Joey Ferrell 1/18/18 Joey Ferrell 1/18/18

Bible Class Curricula - Denominational Doctrines (Part 1) - Lesson #9 - The Mormon Religion

History of the Mormon Movement
1. When did it start? April 6, 1830
2. Where did it start? Palmyra/Fayette, New York
3. Where is their headquarters? Salt Lake City, Utah
4. Who founded it? Joseph Smith
5. What is their authority? The Bible and its alleged long-lost companion, the Book of Mormon. Actually, the Book of Mormon and other Mormon writings are their authority. Mormons claim the Bible as their authority only so as to appease Christians.
History of Joseph Smith
1. Joseph Smith’s Character
  1. Joseph Smith was well known (before writing the Book of Mormon) as being a treasure hunter. In fact, Smith was tried in court (State of New York v. Joseph Smith). He was found guilty of being a disorderly person and an imposter who claimed to find buried treasure by looking into stones.1
  2. Joseph Smith was known to be a liar and a polygamist. He was asked repeatedly if he had more than one wife. Every time he was accused of polygamy, he denied the allegation. It was not until 1852 that Mormons publicly admitted they were practicing polygamy. Fawn Brodie, niece of Mormon “prophet” David O. McKay, noted that Joseph Smith actually had 49 wives ranging in age from 15 to 59.2
2. Joseph Smith’s Prophecies
  1. The wildest of all Joseph’s prophecies concerns the moon being populated. He fabricated a story that the moon was populated with people who were six feet tall, dressed like Quakers, and lived to be a thousand years old.3 (See Deuteronomy 18:22 for information about how to treat a false prophet.)
  2. Joseph Smith prophesied that God told him to send David Whitmer and Oliver Cowdery to Toronto, Canada, to sell the copyright to the Book of Mormon. The two men were unable to sell the copyright, and thus returned to question Smith about his “revelation.” His answer stands as a striking commentary on Mormonism. Smith said, "Some revelations are of God: some revelations are of men: and some revelations are of the devil."4 (See Deuteronomy 18:22 for information about how to treat a false prophet.)
  3. Joseph Smith prophesied that the Lord would return in 1835. When that did not take place, he changed the date to 1843. When the Lord did not return on that occasion either, he once again changed the date, this time to 1891.5 (See Deuteronomy 18:22 for information about how to treat a false prophet.)
  4. Joseph Smith made the bold claim that "neither the rage of devils nor the malice of men shall ever cause him to fall by the hand of his enemies until he has seen Christ in the flesh at his final coming."6(See Deuteronomy 18:22 for information about how to treat a false prophet.)
Examining the Book of Mormon
1. The Book of Mormon was allegedly given to Joseph Smith in 1820 (by an angel named Moroni) at Palmyra, New York. The angel is supposed to have directed Smith to a stone box that contained the two golden plates containing the text of the book, as well as the urim and thumim (for translating the text). The Book of Mormon was completed (and went on sale) in 1830. It claims to be "another revelation of Jesus Christ" given to Native Americans of North America.
2. The authorship of the Book of Mormon is clearly seen in the original title page, which tells us whose work the Book of Mormon actually is.
  "The Book of Mormon: … if there be fault, it be the mistake of men … By Joseph Smith, Junior, author and proprietor. Palmyra: printed by E. B. Grandin, for the author. 1830."
3. The Book of Mormon defies good science.
  1. From A Biologist Examines the Book of Mormon by Thomas D.S. Key. Journal of the American Scientific Affiliation (June 1985), pp. 96–99.The Scientific Accuracy of the Book of Mormon
    Mormon ConceptScientific Fact
    Burying swords in the Earth will keep them bright (unrusted) Alma 24:16Burying swords in the dirt will actually accelerate their rusting.
    Leprosy occurred in the Americas in 34 A.D. III Nephi 17:7.The first known case of leprosy in the Americas was in 1758.
    Indians had many official records (Helaman 3:15), scrolls (Mormon 5:23), and other writings. Mormon 9:2; III Nephi 9:18; 12:18The Indians wrote no books and used only simple picture writing.
    God cursed the Indians with dark skin, and anyone who marries Indians "shall be cursed with the same cursing." 2 Nephi 5:21; Jacob 3:3-9; Mormon 5:15-17; 2 Nephi 5:23; Alma 3:6-10.If this were true, there would be no "part Indians," only "full Indians." This statement is genetically incorrect.
    When Indians accept Mormon teachings, they will become "a white and delightsome people." 2 Nephi 30:5-7; 3 Nephi 2:15There are no case histories of this occurring. In fact, such a change would imply a correlation between goodness and degrees of whiteness.
    Baldness is caused by sin. 2 Nephi 13:24Baldness is hereditary (or chemically caused).
    Domestic cattle, oxen, and cows are separate species, and were present in the Americas when man came here. Ether 9:18-19These animals are all the same species, and were not in the Americas when man arrived here.
    Numerous people and animals in North America were exterminated by poisonous snakes, with sheep driven to the south by the snakes (which cooperated with each other). The people ate the animals that had been killed by the snakes. Ether 9:30-34.There are very few poisonous snakes in North America. Going south increases the probability of contact with snakes. Snakes do not cooperate with each other or with any other creature. There would be too many dead animals for the people to have eaten them. Plus, this would have been against Jewish dietary laws.
    Lions are beasts of the forests. 3 Nephi 20:16; 21:12Lions live in the Savannahs, not in the forests.
    Silk was produced in the Americas. 1 Nephi 13:7; Alma 4:6; Ether 9:17, 10:24Silk was and is produced in Asia. It was exclusively produced in Asia at the supposed time of the events recorded.
    Indians used butter, honey and candles. 2 Nephi 17:15; 3 Nephi 8:21These items were unknown to the Indians, and were introduced by Europeans after Columbus.
    Disease is caused by climate. Alma 46:40Disease is not caused by climate.
    Arabia has much fruit and honey. 1 Nephi 17:5Arabia is a desert, and has been for many thousands of years.
    Jews made ships from the "ample timber of Arabia." 1 Nephi 18:1There are few trees in Arabia, and none was usable for ship building.
    The Arabian River named Laman flows continually into the Red Sea. 1 Nephi 2:6-9.There are no rivers at all in Arabia flowing into the Red Sea, nor have there ever been in human history.
    North America originally had cows, oxen, asses, and horses. 1 Nephi 18:25There were no cows, horses, or asses in North America when it was first discovered.
    Jared and his family kept all species of fish that inhabit the Americas alive in aquaria for 344 days. Ether 6:1 He brought these to the Americas, as well as the birds, bees, and seed that populate North America. Ether 2:2-3, 5:4American birds and fish are for the most part different than those of the old world, there are very few species of any of these forms that are the same on both continents.
    Native language of the Hebrews between 600 B.C. and 91 B.C. was Egyptian. 1 Nehpi 1:2; Mosiah 1:4; Mormon 9:32 – refers to the "reformed Egyptian" language existing about 400 A.D.The Hebrews spoke Hebrew in 600 B.C. due to the Babylonian captivity from 560 to 538 B.C. Aramaic became the language of the people after that. "Reformed Egyptian" is not a language.
    Plant grafting was done in the Americas between 600 B.C. and 421 A.D. 1 Nephi 15:16; Jacob 5Grafting was not practiced by the Indians at all in the Americas.
    Leopards, asps, and cockatrices were present in North America. 2 Nephi 21:6-8, 30:12-14None of these animals is native to North America.
  2. A letter from the Smithsonian Institution about the alleged scientific accuracy of the Book of Mormon. (Please note, biblical and secular evidence supports many of the Smithsonian’s general positions regarding Mormon allegations but not all the Smithsonian’s specific dates.)
    Information from the
    National Museum of Natural History
    Smithsonian Institution Washington, D.C. 20560
    Your recent inquiry concerning the Smithsonian Institution’s alleged use of the Book of Mormon as a scientific guide has been received in the Smithsonian’s Department of Anthropology.
    The Book of Mormon is a religious document and not a scientific guide. The Smithsonian Institution has never used it in archeological research and any information that you have received to the contrary is incorrect. Accurate information about the Smithsonian’s position is contained in the enclosed Statement Regarding the Book of Mormon, which was prepared to respond to the numerous inquiries that the Smithsonian receives on this topic.
    Because the Smithsonian regards the unauthorized use of its name to disseminate inaccurate information as unlawful, we would appreciate your assistance in providing us with the names of any individuals who are misusing the Smithsonian’s name. Please address any correspondence to:
    Anthropology Outreach Office
    Department of Anthropology
    National Museum of Natural History MRC 112
    Smithsonian Institution
    Washington, DC 20560
    Statement Regarding the Book of Mormon*
    1. The Smithsonian Institution has never used the Book of Mormon in any way as a scientific guide. Smithsonian archaeologists see no direct connection between the archaeology of the New World and the subject matter of the book.
    2. The physical type of the American Indian is basically Mongoloid, being most closely related to that of the peoples of eastern, central, and northeastern Asia. Archaeological evidence indicates that the ancestors of the present Indians came into the New World – probably over a land bridge known to have existed in the Bering Strait region during the last Ice Age – in a continuing series of small migrations beginning from about 25,000 to 30,000 years ago.
    3. Present evidence indicates that the first people to reach this continent from the East were the Norsemen, who briefly visited the northeastern part of North America around 1000 A.D. and then settled in Greenland. There is no evidence to show that they reached Mexico or Central America.
    4. None of the principal Old World domesticated food plants or animals (except the dog) occurred in the New World in pre-Columbian times. This is one of the main lines of evidence supporting the scientific premise that contacts with Old World civilizations if they occurred, were of very little significance for the development of American Indian civilizations. American Indians had no wheat, barley, oats, millet, rice, cattle, pigs, chickens, horses, donkeys, or camels before 1492. (Camels and horses were in the Americas, along with the bison, mammoth, and mastodon, but all these animals became extinct around 10,000 B.C. at the time the early big game hunters traveled across the Americas.)
    5. Iron, steel, glass, and silk were not used in the New World before 1492 (except for occasional use of unsmelted meteoric iron). Native copper was worked in various locations in pre-Columbian times, but true metallurgy was limited to southern Mexico and the Andean region, where its occurrence in late prehistoric times involved gold, silver, copper, and their alloys, but not iron.
    6. There is a possibility that the spread of cultural traits across the Pacific to Mesoamerica and the northwestern coast of South America began several hundred years before the Christian era. However, any such inter-hemispheric contacts appear to have been the results of accidental voyages originating in eastern and southern Asia. It is by no means certain that even such contacts occurred with the ancient Egyptians, Hebrews, or other peoples of Western Asia and the Near East.
    7. No reputable Egyptologist or other specialists on Old World archeology, and no expert on New World prehistory, has discovered or confirmed any relationship between archeological remains in Mexico and archeological remains in Egypt.
    8. Reports of findings of ancient Egyptian, Hebrew, and other Old World writings in the New World in pre-Columbian contexts have frequently appeared in newspapers, magazines and sensational books. None of these claims has stood up to examination by reputable scholars. No inscriptions using Old World forms of writing have been shown to have occurred in any part of the Americas before 1492 except for a few Norse rune stones which have been found in Greenland.
    9. There are copies of the Book of Mormon in the library of the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution.
    *Prepared by the Department of Anthropology, Smithsonian Institution
4. The Book of Mormon defies common literary and grammatical rules. In short, the Book of Mormon, as originally written, contained numerous grammatical and spelling mistakes.7Grammatical Errors in the Book of Mormon (A Sampling of Some of the 3913 Changes Made to the Book of Mormon Through the Years)
  Original 1830 Edition, Book of Mormon editions of 1837, 1888, 1920, 1964, and 1978
  Title pageJoseph Smith, Jr. The author and proprietor of this workJoseph Smith, Jr. the translator of this work
  Title page now if there be fault, it be the mistake of men now if there are faults, they are the mistakes of men
  1 Nephi 13:40the lamb of God is the Eternal Father the lamb of God is the son of the Eternal Father
  1 Nephi 11:21the Eternal Fatherson of the Eternal Father
  1 Nephi 11:32the Everlasting Godson of the Everlasting God
  1 Nephi 20:1words added or out of the waters of Baptism
  2 Nephi 12:9the mean man boweth down the mean man boweth not down
  Alma 29:4Yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable(words deleted)
  Alma 37:21,24directorsInterpreters
  Alma 30:16it is the effects of a phrensied mind it is the effect of a frenzied mind
  Throughout B of Now there was seven churches now there were seven churches
  Throughout B of M there were no blood to shed there was no blood to shed
  Throughout B of M there is two churches there are two churches
  Throughout B of M and also much horses and also many horses
  Throughout B of M these things had not ought to bethese things ought not to be
  Throughout B of M They did prepare for to meet themThey did prepare to meet them ("for" removed)
  Throughout B of M some have arrested the scriptures some have wrested the scriptures
  Throughout B of M when they had arrived when they had arrived
  Alma 23:1nor neither of their brethren nor either of their brethren
  Mosiah 21:28; Ether 4:1king Benjamin Mosiah (Benjamin was dead at this time)
  1 Nephi 12:18Jesus Christ Messiah (Jesus had not yet been revealed to the Nephites)
5. The Book of Mormon defies common sense.
  1. When the immigrants prepared to come to the New World, God supposedly told them to make eight airtight square vessels. When Jared complained that they were dying from a lack of oxygen, God told him to cut a hole in the top and bottom of every ship and then to plug the holes. When the people on board began to suffocate, they were to open one of the holes. If they opened a hole and water gushed in, they would know they had opened the wrong hole (Ether 2:17-22).
  2. The most energetic decapitated man that ever lived is found in the Book of Mormon (Ether 15:30-31).
  3. In Jacob 7:27, Joseph Smith used the French word adieu. According to the dates given by Mormons, The Book of Jacob was written between 544 and 421 BC. The fact that the French language did not exist until AD 700 makes the usage of this word doubly ridiculous, and proves that the Book of Mormon is not from God.
  4. Baldness is supposed to be caused by sin (2 Nephi 13:24).
6. Mormon doctrine contradicts itself.
  One God Plural Gods
  Book of Mormon: Alma 11:27-39, 44; 2 Nephi 31:21; Mormon 7:7; 3 Nephi 11:27; Testimony of the three witnessesDoctrine & Covenants: Sections 121:32; 132:18-20, 37
  God Is a SpiritGod Has a Body
  Book of Mormon: Alma 18:26-28; 22:8-11Doctrine & Covenants: Section 130:22
  God Cannot LieGod Commands Lying
  Book of Mormon: Ether 3:12; 2 Nephi 9:34Pearl of Great Price: Book of Abraham 2:22-25
  God’s Word Is UnchangeableGod’s Word Can Change
  Book of Mormon: Alma 41:8Doctrine & Covenants: Section 56:4-5
  Death Seals Man’s Fate Man Can be Saved Even After Death
  Book of Mormon: Mosiah 2:36-39; Alma 34:32-35Doctrine & Covenants: Sections 76:106-112; 88:99
  Heathens Can be Saved Without BaptismBaptism Can be Carried Out for the Dead
  Book of Mormon: Moroni 8:22-23; 2 Nephi 9:25-26; Mosiah 15:24-27Doctrine & Covenants: Sections 128:5, 17-18
  Heaven or HellThree Kingdoms in Heaven (Most Will be Saved)
  Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi 28:22; 1 Nephi 15:35; Mosiah 16:11, 27:31; Alma 41:4-8; 42:16Doctrine & Covenants: Section 76:43, 70-112
  Murder Can be ForgivenNo Forgiveness for Murder
  Book of Mormon: 3 Nephi 30:2Doctrine & Covenants: Section 42:18
  Polygamy CondemnedPolygamy Commanded
  Book of Mormon: Jacob 1:15; 2:24; 3:5; Mosiah 11:2; 2 Nephi 26:31; Mosiah 27:5Doctrine & Covenants: Sections 132:1, 37-39, 61; 42:71-73; 43:12-13; 51:13-14
The Book of Mormon Contradicts God’s Word
1. The Book of Mormon contains numerous passages that clearly contradict the Bible.
  BibleBook of Mormon
  Church began in A.D. 33 (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2)Church began in 147 B.C. (Mosiah 18:17)
  "Disciples were first called Christians in Antioch" (Acts 11:26; c. A.D. 40).Alma 46:13-16 (supposedly written in 73 B.C.) refers to Nephites as Christians.
  Jesus is the only Head of the church (Colossians 1:18).Joseph Smith is head of Mormon church (D&C 28:2-6).
  "Jesus was born in Bethlehem" (Matthew 2:1; John 7:42)."He shall be born of Mary at Jerusalem" (Alma 7:10)
  3 hours of darkness at crucifixion (Luke 23:44)3 days of darkness at crucifixion (Hel. 14:20-27)
  God is a spirit without flesh and bones (John 4:24; Luke 24:39).God has flesh and bones like a man (D&C 130:22)
  Baptism at establishment of church (Acts 2:38, 47).Baptism before the church (Mosiah 25:18).
  The Bible is all-sufficient (2 Peter 1:30).The Bible is not all-sufficient (2 Nephi 29:1-4).
  Ignorance of Bible is not excusable (Acts 17:30-31).Ignorance of Bible is excusable (Mosiah 3:11).
2. The Book of Mormon plagiarizes God’s Word. Much of the KJV is reproduced in the Book of Mormon (over 25,000 words in fact). Two important questions arise from this:
  1. Why would God give His Word in 1830 America in the language of 1611 England?
  2. If the Bible has been perverted through translation (as Mormons claim), why is so much of the Book of Mormon a verbatim reproduction of the King James Version of the Bible?
Mormon Doctrines
1. Jesus was supposedly crucified because of polygamy: "A belief in the doctrine of a plurality of wives caused the persecution of Jesus and His followers."8
2. Mormonism originally taught racism. Brigham Young exemplifies Mormon racism when he says:
  You see some classes of the human family that are black, uncouth, uncomely, disagreeable and low in their habits, wild, and seemingly deprived of nearly all the blessings of the intelligence that is generally bestowed upon mankind. … Cain slew his brother. Cain might have been killed, and that would have put a termination to that line of human beings. This was not to be, and the Lord put a mark upon him, which is the flat nose and black skin.9
3. The fall of man in the Garden of Eden was a good thing (Mosiah 5:10-11).
4. There are three stages of Heaven, and everybody is going there (Doctrine & Covenants 76).
5. Hell is not eternal torment (Doctrine & Covenants 19:6).
6. How does a person obey the Mormon “gospel”? I do not know – and neither do Mormons.
How to Convert a Mormon
1. Bring to light Joseph Smith’s numerous false prophecies (see Deuteronomy 18:22).
2. Stress passages such as Galatians 1:6-9.
3. Point out the scientific inaccuracies within the Book of Mormon.
4. Ask Mormons what a person must do in order to be saved.
5. Ask Mormon “elders” (who actually are single young men) about their wives and children (Titus 1:5ff.).
6. Ask why Mormonism contradicts itself. For example, it both advocates polygamy (Doctrine & Covenants 132:1) and condemns it (Jacob 2:24).
7. If all people are eventually going to inhabit some part of Heaven (Doctrine & Covenants 76), why do Mormons carry out evangelism?
8. Ask Mormons if they realize that the original Book of Mormon contained 4,000-plus grammatical errors and that Joseph Smith claimed to be the author and sole proprietor of the book.

Study Questions

Mormons believe in the authority of the Bible as long the Scriptures agree with what other book?
Before using rocks for religious purposes, what did Joseph Smith claim to be able to do with his rocks What kind of light does this shed on his character?
Did Joseph Smith lie about having more than one wife? How many wives did he have? If Joseph Smith is known to have lied about his wives, how can we know he is not lying about what he received in the Book of Mormon?
List some of Joseph Smith’s prophecies that clearly failed or were lies? What does Deuteronomy 18:22 say about a prophet who lies even one time?
After being confronted with a “false” revelation, Joseph Smith made this statement: "Some revelations are of God: some revelations are of men: and some revelations are of the devil." Without the ability to do miracles as a sign to confirm one’s inspiration, how could you know if a message is from God, men, or the devil?
In the original title page to the Book of Mormon, who is the sole "author and proprietor"?
List some of the ridiculous scientific statements made by the Book of Mormon. What do these statements teach us about the integrity of this book?
Was the original Book of Mormon grammatically correct? If the original was allegedly from God and was full of grammatical and spelling errors, what does that suggest?
List two examples of how the Book of Mormon defies common sense.
List three examples where the Book of Mormon contradicts itself.
List some examples where the Book of Mormon and the Bible contradict each other.
According to Mormon President Jeremiah Grant why was Jesus crucified?
Do Mormons believe everyone is going to Heaven? Why do they evangelize?

References

Tanner, Jerald and Sandra, Mormonism – Shadow or Reality? (Modern Microfilm Co., Salt Lake City, UT, 1972), p. 33.
Brodie, Fawn M., No Man Knows My History (Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1960), pp. 334–336.
Huntington, Oliver B., (a follower of Joseph Smith,) Journal Vol. 11, p. 166.
Whitmer, David, Address to All Believers in Christ (Richmond, MO, 1887), p. 131.
History of the Church, Vol. 2, p. 182.
Cowdery, Oliver, Defence in a Rehearsal of My Grounds for Separating Myself from the Latter Day Saints (Pressley’s Job Office, Norton, OH, 1839), p. 1.
Online: (http://www.bible.ca/mor-1830-changes.htm).
LDS President Grant, Jedediah M., Journal of Discourses, 1:345-346.
Young, Brigham, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 7, p. 290.

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This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors. This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission. Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

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Article - You Know You Are In The Wrong Church When ... (part 1)

…Your church subtracts from Jesus’ Word (Revelation 22:18-19), examples:

THE NEW TESTAMENT IS NOT EMPHASIZED as the final authority in religious matters (instead, the real authority is how the Holy Spirit moves, what someone thinks, what the creed or catechism says, what the pope concludes or what the New World Translation, Watchtower or Book of Mormon teaches): Matthew 28:18; John 12:48; Colossians 3:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 4:11; 2 Peter 1:3; 1 John 4:1
THE LORD’S SUPPER (“breaking bread”) IS NOT SERVED EVERY FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK (although preaching, praying, giving, singing is practiced every Sunday): Acts 2:42(Pentecost, also known as Feast of Harvest/Weeks, always occurred on Sunday, Leviticus 23:15-16); Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:17-30; 16:1-2
SOULS WILLING TO BELIEVE IN AND CONFESS JESUS AS LORD ARE NOT BURIED IN THE WATERY GRAVE OF BAPTISM (instead, water is used to sprinkle or pour on a baby, child or adult): Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12
BAPTISM IS NOT EMPHASIZED AND PRACTICED AS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF GOD’S PLAN TO WASH AWAY THE SINS OF THE NONCHRISTIAN THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS: Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:3-8; Colossians 2:11-12; 1 Peter 3:20-21 (John 3:5; Titus 3:5)
THE CHURCH WHERE YOU WORSHIP DOES NOT HAVE OR STRIVE TO APPOINT ELDERS TO OVERSEE THE MEMBERS (instead, a pastor and board of deacons or hierarchy such as pope, priest, church convention or council runs your church): Acts 14:23; 20:17, 28; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9.

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This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors. This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission. Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.

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Some studies indicate over 70% of high school graduates no longer attend or participate with a church (www.liifeway.com/Article/LifeWay-Research-finds-reasons-18-to-22-year-olds-drop-out-of-church). Reasons range from “not liking church” to “getting out of the habit” to “having friends who do not share the same social or moral doctrines of the church” to “members being too judgmental/hypocritical”, etc. When asked about their salvation, many youth (and adults) think they can remain saved without attending any worship assemblies so long as they maintain a “personal” relationship with God. It is not uncommon to hear the youth say “It is not about a religion, but a relationship with Jesus”. However, such thinking is contrary to God’s thinking contained in His word (Isaiah 55:8-9)! God’s word teaches that salvation is “located” in Jesus and His cleansing blood (John 14:6; Acts 4:10-12; Revelation 1:5). Spiritually speaking, in order to obtain and maintain salvation one must get into and stay in the cleansing blood of Jesus (John 6:53-56; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 2 Thessalonians 2:14; 2 Timothy 2:10; 1 John 1:5-10). Upon hearing the gospel (Ephesians 1:13), believing that Jesus is the Son of God (John 3:16), repenting of sins (Acts 3:19), confessing Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10), and being immersed for the purpose of having one’s sins remitted, a precious soul gets “into” Christ, hence into His cleansing blood (Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:26-27). In order to maintain salvation in Christ, one must continue to remain faithful to Him (Luke 6:46; Philippians 2:10; Revelation 2:10). God’s word further teaches that only the saved are “located” in the church of Christ - NOT outside (Acts 2:38, 41, 47; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 15:24; Ephesians 5:25-27; Colossians 1:13-14). Acts 20:28 states that Jesus purchased the church “with His own blood”. The church consists of individual members, whether male or female, who have obeyed the gospel and are doing his or her share to cause growth of the body/church (Acts 8:3-4; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 4:11-16).

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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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Joey Ferrell 12/19/17 Joey Ferrell 12/19/17

Article - Repent And Be Baptized For The Remission Of Sins (Part 2)

Several years ago Richard Heatherly (Baptist “Pastor”) wrote several articles under the title “In What Sense Does Baptism Remit Sins?” in a sales paper out of Fayetteville, TN (read part 1). Instead of giving the common Baptist response - that baptism has absolutely nothing to do with salvation, Richard correctly states that Acts 2:38 “clearly relates baptism to the remission of sins” and that the scriptures addressing the topic of baptism show one “how to be forgiven.” However, when Richard further explains that the remission of sins obtained in Acts 2:38 is merely symbolic and ceremonial, he provides no proof and departs from the context of Acts 2:36-38. The Jews on the day of Pentecost wanted to know what THEY needed to DO to obtain LITERAL remission of sins. The two imperatives of Peter were: Repent and be baptized. The two imperatives Richard mentions in his articles: Repent and believe. Yet in another one of Richard’s articles he only mentions one imperative: “by faith in Christ’s atonement alone.” Peter said that both repentance and baptism were for the remission of sins. When I pointed this out to Richard in one of my articles, he said that such an observation was “a very shallow theology.” The order of Peter’s sermon was: 1) repent; 2) be baptized; 3) remission of sins. The order of Richard’s sermon is: 1) repent (and believe); 2) remission of sins; 3) be baptized. Those who gladly received Peter’s word were baptized (Acts 2:41). Those who gladly receive Richard’s word may or may not decide to be baptized, yet Richard finds it essential to wear the Baptist name. Whose sermon will you follow?

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Joey Ferrell 12/19/17 Joey Ferrell 12/19/17

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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Joey Ferrell 12/19/17 Joey Ferrell 12/19/17

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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Joey Ferrell 12/19/17 Joey Ferrell 12/19/17

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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Joey Ferrell 12/18/17 Joey Ferrell 12/18/17

Article - Social Drinking Is A Sin

Ethyl alcohol is pharmacologically classified as a drug (the depressant, narcotic type). Therefore, whatever position one takes on social drinking would also apply to illegal as well as prescription drugs. In other words, if it is the case that it is morally alright to drink alcohol for pleasure so long as it is in moderation, it logically follows that it would be morally (though not legally) alright to take illegal or prescription drugs for pleasure as long as they are taken in moderation. If not, why not? The Bible never authorizes the use of alcohol (or drugs) for pleasure, much less in moderation. The Bible does, however, authorize the use of alcohol (hence, drugs) for medicinal purposes (1 Timothy 5:23, assuming the wine is fermented). Therefore, social drinking is a sin because (1) it is not authorized by God to be consumed for pleasure (Colossians 3:17); (2) it can cause a brother/sister in Christ to stumble (Romans 14:21); (3) it can harm your body/mind (Proverbs 23:29-35; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20); (4) it leads to other sins such as fornication, contentions & drunkenness (Galatians 5:19-21). Our attitude should be like Timothy’s. He was against alcohol so much that he would not even take it as medicine (1 Timothy 5:23). After all, the Bible does encourage abstinence (Leviticus 10:9; Proverbs 31:4; Luke 1:15). It is best not to even look at the alcoholic beverage (Proverbs 23:31).

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Joey Ferrell 12/16/17 Joey Ferrell 12/16/17

Article - Jesus Was a Historical Man (part 5)

Other sources outside of God’s word that confirm Jesus’ historicity (continued from part 4): (5) SUETONIUS (A.D. 120), pagan, Roman historian, wrote, “Because the Jews at Rome cause continuous disturbance at the instigation of Chrestus (Christ), he [Claudius] expelled them from the city” (Claudius, 25:4; note that in Acts 18:2 Luke mentions this expulsion by Claudius); (6) PLINY the Younger (A.D. 61 – c. 112), pagan lawyer, author and magistrate of Rome. Around A.D. 110-111, Pliny was sent by the Roman emperor Trajan to govern the affairs of the region of Bithynia. He wrote to the emperor: “Having never been present at any trials of the Christians, I am unacquainted with the method and limits to be observed either in examining or punishing them” (Letters). Pliny used the term “Christian” or “Christians” seven times in his letter. He also used the name “Christ” three times to refer to the originator of the “sect.” He noted that those who had professed Christianity “affirmed, however, the whole of their guilt, of their error, was, what they were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang in alternate verses a hymn to Christ, as to a god, and bound themselves by a solemn oath, not to any wicked deeds…” (Epistles X. 96). It is inconceivable that a non-existent figure could have generated such a societal force as world-shaking as Christianity. There is no logical or reasonable way to explain how the Christian system started and grew so rapidly except for the fact that adherents knew of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Christianity itself is a monument to the vibrant presence of God’s Son in history. The testimonies and evidence are clear by advocates and enemies of Jesus that Jesus did indeed exist.

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Joey Ferrell 12/15/17 Joey Ferrell 12/15/17

Article - Jesus Was a Historical Man (part 3)

Other sources outside of God’s word that confirm Jesus’ historicity (continued from part 2): (4) THALLUS (A.D. 52) was one of the first historical Gentile writers who mentioned Christ. Christian writer JULIUS AFRICANUS (221 A.D.) comments about Thallus: “Thallus, in the third book of his histories, explains away this darkness as an eclipse of the sun-unreasonably, as it seems to me. Unreasonably, of course, because a solar eclipse could not take place at the time of the full moon, and it was the season of the Paschal full moon that Christ died.” Julius is referring to the Gospel accounts of the darkness which fell upon the land during Christ’s crucifixion (Luke 23:44-45). Because this event was so well known, non-believers felt compelled to give a naturalistic explanation for it. However, even Thallus was not fully convinced of his own “natural” explanation. (1/113); (5) JUSTIN MARTYR (A.D. 150), Christian apologist and philosopher, wrote in his Defence of Christianity to the Emperor Antonius Pius, and referred him to Pilate’s report. Justin supposed it was preserved in the imperial archives. But the words, “They pierced my hands and my feet,” he says, “are a description of the nails that were fixed in His hands and His feet on the cross; and after He was crucified, those who crucified Him cast lots for His garments, and divided them among themselves; and that these things were so, you may learn from the ‘Acts’ which were recorded under Pontius Pilate.” Later he says: “That He performed these miracles you may easily be satisfied from the ‘Acts’ of Pontius Pilate.” (Apology I. 48); (6) MARA BAR-SERAPION, non-Christian philosopher, wrote a letter some time later than A.D. 73 to his son while he was in prison to encourage him to seek wisdom. He pointed out that those who persecuted wise men were overtaken by misfortune. He mentions the deaths of Socrates, Pythagoras and Christ (1/114; see Robert E. Van Voorst, Jesus Outside the New Testament: An Introduction to the Ancient Evidence, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2000. p 54); (7) CLEMENT of Rome, “Apostolic Church Father” of the 1st century A.D., wrote: “The Apostles received the Gospel for us from the Lord Jesus Christ; Jesus Christ was sent forth from God” (Corinthians 42); (8) IGNATIUS of Antioch, “Apostolic Church Father” of the 1st century A.D., wrote: “Jesus Christ who was of the race of David, who was the Son of Mary, who was truly born and ate and drank, was truly persecuted under Pontius Pilate, was truly crucified and died…” (Letter to the Trallians); (9) POLYCARP of Smyrna, “Apostolic Church Father” of the 2nd century A.D., spoke passionately of Christ and wrote against certain heretics of his day. IRENAEUS, “Apostolic Church of the 2nd century, said that Polycarp had personal association with the apostle John, and with others who “had seen the Lord” (Eusebius V. XX).

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Joey Ferrell 12/15/17 Joey Ferrell 12/15/17

Article - Jesus Was a Historical Man (part 2)

There is more evidence for the historicity of Jesus of Nazareth (c. 4 B.C. – A.D. 30) than any other person of antiquity. There are at least 8 inspired writers of the New Testament, 20 early “Christian” authors (“Church Fathers”), 4 heretical writers and 7 additional non-Christian sources that make specific mention of Jesus within 200 years of Jesus’ life. The mention of Jesus from these 39 known ancient, historical writers actually outnumbers the mention of the leader of the entire Roman Empire Tiberius Caesar (ruled A.D. 14-37 during Jesus’ earthly life) by a ratio of 4:1! This article will consider only a few of the evidences of Jesus from ancient, uninspired writings: (1) FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS (A.D. 37-100), Jewish historian, wrote in his “Antiquities of the Jews”: “Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure….He was Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets has foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day.” (18.3.3). Josephus also wrote: “he assembled the Sanhedrin of judges, and brought before them the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James.” (20.9.1); (2) TALMUD (A.D. 200-500): these writings of Jewish traditions claim that Jesus was born out of wedlock after his mother was seduced by a Roman soldier named Pandera. They refer to Jesus’ miracles as “magic” and state that He claimed to be God. They also mention Jesus’ execution: “On the eve of the Passover they hanged Jesus…” (Baraila, Babylonia Sanherdrin, 43a); (3) TERTULLIAN (A.D. 197), theologian in defense of Christianity, wrote: “Tiberius accordingly, in those days the Christian name made its entry into the world, having himself received intelligence from the truth of Christ’s divinity, brought the matter before the senate, with his own decisions in favor of Christ. The senate, because it had not given the approval itself, rejected his proposal. Caesar held to his opinion, threatening wrath against all of the accusers of the Christians” (Apology, V. 2). [Continued in part 3]

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Joey Ferrell 12/15/17 Joey Ferrell 12/15/17

Article - The God of Mercy

“ Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Critics of the Bible often picture God as indifferent, unkind and vindictive toward His people. Nothing could be further from the truth about God. The God we read about in the Bible is full of mercy and love towards His creation. Notice several passages of Scripture which teach us about the mercy and love of God.

In the times of the Exodus God was spoken of as being “…merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abo unding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin” (Exodus 34:6-7). Nehemiah spoke of God as being “Ready to pardon, Gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, Abundant in kindness” (Nehemiah 9:17). Truly, during the Old Testament times God was a merciful and loving God.

In the New Testament times God is also seen as a loving and merciful God. With its fulfillment in the New Testament, the Hebrew writer said: “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more” (Hebrews 8:12). James also reminds us that “The Lord is very compassionate and merciful” (James 5:11). Jesus makes the application to us and says, “Therefore, be merciful as your father also is merciful” (Luke 6:36).

While critics of the Bible will accuse God of being evil and unkind, as one reads the Bible with an open and honest heart he is able to see God as a merciful and loving God. The Psalmist eloquently declared, “But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth ” (Psalms 86:15). May God help each of us to be a people of mercy and love!

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Joey Ferrell 12/14/17 Joey Ferrell 12/14/17

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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Joey Ferrell 12/1/17 Joey Ferrell 12/1/17

Article - Jesus Was a Historical Man (part 1)

There is more evidence for the historicity of Jesus of Nazareth (c. 4 B.C. – A.D. 30) than any other person of antiquity. Even our dating system centers on Jesus’ existence (B.C. means “before Christ” and A.D. is a Latin phrase anno domini meaning “in the year of our Lord”). This article will consider the primary source of evidence, namely, the New Testament (written c. A.D. 45-95, consisting of 27 books). There are over 5,500 Greek manuscripts and thousands of copies of the New Testament dating as early as A.D. 130 that attest to the fact that Jesus was a man who lived on the earth and was the Son of God. The New Testament was written by at least 8 inspired writers who with their combined efforts make reference to Jesus over 1500 times. Most of these writers were with Jesus for many years (namely, Matthew, Mark, John, James, Peter and Jude). They knew Jesus personally, and as reliable eyewitnesses, they wrote about Him as early as fifteen years after His resurrection. James (Jesus’ brother and perhaps the earliest New Testament writer) was considered a historical person not only by the New Testament but by the first century A.D. Jewish historian Flavius Josephus (c. A.D. 37-100). James wrote around A.D. 45 the following: “James, a servant of God and of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: greetings” (James 1:1). John, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles, wrote around A.D. 95: “I…in tribulation…was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of JESUS CHRIST” (Revelation 1:9). Another writer of the New Testament by the name of Paul (former enemy of Christ and Christianity and a later eyewitness) wrote around A.D. 56: “…CHRIST died…was buried…rose again the third day…was seen by over five hundred brethren at once…He was seen by me also” (I Corinthians 15:3-8). The New Testament evidence is more than adequate to establish the undeniable fact that Jesus existed and was/is the Son of God.

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Joey Ferrell 11/30/17 Joey Ferrell 11/30/17

Article - Churches of Christ & Modern Day Miracles

Why do churches of Christ not believe in modern day miracles? Without a doubt, the subject of miracles is a very confusing subject to many. With such a miracle-frenzy sweeping our religious world, why do churches of Christ not believe in modern-day miracles? Let me offer two basic reasons.

First, the Bible teaches that miracles were to come to an end with the completion of the Bible. The purpose of miracles in the first century was to confirm the truth of God’s Word (Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:3-4). Miracles were never for physical gratification alone. Paul had the power to heal Trophimus, yet he left him in Miletus sick because miracles were not for physical gratification alone. (2 Timothy 4:20). The premiere passage that teaches miracles have ended is 1 Corinthians 13:8-10. Paul states, “Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.” In this passage Paul teaches prophecies, tongue-speaking, and miraculous knowledge will come to an end when that which is perfect comes. We must determine what the “perfect” is. The word for perfect in the original language carries the idea of complete or absolute. In the Bible there are only four things that are perfect: God, Christ, the Holy Spirit and God’s Word. Of these four perfect items, God (Matthew 1:21), Christ (John 1:1-4) and the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4ff) have already come by the time Paul wrote 1 Corinthians. The only thing left to come is the “perfect law of liberty” (James 1:25). Therefore, Paul is saying that when the perfect law of liberty is completed (perfected) that which is partial (prophecy, tongue-speaking and miraculous knowledge) will end. Dear friend, the Bible does not teach miracles still exist today.

Also, churches of Christ do not believe in modern-day miracles because we do not see any genuine miracles happening today. These are the kinds of miracles we read of in the Bible: a man is raised from the dead (John 11), a lame man walks instantaneously (Acts 3), blind people are given their sight immediately (Mark 10:49-52), a man’s ear is attached back to his head automatically (Luke 22:50-51). Dear friend, you must admit these kinds of miracles are not happening today. As I say these things, please do not think that in the churches of Christ we do not believe in the power of prayer. We believe God can heal people through prayer and providence (James 5:13-15). In His time and way God will heal people, but people no longer have the power to do biblical miracles. Why is it that not one miracle worker can go down to the cemetery today and raise a dead person? Because that power no longer exist for us!

In a day and age when all people can seem to think about is miracles and the Holy Spirit, maybe we should start turning our attention to the product of the Holy Spirit—The Word of God (John 16:13). Instead of getting in a fizzle about miracles today, Christians need to be fired up for the Words of the Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 20:9). May God help us to study to show ourselves approved (2 Timothy 2:15).

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Joey Ferrell 11/16/17 Joey Ferrell 11/16/17

Article - What Path Should I Take? (part 2)

In part one we learned that the path of life to take is not atheism (Psalm 53:1), agnosticism (Revelation 3:16), humanism (Romans 1:25) or any of the major world religions such as Hinduism and Islam (2 John 1:9-11). Instead, Jesus said He is the only way, truth and life (John 14:6). One might, then, ask, “What about Judaism?” Is not our American nation and culture based on Judeo-Christian principles? Yes, it is. But, all authority has been given to Jesus in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). He has made the final decision, stating that His word (the New Testament) will judge us in the Last Day (John 12:48). When Christ died on the cross, not only did he fulfill the Old Testament (upon which Judaism is based), but He also abolished it, nailing it to the cross (John 19:30; Romans 10:4; Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 2:14-17). The Law of Moses was added until Christ came. Now that Christ has come, we are no longer obligated to or judged by the Old Testament (Galatians 3:10-11, 19-25). It is obsolete (Hebrews 8:13). A veil remains on the hearts of those (including Jews) who still try to use the Old Testament as their authority (2 Corinthians 3:7-16). In these final days, we are to hear Jesus, not Moses or Elijah (Matthew 17:3-5: Hebrews 1:1-2). Since the Jewish religion is predicated on the Old Testament and the Old Testament has been done away; therefore, Judaism has been done away. Even Paul wished he could save his fellow Jews (implying they were lost and must submit to Christ and Christianity in order to be saved: Romans 10:1-4). What path should you take? Clearly it is Christ and Christianity!

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Joey Ferrell 11/15/17 Joey Ferrell 11/15/17

Article - What is Eschatology??

The word “eschatology” is a big 5-dollar religious word that means “a study of the last things, or end things.” In our world, there is much confusion about matters relating to the end of time. Some believe the end can be traced down to a specific time and date. Others believe the end has already passed. What does the Bible say on this subject? Let us look at several passages about “last things” and let the Bible speak.

Eschatology & the Second Coming. “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only” (Matthew 24:36). “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thes. 4:13-18). “Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed” (2 Thes. 1:7-10).

Eschatology & the Resurrection. “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed-- in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth--those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28-29). “Martha said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:24-26).

What does the Bible say about “last things?” The Bible teaches that one cannot know the exact time of Christ’s coming. However, the Bible also teaches that it is a future event that we must be prepared for. The Bible, as we have read it today, contains all the answers to eschatology. If we will put aside the fiction books of men and any hobbies we have developed, we can clearly understand God’s view of eschatology.

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Joey Ferrell 11/11/17 Joey Ferrell 11/11/17

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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Joey Ferrell 11/10/17 Joey Ferrell 11/10/17

Article - Miracles Have Ceased

The Bible is filled with accounts of various miracles. In studying these accounts, a pattern becomes evident. The miracles were performed for a divine purpose. Once the miracles served their purpose, they ceased. For example, God created the heavens and earth, then He ceased creating heavens and earth (Genesis 1-2:3; Hebrews 11:3). God fed Israel with manna, then He ceased (Exodus 16:31-35; Joshua 5:12). The same is true in the New Testament. The primary purpose of miracles in the first century A.D. was to reveal God’s word unto completion and to confirm God’s word and Jesus’ divinity in order to make believers (Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 16:20; John 10:25, 37-38; 20:30-31; Acts 2:22; Hebrews 2:1-4). Once Jesus’ divine nature was adequately demonstrated and all the truth of His word was fully revealed, the miracles that served to validate these facts ceased. Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 (and Ephesians 4:8-13) Paul makes it clear that the miracles of the first century were not designed to last. He stated that the miraculous abilities to prophesy, speak in languages never studied and gain instant knowledge would fail, cease, vanish away. He even tells us when this would occur, namely, when “that which is perfect has come.” God’s word was made know in parts, that is, gradually as it was revealed and confirmed through “childish things” called spiritual gifts. Once God’s word was made perfect/complete, these gifts fulfilled their purpose and ceased (2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:25; Jude 1:3).

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Bible Class Curricula - Denominational Doctrines (Part 1) - Lesson #9 - The Mormon Religion

National Museum of Natural History
Smithsonian Institution Washington, D.C. 20560

Statement Regarding the Book of Mormon*

The Gospel of Christ

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Restore or Mark and Avoid

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phone: 855.458.3905

thegospelofchrist.com | thegospelofchrist.net | thegospelofchrist.org

National Museum of Natural History Smithsonian Institution Washington, D.C. 20560

Statement Regarding the Book of Mormon*

The Gospel of Christ

phone: 855.458.3905

thegospelofchrist.com | thegospelofchrist.net | thegospelofchrist.org

National Museum of Natural History
Smithsonian Institution Washington, D.C. 20560