The Remarkable Book of Isaiah

By David R. Ferguson     Isaiah 43:1 tells us that we are redeemed, for God has redeemed us. Literally, this means I want to continue our series of looking at the Gospel of Isaiah this morning. As was mentioned the last two Sundays, the Book of Isaiah was written some 700 - 750 years before Jesus Christ came into this world as a Baby born of the Virgin Mary.     The final 27 chapters of the Book of Isaiah are simply amazing. Chapters 40 through 66 are practically a mirrored foretelling of the last 27 books of the Bible, what is commonly referred to as the New Testament. The theme of this second half of Isaiah is grace and salvation.     These 27 chapters, starting in chapter 40, are the most sublime and richest portion of Old Testament prophecy. In a sense it really is a single prophecy, one glorious vision, and one majestic revelation of salvation which will arrive through the coming Messiah. The last half of Isaiah is supreme. It’s sweeping. It’s comprehensive. It encompasses not only the deliverance of Israel from Babylon, not only the deliverance of sinners from sin, but the deliverance of the nations from the curse of sin and death and then being brought into the Kingdom of the Messiah. So, it has those same elements. The first part if Isaiah talks about judgment upon Israel, it talks about judgment upon sinners, and it talks about final judgment. The second half of the Book of Isaiah talks about deliverance for Israel, deliverance for sinners, and a final deliverance of the redeemed into the Eternal Messianic Kingdom.     Most interestingly the second half of Isaiah, chapters 40 to 66, begins where the New Testament begins. If you look briefly at chapter 40 for just a moment, the parallel is quite interesting. In chapter 40 we read, “Comfort, O comfort My people, says your God.” And that’s the turn that occurs in the Book of Isaiah. It goes from the pronouncing of judgment in the first 39 chapters, to offering comfort in the back half because of grace and salvation coming from God. “Speak kindly to Jerusalem,” we now read. And then comes the prophecy in verse 3 regarding the coming of John the Baptist. “A voice is calling, clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness, make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.”     And, of course, it was John the Baptist who came, who was the fulfillment of that prophecy. He was the forerunner of Messiah, he was the voice crying in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make in the desert a highway for our God.” Just as John is featured in the gospels as Jesus begins His ministry, so, too, does the New Testament end in Revelation speaking of the same new heavens and new Earth, just as Isaiah does in the end of his book!     May the Lord bless you in knowing that Jesus is the way of life to life!

- David R. Ferguson preaches for the Mentor Church of Christ in Mentor, OH.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://mentorchurchofchrist.com/ or davidferguson61@yahoo.com

Christ in Genesis—The Creation of Man

By Ron Bartanen        The creation of man originated in the mind of God.  It would begin with the creation of “the heavens and the earth, and the preparation of a paradise for man’s habitation, a bountiful garden, the garden of Eden, to be available for man’s food supply.  It would not be accomplished through thousands of years of  unimaginable evolution, but through six evenings and mornings, each, followed by a “day of rest”, thus establishing a period of time we know of as a week, as described in Gen. 1:1 to 2:25.   The pre-flood diet for humanity was vegetarian, consisting of the fruit of the garden (1;29-30).  Everything was in readiness then for humanity.      With the garden in readiness for human occupation, Adam was physically formed from the “dust of the earth” (2:7)”.  However, man was unique from the animals. And said to be “in the image of God” (1:26).  God “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.”  Unlike the life of the animal-creation, man’s life is sacred in origin—the breath of the Creator.  It is thus described to Noah following the great flood: “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made He man” (9:6).  The penalty established by God for murder is rightly the murderer’s surrender of his own life.       The sacredness of human life should also be recognized in the taking of a human infant’s life in the process of abortion, and be perceived as willful murder.  From the moment of conception in a mother’s womb, a human baby is a human baby, made “in the image of God.”     The account of the creation of man requires the recognition of Adam’s wife, Eve, the “mother of all living.”  “Male and female created He them” (1:27b; 2:18-24).  As is often noted, Adam’s wife was a part of himself—not of his head that she would rule over him, nor of his feet that he should walk over her, but from his side, nearest to his heart, that he might love her—a covenant of marital unity and loyalty.  The apostle Paul compared the love and unity of husband and wife to the love and unity designed in our relationship with Christ in Ephesians 5:22-35.       The attachment of Eve to Adam is seen in the fact that she was not taken from the “dust of the ground” as was Adam, but from what the King James version calls his rib (1:21),  I read that the word translated rib is “tzela”, which in Exodus 25:12-14 and 26:20 is translated as “side,” not “rib”.  Adam’s side was opened in the process of providing for him a wife.  It is interesting that this would fit this as a prophetic picture of the opening of the side of Jesus, whose side was pierced (John 19:24) to purchase His church “with His own blood” (Acts 20:28).       As Adam in Genesis is seen as the head of the human race, Jesus is portrayed by Paul as the head of the church—the “body of Christ” (Ephesians 5:23).  In 1st Corinthians 15 he goes into more detail, likening Christ to Adam in the context of describing our resurrection.  He refers to Christ as the second Adam, declaring, “The first man, Adam, was made a living soul: the last Adam was made a quickening spirit…. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven” (vs. 15, 17),  He expresses our hope in Christ to be raised from the dead, wherein our corruptible bodies will “put on incorruption and this mortal shall put on immortality” (v. 23).  In verse 22 he adds, “As in Adam all die, even so, in Christ shall all be made alive.”      We can see Gen. 2:23-25 as the first marriage as so-defined by God as the marriage of one man (male) and one woman (female—the “one flesh” in the bond of marriage.  That’s God’s definition.       Man is the crown of God’s creation, but this is especially seen in Christ, the “Son of man” as well as the “Son of God.”   I’d suggest the reading of Hebrews 2, but especially verses 6 to 9, where Christ is portrayed as being made at His first coming “a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, (yet) crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God should taste death for every man” (v. 9).

- Ronald Bartanen is a retired minister who for many years served the Lord's church in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee. After the passing of his beloved wife, Doris, Ron has relocated from Illinois to Florida where he is near family. He may be contacted at: ron33dor@yahoo.com

The One Spirit

by Dan C. Bailey The Bible enumerates seven "ones" in Ephesians 4:4-6. God is not divided, but He is one. There are three "persons" in the Godhead, yet these three are one in divine nature. Paul said by inspiration, "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Eph. 4:4-6). The one Spirit in this context is the Holy Spirit. In this passage of scripture, we have the one God and Father of all, the one Lord (Jesus Christ), and the one Spirit (the Holy Spirit). In the great commission Jesus said, "...All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen" (Matthew 28:18-20). The "one" Holy Spirit of God was sent by Jesus to guide His chosen apostles into "all truth." Jesus told His apostles, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you" (John 16:12-15). In this very passage we see that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one in teaching. Can you imagine the Holy Spirit contradicting the Son? Or can you imagine the Son contradicting the Father? It is abundantly clear that the Holy Spirit was sent to guide the apostles "into all truth." Since there is one Spirit and since He gave one united set of instructions to the apostles, why do people say that it does not matter if we differ in doctrine? The "one Spirit" would surely reveal one plan of salvation. The "one Spirit" would surely reveal one true way to worship God, and one true way to serve God. It is the "one Spirit" who teaches us that there is one body. The one body is the body of Christ or the church. "But now are they many members, yet but one body" (I Cor. 12:20). "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all" (Eph. 1:22-23). "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence" (Col. 1:18). The Lord established His church and you should be a member of it. The "one Spirit" has given us the one gospel. Have you obeyed it?

- Dan C. Bailey serves as a minister with the State Street Church of Christ in Bristol, VA. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home

One Hope

by Dan C. Bailey   We read in Ephesians 4:4-6, "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Paul teaches us that there is "one hope" of our calling. That is, those who are Christians, called by the gospel, have one and the same hope. The hope is of eternal life and all that is included. We read in Titus 1:2, "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began." Our hope is described as"...an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast..." in Hebrews 6:19. Our hope is with Christ and in heaven where Jesus has gone before us. "Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec" (Hebrews 6:20). "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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2). Hope contains an element of desire as well as expectation. We desire to be with the Lord, and by faith we expect it. Again, Paul said, "Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord" (II Corinthians 5:6-8). Heaven is such a grand and glorious thought! It is a place with many mansions. "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (John 14:2-3). It is a place where, "...God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" (Revelation 21:4). Doesn't it seem a little strange that so many claim to be Christians with the same hope but they are divided as if there was more than one Bible, more than one body, or more than one Spirit? God's people should be united, they should be one. My friend, give up the traditions and the commandments of men. Throw all the creeds in the fire and take your stand upon the authority of the Word of God. God's people have "one hope" of their calling. "We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel" (Colossians 1:3-5). ONE HOPE   There is but one heaven, the hope of our calling.   To cling to that hope will keep us from falling.   One Savior who died on the old rugged tree,   To save poor lost sinners, like you and like me.   One hope of a mansion in glory above,   One hope of a home that's so full of love!   So let us hold fast in spite of the strife,   And all of the trials that we have in this life.   In heaven, no struggles, nor sorrows, nor pain.   And to die in the Lord is nothing but gain.   Dan C. Bailey / 9/30/08   "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21

- Dan C. Bailey serves as a minister with the State Street Church of Christ in Bristol, VA. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home

The One Spirit

By Dan Bailey       The Bible enumerates seven "ones" in Ephesians 4:4-6. God is not divided, but He is one. There are three "persons" in the Godhead, yet these three are one in divine nature. Paul said by inspiration, "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Ephesians 4:4-6). The one Spirit in this context is the Holy Spirit. In this passage of we have the one God and Father of all, the one Lord (Jesus Christ), and the one Spirit (the Holy Spirit).     In the great commission Jesus said, "...All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen" (Matthew 28:18-20). The "one" Holy Spirit of God was sent by Jesus to guide His chosen apostles into "all truth."     Jesus told His apostles, "l have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said l, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you" (John 16:12-15). In this very passage we see that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one in teaching. Can you imagine the Holy Spirit contradicting the Son? Or can you imagine the Son contradicting the Father? It is abundantly clear that the Holy Spirit was sent to guide the apostles "into all truth*"     Since there is one Spirit and since he gave one united set of instructions to the apostles, why do people say that it does not matter if we differ in doctrine? The "one Spirit" would surely reveal one plan of salvation. The "one Spirit" would surely reveal one true way to worship God, and one true way to serve God. It is the "one Spirit" who teaches us that there is one body. The one body is the body of Christ or the church. "But now are they many members, yet but one body" (I Corinthians 12:20). "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filter all in all" (Ephesians 1:22-23). "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence" (Colossians 1:18). The Lord established His church and you should be a member of it. The "one Spirit" has given us the one gospel. Have you obeyed it?

- Dan C. Bailey serves as a minister with the State Street Church of Christ in Bristol, VA. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home

One Lord

By Dan Bailey     The Bible teaches us that there is "one Lord." This statement is found in found in Ephesians 4:4-6: "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Since the immediate context mentions the one Spirit and the one Father, the Lord under consideration is the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God the Father made his Son both Lord and Christ. Peter preached this on the day of Pentecost. "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36). To be the Lord is to be the Ruler or Master. God has given Christ all power. "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" (Matthew 28:18).     Since there is one Lord Jesus Christ who died for us, God's people should be one in Christ. "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise" (Galatians 3:26-29). If there is to be neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free, male nor female, what makes us think that God is pleased with the divisions that exist in the denominational world? Who could scripturally argue that all of the denominations are "one" in Christ Jesus? The truth is that the one Lord doesn't give but one set of instructions to his people. The problem is, too many are not following those instructions.     It is clear that on the judgment day, some people will mistakenly have the mindset that Jesus was their Lord! But he was not, because they did not do what he commanded. "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46). The very confession that one makes prior to becoming a Christian recognizes that Jesus is the Lord and Savior. To confess that Jesus is the Son of God is to confess him as Lord. If we believe in the Lord, then we will respond to the great commission that he gave to his apostles. "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:15-16).     Do you really believe that Jesus is the one Lord? Or are you following the traditions and commandments of men? Just follow Jesus, the one Lord! There is no other way to heaven. One Lord Jesus is our Savior and Lord, Out of his mouth comes a sharp two-edged sword All angels and men will bow at his feet; The rich and the poor, the vile and the sweet The dead will be raised and stand at the throne, But only the faithful will enter his home. The Lord shed his blood while he died on the tree. He will wash you and cleanse you, and make your soul freez So if you believe in his powerful word, Submit to his will and obey the one Lord.                                 Dan C. Bailey

- Dan C. Bailey serves as a minister with the State Street Church of Christ in Bristol, VA. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home

One Faith

By Dan C. Bailey       The Bible teaches us that there is but one faith. It is just as sure and just as clear as there is one God. Paul informs us in Ephesians 4:4-6, "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." The one faith is the "faith of the gospel." "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel" (Philippians 1:27). The "one faith of the gospel" is that one system of faith whereby one is saved and has the hope of eternal life. "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began" (Titus 1:2).     There simply is no such thing in the New Testament as following the faith of your choice. It is true, we must make a choice as to whether or not we believe and obey the gospel of Christ, but God only gave one gospel and one faith. We read in Acts 13 that the "one faith" is the result of preaching the Word of God. Yea, when one preaches the truth, he is preaching the "faith of Christ."     We read in Acts 13:5-8, "And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister. And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith." Elymas tried to turn him away from "the faith." That is the one faith of the gospel.     In the book of Galatians it is called "the faith of Jesus Christ" and the "faith of Christ" in chapter 2, verse 16: "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."     At one time Paul persecuted the Lord's church but then he became a disciple and an apostle and preached "the faith" according to Galatians 1:23.     "But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed." It is possible for a child of God to obey the truth and then to depart from "the faith." We read in I Timothy4:1-3, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth." It is possible to err from the faith. "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (I Timothy 6:10). Let us pray that we will never err from the truth of God's Word.     We should not only preach the faith, but we should also contend for the faith. "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3).     My friends, since there is only one true faith, don't be satisfied with the commandments, traditions, creeds, and doctrines of men. Let us be certain that we teach and defend the "one faith" that is from God and that is revealed in the pages of the New Testament.

- Dan C. Bailey serves as a minister with the State Street Church of Christ in Bristol, VA. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home

One Baptism

By Dan C. Bailey    The Holy Scriptures teach in Ephesians 4:4-6, "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." The epistle to the saints in Ephesus was most likely composed between 63 and 65 AD. Although there are several baptisms mentioned in the New Testament, there was only one baptism in force at that time. That same "one baptism" is in force today. Please carefully consider the following points:     1. The one baptism is for believers. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16. If one is an infant, he cannot possible be a subject of baptism. At what exact age one should be baptized is dependent upon a knowledge of what God says about baptism as well as a knowledge of repentance. Those who are scripturally baptized should be mature enough to recognize what sin is and to understand the need of salvation through Christ and His blood. Jesus clearly taught in the parable of the sower that one must understand the word, or the truth, in order to enter into the kingdom of God. "But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty" (Matthew 13:23).     2. The one baptism is a baptism in water. In the eighth chapter of the book of Acts we read about the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch. "Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.  And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing." (Acts 8:35-39). Peter proclaimed at the house of Cornelius, "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." (Acts 10:47-48). Peter would later refer to baptism in his first epistle by describing those in Noah's day. "Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him." (I Peter 3:20-22). The apostle Paul speaks about the "one baptism" in Ephesians 5:26: "That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word."     3. The one baptism is for the remission of sins. Peter was guided by the Spirit of God on the day of Pentecost. He boldly proclaimed: "...Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:38). The one baptism was a baptism in water for the remission of sins. We read in Acts 22:16 where Ananias told Saul, "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." The blood of Christ cleanses one of sin when he is scripturally baptized. "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood" (Revelation 1:5).     4. The one baptism is an immersion in water. The Greek word for baptize is "baptidzo." It is defined in Thayer's Greek Lexicon as: 1. properly, to dip repeatedly, to immerge, submerge, (of vessels sunk...)" (p. 94). In the New Testament, baptism is described as a burial. Paul said, "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:3-4). In Paul's epistle to the saints in Colosse, he again describes baptism as a burial. "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead" (Colossians 2:12).     5. The one baptism puts one into Christ. "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise" (Galatians 3:27-29). When one enters into Christ, he becomes the seed of Abraham and is an heir of salvation.     6. The one baptism puts one into the one body. "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit" (I Corinthians 12:13). The one body is the church that Jesus is the head over. "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all" (Ephesians 1:22-23). Jesus shed His blood for the church. "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28). Jesus built the church. "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). Everyone who is willing to believe the gospel, repent of sins, confess the name of Christ, and be buried with Him in baptism is added by the Lord to the church. "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved" (Acts 2:47).     Have you been scripturally baptized into Christ?

- Dan C. Bailey serves as a minister with the State Street Church of Christ in Bristol, VA. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home

One God and Father of All

By Dan Bailey In Ephesians 4:4-6 we have seven ones listed, "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Just as there is one Lord, and one Spirit, so there is one God, the Father. The Bible is very clear that there is one God or Deity. "Hear O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might" (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). Even though there is one God or Deity, there are three persons in the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.     The God and Father of all is the one to whom Jesus taught us to pray. "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name"(Matthew 6:9). He is the one who Paul praised in Il Corinthians 1:3: "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort." Jesus was sent by the Father, loved the Father, and obeyed the Father in everything. He said: "...My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself"(John 7:16-17).     In the prayer of Jesus in John 17:1-26, our Lord specifically addressed the Father six times. He refers to God the Father as "Holy Father" and "righteous Father" (John 17:11; 17:25). We can never thank our heavenly Father enough for sending His Son to die for us on the cruel cross of Calvary! "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift" (Il Corinthians 9:15).     Surely, every honest person is able to understand that just as there is one God - the Father, and one God - the Son, and one God - the Holy Spirit, so there is one body, one hope, one faith and one baptism. This does not really describe the disorder in the religious world today. There are so many "churches" or denominations, so many different doctrines, and so many different creeds. Something is wrong, but the Bible is right! "For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth" (Psalm 33:4). "Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way" (Psalm 119:104). "Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way"(Psalm 119:128).   One God And Father Of All There is one God - the Father who dwells up above. Who sent His dear Son, with all of His love — To suffer and die on the old rugged tree, To save poor lost sinners like you and like me The Father of mercies and Father of light, Who answers our prayers each day and each night. All honor and praise to our Father of glory, Who gave us His Son and redemption's sweet story. Dan C Bailey

- Dan C. Bailey serves as a minister with the State Street Church of Christ in Bristol, VA. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home

One Change to Consider Making to Adult Bible Classes

By Adam Faughn
    I am deeply appreciative of the elders at Central for many reasons. One of those reasons is that there is regular conversation about the Bible school program. In far too many congregations, the Bible school is handled with a “set it and forget it” mindset, but I am grateful that, at Central, there is ongoing discussion of how things should go.    And that includes the adult Bible classes.    In far too many congregations, adult classes default to one of two common ways of doing things. Either (1) they use a printed curriculum and basically just read the lesson aloud and fill in the blanks, or (2) they go verse-by-verse-by-verse-by-verse through whatever book they are in.    Now, before continuing, let me say that both of these approaches have at least some value.I am certainly not against printed curriculum. Some of it is quite good. However, if you read the instructions to these materials, they will tell you that they are meant to be a guide. They are not meant to just be read aloud and filled in. They are meant to aid the teacher in working through a text or topic.I teach verse-by-verse at times also. In fact, I like to do that. It makes certain an entire context is discussed and it “forces” the teacher to not skip more difficult or controversial texts.    However, to constantly (or even always) to default to these two methods can stifle the overall growth of the students. To work against that, consider making this one change sometimes: add variety to the approach of the classes.    For example, instead of studying John verse-by-verse again, why not just survey it once? Or why not only study the seven signs once? Or why not study only the “I am” statements once?    For some people, that sounds almost like heresy. After all, that’s not getting the whole book. Isn’t that terrible?    No, and let me give you one major reason why: adults will be in classes for decades, so you have plenty of opportunity to teach the same text using a different approach in the future. Remember: once a person graduates high school, they are in some type of adult class. Maybe you have a college class or a young professionals class. But they are in the “adult” department, and they will be in that department for the rest of their lives. If they live to, say, 80, that means they will spend about 62 years in adult Bible classes. So there is plenty of time to go through various texts and topics and to do so from a variety of approaches.    HERE’S THE HANGUP: THIS TAKES PLANNING    Of course, this takes planning and it also takes the leadership being on board, but it is such a blessing when a congregation teaches the whole counsel, yes, but also does so in a variety of ways, so that students see the same text from various angles and approaches.    What if your leadership sat down over the course of a few weeks (or even months) and tried to lay down the subjects and texts they would like to study for just the next two years? Now, can you go back through that list and talk about how to approach those? Of course! Some will need to be basically verse-by-verse. Some might well need the aid of a printed curriculum. But others might only need a survey or a topical approach. (NOTE: at Central, we have our adult classes, at least in rough form, through the summer of 2028, and we try to stay at least two years ahead at all times.)    But by planning in advance, you don’t default to the usual way of doing things. You also begin to see if you are being balanced (Old and New Testament, textual and topical, etc.).    It take a lot of work, but the Bible school program is far better for it.

- Adam Faughn preaches for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centralchurchofchrist.org Visit the Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith

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