Restoration of the New Testament Order

Acts 4 (1) By Ron Thomas       In our continued effort to understand the nature of the New Testament church, we look at Acts 4 and glean from this chapter some points we need to be sure to consider. If we do what they did, we will get what they got.     First, the Word of God was preached. Let us begin by noticing that the apostles were considered a threat by the religious leaders of their day. The Scripture plainly states they were “...greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead” (4:2, ESV). The Lord’s Word was preached when the people wanted to hear it, and it was preached when they did not. That is not to say that preachers (trained and untrained) are to go into environments to provoke the community into a response that will generate violence, but their mission is to get the Word of the Lord into the hands of the people, however they might get this done.     In an earlier article, we mentioned the apostles were guided into all truth after they were baptized in the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. This accomplished two things (at the very least): first, God gave them the credential needed to attest to the message they preached and, second, with boldness they went forth preaching.     With their credentials in place, the people listened (even if they did so curiously). Shortly after they began to preach, an amazing thing took place, the healing of a lame man. It stunned the people, and they did not quite know what to think. The Pharisees and Sadducees knew that the people were amazed and perplexed by what they saw, so they got in front of the situation and learned quickly the stunning miracle was the result of these men having been with Jesus (4:13). To put a stop to this, they had the apostles arrested for teaching Jesus and the resurrection (cf. 4:30, 33).      As the religious leaders saw the apostles and recognized they had been with Jesus, when people see us, do they recognize the same?     In any event, getting to the bottom of what they perceived as trouble, they landed on the rock-bottom conclusion their arrest and killing of Jesus did not stamp out the threat of Jesus’ message permeating the community. With force they ordered “...that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name. So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus” (4:17-18).     This brings us to a second point we want to consider from the chapter. The two apostles could not abide by such a decree. They replied they can only do the Lord’s bidding because it is by the Lord’s authority they are preaching, and they were not going to disobey the Lord (cf. 26:19). They understood fully, that among men, there was no other name than the name of Jesus wherein people can be saved. Thus, they spoke only what they knew (4:20).     In summary, the two points we need to consider is our preaching of the Lord’s Word faithfully and without compromise and let us resolve never to live by man’s decree if it conflicts with the Lord’s decree.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com. Visit the congregation’s website at: https://www.churchofchristatriogrande.com

The Restoration of New Testament Order

Acts 4 (2) By Ron Thomas     The message preached was Jesus and His resurrection. The world in which the first-century saints lived was just as vile, just as wicked as our own (Romans 1 giving evidence of this). What did the preachers of the first century preach? Jesus and Him crucified. They preached the remission of sins if one obeyed from the heart the teaching of God that redeems. As you go through Acts, take notice of what is preached and what is not.     There are a few points to emphasize in this article. First, Peter laid at the feet of those who killed the Lord Jesus was the Jews. Rome played a role in this also, but it was the Jewish community who turned Jesus over to them. It is frequently said that we (humanity) killed Jesus. What Peter taught, however, was not quite the same. He stated it plainly, “...whom you crucified....” The “whom” are those of the Jewish community. This gets to the point that the message needs to be taught, not sugar-coated. Did we not all kill the Lord? Be careful about what you say. Our sins took Jesus to the cross (that is for sure) but not even one of us had a direct hand in killing Him. “Are you not splitting hairs?” I am not. If one kills, he takes. Jesus gave.     Second, there is no other name under heaven whereby man can be saved. Salvation is found/located only in one name (4:20; cf. John 14:6). The gravity of this cannot be over-emphasized. This means there is salvation to be found/located in nothing else that Jesus and Him crucified. Thus, there is no man-made religious institution that has been created that will benefit one in a spiritual way before the Lord.     Let me add a non-related note to this: Have you ever heard it said by some in a congregation “We need a preacher?” and by that they mean one who is professionally trained or is otherwise considered and recognized to be one. Peter and the apostles were not professionally trained by the accepted means in Jesus’s day, but those who walked with Jesus, others could tell. Preachers (formally trained or not) need to “walks with Jesus,” for without that how can Jesus and Him crucified be taught accurately to others?     Third, one can only say what they know. “I don’t know enough to teach others!” many have said. Do you know what you did to become a Christian? Do you know why you did this? Does it have any meaning/significance to you? If you answered “yes” to any of this, you know enough to tell others about Jesus.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com. Visit the congregation’s website at: https://www.churchofchristatriogrande.com

Restoration of New Testament Order

**Acts 3 By Ron Thomas     In Acts 1 and 2 we learned the Lord’s authority given to the apostles and how on the day of Pentecost they preached the first sermon to a wandering crowd. Those who heard that message and obeyed the Lord’s commands were added to His church, thus three thousand were saved.     By the time we get to chapters 3 and 4, it is a bit uncertain whether the day in Acts 2 is continued into chapter 3 or a period of unspecified time has come and gone. Be that as it may, we can be sure that when Peter and John went into the Temple to pray, they saw a man in need of assistance. It was common for those in need to position themselves in such a way that others of a charitable disposition may give to those in need. Evidently, this act was a “meritorious act” that served each Jew’s desire to be pleasing to the Lord (Expositor’s Bible Commentary, revised).     Peter and John took advantage of the circumstances and preached to the lame man and to the larger crowd that Jesus, the one they crucified, was the Christ (anointed, Messiah), the Prince of Life Moses spoke about in Deuteronomy 18. When Peter told them what they needed to do, it was slightly different than what we read in Acts 2:38. Peter said, “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus” (3:19-20, ESV).     How does this compare with Acts 2:38? The first thing to notice is that “believe,” or “faith” is not used in either chapter, but that does not suggest there no essentiality to the command to believe on the Lord Jesus. Second, the first words from Peter, in both cases, was “repent.” Here is a chart (not original with me).   2:38 Repent Baptized Forgiveness of sins Receive the Holy Spirit 3:19 Repent Be converted/turn back Sins may be blotted out Time of refreshing       As you look at the chart, notice the parallel. Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of behavior. Be converted or turn again is an action complementing a penitent attitude; baptism is required by the Holy Spirit to be saved (2:38; 22:16), but not apart from a penitent heart. The ESV reads “turn back” – how should we understand that? It means the people to whom Peter spoke were to turn back to God and identify themselves with His Son (Rom. 6:3-7). Note the consequence of repentance and turn again: one’s sins blotted out, which is another way of saying remission (forgiveness) of sins.     Look at the chart again. Did Peter give two different responses to how one is saved? He did not. He called on the people to repent, the turn again corresponds to baptism. “This verb describes the act of turning away from a way of life that is characterized by disobedience...” (Schnabel, p. 214). One turns away from a sinful life by being identified with the life of Jesus. “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Romans 6:3-5).     Those who would foolishly argue that 3:19 does not stipulate baptism as a condition of salvation must do so in accordance with a denominational teaching, not anything as revealed in the New Testament. Moreover, they must still deal with 2:38 and 22:16, which does require baptism as a condition of salvation.     Let us get back to the New Testament and teach as the Bible teaches. - Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com. Visit the congregation’s website at: https://www.churchofchristatriogrande.com

Restoration of New Testament Order

Acts 2 (2) By Ron Thomas     On the day of Pentecost, those who heard Peter’s message obeyed the Lord’s commands (repented and were baptized), what did they do next? In Acts 2:41, those who received the words of the apostles were added to them that were saved, that is, they were added to the church. The New Testament church, the one revealed in the pages of the New Testament, consisted only of those who were saved. There were no unsaved people in the Lord’s church at that time. From there we read, “... they continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42).     In addition to restoring the simple message of how one is saved, in Acts 2:42, one can understand what the church did in order to please the Lord. This is crucial to understand. There is an old saying that holds true even today. “If we do what they did, we will get what they got.” What does that mean? It means that if we follow the teachings of Scripture just as they did (not trying to justify ourselves in ways of thinking not revealed in Scripture), what the Christians of the first century received, we will receive the same, which is God’s favor (blessings) and salvation.     “And they continued steadfastly...” – This means those who love the Lord refuse to give up. There were (are) no opinions expressed by another person that supplanted anything of the Lord or became doctrinal tenets. There are no contradictory behaviors seen by a person who loves the Lord that will dissuade them (others) from turning away. Thus, the empty expression” “There are a bunch of hypocrites at that church” will always be empty and entirely useless of any substance.     “...in the apostles' teaching...” – This means that what the apostles taught, and only that which they taught, will be adhered to. There is no opinion of man worthy of equal status to apostolic teachings. The Lord’s apostle John wrote, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets are gone out into the world ... We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he who is not of God heareth us not. By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error” (1 John 4:1, 6).     “...and fellowship...” – This means that when the saints have a meeting time, they will be present at those meeting occasions. There is a reason for this: it is not because “I have to,” but because “I would rather be no other place.” If they are on the road, they will find a location where the saints meet and worship/study with them. It is not a matter of church attendance; it is a matter of one’s desire to worship the Lord and be with the brethren.     “...in the breaking of bread...” – This means on the first day of every week the saints gather to observe the Lord's Supper. To observe (participate in) the Lord's Supper, one must be a Christian. As a Christian, the life lived is one of holiness. In the first century, the saints met on the first day of every week and did just this. They did not do this on Saturday, Tuesday, or any other day than the first day. Thus, we do not either.     “...and the prayers...” – As J. W. McGarvey wrote, “The prayers mentioned are those [that] there were offered in public.” This corresponds to the words of Paul, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1-2, ESV).     Let us stay with what the Bible teaches and not go beyond that which it expressly teaches.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com. Visit the congregation’s website at: https://www.churchofchristatriogrande.com

Restoration of the New Testament Order

Acts 2 (1)

By Ron Thomas

    We have considered some pertinent points in Acts 1, now we want to consider some pertinent points in chapter 2 (which will be covered in 2 bulletin articles).

    Jesus told His disciples (apostles) to stay in Jerusalem until they received power from on High, that is, the gift of the Holy Spirit, which would guide them into all truth, bringing to their remembrance all things Jesus previously taught them. That day has now arrived, and the Jews recognized and celebrated it as the Day of Pentecost (50 days after the Passover celebration), or a celebration of their harvest. This was a significant event in the lives of the Jewish community. “At no other feast would there have been representatives of so many nations” (Ellicott).

    On this day, as the apostles were assembled, the Holy Spirit came upon them in the house they were sitting in (2:4; not the Temple). The noise of this got the attention of others around the home, perhaps even in the confines of the house / neighbor environment. What they heard was a confusing noise, something they did not understand, made more complicated with the many Jewish representatives from other nations hearing these men speaking languages not their own.

    As is not unusual, when there are some who do not understand, mockery follows. With the apostles speaking in dialects not of the Hebrew tongue (“tongues” means “language” in this context), people talked. When the wonderful works of God are spoken loudly and accurately, the devout listened; here is what they heard from Peter: 1) the words of the prophet Joel were fulfilled on this day, 2) Jesus, who once lived in their midst, was the reason for the prophetic words of Joel’s being fulfilled, 3) Jesus being the reason for the season (if you will), Peter said to those in Jerusalem they killed the Lord’s chosen, the Messiah, 4) crucifying the Lord’s anointed was in foretold with the prophetic words of David, 5) Jesus is both “Lord and Christ”.

    This did not fail to get the attention of a lot of people. Consequently, emotionally moved by the message, they asked Peter and the others what they needed to do to rid themselves of the guilt of killing the Lord’s Messiah. Peter’s answer was simple: submit yourselves to Him in repentance and identify with Jesus through baptism. This would result in receiving God’s seal, His Holy Spirit.

   Briefly, this is what this means/entails. Repentance: those who heard the Holy Spirit’s message must change their minds about how they live life. Those who identify with Jesus do so with a penitent heart, believing His message, trusting Him, and moving forward away from Judaism (and all other ideologies) when they are baptized (immersed) into the death, burial, and resurrection of life. Not doing that, they would not have identified with Jesus, thus, they would not have been saved by the blood of Christ, for in God’s command to be immersed, it was there He made sure the blood of Christ encountered their sins, washing them away.

    Holiness begins with Jesus, and a restored soul will make it his life also.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com. Visit the congregation’s website at: https://www.churchofchristatriogrande.com

Restoration of the New Testament Order

Acts 1 By Ron Thomas     Before Jesus ascended to the glory (right hand) of the Father, He met with His apostles (eleven of them; Judas having already fallen from grace) in Jerusalem and told them to stay put until the promise He gave them arrived. His promise was a gift of the Holy Spirit that was extraordinary, called the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5). This gift was to guide them into all truth, helping them to remember those things Jesus taught. This gift was exclusively to the apostles; it was not to any non-apostle. This is important to note.     After the Lord ascended, the Lord’s apostles gathered with the saints (unnumbered in v. 14; about 120 in v. 15) in prayer and praise. From amongst the brethren, they needed to have a replacement for Judas, who had a part in the apostolic ministry, but chose to go the way of the devil, killing himself and, thereby, giving himself no opportunity for repentance. The assembly that gathered had a role in this process; notice that in 1:23, the Bible reads, “And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabbas....and Matthias” (NKJV).     Once the criteria were set forth, two men were chosen from the many. These men, as the apostles did, walked with Jesus. The criteria to be met was 1) male, 2) disciple of Jesus beginning as far back as Jesus’ baptism, 3) a witness of His resurrection, and, finally, he had to be 4), chosen by the Holy Spirit. Some assert there was only one requirement (witness of the resurrection), but this is a mistake because it was the Holy Spirit who set forth what was demanded.      With this before us, let us consider in brief some points of consideration/application. First, consider 1:3 and the term “infallible proofs” (NKJV). What should we understand by this? To begin, the Bible record is a historical book and one that can be tested concerning its accuracy. When Jesus walked, He presented a teaching unlike what the community expected and, knowing this, presented His credentials, attesting to the truthfulness of His message. In Matthew 9:8, the Scripture reads, “...when the multitudes saw it [healing of a paralyzed man], they were afraid, and glorified God, who had given such authority unto men” [Jesus].     Second, those chosen to preach the Gospel from Jerusalem were witnesses (1:8) unto Jesus’ life, teaching, death, and resurrection. They were in special position to speak on these things. Frequently, there are many in the religious world who speak of being a witness to Jesus. This can only apply in a different sense than what the apostles were witnesses to. No person had seen anything related to the life/death/resurrection of Jesus, though they can speak to how meaningful the teachings of Scriptures are to them, and in this sense, they are witnesses.     Third, there is a large number of people that have no concept of the Lord’s return (1:11), and the Judgment to follow. Paul writes, For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad. If people knew this and appreciated this, perhaps more lives would be changed.     Fourth (finally), the Lord knows the hearts of all (1.24). Just as He knew the hearts of those in Jerusalem, he knows our hearts even not. He knows what we think and why we think it. He knows what we will do, and why we do it. Whatever there is to know, He knows it. Rather impressive, if you ask me.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com. Visit the congregation’s website at: https://www.churchofchristatriogrande.com

Can We Trust the Bible as the Word of God?

By Bob Prichard
    In an age when we have little to trust or rely upon, we may wonder if even the Bible can be trusted. There are many reasons, however, that we can trust the Bible as the word of God. First of all, we can trust the Bible because we trust God and it is God’s book, revealed to mankind, and in perfect harmony with His nature and character. “God is not a man, that he should lie” (Numbers 23:19). Just as Jesus Christ, He is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). What God has produced is true, perfect, and without change, in keeping with His character.    A second reason to trust the Bible is that we know it is inspired by God. Paul wrote to Timothy, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Speaking of the inspired Bible writers, Peter said, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21). The message of the biblical writers was not their own message, but the message of the will of God. Since the Bible is God’s inspired book, it is without error and absolutely trustworthy.    A third great reason we should trust the Bible is the vast number of New Testament manuscripts that have been discovered. More than 24,000 manuscripts or parts of manuscripts have been discovered, dating all the way back to the first century. The Dead Sea scrolls, discovered in 1947, included manuscripts of Old Testament books  dating from at least one hundred to one hundred and fifty years before Christ. As scholars began to study the scrolls, they sought to see how much the text of the Bible had changed over the centuries. What they found was that the ancient manuscripts were virtually identical to manuscripts of a thousand years later. Through the careful work of the copyists and the providence of God, the inspired text has been preserved over the centuries.    A fourth great reason to trust the Bible is the truly amazing fulfillment of prophecy within biblical history. This demonstrates clearly that God controlled the writing of the book.  The prophecies fulfilled in the life of Christ alone are enough to show the Bible to be the word of God. The Old Testament prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), would be sold for thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12-13), would be crucified with criminals (Isaiah 53:12), would be buried in a rich man’s tomb (Isaiah 53:9), and these are just a few examples of the many other events in the life of Christ which were prophesied. This would not have been possible if the Bible had not been inspired by God.    Since the Bible is trustworthy in these areas, we can know that is is trustworthy in other areas as well. The Bible is the one book that men can trust today. Any apparent contradictions come from our misunderstanding, not from actual problems within the Bible itself, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33).

- Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.