Tagged: church Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Eugene Adkins 6:41 am on May 7, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , church, , Solo Christianity   

    Church Membership an Option? 

    There are a lot of religious people in the world who consider themselves to be something akin to Lone Ranger Christians. By that I mean they believe they can avoid the church all together and still be pleasing to God. To those with that mentality I would ask if they could provide one single example of a person in the Bible (who was a Christian living under the days of the New Covenant) that intentionally avoided gathering with, participating with and identifying with the church who was still pleasing to God in his or her actions.

    I completely understand that various personalities and opinions create conflict within the church (think Paul and Barnabas and Mark), but when such happens the church herself is not meant to be the one who bears the brunt of the faults of others. In other words, when two (or more) brothers and sisters in Christ get into a personal spat they should not take it out on the church by withdrawing his or her support on multiple levels. Humility, support, seeking the interest of others and the squashing of one’s ego go a long way in these situations (Philippians 2:1-4; Romans 12:15-18). I also know that more often than not it’s the other person’s fault, but regardless of that matter if one withdraws their own fellowship from the church it’s now their own fault. Even when this is the case the church is encouraged to remember this one who has been overtaken in a fault lest the mentality spreads (Galatians 6:1-4).

    The simple fact of the matter is that church membership is not an option to the one who seeks to please God. The blood of Jesus was spilt to purchase the church (Acts 20:28), and Jesus is the Savior of His body which is His church (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:23), and when one reads the scriptures they will see people who sought to be (or who were at least encouraged to be) active members of God’s church by being an active member of the collective body and her activities (1 Corinthians 12:18-20; Hebrews 10:24-25).

    One can find many options in life, but church membership is not one of them if one considers his or her salvation to be important.

    “…And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:47)

     

    • Joseph Richardson 1:26 pm on May 7, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Once again, brother, you are entirely on the same page as me and my church. We are not as far apart as you think.

      • Eugene Adkins 6:20 pm on May 7, 2013 Permalink | Reply

        Hello, Joseph,

        Nah, you’re right, we’re not that far apart, except for…the various and multiple aspects of Mariology, calling people father, holy father and most holy father, praying to and through dead saints, how one becomes a saint of God, the existence of purgatory, the headship of the church, the infallibility of the pope, the final authority for matters of the faith, baptizing babies, depravity of babies, the various and multiple aspects of what is acceptable worship, the priesthood of God, celibacy, birth-control, various modes of baptism, sacramental doctrines, holy water, confession booths and transubstantiation. Yeah, other than those things and a few others we’re not that far apart.

        I don’t mind discussing things that I have in common with other people, and there are quite a bit of things that I have/believe in common with people from the wide spectrum of denominationalism (catholicism included), but my friend there is a lot more distance between you and I doctrinally speaking than what you may be inferring. I am familiar with what the catholic church teaches concerning church membership (a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while – just joking) and there are many parts of the truth that it contains on the matter, but my definition of what the true universal church of God is and what the catholic church is are two different things.

        Thanks for the “like” and for commenting (seriously).

        • John Henson 10:19 am on May 8, 2013 Permalink

          Hear, hear!

        • Joseph Richardson 11:30 am on May 8, 2013 Permalink

          I tend to think that those other things are small potatoes compared to what really matters, which is Christ and His grace and His salvation.

        • Eugene Adkins 12:29 pm on May 8, 2013 Permalink

          Small potatoes? So then you wouldn’t mind changing your belief and teaching concerning those little spuds?

        • Joseph Richardson 12:31 pm on May 8, 2013 Permalink

          If we did, the Gospel would still be the Gospel.

        • Eugene Adkins 6:28 am on May 9, 2013 Permalink

          The gospel will always be the gospel regardless of what men or women try to do to it, but a person can mess with the message to a point to where it’s no longer the message; and in fact the gospel warns people about others who have and who will try to change it. So at the end of day when the issues mentioned above are altered by the commandments and traditions of men not only does the gospel get altered but so does one’s relationship with God. The truth matters.

          “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8-9)

          “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.” (1 Timothy 4:1-3)

          “I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” (2 Timothy 4:1-4)

          “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)

          The catholic church doesn’t believe these “items” are small potatoes due to the fact that they teach that several of them affects a person’s salvation, and judging by the articles on your blog and I don’t think you do either.

        • Joseph Richardson 7:25 pm on May 9, 2013 Permalink

          They are important, but in comparison to core of the Gospel message — Christ’s coming to earth and dying for our sins that we might be reconciled to God and have eternal life with Him — they are marginal.

    • Don Ruhl 10:13 am on May 8, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Great article. I will use it as part of a sermon that I will be doing some time this month on the same subject.

      • Eugene Adkins 5:33 pm on May 8, 2013 Permalink | Reply

        Glad I could be useful. All of you guys/fellows have been helpful to me in multiple ways so I’m glad I can return the favor!

        • Don Ruhl 6:04 pm on May 8, 2013 Permalink

          That is what living in Christ means, isn’t it?, helping one another.

        • Don Ruhl 7:11 pm on May 31, 2013 Permalink

          Eugene, I preached on it this past Lord’s Day, and I want to see you either the sound file or the sermon notes, but I do not have your e-mail address.

        • Eugene Adkins 8:35 pm on May 31, 2013 Permalink

          Check out your inbox when you get a chance and keep an eye out for the subject line.

      • Eugene Adkins 8:03 pm on June 2, 2013 Permalink | Reply

        Did you ever get anything?

  • Ron Thomas 7:00 am on May 6, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: church, Jehoash, ,   

    Sometimes the Well Runs Dry 

                    In my devotional reading the other day I was reflecting on the account as given to us in 2 Chronicles 24 and the Temple’s renovation. Judah was on hard times because of their sin and their loyalty. The result of this, among many other things, was the Lord’s temple was in disrepair. Judah’s most recent king, Joash (also spelled Jehoash), set out to repair the Temple; in order to do that he needed contributions from those of a willing heart. In time there was enough money collected and when collected the work was started and finished.

    This brings to mind a point worth considering. For some local churches that belong to the Lord, it appears that the well has run dry for them to accomplish some needful things as well as other things that are desired that are not needful. Consequently, elders are reluctant to commit themselves to that for which they are not sure they can attend. This is wise. On the other hand, when there are saints present and there is a need to be met, the saints will “come marching in” and do what they can to supply the necessary need. They do this because of a devotion to the Lord, to serve His cause, and to make a difference where they can.

    Sometimes the well runs dry, but sometimes it is only perceived to be so. RT

     

  • Ron Thomas 7:00 am on April 29, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: church, , man-made   

                   
    In Bible class last week there was a remark made about the restoration/reformation movement. Some years ago a man named Thomas Campbell said with regard to his preaching and teaching that he will now go by the motto “We speak where the Bible speaks and we are silent where the Bible is silent.” This sentiment has been adopted by those devoted to the Lord and the restoration of the ancient order of things.

    To restore something in the religious context means get back to what the Bible, especially the New Testament, says. In other words, if the pages of the New Testament expressly teach something then Christians are obligated to teach and live that which the Holy Spirit says. The importance of this is made all-the-more important when it is noted that some churches are putting a premium on numerical growth at the expense of biblical teaching. Faithfulness to the Lord’s way is crucial to being accepted by the Lord (cf. Luke 6:46). Restoration pertains to not only church structure (elders, deacons, preacher, etc.), but it also includes lives changed by the gospel of Christ.

    Let us be reminded that the Lord’s church is not a denomination (as the word is customarily used). With regard to the church’s name, organization, doctrines, and who its members are, we learn from the pages of the New Testament what we need to know about them. For instance, with regard to doctrine, if the church is not expressly told how to extend benevolence to those outside the body of Christ (or even within the body of Christ), then it is up to the local congregation to do what they will. Additionally, if the New Testament teaches an express doctrine, like he that believes and is baptized shall be saved, then anything contrary to that which the New Testament teaches must be opposed.

    What does the New Testament teach with regard to denominations? A denomination is, simply put, just a name designation. A name designation either has its name, origin, and teaching from the New Testament or it does not. If it does not have its name, origin, and teaching expressly stated in the pages of the New Testament then it is a man-made institution with man-made doctrines (cf. Matthew 15:1-14).

    With regard to the church, the Scriptures teach that Jesus came to established His church (Matthew 16:13-19). This means the Lord is the founder and builder of His institution. Thus, that which He set up (founded) has its origin in heaven. The organization of the church He set up is found in the Head where all authority resides (Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:22-23), elders who lead the local congregation (Philippians 1:1; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4), and the deacons who serve in varying capacities (Acts 6:1-7; Philippians 1:1). This is the biblical organization/structure of His church. Consequently, anything that is done outside the parameters of the New Testament is going beyond the Lord’s teaching (2 John 9-11).

    The church, the body of Christ is a spiritual entity; it is not a physical structure (like a building) at all. The building where the church meets is just a building and is no more sacred than a cow pasture (if the saints were meeting there). That which is sacred, however, are those who gather in the name of Christ. The Lord’s church is not a man-made institution; it is God’s institution and we ought to hold it sacred in our hearts. We can’t do this if we have not the Lord set apart in our heart already (1 Peter 3:15). To set the Lord apart in one’s heart there must be a willing response to submit to His holy name. RT

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 9:23 am on April 5, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , church   

    First the church, then the world 

    On QBT today, this tidbit:

    The NT tells saints to give preference to God’s people, then to others. “Always pursue what is good for one another and for all.” 1Th 5.15

    One can see this preference also in Gl 6.10: “So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith.”

    Are there other verses you can think of that show this church-first attention when it comes to the saints’ good works and love?

     

    • Weylan Deaver 1:38 pm on April 5, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      I take the Judgment scene painted in Matthew 25:31ff. to be centered on how members of the church treat each other–not how they relate to the world. Jesus is talking about either doing or not doing certain things to his brethren (and equating that to doing/not doing those things to him, personally).

    • Brett Christensen 3:52 pm on April 5, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      Other verses which spring to my mind are: Romans 12:10; Acts 2:42, John 13:14 & 1 John 3:16.
      Being devoted to one another in brotherly love, being devoted to the fellowship of believers, laying down our lives for each other — these point to a priority for our brethren, without excluding love for unbelievers.

    • Ron Thomas 4:23 pm on April 5, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      The “Let us” passages of Hebrews, come to mind.

    • Eugene Adkins 8:20 am on April 6, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)

      and

      “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;” (Romans 12:10)

      …oops, didn’t see Brett’s Romans reference, but at least I still got John 13:35 :)

  • Eugene Adkins 6:29 am on March 11, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Authority of the Scriptures, , , , , church, manifold wisdom, , , , Wisdom of God   

    Does the church produce the Bible…Or does the Bible produce the church? 

    Here’s an article from the church in Wise, VA that I put in the bulletin at Keltonburg several years ago. I thought some of you might find it useful, specifically during this time of “conclave”:

    Does the church produce the Bible…Or does the Bible produce the church?

    Perhaps one of the biggest misconceptions regarding the Bible is that it is a product of the church. Many reject the Bible as our sole source of religious authority and instruction and belittle us for believing in the “Bible alone theory”. Thus, there is a great need to discuss the relationship between the Bible and the church. As always, we will appeal to the scriptures as our only source of authority and not our own wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:6-7).

    For one to understand that the Bible is our only standard for all religious faith and practice, one must understand the church is the result of the Bible and depends on it for everything it preaches and practices. In other words, the Bible produces the church, not the other way around. We are told by some that since the “church is the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15), the church itself establishes what truth is. On the contrary, truth emanates only from God (Psalm 86:11; John 1:17; 17:17). Or as Paul put it in Ephesians 3:10, “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in the heavenly places might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.” The church, just like individuals, must appeal to the Bible as the only source of authority for it alone contains the manifold wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 2:9-13; Ephesians 3:3-5). Just as Moses was admonished to “make all things according to the pattern” (Hebrews 8:5); we must use the Bible alone to ensure we are following God’s revealed pattern for His church. Thus, we must speak where the Bible speaks, remain silent where the Bible is silent, do Bible things in Bible ways, and call Bible things by Bible names (1 Peter 4:11).

    We read in Acts 16:5 that the “churches were established in the faith.” We would like to emphasize very kindly, yet very firmly, that the one true church is established in the faith; it does not establish the faith. The faith which is spoken of in Acts 16:5 is simply the revealed truth of the gospel which was “once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) by the end of the first century. As beings created with rights of freedom and choice, why would anyone bind themselves to decrees, councils and conventions of men? “God forbid; yea let God be true and every man a liar” (Romans 3:4). – Ryan Thomas 

     

  • Ron Thomas 7:00 am on February 22, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: church, NBA,   

    A Parent’s Priority 

    In this month’s Christian Chronicle (March 2013) there is an interview with a NBA (National Basketball Association) player named Norris G. Cole, II. He is a member of the Lord’s church in Miami and attends services of the local congregation whenever he can.

    Attending the services of the Lord’s church is important to him because it was instilled within him by his parents. His parents set the tone for all their children with regard to all activities. If an event in their early life was on Wednesday or Sunday then whoever was in charge of that event or activity understood that the parents put a priority on the Lord and not the event or activity. In other words, the child did not attend the event or activity.

    I remember we instilled in our own daughters the same lesson. It was not always easy to instill this lesson, but it was one we believed in. Some decisions in life are made and experienced with regret; there is no regret, however, in choosing to be with the Lord’s people when they meet—it’s an impression that lasts much longer.

    Some parents, because they don’t have the priority they need, complain that to do as Norris’ parents did would scar the child in some perceived way, maybe prevent the child from certain things within the peer group, perhaps even preventing them from achieving the highest goal. One NBA player doesn’t think so. RT

     

    • Don Ruhl 9:40 am on February 22, 2013 Permalink | Reply

      I am going to put this in our bulletin.

      • Ron Thomas 9:50 am on February 22, 2013 Permalink | Reply

        Can you like, Don. Thanks, brother.

      • Ron Thomas 2:21 pm on February 22, 2013 Permalink | Reply

        That’s supposed to “glad you like it.” Nothing like a DROID to type on!. I am sorry for the mistake.

  • Eugene Adkins 6:40 am on January 24, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , church, ,   

    Neat Little Poem About the Church 

    Here’s a neat little poem that I found in an old Bulletin Digest. There’s no author given so to God be the glory (which should be a driving factor anyways).

    Most people think the New Testament church is built of brick, wood and stone,

    And after Sunday services stands empty and alone.

    But God’s own church is made of souls who spread both far and wide,

    The story of His wondrous love and Jesus crucified.

    A living church – A family royal; with Christ the King to reign.

    Which after stone and wood are gone forever will remain.

    Have great day serving Jesus as a member of His kingdom, as a member of His body and as a member of His church.

    “Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.“ (1 Peter 2:6-10 – NKJV)

     

     

  • John T. Polk II 11:12 am on January 14, 2013 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , church, gospel publication,   

    Gospel Gleaner is back in print! 

    “The Gospel Gleaner has, for several decades, been a God-glorifying, Bible-centered, bold voice within churches of Christ. It was guided by the sound, steady hand of its Editor, Bill Dillon. When the print version ended a few years ago, there were many requests for even the back issues wherever I preached in a Gospel Meeting. Having written a column in it for a number of years, it is with great delight that I see it once again in print with Andy Erwin as Editor. He brings not only his devotion to the Bible, thorough scholarship, but also appreciation of soldiers of the cross regardless of their era. He will coordinate writers from across the Brotherhood into a paper like the coat Jesus wore, “without seam” (John 19:23). Moses’ invitation is appropriate for The Gospel Gleaner: “Come with us, and we will treat you well” (Numbers 10:29).” —–John T. Polk II, Dover, TN 

    THE GOSPEL GLEANER

    “FOR THE LOVE OF THE LORD, HIS WORD, AND HIS CHURCH”

    Dear Gospel Gleaner Subscribers,

    Beginning January 2013, the Gospel Gleaner will be back in print on a monthly basis!

    Our next issue will mark the Gleaner’s twenty-fifth year of publication, and a new look in many ways. You will now receive twelve issues of the Gleaner each year. You will find articles that deal with proper interpretation and application of the biblical text, the home, the church, denominational doctrines, ministry, and church history, among many others.

    Single subscriptions are available for an annual rate of $10.00. Bundles are also available for churches and schools. Bundle rates are as follows:

    • Ø For a quantity of 10 – $10.00 per month ($120 per year)
    • Ø For a quantity of 25 – $20.00 per month ($240 per year)
    • Ø For a quantity of 50 – $30.00 per month ($360 per year)
    • Ø For a quantity of 100 – $40.00 per month ($480 per year)

    Make your checks payable to:

    The Gospel Gleaner Company

    3778 CR 33

    Killen, AL 35645

    Thank you for your continued support!

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:04 am on December 18, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , church, , , , ,   

    Psalm 67 

    Vs. 1 appeals to God for acceptance;

    Vs. 2-4 express desire that all men would praise God;

    Vs. 5-7 show God’s blessing to the whole world.

    There is nothing about this Psalm to indicate who, when, or why it was written, except that it expresses “the hope of Israel” that God’s “seed” would fulfill God’s plan of salvation for all mankind. This plan was fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:13-29), and not re-offered again in a future time. This Psalm certainly anticipates the blessing of Abraham through Jesus Christ, the “hope of Israel” (Acts 26:6-7, 22-23).

    Verse 1: “Mercy” is behind forgiveness, so it should be the first request a sinner makes of God and the first blessing those forgiven should give to others (Luke 6:36; Hebrews 2:17; 8:12). It reads like the blessing priests gave under Moses’ Law in Numbers 6:24-26:  “The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” The use of “LORD” showed that blessing was for those in covenant to Jehovah (Israelites), but in the Psalm “God” is used which shows it speaks of all mankind, not just Israelites.

    Verse 2-4: By using the expressions “all nations,” “peoples,” “govern the nations,” more than just Israelites were to be included in God’s blessings. God never planned for the Israelites only to be His people, but it was through them He would send His promised blessing – Jesus Christ, whom Paul preached: “”Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:38-39). In verse 4, that God “shall judge the people righteously” will ultimately fall on Jesus Christ, to whom God has given judgment (John 5:22-23, 30). “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:30-31).

    Verses 5-7: When Gentiles praise God along with Israelites (verse 5), then “the earth shall yield her increase.” God promised in Deuteronomy 28:1-12 to physically bless the Israelites in their land if they “diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today.” If God can make land produce when they followed His commandments, surely He can do the same today! Truly, “The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22). Don’t believe “men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself” (1 Timothy 6:5). There is no “gospel of greed” but sincere obedience to God’s principles brings blessings even from the earth! It always comes from “God, our own God” (verse 6), and not government or corporation! Today, Jews and Gentiles must be saved by the same gospel (Romans 1:16-17), then added to the same church of Christ (Acts 2:38, 41, 47; Ephesians 2:11-22).

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted. 

     

  • John T. Polk II 1:10 am on December 18, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , church, , , , massacre, , ,   

    Why Sandy Hook? 

    On Friday, December 14, 2012, in Newtown, Connecticut, a 20-year-old gunman massacred 20 Sandy Hook Elementary Students, 5 Faculty members, his mother, and then himself. Too late, he took himself out of our misery. The inevitable question is: WHY?

    (1) Former Mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani, the next day on Fox TV News noted the answer is “complex,” involving medical, psychological, mental, sociological factors, and anyone who had a simple answer could not be right. (2) Politicians and their Propaganda Press, began their tyrannical mantra of, “all guns must be outlawed.” (3) Even before the precious bodies began to be buried, President Obama did not let this crisis go to waste, and on Sunday opened his address to that stunned community gathering with a Scripture quotation:

     A) “Thank you. Thank you, governor. To all the families, first responders, to the community of Newtown, clergy, guests: Scripture tells us: “…do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away…inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”

    He also used the occasion to advance his political agenda:

    B) “In the coming weeks, I’ll use whatever power this office holds to engage my fellow citizens — from law enforcement to mental health professionals to parents and educators — in an effort aimed at preventing more tragedies like this,” Obama said. “Because what choice do we have? We can’t accept events like this as routine. Are we really prepared to say that we’re powerless in the face of such carnage? That the politics are too hard?”

     A response to their remarks follows.

    (1) Mayor Giuliani’s comment shows abysmal ignorance of the Word of God. God created humans and knows everything about us; the Bible is the gradual unfolding of the revelation of God and what He provides in our best interest; Jesus Christ is the only personification of perfection in a human being. God condemned the first murderer, Cain, who killed his brother Abel. “Why?” is answered in 1 John 3:11-12: “For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.” In the entire history of mankind, those who choose to do evil obey the Devil, of whom Jesus Christ said, “”Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:43-44). The simple solution to all evil is that, for whatever reasons, evil is chosen and the Devil obeyed. Jesus Christ is available for everyone who repents and is baptized in His name for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).

    (2) The Propaganda Press drive a political agenda by reciting its current mantra, without investigating and reporting only the facts. Any horrific crime where a gun is used, “the gun must be outlawed.” Almost every school shooter has been a boy from a broken home. God planned that every child born should have two parents: a male and a female (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6; Colossians 3:18-21). A Government which sanctions divorce for every cause, “legalizes” homosexual “marriages,” and provides welfare for single parents has virtually destroyed the will and need for the home as God would have it. For every “single mother” there is a delinquent dad. But the Propaganda Press completely ignores this fact because they headline their “party line.”

     (3) A) The Scripture the President quoted is 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:1, and it comforts in that it emphasizes that the stresses and pains we encounter in this life should not keep us from achieving the greater goal of “an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”

    However the President of the United States of America, standing before the American Flag and behind the Presidential Seal, in a public school facility, and in his official capacity representing the Executive Branch of the Government, quoted Scripture??? What happened to the “separation of church and state” arguments? The President proved by his quotation that there is NO “Law of the Land” that separates “church and state,” therefore THERE IS NO LEGAL PROHIBITION FOR PREACHING SCRIPTURE, PRAYING, OR OTHER RELIGIOUS PRACTICES IN PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES!!! Since he disregarded all supposed claims that separate church from state, WHY CAN’T ALL CHRISTIANS DO THE SAME?

    The President’s quotation was written by an “Apostle of Jesus Christ” and to those whose “sufferings” and “consolation” are connected with Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 1:1, 5). Was the President being insensitive to other religious groups? Were there no Jews, Muslims, or Atheists present to object to Christian Scripture, or the concepts of “inner man,” or “eternal?” One parent’s objection has been all it has taken to stop such references throughout the rest of the country. Since the President of the United States of America can preach from Scripture written in the name of Jesus Christ in complete disregard for minority objections, THEN WHY CAN’T ALL CHRISTIANS? Those who do not accept the beliefs of the group should simply absent themselves from that group assembly.

    That the President would quote Scripture to show concern for these dead children makes one wonder why he doesn’t quote other Scriptures for the living children?

    -Has he not read about the Egyptian king who “dealt treacherously” by having babies killed as they were born (Acts 7:17-19)?

    -Has he not read how God described how His sparing Jerusalem was like saving a newborn baby that had been “loathed on the day” it was born and thrown to the ground that it might die (Ezekiel 16:1-6)?

    -Has he not read that God’s Prophet, Elisha, wept foreseeing a king’s “evil” who “will dash their children, and rip open their women with child” (2 Kings 8:12)?

    -When abortion murders millions of babies who, though conceived, were “not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil” (Romans 9:10-11), what is the President doing to prevent “more tragedies like this?”

    If the President only quoted Scripture for a political photo-op, then, we must conclude he uses God’s Word to cover selfish ambition, and is “handling the word of God deceitfully” (2 Corinthians 4:2). If, however, he believes in God, the Bible, and Jesus Christ, then we must conclude that he’ll “use whatever power this office holds to engage my fellow citizens — from law enforcement to mental health professionals to parents and educators — in an effort aimed at preventing more tragedies like this” by Executive Order, thus remove all laws and rulings that presently “suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18).

    (3) B) The President said, “We can’t accept events like this as routine. Are we really prepared to say that we’re powerless in the face of such carnage? That the politics are too hard?”

    -Then how can he accept “as routine” abortion clinics, Planned Parenthood, or The Supreme Court’s ruling that approve the genocide of abortion?

    -Then how can he accept “as routine” thousands of American military service personnel who continually die in foreign countries?

    -Then how can he accept “as routine” Federal policies that hamper public education (and protection!) of our precious children, that take it out of local, loving hands?

    There is no answer or preventative to be found in the institutions of men who “only fix our eyes on what is seen,” and refuse to see the solution offered by the God who cannot be seen about that which we cannot see. Only God, the Bible, and Jesus Christ can prevent more sin.

              —–John T. Polk II

     

  • John T. Polk II 4:29 am on November 21, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , church,   

    Psalm 48 

    Vs. 1-3 say God saved Zion;

    Vs. 4-7 identify His protection;

    Vs. 8-14 show how free God’s people are to worship Him.

    Psalm 46, 47, and 48 appear to be rejoicing over the same deliverance from destruction, but there is no certainty as to the exact event. What remains, however, is what God’s people must recognize whenever they have been delivered: it was God, not they, who delivered them.

    Verse 1-3 show this deliverance was of “the city of our God,” “His holy mountain,” “Mount Zion,” “the city of the great King,” all terms for Jerusalem in Judea. Jesus quoted Psalm 48:1, explaining it referred to “Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King” (Matthew 5:35). God has no “holy city” on earth anymore, for the church of Christ is the “holy city, New Jerusalem” (Revelation 21:2-3), which also is “the tabernacle of God” (“the greater and more perfect tabernacle” Hebrews 9:11-12). The church of Christ today is also “Mount Zion.” “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel” (Hebrews 12:22-24). Jesus truly said, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). He has, indeed, preserved and protected the church of Christ throughout history!

    Verses 4-7 mention that while the “kings assembled” for strength, instead “passed by” the city, for once they “saw,” they “marveled,” “troubled,” and left in haste. Once “fear” gripped them like a woman giving birth or “an east wind” forcing good ships to wreck, their attack failed. It was an “east wind” that brought famine to Egypt (Genesis 41:25-32) then divided the Red Sea but withdrew and destroyed the Egyptian army (Exodus 14:21-28). Again, an “east wind” depicts how God simply brings man’s strengths to nothing.

    Verses 8-14 reflect on what God has done in preserving “the city of the LORD” “forever.” His “lovingkindness” and righteous “right hand” give rise to thoughts of “praise to the ends of the earth.” To “mark well” the “bulwarks” (defense towers) and “palaces” (comfortable rooms), God’s people are motivated to “tell it to the generation following.” Each generation whose faith understands God’s ways has not finished its work unless the next generation has been taught! He “is God, Our God forever and ever” and will always be there for us and the next generation who seek Him. We must see that they know Him!

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • TFRStaff 6:46 pm on November 18, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: church, , ,   

    Invite 100 times 

    From our good brother David Kenney, in the email when he sent out the last Wadworth church bulletin, this good thought:

    It is our prayer that you make plans to express thanksgiving on Thursday and go assemble with the saints on the Lord’s Day to continue in thanksgiving and worship to Him! Try to bring someone to church who is not a member or unfamiliar with the gospel of Christ. Maybe you asked someone a 100 times… If Jesus said we have to forgive a brother 70 x 7, then we certainly can invite someone 100+ times.

     

  • Eugene Adkins 12:24 pm on November 17, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: church, , Divisions, , Tests, , ,   

    A Necessary Evil 

    I cannot stand drama, especially in God’s church. It’s a pet peeve that I desire to see starved. Unfortunately some people thrive off of feeding it!  Anger, jealousies, backbiting, slothfulness and irresponsibility can plague a congregation to death and when concerned Christians see these things happen it can be troubling to say the least. I have wondered to myself several times, “Why does it have to happen?” When things seem to be going good then the bad gets going. But then I remember that troubles in the church are nothing new.

    In the midst of the church at Corinth troubled waters were being stirred. Religious divisions were being started (1 Corinthians 1:10-12), brothers and sisters were abusing and being abused by one another (1 Corinthians 6:7,6; 11:20,21), some were living in open sin (1 Corinthians 5:1, 9-11), their gatherings had become chaotic and unruly (1 Corinthians 14:26, 33-35), some were even denying the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:12) plus much more (1 Corinthians 3:1-3; 4:18; 8:7). Talk about trouble!!!

    This craziness was no doubt causing some of the Christians there to wonder why it was all happening. So what was the answer? Paul basically gives it in 1 Corinthians 11:19 – “For there must also be factions [heresies, divisions] among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you.”

    The negative is that the church had to deal with some real problems. None of these things were enjoyable but Paul said that they must happen to prove a point.

    Burton Coffman had this to say in his commentary about Paul’s statement:

    “A glimpse of the divine mind is in this. Christians who become upset and discouraged because of schisms, factions and other disorders in the church make a tragic mistake. As God used Satan in the Paradise of Eden to test the progenitors of the human race, he still tests the faith of all Christians. Church difficulties provide an opportunity for Christians to demonstrate that they are genuine followers of the Lord. God never intended that any man should move through life in a constant environment of encouragement and spiritual delight. There is a place in the experience of every Christian where “the rubber meets the road”; and his response to unfavorable, or even tragic, situations will determine whether or not he is “approved” of God. It should always be remembered that “many are called, but few are chosen.” - James Burton Coffman, Vol. VII, First and Second Corinthians, ACU Press, P.178 

    Problems will come and go but whoever stays through them will shine. Problems in the church can separate the spiritually dedicated from the spiritually dead. Paul said the problems would show who was approved of God.

    The word approved comes from the Greek word “dokimos” and it has some interesting roots. On a computer program I have, a great insight concerning this word is given:

    “In the ancient world there was no banking system as we know it today, and no paper money. All money was made from metal, heated until liquid, poured into moulds and allowed to cool. When the coins were cooled, it was necessary to smooth off the uneven edges. The coins were comparatively soft and of course many people shaved them closely. In one century, more than eighty laws were passed in Athens, to stop the practice of shaving down the coins then in circulation. But some moneychangers were men of integrity, who would accept no counterfeit money. They were men of honor who put only genuine full weighted money into circulation. Such men were called “dokimos” or “approved”.” – Donald Barnhouse, The Bible Collection Deluxe, ValuSoft

    The evils that face the church from time to time definitely contain some negatives but spiritually they are necessary because approval is something that comes from being tried, and being tried only comes by trails.

    Think about it, and don’t be so quick to give up when problems start to get you down. EA

    “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2-3, NKJV)

     

    • Loy Pressley 3:17 pm on November 17, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Great article! Thank you for your insight into the Lord’s holy Word.

    • Don Ruhl 8:27 am on November 18, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      You are right, Eugene, that some people live off drama or a crisis, and so they create them whenever they can.

      • Eugene Adkins 4:03 pm on November 18, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        It’s been my observation that people of that mindset have enough time to rock the boat because they’re not busy enough rowing it.

        Thanks for commenting, Don.

        • Don Ruhl 12:15 pm on November 19, 2012 Permalink

          Oh, that is good. Instead of rowing, they are rocking.

  • John T. Polk II 4:01 am on November 14, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , church, ,   

    Psalm 43 

    Vs. 1-5 are mostly the same as in Psalm 42.

    Because we know that “no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20-21), then it is useless to exhaust oneself with background information that is not clearly connected with a passage of Scripture! Often, expositors seek their own glory, rather than seeking the truth in a Scripture, and overlook the Apostle Peter’s warning: “Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation–as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:14-18).

    When passages of Scripture seem very similar, then the normal reasoning seems to be that they were written at about the same time (Examples, Ephesians & Colossians; 2 Peter & Jude; Psalm 42 & 43). In fact, some commentators unnecessarily make Psalm 43 an extension of Psalm 42! Though Jesus Christ preached His “Sermon on the Mount,” as we call it, He could preach various parts of it on other occasions. If the Holy Spirit can inspire the teaching on one occasion, He can do the same another time! So with Psalm 43, it could have been similarly inspired by the Holy Spirit at another time than that which prompted Psalm 42.

    Verse 1: The writer seeks relief from “an ungodly nation,” “the deceitful and unjust man,” and “the oppression of the enemy” by God sending “light” and “truth” that would lead back to correct worship of God (“Your holy hill,” “Your tabernacle,” “the altar of God”). It sounds similar to Jesus’ statement to the Samaritan woman: “”But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him” (John 4:23). Corruption in, or absenteeism from, spiritually-correct worship of God is the Devil’s method of weakening Christians. Paul warns Christians, because of their corrupted practice of the Lord’s Supper, “many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep” (1 Corinthians 11:30).

    Verse 2: echoes Psalm 42:9.

    Verses 3-4: speak of the worshipper’s missing the joy of worshiping God, and it is similar to Psalm 42:1-4.

    Verse 5: is the same as Psalm 42:11, and almost the same as Psalm 42:5.

    All Scriptures and comments are based upon the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.

     

  • TFRStaff 10:39 am on October 23, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: church,   

    How is the church different? 

    From David Sproule on the Palm Beach Lakes congregation’s website:

    So, how is the church of Christ different from a denomination? The answer to this question is quite extensive, but let’s summarize it in this way. Is the church of Christ "non-denominational"? Perhaps it could be stated that way, but that is not the clearest way to state it. Is the church of Christ "anti-denominational"? Again, one might state it that way, but that is not the clearest way to state it. Seeing that the church which Christ established in the first century (and the one that belongs to Him) was not a denomination for it existed before man-made denominations ever came along, perhaps the clearest difference is that the church is "pre-denominational."

    There’s a bit more here.

     

  • Eugene Adkins 2:56 pm on October 20, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Anti-Religion, , , church, ,   

    How Does Jesus Feel About Organized Religion? 

    Many try to excuse their personal disdain for “church” and “organized religion” by extolling their personal “praise” for Jesus.

    One reason many individuals are sour towards “organized religion” is that they care very little for others who “stick their nose” into their “personal business.” In others words, they do not want to be held accountable to any spiritual standard and there by express their attitude toward any type of discipline, whether personal or congregational ,by saying Jesus is okay, but organized religion is unneccessary or even undesired by God.

    Other reasons and beliefs are given and held to when it comes to explaining a person’s point of view toward “organized religion” but when the truth is told, many individuals fall into the given categories above.

    In light of these facts it’s now time to answer the question, “How does Jesus feel about organized religion?”

    Much to the chagrin of others I’m positive that Jesus is aligned with the “pro-organized religion” group. Grant it Jesus took serious issue with various religious leaders during His earthly ministry. But Jesus’ issue wasn’t with “organized religion” itself – it was with “unorganized religion” being led by the traditions and commandments of men and not the Word of God from the heart (Matthew 15:1-20).

    Right about now some may be saying or thinking, “Eugene, you haven’t proven that Jesus cares for any thing close to what people call organized religion today (i.e. the church). So I’ll make the rest of this article quick and to the point!

    If you think Jesus doesn’t care for ”organized religion” then you need to realize it was Jesus who did the organizing when it came to His church and the religion called Christianity that’s found in the Bible! Always has and always will regardless of what any man or woman thinks or teaches.

    “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” (Colossians 1:15-18, NKJV)

     

    • preachercarter 3:02 pm on October 20, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      So many truly don’t understand what “religion” truly is. In fact to use paraphrase the biblical narrative in James true religion is actually service to our fellowman which is part of worship. As such those that declare that they have no need for organized religion are really making excuses to sin.

      http://thechristianperspective.intuitwebsites.com/index.html

    • Joseph Richardson 3:40 pm on October 20, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Given that Jesus founded a Church (Matthew 16:18), I’m pretty sure He’s in favor of it. :)

    • Robert E. Barger 1:43 pm on October 22, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Organized religion
      Phil 2:12
      12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
      2 Timothy 2:15
      15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

      The problem with your concept of organized religion is that it is not lead by the Spirit of God. We are commanded to “study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman not to be ashamed”. These two scriptures above tell us that this is a personal thing, not a group thing. A personal relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ is what God desires. When we get mixed up with the organized church, we lose the personal relationship that God desires. We are to prove all things by two or three scriptures saying the same thing. Most people that have been fooled into joining the organized church has been taught that they are saved without any renewing of the mind, or on going repentance. There is a growing process that must take place in us to go from the old man of sin to the new man that is just like God the Father when it is completed in us. This is why Jesus died to give us the knowledge of the truth that will make us free.
      All the way through the Bible we are shown that there is a backside of the desert experience that each of us must go through to “see God” and it only comes through us fasting, praying and studying to know God. There is an “order” but that’s why we have been given the gift of the Holy Ghost, to convict us of our sin and bring all things to our remembrance of everything Jesus said.
      The organized church is the same system that Jesus said He was going to tear down. This is a system made up of scribes and Pharisees than, and now.
      Matthew 23:15
      15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

      • Eugene Adkins 8:00 pm on October 22, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Robert, are you so blind that you do not even realize that the very book which you quote from to try and defend your position of “unorganized religion” begins by saying, “To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:” (Philippians 1:1).

        Now Robert, does that sound like a letter written by an apostle and written to a church that believed in organized or unorganized religion to you? If you don’t understand what the responsibility of a bishop is then read 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1 and Acts 20. How can a bishop/elder/overseer have the God-given responsibilites they have if there’s no such thing as the organized religion that you claim doesn’t exist?

        People who resist the truth of organized religion remind me of the warning Paul gave to the Ephesian elders when he said, “For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.” (Acts 20:29-30)

        If you go back and read the scripture referenced in the above article you will see that Jesus is the Head of the church thus proving two things: 1) as the head of the church, Jesus believes in organized religion and 2) the existience of the church proves this.

        Keep studying my friend.

        • preachercarter 2:12 pm on October 23, 2012 Permalink

          Well said Eugene!

        • Robert E. Barger 1:58 pm on October 25, 2012 Permalink

          Eugene,
          Have you ever meet a bishop or deacon that operates in th power of God as Paul the apostle? Manifesting the gifts of the Spirit as wrote in Mark 16:15-18 & 1 Corinthians 12:1-31. If these gifts are not there, they are not true bishops ans deacons.

        • Eugene Adkins 2:27 pm on October 25, 2012 Permalink

          Robert, I went back and looked at the qualifications that PAUL gave for a man to be an elder and deacon and you know what…strangely the qualifications you just tried to give aren’t there!

          I guess you’re smarter than the Holy Spirit??? Besides your comment being false, it also has nothing to do with the post. Keep studying though!

        • Robert E. Barger 2:51 pm on October 25, 2012 Permalink

          Eugene,
          The scriptures are the sourse of all truth. When we study the scriptures we find that there is the” true Church”, and than there is the so called church that only believes part of the scriptures. To be “in” the true church you must have the Holy Ghost (Not Holy Spirit, the two are different!) In Mark 16 Jesus tells us that these signs shall follow them “that believe”. If you do not believe yo will not have these signs following you. The Holy Ghost is a “gift from God” to them that believe and repent. If you do not believe, or if you do nor repent, you will not recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost. In Acts 8, we have an example of a person who asks for the Holy Ghost, but cannot recieve it because he is in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity. (Acts 8:23) In 1 Corinthians 12:3 we are told that if you do not have the Holy Ghost, you cannot call Jesus Lord! (Authorized King James 1611) In Hebrews chapters three & four we are told that God hates unbelief and if we do not believe what God has said, we have called Him a liar! 1 John 1 John 5:9 &10. Authorized King James Verison 1611.
          In Matthew 28:19-20 Authorized King James 1611, Jesus commands us to go ye therefour into all the world and “teach the gospel” baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. This is a spiritual baptism, not water baptism. Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven is liken unto a woman that hide leaven in three measures of meal till the whole was leavened. Matthew 13:33 This is what Jesus was taking about in Matthew 28:19-20 and what He told Nicodemus in John 3:1-5. John 3:3 Born again to “see” (THe Holy GHost) John 3:5 born again of’ the water’ (Having the mind renewed by the washing of the water of the Word) and born again of the “Spirit of the Father” (Love) to” enter’ into the kingdom.

        • Eugene Adkins 6:10 pm on October 25, 2012 Permalink

          Robert,

          After your first reply I proved you wrong.

          After your second reply (which was off topic by a mile) I proved you wrong.

          Now with your third reply (which is off topic by a couple hundred miles) I can still prove you wrong (with 2, 3 or 25 witnesses mind you) but sadly I don’t think it will do any good since you keep getting further off topic showing that your attention span is too short to have a logical discussion.

          Twisting the scriptures is not the same as rightly dividing them, and since you have proved to only add to them (see your own comment about what you think is a true elder/deacon instead of what the scriptures say) I believe I will end this conversation for now.

          And by the way, Jesus still approves of “organized religion.”

  • Richard Mansel 12:02 pm on October 3, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: budget, church, , , ,   

    Faith and the Church Budget 

    When a congregation plans a budget for the upcoming year, they work with cold, hard numbers based on the expected contribution and the needs of the congregation.

    If this budget is seen as a business document alone, does it fit with the Lord’s work?

    If we step away from the business model, we ask: What role does faith and prayer have in the construction of a church budget? If we work on our budget in October and November, should we not begin praying for the budget months before?

    The sobering reality is that the terrible economy has been savage to church budgets causing cuts everywhere.

    • Does God stop working during difficult financial times?
    • Do we not redouble our prayer and maintain our faith during these trials?
    • Does God give us a pass when we have less money?
    • Does He expect us to give all the time regardless of the situation?

    I look forward to your thoughts on this subject.

     

    • robertebarger 2:57 pm on October 3, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      No where in the New Testament does it tell us to build builtings. It also tells them that preach the gospel to “work with your hands to give to the poor”. And do not take money to preach. We are to look to Paul the apostle as our example in this. He was a tent maker and suported himself and them that were with him. The early church met in believers homes, and as many as the Lord called shared what they owned with the rest of the body of Christ. The business of “Church” is not of God but of men.and the Devil. A preacher of the gospel does not need approval from any man, but is called of God and does not have to go to a collage, school, or commitly but he does have to wait on his ministry. Our calling is to feed the poor, care for the widows and fatherless and keep ourselves unspotted from the world. We are not to give to the rich, and when we give we are not to let the right hand know what the left hand is doing. And we are to give expecting nothing in return.

      • Eugene Adkins 5:35 pm on October 3, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        You’re wrong about the New Testament saying that preachers are not to be paid by the church.

        Read 1 Corinthians 9:8-10, 2 Corinthians 11:7-9 and 1 Timothy 5:17-18.

  • Richard Mansel 9:57 am on August 8, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: acts 2. pentecost, , church,   

    The Church started before Pentecost? 

    I was doing research for a Bible class and came across this startling article. I thought would share.

    The author claims that the church did not start in Acts 2. When I read his theory, I was reminded of Wayne Jackson calling something, “results-oriented dogma.”

    His purpose in the article is to explain the origin of the Baptist Church. Naturally, he finds a way to rationalize his conclusion.

    When did the church begin? Let’s read his explanation:

    (More …)

     

    • EWELL 1:13 pm on August 8, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      The Baptist church is then NOT Christ’s blood-bought institution, which we already knew from their view of the non-essentiality of baptism.

    • Eugene Adkins 6:07 pm on August 8, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      When John referred to himself decreasing and Jesus increasing I guarentee he had more on his mind than what kind of a sign would appear on a church building. It’s ridiculous to try and justify the name “baptist church” because of the proposed theory presented. Plus, as any student of the Bible should know, baptist isn’t a correct understanding of the word in connection to John. He wasn’t a baptist; he was the baptizer. The word “baptist” today, like many other words from the past, has come to represent something completely different from its original meaning.

      Isaiah 2 definitely points to Acts 2 and all the points made above in the article. It alone makes enough of a point to me.

      John paved the way, but John didn’t build what the road led to (Acts 20:28).

    • Joe Slater 9:32 am on August 9, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      The gentleman wrote, in part: ‘The Greek word for “build” means “build up” and does not refer to the initial beginning of the church.’

      There is just enough truth there to be dangerous. The Greek word can, indeed, mean “build up” as well as simply “build.” As we might expect, however, context makes the difference. Jesus’ illustration of building on a rock does not favor the meaning of “build up.” When He told the parable of the wise man building his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24, 25), was the wise man just strengthening something that was already there? The parallel account in Luke 6:48 shows such a notion to be impossible.

      To my knowledge, the word for build is never used in the future tense in the New Testament with the meaning “build up.” The foolish farmer in the parable said, “I will pull down my barns and will build greater” (Luke 12:18). Obviously he wasn’t going to leave his old barns standing and just build them up. Stephen quotes the Lord as asking “what house will you build for Me?” (Acts 7:49). When the temple was finally built, Solomon started from scratch — he didn’t build up an already-existing temple.

      Prior to Pentecost, the church is spoken of only in the future. At Pentecost and beyond, it is spoken of as a present reality.

      It’s worth noting that by the time Jesus promised “I will build My church,” John the immerser had already been murdered. One renders a disservice to the faithful and noteworthy John by claiming that he started the church or was even in the church that Jesus built.

  • TFRStaff 6:21 pm on July 31, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: church, , ,   

    Market mentality in modern religion (Hugh Fulford) 

    Hugh Fulford wrote today in detail about how he and his wife like the new Kroger Marketplace. Then he makes a spiritual application:

    Modern religion in many respects has mimicked modern marketing techniques. Churches now strive to meet all the “felt needs” of their constituents and prospective constituents. In effect, they have become religious supermarkets. They build kitchens, fellowship halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, spas, and bowling alleys. They install coffee bars and juice bars. They sponsor softball teams, baseball teams, basketball teams, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, fitness programs, drama productions, and dance classes. (Yep, one church of Christ in Texas a few years ago conducted a Monday night class on Ballroom Dancing.) They conduct financial seminars, retirement planning seminars, AA classes, divorce recovery classes, weigh-down programs, and all kinds of self-help programs. Counseling is available on a wide variety of matters.

    The subliminal message that is sent by all of this activity is that “we may be a church, but we are not a bunch of stuffy old religious fuddy-duddies; we are as ‘cool’ as any social or civic club in town, so come on down and join us, and we’ll show you how church can be fun” (in other words, we really won’t “preach” to you all that much)! Some churches have bought into the notion that “if we build it, they will come,” only to be terribly disappointed that not only did they not come and the church did not grow, but it actually declined, leaving it with a big debt and facilities that are unneeded and unused.

    Don’t misunderstand me. Some of the above things are good. I’m not against helping people live more fruitful, productive, happy lives. Our world is in a mess and many people’s lives are in a mess, including the lives of many who are Christians. But we need to remember that Christ came into the world to save sinners (I Timothy 1:15). He came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). He came to call sinners to repentance (Matthew 9:12-13). In Him alone can mankind find redemption (Acts 4:11-12). The gospel of Christ is God’s only power to save (Romans 1:16). Without obedience to the gospel, a person is eternally lost in torment (II Thessalonians 1:6-9). The church is the pillar and ground of the truth (I Timothy 3:15). If the church does not preach the gospel to sinners, who will? If the church does not concern itself with the mission that was the mission of Christ, who will? The church is the manifestation of the manifold (multi-faceted) wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:10). It has a greater and more enduring purpose than simply helping people enjoy a better life here on earth. How unutterably sad it is when spiritually hungry people ask for a fish and are given a stone instead.

    I love our new Kroger Marketplace and all that it has to offer. I love churches that are committed to Christ, to the practice of New Testament Christianity, and to the mission that Christ gave to His disciples. That mission is clearly spelled out in Matthew 28:18-20.

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 10:24 am on July 25, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: church,   

    No emphasis on the church? 

    Would you agree with this statement by J.C. Hoekendijk, written in 1952? Please share your reasons for agreeing or disagreeing.

    In history a keen ecclesiological interest has almost without exception been a sign of spiritual decadence; ecclesiology has been a subject of major concern only in the “second generation”; in the “first generation,” in periods of revival, reformation or missionary advance, our interest was absorbed by christology, thought-patterns were determined by eschatology, life became a doxology and the Church was spoken of in an unaccented and to some extent rather naive way, as being something that “thank God a child of seven knows what it is” (Luther). This child of seven should constantly cross our path whenever we set out to “engage in ecclesiology.”

    Quoted in G. W. Peters, A theology of church growth, p. 45.

     

    • Ron Thomas 10:32 am on July 25, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      What does he mean by “spiritual decadence”?

      In today’s environment, because so little attention is properly placed on what the NT says about the church – there could be some aspect of truth in his words, but it is not associated with spiritual decadence (as I interpret his use of the term).

      However, that is not necessarily the case. If one teaches as the Lord and the apostles taught, then proper emphasis will placed on the “whole counsel.”

      • J. Randal Matheny 6:57 am on July 26, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Dunno, Ron, might even be a bit of circular reasoning there on his part. Good point on the whole counsel.

    • Dave Rogers 9:57 pm on July 25, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I guess that by Hoekendijk’s standard, the apostle Paul must have been one of those benighted “second generation” Christians, since he wrote rather extensively about ecclesiological matters in the book of Ephesians. Oh. but wait! Maybe he wasn’t so bad after all, since he also concentrated on christological things in Galatians!

      • J. Randal Matheny 6:59 am on July 26, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Dave, thanks for the comment. Yup, and add to that Colossians with its high Christological teachings.

  • Richard Mansel 1:37 pm on June 7, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , church, , ,   

    Question About the Holy Spirit 

    A question occurred to me recently that I had never considered before.

    The Holy Spirit has always been active in the realm of men. First mentioned in Genesis 1:2, the Spirit has been involved, faithfully doing the will of God in whatever way He was needed (Genesis 1:26; Psalm 51:11, et al).

    In addition, the Holy Spirit directed the Word of God to men so God’s will could be taught and obeyed (2 Peter 1:21). The Spirit has been active in various ways since before time began.

    With that in mind, Jesus teaches the Apostles in John 14-16 that the Holy Spirit would come as a Comforter (John 14:16) and as a Teacher (John 14:26). Later, He hastens the arrival of the Church (Acts).

    Jesus said:

    “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you” (John 16:7, cf. 14:16).

    Considering the presence of the Holy Spirit throughout Scripture…

    • How is it that the Spirit could not come until Jesus left?
    • In what way had He not come, considering He had always been here working for God?
    • Why had He left in the first place?
    • In what way had He left?

    Had the Spirit not been a Comforter and Teacher already in His role as a carrier of God’s will and word?

    I find this an interesting thought question and I look forward to your answers.

     

    • Ron Thomas 2:50 pm on June 7, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Not having given a lot of thought to the series of questions before this, I offer some initial thoughts. 1) The HS was present, but the capacity of His work only varied. Thus, He did not come in a particular way that He was to soon come. 2) I would suggest a two-fold way: Acts 2:38 and 5:32 (though there might be a dispute about the application of that verse), the passage you mentioned, and Hebrews 2:1-4. 3) Did He leave, or did He work only in a varied ways? I think the latter. 4) I don’t believe He did leave; His work is only different.

    • Kyle Massengale 3:54 pm on June 7, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Considering the presence of the Holy Spirit throughout Scripture…

      How is it that the Spirit could not come until Jesus left? In what way had He not come, considering He had always been here working for God? Why had He left in the first place? In what way had He left?

      It is interesting to note that the apostles already had the power to perform miracles prior to Jesus’ words recorded by John. Also, it is recorded that Jesus said “Receive ye the Holy Spirit” and breathed on them after his resurrection and before the day of Pentecost (John 20:22). And of course, we have the events that took place in Acts 2. So the coming of the Spirit must mean something different than the ability to perform miracles, speak by the authority of Christ (which is what Jesus meant in John 20:22). Therefore, I would conclude that the mentioning of the Spirit in John 14-17 is connected with the delivering of the full revelation of the mystery of Christ – the complete story of redemption and salvation. When Peter and the apostles spoke to the crowd in Jerusalem, they were clear to say that what the people were hearing was from God -”with signs which you now see and HEAR.” Peter then stated that Christ is now seated at the right hand of God – the rest of the story. Such claim could not have been made or witnessed to without it becoming a reality and the Spirit relaying the full message to fleshly men. The Spirit could ‘come’ in this sense only after the promise became a reality and thus be able to draw along side of the witnesses to testify of the matter. The phrase “and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” I believe, should be read in this context – now trusting in Christ you will now know or receive the knowledge and reality regarding the full mystery of God’s eternal purpose.

      It would be in the absence of Christ on earth that the full revelation could take place. The medium to make this known had to be by the Spirit who occupied the spiritual realm and then spoke it to the witnesses.

      Jesus said before ascending to heaven “All Power has been given unto me in heaven and on earth…” Paul said “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for IT is the power of God unto salvation.” There are several different realms of power spoken of in scripture – creation power, miraculous power, providential power, etc. yet it has been expressed by the Spirit that the power toward the saving of my soul is the Gospel of Christ. Notice that the Gospel of Christ does not lead me to some other power that brings salvation. IT IS the power of God unto salvation. It is not the Spirit’s power but Gospel power. God has chosen the power of his character of morality – God has put the power to save man in his revelation of moral law and character. When man sees God’s full moral law as delivered by the Spirit, he makes a choice to obey it or deny it.

    • thebiblestudent 8:24 pm on June 7, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I find it very interesting that the majority of times the Spirit is mentioned in the OT, miracles are the result. Read through Judges and just about every time you read “and the Spirit fell/came upon_____” something miraculous was about to happen. It was after the Spirit came upon Jesus after His baptism that Jesus began working miracles. When the Spirit came upon the apostles, the result was miracles. When the apostles laid hands on people, the Spirit was passed to them, and miracles were the result.

      Being able to perform miracles and have miraculous knowledge would be comfort to those apostles who were about to face amazing persecution and torment from the group that HAD been God’s people. The Spirit would come as a constant reminder to the apostles that Jesus IS who He said He was. The Spirit would come to confirm the words the apostles were preaching, thus bringing comfort to the hearers.

      Why wouldn’t the Spirit come if Jesus stayed? Because they had no need of the miraculous knowledge when Jesus Himself was in their midst. Also, it was prophesied that the Spirit would be poured out on all flesh (Joel 2), and that prophecy was fulfilled in the church, beginning with Pentecost. If Jesus was still on earth, certain prophecies about the Spirit could not yet be fulfilled.

    • Jim Eckerberg 10:05 pm on June 7, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Years ago, Bro. Ruel Lemmons talked about this topic at a local Lectureship that I attended in K. C., MO. His teaching, that I fully agreed with after studying it, follows: The HS, as well as Christ, had been on the earth many times and had influenced lives many times before the coming of Chrfist. (Fiery furnace, meeting with Joshua before Jericho, etc.) Christ came for our salvation and died on Calvary which was his actual coming to earth. The promised HS then came on the day of Penecost, this being the baptism of the HS, which was to the whole world, just as Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was for the whole world for all time. The HS had never been promised to anyone before as he was in Acts 2:38ff. Each Christian now has the individual dwelling of the HS, not a general presence in the world as HE was before. Of course the Spirit always speaks in a quiet voice to us if we listen (still small voice). This does not ,mean that he speaks directly to us but HE does show us the way to go in many ways. And we can follow HIS leading if we want to. The problem is we all have a “I want to do it my way” attitude about everything we do at home, at work and in the church also. I am 800 miles away from home having a good time in Branson with my wife, daughter, her husband and one of my grandchildren and her friend so this is just a quick answer to your thoughts. Maybe we can discuss this at a latr date. I won’t be home for about two weeks — family reunion vacation etc. Jim Eckerberg

  • Eugene Adkins 6:03 pm on May 23, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: church, ,   

    Praying Together as a Body 

    Lessons upon lessons have been given over the importance of personal prayer; and rightly so. For one, the New Testament places a great emphasis upon the importance of it (Luke 11:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17 & James 5:16-18). For another, despite the clear teaching, we often neglect it because of various reasons which sadly, more often than not, are really just excuses or doubt (Matthew 26:26-43 & James 1:5-8). We cannot say enough good things about the importance of prayer in our personal life, but one lesson concerning prayer that is often overlooked is the importance of praying as a body (1 Corinthians 12:12-14 & Colossians 1:18,24).

    Early in the book of Acts we find that the church made a habit of praying together! After Jesus returned to Heaven the Bible records concerning the apostles, “These all continued with one accord in prayer and   supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” (Acts 1:14) When the church exploded after Pentecost, so did the habit of church prayer (Acts 2:42). They prayed together for boldness (Acts 4:23-31).  They prayed together in the face of persecution (Acts 12:5,12). The point is simply that the church had a desire to pray together (Acts 20:36).

    Today, when the church gathers together for worship, Bible study, times of sickness, fellowship meals, etc. our prayer as a body should not be neglected, ignored or underestimated! Gatherings are a prime opportunity for powerful body prayer. But for this to be true we must actually pray as a body. Please keep the following suggestions in mind:

    (1) Gatherings are an opportunity to make our concerns and anxieties known to each other and God. Do not be afraid to speak up.

    (2) The prayer leader must not forget about himself, but he must also keep in mind that for that moment he is representing a congregation sized prayer. A prayer of the body must be for the body. Leading prayer is not a time to preach – it is a time to pray.

    (3) Body prayer is meant to be done with respect and order just as any other form of worship found in the New Testament is meant to be. A chaotic group prayer is just that – chaotic! (1 Corinthians 14:14-19) Listen to the prayer leader as carefully as possible. Our “amen” must be said truthfully. If we do not listen to it then how can we say “amen” with it?

    (4) Remember who we are praying to! The Creator and Sustainer of our life and the church cares for us (1 Peter 5:7 & Matthew 18:18-20). We would not be taught to pray together if it did not work (1 Thessalonians 5:25). God was there for His church in the past and He is here for us today.

    A praying body is a strong body, a listening body, a loving body and a closer body. Powerful prayerful can come from a body that prays like a body should – together!

     

  • Richard Mansel 10:51 am on May 22, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , church,   

    Christ is in you 

    Scripture is filled with passages teaching that the Lord dwells with His followers. This bond is sacred.

    Salvation is described in the New Testament is existing in Christ and only there can we find spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3). We are baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27) and added to the Church, his body (Acts 2:47; Ephesians 1:22-23).

    Burton Coffman sums it up succinctly in his commentary on Galatians.

    God is in Christians.
    Christians are in God.
    Christ is in Christians.
    Christians are in Christ.
    The Holy Spirit is in Christians.
    Christians are in the Holy Spirit.
    The mind of Christ is in Christians.
    The word of Christ is in Christians.

    From this, we can clearly see why transformation is so important (Romans 12:1-2). We have a very high calling as God’s people and that brings a lot of responsibility (Ephesians 4:1). Yet, it will all be worth it in the end! Praise be the Lord!

     

    • Abel nghuushi 7:57 am on July 12, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      I would like to receive this book.( teachers bible) I am a christian in Namibia. and I need to study more about the words of God.

  • TFRStaff 6:42 am on March 25, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: church, first day,   

    A blessing on all God’s saints today 

    May all of the members of Christ’s body be blessed today through their mutual edification and strengthened for the task always at hand, that of proclaiming the Good News to all. No greater work has been given us than this. No greater glory is ours than to belong to Christ and to see the Creator up close. May his Spirit inhabit in every soul, to the glory of God.

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 7:01 pm on February 19, 2012 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: church, , ,   

    Sunday night depressurization 

    I pigged out on meat at lunch. I never do that. Why did I do that today? I’m a “flexitarian,” as House-to-House pub calls vegetarians who like their sausage now and again. (The spiritual point was negative.) Still lunch was unusual for me. Haven’t figured that out yet.

    • The Maiden has gone over the holidays with a group to a Christian retreat. We’re getting a feel for what it’s going to be like before long, when she leaves for work, school, life.

    • I love this passage, used it this morning for the communion meditation:

    18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. 20 The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, 21 the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise. Isaiah 43:18-21 NIV

    Want to take a shot at how I connected it to the Lord’s supper?

    • Don’t tell anybody, but I have on one of my Twitter accounts a Catholic who posted today’s liturgy (English version here). Out of curiosity, I clicked on it, saw this passage, and thought it a good one to use. So while I read this passage this morning in the church, it was also being read to thousands of the pope’s followers.

    • The speakers this morning and this evening were both good, as they usually are. We don’t have a single preacher in either congregation. The men rotate in the pulpit. What we may lack in continuity of thought (not a lack of continuity of doctrine; we speak the same thing), we gain in richness of each man’s perspective.

    • Some outside interference has been thwarted for now. Amazing how some authoritarians want to show up and run the show. Our people here have the spirit of cooperation. We pray it may always be so.

     

    • John Henson 7:35 pm on February 19, 2012 Permalink | Reply

      Our spiritual drink is Christ, we honor and worship Christ, who is our spiritual drink. We are his chosen, his people who proclaim his praise. I LIKE IT!

      • J. Randal Matheny 3:55 am on February 21, 2012 Permalink | Reply

        Glad you liked it, John. I took the idea of living in the past, as not letting past sins weight one down, but rather, when we look back, seeing Christ rather than our sins.

  • John Henson 12:45 pm on September 14, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Bildad, church,   

    Following Tradition 

    An old song says, “I want a girl just like the girl that married dear, old Dad.” Isn’t tradition nice? Sometimes, it’s almost as comforting as an old blanket on a cold day.

    But, there’s the trouble. It’s all too often the case we turn to tradition for answers when we ought to be turning to God’s word.

    Bildad the Shuhite was a great one for tradition. He told Job, “Does God pervert justice? Or does the Almighty pervert what is right? (Job 8:3 NET). Bildad, in a question, accused Job of sin. But, Bildad’s assumption was incorrect. He assumed a number of wrong things. He assumed Job’s son’s sin caused his house to fall from a mighty gust of wind killing everybody inside. With Bildad, every effect has a cause and both may be readily seen if we employ the power of tradition.

    Yes, we should learn the lessons of the past. But, we must never become a slave to tradition. Some traditions are not rooted in the truth. Bildad’s idea that God’s blessings always equal material wealth was not correct, though that’s what his traditions taught him.

    Some people think Bildad was right. When they see a big church with plenty of members and money, they’re impressed and assume that church must be doing things correctly.

    If that church is not following the commands of God as laid down in the Bible, then it’s not righteous, is it? Many churches are numerically large with a spiritual famine going on inside. Prosperity does not always equal God’s blessing.

    I married a girl very similar to the kind my father married, but I didn’t blindly follow his type exactly. Traditions must never be followed simply because it’s a tradition. Socrates reportedly said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Blind, unexamined traditions must never be followed without question.

    The apostle Paul said, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

     

  • Ron Thomas 12:29 pm on August 25, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , church,   

    Divine Pattern 

    The church in the New Testament, though, does not allow us to accept or reject issues and doctrines as we like. In fact, it calls upon us to accept the Lord and His way since He is the Author of eternal salvation. “Think of it – a DIVINE church. To many people, especially those who have been disappointed by a church member, the church is anything but a divine institution. However, let us pause for reflection. When we talk about the church in the Bible we are talking about a pattern or an ideal – yea, a pattern or an ideal for our reproduction. This is almost axiomatic for since the Bible is a DIVINE book anything within would be of divine origin. But, wait just a minute! IF THERE IS A DIVINE PATTERN FOR ME TO FOLLOW, AM I NOT MORE THAN PRESUMPTUOUS TO FOLLOW ANYTHING ELSE? What would it mean for me to fabricate my own pattern and call men to follow it when all the while there is a divine pattern awaiting my use?” (Don Dewelt, The Church in the Bible, p. 18).

     

    • Mike Riley 3:26 pm on August 25, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Good thoughts, Ron! Fabricating one’s own pattern, wouldn’t be a good idea (Gal. 1:6-10).

      • Ron 4:59 am on August 26, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        Thank you, Mike. Don DeWelt (deceased) was a Christian Church preacher, professor. When some in the brotherhood want to speak against a NT pattern and be aligned with the Christian Church, it’s worth noting that even some there understand the NT concept.

  • Richard Mansel 9:09 pm on August 17, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , church,   

    Sunday Morning Attendees 

    Christians mock the Sunday morning attendees for not attending Sunday night or Wednesday night. Not me. I give them reasons why they should attend more often. But, I am glad the are attending on Sunday morning. They are being blessed by being there and serving God. And they, as Christians, are a part of the Lord’s body. Let’s show them some respect.

     

    • Sandra Moore 9:27 pm on August 17, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Richard, I feel sorry for those who only attend on Sunday morning, when they can be there other times but just choose not to be. I don’t mock them though. I’m thinking about those I know of who only come for Sunday morning worship, not even getting there for Bible class. I have to question the part where you say they are “serving God.” These I’m thinking of are blessed by being there, and they may be worshiping God, but is that serving Him? They do not participate in any other activities of the church at all.

      • Richard Mansel 9:40 pm on August 17, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        Thanks for your reply, Sandra. I feel bad for them, too. They are missing the wealth of a fuller relationship. That is what I stress. I said that they are serving God in that they are coming to worship and many of them are trying to live faithfully. Yet, they have a different definition than God does in Scripture. We need to teach/model righteousness without mocking them. I feel the same way about those who only attend at Easter and Christmas. They will never be led to become more faithful or to become Christians by us laughing at them.

  • Larry Miles 12:00 am on August 3, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , church, , , ,   

    Praise God We Have Changed Kingdoms 

    Jesus is Coming back for us! This is a reality! Praise the Lord that He has called us out of a “dark world into the light of the Gospel.”

    “For He has rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in who we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Col. 1:13-14)

    Most of us, I’m sure, prefer light to darkness. Without Jesus all of us were in darkness, members, though we might not have known it, in the kingdom of Satan. Our Heavenly Father desires that we all come to a saving knowledge ans has provided the means through His Son, the Lord Jesus. We are glad that we can share in the inheritance He has for us (Col. 1:12)

    The Word of God describes this transformation as changing kingdoms. We have been brought out of darkness into the marvelous light of the Gospel. The terminology used here by Paul is a military illustration. It pictures Rome going into a free country and as a result of waging a war and winning they subdue that nation and take them into captivity.

    But in the spiritual realm, we are the ones in “bondage” and when we accept the Lord Jesus and obey the Gospel, we are “transferred’ (NASB) or “translated” (KJV) or are “conveyed” (NKJV) out of that bondage into the light of the Gospel. But it does not end there. Since we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins (Col. 1:14) we must put our new found faith to the test.

    We have been called out of that dark kingdom, changed by the light of the Gospel and now have the privilege to go back into that kingdom, now empowered by the Holy Spirit and utilizing the Whole Armor of God (Eph. 6:10-20) to help others find their way out.

    We can never work our way into Heaven, but upon salvation, we are to be the best workers the Lord has. So, my fellow believer, while we are waiting and watching for the Lord’s return, let’s be letting our light shine for Him! (I Peter 2:10)

     

     

     

  • Ron Thomas 6:39 am on July 22, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: church,   

    The Role I Play 

    What role do I “play” in the local church?

    It is most unfortunate when a member or a family makes a remark like this: “There is not enough activity for me, my children here. I think I will visit other churches.” In the context of a person’s life a remark like this suggests a waning of interest in the Lord’s cause and more of an uptick in the cause of the family’s interest. It is not about the Lord, at this juncture, it is about me and my family. All the while the local church struggles to promote the Lord’s cause in the local area, and the family that left feels better about themselves.

    A sermon lead in Sunday

     

    • J. Randal Matheny 2:30 pm on July 22, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Ron, with such people who selfishly are looking to be served, it seems to me that, although it’s unfortunate they will not come to repentance by running away, the congregation is better off by not having such people weighing down the work of the church.

      • Ron 2:38 pm on July 22, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        I think this is true enough, Randal. I want, however, to encourage a different way of thinking with those who actually think along these lines. Sometimes it appears that some are confused concerning what role may be “played” by them in the local church. If I can encourage them to think of themselves as solutions rather than not, ISTM, much good can be accomplished.

        This is the lead-in thrust of my lesson this Sunday.

  • J. Randal Matheny 7:12 pm on June 5, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: church, ,   

    Communion with the saints 

    Our preacher this morning seemed to get choked up near the end of his sermon as he talked about being grateful for finding the church. I’m not sure what prompted it, unless it was the support shown his family in the death of his father-in-law last Thursday.

    Yesterday, we had four non-Christian couples to participate in our little get-together in Taubaté. Ricardo and Marilia did a great job putting it together. It was a three-in-one event: a couples’ shindig, a country party typical of June, and Valentine’s Day (June 12).

    Coming up Saturday is our monthly advanced Bible study, part three of what I’m calling the “Theology of the Biblical Model.” The word “theology” is a favorite here, so I used it, for the first time, in the advanced study. I suppose it’s good shorthand for “What the Bible teaches about …” When I first put it together, it was seven pages of outline, and I’ve added to it since then. I might stretch it into July, but will probably need to give it rest after that.

    Almost every Sunday we eat lunch with a Christian family, either here at home, when The Missus is able to get it together, or at a buffet restaurant. That, plus the meetings of the two congregations we work with, means we’re all day Sunday with Christians, which we enjoy. And sometimes after the second meeting, some opportunity comes up as well.

    Well, much of me and we here tonight. Let me end with this:

    Communion with saints is always sweet,
    And all the more in trials;
    In church with faithful friends we meet,
    Who’ll walk with us for miles.

     

  • Richard Mansel 7:29 am on May 24, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: church, , ,   

    Are We IN Christ? 

    Today I begin a series of articles examining what it means to be in Christ. We need to talk about this more often because it clarifies so many doctrines. Being in Christ means that we are a partaker of  “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

    My article begins:

    “The concept of being in Christ is one of the most powerful in all of Scripture. It will answer many questions about salvation, sanctification and unity. We will have a greater, more complete understanding of God’s plan of salvation if we understand what it means to be in Christ.”

    What does being “In Christ” mean to you?

     

  • J. Randal Matheny 7:10 am on May 20, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , church, spiritual family   

    Re: Together 

    Ron, your post reminds me that a brother who used to be a part of the fellowship here often commented that, without Christ, we’d never have been brought together, both from our points of origin as well as our diverse backgrounds. How true that is!

    As much as I love my physical family, I see in the saints here (here being SJCampos and Taubaté) how important the spiritual family of God is. For some, the church is pretty much all they’ve got. For others, there’s a physical family that isn’t supportive or is hostile to faith. Some of us are blessed in that much or most of our physical family is also spiritual family, but even at that, what heightens and informs our love and intimacy is the bond of the Spirit.

    What blessings in our godly unity!
    We have a single Lord, a single mind;
    Among us love, acceptance, liberty,
    With old and hard opinions left behind. —JRM

     

    • Rick Kelley 7:13 am on May 20, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      True, true!

    • Ron 7:23 am on May 20, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Good words, Randal. It takes much effort to continue to apply Galatians 2:20. In part, this is why I throw out my questions to those I regard highly – just to be sure I am not going further than is warranted.

  • Richard Mansel 12:43 pm on May 1, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: church, , , ,   

    Thinking Past the Flood 

    I covered for my wife’s Bible class this morning, teaching middle school children. We were looking at the story of the flood and the Ark.

    Something occurred to me. As with so much of the Old Testament, the things that were done happened for more reasons than seemed apparent at the time.

    From our perspective, thousands of years out, we see that the flood happened for other reasons than simply to punish mankind for sin. The flood prepared man for the eventual final judgment of God. While the second instance will occur because of fire (2 Peter 3:10), the totality of the destruction of the judgment will far exceed what God accomplished in Genesis. A taste of what God can do, ought to be enough to get our attention!

    The Ark prepared man to understand the Church, when it was established. Only those who were righteous and added by God, were allowed into the Ark. A study of the comparisons of the Ark and the Church are profoundly revealing.  In fact, if we examine the Ark and the  Church, several of the persistent misunderstandings people have about the church, disappear.

    The story is also a sobering reminder of the wrath of God and the powerful grace of the Father, who saved Noah and his family. We must heed the lessons of the Genesis flood, if we wish to be in heaven for all eternity.

     

  • Richard Mansel 12:04 pm on April 14, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: church, , ,   

    Greatest Problem in the Church 

    If you asked most people in the Lord’s body, to name the biggest problem in the church, most would probably say false doctrine. While that is certainly plentiful, that would not be an issue if we had better men in leadership. Accordingly, I think the biggest problem we have in the Lord’s church is that we need more godly Elders.

    Do we encourage young men to work toward becoming Elders? Is it even considered a priority any more? Why do we have so many congregations over 10o members that do not have Elders? How do we change that?

    What do you think is the greatest problem in the church?

     

    • Mike Riley 9:44 pm on April 15, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Richard, in my view, the greatest problem in the Lord’s church is indifference toward the authority of the Scriptures, with regard to instrumental music, marriage-divorce-remarriage, authority of elders, frequency of observing the Lord’s Supper, etc.

      • Richard Mansel 9:49 pm on April 15, 2011 Permalink | Reply

        All of these are serious problems. My point is that if congregations across the brotherhood had strong leaders, then these things would not be so prevalent.

  • Richard Mansel 11:38 am on April 1, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: church, ,   

    Huge Cultural Shift 

    The Wall Street Journal reports some startling new data on the job situation in America.

    Stephen Moore writes:

    More Americans work for the government than work in construction, farming, fishing, forestry, manufacturing, mining and utilities combined. We have moved decisively from a nation of makers to a nation of takers. Nearly half of the $2.2 trillion cost of state and local governments is the $1 trillion-a-year tab for pay and benefits of state and local employees. Is it any wonder that so many states and cities cannot pay their bills?

    Every state in America today except for two—Indiana and Wisconsin—has more government workers on the payroll than people manufacturing industrial goods. Consider California, which has the highest budget deficit in the history of the states. The not-so Golden State now has an incredible 2.4 million government employees—twice as many as people at work in manufacturing. New Jersey has just under two-and-a-half as many government employees as manufacturers. Florida’s ratio is more than 3 to 1. So is New York’s.

    Even Michigan, at one time the auto capital of the world, and Pennsylvania, once the steel capital, have more government bureaucrats than people making things. The leaders in government hiring are Wyoming and New Mexico, which have hired more than six government workers for every manufacturing worker.

    This is an enormous shift in the mindset of Americans. As preachers, teachers and students of God’s Word, we need to examine any large cultural shift and consider how it may impact the Lord’s work. As an agrarian lifestyle becomes a distant memory, some of the parables of Scripture become foreign concepts.

    Of course, as governments continue to grow, bureaucracy explodes so institutions ensure their own relevance. What impact will that have on the Lord’s church? The more we ask and answer these questions, the better prepared we will be for the future.

     

    • Mike Riley 10:35 pm on April 1, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      Good points, Richard! Studying cultural shifts is important in how we approach folks with the saving gospel of Christ.

  • Richard Mansel 1:21 pm on March 22, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , church, ,   

    Literal Reading 

    I am a novice at Greek. Yet, I enjoy using the tools that I have to do research on God’s Word. I enjoy the word studies that we can do as students of the inspired Scripture. In the process, I get my NKJV Greek  English New Testament Interlinear out and read what the passage says in a literal translation. Even though their word orders differ from ours, their usage does illuminate some interesting nuances that can be special to the student and teacher as they prepare to impart lessons to their listeners.

    For example, John 14:23 says in the NKJV,  “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.’”

    However, the literal reading in my Interlinear paints a more passionate and personal version of the same verse. It says, “answered – Jesus and said to him ‘If anyone loves  Me,  word My he will keep. And – Father My will love him, and to him We will come and Our abode with him We will make.”

    That is wonderful to me. “…loves Me, word My he will keep…” They are one and same! The Word and the Savior cannot be separated.  “father My” is also poignant and denotes a passionate bond between them. Finally, I love the statement: “to him We will come and Our abode with him We will make.” That is so much more expressive than the English in my mind.

    If we would look at the Word, the Savior and the Kingdom in such personal, familial terms, we would all have a deeper relationship with them.

     

  • Mike Riley 3:59 pm on March 18, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , church, , , , , , ponder, , , , toughest, urge   

    The Toughest Question 

    The toughest question I was ever asked, was by an elder in the church before I became a Christian. He asked me, “Have you thought about your soul?”: http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2008/10/05/have-you-thought-about-your-soul/

    I was 15 years old at the time, and I had never been asked that question. For some time, my grandmother had been urging me to obey the gospel. After pondering this question in light of Scripture, I came to the conclusion that my soul was indeed in great jeopardy of being eternally lost.

    I quickly decided that my soul was far more important than anything else I could imagine. There was no rational reason whatsoever to delay my obeying the Lord in baptism any longer, and thus I was baptized on January 1, 1960.

    I’ve never regretted the decision.

     

  • Richard Mansel 10:00 am on March 15, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: church,   

    How Weak and Selfish Are We? 

    I came across this fictitious letter from a 1976 Bardwell, Kentucky bulletin. We need to let God’s will be done without our selfish interference. This isn’t about us.

    ***************

    A Letter:

    Dear Brother  Paul,

    I have been discriminated against, offended and harassed, and it looks like I may be withdrawn from. I just want you to know that YOU are to blame. You see, I’m a member of the church here in Ephesus, and well, it’s like this: I don’t believe it is necessary for us to always attend church.

    Why do I blame you? Do you remember how you talked to our elders over at Miletus? Well after they got back home, they’ve never been the same. Nowadays, every time I miss worship, they’re over at my house pumping me, nosing into my business. It’s nobody’s business what I do! And YOU talk about freedom in Christ!

    Then, too, Timothy told us what you wrote him. You know, Timothy would be a nice guy if you would just leave him alone.

    In your letter to Timothy you said something about “rebuke, reprove, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.” Well, he’s started doing that in every sermon! Most of the time he looks straight at me!

    Also he mentioned what you said about Hymeneus and Philetus, and I tell you I almost lost my temper. Those two good men are related to me and you had no right to insult them. These things aren’t THAT important and you need to stop making more out of things than are necessary!

    And another thing. You’ve hurt my reputation here. Demetrius and I belong to the same civic organization. He tells me you came here and hurt his business. I told him that I’m not as fanatical as you are and that I don’t always go along with you in everything. But, he still doesn’t treat me the same way that he did before your meddling.

    It’s evident that if I keep my membership here where they have endorsed your work, even your fanaticism against sin (Nobody’s perfect you know!), I’ll never be elected to higher office.

    I have to close this letter because I have to write to Demas to express my sympathy to him after the way you embarrassed him!

    Yours in this life only,

    I.M. Weak

     

  • Mike Riley 10:25 am on March 11, 2011 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , church, , , , , , , , , , , vogue,   

    Name An Item Or Habit 

    From a spiritual perspective, the following are some of my observations regarding items or habits no longer in use today (comparatively speaking) as they were three to four generations ago:

    1) The Bible is no longer habitually read, studied and used by members of the Lord’s church like it was in the 1940′s and 1950′s (we used to be called “walking Bibles” by those outside the church – http://cedarparkchurchofchrist.org/cpcofc/index.php?n=Articles.2010DailyBibleStudy).

    2) Looking at all of the immorality in our society today, we can plainly see that Interest in spiritual values and principles are no longer “in vogue.” If they were, children would be taught these values at home and our society today would be less immoral as a result.

    3) Hell fire and damnation sermons are today rarely heard from the pulpit (I grew up hearing these type of sermons on a regular basis back in the 1940′s). And guess what? The Lord’s church grew dramatically.

    4) Home Bible studies with others are virtually non-existent today (no time to study, folks say).

    5) Personal bible study at home is virtually non-existent today. Too many worldly influences (too many digital “toys”), thus, no time to study.

    6) In the 1940′s and 50′s, folks habitually assembled to worship the Lord – so much so, that two to three week gospel meetings were not uncommon (I attended some of them). Today, they are unheard of. If we can get members to come to a three-day gospel meeting, we count ourselves successful.

    7) Pews are not being filled today as they were three to four generations ago. The testimony of the “empty pew” is a testimony to our lack of focus on spiritual things (Colossians 3:1-2): http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2008/08/09/lessons-from-an-empty-pew/

    I could go on and on and on (like the energizer battery bunny), but the above are enough samples to let folks see the fact that spirituality has greatly waned in our country and in the Lord’s church.

    What’s the solution to all of the above? Open the Book! (read it and do what it says do – James 1:22-25): http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2008/01/08/lets-open-the-book/

     

    • Sid Williams 11:42 am on March 11, 2011 Permalink | Reply

      The “Second Dark Ages” was “Satan Loosed A Little” (Rev 20.3; A|D 1959-2004). But that is gone, and still, we see no one with the former good traits that you have merntioned. What is needed to make men seek God is the Fulfillment of Prophecy. It is in the secular news but not in the churches. The 2nd Dark Ages wass ushered in by denial of prophecy and Revelation.

← Older posts

c
compose new post
j
next post/next comment
k
previous post/previous comment
r
reply
e
edit
o
show/hide comments
t
go to top
l
go to login
h
show/hide help
shift + esc
cancel
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 2,094 other followers

%d bloggers like this: