JESUS IN EXODUS

The Bible is the story of Jesus. The Old Testament declares Jesus is coming. The Gospels declare Jesus has come. The rest of the New Testament declares Jesus is coming again, be ready! Let us consider this truth by briefly noting how every book in the Bible declares Jesus. Let us consider Exodus.

The book of Exodus documents the departure of Israel under the leadership of Moses. Genesis ends with the family of Jacob (Israel) safe in Egypt. It was there that God would turn Jacob’s (Israel’s) family into a nation. Seventy souls went in (Gen. 46:27) and millions came out (Num. 1:46). We see Jesus foreshadowed/prefigured in several ways in this wonderful book.

The last of the ten plagues God visited upon Egypt to get them to let His people go was the death of the firstborn (Ex. 11). Israel was told what to do to be saved from this plague. If they sacrificed a lamb without blemish and put its blood on the doorposts and lintel of the door, the “destroyer” (Ex. 12:23) would not enter their homes. That is, because they were under the blood they would not be visited with death. The apostle Paul makes plain that this was a shadow of the Christ to come. In 1 Cor. 5:7, he wrote that Christ is “our Passover”. Christians are under the blood of Jesus and are saved from spiritual death.

Moses served as a prefigure of Jesus. Moses was sent by God to deliver Israel from Egyptian captivity. Though Israel had started as welcomed guests in Egypt, when the Pharaoh who “did not know Joseph” rose in Egypt Israel was enslaved and cruelly treated (Ex. 1:8-16). Moses led them through the waters of the Red Sea (“baptized into Moses” 1 Cor. 10:2) out of bondage. Jesus frees from the bondage of sin and death (Rom. 6:17-18; Rev. 1:5) all who will be baptized into Him (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27). The manna provided to Israel as they journeyed through the wilderness was a preview of our Lord Jesus. Jesus Himself said that He was the Bread of Heaven in John 6. He explained that as the manna kept them alive physically, He was able to keep them alive eternally (John 6:49-51). The Lord’s Supper we partake of every first day of the week is our memorial of the manna of His flesh and water of His blood.

The worship of the Law of Moses is all foreshadowing Jesus Christ and His kingdom. The Aaronic high priesthood was a type of Jesus (our High Priest-Heb. 9:11). The tabernacle which became the temple was a type of the church/kingdom to come. The holy place represented the church. The most holy place represented the presence of God, heaven. The veil was the flesh through which our High Priest Jesus would go to offer sacrifice for our sins (Heb. 10:20). The sacrifices of the priests and the applying of the blood upon the horn of the altar in the most holy place is a most poignant prefiguring of what Jesus would do for us.

Briefly we have considered how Jesus can be seen throughout the book of Exodus. He is the deliverer sent and the sacrifice given. He is the High Priest who nourishes His flock. He is the purpose of the Bible, our salvation. - By Rick McCurdy

Christiansburg church of Christ, Christiansburg, VA

Giving Meaning to Six Seven

A member here has been begging me to give a sermon on the popular phrase “six seven” heard among many youngsters. I’m always up for a challenge, but since my sermon times here have ended, I decided to write a bulletin article on it.

Just in case you are not familiar with the popular trend, “6 7” (pronounced “six-seven”) is a viral, nonsensical slang term and internet meme popular with Gen Alpha. It has no fixed or literal meaning, often used just to confuse adults, answer random questions, or act as a playful inside joke. It is often paired with moving palms up and down in an alternating “so-so” or “maybe” motion.

When it first became popular, our youth would speak and act it out in front of me just to watch my befuddled reaction. They took joy in my frustration that it has no meaning whatsoever. Well, I’m here to change that. Let’s use the Bible and give “six seven” some sense instead of senselessness. The next time someone mischievously or lightheartedly uses the phrase in front of you, why not respond, “Well, the book of Galatians gives some real meaning to six seven.” Then quote or show them Galatians 6:7 which states, “for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”

The emphasis of this verse is that every action has results and consequences. In fact, the very next verse in Galatians 6 notes, “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (v.8). “Six seven” to the Christian can be a reminder that our life has meaning and purpose and that we need to do things with eternity in mind. It can also be an admonishment that we need to be sowing seeds that will reap the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23).

“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2 Corinthians 9:6)

- Edd Sterchi

God’s Divine Institution

In the first 4 chapters of Ephesians, the Lord’s apostle (Paul) gives some brief attention to a divine institution called the church, the church that belongs to Jesus. There are some today who speak of the importance of the church, but not in the same way the New Testament does. They speak of the importance of attendance but only in respect to “attend the church of your choice.” 

The importance of the church in the New Testament is great. In Ephesians 4:11-16, we receive guidance from the Holy Spirit concerning a significant function of the local church. The Lord gave gifts unto those He chose for the purpose of building up the body of Christ, the church (1:22-23). Those who received gifts of the Holy Spirit are men in positions of leadership and responsibility. They had significant roles in the church to teach (4:11), with the immediate goal of edification (4:12), teaching the brethren to pattern themselves after the Lord Jesus (4:13-15). The corresponding result of that teaching would be (and is) glory to God (4:16). 

The elders (also known as bishops / pastors / presbyters) of the Lord’s local church of Christ needs to give attention to those within, not to those outside. This is an important point to emphasize. There are many “policemen” in the brotherhood who seek to point out the failings of others (individuals and churches). Their benefit to the Lord and the brethren is minimal, if any exist at all. Probably, it is more accurate to say they cause more harm than good. Those who are part of this “policemen posse” refuse to see themselves as the problem but instead see themselves as “sound brethren” (or “faithful brethren”) faithful to the Lord in all respects seeking to thin out the chaff (as they determine it).

Many in the secular community don’t fail to see this arrogant and holier-than-thou approach. Some even respond with something like this: “There they go! Fighting again! I’m glad I am not a member of that church!” (note the exclamation marks)

Within the local church, let us give attention to the Lord, His Word, and how each of us within that body can better serve the Lord and each other, as we remember the two great commandments of the Lord (Matthew 22:34-40). Remember, furthermore, there are some in the world and brotherhood who seek the local church’s impairment. Give them no attention, but serve the Lord faithfully in action, worship, understanding His will (cf. 1 Cor. 15:58).

“Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17, ASV). RT

The Flood Sand Dunes

Words of Wisdom and each ended with: John T. Polk ll www.johntpolkll.com 

“For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water” (2 Peter 3:5 NKJV). People treat the world-wide flood in Noah’s day (Genesis 6-9) as a local flood. About one-fourth of the western part of the State of Nebraska has grass-held sand dunes, some over 300 feet high, known as the Sand Hills. It can only be explained as sediment from a great flood. Since there is no ocean nearby to explain this huge beach in the middle of dry land, a person must “willfully forget” about the flood in Noah’s day. It is explained by fantasy “billion-year Evolution,” faith in God. Facts are with faith!

Vanity of Vanities

“‘Vanity of vanities,’ says the Preacher, ‘Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.’ What advantage does man have in all his work Which he does under the sun? A generation goes and a generation comes, But the earth remains forever” (Eccl. 1:2-4).

What is this life? That is the fundamental question asked in the Book of Ecclesiastes, which leads the reader through a series of inquiries dealing with the absolute emptiness of this existence. A season comes and a season goes. A man dies, a child is born. The rain falls down, flows to the sea, and once more returns to the clouds. What is the point behind all of it? Naturally, that question would mean nothing for an atheist that does not believe in God. “The mysteries of the world which meet man as a moral being remain, under this view of the world (atheism or pantheism), altogether without solution. For the moral order of the world presupposes an absolutely good being, from whom it has proceeded, and who sustains it” (Keil and Delitzsch. Commentary On The Old Testament. Vol. 6, 179).

The atheist is confronted with a problem that is not solvable: what is the point behind it all? If we are to believe that there is no God, no afterlife, and no spiritual existence, then we are all just animals on this insignificant planet flying through space.

The difference between believing in God and not is that when we have something meaningful to believe in, it gives us purpose. If God does not exist, then why be nice to anybody? Why not simply steal, obey our animal instincts, and do whatever we can to survive? Atheism makes all of our meaningful pursuits meaningless. Whether or not God exists, monuments are torn down, headstones crumble, and our names will disappear. If there is a God, then we have something more to look forward to than decaying in the ground.

“Vanity of vanities” is a phrase used to signify something with absolutely no point behind it: it serves no greater purpose. Vine describes it as “emptiness as to results,” like the way a man works in Ecclesiastes. “What advantage does man have in all his work which he does under the sun?” (1:3). When we think about how much we have to work in this world, and how little we end up receiving from it, all we can say is “Vanity!”

Indeed, since the sin of Adam mankind has had to toil for his food (Gen. 3:17-19). For an entire season, a person may work in the field, and it may take months for a plant to mature and yield fruit. But all it takes is a few moments to eat that fruit and a pestilence or swarm of locusts can destroy a year’s supply of food in a day. So much work for nothing!

When confronted with such vanities, it is tempting to lose heart and consider ourselves hopeless. Yet we are given hope, even in the midst of such downright sadness. We need to realize the point being made by Solomon. He was a man with so much wealth and wisdom that he thought he could answer the age old question: how can I be fulfilled in this world? Only after so many years of exploration and experimentation did he finally realize that the only answer is that there is no fulfillment in this world. He could not be happy with wealth, knowledge, sex, alcohol, monuments, or power. We can only be happy seeking our true purpose.

“The conclusion, when all has been heard is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person” (Eccl. 12:13).

Paolo Di Luca (Bridge Street Church of Christ; New Martinsville WV)

Eat the Scroll

Ezekiel 3:10–11

Most of us have had a moment when we knew exactly what God wanted us to do, and we still hesitated. Not because we didn’t believe him. Because we didn’t feel ready.

That’s where Ezekiel found himself. God gave him a vision of a scroll, and on it were written words of lamentation and mourning and woe. Then God told him to eat it. Not read it. Eat it. “Feed your belly with this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it” (Ezekiel 3:3, ESV). Ezekiel obeyed, and the scroll was sweet as honey in his mouth. But the message inside it was bitter. It was a warning of judgment for a people who had turned away from God, and Ezekiel had to carry it in his own body before he ever spoke a word of it.

Here’s what makes this different from a simple call to obedience. God wasn’t just handing Ezekiel information. He was asking him to know this message in his heart and feel the weight of it in his gut, and only then to speak it faithfully, whether anyone wanted to hear it or not. “Son of man, all my words that I shall speak to you receive in your heart, and hear with your ears… and speak to them… whether they hear or refuse to hear” (Ezekiel 3:10–11, ESV). The people Ezekiel was sent to were stubborn and rebellious. This was never going to be an easy assignment.

If we’re being honest, most of us have felt the weight of that same tension. We know someone who needs to hear something true, and we know it might not be received well. So we stay quiet. We tell ourselves we’re not the right person, that we don’t have the words, that someone else is better equipped for this kind of thing.

But notice what Ezekiel didn’t have going into this. He didn’t have a strategy. He didn’t have confidence in his own strength. What he had was the word of God inside him and the power of God’s Spirit lifting him up to stand and speak. That’s still how it works. God doesn’t call the equipped. He equips the called.

You don’t need a specific skill to serve him. You don’t need a title or a platform. Paul put it simply: we’re called to present ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship (Romans 12:1). That’s it. He’s the one doing the work through you.

This doesn’t have to be a planned event or a difficult conversation you’ve been dreading. It can be as simple as answering honestly the next time a coworker asks why you go to church, or telling a neighbor going through something hard how Jesus has actually shown up in your life this year.

Jesus said to go and make disciples, teaching them everything he commanded (Matthew 28:19–20). He didn’t say to wait until it felt comfortable. The scroll is still sitting in front of us. The only question is whether we’re willing to eat it.

Jeff Arnette

The Church is Not Swayed By Society

“You need to get with the times.” Such words are often meant as a rebuke: you are old-fashioned, out of step, or unwilling to accept society’s changing standards. That pressure does not stop at the church door. Culture regularly urges Christians to revise their beliefs, soften difficult teachings, and treat popular opinion as the final authority. Yet Scripture calls the church to a different path. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind.” God’s Word, not society, must shape the church. 

The Bible repeatedly shows the danger of wanting to be like everyone else. In 1 Samuel 8, Israel demanded a king “like all the nations.” Though warned that a king would take their sons, daughters, land, and wealth, they refused to listen. Their desire to imitate surrounding nations became a rejection of God’s rule. During Samson’s time, Israel had become so comfortable under Philistine domination that its people tried to restrain the man God raised up to begin their deliverance (Judges 13:5; 15:7–12). Later, idolatry brought devastating consequences because God’s people adopted the practices of their neighbors.

Christians are likewise called to remain distinct. Second Corinthians 6 contrasts righteousness with lawlessness, light with darkness, and the temple of God with idols. Separation from worldly values does not mean withdrawing from people or behaving with hostility. It means refusing to let sin become normal simply because society approves it. 

We cannot love the world’s rebellious ways and love the Father at the same time (1 John 2:15). The church must do more than resist culture; it must influence culture for good. Jesus calls His disciples the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13–16). Salt changes what it touches, and light is visibly different from darkness. Our distinctiveness is not intended to draw attention to ourselves, but to lead others to glorify God. 

That influence is expressed in everyday conduct. Paul urges believers to live quietly, mind their own affairs, work faithfully, and behave properly toward outsiders (1 Thessalonians 4:9–12). Our speech should be gracious and wise, and our lives should be honorable even among those who disagree with us (Colossians 4:5–6; 1 Peter 2:11–12). 

Customs differ across places and generations, but culture never outranks Scripture. God calls His people out of the world so they can become a holy influence within it. The church is right not to be swayed by society. Instead, it must be shaped by Christ, governed by His Word, and faithful as salt and light. The question for each of us is simple: Are we being conformed to the world, or transformed into the likeness of Jesus? — Dale J. Babinsky

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC—NOT IN THE EARLY CHURCH

Early in my ministry a new couple visited our congregation, and as soon as they were seated, I saw her pointing to the front, and they immediately left.  There was nothing up front that was odd, but it was obviously the absence of what she thought ought to have been there—a piano or organ 

 While the Jews in the Old Testament  used instruments in the worship, they are absent from Christian worship in the New Testament, though “sing” and “singing” are found seven times.  The playing on an instrument in worship, however, is not found.  Bear in mind that Jesus commissioned His apostles to teach the baptized to “observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20).  Old Testament rites were then obsolete, and the words of Christ and His apostles took their place—so, no more animal sacrifice, burning of incense, and instrumental music.  By Christ’s authority, the apostle Paul instructed Christians, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).  The melody God desires is in our hearts, not in our instruments.  The words that we sing vocally must be accompanied by the instrument of our hearts.  It is as Jesus defined the ’true worshipper’  as the one that shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father seeketh such hto worship him,  God is a spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24).  “In spirit” goes beyond what comes from our lips to what comes from our hearts, and “in truth” denotes worship in harmony with the truth of His word, as Jesus defined it in His prayer in for His followers the garden of Gethsemane: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth> (John 17:17).  As Paul defined such truth to the young evangelist Timothy, he pointed him to the word of God, saying, “All scripture is inspired of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteous ness, that the man of God may be thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 

The New Testament scriptures , while giving examples of singing, it is silent on any instruments used in worship.  Early Christian writers stood unanimously anti-instrument,  With a computer, one can “Search” for “Instrumental music not in Christian worship” and read quotes from such writers of those days in defense of singing while opposing instruments.  Historically, churches sang acapella, meaning {“as in the chapel or church’.  It was several hundred years before churches introduced an instrument.  Even in The Reformation Movement, denominational ministers such as Martin Luther and John Calvin spoke out for acapella singing alone.  As denominations have liberalized, fhey drifted from the scriptures to make their services more entertaining with instruments. 

The issue is apparent.  Should churches decide what they like to please themselves, or to please God by following the Bible?  When Jesus prayed to the Father, saying “Thy word is truth.” He was reminding us that truth is determined by God, not to determine it by our preferences.   

–Ron Bartanen

 

LIVING AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS

A friend of mine used this phrase as I departed his place of business. The first time I heard it, I

reflected on my life in relation to the cross. To think about the cross or mentioning our living at its foot is not saying anything about the cross itself. The two wooden beams meant nothing. The emphasis, of course, is on Jesus who hung on the cross. Peter puts it this way: “Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed” (1 Pet 2:24 NKJV).

Living at the foot of the cross should cause us to reflect on the fact that Christ was on that cross bearing the sins of mankind. He did it for me. If I was the only person who ever lived, I am convinced He still would have done it. It was in God’s eternal plan (Eph. 3:8,9). Living our life at the foot of the cross means we consider what Christ did and how it applies to my life. The writer of Hebrews suggest we look at what Christ did on the cross and his attitude toward his suffering: “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls” (Heb 12:2,3 NKJV). The joy is not in His suffering, but in its outcome—the salvation of all men. Paul elaborates in Phil. 2:5-11 as he begins that section of Scripture with the phrase, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” (v. 5)

Living at the foot of the cross means we are focused on Christ. There were three crosses on Calvary. Jesus was on the middle cross. There may be some significance to that. The eyes of those watching the crucifixion would have been on that middle cross. Paul further encourages us by writing, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col.3:1,2). He is no longer on the cross, but at the right hand of Father ruling over His kingdom.

Looking up from the foot of the cross should us to put our lives in the proper perspective and live our lives Christ centered and Christ based. Are you living at the foot of the Christ and thinking about your life and your relationship with Him? If not, start today to live at the foot of the cross and put to death daily those things that will prevent you from be with Christ one day.

-Bill Brandstatter 

Evangelistic Oversight

Is “evangelistic oversight” a teaching in the New Testament? It is not, though some strongly affirm it is a New Testament teaching. AI’s CoPilot said this about the doctrine: “Evangelistic oversight is a man‑made doctrine—primarily found in some Churches of Christ—that teaches the preacher (evangelist) has ruling authority over the local congregation, including authority over elders when present. All three major sources agree that this doctrine is unscriptural, historically recent, and rooted in misinterpretations of a few New Testament passages.”

Evangelistic oversight, as a doctrine, is precisely the same as the denominational doctrine of a “pastor” leading a congregation. There is as much authority from God for the “pastor” system of church government as there is for the doctrine known as “evangelistic oversight.”  In other words, the adherents of “evangelistic oversight” have no credible ground upon which to stand in opposition to the denominational “pastor” system. None!

In the New Testament, the leaders of the congregation, as set forth by God’s divine will, is for Christian men to serve as presbyters (also known as pastors, elders, bishops, overseers). From the teachings of Scripture, the spiritual leadership of the congregation resides in the shepherds, the elders. They lead the congregation in spiritual matters not business matters, for the apostles appointed 7 men to do that in Acts 6. This is not to say elders have no role in matters pertaining to the physical realm of individuals or even the congregation as a whole, but it is to say delegation works best when men (deacons / servants) are trusted to serve in this role.

Does the preacher / evangelist have any role in ordaining men into positions of leadership? He does. Notice: “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that were wanting, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave thee charge” (Titus 1:5, ASV). This means he has a God-ordained role in appointing, ordaining, recognizing men in positions of leadership. That role is not oversight, but appointment, a recognition of men put in position to lead the congregation. The preacher is, naturally, a spiritual leader in the congregation, but not the spiritual leader, but one among the others who serve as bishops. RT

OUR ENEMY’S REAL STRENGTH: DECEIT

In May 1863, Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest, with a worn out band of less than 600 soldiers, managed to talk 1,466 Federal troops into surrendering to him. How? He created a convincing illusion.

Union Colonel Abel Streight’s men were being doggedly pursued by Forrest’s cavalry. The men became so tired they could not stay awake to fight or even eat. Forrest demanded that Streight surrender. Streight initially refused, unless it could be proved that he was outnumbered. At this point, two pieces of Confederate artillery came into sight. Unknown to Streight, these were the only two cannons Forrest had on hand. Forrest gave a knowing nod to one of his captains, who had the cannons removed from sight. As minutes ticked by, Streight watched with mounting agitation as the same two cannons were pushed into his view, only to be pulled back and then made to reappear at another place. Finally, Streight exclaimed, “How many guns have you got? There’s fifteen I’ve counted already!” To that, Forrest nonchalantly replied, “I reckon that’s all that has kept up.”

To magnify the illusion, Forrest began giving orders to his captain which were to be relayed to phantom units that did not even exist. Taking their cue from this trickery, the few Confederate troops Forrest had began marching into and out of Streight’s line of vision, giving him the appearance of greater numbers than actually existed. So, even though Streight’s men outnumbered Forrest’s by more than two to one, the Union troops surrendered, thanks to quick thinking and ingenious deceit on the Rebels’ part (see Nathan Bedford Forrest, A Biography by Jack Hurst, pp. 123-124).

What’s the point? The Devil is a master of illusion. Though he is pure evil, he can nevertheless give the appearance of being an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14). He can make the righteous feel outnumbered, outgunned, and overpowered, when such is not the case at all. He can talk us into surrendering on his terms by getting us to overlook the vast spiritual resources God puts at our disposal.

Long ago, the prophet Elisha was surrounded by a Syrian army bent on his capture (2 Kings 6:8-17). Elisha was not bothered by this, but his servant was greatly distressed. Elisha told his servant, “Fear not; for they that are with us are more than they that are with them.” Elisha then prayed for God to open the eyes of his servant so he could see what Elisha already saw. God did so, and the servant was able to see “the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” God had the matter well in hand, and was more than able to conquer the Syrians, which he did. Elisha’s servant gained a new perspective that he must have carried the rest of his life. He learned the enemy’s strength was illusory, and that, if God is for you, there is more power at work than can be defeated. And there is more to a battle than meets the eye.

So the next time you feel surrounded and outnumbered, don’t surrender. Dig in. After all, “If God is for us, who is against us?” (Rom. 8:31).

Weylan Deaver

Baptism in the New Testament (3)

“Re-Baptism”

In the last two bulletin articles, we learned that baptism by immersion (into water) results in one having his (or her) sins forgiven. This is New Testament teaching; one must submit this teaching of the Lord, as He taught it, to be saved. What if one is convinced their baptism was in accordance with the Lord’s teaching, even though the church from which he or she came does not teach expressly what the New Testament teaches? How is that handled?

On the Friends of the Restoration page (Facebook), a post had been made by one wherein a preacher that lived two centuries ago said even if one was not baptized in the express way the Lord taught, let that baptism (of theirs) stand.

Baptism is no where proposed as an expiatory rite. He that regards it as such–he who goes to the water as a Jew to the altar, and is baptized MERELY {sic} to obtain the remission of sins, mistakes the whole matter … I know some will say that the candidates which they immersed a second time did not rightly understand baptism the first time. Well, I am persuaded they did not understand it the second time; and shall they be baptized a third time! (“Rebaptism” MH vol 2#11 {November 1831}, 481-485 for the whole article).

This topic has generated a lot of controversary through the years. To begin, it must be understood that to be immersed biblically, one must submit to the teaching of the New Testament as expressly taught. Second, it is imperative that one understands the New Testament on the matter and has an understanding what he or she is doing. When people allow others to teach, even when it is done in all sincerity, what the New Testament does not teach, then understanding is not in place.

So, with the New Testament teaching in place, one is genuinely convinced he or she obeyed the Lord exactly as the Lord taught (even though the preacher / teacher has doubt concerning that), what then? It seems to me there are three options to consider: 1) one can deny the validity of that person’s baptism, insisting he or she was not taught in accordance with New Testament doctrine, perhaps damaging that relationship gained in discussion, 2) the teacher / preacher can accept all that is said and pursue the issue no more, allowing that person’s conviction on the matter to be the truth, 3) the teacher / preacher can set the matter to the side for the moment and let the elders take the lead in how they want to handle it. That which they decide to do, respect it, and be what positive influence you can be going forward.

It is worth remembering here that if one learns the necessity of baptism from the gospel of Mark, John, even Matthew and obeys what is taught in any one of those three, without knowing or understanding additional teachings of the New Testament, then who of us is in position to deny the validity of what was done? Speaking for myself, I won’t.

Getting back to the options to consider, here is how I handle it; I take the third option. In the end, one must decide based on a personal conviction, not a perceived “heavy-handed” pressure application from a preacher / teacher. 

-Ron Thomas 

FROM ATHEIST TO CREATIONIST

If you don’t believe that all of creation had a creator, then the only alternative is to believe in evolution.  Rejecting the idea of “Intelligent Design,” one, of necessity, must believe that all things came into being by unimaginable numbers of happy accidents.  To do so, however, requires that one conveniently ignore facts of science.  Those who advocate the religion of evolution maintain their hold of the public’s minds by declaring evolutionary theories as facts.  Scientists who question these “facts” are ridiculed and often denied positions of influence, such as in schools where evolution is taught as reality, while evidence of creation is never to be voiced.

However, occasionally there are those who value truth above assumptions.  Such is the case with Dr. Jerry Bergman, Adjunct Ph.D, Associate Professor of Toledo Medical College in Ohio, who described his transfer from being an atheist to being a creationist in Acts & Facts Magazine (Feb., 2016).  After graduation from Wayne State University he relates that he was “involved in the atheist movement” for a time.  Along with evolution, he had accepted atheistic philosophy which came with it.  He told of the many lectures given in college supporting not only evolution but also speeches negative to Christianity.  He referred to one speaker who said “we have given Christianity 2,000 years to fix up the world, and it is high time to try atheism.”  Christianity was portrayed as the primary source for all the evils of the world.  He said, “What especially bothered me was that my atheist peers were determined to suppress Christianity by any means, legal or illegal—first by running it from the public square, then in the private domain.  Atheists seemed to feel that the ends justified the means, so they ruthlessly thought to crush Christianity.  I soon realized this goal was evil because in the end it always did more harm than good—and yet it has been tried in many places.”

He relates that he began to see many major problems with evolution and atheism.  Among these is the scientific fact that mutations, which are essential for the evolutionary hypothesis, are 99.9% “neutral, harmful, or lethal,” not beneficial.  He writes, “Consequently there is no way that life could have first evolved 3.5 billion years ago and still be around today because life would have become extinct long ago from genetic meltdown and cell catastrophe.”  He also referred to “the discovery of soft tissue in dinosaur bones that were claimed to be over 65 million years old.  This is a problem because destructive forces such as cosmic rays would have destroyed soft tissue long ago.”  He concluded by saying, “Like many scientists who came before me, I discovered that the evidence supports the truth of the Bible.”  It pains me to think that children in our tax-supported schools and universities are daily shielded from the evidence for creation, and their minds are being warped to accept atheistic philosophy which would darken their minds against God and His word.  Parents who speak out against such are branded as ignorant and even abusive to their children.      

Ron Bartanen                                              

The Hammer God Chose

Jeremiah 51:20-23

Most of us have been handed a job we didn’t feel ready for. Not enough training. Not enough confidence. Not enough of whatever the moment seemed to require. We look at what needs doing and wonder why anyone thought we were the right person for the job.

Jeremiah closes his book with a long oracle against Babylon, the empire that had crushed Jerusalem and carried God’s people into exile. Chapters 50 and 51 promise that the empire’s day is coming. And in the middle of that promise, God names the exact instrument He will use to bring it down.

“You are my hammer and weapon of war: with you I break nations in pieces; with you I destroy kingdoms” (Jer. 51:20, ESV). Most who study this passage agree God is speaking to Cyrus, king of the Medes and Persians, the man who would eventually conquer Babylon. Four times in three verses the same phrase repeats: with you I break in pieces. Horse and rider. Old man and youth. Shepherd and flock. Farmer and team. Nothing Babylon depends on survives what this hammer touches.

Here’s what should stop us. Cyrus didn’t know this God. He wasn’t a covenant king. He wasn’t seeking Israel’s Lord, and he almost certainly had no idea he was being used by Him. And still, God calls him mine. My hammer. My weapon.

If God could take a pagan emperor who didn’t know Him and use him to reshape the ancient world, what does that say about the excuse we reach for? I’m not spiritual enough. I don’t have what this needs. Someone else should do this, not me. Read that carefully. If God can use Cyrus, with all his ignorance and none of his allegiance, He can use you. You’re not the exception to what this verse proves. You may be the reason it’s in your Bible.

The difference for us is what kind of instrument we are. Cyrus was a hammer wielded from a distance, useful but unaware. We are children, cleansed from our sin, made new in Christ, enlisted in a war He has already won. And the battle we’re equipped for isn’t against flesh and blood. It’s against Satan’s kingdom, fought to free people and bring them into Christ’s instead. Every piece of armor Paul lists in Ephesians 6 is really just another name for Jesus. We don’t bring the strength to that fight. He does. We just show up wearing it.

Jeremiah has spent fifty-one chapters telling Judah what happens when a nation forgets whose hammer it is. Babylon fell because it mistook God’s power for its own. We don’t have that excuse. We know who’s holding us and what He’s already won.

So the question isn’t whether you’re strong enough for what’s ahead of you this week. It’s whether you’ll let Him swing you. -Jeff Arnette

The Hammer God Chose – Central Haywood Church of Christ

Baptism in the New Testament (2)

Baptism is a Burial

Last week we gave attention to the purpose of baptism, today we will give attention to the mode or manner in which one is baptized.

To begin, the word baptism comes from a Greek word (noun: baptisma; verb: baptidzō) that means to dip, plunge, immerse. The word does not mean and is not associated with pouring or sprinkling as a form / mode / manner of baptism. This is important to recognize because, biblically speaking, if one was “baptized” by the manner of having water poured over him or sprinkled on her, they (or that person) was not baptized after the pattern of New Testament teaching.

This makes perfect sense when one thinks about how the Holy Spirit used the word. In Romans 6, 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 (6:3-4, ESV, bold added, RT).

A burial is complete covering of the deceased in a tomb above or below ground. Can you imagine seeing a limb or a portion of a cadaver sticking out above ground and hearing another saying, “Yes, we buried him yesterday!”? 

So, as one reads Colossians 2:12, we learn ... having been buried with him in baptism, wherein ye were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead (ASV). 

Not only is it used in the symbology of a burial, but also with respect to clothing. In Galatians 3:27, we learn that by faith when one is baptized he/she put on Jesus as one would put on clothing. In both figurative expressions, the idea is being fully covered, protected, and, thus, a new creation.

The aim of baptism, because of one’s faith and penitent heart, is the forgiveness of sins. Without submitting to the Lord’s teaching on the topic, one’s sins are not forgiven. Not only have we learned the aim of baptism, but we also learned the manner in which one is baptized, that is, by immersion, a burial of one’s old life (death) and resurrection of one into a new life.

JUST CHRISTIANS

If you were asked what you are religiously, what would be your answer?  Most, if they would be members of any “church”, would probably reply by giving the name of their denomination.  This, however, would not have been so in the first-century church, for denominations were then non-existent.  While, at first, the early converts to Christ were Jewish, the gospel soon was preached also to gentiles, but the idea of a “Jewish Church” and a “Gentile Church” would have been completely foreign to God’s plan for “one fold’ (the church) and one Shepherd (Christ)” (John 10:16).   Jesus, on the evening He was betrayed, prayed for believers: “That they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they may also be one in us,, that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me” (John 17:21).  While there were different terms used in relation to believers in Christ, such as “body of Christ,” “the Way,” and “disciples” of Christ, the one that would be most significant was the name “Christian,” designating those who were followers of Christ.  As the church began to include gentiles in the fold, and the apostle Paul began fulfilling his calling to “bear (Christ’s) name among the gentiles” (Acts 9:15), Luke tells us that “the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26).  Peter would later admonish suffering believers, writing that  if any would suffer as a Christian, he should not be ashamed, but rather, “glorify God in that name” (1 Pet. 4:16b, ESV).  Denominational names are divisive and sectarian in nature, and are far from glorifying God.  The name “Christian” in no way should divide true Christians from one another, but only to recognize the believer’s separation from a non-believing world. 

In the New Testament, which is our authority for our faith and practice, all who believe Jesus Christ to be the Son of God who died for their sins and was raised again, repented of their sins, unashamedly confessed Him, and were buried with Him in baptism were just Christians—neither more nor less.  (cf. Acts 11:26; 28; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:35-39).  Why should it be otherwise today? If you respond in faith and obedience to the gospel as they did, you would become what they were Christians.  If you would “in word and deed, do all in the name of (by the authority of) the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17), continuing in His word, you will continue to simply be what they were—Christians.  Jesus’ words to His followers then should yet be heeded today: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” (John 8:31), and as a disciple, bear the name “Christian” (Acts 11:26).            –Ron

 

THE SOWER: Ron Bartanen (Milton, Florida; Email: ron33dor@yahoo.com)

Baptism in the New Testament (1)

The other day on the Facebook page Friends of the Restoration, there was a post concerning Alexander Campbell on the topic of baptism / rebaptism, something to which I want to give attention. Before I do, however, I want to briefly consider the purpose of baptism in the New Testament.

First, there is the baptism of repentance preached by John. I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire (Matthew 3:11, ASV). What is the baptism John preached? The word unto in this passage means with a view to or, in other words, baptism with a view to (toward) repentance. John called upon the community to change their way of thinking and living, looking forward to the One he proclaimed, for with Him, He brings the kingdom of God.

Second, there is the baptism unto remission of sins Peter preached in Acts 2, on the day of Pentecost. The word unto is a significant word here also. Years ago Mac Layton produced a track “What Does Acts 2:38 Mean?” wherein he gave us 37 renderings of the verse in languages such as Syriac, French, Indian, English, German, Spanish, etc. How did the verse read in all these translations? Not once did it ever read, And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ because your sins have already been forgiven.” The English word for has been manipulated by many to mean because, something the New Testament does not (never did) teach. The ESV reads this way, “And Peter said to them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. If the English word for meant because then one can be certain an English translation would have so rendered it – but not one did (in so far as I am aware).

This is not an unimportant point of emphasis! There are some denominations that teach one is baptized because their sins have already been forgiven, refusing to see that the wording of Acts 2:38 corresponds exactly as the words of our Lord in Matthew 26:28. Notice: …for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins (ESV, emphasis added, RT).  If it means because one’s sins have already been forgiven in Acts 2:38, then it means the same in Matthew 26:28.

If people would just read and obey the Lord’s will as He expressed Himself on the topic and in the way He said we are to do it, there would be no questions concerning what He meant. As it is, because of a theological position to maintain, people miss the simple teachings of the New Testament. 

-Ron Thomas

Preacher, Rio Grande Church of Christ (etsop95@gmail.com) 

Living in the Now

As a child, we are familiar with longing for the next age. When I was 15, I couldn’t wait to be 16 and drive. When I was 17, I couldn’t wait till 18. Then, I could vote and go off to college. As a parent, it’s a similar view. If we can just get to that next stage, when she sleeps through the night, or he is out of diapers. Now, the stages are getting a child trained through high school, getting another child through college, and continuing to be a source of encouragement for one whose schooling is completed! If I am not careful, I can still look forward to the next stage view. As a Christian, I need to learn to live in the now.

This is a complaint against Christians. We tend to look back or look ahead and miss what is right before our eyes. Honestly, the same complaint could be leveled at all people. As Christians, we look back to the cross. We look forward to heaven. Those are great blessings and should not be taken for granted. Keep in mind, there are many blessings right before our very eyes.

Here are some passages that come to mind. “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34 NIV). When I worry, I am borrowing tomorrow’s troubles today. “A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God.” (Ecclesiastes 2:24 NIV). Be thankful for your food. Enjoy it. Hopefully, you find satisfaction in your work. I have always felt for people who did not find pleasure in their profession. A person has to work, but it is really a chore when you don’t gain satisfaction from a job well done.

Throughout the gospel of John, Jesus says, “I am the door,” “I am the gate,” “I am the bread of life,” and “I am the good shepherd,” just to name a few. Notice, he does not state it, “I was,” or “I will be.” He always uses the present tense. In our hymns we sing, “Bow before the Great I Am.” “The Great I Was,” or “The Great I Will Be” doesn’t have the same ring to it. As Christians, we should reflect on the past of Christ on the cross. We should look forward to eternity in heaven. God has also blessed us to enjoy the present. As the old saying goes, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” Whether it’s gathering for worship, an evening with friends, a family get together, working on a project, reading a good book, taking a hike in the park, fishing at the lake or watching a ball game; time flies and you are taking in the now. Be thankful to God for it!

Jimmy Hodges

The Church was Established at the Right Time

We live in a world where complaining comes easily. We complain about slow service, frustrating work situations, government inefficiency, and any number of daily inconveniences. Sadly, that same spirit can sometimes find its way into the church. Members may complain about leadership; leaders may complain about members. Yet Paul wrote, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing” (Phil. 2:14). If we are going to help the church grow, grumbling will not do it. Instead, we need to focus on what is right with the church.

One great truth is this: the church was established at the right time. Long before Acts 2, God had revealed both the time and place of the coming kingdom. In Daniel 2, Nebuchadnezzar dreamed of a great image representing successive world kingdoms. Daniel identified Babylon as the first and then spoke of kingdoms that would follow. During the days of the fourth kingdom, God would set up a kingdom that would never be destroyed (Dan. 2:44). History shows the succession of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. It was during Roman rule that Christ came and His kingdom began.

The place was also foretold. Isaiah said that “the word of the Lord” would go forth from Jerusalem (Isa. 2:1-4). Jesus confirmed this when He told His apostles that repentance and remission of sins would be preached in His name, beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 24:46-48). He told them to wait there until they received power from on high (Acts 1:4-8). Mark 9:1 promised that some standing with Jesus would live to see the kingdom come with power. In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles in Jerusalem, Peter preached the gospel, and about three thousand souls were added. The church had begun—at the right time, in the right place, and according to God’s promise.

This was not an accident of history. Paul wrote, “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son” (Gal. 4:4). God’s timing is never late and never premature. He had prepared the world for the spread of the gospel. The great empires had contributed to the conditions of that day. The Greeks spread a common language, Koine Greek, which made communication across nations easier and preserved the New Testament message with clarity. The Romans built roads and provided a measure of order that allowed the gospel to travel rapidly throughout the empire. Even the Jewish dispersion had placed synagogues in many cities, giving early preachers places to begin teaching about Christ.

God’s plan unfolded exactly as He intended. The church was not a last-minute response to human failure. It was part of His eternal purpose, revealed through prophecy and fulfilled in Christ. In the church, Jew and Gentile are brought together in one body and reconciled to God through the cross (Eph. 2:14-16). In Christ, we have redemption through His blood, and God is gathering all things together in Him (Eph. 1:7- 10). We may find plenty of things in life to complain about, but the Lord’s church should not be one of them.

It was established by God, promised by the prophets, purchased by the blood of Christ, and opened to all who will obey the gospel. Just as the church was established at the right time, now is the right time for us to be in Christ. Why wait? Come to Him, and be added to the body of the saved. 

Dale J. Babinsky

Great Smoky Mountains Church of Christ; 3078 Veterans Blvd. Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 865.428.9749; Church@gsmchurchofchrist.com

Sarah and Minnie

It has been quite a few years since I visited one of our church members in one one of the hospitals in Nashville, but I remember one incident very well. The incident really had nothing to do with the actual visit with my brother in Christ. It actually took place while I was leaving the facility.

Since I had never been to that particular hospital before, I was unsure about where to park and find things once I was in it. My confusion caused me to leave from a different place from the one through which I had entered. Apparently, I had entered some secondary entrance and left via the main entrance. I figured that out when I saw a very large picture of the person for whom this medical establishment was named.

The portrait looked somewhat similar to somebody I had seen on television and who had performed at the county fair where I grew up when I was much younger. I thought that this woman in the portrait could not have possibly been her, though. It is not unusual for me to think that one person I know or whom I’ve met reminds me of somebody else. Surely that was the case this time.

The lady in the picture had the look and the wardrobe of a successful business person. The comedian I saw at our county fair was dressed like and looked like a “country bumpkin” and regularly began her performances with “How-Dee!! I’m just so proud to be here” (pronounced kind of like hyear). There couldn’t possibly be any connection between the professional looking woman from Nashville and the woman from Grinders Switch with the $1.98 price tag hanging off of her floppy straw hat.

I don’t think I can adequately communicate my surprise when I learned that Sarah Cannon and Minnie Pearl were (was?), in fact, the same person. It was hard for me to believe that one person could be two totally different individuals.

As I thought about that, I started doing some thinking. That’s always dangerous for me, because it often leads to self-examination.

I wonder if my family would tell you that they see a different “me” than the one I “portray” when I am with others. Would they and/or others notice a difference between the Sunday “me” and the Monday through Saturday “me.” Does my vocabulary change depending on the people I’m with? What about my wardrobe, my choices of entertainment, and any number of other things?

You may remember that some of our Lord’s most scathing denunciations were leveled at religious leaders whom he labeled as hypocrites. You may also remember that one of the definitions of the Greek word used is “a stage actor.”

Apparently, Sarah Cannon was rewarded well for being a stage actor named Minnie Pearl. Even people like me who did not know her real name understood that it was an act. We also understood that it was – as the saying goes – all in fun.

My memory of a long ago hospital was about much more than a trip down memory lane. It reminded me of something that I think is valuable. If any of us choose to be two different people in “real life,” we will also be rewarded – and it will be no laughing matter. -Jim Faughn

 

We’ll do whatever you say

Jeremiah 42:5–6 (ESV)

It’s easy to make a promise in the moment. Someone asks for our word, and we give it freely, without counting the cost. We tell a friend we’ll be there. We tell our kids we’ll change. We tell God, in a hard season, that if He’ll just get us through this, we’ll do whatever He says. The promise costs nothing to speak. It’s the keeping that gets expensive.

Jerusalem has fallen when we meet the remnant in Jeremiah 42. The city is rubble, the king is gone, and the survivors left in the land are terrified of what Babylon might do next. A group led by Johanan comes to Jeremiah with one request: pray, then tell them what the Lord says. Should they stay in the land, or flee to Egypt?

Their promise, before they’ve heard the answer, is remarkably strong. They call on the Lord Himself to be a “true and faithful witness” against them if they fail to obey. “Whether it is good or bad, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God” (Jer. 42:5–6, ESV). Read that carefully. It’s about as serious an oath as a person can make.

Ten days later, Jeremiah brings the word. Stay in the land. Don’t go to Egypt. The same people who swore to obey whatever the Lord said turn on the prophet, accuse him of lying, and head for Egypt anyway. Their promise didn’t survive contact with an answer they didn’t want.

Words come too easily to us too. We make promises without much thought, and plenty of us have made commitments we never intended to keep. Little white lies feel harmless. Fine print hides in every offer. Prices climb while the product in the package shrinks, and we’ve even given that trick a name. A person’s word doesn’t carry the weight it used to.

We do the same thing with God that Judah’s remnant did. We promise obedience in the crisis, at the hospital bed, in the middle of the night when we’re scared enough to mean it. Then the answer comes, and it isn’t the one we wanted, so we go do what we intended all along.

God does not operate that way. Every word He speaks, He keeps. He “is not slow to fulfill his promise… but is patient” (2 Pet. 3:9, ESV), even when we’re the unfaithful ones. Christ’s own faithfulness, all the way to the cross, makes room for people who’ve broken more promises to God than they can count.

That’s exactly why our words still matter now. Jesus said, “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’” (Matt. 5:37, ESV). Truthfulness isn’t a small virtue for a Christian. It’s a mark of belonging to Christ, and when we’re careless with it, the world takes notice long before we do.

Most of us have told God we’d do whatever He said. The question this week isn’t whether we’ve made that promise before. It’s whether we mean it this time. -Jeff Arnette

Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood Church of Christ (Clyde, NC; 828-565-0500; centralhaywoodcoc@gmail.com)

Biblical Archaeology and the Bible

I posed a question to AI (the internet’s “artificial intelligence”): “Has there ever been any piece of biblical information proven false?” The answer that came back: “Yes—individual biblical claims have been shown to conflict with established historical or scientific evidence, but no scholar claims that all biblical information has been proven false. The picture is mixed: some passages are strongly corroborated by archaeology and external records, while others are contradicted or remain unverified” (COPILOT; 7.3.26).

I pushed back against this answer and said archaeology does not prove anything and, moreover, archaeology is data that must be interpreted. COPILOT accepted this as a reasonable push back: “You’re right to push back here, Ron — and this is exactly the kind of precision you like.”

I want you to notice there is no evidence of the biblical record ever being “proved” false by archaeology. Archaeological data, by its very nature, is limited, because a small spec (or piece) of information is too little to make broad, sweeping claims. When I asked COPILOT about archaeological data disproving the Bible, COPILOT’S answer was in relation to the conquest of Canaan, a historical event that occurred around three thousand five hundred years ago, wherein archaeology is especially sparse. The archaeological data giving evidence of this is limited, but there is evidence. “… archaeology does not show a single, sweeping, rapid military conquest of Canaan, but it does show several specific destructions, burn layers, and cultural shifts that align with parts of Joshua … The evidence is mixed, and the interpretation depends heavily on chronology” (COPILOT 7.8.26).

Three things about this: first, COPILOT offered no direct contradictory evidence of the conquest; second, the data that is available is interpreted by some negatively; third, there is some evidence of destruction that corresponds with the biblical record. This means that assertions of “contradictions!” is factually false, a lie (at worst) or ignorance (at best). A negative interpretation of information/data that is available is not a contradiction, but a presupposed interpretation.

Thus, nothing proven false, only a negative (unbelieving) interpretation given.

There is some good to be said about “modern scholarship,” but one thing that stands out very badly against modern scholarship are its presumptions. In other words, some so-called scholars of today go into the realm of interpreting biblical data with the presupposition the Bible can’t be trusted as a historical record. They judge this through the lens of atheism, skepticism, and unbelief. Rather than let the record of biblical information stand on its own and reserve judgment until more information than is currently available comes to light, they take what little information there is and make sweeping judgments.

Peter warned that as some people do (did) this with the writings of Paul, we are reminded that some people will do the same with the data/information of the Scriptures, attempting to show the biblical record unreliable: “…as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; wherein are some things hard to be understood, which the ignorant and unstedfast wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:16). RT

Brethren

Often, in the New Testament, Christians are called brethren. The term brethren refers to the family relationship between God our Father, Christ our brother, and the fellow members of the body of Christ. Members of the church are the adopted children of God by the process of adoption He has described in His Word. Along with His only begotten Son, God the Father has adopted us as His children and has made us His heirs together with Jesus of the eternal home in His Glory. With God as our Father, the risen Savior as our brother, and the Holy Spirit as our guide, we are one family: “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him” (Rom. 8:14-17).

Paul pleads for the church to be in unity, peace and harmony in Christ: “Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10). Without unity in doctrine with Christ, there cannot be a family relationship: “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God” (Heb. 3:12). Almost all New Testament writers remind us of our responsibilities as brethren, members of God’s family, to work together, guided by the gospel of Christ, caring for each other and helping each other remain faithful.

The teachings of Jesus often use nature to illustrate the close family relationship between Christ and His sanctified adopted children. The illustration of the vine and branches recorded in John 15:1-8 is an example. Jesus said: “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing” (v. 5) He also affirmed: “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit” (vv. 1-2). The close association of Christ to the members of His church is shown by the branches being attached to and drawing strength from the vine. A useless branch can be taken away, cut off as a family member.

Paul speaks of the adopted children of God, added to the vine, as being “grafted in among them and became partaker with them” (Rom. 11:17). He also writes of the planned adoption into God’s family: “He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will” (Eph. 1:5). Peter refers to the brethren in the church as “A spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). And Paul stresses the need to keep the sanctified family of God pure and undefiled as he writes to the church in Corinth: “Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘and do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you. And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,’ Says the Lord Almighty” (2 Cor. 6:14-18).

Paolo DiLuca

Paolo preaches for the Bridge Street Church of Christ, (1139 S. Bridge Street - PO Box 292; New Martinsville WV 26155)

God’s Divine Institution

 In the first 4 chapters of Ephesians, the Lord’s apostle (Paul) gave some brief attention to a divine institution called the church, the church that belongs to Jesus. There are some today who speak of the importance of the church, but not in the same way the New Testament does. They speak of the importance of attendance but only in respect to “Attend the church of your choice.”  

The importance of the church in the New Testament is great. In Ephesians 4:11-16, we receive guidance from the Holy Spirit concerning a significant function of the local church. The Lord gave gits unto those He chose for the purpose, in Ephesians 4:11-16, to build up the body of Christ, the church (1:22-23). Those who received gifts of the Holy Spirit are men in positions of leadership and service. They had significant roles in the church to teach (4:11), with the immediate goal of edification (4:12), teaching the brethren to pattern themselves after the Lord Jesus (4:13-15). The corresponding result of that teaching would be (and is) glory to God (4:16).  

The elders (also known as bishops / pastors / presbyters) of the Lord’s local church of Christ needs to give attention to those within, not to those outside. This is an important point to emphasize. There are many “policemen” in the brotherhood who seek to point out the failings of others (individuals and churches). Their benefit to the Lord and the brethren is minimal, if any exist at all. Probably, it is more accurate to say they cause more harm than good. Those part of this “policemen posse” refuse to see themselves as the problem, but instead see themselves as “sound brethren,” faithful to the Lord in all respects seeking to thin out the chaff (as they determine it).

Some in the community responds: “There they go! Fighting again. I’m glad I am not a member of that church!”

An important lesson to learn: Within the local church, let us give attention to the Lord, His Word, and how each of us within that body can better serve the Lord and our neighbors. Let us be mindful of the two great commandments of the Lord (Matthew 22:34-40), and remember there are some in the world and, sadly, the brotherhood, who seek the local church’s impairment. Give them no attention, but serve the Lord faithfully in action, worship, and understanding His will. “Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17, ASV).

Ron Thomas, editor Bulletin Gold

Is My Speck a Plank?

     All scripture has been given by the inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). If we study His word, meditate upon it and keep it in our heart, we can know His desires for us. Some Scriptures, for me, are more powerful than others. It does not lessen the value of any others though. I have been reflecting upon these Scriptures most recently and they pierce me to the heart. I pray that you may consider and reflect on these as well.

Luke 18:9-14 “Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, “God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.”  And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!”  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.’”

Matthew 7:1-6 “Judge not, that you be not judged.  For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?  Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

1 Samuel 16:7 “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”

     These verses challenge my thinking, particularly as I consider my own faith and as I try to encourage others to follow Christ. Truth is, every single one of us have eye problems. We all have a speck or a beam. We are sinful people (Romans 3:23). Out of love we should care for our brother and sister. We should not lift ourselves up as the Pharisee to say that I am better than others, but we should humble ourselves as the sinner did.

     God did not teach not to judge. We are fruit inspectors in every way (Matthew 7:15-20). By the fruits of others, we will know them. The point is, if I judge another, I need to be prepared to be judged by the same judgement. It is so easy to notice what others are doing in their Christian lives. Many times, we look at the behavior in others and see glaring inadequacies and hypocritical behavior. We become quick to judge that person or persons without thinking of our own shortcomings in our service to the Lord and interactions with others. Often, we are quick to see the hypocritical behaviors in others because it is the same hypocritical behaviors we display.

     Judgement by Christians is often made of others in regard to clothing, hair style, interactions, and other things that can be very superficial and a matter of choice rather than salvation. I need to remember that some choices do not reflect a hope of salvation. I pray that as we look at others, we may consider our own choices and have patience and love with those around us. -Scott Judge

Scott M. Judge, Preacher, Elm Grove Church of Christ, Elm Grove, Ohio; He can be reached at: bbison7618@gmail.com

James & the Great Blessing of Prayer

The Book of James has been called “The Book of Monday-through-Saturday-Religion.” That’s not a bad description, considering how very practical the teachings of its 108 verses are for our lives today. Especially refreshing and informative are its teachings on the subject of prayer. Take time to study the following notes.

James tells us the most fundamental principle of prayer. “Let him ask of God” (1:5). Prayer is not an empty communication into the air; it is speaking directly to the Creator and Sustainer of this universe (who is my Father!). How simple the thought— “You do not have because you do not ask” (4:2). But prayer is more than just asking for things. It is my greatest opportunity to “draw near to God” (4:8) and to “bless our God” (3:9). Oh, what a blessing!

James tells us when and for what we should pray. At the very beginning of his letter, James encourages us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” (1:5). There’s not a single one of us who does not need to beg for “the wisdom that is from above” (3:17). “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray” (5:13). While we might think our suffering is ever-present, it really is not. But God is ever-present, ready to be there with us and to strengthen us. Oh, what a blessing!

James tells us that our prayers should look beyond ourselves. Oh, how the church would benefit tremendously today if we would each practice these four words—“Pray for one another” (5:16). This verse is especially addressing the need to pray for one another’s spiritual condition (“your trespasses”), but two verses earlier also addressed the need to pray for physical conditions and illnesses (“anyone among you is sick,” 5:14). Praying for one another—oh, what a blessing!

James tells us how we should pray. After telling us to ask of God, he says, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting” (1:6). We need to put our unwavering trust in God. We do this when we “submit to God” (4:7), “humble [ourselves] in the sight of the Lord” (4:10), and pray with a heart that says, “If the Lord wills...” (4:15). If you do not approach the throne of grace in this manner, consider these words, “You ask and do not receive because you ask amiss” (4:3). Asking in faith—oh, what a blessing!

James tells us that prayer is powerful. The prophet Elijah is set forth as a great example of the power of prayer in the life of an ordinary man of God who “prayed earnestly” (5:17). The account of Elijah is used to illustrate this great point: “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (5:16). Prayer—oh, what a blessing! — David Sproule

From the Great Smokey Mountain Messenger, 3078 Veterans Blvd. Pigeon Forge, TN 37863; 865.428.9749; Church@gsmchurchofchrist.com

WHERE DID IT COME FROM?

Ron Bartenan

      A five-year-old girl from the city was visiting her grandparents on their farm during harvest time.  She watched in wonder as they picked produce from their garden.  The grandparents, thinking to use this experience as a means of teaching her about God’s provisions, let her shuck some corn and break some beans, explaining to her that the corn and beans were blessings from God.   She enjoyed doing something different for a while, but after a few minutes she looked at her grandmother and said, “You know you could buy these things in the grocery store, don’t you?”

     Such reactions from little children amuse us as we realize that the limited experience of children may not allow them to understand where the things they take for granted actually come from.  Milk comes from jugs in the grocery store.  Beans and corn come from the produce section.  There is little if any thought as to how they got there.  While their lack of understanding may amuse us, it is sad to realize that adults are oftentimes devoid of understanding.  They take their environment for granted, with little or no thought as to how it got here.  An evolutionary explanation becomes acceptable because that makes us without obligation to anyone.  Even those who see God as Creator are prone to forget that He is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). God warned the people of Israel through the words of Moses:

     “When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.  Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God in not keeping his commandments and his judgments, and his statutes which I command thee this day: lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; and when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; then thine heart is lifted up and thou forget the Lord thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;… and thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.  But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God, for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth….” (Deuteronomy 8:10-14, 17-18a).

     Isn’t it easy to forget where it all came from? After all, we sweat and toil that we might enjoy the fruits of our labors yet forget that we are dependent upon God for our every breath.  What I have is mine (my family, my house, my car, my clothes, etc.).  In actuality, we are but users and stewards of what God has provided for us.  He declares, “Every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.  I know all the fowls of the mountains; and the wild beasts of the field are mine.  If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof” (Psalms 50:10-12). 

     When God’s nation, Israel, forgot where their blessings came from, God reminded them by withholding rain from their land and giving their land to foreign nations.  Our nation, we are told, is no longer a Christian nation, overlooking the fact that our forefathers established this nation and its government upon Christian principles, which have been a blessing to us and the world.  If we forget this fact, and forget God as our Benefactor, should we be surprised at an economic crisis? He tells us in Psa. 50:22, “Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.”  And again: “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.”      

Ron Bartenan; retired preacher living in Milton, Florida. He can be reached at ron33dor@yahoo.com