Article - You Cannot Get to the Blood Without Water
After Jesus anointed the blind man’s eyes with clay, He commanded the blind man to go and wash in the pool of Siloam so that his eyes would be opened (John 9:1-15). Washing in the water to be healed was not necessary or essential for healing until Jesus commanded that it be done. The “works of God” were revealed in this man because he obeyed what Jesus commanded – otherwise he would have remained blind. So also, Jesus wants to heal us of our spiritual blindness (sin) through His blood (Luke 4:18; Ephesians 1:7). Jesus commands us to “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Having “our bodies washed with pure water” was not necessary or essential for the cleansing of our sins and the salvation of our souls until Jesus commanded that it be done (Mark 16:16; John 3:5; Hebrews 10:22). The “working/operation of God” (removing all your past sins) will not occur in your life until you obey Jesus and are buried with Him in baptism (Colossians 2:11-12; Hebrew 5:9). Otherwise, you are still blind – you are still in your sins. Consider these Scriptures: Jesus’ blood was shed “for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28). You are to “repent and be baptized for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Jesus purchased the church “with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). Jesus cleanses the church with the “washing of water” (Ephesians 5:26). Jesus’ blood cleanses your conscience (Hebrews 9:14). Water baptism “now saves us” and is “the answer of a good conscience toward God” (1 Peter 3:20-21).
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Article - Repent And Be Baptized For The Remission Of Sins (Part 2)
Several years ago Richard Heatherly (Baptist “Pastor”) wrote several articles under the title “In What Sense Does Baptism Remit Sins?” in a sales paper out of Fayetteville, TN (read part 1). Instead of giving the common Baptist response - that baptism has absolutely nothing to do with salvation, Richard correctly states that Acts 2:38 “clearly relates baptism to the remission of sins” and that the scriptures addressing the topic of baptism show one “how to be forgiven.” However, when Richard further explains that the remission of sins obtained in Acts 2:38 is merely symbolic and ceremonial, he provides no proof and departs from the context of Acts 2:36-38. The Jews on the day of Pentecost wanted to know what THEY needed to DO to obtain LITERAL remission of sins. The two imperatives of Peter were: Repent and be baptized. The two imperatives Richard mentions in his articles: Repent and believe. Yet in another one of Richard’s articles he only mentions one imperative: “by faith in Christ’s atonement alone.” Peter said that both repentance and baptism were for the remission of sins. When I pointed this out to Richard in one of my articles, he said that such an observation was “a very shallow theology.” The order of Peter’s sermon was: 1) repent; 2) be baptized; 3) remission of sins. The order of Richard’s sermon is: 1) repent (and believe); 2) remission of sins; 3) be baptized. Those who gladly received Peter’s word were baptized (Acts 2:41). Those who gladly receive Richard’s word may or may not decide to be baptized, yet Richard finds it essential to wear the Baptist name. Whose sermon will you follow?
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Article - Repent And Be Baptized For The Remission Of Sins (Part 1)
Several years ago Richard Heatherly (“Pastor” of a Baptist Church) wrote an article in a Fayetteville, Tennessee sales paper in which he boldly admitted that Acts 2:38 “clearly relates baptism to the remission of sins.” I was encouraged by Richard’s willingness to make such an admission as he proceeded to tackle such a controversial topic in a thorough manner. In order for religious people to fulfill God’s command to “speak the same thing,” have “no divisions” (including NO denominations) and “be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment,” we must have an open Bible, an open mind and an open discussion (ignoring one another has accomplished nothing all these years; study Acts 17:11; 18:26 and 1 Corinthians 1:10).
The title of Richard’s article asked, “In What Sense Does Baptism Remit Sins?” Richard’s answer was: metaphorically, symbolically, ceremonially. Do you the reader gather such an idea when you study Acts 2:36-38? After the Jewish audience was accused by Peter of crucifying the Christ, they were cut to the heart and ask the apostles, “What shall we do?” Did the Jews want to know what they needed to do to receive remission of sins symbolically? Or were they seeking literal forgiveness? The two things Peter commanded his audience (and all of us) to do in order to receive the remission of sins were 1) repent and 2) be baptized. Why did Richard not take notice or mention that Acts 2:38 also says repent for the remission of sins? Baptism remits sins in the same way that repentance does (Acts 3:19). For Richard to consistently hold on to his doctrine, he would have to also teach that a sinner repents in order to remit his sins symbolically. If not, why not? (see part 2 for a final analysis of Acts 2:38).
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Article - The Cowboy Church (part 2)
[Continued from part 1]: (4) The Cowboy Church has as its primary overseer just one “Pastor” (who does not even meet the qualifications contained in 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1); whereas, the overseers of each congregation of the one true church found in the Bible meet the requirements contained in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 (Acts 14:23; 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1-7;1 Peter 5:1-5).(5) The Cowboy Church permits female preachers to have authority over males; whereas, the church that Jesus built is commanded to have male preachers in their assemblies while the women keep quiet (1 Corinthians 14:34; 1 Timothy 2:11-15; 1 Corinthians 11:3); (6) The Cowboy Church adds mechanical instruments of music in worship; whereas, the church of Christ simply follows the specified command to sing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 13:15); (7) The Cowboy Church teaches faith only; whereas, the church of Christ teaches the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27; James 2:24-26) pertaining to the plan of salvation: to be washed in Jesus’ blood you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 3:16), repent of your sins (Acts 17:30), confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10) and be immersed into Christ so that your sins will be washed away (Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:20-21). While the Cowboy Church may be the fastest growing “flavor-of-the-day” Church, making many of the John Wayne niche happy, it is, nonetheless another addition to the denominational world that promotes a perverted gospel, goes beyond that which is written and opposes Biblical unity (1 Corinthians 1:10; 4:6; Romans 16:17-18). May all realize the urgency of abandoning all false Churches with their false gospels and get back to the one true faith and the one true gospel (2 Corinthians 11:4; Ephesians 4:1-6)!
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Article - The Cowboy Church (part 1)
"Preachers tell corny jokes. Worshipers whoop, holler and clap. The bands jam with banjos, mandolins, guitars, drums and sometimes even a worn washboard….The sermons usually last just a few minutes so as not to make the audience restless" (http://articles.latimes.com/2008/aug/18/nation/na-cowboy18). You will not find these things in the New Testament church, but you will find them in the Cowboy Church.
Not only does the Cowboy Church fail to resemble Christ’s church, but their doctrine and practices are completely contrary to the doctrine of Christ and must be exposed (John 8:31; 1 Timothy 1:3; 2 John 1:9-11; Ephesians 5:11). Here are a few contrasting points: (1) The Cowboy Church was founded about 40 years ago in the southern part of the United States; whereas, the church of Christ was founded by Jesus in the first century A.D. in Jerusalem (Acts 1:12; 2:1, 47; 20:28); (2) In order for a group of “Christians” to be a Cowboy Church, they must wear the name “Cowboy Church” and abide by a manmade constitution, such as, the American Cowboy Church Constitution and By-Laws (www.americanfcc.org); whereas, the Lord adds those who have been saved to the church of Christ, the kingdom of God’s dear Son (Acts 2:38, 41, 47; Colossians 1:13; 1 Corinthians 12:13). The church of Christ abides by the one and only standard, namely, the Bible (Philippians 3:16; Romans 10:17). True New Testament Christians in various locations make up “the churches of Christ” based on New Testament authority given to them by Jesus (Matthew 16:18; 28:18; Romans 16:16; Colossians 3:17); (3) Most Cowboy Churches recognize the Baptist Faith and Message (1963); whereas, the church of Christ only recognizes the doctrine contained in the New Testament and contends earnestly for the faith (Galatians 1:6-10; Jude 1:3).
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Article - Christian Walk and Worship (part 1)
Paul addressed his “Ephesians” letter to the holy and faithful ones in Christ Jesus who resided in the city of Ephesus (Ephesians 1:1). Throughout his letter Paul emphasized all the spiritual blessings each individual Christian as well as the church of Christ as a whole enjoyed in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3, 5, 11; 2:4-7, etc.). In light of these wonderful facts, Paul urged these brethren (as he does us) to “walk worthy of the calling with which you [plural] are called…” (Ephesians 4:1; 2:10; the Ephesian brethren were all called/invited the same way: by hearing the gospel, Ephesians 1:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14). Not only did Paul enumerate how the individual Christian husband, wife, father, child, slave and master were to walk or behave (Ephesians 5:22-6:9), but also how Christians as a whole were to conduct themselves around one another (compare 1 Timothy 3:14-15). Such reciprocation or mutual exchange among brethren was expressed in Paul’s instruction either by a reciprocal pronoun, such as “bearing with one another” (Ephesians 4:2), being “members of one another” (Ephesians 4:25), being “kind to one another” (Ephesians 4:32) and “submitting to one another” (Ephesians 5:21) or the reflexive pronoun (expressing the same idea as the reciprocal pronoun), such as “forgiving one another” (Ephesians 4:32) and “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19; see also 1 Corinthians 6:7; Dana & Mantey’s Greek Grammar, pp. 131-132; Moulton’s Greek Grammar, p. 43). Christians in their individual lives as well as part of the body of Christ were to walk wisely, following the acceptable will of the Lord (Ephesians 5:10, 15-17).
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Article - Social Drinking Is A Sin
Ethyl alcohol is pharmacologically classified as a drug (the depressant, narcotic type). Therefore, whatever position one takes on social drinking would also apply to illegal as well as prescription drugs. In other words, if it is the case that it is morally alright to drink alcohol for pleasure so long as it is in moderation, it logically follows that it would be morally (though not legally) alright to take illegal or prescription drugs for pleasure as long as they are taken in moderation. If not, why not? The Bible never authorizes the use of alcohol (or drugs) for pleasure, much less in moderation. The Bible does, however, authorize the use of alcohol (hence, drugs) for medicinal purposes (1 Timothy 5:23, assuming the wine is fermented). Therefore, social drinking is a sin because (1) it is not authorized by God to be consumed for pleasure (Colossians 3:17); (2) it can cause a brother/sister in Christ to stumble (Romans 14:21); (3) it can harm your body/mind (Proverbs 23:29-35; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20); (4) it leads to other sins such as fornication, contentions & drunkenness (Galatians 5:19-21). Our attitude should be like Timothy’s. He was against alcohol so much that he would not even take it as medicine (1 Timothy 5:23). After all, the Bible does encourage abstinence (Leviticus 10:9; Proverbs 31:4; Luke 1:15). It is best not to even look at the alcoholic beverage (Proverbs 23:31).
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Article - Saving the Lost
It has been estimated that there were over four million Jews/Israelites living in the 1st century (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_Jewish_population_comparisons) when Paul wrote the following inspired words of God in Romans 10:1-3, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.” These verses help explain why Paul was such an aggressive soul winner not only of the Jews but also the Gentiles (Proverbs 11:30; James 5:20). First, Paul genuinely desired to save others (do you? Or are you too busy?). Second, Paul prayed to God for those whom he wanted to save (do you?). Third, Paul realized that according to God’s will there are only two categories of people: those who are saved AND those who are lost (are you saved or lost? Mark 16:16; John 3:16; 1 Peter 4:18). Fourth, Paul applied the righteous judgment of God to the Jewish religion and made the righteous and loving judgment that the Jews (that is, those who adhered to the doctrines and traditions of the Jewish religion) were among the category of the lost (John 7:24; Acts 13:44-46; Galatians 1:13-14; 2 Thessalonians 1:4-9). Fifth, Paul realized that although the Jews had some positive and, to a certain degree, sincere traits (a zeal for God), their lost state was due mainly to two shortcomings: the Jews did not have the proper, scriptural knowledge of the truth AND they had not submitted to/obeyed the righteousness of God/the gospel (Matthew 7:21-23; John 8:32; 17:17; Acts 5:32; Romans 2:8; 6:16-17; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Hebrews 5:8-9; 1 Peter 1:22; 4:17).
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Article - Jesus Was a Historical Man (part 5)
Other sources outside of God’s word that confirm Jesus’ historicity (continued from part 4): (5) SUETONIUS (A.D. 120), pagan, Roman historian, wrote, “Because the Jews at Rome cause continuous disturbance at the instigation of Chrestus (Christ), he [Claudius] expelled them from the city” (Claudius, 25:4; note that in Acts 18:2 Luke mentions this expulsion by Claudius); (6) PLINY the Younger (A.D. 61 – c. 112), pagan lawyer, author and magistrate of Rome. Around A.D. 110-111, Pliny was sent by the Roman emperor Trajan to govern the affairs of the region of Bithynia. He wrote to the emperor: “Having never been present at any trials of the Christians, I am unacquainted with the method and limits to be observed either in examining or punishing them” (Letters). Pliny used the term “Christian” or “Christians” seven times in his letter. He also used the name “Christ” three times to refer to the originator of the “sect.” He noted that those who had professed Christianity “affirmed, however, the whole of their guilt, of their error, was, what they were in the habit of meeting on a certain fixed day before it was light, when they sang in alternate verses a hymn to Christ, as to a god, and bound themselves by a solemn oath, not to any wicked deeds…” (Epistles X. 96). It is inconceivable that a non-existent figure could have generated such a societal force as world-shaking as Christianity. There is no logical or reasonable way to explain how the Christian system started and grew so rapidly except for the fact that adherents knew of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Christianity itself is a monument to the vibrant presence of God’s Son in history. The testimonies and evidence are clear by advocates and enemies of Jesus that Jesus did indeed exist.
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Article - Jesus Was a Historical Man (part 3)
Other sources outside of God’s word that confirm Jesus’ historicity (continued from part 2): (4) THALLUS (A.D. 52) was one of the first historical Gentile writers who mentioned Christ. Christian writer JULIUS AFRICANUS (221 A.D.) comments about Thallus: “Thallus, in the third book of his histories, explains away this darkness as an eclipse of the sun-unreasonably, as it seems to me. Unreasonably, of course, because a solar eclipse could not take place at the time of the full moon, and it was the season of the Paschal full moon that Christ died.” Julius is referring to the Gospel accounts of the darkness which fell upon the land during Christ’s crucifixion (Luke 23:44-45). Because this event was so well known, non-believers felt compelled to give a naturalistic explanation for it. However, even Thallus was not fully convinced of his own “natural” explanation. (1/113); (5) JUSTIN MARTYR (A.D. 150), Christian apologist and philosopher, wrote in his Defence of Christianity to the Emperor Antonius Pius, and referred him to Pilate’s report. Justin supposed it was preserved in the imperial archives. But the words, “They pierced my hands and my feet,” he says, “are a description of the nails that were fixed in His hands and His feet on the cross; and after He was crucified, those who crucified Him cast lots for His garments, and divided them among themselves; and that these things were so, you may learn from the ‘Acts’ which were recorded under Pontius Pilate.” Later he says: “That He performed these miracles you may easily be satisfied from the ‘Acts’ of Pontius Pilate.” (Apology I. 48); (6) MARA BAR-SERAPION, non-Christian philosopher, wrote a letter some time later than A.D. 73 to his son while he was in prison to encourage him to seek wisdom. He pointed out that those who persecuted wise men were overtaken by misfortune. He mentions the deaths of Socrates, Pythagoras and Christ (1/114; see Robert E. Van Voorst, Jesus Outside the New Testament: An Introduction to the Ancient Evidence, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2000. p 54); (7) CLEMENT of Rome, “Apostolic Church Father” of the 1st century A.D., wrote: “The Apostles received the Gospel for us from the Lord Jesus Christ; Jesus Christ was sent forth from God” (Corinthians 42); (8) IGNATIUS of Antioch, “Apostolic Church Father” of the 1st century A.D., wrote: “Jesus Christ who was of the race of David, who was the Son of Mary, who was truly born and ate and drank, was truly persecuted under Pontius Pilate, was truly crucified and died…” (Letter to the Trallians); (9) POLYCARP of Smyrna, “Apostolic Church Father” of the 2nd century A.D., spoke passionately of Christ and wrote against certain heretics of his day. IRENAEUS, “Apostolic Church of the 2nd century, said that Polycarp had personal association with the apostle John, and with others who “had seen the Lord” (Eusebius V. XX).
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Article - Jesus Was a Historical Man (part 2)
There is more evidence for the historicity of Jesus of Nazareth (c. 4 B.C. – A.D. 30) than any other person of antiquity. There are at least 8 inspired writers of the New Testament, 20 early “Christian” authors (“Church Fathers”), 4 heretical writers and 7 additional non-Christian sources that make specific mention of Jesus within 200 years of Jesus’ life. The mention of Jesus from these 39 known ancient, historical writers actually outnumbers the mention of the leader of the entire Roman Empire Tiberius Caesar (ruled A.D. 14-37 during Jesus’ earthly life) by a ratio of 4:1! This article will consider only a few of the evidences of Jesus from ancient, uninspired writings: (1) FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS (A.D. 37-100), Jewish historian, wrote in his “Antiquities of the Jews”: “Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure….He was Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets has foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day.” (18.3.3). Josephus also wrote: “he assembled the Sanhedrin of judges, and brought before them the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James.” (20.9.1); (2) TALMUD (A.D. 200-500): these writings of Jewish traditions claim that Jesus was born out of wedlock after his mother was seduced by a Roman soldier named Pandera. They refer to Jesus’ miracles as “magic” and state that He claimed to be God. They also mention Jesus’ execution: “On the eve of the Passover they hanged Jesus…” (Baraila, Babylonia Sanherdrin, 43a); (3) TERTULLIAN (A.D. 197), theologian in defense of Christianity, wrote: “Tiberius accordingly, in those days the Christian name made its entry into the world, having himself received intelligence from the truth of Christ’s divinity, brought the matter before the senate, with his own decisions in favor of Christ. The senate, because it had not given the approval itself, rejected his proposal. Caesar held to his opinion, threatening wrath against all of the accusers of the Christians” (Apology, V. 2). [Continued in part 3]
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Article - The God of Mercy
“ Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Critics of the Bible often picture God as indifferent, unkind and vindictive toward His people. Nothing could be further from the truth about God. The God we read about in the Bible is full of mercy and love towards His creation. Notice several passages of Scripture which teach us about the mercy and love of God.
In the times of the Exodus God was spoken of as being “…merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abo unding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin” (Exodus 34:6-7). Nehemiah spoke of God as being “Ready to pardon, Gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, Abundant in kindness” (Nehemiah 9:17). Truly, during the Old Testament times God was a merciful and loving God.
In the New Testament times God is also seen as a loving and merciful God. With its fulfillment in the New Testament, the Hebrew writer said: “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more” (Hebrews 8:12). James also reminds us that “The Lord is very compassionate and merciful” (James 5:11). Jesus makes the application to us and says, “Therefore, be merciful as your father also is merciful” (Luke 6:36).
While critics of the Bible will accuse God of being evil and unkind, as one reads the Bible with an open and honest heart he is able to see God as a merciful and loving God. The Psalmist eloquently declared, “But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth ” (Psalms 86:15). May God help each of us to be a people of mercy and love!
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Article - Just exactly who are the churches of Christ and what do they believe?
“Just exactly who are the churches of Christ and what do they believe?” Let me begin by saying that the churches of Christ are not a part of the reformation movement, or the restoration movement that occurred in America over a century ago. The churches of Christ are not a denomination because the Bible teaches denominationalism and division is a sin (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). Just who are the churches of Christ then?
Who are they? The churches of Christ are trying to be the church of the first century that we read of in the Bible. They were not established by any man, but they were established by Jesus Christ in the first century (Matthew 16:13-18). The churches of Christ have no man made creed (Proverbs 16:25) but strive to follow the Bible only (Colossians 3:17). The churches of Christ have no human leader, such as a pope, cardinal, or head of the church, except for Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:20-22). The churches of Christ are called by a Bible name, not the name of a man or great religious leader (Acts 4:11-12, 1 Corinthians 3:11). In short, the churches of Christ are trying to be the church we read of in the Bible without any man made additions or subtractions (See Revelation 22:18-19).
What do they believe? The fundamental belief of the New Testament church was to do things exactly as Jesus and the Apostles had told them to do (Romans 5:4, 1 Corinthians 4:6). This is what the churches of Christ today believe also. We believe in restoring the New Testament church back to its original state as seen in the Bible. For example, the first century church met on the first day of the week to partake of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7) and the churches of Christ believe this is the same pattern we should follow today (Acts 2:42). In fact, one might wonder where the authority for partaking of the Lord’s Supper on Easter and Christmas is at in the Bible. In addition, in the churches of Christ you will not find mechanical instruments of music to worship God with. We do not have these because they are not commanded in the New Testament. God tells us specifically to sing and make melody in our hearts (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). One might wonder where an example of the New Testament church using instruments is in the Bible. There is no authority for the use of mechanical instruments and we cannot go beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6, Proverbs 30:6). While these are definitely not all the beliefs of the churches of Christ, these are worthy of our consideration.
The churches of Christ are not trying to bind where God has not bound, but we are also not trying to loose where God has not allowed us. We simply want to do what the Bible says and put our faith in God not men.
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Article - Kingdom and Acts (part 2)
In the book of Acts we learn how to enter into Jesus’ kingdom (the church of Christ). Acts 2:36-38, 41, 47: once you realize you are lost in sin and that Jesus is Lord and Christ, you must repent (change your mind/heart) and be baptized (immersed) for (expresses purpose, Matthew 26:28) the remission (sending away, forgiveness) of sins (Acts 2:36-38; 13:38-39). If you gladly receive this message, you will want to immediately be immersed; and once you are immersed, the Lord will add you to His saved/His church (Acts 2:41, 47; 16:33). After all, if you are not born of water and Spirit, you will not enter into the kingdom (John 3:3, 5; Titus 3:4-5). And if you are not in the kingdom, you will not enter into heaven (1 Corinthians 15:22-24; Hebrews 12:25-29; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). You do not get into Jesus’ kingdom through your own self-righteous works or merely saying “Lord, Lord”, but through works of obedience (Matthew 5:20; 7:21; Acts 5:32; 10:35; Romans 6:17; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Hebrews 5:8-9; James 2:24). You must humbly be converted (Matthew 18:3; Acts 3:19; 17:30). You must trust solely in the Lord and not in your material possessions/wealth (Mark 10:24-25). Do not let your religious leaders talk you out of entering into the church of Christ (Matthew 23:13; Acts 5:29; Colossians 2:18).
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Article - Morals: Right and Wrong (part 2)
Consider what our world would be like without morals. If there was no higher purpose in life than to serve one’s own selfish desires, then there would be no difference between a man giving a child candy and a man raping a child. The one would feel accomplished by giving a child candy while the other would feel accomplished by raping a child. According to this faulty reasoning, neither action would be right or wrong – just mere, neutral, even “normal” behavior. If God does not exist, then rape is no more excusable or inexcusable than any other action one may perform. Without God nothing is excusable or inexcusable. It is what it is! However, thanks be to God that there is a universal moral law. Since there is a universal law, there must be a universal Law Giver, namely, God. There can be no other reasonable or logical explanation. Those who disagree must produce answers to the following questions: (1) Is there a universal moral standard? (2) What is the standard? (3) What or who is the source of the standard? (4) Why must every man follow it? The Bible teaches that all humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 2:27; Ecclesiastes 7:29). We are born innocent, "good" and "right" (Deuteronomy 1:39; Isaiah 7:16). “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). One of God’s invisible attributes is His goodness which is seen (to an extent) in ALL mankind (Deuteronomy 6:24; Psalm 89:14; 3 John 1:11). What makes “right” right and “wrong” wrong? God does!
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Article - Morals: Right and Wrong (part 1)
On April 27, 2011 several tornadoes swept through Alabama and surrounding areas killing hundreds, injuring thousands and leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity. Many came together to lend a helping hand - but why? Christians and even atheists would answer, “Because it was the ‘right’ thing to do.” It is evident that right and wrong exists; but from whence do morals come? The person who denies God and His Word as the absolute standard is obligated to explain this universal moral law some other way. The main answer usually given is that either morals eventually “evolved” over time through “natural selection” or man must have thought up morals himself. However, since animals, plants, bacteria, etc. do not have a standard of right or wrong, why must humans have one (for many atheists believe man is little more than advanced animals produced by “evolution”)? Atheists usually define morality as something that “minimizes harm and pain.” But what kind of harm and pain (mental, physical, etc?). For whom should the harm and pain be minimized? Should it be the individual, his family, his friends, his enemies, etc.? If morality arose through man, then morality is man-centered and man-determined. It is completely autonomous; therefore, no one can occupy any moral ground that is higher (or lower) than any other. All actions would neither be right or wrong, but simply mere actions. Since animals, plants and bacteria (living things) do not have a moral standard, yet continue to survive without a moral code, then why can humans (living beings) not survive without a moral code? Why are humans the only living organism that MUST have a moral code to survive? See part 2 for the answer.
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Article - Inward Spiritual Struggles—Good or Bad?
Do you ever feel like you need to do more for the cause of Christ? Does the feeling that you just aren’t everything you need to be ever trouble you? Maybe these feelings are something you struggle with every day. I have a friend who constantly struggles with this problem. He would often get discouraged by the feeling of imperfection and deeply distressed over the fact that he just didn’t feel like he was doing enough in the kingdom. As I thought about his situation and the inward struggle that each of us face, I wondered “Are these feelings of imperfection a good or bad thing”? The more I thought about this matter the more I realized this truth: It’s not the people who have these struggles and feeling of imperfection that I worry about, it’s the ones that don’t that bother me. I know this is correct, for Paul expressed this to the church in Philippi saying, “not that I have already attained” and “not that I have already perfected” or “I do not count myself as apprehended” (Philippians 3:12-14). In essence, Paul was recognizing the fact that all of us face the inward struggles of imperfection and incompetence. And, if we use those feelings correctly they are not bad. How can these feelings help us?
If these feelings of imperfection motivate us to do more, they have been beneficial to us. In view of his own inward struggles Paul said, “I Press on” (Philippians 3:12). Instead of getting discouraged, Paul used his inward struggle as a motivating factor. As one faces these struggles, maybe a little introspection would be in order. Paul said, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5). In times like these we should each look for more ways to serve God faithfully and stay busy in the kingdom!
If these feelings of imperfection keep us on our toes, they have been beneficial to us. Maybe these feelings are simply a correct response of a good conscience seeking to help us do more and be more for Christ (1 John 3:20; Romans 2:15). Rather than growing stagnant and becoming lukewarm, they remind us to stay busy and fruitful in the kingdom.
While a person can take these feelings to the extreme and allow them to affect his spiritual life negatively, if used correctly they do have a positive spiritual benefit. Remember, It’s not the people who have these struggles and feeling of imperfection that we should worry about, it’s the ones that don’t that should worry us.
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Article - How Does the New Testament Define “Fellowship”
The New Testament word for “fellowship” is from a Greek word which means “common” (“koinos”, where we get our English word “coin”, which is our “common” currency). There are two aspects to this word. One has to do with physical fellowship and the other has to do with spiritual fellowship. From the standpoint of physical fellowship, all human beings share in common or “partake of” the physical traits of flesh and blood (Hebrews 2:14); but what about the spiritual aspect of fellowship? First and foremost, spiritual fellowship is a “sharing in common” with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Philippians 2:1; 1 John 1:3). In order for one to have the true spiritual “fellowship” mentioned in Ephesians 3:9, he must become a joint-heir, part of the joint-body and a joint-partaker of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel (Ephesians 3:6). In other words, he must obey the gospel and get into the body of Christ in order to become a “partaker” of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8; 1 Corinthians 12:13). According to the doctrine of Christ, the persons who are in fellowship with God are only those who have heard and believed the gospel, repented of their sins, confessed Jesus, been baptized scripturally “for the remission of sins”, been added by the Lord to the church of Christ and are remaining loyal to Jesus and His doctrine (Acts 2:38, 41, 47; Romans 10:9-10, 17; 16:16; 1 John 1:5-10; 2 John 1:9-11; Revelation 2:10). Are you in fellowship with God?
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Article - The Predestination of Calvinism and Presbyterianism is False
Does the Bible teach that everyone’s destiny (where you end up in eternity) has been predetermined randomly and that there is nothing we can personally do about it? Absolutely not! Such false teaching contradicts the following Bible truths: (1) God does not want anyone to perish (therefore, if salvation does not involve our choice, every human would be going to heaven, 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9); (2) God does not show partiality but is just and fair (therefore, He does not arbitrarily choose who goes to heaven and who goes to hell, Acts 10:34-35); (3) Jesus died for everyone (not just for a few that God randomly chose; otherwise, what purpose would it have served for Jesus to become a human and die for humans whom His Father had already chosen to go to heaven?, 1 Timothy 2:6; Hebrews 2:9); (4) God designed us as creatures of choice (including the choice to work out our own salvation or not, Genesis 2:15-17; Joshua 24:15; Isaiah 7:16; Luke 10:38-42; Acts 6:2-5; 13:45-46; Philippians 2:12); (5) The gospel is to be preached to every human (not just to a select few whom God has already predestined, Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16); (6) The gospel invitation is offered to all (not just to God’s elect, Revelation 22:17); (7) A child of God can choose to fall from God’s grace and be lost for eternity (John 6:67-71; 17:12; Acts 1:25; Galatians 5:4; 2 Peter 2:20-22); (8) God predetermined His Plan of salvation and the Type of persons (chosen qualities) He would save – not random individuals (Acts 4:27-28; 1 Corinthians 2:7-8; Ephesians 1:11-13). If your Church (Presbyterian, etc.) teaches Calvin’s predestination, then leave your Church on the basis of false teaching just as Calvin left his Church (Catholic) and become part of the one church Jesus built (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:47; Romans 16:16).
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Article - Is Your Name in the Book of Life?
In Revelation 20:12, John speaks of the Judgment Day on which books are opened. One of those books is described as the Book of Life. It is called the Lamb’s Book of Life because Jesus was slain to make redemption available through His shed blood (Revelation 1:5-6; 5:8-13; 7:10; 13:8). It is the Book of eternal Life because only people whose names are written in it will enter into eternal life in the heavenly city (Revelation 7:17; 21:10, 27; 22:3-5). Those whose names are not written in God’s Book will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-15). Therefore, only the names of God’s children are written in the Book. But even a child of God can have his name taken out of the Lamb’s Book and, hence, forfeit his eternal salvation. For instance, children of God of the Old Testament were taken out of God’s Book because of their impenitent sin and because they turned their hearts away from God (Exodus 32:31-33; Deuteronomy 29:14-15, 18-20). Children of God of the New Testament are taken out of it because they do not overcome/remain faithful and/or they take away from God’s words (Revelation 2:10; 3:5; 22:19). Other names not found in the Book of Life are those who worshiped the sea beast (beast = the Roman government/emperors) and those who defile, cause an abomination or lie (Revelation 13:1, 8; 17:8; 21:27). If you want to be in the Book of Life (and stay in it), you must be a faithful Christian worker who endures to the end (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:4-5; also read Malachi 3:16-17). Is your name in the Book of Life? Has it been taken out? Examine yourself whether you are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5).
This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors. This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission. Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.