
published in 1995 by National Christian Press, Inc.; Moore, Oklahoma.
PART 1
“Some Things We Should Treasure”
“The following matters are so important that they demand, during
the course of our lives, consistent and systematic study, fervent prayer
and determined application. However, lack of space demands that each
be treated only briefly. It is hoped that each reader will search the Scriptures
for himself or herself in order to grow in each of the matters noted (Ac 17;11; 1 Jn 4:1).”
“Treasure Your Life”
“Each of us has only one life on earth. We should treasure its importance.
This life is a time of probation: will one love and serve God, or
reject Him? ‘…it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this cometh
judgment;’ (He 9:27). Each of us will be brought into judgment to give
an account for the deeds done in the body. (2 Cor 5:10). At the judgment,
only one thing will really matter: has one done the will of God (Mt 21:28-31)?”
“Treasure Your Time”
“Every moment of life is precious. Death is certain in one sense
(He 9:27), and uncertain in another (Jas 4:13-15). Unless you are alive at
the time Christ returns, you will die (1 Th 4:13-17). But we do not know
exactly when Christ will return or when we will die (Jas 1:10; 1 Pet 1:24;
1 Th 5:2). So, each person should treasure each moment of his life, striving
with all of his being to make each moment of
each day what it ought to be (Mt 6:33; 1 Jn 2:17).”
“Treasure Great Things You Can Do”
“Each person should treasure the possibilities for greatness
which are in his life. Jesus, through Paul, made clear that everyone is to
strive for excellence. No one is to be satisfied with living a “second
-rate” life (Php 1:9-11). Treasure the great things which you can do for
God and for your fellow man.”
“Treasure the Truth”
“Truth should be treasured because truth saves (Jn 8:32; 1 Pet
1:20-25; Mk 16:15-16) and a lie (false doctrine) damns (2 Th 2:10-12;
Ga 1:6-9). Truth is so valuable that one should be willing to pay any
righteous price in order to ‘buy’ it, and then not be willing to ‘sell’ it (Pr
23:23). No one can be saved without learning (coming to the knowledge
of), believing, and obeying the truth (the gospel of Christ). Let every
man love the truth with all of his heart, and hate every false way (Ps 119:104).”
“Treasure Your Influence”
“Men ‘preach’ by what they do as well as by what they say (Mt
5:16; 2 Pet 3:1-2; 2 Cor 3:1-2; 11:26). It has been well said that the only
‘Bible’ some people will ever read is the life of some Christian. Wives
(or husbands) may, by their manner of life, lead their spouses to believe
in and obey the Lord (1 Pet 3:1-2).”
“Treasure Your Body”
“God expects us to care for our bodies. That is, he wants us to
keep it as physically fit as we can and to keep it free from works of the
flesh (Ga 5:19-21; 1 Cor 6:13; 2 Cor 6:12-20). No one should be a glutton,
a drunkard, a ‘work-a-holic,’a fornicator, … Husbands and wives
should be faithful to one another.” (Note: The above reference of 2 Cor
6:12-20 is incorrect. Chapter six ends at verse eighteen. Perhaps it is 1
Cor. 6:12-20 or 2 Cor. 6:12-18, both passages are relevant. Ed.)
“Treasure Your Mind”
“God wants us to be rational so that we can determine and follow
His will, which is taught in the Bible. That is, he wants us to determine
and then do good by drawing only those conclusions which are warranted
by the Biblical evidence (1 Th 5:21; Ac 17:11). Anyone who chooses
to be irrational regarding a proposition thereby declares that he is willing
to hold to that proposition regardless of what the Bible teaches about it.
This is another way of saying that the Bible is worthless. To reject the rationality
of the human mind is to reject the Bible, which God gave to rational
men. Further, each person should treasure his mind by filling it
with that which is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous
and praiseworthy (Php 4:8). To lust in one’s heart after a woman is
to be guilty of adultery (Mt 5:28). No one should allow the precious
treasure which is his mind to become a ‘garbage can’ of vulgarity, hatred,
or any other such thing.”
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples. FL
January 16, 2011
Number 20
≈
The following material was taken from a book entitled: You Can
Understand The Bible! Volume 3 in the Series: The Truth About The
Truth, by Thomas B. Warren, pages 56 thru 60. This book was originally
published in 1995 by National Christian Press, Inc.; Moore, Oklahoma.
PART 2
“Treasure Your Soul”
“The soul of each human being is worth more than the world (Mt
16:26). To lose one’s soul is to lose everything that gives worth or value
to a human being (2 Th 1:7-9). One should be willing to make any righteous
sacrifice in order to be sure that he is saved (Rev 2:10; Ac 21:13; Lk
14:26-33). To that end, one should live a life not of sparing himself but,
as Jesus did, of giving himself away (Mt 16:21). Jesus gave His life on
the cross so that men might have their sins forgiven and be with Him in
heaven throughout eternity. Every soul should be treasured beyond all
mere earthly treasures, which ‘perish with using’ (Col 2:22; 1 Cor 6:13).”
“Treasure Your Family”
“Each person should treasure his parents and every member of
his family (Eph 5:21-33). Everyone should honor his father and mother
(Eph 6:2), and every child should obey his parents in the Lord (Eph 6:1).
‘In the Lord,’ here, means to be in harmony with the Lord’s teaching.
The unmarried should treasure his or her future spouse. Each one should
dare to choose his companion on the basis of Bible teaching. Such a
choice should not be done merely on the basis of physical attraction
alone. Let each person remember that in choosing a companion one is
choosing not only a husband or wife. But he or she is also choosing the
mother or father of his or her children, even the grandparents of those children.”
“Treasure the One True Church”
“Before He was crucified, Jesus promised to build His church (Mt 16:13-20).
Just as Jesus is the only Saviour, even so He has only one
body of saved people, His church (the church of Christ), the body (Eph
1:22-23; Col 1:18). Salvation is in that body (Eph 2:13-16; Ac 20:28). No
man has the right to start another “church.” It is rebellion against God to
found a church in competition with the church which God planned in
eternity (Eph 3:10-11), which Jesus promised to build and then did build(Ac 2:1-4).”
“Treasure Your Conscience”
“Our conscience tells us to do the right thing although our conscience
does not tell us what the right thing is (Ro 2:14-15; 9:1; Ac 23:1;
24:16). The conscience functions somewhat as a traffic light functions.
Take the case when a person faces the choice of either following or not
following a course of action which he believes is wrong (sinful). In this
situation, the conscience ‘flashes’ a ‘red light,’ urging him not to go that
way. But when the person faces the choice of either following or not following
a course of action which he believes he must do to be right, the
conscience flashes a green light: it urges him to go that way. But note
that the conscience does not tell one what the will of God is. That can be
accomplished only by a proper study of the Bible (Ro 10:17; 1:16-17).
The conscience simply urges one to choose that course of action which
that person himself believes is right. Every person owes it to himself to
treasure his own conscience. No one should ever allow another person or
group of persons to function as his conscience. This is true, even if that
group should be comprised of all the rest of mankind. No one should do
what he himself believes is sinful just because people he may highly respect
urge him to do it. May every person choose to live in all good conscience
(Ac 23:1) and not sear his conscience by violating it (1 Ti 4:1-5; He 6:1-8).”
“Treasure Your Eternal Destiny”
“There never will be an end to any human being who has ever
lived or whoever will live in the future. Everyone who has ever lived will
be brought before the Lord in judgment. There, everyone shall hear the
words which will usher him or her either into eternal life or eternal punishment
(Mt 25:46; Jn 5: 28-29; Ac 17:30-31; 2 Cor 5:1-11). A man can
kill the body of another man. But no man can kill the soul (inner man,
spirit) of another man (Mt 10:28; Jas 2:26). In fact, no man call kill his
own soul. There is no way that any human being can avoid existence
throughout eternity.” – Thomas B. Warren (deceased)
Passages to Ponder
“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law
of the LORD. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that
seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk
in his ways. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! Then shall I not
be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.”
(Psalm 119:1-6)
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
January 23, 2011
Number 21
≈
Bible Authority
Paul wrote to Timothy, “All scripture is given by inspiration
of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,
for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect,
throughly furnished unto all good works,” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
The Word of God furnishes to us all that we need for life and godliness,
(2 Peter 1:3). Many times the Lord said, “He that hath ears
to hear, let him hear.” Hearing and obeying brings forth salvation,
(Rom. 10:17; 1:16-17; James 1:21).
The Lord commands that we obey His words, “But if ye
will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments;
And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments,
so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye
break my covenant,” (Lev. 26:14-15), and “See that ye refuse not
him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that
spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away
from him that speaketh from heaven,” (Heb. 12:25).
Therefore, we should ask how God commands by His Holy
Word. God speaks with authority in His Word in three ways: direct
statement, implication, and account of action.
The direct statements of the Bible appear in several forms.
A familiar passage from Mark sixteen is a good example, “And he
said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to
every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but
he that believeth not shall be damned, (Mark 16:15-16). “Go ye…”
is a command. We are commanded to preach the Gospel throughout
the world, to all people. However, “He that believeth…” is not a command
but is a direct statement. This verse teaches conditions of salvation.
Though these two verses use two different types of statements,
each has the same weight of authority. Authority which
we are obligated to obey, if we desire to please God.
The Bible authorizes by implication. Peter commanded
those that heard his sermon on the day of Pentecost as recorded by
Acts chapter two, to repent and be baptized, “Then Peter said unto
them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus
Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of
the Holy Ghost,” (Acts 2:38). This verse says nothing about confession
(Rom. 10:9-10); but since it is necessary for salvation (as
per the direct statement of Romans 10:9-10) we may correctly understand
that confession is implied by Acts 2:38, though not actually
stated. Correctly understanding the links between verses (the
harmony) is a necessary skill in order to correctly infer what God
teaches by implication. To that very end Paul wrote, “Study to
shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,” (2 Tim. 2:15).
The Bible also commands by account of action. Please note
the verses noted above from Romans, “That if thou shalt confess
with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that
God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with
the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth
confession is made unto salvation,” (Rom. 10:9-10). Paul wrote
these direct statements and an account of action can be found in the
book of Acts, “And as they went on their way, they came unto a
certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth
hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with
all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe
that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot
to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip
and the eunuch; and he baptized him,” (Acts 8:36-38). The eunuch
confessed his faith in the Lord. This confession was made before
an inspired evangelist, Philip, and has been recorded by the inspiration
of God as an account of righteous action. We are directed to
confess. The account from Acts gives an approved way to confess, but
does not restrict one to confess in only the exact words said by the eunuch.
Bible authority is rendered in three ways: direct statement,
implication, and account of action. One must carefully apply
knowledge and logically reasoning in order to correctly determine
what God authorizes in His Word. - John Rose (Dalton Defender, 028, 05/25/08)
Passages to Ponder
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter
into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father
which is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21).
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
January 30, 2011
Number 22
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THE DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION FOUND IN BAPTISM
TEXT:
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that
like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the
Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4).
THESIS:
We participate in a death, burial, and resurrection when we are baptized.
INTRODUCTION:
DISCUSSION:
CONCLUSION:
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
February 06, 2010
Number 23
≈
The Greatest Gift of All
When the idea of “gifts” is pondered, one commonly would
consider the act of “giving.” Truly one cannot receive a gift except
it first be given by someone. Giving is indeed at the very heart of
the Biblical Message (cf. John 3:16; John 15:13-14; Rom. 8:32). It is to the
verse from John chapter three that this article would bring the reader’s attention.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life” (John 3:16). “God so loved the world,” Our Heavenly
Father loved man, whom He created in His own image, to
such an extent that He did a certain thing – that thing was to
“give!” What precipitated such giving? The answer is found in
Genesis chapter three.
Adam and Eve had transgressed the law of God, thereby
sinning (Gen. 3: 6; cf.1 John 3:4). The punishment prescribed for
their sin was death, “…thou shalt surely die” (Gen. 2:17). Adam
and his wife stood condemned before their Creator and were
powerless to redeem themselves or to justify themselves in the
sight of God. Action now had to be taken to save these two precious
souls from everlasting destruction (1 Thess. 1:7-9). Who took
action? God. As was exemplified in the inquiry by God of Adam,
who was hiding in shame among the vegetation of the Garden
(Gen. 3:8-9); so God was the One to move first. He put into place
His eternal plan to save men from their sins, “Who hath saved us,
and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but
according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in
Christ Jesus before the world began” (2 Tim. 1:9; cf. Eph. 3:11; Titus 1:2; Rev. 13:8).
It is/was the eternal plan or purpose of God to save man
by the sacrifice of His Son upon the Cross.
What [or more precisely: who] then was “given?” The very
Son of God, “… that he gave his only begotten Son…” The Son was
“given,” but who is the Son? “In the beginning was the Word, and
the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1; cf.
John 10: 30; Php. 2:6). Jesus is God – He is Deity. The Lord told
Philip, “…he that hath seen me hath seen the Father…” What is the
implication of these facts? That God gave Himself! What could
be more sublime or majestic than this Heavenly ideal – God gave
Himself for us; for our sakes. We who were sinners (Rom. 5:8) and
enemies of God (Rom. 5:10) received this unfathomable gift! The
One that had been scorned and despised and disregarded; was the
very One that took away the scorner’s reproach.
The concept of such great love as has been demonstrated by
God toward us requires spiritual maturity to grasp and the end of
its depths shall never be found by the minds of men. However,
when one does lay hold of this great example, many passages of
Scripture open with greater meaning and depth, such as:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your
ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than
the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts
than your thoughts” (Isa. 55:8-9). What has been the great example
of this? God gave Himself for us.
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our
likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and
over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth,
and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God
created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him;
male and female created he them” (Gen. 1:26-27). What is the
greatest means by which God has shown us how to be like Him?
God gave Himself for us.
“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I
have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay
down his life for his friends” (John 15:12-13). How has God loved
us? God gave Himself for us.
Finally, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies
of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable
unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Rom. 12:1).
Why is it our “reasonable service” to “give” our entire beings
(Matt. 22:37-40) unto God in service and subjection? Because God
gave Himself for us! Oh, how unsearchable are the riches of God
(Rom. 11:33; Eph. 3:8)! – John
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
February 13, 2010
Number 24
≈
Listen to a sermon on Worship Part – 1
Artificial Worship
Artificial respiration is well-known to the average household in
America. If a heart failure is apparent, artificial means may save a
life. How may our hearts be stimulated? Should we leave the Word
of God for man-made procedures? Years ago I sat in an audience of
several hundred brethren and listened to the preacher talk about the
Lord’s Supper. He laughed and joked about “three songs and a
prayer.” He ranted about formality, routine, and form. He suggested
that worship could be made meaningful by simply changing
procedure. He thought weak hearts could be revived by artificial
means. We know that the routine does not stimulate the Bible
heart. For over sixty-five years I have been taking the Lord’s Supper,
and it never occurred to me that I might be engaging in a ritual.
My mind, at the Lord’s Table, goes back over two thousand
years to the death of Christ. It never dawned on me that the order
of the worship had anything to do with the solemnity of the Lord’s
Supper. For over thirty years I have visited the graves of my mother
and father. I need no artificial means to stir memories at the
graveside. It makes no difference at which gate I enter the
cemetery or the direction I approach the graves. The denominations
use candles, shout and burn incense, use quartets, solos, testify,
and play the organ. Paul said, “…let a man examine himself and
so let him eat…” (1 Cor. 11:28; JDR). May God have mercy on us
if we have to have some form to stir our memories.
– G.K. Wallace (deceased)
An Open Door
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find;
knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Mat. 7:7). Are we asking,
seeking and knocking? Our prospect for success in the Lord’s
work is as bright as the promises of God. We should keep our
minds more on the resources than on the difficulties. Let us attempt
great things for God and expect great things. All great forward
movements have been brought about by men who trusted the uncharted
and unknown. Think of the work of Christopher Columbus,
the Wright brothers, and Thomas Edison. Paul was not afraid
to go to Rome with the Gospel of God. We have a promise of victory.
The church will stand as long as the world lasts (Mat. 16:18).
The messenger may be imprisoned but not the Message. The Seed
of the Kingdom is to grow silently and irresistibly. The door is
open and God will answer prayer. His promises are conditional.
Victory is conditioned on faith (1 John 5:4). Help from God is conditioned
upon love and obedience. “…If a man love me, he will
keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come
unto him, and make our abode with him,” (John 14:23). Prayer is
conditioned on doing the will of God (1 John 5:14). If we do our
part, we need not be afraid that God will fail in His promises.
– G. K. Wallace (deceased)
Evil Companions
“…Evil communications [companions] corrupt good manners
[morals]” (1 Cor. 15:33). The choice of personal associates is
very important. To go wrong here could cause one to lose his soul.
There is an old proverb that says, “There were two dry logs and
one green log, but the dry logs burned up the green one.” Our associates
could destroy us. We all need congenial society. The kind of
people with whom we associate is a sure sign of our character. We
are the result of our choices. One may be ever so sound in the
Faith, but if he frequents the company of corrupt men he will soon
become as they are. We should be careful of our company because
of what we are. Evil companions will not tolerate us unless we adapt
to their so-called “lifestyle.” Our dedication to Christ should be
so complete that we will shun evil companions. Half-hearted men
lead only half a life. The only way to keep character up is to live
up to the highest standard at all times – Jesus Christ. Paul said,
“…have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but
rather reprove them”(Eph. 5:11).
– G. K. Wallace (deceased)
Listen to a sermon on Worship Part – 1
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
February 20, 2011
Number 25
≈
Great Soldiers
We constantly talk about the men who have fought great
battles on the frontline. We overlook the great men and women
who have served in a more humble position. The preacher is important
in the congregation and so is the janitor. The place one occupies
is not as important as the faithful service rendered. There
was a law in Israel that said, “…but as his part is that goeth down to
the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall
part alike” (1 Sam. 30:24). This was a just law. He who stayed at
home and served had a right to share in the booty of war. The
preacher and the janitor who serve to the best of their ability will
be recompensed alike. If we have served to the best of our talents,
we shall all be crowned alike. We praise the great preachers of
today and yesterday and overlook the great mothers who gave us
their sons and trained them so well. “Brighten the corner where you are.”
– G.K. Wallace (deceased)
A “De-sexed bible”
Editor’s Note: The word “sex” as is used in the following
article has reference only to gender.
Recently there has been published a new bible. Note that I
spelled Bible here with a small “b”. It was brought out by the
United Church of Christ – no relation to us. It is like most others –
an effort, not to translate the Word from the Greek but to destroy
the Bible. God made man and then He made woman. We would
like to pass along this statement by Burton Coffman as printed in
the May 8th issue of Firm Foundation (p.8). He says, “Brethren,
how far are you willing to go down the road of arrogance, conceit,
unbelief, and blasphemy with those sons of the devil who arrogate to
themselves the right to determining what is and what is not the word of God?
Sex is a distinction taught not only in the Bible but by
every fact associated with human life, indeed of all life: and for
those who do not accept what God has revealed we should not attempt
to accommodate to their views. Let them alter the facts of
life and of history first, then fulminate against the Bible.”
How long will it be before some preacher or Sunday school
teacher will bring this book for use in our services? Will you object?
If so, some will say, “You are as contrary as old brother Wallace.”
How long will it take us to learn that most of these so-called
translations are only paraphrases or books that have been changed
to accommodate certain denominations?
Some of the theologians who are trying to de-sex the Bible
are now saying that Jesus was a woman. What will they say when
they start discussing the devil? Will they tell us that the devil is a woman?
– G.K. Wallace (deceased)
Our Worship
Jesus said two men went up into the temple to pray. One of
them trusted in himself and “…set all others at nought” (Lk.18:9;
ASV). Paul said of the men of Athens that they “…spent their time
in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing” (Actsv17:21).
They, like some of us, were too self-centered to truly worship God.
When I take my place in the assembly of the saints of
God, do I immediately begin to ask myself, “Is the preacher positive
or negative? Is he relevant for this day and age? Why don’t we
have a great orator? Just who is that song leader? Why is not this
congregation more friendly? Is he going to speak overtime?” Like
the Pharisee, I feel self-righteous and “set all others at nought.”
When the service is over the worship has been ignored. Worship
has nothing to do with who leads the songs. Worship has nothing to
do with the talents of the preachers. Jesus said, “…the true worshippers
shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth…” (John 4:23).
– G.K. Wallace (deceased)
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
February 27, 2011
Number 26
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REMEMBERING WHAT THE LORD OUR GOD HAS COMMANDED
TEXT:
“And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and
for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD’S law
may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the
LORD brought thee out of Egypt. Thou shalt therefore keep
this ordinance in his season from year to year”(Exo. 13:9-10).
THESIS:
To show the importance of keeping in memory what
the Lord has commanded.
INTRODUCTION:
DISCUSSION:
CONCLUSION:
Passages to Ponder
“I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren,
like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall
speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to
pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he
shall speak in my name, I will require it of him” (Deu. 18: 18-19).
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
March 06, 2011
Number 27
≈
THE MEANING OF LIBERALISM
“Liberalism” is a term which is being heard and seen with increasing
frequency. It is important that we clearly understand the sense in
which the word is being used. The tremendously wonderful Freed-Hardeman
Lectureship of two years ago dealt entirely with the problem of liberalism:
THE CHURCH FACES LIBERALISM. It was the privilege of
this writer to speak each day on that lectureship. In the early portion of
my work I made a special effort to try to explain the meaning of the word
“liberalism”– at least as was being used in the lessons which I was
presenting. Following is some of the material which was presented at that time.
Brother Deaver’s words are as timely today (2011) as they
were when he wrote them. Liberalism has engulfed the mainstream
so-called “Christian” religions. Our world is full of this insidious
disease. If you doubt it – just look at the world around you!
The remainder of this article will be in next week’s bulletin and
will be followed by more from brother Deaver concerning “liberalism.”
– John
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
March 13, 2011
Number 28
≈
THE MEANING OF LIBERALISM
Part 2
LIBERALISM
and
TWO BASIC PHILOSOPHIES
Basically, the problem of liberalism is a philosophical one.
Philosophy relates to basic attitudes, positions, thoughts, and principles
out of which come actions, conduct, and related thinking. My actions in
the political realm will be the product of my basic political philosophy.
My conduct with regard to the Bible teaching will be the product of my
attitude toward the Bible. If I regard it as being a miraculous product
from God to man, then my conduct will be of a certain kind. If I regard it
as being a purely human product, then my conduct will be of an entirely
different kind. In 2 Pet. 3, verse 3, Peter referred to the “mockers” who
would come with mockery, walking in their own lusts, and saying
“Where is the promise of his coming?” Denying the Lord’s final coming,
these mockers walked in lusts. In verse 11 Peter refers to the conduct of
those who know that the Lord will come: “Seeing that these things are
thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all
holy living and godliness, …” One’s basic attitude – basic philosophy of
life – will govern all his thinking and will be reflected in conduct. Liberalism
is the product of many antecedent philosophies, but is also itself a philosophy.
As we think about liberalism, and how it is affecting the church
of our Lord, it would be well for us to glance at two popular philosophies
which have had and which continue to have great influence in the world,
and especially in America. We have in mind the philosophies of
“Existentialism” and “Pragmatism.”
Existentialism – This philosophy has been extremely popular in
France and Germany, and in the English-speaking world, since World
War II. The basic questions with which this philosophy attempts to deal
are: What is the point of man’s life? What sense can be made out of human
existence? What is the purpose of human events? The existentialist’s
view is one of pessimism. He says: “We are trapped in existence, living
in a completely meaningless world. But, we cannot escape having to deal
with existence.” He talks about “dreadful freedom” and “Nausea.”
– Roy Deaver, (deceased), Defender, November, 1972
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
March 20, 2011
Number 29
≈
LIBERALISM
and
TWO BASIC PHILOSOPHIES
Part 2
Out of this morbid background comes the existentialist’s humanism.
He searches for ways of dealing with human experiences. He devotes
his time and talents to the everyday problems which confront mankind.
He becomes an activist inhuman affairs. He talks about “aliveness”
and “action” and “dynamism.” This, to the existentialist, is all that matters.
The philosophy texts point out that existentialism has deeply influenced
contemporary intellectual life in Western Europe, and in England and America.
I am not saying that everyone who subscribes to the philosophy
of existentialism knows what it is. I am saying that it has tremendously
influenced our world, through the educational system.
Pragmatism – This philosophy likewise relates to action, to practicality,
to problem solving. Pragmatism is “a method for solving or evaluating
intellectual problems …” Pragmatism holds that “our intellectual
activity, our philosophizing, has as its purpose the attempt to resolve difficulties
that arise in the course of our attempts to deal with experience.”
Pragmatism judges a theory on the basis of whether or not it serves as a
successful way of dealing with the problem at hand. The pragmatist
holds that the theory is true if it works – it has been found to deal successfully
with experience. “The pragmatists contend … that the only reason
people have for calling one view true, and another false, is in relation
to how the view works in human experience, never in relation to some
absolute standards independent of all human experience.” Williams
James maintained: “The only reason we have for asserting that anything
is true is whether it works.” Pragmatism holds that before one discovers
whether an idea or theory works it is neither true nor false. For example:
prior to the discovery of America the idea that “There is a large land mass
located between Europe and Asia” was neither true nor false. With
the work of Columbus, the theory became true. According to pragmatism,
therefore, an idea might work for a while, and thus be true. Later, it
might cease to work and would thus become false. “Truth, then, is not
something static and unchangeable; instead it grows and develops with
time. At various times in human history, certain theories and ideas may
be satisfactory for the problems then current. However, with further experience
and difficulties, that which is true expands and grows to meet
newer conditions. Presumably, at no time will we ever reach a completion
or culmination of this process.”
What about pragmatism and moral conduct? The same basic
concept would apply. That which works, that which satisfies, that which
succeeds – is true. That which does not work, which does not satisfy,
which does not succeed – is false. What is true today might be false
tomorrow. If the problem is one of meeting certain financial obligations,
the pragmatist would ask: what would be the right way to solve this
problem? By “right” he would mean: what way will work? The pragmatist
would decide that under the present circumstances (and culture) robbing
a bank would be “wrong.” It would be “wrong” – not because of
some outside, absolute moral standard, but because the evidence
is that this method will not work!
“Truth” in pragmatism is that which happens to satisfy you, to
meet your personal needs. If you happen to believe that the moon is
made of green cheese – if this meets your personal needs – then it is true
that the moon is made of green cheese. If, later, you learn that the moon
is made of blue cheese, then the green cheese view is no longer true.
Brethren, it doesn’t take a genius to see that the doctrines of “relativism,”
“subjectivism,” “the new morality,” “situation ethics,” etc. are the natural
products of the basic philosophies of existentialism and pragmatism.
– Roy Deaver, (deceased), Defender, November, 1972
“If there is a life after this life – and there is; and if there is a
judgment to come – and there is; and if every accountable person shall
stand in judgment before the Christ – and each shall; and if this life is
given us that we may prepare for the life to come – and this is the case;
and if the Bible is our only and all-sufficient guide in making preparation
for the judgment, and for the life to come – and it is; then, it has to be the
case that a knowledge of the Bible is the most important factor in the life
and education of an individual.”
– Roy Deaver, (deceased), How To Study The Bible, 1991
~ Remember 2 Tim. 2:15 ~
Passages to Ponder
“And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy
it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the
LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David
bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver”
(2 Sam. 24:24).
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
March 27, 2011
Number 30
≈
THE FIRST AND LAST ADAM
TEXT:
“And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living
soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit,” (1 Cor. 15:45).
THESIS:
To recognize man as the created being that he is and
his responsibility to God and the salvation He offers.
INTRODUCTION:
DISCUSSION:
I. The man found in First Corinthians 15:45.
II. The Plan found in First Corinthians 15:45.
CONCLUSION:
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
April 03, 2011
Number 31
≈
Inner Light
With many the Word of God is not the power of God unto
salvation; it is only a witness to God’s Word. They tell us that as
they read the Bible the Holy Spirit gives them special light on the
passage read. If this is true, then the reader becomes a divine
speaker for God. That is all the pope of Rome claims. He speaks
for God. I had just as soon have the pope as some teenager who
claims he or she has a special leading in their “call meetings” or
“soul talks.” This is called by some a “personal encounter.” The
Bible is set aside as a true guide and is made only a means of
bringing a person into a “personal encounter.” The doctrine of “inner
light” gave us every major denomination among us. Let us remember
that the “Bible is right” and that “it is not within man that
walketh to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23). God’s means of converting
and leading man is the Word of God (Rom. 1:16). The advocates of
emotional religion talk much about the Holy Spirit and, at the same
time, ignore what the Holy Spirit says in His Holy Word. The spirit
that leads a man outside of the Word of God is not holy.
– G.K. Wallace (deceased)
Old Folks
In the vigor of youth, we despised danger. Now our caution
increases year by year. With many, life if a problem preventing being
idle. We are anxious about a continual existence. Winter is on
our heads but spring is in our hearts. Roses and violets smell just as
they did forty years ago. Our minds cannot be perplexed or
frightened but go in a quiet peace like a clock in a thunderstorm.
The events of life flow on as usual. It has been well said that the
“fuller the current, the more noiseless it flows.” Time passes
swiftly – months and years are so much alike that we hardly notice.
Victor Hugo said, “Forty is the old age of youth: fifty is the youth
of old age.” It may be better to be seventy or eighty years young
and not forty years old. If we would stay young in heart we must
keep the mind active. Read, read, and read. The man who is mentally
active does not grow old like the one who never thinks. The
mind, like muscles, needs exercise. Chapirl said, “An aged Christian,
with snow on his head, may remind us that those points of earth
are whitest which are nearest heaven.” David said, “The days of
our years are threescore and ten; and if by reason of strength
fourscore years… for it is soon cut off and we fly away…So teach
us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom” (Psa. 90:10, 12).
– G.K. Wallace (deceased)
Confessing Faults
“Confess your faults [sins] one to another, and pray one for
another that ye might be healed” (Jas. 5:16). Private wrongs should
be corrected privately (Mt. 18:15). A Christian is doing himself an
incalculated [sic] injury to try to hide a public sin. When a sin is
known, one does not confess the sin but his repentance of that sin.
The wrongdoer needs to make known his or her repentance of that
sin. When a sin is well-known, the sinner should publicly make
known his or her purpose to quit the wrong. To fail to do so may
cause others to do the same sin. He who tried to hide his sin is
adding the sin of hypocrisy to the wrong committed. The prodigal
son said, “I will arise and go to my father, and I will say unto him,
Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight” (Lk. 15:18).
Today, we not only have “backsliders,” we have “insliders.” Backsliders
are those who have publicly sinned so as to bring reproach
upon the church, but, instead of making a public confession and
asking the forgiveness of the church, they just “slide into the congregation”
and feel forgiven. A Christian who has done a public wrong is
never humble enough to be forgiven until he is humble enough to
take away the reproach he has publicly brought on the church.
– G.K. Wallace (deceased)
Passages to Ponder
“As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is
tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. For who is God
save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth
me with strength, and maketh my way perfect” (Psa. 18:30-32).
WORDS OF FAITH
“… nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine …”
1 Tim. 4:6
Central Church of Christ Naples, FL
April 10, 2011
Number 32
≈
Tradition vs. Doctrine
“Well … it was good enough for my mom and daddy, so it’s
good enough for me!” Has the reader ever heard words such as
these? Such heated statements are often given sincerely and with
great passion. But is this declaration and others like it and the
motives behind them, compliant with the teachings of God’s Word?
The Lord spoke on a number of occasions concerning traditions
and the way of righteousness.
Jesus reprimanded the Jews for keeping their own traditions
rather than God’s commands. One such place is found in the recorded
words of Mark, (Mark 7:1-9). Please note these phrases from
this passage: “holding the tradition of the elders”… “Why walk not
thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders”…“ye hold the
tradition of men”…“that ye may keep your own tradition.” These
traditions were the long standing practices which had been introduced
by men and were enforced by men. They had been observed
and forced upon the people for so long that they had been accepted
as law. Did the Lord say once that these were the “traditions” of
God? No. He said just the opposite, “For laying aside the commandment
of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of
pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do,” (Mark 7:8).
The Lord’s words recorded in verse eight clearly contrast the Word
of God and the traditions of men. Their practices were not from the
Law of God but from their own imaginations. Hygienic practices
are not condemned, but rather the enforcement of men’s laws as though
they were God’s. Please note the following implied lesson from verse eight.
The Lord said, “For laying aside the command ment of God,
ye hold the tradition of men…” (Mark 7:8). In order
for them to “hold the traditions of men” they had to lay aside the
commandments of God. This is an “either-or” situation. One must
choose between God’s commandments and the traditions of men.
These verses plainly teach that substitutionary practices are sinful.
Matthew’s parallel account of this same context says that they were
transgressing God’s law, “But he answered and said unto them,
Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition,”
(Matt. 15:3). When one chooses to make his or her traditions
their law (as regards righteousness), they sin before God. When Jesus
was tempted, as recorded in Matthew chapter four, He said,
“…Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the
Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” (Matt. 4:10). The “only” here
would exclude man and his doctrines as surely as it excludes Satan.
Salvation and guidance unto righteousness come not from
men but from God (Isa. 55: 8-9, Jer. 10:23). The fact is, that God
makes the rules and we are to follow them. How sad it is that many
people have forgotten this. The Pharisees of the first century had
forgotten this and so have those of the twenty-first century when
they utter such things as the opening quotation of this article.
How shall we regard God? Shall it be according to Isa. 45:5
and Mark 12:29-30? Or will it be as we want it? How shall we conduct
our worship service to God? Shall it be as the Lord taught by
John (John 4: 23-24)? Or will it be according to our own opinions?
How shall we preach? Will it be the Truth (1 Peter 4:11, Gal. 1:11-
12) or some so-called “gospel” (Gal. 1:6-9)? What terms of salvation
shall we obey? Will we obey what the Bible says concerning
salvation (Rom.10:17, Heb. 11:6, Luke 13:3, Acts 8:37, Acts 2:38,
Mark 16:15-16, Rev. 2:10)? Or will we obey our own rules (2 Thess.1:7-9)?
Is what your mother and father believed really the determining
factor for how to be saved? Is something right just because it
has become our “tradition”? Psalm nineteen declares that it is God
that is right, “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul:
the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The
statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment
of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the
LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are
true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than
gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the
honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping
of them there is great reward,” (Psalm 19:7-11). God is the one
that is right. Amen! - John (Dalton Defender, 2008)
Passages to Ponder
“And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words
of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That
your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of
God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the
wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to
nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden
wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which
none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they
would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Cor. 2:4-8).