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 - 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 - Christian Walk and Worship (part 1)
Paul addressed his “Ephesians” letter to the holy and faithful ones in Christ Jesus who resided in the city of Ephesus (Ephesians 1:1). Throughout his letter Paul emphasized all the spiritual blessings each individual Christian as well as the church of Christ as a whole enjoyed in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3, 5, 11; 2:4-7, etc.). In light of these wonderful facts, Paul urged these brethren (as he does us) to “walk worthy of the calling with which you [plural] are called…” (Ephesians 4:1; 2:10; the Ephesian brethren were all called/invited the same way: by hearing the gospel, Ephesians 1:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14). Not only did Paul enumerate how the individual Christian husband, wife, father, child, slave and master were to walk or behave (Ephesians 5:22-6:9), but also how Christians as a whole were to conduct themselves around one another (compare 1 Timothy 3:14-15). Such reciprocation or mutual exchange among brethren was expressed in Paul’s instruction either by a reciprocal pronoun, such as “bearing with one another” (Ephesians 4:2), being “members of one another” (Ephesians 4:25), being “kind to one another” (Ephesians 4:32) and “submitting to one another” (Ephesians 5:21) or the reflexive pronoun (expressing the same idea as the reciprocal pronoun), such as “forgiving one another” (Ephesians 4:32) and “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19; see also 1 Corinthians 6:7; Dana & Mantey’s Greek Grammar, pp. 131-132; Moulton’s Greek Grammar, p. 43). Christians in their individual lives as well as part of the body of Christ were to walk wisely, following the acceptable will of the Lord (Ephesians 5:10, 15-17).
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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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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 - The Predestination of Calvinism and Presbyterianism is False
Does the Bible teach that everyone’s destiny (where you end up in eternity) has been predetermined randomly and that there is nothing we can personally do about it? Absolutely not! Such false teaching contradicts the following Bible truths: (1) God does not want anyone to perish (therefore, if salvation does not involve our choice, every human would be going to heaven, 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9); (2) God does not show partiality but is just and fair (therefore, He does not arbitrarily choose who goes to heaven and who goes to hell, Acts 10:34-35); (3) Jesus died for everyone (not just for a few that God randomly chose; otherwise, what purpose would it have served for Jesus to become a human and die for humans whom His Father had already chosen to go to heaven?, 1 Timothy 2:6; Hebrews 2:9); (4) God designed us as creatures of choice (including the choice to work out our own salvation or not, Genesis 2:15-17; Joshua 24:15; Isaiah 7:16; Luke 10:38-42; Acts 6:2-5; 13:45-46; Philippians 2:12); (5) The gospel is to be preached to every human (not just to a select few whom God has already predestined, Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16); (6) The gospel invitation is offered to all (not just to God’s elect, Revelation 22:17); (7) A child of God can choose to fall from God’s grace and be lost for eternity (John 6:67-71; 17:12; Acts 1:25; Galatians 5:4; 2 Peter 2:20-22); (8) God predetermined His Plan of salvation and the Type of persons (chosen qualities) He would save – not random individuals (Acts 4:27-28; 1 Corinthians 2:7-8; Ephesians 1:11-13). If your Church (Presbyterian, etc.) teaches Calvin’s predestination, then leave your Church on the basis of false teaching just as Calvin left his Church (Catholic) and become part of the one church Jesus built (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:47; Romans 16:16).
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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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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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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 - Back to the Bible
Thus says the LORD: "Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it” (Jeremiah 6:16). This passage is a sad commentary on the spiritual condition of Israel. Although they thought they were pleasing to God, He tells them they need to repent and go back to the “Old Paths.” Since the institution of Christianity by our Lord, there has been a progressive movement leading many away from the simplicity of the Bible. Many in the religious world have wondered so far from the Bible that they no longer use it as a guidebook for worship and life. Jeremiah 6:16 calls us back to the Bible. In an age where modernism, humanism, and evolution run rampant in the world and the church, we must determine to find the old paths of God’s word and demand they are taught. Let us consider how we should go “Back to the Bible.”
Back to Bible Study. Our technologically advanced age, which has benefited us in many ways, has also made us lazy in other ways. We need to determine to study God’s word regularly, and independently. Paul encouraged Timothy to “Study to show yourself approved unto God…” (2 Timothy 2:15). The Bible tells us that a sincere study of the word of God will free us from sin (John 8:32), give us spiritual understanding (Ephesians 3:4), prepare us to answer the critic (1 Peter 3:15), and save our souls (James 1:21). We must stop depending on preachers, commentaries, media and other sources to do our Bible study for us. Let’s go back to the Bible in individual Bible study.
Back to Bible Salvation. Many people are trying to be saved through various avenues. Some try to save themselves. Others depend on men to tell them how to be saved. However, God’s word is the only source for salvation (Romans 1:16). The biblical plan of salvation is very simple. One must believe in Jesus as the Son of God (John 8:24). Then he must be willing to repent of all his past sins and turn to God (Luke 13:3, Acts 3:19). Next, one must be willing to orally confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:10, Matthew 10:32-33). Finally, one must be baptized in water for salvation (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, John 3:3-5). Have we been saved the way the Bible tells us to? If not, let’s go back to the Bible for salvation. May God help us as we endeavor to return to the old paths of His Word!!
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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 - Islam Is Very Dangerous!
Maybe, like me, you have been told that Islam is a religion of peace and love. Maybe you have been told it is a friendly religion that can co-exist in the USA. If you have been told these things you have been greatly and purposefully deceived. True Islam that follows the Koran is a deadly and dangerous religion. This is (verbatim from the Quran) how Muslims really feel about you—the infidel.
- Quran 2:191 "And kill them wherever you find them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out. And disbelief is worse than killing" (Speaking of Christians)
- Quran 5:54 "O believers, take not Jews and Christians as friends; they are friends of each other. Those of you who make them his friends is one of them. God does not guide an unjust people." (Muslims not to befriend Christians)
- Quran 8:12 "I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them" (Context is Christians/Non-believers)
- Quran (9:30) "And the Jews say: Ezra is the son of Allah; and the Christians say: The Messiah is the son of Allah; these are the words of their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved before; may Allah destroy them; how they are turned away!"
- Quran 41:14 "Unbelievers are enemies of Allah and they will roast in hell." (This is how they really feel about Christians)
- Quran (61:4) "Surely Allah loves those who fight in His way"
- Quran (66:9) "O Prophet! Strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be stern with them. Hell will be their home, a hapless journey's end."
- Quran (3:157-158) "If you should die or be killed in the cause of Allah, His mercy and forgiveness would surely be better than all the riches they amass. If you should die or be killed, before Him you shall all be gathered." (This explains why they strap bombs to themselves)
- Quran 98:51 "The unbelievers among the People of the Book and the pagans shall burn forever in the fire of hell. They are the vilest of all creatures." (This is what every true believer in the Koran thinks about you as a Christian).
After reading these passages directly from the Koran, one can see how Muslims who are faithful to Muhammad really feel about you. Don't be deceived; this is not a religion of peace!
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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 - The Power of Prayer
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). Prayer is one of the most powerful tools the Christian has as his possession. Yet, it is sadly one of the most overlooked and under-used tools God has given us. Just imagine how long we would stay on the phone if we could call God directly from our home phone and talk to Him. In essence, we do have this kind of communication. Jesus said, “Men ought to pray always and never lose heart” (Luke 18:1). Jesus tells us, “If you ask anything in my name I will do it” (John 14:14). Since prayer is such a powerful tool, how can we become a more prayerful people? Let me suggests three principles to strengthen our prayer life.
- Realize the Power of Prayer. In times of trouble and distress of heart God’s people always turned to Him. Peter tells us to “cast all our cares upon Him for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Paul encouraged the Christians in Philippi to “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). Until we realize that “prayer moves the hand the moves the world” we will not use it regularly.
- Realize the Purpose of Prayer. All too often prayer becomes a “gimme-session” where all we do is ask God to give us certain things and tell Him what we need. In the Bible, prayer is more often than not a time for God’s people to praise and magnify His holy name (Read Daniel 8:4, Matthew 6:9). Instead of jumping right into telling God what we need, we should take the time to laud His holy name. When we do praise God in our prayers it should humble us and cause us to realize the proper priorities in life.
- Realize the Patience of Prayer. Many people give up on prayer because they do not get an immediate response, or so they think. Garth Brook’s song “ I thank God for unanswered prayers” has done more harm to prayer than we realize. Many people have not yet realized that song is unscriptural. There is NO unanswered prayer. The response may be different than what we expect. It may come at a later time. Or, the answer may be no. Please realize that God knows what is best for us and when it is best (Romans 8:28).
If we truly realize that prayer is one of the most powerful tools we have to praise God then we will begin to use it more. May God give us the strength to be a more prayerful people!
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Article - ABC’s of the Gospel
In an article produced by LifeWay, a Baptist publishing house, it was stated that to be saved one simply needs to obey the ABC’s of the Gospel1. While it is true that the gospel plan of salvation is simple (Ephesians 3:4), some are distorting the simplicity of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:3). For example, LifeWay stated that the ABC’s of the Gospel are: Admit your sin (Romans 3:23), Believe in Christ (Romans 10:9), & Confess your faith in Christ (Romans 10:9-10). While these three steps are indeed necessary in the plan of salvation, to say they are the gospel plan of salvation in full is like saying the first three letters of the alphabet are the full alphabet. So much is left out with this plan of salvation that it is indeed a false gospel. Allow me to explain from Scripture.
One of the key letters in the gospel alphabet that has been left out is the letter “R” for repentance. Jesus teaches us that we must not only acknowledge our sin but repent of it to be saved. When asked about certain people who seemed to be receiving the vengeance of God for their sins Jesus said, “Unless you repent you shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Peter told first century Christians to “repent and be converted…” (Acts 3:19). Repentance is an essential letter in the ABC’s of the gospel that is left out by many.
Another importance letter in the ABC’s of the gospel that is left our by so many in our religious world today is the letter “B” for baptism. All of us agree that belief is an important step in the plan of salvation. However, the Lord made it very clear that baptism was just as essential to salvation as belief. Jesus Himself said, “He that believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). When asked how to relieve themselves of the sin of crucifying Christ, Peter told the crowd at Pentecost to “repent and be baptized every one of you for the remission of your sin…” (Acts 2:38). Peter later emphasized the essentiality of baptism when he said, “…baptism does now also save us” (1 Peter 3:21). As we noted earlier one of the ABC’s of the gospel that has been purported among us is the letter “C” for call on Jesus. We need to ask the question, “How does one call on Jesus biblically?” The answer is very clearly found in Acts 22:16. Ananias told Paul to “arise and be baptized and wash away your sins calling on the name of the Lord.” How does one call on the name of the Lord biblically? One calls on the Lord’s name by submitting to His will in baptism. Many miss the ABC’s of the gospel and salvation itself because the leave out the essentiality of baptism.
Another letter that is left out of the ABC’s of the gospel is the letter “F” for faithfulness. Not only must one initially become a child of God, but he must also remain faithful to be saved. Jesus said, “Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). Jesus also said, “He that endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22). Faithfulness is also an important step in the ABC’s of the gospel.
Dear friends, the gospel plan of salvation is not a difficult plan to understand. It is simple like the alphabet, but we must not leave any letters out of the alphabet or the plan of salvation to be correct. If you have been duped in the past by some who were not telling the full truth of the gospel, we would love to help you at THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST. Please email, call us or write to us and we would love to study with you about what the Bible says about salvation.
1 http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/files/lwcF_crd_ss_EforESpec_ABCs-of-Salvation_pdf.pdf (Retrieved 11/25/14)
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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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Article - The Claus Vs. The Christ
Recently I have been amazed by the number of religious groups that are canceling services this Sunday due to Christmas. These cancellations present a great dilemma: Are we honoring Santa Claus over Jesus Christ? The very fact that some are canceling their services says they think the Christmas holiday is more important than gathering to worship God & His Son. The Christmas holiday has not only presented problems for some canceling their services this Sunday, but has caused mass confusion over whether or not Christmas should be observed as a religious holiday. Does the Bible authorize us to remember the birth of God’s son as a religious holiday? Was Jesus born on December 25? Should we ever cancel worship services because they conflict with our holidays? Let’s look to the Bible to answer these questions.
First, we must determine from the Scriptures if we are to remember the birth of Jesus as a religious holiday. Does God authorize His people to remember His Son’s birthday? If so, how and when are we to remember it? As a person takes his Bible and looks for words like Christmas & religious holiday he will very quickly notice they are not in the Bible. Christmas is not mentioned one time in the entire Bible. As one studies the birth of Christ, he will also notice that while it was a wonderful event of hope, we are never commanded to remember his birth (Luke 2:1ff). Instead, Christians are commanded to remember the death of Christ every first day of the week by taking the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25; Acts 20:7). As you are reading this you may be thinking to yourself, “It doesn’t say we can’t do it.” To this objection I would ask, “Must the Christian have Bible authority for religious acts, like remembering the birth of Christ?” To answer this question we need only look at a few passages in the Bible that affirm its truthfulness. For example, Paul told Christians not to go beyond what is written in the Bible (1 Corinthians 4:6). Must a person go beyond the Word of God to celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday? Yes! Toward the close of the Bible we are told not to add to or take away from God’s word or divine condemnation will be pronounced upon us (Revelation 22:18-19). Does one have to add to the Word of God to observe the birth of Jesus as a religious holiday? Yes! Paul told Christians, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” (Colossians 3:17). Can we find one shred of evidence where Jesus authorized his birth to be remembered today? No! Friends, if God doesn’t tell us to do something and we do it anyway, are we going to please God? No. If you think it is possible to add to God’s Word and still please Him, just turn in your Bible and read the example of Nadab & Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-2. God did not authorize these men to offer a strange fire, and as a result they perished because of it. God has not authorized Christians to remember His son’s birth, and we must not add to His Word!
Secondly, we must consider the time of Jesus’ birth. Was Jesus born on December 25? Not likely. There are two very strong evidences that suggest Jesus’ birth was not in December. First, we know that shepherds were in the fields watching their flocks at the time of Jesus' birth (Luke 2:7-8). Shepherds were not in the fields during December. Concerning this evidence, commentator Albert Barnes notes, “It is probable from this that our Saviour was born before the 25th of December, or before what we call "Christmas." At that time it is cold, and especially in the high and mountainous regions about Bethlehem.” (Barnes, Luke 2:8). Second, Jesus' parents came to Bethlehem to register in a Roman census (Luke 2:1-4). Such censuses were not taken in winter, when temperatures often dropped below freezing and roads were in poor condition. Taking a census under such conditions would have been self-defeating. No one really knows the exact time of Jesus’ birth. If God had wanted us to remember the birth of Jesus as a religious holiday he surely would have told us when He was born!
Since we are not commanded to remember the birth of Christ and we do not know when His birthday was, we should not cancel services. At this point someone may exclaim, “ba-humbug you ole’ scrooge. You’re just trying to ruin Christmas!” This is not the case at all. I enjoy the holiday season as a time to give gifts, spend time with friends and family and take a break from the routine of life. However, the Bible doesn’t authorize me to remember this time of year as Jesus’ birth, nor does it authorize me to cancel services because of the holidays, New Year’s, a football game or any other event that happens to fall on a Sunday. May each of us ask ourselves, “Are we pitting the Claus against the Christ when we cancel services?” And may we remember the words of the wise sage, “Do not add to His Word lest He rebuke you and you be found a liar” (Proverbs 30:6).
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