Article - Is It Wrong To "Mark/Note" Christian Individuals And Congregations Of The Lord's People? (part 1)
When discussing with fellow Christians the idea of “marking” or “noting” a Christian or congregation, some Christians get very offended and speak of how Christians should not practice such (Proverbs 16:25). However, our authority is not in man but in Jesus and the New Testament (Matthew 28:18; John 12:48; Colossians 3:17). The Bible mentions the importance of “marking/noting” individuals and congregations. Furthermore, it authorizes the practice of noting faithful individuals and churches as patterns for other Christians and churches to follow (1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17). Paul noted/boasted about the Macedonian churches because of their wonderful ability in giving as a way to exhort the Achaian church (2 Corinthians 8:1-2). He especially emphasized that “no church,” other than the Philippian church, “shared with” him “concerning giving and receiving” (Philippians 4:15). Jesus through the writing of John publicly circulated the fact that the Smyrna church and the Philadelphian church were faithful (Revelation 2:8-11; 3:7-13). Paul wrote publicly about the faithfulness of Epaphras, Tychicus, Onesimus, Silvanus and other Christians (Colossians 1:7; 4:7-9; 1 Peter 5:12). John “marked” Demetrius for his good testimony (3 John 1:12). Therefore, the Bible is clear that it is not wrong to mark/note individuals and congregations for their faithfulness in the Lord. There are several reasons why this should be done: (1) It encourages surrounding congregations and individuals (Philippians 1:12-14). When other Christians heard of Paul’s faithfulness and persecution, it led them to greater boldness and faithfulness in their work; (2) It reminds Christians that there is just one true church with many congregations (1 Corinthians 12:20); (3) It is a way to keep in contact with one another; to pray, edify, and help each other get to heaven; (4) It is a wonderful encouragement to look to other faithful brethren as good examples and follow their sound leadership; (5) It reinforces what the pattern is.
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Article - The Catholic Church Is Not Part Of The Christian Faith
The Catholic Church claims it is the only true church when in fact it is not even part of the one true church of the New Testament. Consider the following passages which prophesy about/provide descriptions of the early stages of the Catholic Church: (1) some to DEPART FROM THE FAITH and bind the teachings of celibacy and abstinence from foods, 1 Timothy 4:1-5 [priests/nuns must be celibate and Catholics must observe Lent, etc.]. (2) the MAN OF SIN, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-10: (a) the day of Jesus’ coming will not occur unless the falling away comes first [the first full-fledged falling away/denomination was the Catholic Church]; (b) the man of sin/lawless one will exalt himself above all that is called God [the papacy eventually produced the first universal pope/father/head in A.D. 606, namely, Boniface III, violating Matthew 23:9 and Ephesians 1:15-23; furthermore, Catholic Tradition is exalted above the Bible; compare (3) the LITTLE HORN of Daniel 7:15-25 which also refers to the early stages of Catholicism which “change times and law”]; (c) he will sit as God in the temple [“church”, Ephesians 2:21; the papacy claims it can personally remove sins, violating Mark 2:7-10]; (d) he was fully revealed some time after the restraining power of the Roman Empire was removed in A.D. 476 (popes transformed Catholicism into a political power in the 700s); (e) he comes with all power, signs and lying wonders (papacy claims miraculous ability); (f) he deceives (over one billion people follow the pope today). (4) Finally, read about Catholicism as the EARTH BEAST of Revelation 13:11-17. I plead with Catholics to drop Catholicism and become Christians only and added members of the body/church of Christ (Matthew 16:18-19). You will not be able to obtain “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” until you reject all Traditions/Churches of men (Romans 16:16; Ephesians 4:1-6)!
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Article - The churches of Christ: Romans 16:16
The New Testament teaches that the church of Christ began in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost (Feast of Weeks; Sunday) after Jesus’ resurrection (around A.D. 30: Matthew 16:18-19; Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:1, 5, 47; Leviticus 23:15-16). About three thousand lost souls who gladly received the gospel message, repented and were baptized in the name of Jesus so that their sins would be remitted/forgiven (Acts 2:36-41, 47). As these precious souls were being cleansed by the blood of Jesus in bpatism, the Lord was delivering them from the power of darkness and adding them to the church of Christ, the kingdom of God’s dear Son (Acts 2:38, 41, 47; 22:16; Revelation 1:5; Colossians 1:13; 1 Corinthians 12:13). Because of their obedience to the gospel message, they also received (the gift of) the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38-39; 5:32). These new converts (and all other subsequent, faithful Christians) spent Sunday steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine (teaching) and fellowship (sharing worship and salvation in common), in the breaking of bread (the Lord’s Supper) and in prayers (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:20, 23-29; Jude 1:3; 1 John 1:5-7). Other passages indicate that faithful Christians also assembled together every Sunday and worshiped God by singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs and giving as they had prospered (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Hebrews 10:24-26). In conclusion, we have learned that the church of Christ (1) began in the city of Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost (Sunday) nearly two thousand years ago; (2) Those who gladly received the gospel message, repented of their sins and were baptized so that their sins would be remitted and they would be saved; (3) those who repented and were baptized received (the gift of) the Holy Spirit; (4) the Lord added to the church of Christ daily those who were being saved; (5) the saved church worshiped God together on Sunday, engaging in teaching, fellowship, the Lord’s Supper, prayers, singing and giving. Would you like to learn more about the church of Christ?
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Article - Repent And Be Baptized For The Remission Of Sins (Part 1)
Several years ago Richard Heatherly (“Pastor” of a Baptist Church) wrote an article in a Fayetteville, Tennessee sales paper in which he boldly admitted that Acts 2:38 “clearly relates baptism to the remission of sins.” I was encouraged by Richard’s willingness to make such an admission as he proceeded to tackle such a controversial topic in a thorough manner. In order for religious people to fulfill God’s command to “speak the same thing,” have “no divisions” (including NO denominations) and “be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment,” we must have an open Bible, an open mind and an open discussion (ignoring one another has accomplished nothing all these years; study Acts 17:11; 18:26 and 1 Corinthians 1:10).
The title of Richard’s article asked, “In What Sense Does Baptism Remit Sins?” Richard’s answer was: metaphorically, symbolically, ceremonially. Do you the reader gather such an idea when you study Acts 2:36-38? After the Jewish audience was accused by Peter of crucifying the Christ, they were cut to the heart and ask the apostles, “What shall we do?” Did the Jews want to know what they needed to do to receive remission of sins symbolically? Or were they seeking literal forgiveness? The two things Peter commanded his audience (and all of us) to do in order to receive the remission of sins were 1) repent and 2) be baptized. Why did Richard not take notice or mention that Acts 2:38 also says repent for the remission of sins? Baptism remits sins in the same way that repentance does (Acts 3:19). For Richard to consistently hold on to his doctrine, he would have to also teach that a sinner repents in order to remit his sins symbolically. If not, why not? (see part 2 for a final analysis of Acts 2:38).
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Article - The Cowboy Church (part 2)
[Continued from part 1]: (4) The Cowboy Church has as its primary overseer just one “Pastor” (who does not even meet the qualifications contained in 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1); whereas, the overseers of each congregation of the one true church found in the Bible meet the requirements contained in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 (Acts 14:23; 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1-7;1 Peter 5:1-5).(5) The Cowboy Church permits female preachers to have authority over males; whereas, the church that Jesus built is commanded to have male preachers in their assemblies while the women keep quiet (1 Corinthians 14:34; 1 Timothy 2:11-15; 1 Corinthians 11:3); (6) The Cowboy Church adds mechanical instruments of music in worship; whereas, the church of Christ simply follows the specified command to sing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 13:15); (7) The Cowboy Church teaches faith only; whereas, the church of Christ teaches the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27; James 2:24-26) pertaining to the plan of salvation: to be washed in Jesus’ blood you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 3:16), repent of your sins (Acts 17:30), confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10) and be immersed into Christ so that your sins will be washed away (Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:20-21). While the Cowboy Church may be the fastest growing “flavor-of-the-day” Church, making many of the John Wayne niche happy, it is, nonetheless another addition to the denominational world that promotes a perverted gospel, goes beyond that which is written and opposes Biblical unity (1 Corinthians 1:10; 4:6; Romans 16:17-18). May all realize the urgency of abandoning all false Churches with their false gospels and get back to the one true faith and the one true gospel (2 Corinthians 11:4; Ephesians 4:1-6)!
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Article - The Cowboy Church (part 1)
"Preachers tell corny jokes. Worshipers whoop, holler and clap. The bands jam with banjos, mandolins, guitars, drums and sometimes even a worn washboard….The sermons usually last just a few minutes so as not to make the audience restless" (http://articles.latimes.com/2008/aug/18/nation/na-cowboy18). You will not find these things in the New Testament church, but you will find them in the Cowboy Church.
Not only does the Cowboy Church fail to resemble Christ’s church, but their doctrine and practices are completely contrary to the doctrine of Christ and must be exposed (John 8:31; 1 Timothy 1:3; 2 John 1:9-11; Ephesians 5:11). Here are a few contrasting points: (1) The Cowboy Church was founded about 40 years ago in the southern part of the United States; whereas, the church of Christ was founded by Jesus in the first century A.D. in Jerusalem (Acts 1:12; 2:1, 47; 20:28); (2) In order for a group of “Christians” to be a Cowboy Church, they must wear the name “Cowboy Church” and abide by a manmade constitution, such as, the American Cowboy Church Constitution and By-Laws (www.americanfcc.org); whereas, the Lord adds those who have been saved to the church of Christ, the kingdom of God’s dear Son (Acts 2:38, 41, 47; Colossians 1:13; 1 Corinthians 12:13). The church of Christ abides by the one and only standard, namely, the Bible (Philippians 3:16; Romans 10:17). True New Testament Christians in various locations make up “the churches of Christ” based on New Testament authority given to them by Jesus (Matthew 16:18; 28:18; Romans 16:16; Colossians 3:17); (3) Most Cowboy Churches recognize the Baptist Faith and Message (1963); whereas, the church of Christ only recognizes the doctrine contained in the New Testament and contends earnestly for the faith (Galatians 1:6-10; Jude 1:3).
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Article - Just exactly who are the churches of Christ and what do they believe?
“Just exactly who are the churches of Christ and what do they believe?” Let me begin by saying that the churches of Christ are not a part of the reformation movement, or the restoration movement that occurred in America over a century ago. The churches of Christ are not a denomination because the Bible teaches denominationalism and division is a sin (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). Just who are the churches of Christ then?
Who are they? The churches of Christ are trying to be the church of the first century that we read of in the Bible. They were not established by any man, but they were established by Jesus Christ in the first century (Matthew 16:13-18). The churches of Christ have no man made creed (Proverbs 16:25) but strive to follow the Bible only (Colossians 3:17). The churches of Christ have no human leader, such as a pope, cardinal, or head of the church, except for Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:20-22). The churches of Christ are called by a Bible name, not the name of a man or great religious leader (Acts 4:11-12, 1 Corinthians 3:11). In short, the churches of Christ are trying to be the church we read of in the Bible without any man made additions or subtractions (See Revelation 22:18-19).
What do they believe? The fundamental belief of the New Testament church was to do things exactly as Jesus and the Apostles had told them to do (Romans 5:4, 1 Corinthians 4:6). This is what the churches of Christ today believe also. We believe in restoring the New Testament church back to its original state as seen in the Bible. For example, the first century church met on the first day of the week to partake of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7) and the churches of Christ believe this is the same pattern we should follow today (Acts 2:42). In fact, one might wonder where the authority for partaking of the Lord’s Supper on Easter and Christmas is at in the Bible. In addition, in the churches of Christ you will not find mechanical instruments of music to worship God with. We do not have these because they are not commanded in the New Testament. God tells us specifically to sing and make melody in our hearts (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). One might wonder where an example of the New Testament church using instruments is in the Bible. There is no authority for the use of mechanical instruments and we cannot go beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6, Proverbs 30:6). While these are definitely not all the beliefs of the churches of Christ, these are worthy of our consideration.
The churches of Christ are not trying to bind where God has not bound, but we are also not trying to loose where God has not allowed us. We simply want to do what the Bible says and put our faith in God not men.
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Article - Kingdom and Acts (part 2)
In the book of Acts we learn how to enter into Jesus’ kingdom (the church of Christ). Acts 2:36-38, 41, 47: once you realize you are lost in sin and that Jesus is Lord and Christ, you must repent (change your mind/heart) and be baptized (immersed) for (expresses purpose, Matthew 26:28) the remission (sending away, forgiveness) of sins (Acts 2:36-38; 13:38-39). If you gladly receive this message, you will want to immediately be immersed; and once you are immersed, the Lord will add you to His saved/His church (Acts 2:41, 47; 16:33). After all, if you are not born of water and Spirit, you will not enter into the kingdom (John 3:3, 5; Titus 3:4-5). And if you are not in the kingdom, you will not enter into heaven (1 Corinthians 15:22-24; Hebrews 12:25-29; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). You do not get into Jesus’ kingdom through your own self-righteous works or merely saying “Lord, Lord”, but through works of obedience (Matthew 5:20; 7:21; Acts 5:32; 10:35; Romans 6:17; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Hebrews 5:8-9; James 2:24). You must humbly be converted (Matthew 18:3; Acts 3:19; 17:30). You must trust solely in the Lord and not in your material possessions/wealth (Mark 10:24-25). Do not let your religious leaders talk you out of entering into the church of Christ (Matthew 23:13; Acts 5:29; Colossians 2:18).
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Article - How Does the New Testament Define “Fellowship”
The New Testament word for “fellowship” is from a Greek word which means “common” (“koinos”, where we get our English word “coin”, which is our “common” currency). There are two aspects to this word. One has to do with physical fellowship and the other has to do with spiritual fellowship. From the standpoint of physical fellowship, all human beings share in common or “partake of” the physical traits of flesh and blood (Hebrews 2:14); but what about the spiritual aspect of fellowship? First and foremost, spiritual fellowship is a “sharing in common” with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Philippians 2:1; 1 John 1:3). In order for one to have the true spiritual “fellowship” mentioned in Ephesians 3:9, he must become a joint-heir, part of the joint-body and a joint-partaker of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel (Ephesians 3:6). In other words, he must obey the gospel and get into the body of Christ in order to become a “partaker” of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8; 1 Corinthians 12:13). According to the doctrine of Christ, the persons who are in fellowship with God are only those who have heard and believed the gospel, repented of their sins, confessed Jesus, been baptized scripturally “for the remission of sins”, been added by the Lord to the church of Christ and are remaining loyal to Jesus and His doctrine (Acts 2:38, 41, 47; Romans 10:9-10, 17; 16:16; 1 John 1:5-10; 2 John 1:9-11; Revelation 2:10). Are you in fellowship with God?
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Article - Scripturally Speaking: Who is the “Pope”
The word “pope” means “papa” or “father.” Only One is worthy to be called “Holy Father,” namely, God (Matthew 23:9). Only Jesus is worthy to be called “the Head of the Church” (Ephesians 1:22-23), “the Mediator” between God and man (John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5) and “the High Priest” (Hebrews 7:22-28). The apostle Peter did not wear a religious title, such as, “pope.” Peter did not preach or practice celibacy. In fact, Peter was married and had a family (Matthew 8:14; 1 Timothy 3:1-6). Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven, defined as “Christ’s church” (Matthew 16:18-19). Jesus did not build His church on Peter (“Petr-os,” masculine gender of the Greek), but on Peter’s confession that Jesus was the Son of God (“Petr-a,” feminine gender, Matthew 16:15-17). Jesus did not begin His church in Rome, but in Jerusalem (Acts 2:5, 47). Peter presented the keys to those who wanted to be added to the Lord’s church, namely, “Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Even though Peter was given the keys to “open” the Lord’s church, he realized he was not any greater than any other man. When Cornelius fell down at his feet and tried to worship him, Peter lifted him up and told him that he also was a mere man like Cornelius (Acts 10:25-26; there was no such thing as clergy or laity). Peter was rebuked by Paul in the presence of all for showing partiality (1 Timothy 5:19-20; Galatians 2:11-14). So, remember that when you pray or confess your sins, be sure to hallow the name of the “Holy Father” by praying to God through Jesus only, for God is the only true “Pope” (Matthew 6:9,12).
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Article - The Christian Influence
An old Korean Proverb illustrates the power of one’s influence when it says, “Power lasts ten years, influence not more than a hundred.” Sometimes we may think, “Am I influencing anyone? The question asked is really a faulty one. It’s not IF we are influencing anyone, but HOW are we influencing them. All of us are an influence on others either for good, bad, or indifference. What type of influence should a Christian possess? Let’s notice what God says.
Concerning our influence Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16). Jesus likened our influence to two powerful examples in this text: salt & light. All of us can see the value and effect of these in our everyday life. For example, think back to the most bland and boring meal that you have eaten. Don’t you remember thinking to yourself, “This needs some spice?”. Our influence is that “spice” that adds flavor to life. Oh how we need to add good “spice” to this life. Then, think about the effects of light. When you walk into a room at night the very first thing you do is…turn on the light. Why? Light helps us to see and adds beauty, vividness and life to all it touches. The same is true of our example. Our “light” must shine in such a vivid and beautiful way that others can see it and glorify our God!
Parents especially have an influence on their children. Henry Ward Beecher so eloquently said, “ What a mother sings to the cradle goes all the way down to the coffin.” How parents need to be that good example to set a principle for their children’s lives. Of the lasting effect of parents upon children the Holy Spirit said, “…bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). As the old hymn says, “God give us Christian homes” and especially Christian influence in the home!
As we think about influence may our question not be, “Am I influencing anyone?” But rather, “How am I influencing everyone I come in contact with?” May God help us to be influential for Him!
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Restore or Mark and Avoid
Restore or Mark and Avoid
By David Ray Fanning 1
The July 2015 issue of the Spiritual Sword had some very disturbing news about various churches of Christ, especially in the southern states of the United States, deciding to incorporate instrumental music in their worship to God (John 4:23-24; Matthew 15:8-9). Among the names mentioned were the University church of Christ (in Tuscaloosa, AL – home of the Crimson Tide where a lot of members of the church send their children) as well as the Harpeth Hills church of Christ and Otter Creek church of Christ (now calling themselves Otter Creek Church) in Brentwood, TN. Brentwood is just south of David Lipscomb University, where many members of the church send their children, are convinced that they are going to receive a sound, “Christian” education in addition to their secular studies.
Back in the early 1980s, I was one of those students who had hoped to receive a sound, Christian education as well. However, I was in for a rude awakening when I attended one of my first classes – a philosophy class with none other than Rubel Shelly. It was in that class that Rubel began to publicly unveil his position concerning “open fellowship”. Rubel stated that instead of condemning the Christian Church and Disciples of Christ (who divided from the churches of Christ officially in the early 1900s over the issue of instrumental music in worship to God and the Missionary Society), we ought to find grounds to fellowship with them. Since my youth I have always had a passion for souls, so I told Rubel I wanted to reach out to the Christian Church (Romans 10:1-3; 2 Corinthians 5:11; Jude 1:22-23; etc.). I set up an appointment with the Woodmont Christian Church preacher in Nashville. I was nervous and naive, yet, hopeful that we could persuade this preacher to drop the instrument for the sake of unity (my goal was Biblical repentance and restoration, Luke 17:3-4; Acts 8:14-24; 2 Corinthians 2:3-11; Galatians 6:1-2; etc.). The meeting started off very positive (Rubel was present). In the course of the discussion I finally asked the preacher, “For the sake of unity, would you be willing to drop the instrument?” to which the preacher replied, “That issue is not even on our radar – right now we are trying to determine whether or not to receive those who were sprinkled into our fellowship.” I was deeply disturbed by the preacher’s response; yet Rubel was not. I knew then that Rubel had a different view of fellowship, repentance and restoration from what is revealed in Scriptures (namely, Unity with Doctrinal Compromise, though Rubel would not call it “doctrinal” but “a matter of opinion”).
Paul states in Ephesians 4:14-15 “that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ”. Yet the wind of vain worship is beginning to form into a tornado thanks to the likes of Rubel Shelly and Max Lucado. Rubel’s grand scheme of the 1980s is now on its way to becoming mainstream in the churches of Christ - ONLY IF the sleeping brotherhood does not rise and “redeem the time” (Ephesians 5:15-17). No doubt, Rubel feels vindicated (Rubel left Lipscomb as Professor of Philosophy in the early 1980s with great opposition from the likes of Tom Holland and William Woodson and returned to Lipscomb in 2015 with great acceptance as “Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and Religion”, lipscomb.edu, Rubel Shelly). Are you willing to stand up and stop this damning movement? It’s not going to be fun. This is a serious problem that is gaining momentum and has the support of an immoral society (with manmade philosophies such as “go along to get along”, “agree to disagree”; etc., Colossians 2:8). There are times when it will involve you naming names (as authorized by Jesus in Matthew 16:6; Romans 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 1:11; Ephesians 5:11; 1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 1:13-15; 2:17-18; etc.).
Two of the primary “doctrines” or “traditions” of men that are being tested in the worship of the churches of Christ are: (1) women intern/assistant preachers (case and point: 4th Ave church of Christ, Franklin, TN) and (2) alternative, instrumental music worship services (case and point: University church of Christ, Tuscaloosa, AL). This article is not only an open letter to these erring brethren and “churches” to repent (Galatians 1:6-12; Revelation 2:5; 16; 20-23; 3:3; 15-20), but also a call to all sound brethren and true churches of Christ to pray and work diligently to restore these brethren and “churches” and, at the same time, mark and avoid them, if they do not immediately cease and desist corrupting the pure bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:23-27). Remember: Our Lord commands us as His slaves to be the light of the world, the salt of the world and the pillar and ground of the truth (Matthew 5:13-16; 1 Timothy 3:15; Romans 12:11; Colossians 1:10; 2:6; 3:16-18). If we truly love Jesus and want to remain His friend, we will do what He says – no matter how difficult (John 14:15; 15:14). We cannot have Jesus as Savior without also having Him as Lord/Master (Matthew 7:21; 10:34-39; Romans 10:9; Hebrews 5:8-9).
When God completed creating the heavens and earth, “it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). Man could do nothing to make God’s creation better – it needed no improvement. Even more so, when Jesus came to build His church (He purchased it with His own blood!), man could do nothing to make it better (Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28). In fact, Jesus made it very clear that those who wanted to be “true” worshipers of God (implying that there is such a thing as false worshipers) MUST worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). Therefore, children of God who are diligently seeking to please their Master must humbly realize that they cannot improve Jesus’ pattern of worship and must NOT alter Jesus’ pattern of worship (John 9:31; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 11:6).
Having women evangelists in a worship assembly composed of men and women is a clear violation of our Master’s commands in 1 Corinthians 14:33-34; 1 Timothy 2:8-15; 3:14-15. Adding mechanical instruments of music in church worship, whether it be occasionally or alternatively, is a doctrine/tradition of man. How do you and I know that? In the same way that you and I can determine whether a church is truly the church of Christ or a departure/division. You and I can show everyone Jesus’ doctrine on the one true church, the church of Christ, in the New Testament (Matthew 16:18; Romans 16:16; Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4); but Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, etc. cannot show us their “church” in the New Testament. Therefore, any “church,” other than the church of Christ, is not of the doctrine of Christ, but is described by Jesus as a “departure”, “division”, “offense” (1 Timothy 4:1; Romans 16:17). Similarly, you and I can show everyone Jesus’ doctrine on congregational singing in New Testament worship (1 Corinthians 14:12, 15; Ephesians 5:18-19; Colossians 3:15-17); but Rubel Shelly, Max Lucado, members of the Harpeth Hills “church” of Christ (Brentwood, TN), the Stones River “church” of Christ (Murfreesboro, TN), the University “church” of Christ (Tuscaloosa, AL) cannot show us book, chapter and verse on mechanical instruments of music authorized or used in New Testament church worship. Therefore, adding instrumental music to church worship is an unauthorized “doctrine” or “tradition” of men.
Here is one loving, evangelistic way you can restore a brother, sister or “church” and/or mark and avoid them (Galatians 6:1-2; James 5:19-20; Revelation 2:5; 3:3, 19). Get a list of brethren and “churches” you know who have added these false doctrines to their worship and show them the following passages and scriptural reasoning:
Matthew 15:9, “And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”
Having a female preacher or instrumental music in “church” worship is a doctrine of men; therefore, 4th Ave “church” of Christ, University “church” of Christ and members thereof are worshiping God in vain (not doing God’s will – but man’s, Matthew 7:21; John 9:31)
2 John 1:9-11, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.”
Otter Creek “Church” is not abiding in the doctrine of Christ; therefore, the Otter Creek Departure, and its members no longer have God (whether some of members are part of the instrumental service or not, they are supporting leadership that promotes it; therefore, they share in the evil deeds. Leave that division and find a faithful church of Christ where you may worship God in spirit and truth).
Romans 16:17, “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.”
No one learned “female preachers” and “instrumental music as church worship” when studying the New Testament. Rubel, Max, Harpeth Hills, members thereof, etc. have brought (or enabled the bringing in of) these false doctrines/traditions of men into the worship; thus, causing division to the body of Christ. According to Romans 16:17, if we love Jesus and want to keep the leaven out of sound brethren and solid churches of Christ, we must note and avoid these erring brethren and these newly formed departures/divisions (even if it is one of your family members attending one of these divisions, Matthew 10:34-39; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15).
May the Lord give us the care, strength and boldness to pull these erring brethren and divisions out of the fire before it is everlastingly too late – for us and them (Jude 1:23)!
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Article - Baptism into the Church
A major reason for baptism in the New Testament is to get into the church. In our religious world, we hear people talk about “joining the church” or “placing membership” at a church. Really, this is not biblically accurate. To join or become a member of the Lord’s church, He must add you to it (Acts 2:47).
The Scriptures teach that God adds you to the church when you are baptized into it. Paul said in I Corinthians 12:13, “For with one Spirit, we were all baptized into one body.” To fully understand this verse one must understand what kind of a body Paul is talking about. In Ephesians 1:22-23 Paul said, “And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Notice from this text we learn that the words “body” and “church” are used synonymously to represent the collective group of saved people. Now that we have learned that the body is the church, let us apply this principle to I Corinthians 12:13. Paul is very simply saying that the only way a person can enter into (become a part of) the group of saved people is by being baptized into it.
The Bible clearly teaches that a man must be baptized in water to be in the church. Therefore, those who have followed the teachings of men and have not been baptized are not a part of Christ’s spiritual body. They are a part of a man-made denomination with their salvation depending upon a man, who could never save them. </p
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Article - Baptism for the Remission of Sins
One of the major purposes for baptism is for the remission of sins. In direct response to the greatest question ever asked (Acts 2:37) Peter said, “Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” A key word in this passage is remission. Remission means to take away or forgive. Notice how the New Testament teaches that one must be baptized for the remission of sins.
The Bible teaches that God is able to remember our sins no more (Hebrews 8:12), to cast our sins into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:18), and to remove our sins as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:10-12). But for God to do this we must repent and be baptized (Mark 16:16). Another vitally important word in this verse is the world “for”. This word is used to represent a going into, an indication of purpose, or going in the direction of a goal. Hence, the purpose or goal of baptism is the forgiveness of sins. However, it is important to discuss a major false doctrine spawned involving Acts 2:38. Certain false teachers have tried to make the word “for” mean “because of”. Therefore, Peter would be saying to the Jews, repent and be baptized because you have already received the remission of sins. While this view may sound good to those trying to propagate faith only doctrine, it has several glaring errors that prove it false. (1). Logic demands that this view of Acts 2:38 cannot be true. Is Peter here telling the Jews that they need to repent and be baptized because they have already been forgiven of their sins? Wait just a minute Peter. If I have already been forgiven of my sins, I do not have to do anything. It is highly illogical for someone to ask you what do to be saved (The question of Acts 2:37), then you tell them they have to do two things, not to be saved but because they are already saved. If this view of Acts 2:38 is correct then Peter completely ignores the Jews question! (2) This view of Acts 2:38 is in contradiction with the very words of Jesus. Jesus taught that for a man to be saved he had to repent before, not after he had been forgiven of his sins. In Luke 13:3 Jesus told certain people who were still in sin that they had to repent to get out of sin. Jesus simply said, “I tell you no, but unless you repent you shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). If the causal view of Acts 2:38 is true then Peter and Jesus are in disagreement on what one must do before salvation. Not only that, but this would make the infallible Bible not so infallible. Does the Bible contradict itself, or does the false doctrine of men contradict the Bible?
In the New Testament, the act of baptism is also the point one’s sins are washed away or removed (Acts 22:16, 2:38). It is a biblical fact that all men have sinned, been separated from God and are lost (Romans 3:23, 6:23). Isaiah said that “your sins have separated you from your God and your iniquities have hidden His face from you” (Isaiah 59:1-2). Here is the problem: God is too holy to look upon sin (Habakkuk 1:13). Man is stained grossly with sin (Genesis 3). Therefore, sin must be removed from man’s conscience before he can have a relationship with God. When is this stain of sin removed from my spirit?
If we can find in the New Testament at what point a person’s sins are washed away, we can know of a surety that is the point of salvation and reconciliation to God. The Bible does tell us very clearly when that our sins are washed away. In Acts 9:6 the blinded Apostle Paul cried out to God, “Lord what would you have me to do?” The answer to Paul’s question is found in Acts 22:16, “Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins calling on the name of the Lord.” This text clearly teaches the point where sins are washed away is baptism, not a moment before or a moment after.
I really wonder how people can say that they were saved when they prayed Jesus into their heart, and then they were baptized two weeks later. Why would anyone say baptism is just an outward sign that you have already been saved? I do not know what they were saved from (i.e. from knowing the truth, going to heaven, obeying God) but it sure was not the salvation from sin and a devil’s hell. We need to wake up and reexamine our “conversion experiences” according to the word of God and not according to what our catechism, confession of faith, discipline book, or “Pastor” says. I want to encourage you to stop right now and think back to your own conversion. Would you say you were saved before or after baptism? If you said before, then friend, we would kindly but firmly say to you that after reading the New Testament teaching on baptism (See Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21; John 3:1-5) you were not correctly baptized and desperately need to obey the gospel as the Bible teaches.
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Article - How Does the New Testament Define “Fellowship” (part 3)
From previous articles we learned first and foremost that spiritual fellowship is a “sharing in common” with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Philippians 2:1; 1 John 1:3). Second, spiritual fellowship is a “sharing in common” with other faithful Christians (1 John 1:3, 7; Galatians 6:10; 1 Timothy 3:15). Finally, in this article we learn that spiritual fellowship is a “sharing in common” with the Godhead and faithful Christians through a daily, loyal walk/way of life (1 John 1:7). Christians are to remain faithful unto death (Revelation 2:10). A Christian is not in fellowship with God if he participates in unauthorized actions (1 Corinthians 10:18, 20), condones sin (2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Timothy 5:22; Romans 1:32; 2 John 1:11) or lives a life of sin (1 John 1:6; Romans 6:1-2; Hebrews 10:26). It is impossible for a faithful Christian to be in spiritual fellowship with an erring Christian, a non-Christian or a counterfeit Christian (that is, one who claims to be a Christian but has not correctly submitted to God’s plan of salvation and therefore is not a Christian, Galatians 1:6-10; 2 Corinthians 11:1-4). In the case of the erring Christian who refuses to repent, a faithful Christian cannot “keep company with” (mix/mingle with) such, but can admonish him as a brother (1 Corinthians 5:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15). In the case of the non-Christian/counterfeit Christian, a faithful Christian may keep company with such, but must take heed to the warning “…friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (1 Corinthians 5:9-10; James 4:4); and “Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
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Article - Sabbath Observers and the Bible
Not only do the false doctrines of the Seventh-Day Adventists and other Sabbatarians go beyond the doctrine of Christ; but they even contradict the teachings of the Old Testament (which no longer serve as God’s authority; Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 10:4; 2 John 1:9-11). Sabbatarians teach: (1) Anything sanctified by God, including the seventh day, must still be sanctified (Genesis 2:3); yet, they do not sanctify their firstborn males and animals (Exodus 13:1-2); (2) Sabbath observance is perpetual but burning incense is not; yet burning incense is also described in the Old Law as perpetual (Exodus 30:8); (3) the Sabbath is a sign to all men; yet the Old Law says it was a sign between God and Israel (Exodus 31:13, 16-17; Ezekiel 20:10-12); (4) Sabbath violators do not have to be put to death; yet such was commanded under the Old Law (Exodus 35:2); (5) It is permissible to kindle a fire on the Sabbath; yet the Old Law condemned it (Exodus 35:3); (6) The Old Covenant was made for everyone, not just the Jews; yet the Old Law says the covenant was not made with the forefathers but with Israel (Deuteronomy 5:1-21; 1 Kings 8:9); (7) Burnt offerings and Jewish feasts were not part of God’s Law; yet they were (2 Chronicles 31:3); (8) God did not give Moses’ Law; yet He did (Ezra 7:6); (9) The Law of the Lord and the Law of Moses are two separate laws; yet, they are the same (Nehemiah 8:1, 18; Mark 7:9-10; Luke 2:22-23); (10) Sabbath observance has been made known/required of man since the creation; yet, God made known His Sabbath to Israel (Nehemiah 9:13-15; Exodus 16-17; 19-20); (11) Moses’ Law was for Gentiles too; yet it was not (Romans 2:14); (12) The religion of the Old Law was the religion of Jews and Gentiles; yet it was called the Jews’ religion (Galatians 1:13-16); (13) God’s Law never changed; yet it did (Hebrews 7:12). According to the New Testament, God’s people are no longer judged by Sabbaths; instead Christians, consisting of all nations, meet on the first day of the week to worship God (Matthew 28:19; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Colossians 2:16). We will be judged by the words of Jesus in the last day; therefore, all who embrace the false teachings of the Sabbatarians must repent of their false views/practices and be baptized into Christ to be saved (John 12:48; Acts 2:38)!
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Article - Do You Partake of the Lord’s Supper Every Sunday?
If not, why not? Most who attend a worship assembly…worship every Sunday, pray every Sunday, hear the reading/teaching of the Scriptures every Sunday, sing every Sunday, put something in the collection plate every Sunday; yet, they do not partake of the Lord’s Supper every Sunday. Is the Lord’s Supper of lesser importance? Quite the contrary! According to the New Testament, one of the main reasons Christians are commanded to assemble together “on the first day of every week” is “to break bread” (Acts 20:7; Hebrews 10:24-25; in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 “every week” is in the original; compare Exodus 20:8 for the implication of meeting every week). Jesus was resurrected on the first day of the week (Mark 16:9). Before the church began, Jesus’ disciples began assembling on the first day of the week (John 20:19). The church began on the first day of the week and continued steadfastly (indicating continuous practice) in “the breaking of bread” (Acts 2:1, 42, 47: Pentecost always occurred on Sunday, Leviticus 23:15-16). Every Sunday when Christians obey Jesus’ command to partake of the Lord’s Supper until He comes, they are communing (literally, “sharing in common” or “fellowshipping”) with Jesus in His kingdom, the church (1 Corinthians 11:24-26, “this do” literally means “continue to do”; Matthew 26:29; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17). When the Jews practiced some matters of the law, but neglected weightier matters of the law, Jesus said, “These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone” (Matthew 23:23). When we meet together every Sunday, let us not only pray, hear the Word, sing and give, but let us also PARTAKE OF THE LORD’S SUPPER as the first century church did!
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Article - What Path Should I Take? (part 3)
In part one and two of our series we learned that Christ/Christianity is the only path of life acceptable to God (Matthew 28:18; John 12:28; 14:6; Colossians 3:17). One might, then, ask, "Are all the hundreds of sects of Christianity different paths to the same ultimate destiny?" Answer: No more than were the religious sects under the Old Testament. For example, Jesus clearly stated to the woman at the well who was of the Samaritan sect, "You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews" (John 4:22). With the same force and simplicity Jesus stated that He came to build only one church (not a sect or a sect of sects) -- His church (Matthew 16:18)! Paul made it clear that just as there is only one Holy Spirit, one hope of heaven, one Lord Jesus Christ, one Christian faith/body of truth, one acceptable baptism and one God the Father, so also there is only one body (Ephesians 4:4-6) -- the church of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23)! God demands true worshipers to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Vain or empty/useless worship is caused when you teach as doctrines the commandments of men (Matthew 15:9). The apostle John emphatically says, "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God" (2 John 1:9). Paul accurately predicted that there would be "departures" from the one true faith/church of the New Testament (1 Timothy 4:1-5). The first departure was Catholicism, then Protestantism. In fact, departures continue to multiply to this day. Paul pleads "that there be no divisions/denominations among you" (1 Corinthians 1:10). Let's get back to being Christians only and only a member of the true church of the Bible – the church of Christ!
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Article - What Path Should I Take? (part 1)
There are many paths one can take in life. A person can be an atheist and choose not to believe in God (Psalm 53:1: "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God'."). Or a person can be an agnostic and take the position that he does not know whether there is a God or not (Jesus does not tolerate lukewarmness, Revelation 3:16). Or a person can be a humanist and believe that he is a god unto himself (this results in exchanging the truth of God for the lie, serving the creature rather than the Creator, Romans 1:25). Then, on the other hand, there are those who choose to believe in God (and/or gods), but they choose to define Him and approach Him in different and sometimes contradictory ways. What is the true path? Unlike the writings of major world religions such as Hindu (a collection of Vedic literature) and Islam (the Koran), the writings of the Jewish religion and the Christian religion (the Bible) contain objective, historical events that have been and continue to be verified by archaeology, geography, ancient history and literature. The Bible was written by over 40 different men on three continents in three languages over a period of 1500 years without one single contradiction! God's Word is truth (John 17:17)! His truth is what sets you free (John 8:32)! What path should you take? Since all authority has been given to Jesus in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18), I will let Jesus answer the question: "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'" (John 14:6).
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Article - How Does the New Testament Define “Fellowship” (part 2)
From the previous article we learned that spiritual fellowship is, first and foremost, a “sharing in common” with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Philippians 2:1; 1 John 1:3). In this article we will establish that, second, spiritual fellowship is a “sharing in common” with other faithful Christians. The New Testament teaches that Christians are in constant fellowship with one another because we are all part of the household of faith (1 John 1:3, 7; Galatians 6:10; 1 Timothy 3:15). We enjoy this fellowship with one another when we as faithful brethren worship God together (Acts 2:42), such as in the “sharing” of the blood and body of Jesus in partaking of the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 10:16) or in “sharing” in the service of evangelism or benevolence through contributions, whether it be in aiding evangelists (2 Corinthians 11:7-9; Philippians 1:5; 4:15) or helping needy Christians (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:4; 9:13; Romans 15:26). Faithful Christians are to extend the right hand of “fellowship” to other faithful Christians (Galatians 2:9) and are to work together as “partners” in the kingdom of God’s dear Son (2 Corinthians 8:23; Philemon 1:17). Instead of printing “A friendly, loving, caring church” in your church bulletins, just “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). “Let love be without hypocrisy….Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another…serving the Lord…continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion” (Romans 12:9-16).
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