This is an archive of sermons, articles and other writings by Frank Jamerson
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Am I responsible for what I fellowship?
In 1849, some brethren started the American Christian Missionary Society. Many Christians knew it was unscriptural, but thought that since the elders decided to support it, only they would answer for that unscriptural action. Ten years later, some elders decided to add instrumental music to the worship of the church, and the same reasoning produced the same result – many participated in what they believed to be wrong. The same fallacy is used today to justify supporting things that brethren believe to be unscriptural. When the elders in Philippi sent support to Paul, to whom did God give credit? Was it only to the elders, or to all who participated? (Read Phil. 4:14-17). If participation in scriptural actions is credited to all who participate, why do those who participate in unscriptural actions conclude it will not be credited to them?
Do we need another gospel?
The Holy Spirit said if Paul, an angel or anyone taught another gospel than what had been revealed, let him be accursed (Gal. 1:6-9). There are two Greek words for another (in Gal. 1). Heteros means a different quality; Allos means the same quality. When Jesus promised another Helper (Jn. 14:16), He used the word allos which means another of the same sort. Therefore if Jesus is a divine being (Heb. 1:8), so is the Holy Spirit. Paul said any gospel other than what he had taught was another (heteros), which is not another (allos) gospel. Have you noticed that those who claim new revelations always think theirs is superior to the original one? The apostles were guided in all truth (Jn. 16:13). Any other revelation is false for the same reason that any other Christ is false.
Are babies born with the guilt of sin?
Some use David’s statement “in sin my mother conceived me” (Ps. 51:5), to argue children inherit sins. In order to avoid Jesus being born with sin, some have invented the doctrine of the immaculate conception of Mary (she was born without sin). David was emphasizing his struggle with his own sin, not something he inherited (read verses 1-4). He emphasized the same thing in Ps. 58:3 – “they go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies.” Babies are not born talking! Our spirits come from God, not our parents (Eccl. 12:7; Heb. 12:9). Ezekiel said “the son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the built of the son” (18:20). God gave no plan of salvation for babies, because they are not lost. They are in a safe condition.
Are children born with the guilt of sin?
The doctrine of Calvinism says children inherit sin. David’s statement in Psalm 51:5 is misused to try to prove this doctrine. Read the context, verses 1-6 and note his references to his own transgressions. He was lamenting his struggle with sin, not blaming his mother. Catholics invented the doctrine of the immaculate conception of Mary (born without sin) to avoid Jesus inheriting sin. The spirit of man was made in the image of God (Gen. 1:26). Likewise spirits of children come from God (Eccl. 12:7; Heb. 12:9). Zechariah said God “forms the spirit of man within him” (Zech. 12:1). Ezekiel said “the son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son” (Ezek. 18:20). If the spirit of a child is born with sin, the sin came from God!
Can a saved person fall from grace?
Part of the Calvinistic doctrine is that a person who has been saved cannot fall away and be lost. Some say if a person has eternal life, he cannot lose it, or it wasn’t eternal (Jn. 10:28). The person who has Christ has eternal life, but continuing to have Christ is conditional (1 Jn. 5:11,12; 2:24). Jesus said a branch that was in Him may be cut off and cast into the fire (Jn. 15). Two questions: (1) Was the branch ever really in the vine? (v. 2). (2) What does the fire represent? (v. 6). Hebrews 3:12 says “beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.” An unbeliever may choose to become a believer, and a believer does not lose his power of choice.
Can eternal life be forfeited?
Since those who believe in Christ “should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn.3:15), some conclude that once a person is in Christ, he cannot fall away and be lost. John also wrote, “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 Jn. 5:12). He also said, “IF what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father” (2:24). Jesus said “Every branch IN ME that does not bear fruit, He takes away…If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and…they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned” (Jn. 15:1-6). The branch had been in Christ, but is cut off and burned. The fire does not represent heaven!
Can we be saved like the thief?
The thief on the cross is used to nullify Mark 16:16 – “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Many say the thief did not have to be baptized, therefore baptism is not necessary. Have you noticed that one must believe that God “has raised Him (Jesus) from the dead” in order to be saved? (Rom. 10:9). Did the thief believe Jesus had been raised? No! Should we conclude that we do not have to believe in the resurrection of Jesus? The thief could not have believed that Jesus had been raised, neither could he have been buried in the likeness of Christ’s death and raised in the likeness of His resurrection (Rom. 6:3,4). Neither applied to the thief, but both apply to us.
Can we understand God’s word?
Some teach that the average man cannot understand Scripture, therefore he should leave Bible study up to a special group of men. Others teach we need miraculous guidance in order to understand. In the parable of the sower, Jesus said the four kinds of soil represent four kinds of hearts (Lk. 8:12-15). The good soil represented the good heart that receives the word and brings forth fruit. Paul told the Ephesians not to be unwise “but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17). How? He had received it by revelation and wrote it in few words, which by reading they could “understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Eph. 3:3,4). God is not giving new revelations, and He expects us to use our minds to read and understand the revelation He gave through Spirit-guided men.
Did all believers have miraculous power?
Jesus told the apostles to preach the gospel, and “he who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mk. 16:16). Then He said “these signs will follow those who believe” – cast out demons, speak in tongues, take up serpents and drink anything deadly (vs. 17,18). Did all believers have those powers, or certain believers? When Philip went to Samaria, he preached and performed miracles. Many believed and were baptized (Acts 8:12,13). Peter and John went and laid hands on them so they could receive miraculous power of the Spirit, because “they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord” (v. 16). Not all believers had miraculous powers in the first century and none today can do the signs that confirmed the message of the apostles (Mk. 16:15-20).
Did God promise His people land?
God promised Abram’s descendants a land (Gen. 12:1; 15:7). Joshua said He gave all the land He promised (Josh. 21:43-45). Moses gave Israel three cities of refuge and said if God gave them all the land He promised to add three more (Dt. 19:1-10), which Joshua did (Josh. 20:7-9). Nehemiah said God performed His words because He is righteous (Neh. 9:7,8). Joshua said they would be removed from the land if they transgressed God’s covenant (Josh. 23:15,16). Their return to the land was conditioned upon obeying the Law of Moses (Dt. 30:9,10; Neh. 1:8,9). God’s special people today are those in Christ. The Old Law passed away, and the New abolished distinctions between Jew and Gentile (Eph. 2:11-16). Our blessings are in Christ, not in a special nation or land. “He is a Jew who is one inwardly” (Rom. 2:28,29).
Did he go to heaven or to hell?
If a believer sins and dies before he has time to repent, where will he spend eternity? This question may be asked for information, or to try to get a person to assume to act as the judge. Although it does not directly address the question, the Bible says that our manner of life should be “walking in the light,” and yet we will commit sins. When we do, we should confess them (1 Jn. 1:7-10). Jesus said go preach the gospel; not “go consign people to their destinies.” He said the Father “has committed all judgment to the Son” (Jn. 5:22), who died and arose (Acts 17:30,31). That does not leave room for fallible men to judge. We should strive to do what God taught, pray when we fail and believe that God will judge righteously.
Did Jesus argue over religion?
Some assert that Jesus did not argue over religion. In fact, He was the world’s greatest debater – He argued with the Devil himself (Mt. 4:1-11). The word debate may include “the expression of enmity,” and that is wrong, but showing Scripture for what you believe is not wrong. Paul said he was “bold to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict” (1 Thess. 2:2), and he urged them to “prove all things” (5:21). Jude said to “contend for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (verse 3). Those who follow their feelings rather than God’s revelation cannot do that, because if emotion is the final authority, everyone becomes his own standard. Jesus never suggested that anyone follow his feelings, but taught men to follow God’s word (Lk. 10:25-28).
Did Jesus destroy, or fulfill the Law?
Those who believe we must keep the Sabbath misuse Jesus’ statement “I did not come to destroy the Law or the Prophets” to teach that the Law did not pass away (Mt. 5:17,18). Jesus said He did not come “to destroy” the Law, but “to fulfill” it, and He said “one jot or one tittle will by no means PASS from the law TILL all is fulfilled.” To illustrate – a man makes a covenant to pay $20,000 for a car. He may destroy it by refusing to fulfill it, or he may fulfill its terms and it will pass away. Jesus said He fulfilled all things in the Law and the Prophets concerning Him (Lk. 24:44). If He told the truth, every jot and tittle of the Law passed away.
Did Jesus engage in controversy?
A popular doctrine says those who “argue” over religion do not have the mind of Christ. Fact is, there was never a better debater than Jesus! He debated the devil himself (Mt. 4:1-11). He was in constant controversy with the Pharisees (Mt. 15:1-12; 22:23-33). The word of God commands us to “give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Pet. 3:15). We are to “prove all things” (1 Thess. 5:21), and “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). It is not politically correct to say there is a right way to serve God, but if we believe something wrong and then refuse to talk about it, we will probably remain in the false teaching. It is not wrong to discuss religious differences.
Did Jesus give signs for the second coming?
Matthew 24 is often misused to try to predict the time of the Lord’s coming. Several verses show Jesus was discussing the destruction of Jerusalem, not the second coming. Verses 15,16: When the abomination of desolation (the Roman army, Lk. 21:20) approached, they were to flee to the mountains. Verses 17,18: Those on the housetop and in the fields were not to return to gather possessions. Verse 19: It would be more difficult for pregnant women, or those nursing babies. Verse 20: It would be more difficult in the winter (for obvious reasons), or on the Sabbath (the gates of the city would be closed, Neh. 13:19). None of these things would apply to the second coming! Jesus said the generation He was addressing would not pass till all the signs were fulfilled (vs. 34,35).
Did Jesus Go To Hell?
Some teach that Jesus died spiritually and physically and His spirit went to Hell at death. This error may have resulted from misunderstanding the difference between Hades (place of departed spirits) and Hell (lake of fire). Jesus told the thief “today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Lk. 23:43). Peter said the soul of Jesus went to Hades (Acts 2:27,31). If this was Hell, then Hell is Paradise!
The story of the rich man and Lazarus (Lk. 16:19-31) shows that Hades is divided into two parts – Abraham’s bosom and torment, and a great gulf separates them. Jesus has the keys of death and Hades (Rev. 1:18), and when He comes again all the dead will be raised and judged (Jn. 5:28,29).
Did Jesus say to leave error alone?
John criticized a man for casting out demons in the name of Jesus, but not following with him. Jesus said “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is for us” (Lk. 9:49,50). Some conclude that if a person is doing something unscriptural we should leave him alone. That man was acting “in the name of Christ” which means by His authority (Acts 3:6; 4:7). At the judgment, some who claimed to have “prophesied, cast out demons and done many wonders” in His name will hear “depart from Me” (Mt. 7:21,22). Jesus ran buyers and sellers out of the temple twice (Jn. 2:14-17; Mt. 21:12-13) because their practices were unauthorized. Whatever we do must be done “in the name of the Lord” (by His authority) or it will not be pleasing to Him (Col. 3:17).
Did Paul have assurance of salvation?
Paul said, “Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air” (1 Cor. 9:26). That is the assurance a Christian should have. The next verse says, “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified” (rejected, v. 27). In the next chapter he said, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (10:12). He surely applied that to himself! Hebrews 3:12 says, “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.” Paul said some of the Galatians had fallen from grace (Gal. 5:4). Just as an unbeliever can choose to believe, a believer can choose to quit believing, therefore depart from God.
Did you get your handkerchief?
Last week many received letters from “Saint Matthew’s Church” claiming the Holy Spirit told them we needed their health and wealth doctrine. It contained a paper handkerchief, based on Acts 19:11,12. Notice first, Paul was an apostle and had miraculous power. These people have no power. Second, the Holy Spirit was guiding Paul. These people claimed the H.S. told them to send this. They did not know my name, so I know the H.S. did not tell them to send it to me! These kinds of promotions are motivated by the same carnal spirit as those who operate lotteries and casinos – greed. The context shows what happened when men assumed to act in the name of Christ. They left “naked and wounded” (Acts 19:16). It is a serious thing to use Christ’s name in things He has not authorized.
Did you say baptism only?
A letter to the editor accused me of teaching salvation by baptism only. Evidently he did not read the whole article. I did quote Acts 2:38 “repent and be baptized” at the end of that article. But he introduced a misconception about what to say when one is baptized. Peter healed a lame man “in the name of Christ” (Acts 3:6), which means “not by our own power” (3:12), but “by the power (authority) of Christ” (4:7). Acts 2:38 does not quote the great commission, but says “baptized in the name of Christ.” When a person is baptized by the authority of Christ, it is for remission of sins, and into a relationship with the Godhead. There is no formula to be spoken, but Scriptural baptism is by the authority of Christ and for the purpose He gave (Mk. 16:16).
Do believers have law?
An anonymous writer misused Gal. 5:18 to assert believers are under grace, and “have no law.” The law in the context is the Old Testament (Gal. 5:1-6), and we are not under that. Paul said where there is no law “there is no transgression” (Rom. 5:13; 1 Jn. 3:4). So, if the believer has no law, he needs no grace, for he cannot sin! Furthermore, Paul said he was – “to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ)…” (1 Cor. 9:21). Does this mean that Paul was not a believer because he was under law to Christ? Love for God is shown in keeping His commandments (1 Jn. 5:1-3). Jesus said the same (Jn.14:15,21,24). Those who love Christ, abide in His doctrine (2 Jn. 9).
Do Christians lose their free will?
Paul told the Corinthians God is “not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:1). When unbelievers choose to believe the word delivered through Christ’s ambassadors they have fellowship with God, and are admonished “not to receive the grace of God in vain” (6:1). This warning suggests the possibility of falling from the grace they enjoyed because of their past obedience. The same writer told the Colossians to continue in the faith and not be “moved from the hope of the gospel” (Col. 1:23). Abiding in Christ is conditional – “Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. IF what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father” (1 Jn. 2:24). Believers may become unbelievers!
Do we have apostles?
The word apostle means one sent (messenger), and is used four ways in the Bible. (1) Jesus is the apostle of God (Heb. 3:1). (2) He chose twelve men and sent them (Mt. 10:2-4). After Judas fell, Mathias met the qualifications (accompanied Jesus from His baptism and witnessed His resurrection) and became an apostle (Acts 1:21-26). Paul was the last witness of the resurrected Lord, and chosen out of due time (1 Cor. 15:8,9). He showed the signs of an apostle (2 Cor. 12:12): could give miraculous gifts (Acts 19:6), raise the dead (Acts 20:9,10), etc. (3) Some were sent by churches (2 Cor. 8:23). (4) There are false apostles (2 Cor. 11:13). Yes, we have apostles today – we have Jesus, His apostles, churches send messengers and there are many who claim to be apostles of Christ, but are false apostles.
Do we need a new way to establish authority?
When men lose respect for God’s pattern, they usually rationalize their position by ignoring the old method and turning to a new one. Some contend that we do not need a Biblical precept, example or a necessary inference for our practice, so they quit teaching how to establish authority. I asked a friend, who is a member of a church that wears the name of Christ, how long it has been since he heard a lesson on how to establish Bible authority. He said he couldn’t remember having heard one! When people are doing unscriptural things, they change the way they teach. Churches that begin trying to draw people with food and recreation are not “speaking as the oracles of God” (1 Pet. 4:11), and feel no obligation to prove their practice by God’s word.
Do we need another gospel?
Paul said some in Galatia had turned to a different gospel, which was not another (of the same sort) (read Gal. 1:6-9). If people in the first century claimed to have new revelations from false apostles or angels, we should not be surprised that men since that day have made the same claims. When men turn to latter-day revelations, it is because they have lost faith in the first revelation! Men do not turn to new ways until they have lost confidence in the old. They claim to believe in Jesus, but they have something wonderful to add to what Jesus revealed. When you add to it, or deny any part of it, you have “perverted the gospel of Christ,” and Paul “if anyone preaches any other gospel than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.”
Do we need miraculous revelations?
Jesus told the apostles the Holy Spirit would guide them into “all truth” (Jn. 16:13). In Acts 2, those apostles were guided by the Spirit in their teaching and three thousand people heard the word, obeyed it and were saved (Acts 2:36-38). The hearers did not receive miraculous guidance, but accepted the word from the Spirit. Jesus prayed for those who would believe through the word of those guided by the Spirit (Jn. 17:20). Paul said “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17), not through miraculous guidance. Men were saved in the first century by this message long before the Book of Mormon, Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures, the Koran or any other so-called revelation. If the Holy Spirit reveals new truth, since the apostles, Jesus did not tell the truth!
Do we need new revelations?
The Koran says it was given through “apostle Mohammad” (570?-633 A.D.), to explain things “concealed in the scriptures” but it “passes over” things that were not necessary to restore (The Koran, by George Sale, p. 100). The Book of Mormon (Joseph Smith,1838-1918), says you are a fool if you say we do not need more Bible (2 Nephi 29:6,10), and the Book of Mormon was to restore things removed from the Bible (1 Nephi 13:26). Some modern day “apostles” also claim new revelations. Remember, the message in the Bible was revealed and confirmed by the Holy Spirit (2 Tim. 3:16,17; Mk. 16:15-20). Peter said the “word of God (the gospel that was preached to you) abides forever” (1 Pet. 1:23-25). That gospel was sufficient to save in the first century, and it does not need to be amended.
Do you believe the Old Testament?
I believe what the O.T. says about whom it was given to, and how long it would last. Moses said “the Lord did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with us, those who are here today” (Dt. 5:2). The Sabbath was given to Israel as a reminder that they had been freed from Egypt (v. 15). Solomon said God made the covenant “when He brought them out of the land of Egypt” (1 Kgs. 8:21; see also 2 Chron. 5:10; Neh. 9:13,14). Jeremiah said God would “make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah” (Jer. 31:31-34). Hebrews 8:7-13 quotes this and applies it to the New Testament, the Gospel, which is given “for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Rom. 1:16).
Does baptism guarantee salvation?
Salvation is used in three ways. (1) A believer is baptized to wash away his sins, thus has salvation from past sins (Acts 22:16). Some evidently think that this continues to forgive sins in the future, but not so. (2) Corinthians, who had been baptized, were told Godly sorrow works repentance unto salvation (2 Cor. 7:10). John said we must confess our sins and pray for forgiveness (1 Jn. 1:7-9). (3) Peter said we are kept by faith for a salvation to be received in the last day (1 Pet. 1:3-5). He who believes and is baptized will be saved – from past sins (Mk. 16:16), but that does not guarantee present and future salvation. We must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12). Too many have the misconception that their past salvation guarantees present and future salvation.
Does emotion establish truth?
While I was working in Romania, there were calls and two large articles affirming that we should follow James 1:5 and ask God to confirm the Book of Mormon. First, this is a misuse of the passage. It was written to believers (v. 2) and they were to pray for wisdom in applying the truth they had received. Second, Scripture is our guide (2 Tim. 3:16,17), not our emotion. Muslims feel the Koran is God’s word. Christian Scientists feel Mrs. Eddy’s writings are from God. If emotion is the final authority, then everyone who feels right is right! The Bereans “searched the Scriptures” to determine the truth (Acts 17:11). Jesus told His apostles the Holy Spirit would guide them into “all truth” (Jn. 16:13). If that is true, the gospel they preached is for all nations (Mt. 28:18-20) and there are no new revelations.
Does God credit sins to His children?
(This is the first of a series of articles on verses used to try to justify the theory of once saved, always saved. I hope you will save all of them and read them again.) Paul said “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin” (Rom. 4:7,8). This is a quotation of Psalm 32:1,2. David’s sin was covered because he confessed it and it was forgiven (Ps. 32:5). What would have happened if he had not confessed it? God would not have covered it, by forgiving it! This passage teaches conditional, not unconditional forgiveness. John said, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins…” (1 Jn. 1:9). Only those sins will be covered!
Does God send suffering?
Suffering is a consequence of sin, which had its origin in Satan. When Adam and Eve sinned, human suffering came into the world (Gen. 3:16-19). That does not mean that everyone who suffers is being punished for some personal sin. Job was a righteous man, but Satan brought suffering on him (Job 1:8). Paul had a “thorn in the flesh,” but not because he had committed some sin. It was “a messenger of Satan” which God used for his benefit (2 Cor. 12:7-9). God permits man to be tempted and suffer, but He does not send temptations nor personal suffering. He has promised not to allow us to be tempted above what we are able to bear (1 Cor. 10:13). There is always a way to overcome, if we will look for it, and forgiveness is available when we fall.
Does God speak to people today?
Many feel God has spoken directly to them, revealing things not taught in the Bible. First, if God has spoken to all who profess to have “latter revelations,” He is a God of confusion. Second, it denies the sufficiency of the gospel. Paul said even if an angel from heaven speaks something different from what God had revealed “let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:6-9). The faith (the gospel) has been revealed the same number of times we die – once (Heb. 9:27; Jude 3). There was a time when God spoke through dreams, visions and angel visits, but “in these last days” He has spoken through His Son (Heb. 1:1,2). Those who revealed His message, confirmed it through miraculous signs (Heb. 2:1-4). If God is revealing new truth, those who have that message need to confirm it by apostolic miracles.
Does Jesus need a new cart?
David thought he should modernize the transporting the ark, so he put it on “a new cart” (2 Sam. 6:1-8). This resulted in Uzzah being killed because he touched it. Later, David said “God broke out against us, because we did not consult Him about the proper order” (2 Chron. 15:13). In a day when oratorical skills and human wisdom were at a premium, Paul said he would use neither to draw men to Christ. He would only use “Christ and Him crucified” because Christ did not authorize human lures (1 Cor. 2:1-5). Judging from recent reports, many who claim to follow Christ have decided Christ needs “new carts” to accomplish His purpose today. He needs kitchens, pool halls, basketball courts, etc. to attract men. No, the Gospel is still God’s power to draw men to Christ!
Does man’s soul continue to exist?
The word soul is used in different senses in the Bible. (1) It refers to natural life (fish, animals or man, Gen. 1:20,24; 2:7; Rev. 16:3). (2) It refers to humans. The souls that Abram had (Gen. 12:5); and the 3,000 who were baptized on Pentecost (Acts 2:38-41) were men, not animals. (3) It refers to the spirit of man made in the image of God (Jn. 4:24; Gen. 1:26,27). The spirit does not cease to exist at death (Mt. 10:28). Men killed Jesus, but His spirit continued to live (Lk. 23:43; Acts 2:27-31). Physical death is the separation of the body from the spirit (Jas. 2:26); spiritual death is the separation of man from God. A person may be physically alive, while spiritually dead (1 Tim. 5:6), and in this sense the dead can bury the dead (Mt. 8:22).
Does silence give consent?
Often, people try to justify their practices by appealing to the silence of God. The writer of Hebrews asked “to which of the angels did He ever say: You are My Son, Today I have begotten you?” (Heb. 1:5). The implied answer is – none! “But to the Son He says: Your throne, O God, is forever and ever” (v. 8). Therefore Jesus was not an angel, but God! The same writer said Moses wrote nothing about priests from the tribe of Judah (Heb. 7:14). Priests were from the tribe of Levi, therefore “if He (Christ) were on earth, He would not be a priest” (Heb. 8:4). We learn God’s will by what He said, not by silence. His word furnishes us completely to every good work (2 Tim. 3:16,17). If it is not in the Book, it is not good!
Does the Bible teach a Trinity?
The word is not in the Bible, but it means “the union of the three divine persons (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) in one Godhead” (Webster). From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible teaches a plurality of Beings in one Godhead. The word, God (Gen. 1:1), is plural and pronouns indicate plurality. “Then God said, Let US make man in OUR image…So GOD created man in His own image…” (Gen. 1:26,27). Isaiah said the Lord is “the First and Last” (Is. 44:6). Jesus said He is “the First and Last” (Rev. 1:11,17,18). Jesus was withGod and was God (Jn. 1:1). He and the Father were “two witnesses” and He and the Father are “one” (Jn. 8:17,18; 10:30). Paul said “there is one Spirit, one Lord and one God and Father” (Eph. 4:4-6). Many human beings, one humanity; three Divine beings, one Deity.
Does the church of Christ have a head?
Yes, the church has a head. Paul said God “put all things under His (Christ’s) feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body…” (Eph. 1:22,23). Just as a normal body has one head, the body of Christ has only one head. The headquarters is in heaven, and the head rules through His word. Christ authorized local churches, overseen by elders and served by deacons (Phil. 1:1), who meet the qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Elders are to be appointed in every church (Acts 14:23), and they are to oversee the “flock among” them (1 Pet. 5:1-4). Peter was an elder in a local church, therefore was a married man. No other organization is authorized in the Scripture to do the work of churches of Christ.
Does the end justify the means?
A reader said the Bible does not authorize churches using recreation to draw people but it doesn’t say not to, and people may be saved by it. The Bible does not say churches cannot earn money by operating businesses, but it does say they should raise money by individuals giving on the first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:1,2). A woman told me she had received miracles by praying through saints, and the Bible does not say not to. When we read “there is one Mediator…Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 2:5), she admitted God was right and she was wrong! Paul said “some preach Christ even of envy and strife” (Phil. 1:15-18). He rejoiced that Christ was preached, but the end, did not justify the means. We can only do with God’s approval what He has authorized.
Does the kingdom of God exist?
Daniel said the kingdom would be established in the last days and would stand forever (Dan. 2:28,44). Isaiah said the mountain of the Lord’s house (the church, 1 Tim. 3:15) would be established in the last days in Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:2-4). Joel said the Holy Spirit would be poured out in the last days (Joel 2:28,29). John the Baptist came preaching “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mt. 3:2). Jesus said some who heard him speak would not die till they had seen the kingdom (Mk. 9:1). Peter said, “this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: and it shall come to pass in the last days…” (Acts 2:16,47). Premillennialism says God changed his plan to establish His kingdom because Jews rejected Jesus. The Bible says the Colossians had been translated into it, therefore the kingdom exists (Col. 1:13).
Has God’s Kingdom been established?
Daniel said God would “set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed” (Dan. 2:28). That would be “in the latter days,” during the fourth world empire (the Roman) (Dan. 2:40-44). Many talk about “ten nations in a restored Roman empire” but Daniel said nothing about that! Heb. 10:28 says the kingdom that “cannot be shaken” existed.
Peter identified the “last days” in Acts 2:16,17. The events of Pentecost fulfilled the prophecies of the Lord’s house, or kingdom being established. Paul said those who were delivered from the power of darkness are “translated into the kingdom of the Son of His love” (Col. 1:13). Jesus said those “born again” enter the kingdom (Jn. 3:3-5). If the kingdom has not been established, those born again have nowhere to live!
Has the Kingdom been established?
Many teach that Jesus is coming back to establish an earthly kingdom. When Jesus was on earth, He said “the Kingdom of God is at hand” (Mk. 1:15), and He identified that as during the lifetime of some who heard Him speak (Mk. 9:1). Daniel said it would be established in the last days (Dan. 2:44), and Peter said the events of Pentecost were in the last days (Acts 2:16,17). The Colossians had been “translated into the kingdom of the Son of His love” (Col. 1:13). Jesus said He did not come to establish an earthly kingdom (Jn. 18:36), and He is not coming back to establish one. He is now reigning as King on David’s throne (Acts 2:29-31) and will come on the last day to deliver the kingdom to the Father (1 Cor. 15:24,25).
How did Jesus establish Bible authority?
Jesus was asked by the Pharisees, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?” (read Mt. 19:3-9). He cited an example (Gen. 1:27; 2:24). It was a specific example – one man for one woman. Then He made a statement of fact – “for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife.” This is a generic statement – it applies to all men. From these two facts He drew a necessary inference – “therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate,” with one exception – “for fornication.” He used precept, example and necessary inference; both specific and generic. These are the ways God has always communicated with mankind, and the ways we communicate with one another. Those who quit teaching this, probably have quit following God’s pattern.
How did Jesus establish Bible authority?
When Jesus was asked whether it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife, He said, “Have you not read” what God said in the beginning, and He quoted Genesis 2:24 (Mt. 19:5,6). This was a precept (a statement of fact), which revealed God’s will. He also used the example of Adam and Eve (the male and female, He had created), and drew a necessary inference (conclusion) from this example. He also used generic authority – a man and a wife (vs. 5,9), which includes all men and women. When He specified “male and female,” that excludes any other relationship. Then, He gave a specific reason for divorce and remarriage – fornication (v. 9). These are the ways God has always communicated His will to men and they are the ways we communicate our wills to one another.
How did Satan use Scripture?
When Jesus was tempted by Satan, He quoted Scripture to answer every temptation (Mt. 4:1-11). In the second temptation, Satan also quoted Scripture (Ps. 91:11,12). First, he used this Scripture out of context. God was not promising a person who willfully jumped off a mountain (testing God) that he would not be hurt, but was promising providential protection for His servants. Second, Satan was using one Scripture (Ps. 91) to try to get Jesus to violate another (Dt. 6:16). When men quote Scripture out of context, or quote one verse (for example, Acts 16:31 “believe on the Lord”) to try to avoid another verse (for example, Acts 22:16 “be baptized and wash away your sins”), they are not handling Scripture properly. When we follow the example of Jesus we accept the entirety of God’s word in context (Ps. 119:160).
How did Spirit guided men establish authority?
Disciples met in Jerusalem to discuss whether Gentiles must be circumcised to be saved (Acts 15:1-16). Peter spoke first, using Cornelius (Acts 10) as an example. He drew a necessary inference from this to show that Gentiles did not have to be circumcised. Barnabas and Paul gave examples of their work among Gentiles. James spoke, quoting Amos 9:11,12, and said this was fulfilled in the gospel being preached to Gentiles. They used precept, example and necessary inference and said “we gave no such commandment” to those binding circumcision. God was silent about that practice. When God has not spoken, there is no authority to act. Brethren, in the past, who were trying to restore the Bible pattern understood these principles. Those who do not understand how to establish Bible authority, cannot follow it.
How did Spirit-guided men establish Bible authority?
Some Judaizing teachers were trying to bind circumcision on Gentile converts, and the apostles and others met in Jerusalem to discuss the issue (Acts 15). Peter used the example of the conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10), to show that God accepted Gentiles without circumcision (Acts 15:7-9). Then he drew a necessary inference – therefore circumcision should not be bound on Gentiles (v. 10). James quoted a precept from Amos 9:11,12 and said “Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God” (vs. 13-19). A letter was written saying “we gave no such commandment” (v. 24). They did not say “do what you feel ,” but said God was silent about that practice. God’s will is not learned from silence, but what He revealed through precept, example or necessary inference.
How do we show love?
The Bible emphasizes love, but one thing stands out as a requirement. The apostle John wrote, “But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him…” (1 Jn. 2:5). He also said, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (5:3). In the gospel account, John said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (14:15) and “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word…He who does not love Me does not keep My words” (14:23,24). That is strong teaching from the apostle of love! Some today seem to believe that if you love God, it doesn’t matter what you do in the worship or work of the church. Jesus said those who practice lawlessness will hear the words – “depart from Me” (Mt. 7:23).
How do you know the Bible is right?
Many evidences are available for those who want to investigate, but one is a study by an Englishman, George Lyttleton (c. 1747). He believed the Bible to be false and determined to prove it by exposing the conversion of Saul (Acts 9). He found four possibilities for Paul’s change from persecutor to preacher. (1) He was an imposter and knew his testimony was false. But when he considered motives for such a conclusion, Littleton disregarded it. (2) Saul had an overheated imagination; an hallucination. But Saul did not expect to see Jesus! (3) He was deceived by disciples of Jesus. But it would have been impossible for disciples to have blinded Saul for three days. (4) Paul told the truth about his experience. Mr. Littleton accepted this as the only reasonable conclusion and became a believer!
How does one enter God’s family?
The Bible uses two figures to describe our relationship with God. First, a person is born again. Jesus said we must be “born of water and the Spirit” (Jn. 3:3-5). Paul said we are cleansed by “the washing of water by the word” (Eph. 5:26). These are two ways of saying the same thing. The new birth is experienced when a believer exercises his right to become a child of God by obeying the words of the Spirit (Jn. 1:12), thus being forgiven of his sins (Rom. 6:17,18). Second, a person may be adopted. God predestined that those who obey Him would be adopted as sons in Christ (Eph. 1:3-5). We were children of Satan, but were “baptized into Christ” (Gal. 3:27), thus adopted into God’s family, becoming “heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:16,17).
How does the church raise money?
There are two acts of worship that the first century Christians did only on the first day of the week. They observed the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7), and they gave to support the work of the church. Paul told the Corinthians: “On the first day of the week let each of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come” (1 Cor. 16:2). In his second letter, he said: “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). There is no authority for churches to go into business to make money, nor to build up large bank accounts to raise money. Churches should not be in the money-saving business, but in the soul-saving business.
How does the Holy Spirit lead?
The person who says “I don’t need to read the word, I know how I feel,” or “I wouldn’t trade my feelings for anything in the Bible,” is being led by his own spirit, not by The Spirit. Paul said we can only know the mind of God through words of the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:11-13). He told the Ephesians they could know the mystery of Christ by reading what was written (Eph. 3:3,4). Jesus asked the lawyer who wanted to know how to inherit eternal life, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” (Lk. 10:26). Neither Jesus, nor His apostles, told a person to pray, or wait for a feeling from the Spirit to know the truth. We will be judged by the things written, not by our feelings (Rev. 20:12; Jn. 12:47,48).
How is the Gospel revealed?
The Gospel is God’s power unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). Jesus said the Spirit would bring to the remembrance of the apostles what He HAD taught them, and guide them into ALL truth (Jn.14:26; 16:13). So, the message was first spoken. Later, it was “received by word” and “by our epistle” (2 Thess. 2:15). When the Scripture was written, the man of God is complete “equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16,17). The Ephesians were told they could read and understand what had been revealed (Eph. 3:3-5). Jude said the faith was ONCE for all delivered (Jude 3). The last book says: “Blessed is he who reads…those who hear the words…and keep” the things that have been revealed (Rev. 1:3). Any supposed new revelation, whether spoken or written, either contradicts what has been written, or is already taught in Scripture.
How many baptisms today?
When Paul wrote Ephesians (60-62 A.D.), he said there is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God (Eph. 4:4-6). There had been more than one baptism, but at that time there was only one in effect. The baptism of John the Baptist was for the remission of sins and preparatory to the kingdom (Mk. 1:1-4; Lk. 3:3-6), but it ceased after its purposes were accomplished (Acts 19:1-6). The baptism of the Spirit accomplished its mission in guiding the apostles into all truth (Mk. 16:15-20; Acts 1:5; 2:1-4) and showing Gentiles could be saved (Acts 11:12-18). The baptism of fire, for the chaff, will be administered at the second coming (Mt. 3:11-13; 13:41,42). The one baptism, in the name of Christ, is in water (Acts 10:47,48) and for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
How many bodily resurrections will there be?
A popular doctrine says the righteous will be raised 1,000 years before the wicked are raised, and they will reign on earth with Jesus. Jesus said believers will be raised “on the last day” (Jn. 6:40,44,54), and those who reject His word will be judged “in the last day” (Jn. 12:47). He also said “the hour (not hours) is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth – those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (Jn. 12:28,29). Paul said the righteous dead would be raised before the righteous living are caught up and they will be caught up together (1 Thess. 4:14-17). He also said when the dead are raised it will be “the end” (1 Cor. 15:22-25).
How should the church attract people?
Many believe the church should appeal to the young, and the old, by providing entertainment and recreation that will draw them. Some provide sports and have a devotion, which makes it “religious,” or provide socials, entertainment and operate businesses to earn money. O yes, they have a prayer, so that makes it “religious”! Paul said he would not use excellence of speech nor human wisdom to draw people, because he did not want their faith to “be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (1 Cor. 2:3-5). He knew what people are drawn with, they are drawn to. The church that uses a worldly (unscriptural) appeal, has become worldly. The gospel of Christ is still “God’s power unto salvation” (Rom. 1:16), and there can be no greater attraction for those who want to serve God!
Is an ecstatic utterance speaking in a tongue?
The Holy Spirit defined speaking in a tongue. He said the apostles spoke in “tongues” (Acts 2: 4,11), and people heard in their own “languages” (vs. 6,8). Translators of the King James Version inserted the word “unknown,” in italics in 1 Cor. 14:2,4,13,14,19,27, because it is not in the Greek text. They intended to indicate it was unknown to the speakers – not to the hearers. Those who heard understood (Acts 2:8). More recent translations have omitted the word “unknown” in 1 Cor. 14. When Paul quoted Isaiah 28:11,12, “men of other tongues” (1 Cor. 14:21), he was referring to the Assyrian captivity of Israel. Jabbering is not speaking in a tongue, and no one today has the power to speak in a language that he has not learned. Prophecy, miraculous knowledge and tongues ceased (1 Cor. 13:8).
Is Church Attendance Essential?
It is not uncommon to hear some who have been baptized say, “I can be just as good a Christian at home as I can at church.” The implication is that they feel as good, or better than, those who regularly worship God. The Bible teaches that those baptized “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching, and fellowship, in the breaking of bread (Lord’s supper, Acts 20:7) and in prayers” (Acts 2:38-42). When Paul and Barnabas returned on their first missionary journey, they appointed elders in every church (Acts 14:23). Elders are to oversee the flock among them (1 Pet. 5:4). What would happen to the Lord’s arrangement if everyone decided they could stay home and please God? Forsaking assembling is a sin (Heb. 10:24-26), so one cannot be “just as good a Christian” while forsaking doing what God teaches.
Is emotionalism reliable?
Emotion should be a product of obeying God’s revelation (Acts 8:39), but to some emotion is their revelation. Jacob was deceived into believing that his son, Joseph was dead, and he had the same emotional experience as if it had been true (Gen. 37:31-35). Later, when his sons told him the truth, at first “he did not believe them” (Gen. 45:26), but after further evidence he accepted the truth. In either case, emotion did not determine truth! Saul of Tarsus had a good conscience even while voting for the murder of Christians (Acts 23:1; 26:9-11). He could have given his testimony that he was being led by the Spirit, but it would have been false. Many sincere people think they are following God, while being guided by emotionalism. God’s word, not our feeling, is the standard of truth!
Is God revealing new truth?
Jesus promised His apostles that the Holy Spirit would bring to their remembrance everything He had said to them and guide them into all truth (Jn. 14:16; 16:13). If He is revealing new truth, what He told the apostles is not true. Paul said that God’s curse is upon anyone, even an angel, who teaches anything different from what was revealed to the apostles (Gal. 1:6-9). If God is amending what He revealed to the apostles, Paul did not tell the truth. Jude said the faith was once for all delivered to the saints (v. 3). As the faith was delivered once, so man dies once (Heb. 9:27). The claims of new revelations are as true as the claims for reincarnations. If it is new, it is not true; if it is true, it is not new!
Is it wrong to judge?
The statement of Jesus, “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Mt. 7:1), is often taken out of context and interpreted to contradict other passages. The kind of judging Jesus was talking about is hypocritical judging – detecting a speck of sawdust in another’s eye, but ignoring the plank in your own (Mt. 7:2-5). Jesus also said, “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (Jn. 7:24). Righteous judgment involves getting the facts, using the right standard and being consistent. When Jesus said “beware of false prophets” (Mt. 7:15), that demands righteous judgment. He also said a tree is known by its fruit (Mt. 7:16-20). When you judge righteously, you are just a fruit inspector, not the kind of judge that Jesus condemned. Often those who criticize others of judging, are guilty of unrighteous judgment themselves.
Is Jesus God?
The Bible plainly teaches that “the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (Jn.1:1). The one Godhead refers to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God created the world (Gen. 1:1), but everything was created by Christ (Col. 1:13-16). In a sense, the Father and Son are one (a united one) (Jn. 10:30), but in another sense they are two Beings (Jn. 8:14-17). Jesus said “if you do not believe that I am (“He” is interpolated by translators), you will die in your sins” (Jn. 8:24). He said “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM” (Jn. 8:56; Ex. 3:14). Jesus is not “a god.” God said “Let Us (plural) make man in Our (plural) image” (Gen. 1:26); that included the Son who came to the earth as Immanuel – “God with us” (Mt. 1;23).
Is Jesus God?
Some say if the Father, Son and Spirit are Divine, we have three Gods. No, there is one Godhead (Col. 2:9), but three Divine Beings. There is one humanity, but many human beings. The word God is often plural (Gen. 1:1; Dt. 6:4), yet translated singular, indicating one Deity. The plural pronouns, “let US make man in OUR image” (Gen. 1:26), indicate plurality.
Jesus was “with God” and “was God” (Jn. 1:1) – a different person, but same in essence. They were two witnesses (Jn. 8:17,18), yet they were one (Jn. 10:30). Both statements are true; they were one Deity, but two Divine Beings. Thomas confessed Jesus as “My Lord, and my God” (Jn. 20:28). He was “God with us” (Mt. 1:23).
Is Jesus on David’s Throne?
Those who deny the kingdom of Christ has been established, teach that Jesus will come in the future to reign on David’s throne in Jerusalem. The angel Gabriel told Mary that Jesus would receive the throne of David (Lk. 1:32). Peter said that David’s prophecy of one being raised to sit on his throne was fulfilled in the resurrection and ascension of Christ (Acts 2:29-33). When Jesus overcame, He sat on the throne of His Father (Eph. 1:20; Rev. 3:21).
Daniel said Jesus would receive the kingdom when He ascended (Dan. 7:13,14). Paul said Jesus is now reigning over the kingdom and will continue until the last enemy, death, is destroyed (1 Cor. 15:22-26). Just as surely as Jesus arose and ascended, He is seated on David’s throne.
Is one worship as good as another?
Many believe that if we worship the same God, it makes no difference how we worship. The first example we have of worship shows this is not true. Cain was worshiping the same God Abel was worshiping (Gen. 4:1-8), but God rejected it, and John called it “wicked” (1 Jn. 3:12). The New Testament mentions four kinds of worship. Jesus said worship is vain when men teach as doctrines the commandments of men (Mt. 15:9). Paul said the Athenians were worshiping in ignorance of God (Acts 17:22,23). He told the Colossians some engaged in will-worship, or self-imposed religion (Col. 2:23). Jesus said acceptable worship must be in spirit and in truth (Jn. 4:23,24). Surely the first three kinds of worship are not as good as the one that sincerely follows the truth.
Is salvation by faith only?
The Bible teaches that salvation is by faith (Eph. 2:8), but not by faith only (Jas. 2:26). It teaches that we must repent (Lk. 13:3), but it does not teach repentance only will keep us from perishing (Acts 2:38). It teaches that baptism saves (1 Pet. 3:21), but not baptism only (Mk. 16:16). Sometimes the word believe is used in the comprehensive sense to refer to obedient believers. “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life…” (Jn. 3:36 NASV). The believers who were added to the Lord (Acts 5:14), were those who obeyed what the apostles taught (Acts 2:38,41,47). King Agrippa believed, but was not a Christian (Acts 26:27,28). It is only by faith that we can be saved, but it is not by faith only!
Is the church a substitute?
The church was in the eternal purpose of God, and in Christ we have redemption through His blood (Eph. 1). Those who teach Christ intended to establish an earthly kingdom, say God substituted the church because the Jews rejected Jesus as their King. According to this theory, if the Jews had not rejected Jesus, they would have been saved without the cross. Furthermore, Gentiles would not have access to the blood of Christ. Hebrews 10:1-18 teaches the blood of animals could not take away sins and Jesus became both the sacrifice and the Priest to make atonement for our sins. Those saved by the blood are added to the Lord’s church (Acts 2:47), or translated into the kingdom (Col. 1:13,14). The kingdom is not of this world (Jn. 18:36). It is the church Jesus died to establish (Mt. 16:18,19).
Is the church heavenly, or earthly?
Jesus said, My kingdom is not of this world (Jn. 18:36). Pilate asked, are You a king then? and Jesus replied, for this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world. Pilate realized that Jesus was not in competition with him and said, I find no fault in Him (Jn. 18:37). He understood what many of the Jews did not understand – that the kingdom of Christ is spiritual. Those who are born of water and the Spirit are in the kingdom (Jn. 3:3-5), or the church (Acts 2:47). Jesus is a King, but not the kind that forbids to pay taxes to Caesar (Lk. 23:2). John was in the kingdom with those who had been washed from their sins in the blood of Christ (Rev. 1:5-9). It is a spiritual cleansing and kingdom.
Is the church on a detour?
Roy H. Lanier, Jr. wrote an excellent article on this subject. He gave six objections to church sponsored recreation. 1. A church acts without Bible authority. I still believe in book, chapter and verse, and I have none that so authorize me to act. 2. A church is detoured away from the main thrust of Jesus. 3. A church cripples parents by taking from them a responsibility God gave them. 4. A church makes the wrong appeal. It is lowering the appeal from spiritual commitment to one of fun and games. 5. A church confuses church action and individual action. Anyone who can see the difference between a man’s checkbook and the church’s can surely see the difference. 6. A church confuses the teens. We underestimate our kids; they are ready for work and service, not just fun and games. Amen!
Is the Holy Spirit God?
God is Spirit (Jn. 4:24), and the Holy Spirit is a Divine Spirit being. Peter condemned Ananias for lying to the Holy Spirit, then said “you have not lied to men but to God” (Acts 5:3,4). If Jesus is a Divine Being, so is the Holy Spirit. He promised the apostles, “I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper” (Jn. 14:16). The word “another” (Gr., allos) “expresses a numerical difference and denotes another of the same sort” (W.E. Vine). The three Divine Beings were present at Jesus’ baptism (Mt. 3:16,17). We are baptized into the “name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt. 28:19). The Father sent the Son, the Son made the atonement, and the Spirit revealed the message in words we can understand (1 Cor. 2:10-13).
Is the Holy Spirit simply an active force?
The Holy Spirit is referred to as the Spirit of: God (1 Cor. 2:11), Christ (Rom. 8:9), life (8:2), truth (Jn. 14:17) and grace (Heb. 10:29). He has a mind (Rom. 8:27), a will (1 Cor. 12:11), He speaks (1 Tim. 4:1), and testifies (Jn. 15:26). He can be grieved (Eph. 4:30), insulted (Heb. 10:29), lied to (Acts 5:3,4) and blasphemed (Mk. 3:28-30). He is called “the eternal Spirit” (Heb. 9:14), is everywhere present (Ps. 139:7-10) and is all wise. He knows the mind of God and revealed it to inspired men (1 Cor. 2:10-13). Peter told Ananias he had “lied to the Holy Spirit,” then said, “You have not lied to men but to God” (Acts 5:4,5). Yes, the Holy Spirit is a Spirit Being; so is the Father (Jn. 4:24).
Is this worship?
A local paper carried an article about “The Country Rock Church.” It sounds like The Cowboy Church, just a little more entertaining. It meets in a bar-room and advertises: “Top regional bands, pizza, wings, rowdy fun & a short message.” If it doesn’t make any difference how we worship, just so we are sincere, this sham would be appealing! It is the result of feel-good religion and drawing people through entertainment rather than through the gospel. Jesus said God seeks true worshipers who will worship Him “in spirit and in truth” (Jn. 4:23,24), and He identified truth as God’s word (Jn. 17:17). Those who substitute human wisdom for God’s revelation need to be reminded that not everyone who “says Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Mt. 7:21).
Is worship “show-time”?
John MacArthur wrote a book, “Ashamed of the Gospel,” in which he accurately described the “user-friendly” mentality of many churches today. He said, “you satisfy an existing desire rather than trying to persuade people to buy something they don’t want” (p. 49). Many want entertainment rather than spiritual worship. “It makes the church a populist organization in which to eat, drink, and be entertained. The church functions more like a saloon than a house of worship…It is not a community center where parties are held. It is not a country club for the masses” (p. 83). Paul condemned the Corinthians for coming together to eat social meals (1 Cor. 11:34). The early church “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). How does that compare with the church you attend?
Is your church on a detour?
Roy H. Lanier, Jr. gave six objections to church recreation in an article “Churches on a Detour.” (1) A church acts without Bible authority. (2) It is detoured away from the main thrust of Jesus. (Some say they are won this way, but Jn. 6:44,45 & Rom. 1:16 say otherwise.) (3) It cripples parents by taking from them a responsibility God gave them at the birth of the child. (4) It makes the wrong appeal. It is lowering the appeal from spiritual commitment to one of fun and games. (5) It confuses church action and individual action. Anyone who can see the difference between a man’s checkbook and the church’s checkbook can surely see the difference between the church and the individual doing something. (6) It confuses the teens and underestimates our kids; they are ready for work and service, not just fun and games.
May the church do every good work?
Paul told the Galatians, “as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). Some apply this to congregational action. Paul was talking about individuals, who are limited only by ability and opportunity (1 Jn. 3:17). He said concerning those who were to do good, “some compel you to be circumcised” (Gal. 6:12). This clearly shows, as does the context, that Paul was talking about individual action. Believers are to work with their hands what is good, in order to have money to help others (Eph. 4:28). Churches are not to work to raise money, but members are to give on the first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:1,2). Recreation is a good work (1 Tim. 4:8), but churches should be in the soul-saving, not the body-building business.
Should babies be baptized?
Infant “baptism” is the result of the doctrine of inherited sin. If babies are born sinners, the problem arose over how they could be saved. The Bible teaches God is the Father of spirits (Heb. 12:9). Eccl 12:7 says: the spirit will return to God who gave it (Eccl. 12:7). Ezekiel said the son shall not bear the guilt of the father (Ezek. 18:20). If the spirit enters with the guilt of sin, it came from God, not the parents! Jesus indicated their innocence when He said: unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven (Mt. 18:3). Some, who believed in inherited sin, have decided children are not born sinners, but they need to be “baptized” to be dedicated. This invention was to accommodate a practice, not because of Bible teaching.
Should churches appoint deaconesses?
The word deacon is used in a special way and a general way. It means a servant so may apply to anyone who serves (Jn. 12:26). Jesus was a servant (Rom. 15:8), the apostles were servants (2 Cor. 3:6), preachers are servants (1 Tim. 4:6), and Phoebe was a servant (Rom. 16:1). In a special sense, men who meet the qualifications are appointed for special work in the local church (1 Tim. 3:8-13). The church in Philippi had elders and deacons (Phil. 1:1). Paul gave some qualifications for the wives of deacons (1 Tim. 3:11), but there are no special qualifications for a deaconess. All faithful women are servants, thus deaconesses in the general sense, just as all men are deacons in this sense. There are special qualifications however for the office of deacons, but not for the office of deaconesses.
Should churches be involved in politics?
Churches have gotten involved in politics, as well as many other good works, because they do not respect Bible teaching on the difference between individual and congregational actions. Jesus made a distinction between the action of individuals and churches (Mt. 18:15-17). Paul made the same distinction (1 Tim. 5:16). It is a good work for individuals to participate in, and support the government, which is ordained of God (Rom. 13:1-7). Cornelius was an officer in the Roman government when he obeyed the gospel, and there is no indication he resigned (Acts 10:1,2). There is no authority for churches going into business to raise money as individuals do (Eph. 4:28; 1 Cor. 16:1,2), nor using it as individuals do. Failure to respect the difference between individual and church responsibility gets churches involved in secular education, recreation, politics, etc.
Should churches be selling Adam’s ribs?
A recent newspaper article told about an Alabama church that started selling “Adam’s ribs” – smoked and covered in barbecue sauce. It started as a fundraiser, on church property, and has turned into a walk-up restaurant year round. They “justified” it by saying the profits go back to the church, three members who were unemployed, now have a job and it gives them opportunities to minister. The Bible clearly teaches a difference between individual and congregational actions (Mt. 18:15-17; 1 Tim. 5:16). Those who argue that the church can do any good work the individual may do, cannot consistently object to churches operating restaurants. The Bible tells us how churches are to raise money (1 Cor. 16:1,2), and how individuals are to raise money (Eph. 4:28). When these scriptural distinctions are ignored, churches get into all kinds of unscriptural activities.
Should churches build social halls?
Last week we showed that recreation is good (1 Tim. 4:8), but the church is not authorized to provide such. The same is true of social meals. Individuals may do many good things that God did not authorize the church to do. Paul called lodging strangers, raising children, washing the saints’ feet and relieving the afflicted “good works” (1 Tim. 5:10). Are all these works of the church?
The church at Corinth came together for social meals. They were being factious, but Paul didn’t just tell them to stop the faction, but to stop the practice. He asked, “Do you not have houses to eat and drink in?…But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home…” (1 Cor. 11:22,34). Eating social meals is no more a work of the church than playing ball, or washing feet.
Should churches provide recreation?
It is good for individuals to work to earn money (Eph. 4:28), engage in recreation (1 Tim. 4:8) and do many other good things, but churches are not authorized to provide such. N.B. Hardeman (in a sermon in 1942) said: “It is not the work of the church to furnish entertainment for members. And yet many churches have drifted into such an effort. They enlarge their basements, put in all kinds of gymnastic apparatus, and make every sort of an appeal to the young people of the congregation. I have never read anything in the Bible that indicated to me that such was a part of the work of the church. I am wholly ignorant of any Scripture that even points in that direction” (Tabernacle Sermons, Vol. 5, p. 50). The Bible has not changed since 1942!
Should we argue about religion?
The first definition of argue is “give reasons for or against…” (Webster). One of the shrewdest doctrines Satan ever fostered on man is that we should not discuss religious differences. Some think that you do not have the mind of Christ, if you give reasons for what you believe. The fact is Christ was the world’s greatest controversialist. He debated the devil himself (Mt. 4:1-11). He was often in conflict with Pharisees over their traditions (Mt. 15:1-12) and with Sadducees, who denied angels and believed the soul dies with the body (Acts 23:6-8; Mt. 22:23-33). True disciples of Christ should be ready to give Bible answers for what they believe (1 Pet. 3:15; 1 Thess. 5:21). Satan knows that if one believes something wrong and that he should not discuss it, he will likely remain in his error.
Should we follow tradition?
The word tradition means something handed down, and it is used in two senses in the Bible. Paul told the Thessalonians to “hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle” (2 Thess. 2:15). These were inspired messages, whether spoken or written. Jesus condemned the Pharisees for holding the traditions of men, and said “you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition,” and that made their worship vain (Mt. 15:1-9; Mk. 7:7-9). Some religions teach that their traditions are equal to God’s word in authority, and many who do not teach it, believe and follow traditions of men, rather than the revealed will of God. A thing is not wrong because it has been practiced a long time, neither is it right “because we have always done it that way.”
Should we observe Christmas?
Christmas means, “Christ & Mass, a holiday on Dec. 25 celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ” (Webster). The Catholic Encyclopedia says it “was not among the earliest festivals of the Church.” Albert Barnes (Presbyterian) and Adam Clarke (Methodist) said Christ’s birth has been put in every month of the year by some scholar (Commentaries on Luke 2). There was nothing wrong with Jews washing their hands before they ate, but when they made it a religious practice, Jesus condemned them (Mk. 7:3-7). There is nothing wrong with exchanging gifts, decorating the house, nor accepting a Christmas bonus, but none of these things have any religious significance. Many who religiously observe things God did not teach, ignore the memorial Jesus Himself instituted – the Lord’s supper on the first day of the week in memory of His death and resurrection (Acts 20:7).
Should we pray for the sick?
The question is about James 5:14,15. One who is sick is to call for elders who will “pray over him, anointing him with oil,” and “the prayer of faith will save the sick.” Some believe this passage is talking about the miraculous age, but it seems to me that James was saying that since “the prayer of a righteous man avails much” (Jas. 5:16), these should pray for the sick. God can answer prayer miraculously or providentially. Jesus said to pray “give us this day our daily bread” (Mt. 6:11). Does God give bread as He did to Israel for forty years? John prayed for Gaius to “prosper and be in health” (3 Jn. 2). Does that mean God would miraculously give him money and health? The apostle Peter had miraculous power (Acts 3:6). Men today do not.
Was Jesus created as an angel?
The book “Millions Now Living Will Never Die” (published by Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1920; which is no longer published for obvious reason), says Jesus is Michael “the captain of our salvation” (p. 91). The writer of Hebrews asked, “to which of the angels did He ever say: You are My Son, Today I have begotten You?” (Heb. 1:5; see Acts 13:30-33). The implied answer is – none! Then He said, “Let all the angels of God worship Him” (Heb. 1:6). Angels could worship Him because “to the Son He says: Your throne, O God, is forever and ever…” (Heb. 1:8). If Jesus were a created Being, God would not have commanded the angels to worship Him. Furthermore, Paul’s statement that all things created in heaven and on earth were created by Christ (Col. 1:16), would be false.
Was Jesus created, or the Creator?
Some interpret “only begotten Son” (Jn. 3:16) to mean Jesus was a created being. Jesus had a beginning on the earth (Mt. 1:20), but that is not the full story. John said “in the beginning the Word was with God, and the Word was God…All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made” (Jn. 1:1,3). “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible…” (Col. 1:17). He created everything that was created in heaven and earth! The word begotten refers to position. Isaac was the “only begotten son” of Abraham (Heb. 11:17), meaning his preeminent son. The prophecy of Jesus being “begotten” (Ps. 2:7), was fulfilled in His resurrection, not His birth (Acts 13:32,33). We must believe that Jesus is the “I Am” (Jn. 8:24).
Was the apostle John secure?
In 1 John 1:6-10, there are five IFs. (1)“If we (including John) say” that we have fellowship with God and walk in darkness (live in sin), we lie (v. 6). (2) “If we walk in the light” we have fellowship with God and the blood of Jesus cleanses us (v. 7). (3) “If we (including John) say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves” (v. 8). This results from the false theory of “the second work of grace,” but the only person he deceives is himself! (4) “If we confess our sins” He will forgive (v. 9). (5) “If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar” (v. 10). “We have all sinned” (Rom. 3:23); one who denies this calls God a liar! Security is conditioned on walking in the light and confessing our sins.
Was the Sabbath law given to Gentiles?
Moses wrote “remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt…therefore the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day” (Dt. 5:15). God said, “It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever” (Ex. 31:17). Forever means age-lasting (see Ex. 29:9; 30:8; 40:15). Just as the priesthood changed, so did the law (Heb. 7:12). Paul said, the Gentiles “who do not have the law,” did things in the law, and were a law unto themselves (Rom. 2:14). He continued, “What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God” (Rom. 3:1,2). Jesus “abolished in His flesh” the law that forbad certain foods, and required observance of festivals, new moons and Sabbaths (Eph. 2:15; Col. 2:13-17).
Was the sacrifice of Christ limited?
The Calvinistic theory says God elected certain people to be saved and others to be lost. As a result of that false doctrine, they also teach that Christ died only for those who were predestined to be saved. No Scripture is given, but it necessarily follows from the doctrine of predestination. There would be no point in Jesus dying for those who cannot be saved! The Bible says Jesus “tasted death for everyone,” and He “became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Heb. 2:9; 5:9). John said Christ’s death was “for the whole world” (1 Jn. 2:2). Jesus said to “preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk. 16:15,16). The book of Revelation concludes by saying, “whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:17).
Was the second coming in 70 A.D.?
Some teach the second coming and the resurrection was in 70 A.D., with the destruction of the temple. Jesus talked about this age, in which men marry and are given in marriage, and that age, when we attain the resurrection from the dead, and neither marry nor die (Lk. 20:35,36). If the resurrection is past, why are we still marrying and dying? Paul said Christ was raised as “the firstfruits,” and those who are His will be raised “at His coming” (1 Cor. 15:23). Then he said that is the end, and He will deliver the kingdom to the Father and no longer reign over His kingdom (1 Cor 15:24-26). Premillennial doctrine denies Christ was raised to sit on David’s throne, as predicted by Daniel (Dan. 7:13,14; Acts 2:29-35). The A.D. 70 doctrine also dethrones Christ.
What about Irresistible Grace?
Calvinist doctrine says those who have been predestined to life, and only those, God will effectually call in His appointed time. When He calls them, by a direct operation of the Spirit, they cannot reject it. If the doctrines of total depravity, and predestination were true, then a miraculous calling would be necessary. The Bible teaches God chose “through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth” (2 Thess. 2:13), but this does not teach a miraculous calling. The next verse says “He called you by our gospel.” The gospel is the power of God unto salvation “for everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16). When men obey from the heart the doctrine of Christ they are “set free from sin” (Rom. 6:17,18). He predetermined the place of salvation – in Christ (Eph. 1:3-6), but we must make the choice to obey.
What about the thief on the cross?
Perhaps the “the thief on the cross did not have to be baptized” has caused more people to disbelieve the command of Jesus (Mk. 16:16), than any other argument. First, the thief on the cross did not live under the law that went into effect after the death of Christ (Heb. 9:15-17). Second, the thief did not believe that God had raised Jesus from the dead (Rom. 10:9). Can we be saved without believing that? Third, the thief could not have been buried into the death of Christ and raised in the likeness of His resurrection (Rom. 6:3,4). Can we be saved without being immersed into the death of Christ? The same reasoning that excludes the necessity of baptism into Christ’s death will exclude faith in His resurrection.
What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
The Bible reveals three gifts of the Spirit. (1) Believers who repent and are baptized for the remission of sins receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). This is called the indwelling of the Spirit and does not give miraculous powers (Acts 8:12-16). It is a fellowship, or relationship, with the Father (1 Jn. 4:4), the Son (Jn. 6:56), and the Spirit (Rom. 8:9). (2) Jesus is administrator of Holy Spirit baptism and the baptism of fire (Mt. 3:11,12). The apostles and household of Cornelius received the baptism of the Spirit (Acts 2,10), and the “chaff” will receive the baptism of fire (Mt. 13:41,42; 25:41). (3) Miraculous gifts from the Spirit were given by apostolic hands (Acts 8:17,18). Men today can administer neither baptism of the Holy Spirit nor fire.
What are the “love feasts”?
Jude, verse 12, (Jude 12) is the only specific mention of “love feasts.” Some believe that this referred to feasts connected to the Lord’s supper, or to an abuse of the Lord’s supper. Either is condemned by Paul. He told the Corinthians “you have houses to eat and drink in,” and “if anyone is hungry let him eat at home” (1 Cor. 11:22,34). So, whatever the love feasts were, they do not authorize church feasts. The Lord’s supper is not a feast, it is a memorial of the body and blood of Christ (Mt. 26:26,27). Disciples in Troas ate food every day, but they come together to eat the Lord’s supper in the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). Feasting is to satisfy physical hunger, and should be done where strangers are lodged (1 Tim. 5:10). Observing the Lord’s supper is an act of worship in the assembly.
What did God predestinate?
There is no doubt that God did pre-determine some things (Eph. 1:3-11), but the Bible does not teach that certain ones are predestined to be saved or lost. God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). He told the apostles to preach the gospel to every creature (Mk. 16:15,16), and whoever obeys that gospel be saved (Rom. 10:12-16). Christ died for everyone (Heb. 2:9), and man can choose to obey or disobey His message (Rom. 6:16).
One explained “the elect” this way – God votes for you, Satan votes against you, and your vote determines the way the election goes! God predetermined that the saved would be in Christ and He revealed the conditions man must meet to be added to the saved (Rom. 6:3,4). How do you vote?
What did Jesus give up?
Jesus prayed, “And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with THE GLORY which I had with You before the world was” (Jn. 17:5). Some believe that Jesus gave up His deity when He came to earth. No! He gave up the glory of heaven. Paul said Christ “being in the form of God” took the “form of a servant” (Phil. 2:6,7). He was everything that made God God, and everything that made a servant a servant! He gave up the glory of heaven to accomplish our redemption. He was “Immanuel…God with us” (Mt. 1:23). He had to become “partaker of flesh and blood” to be a sacrifice (Heb. 2:14). The Word was God and man (Jn. 1:1,14). He claimed to be “I Am” (Jn. 8:58), because “in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily” (Col. 2:9 RSV).
What did Simon say?
Most of us have played the game “Simon says.” The leader gives instructions that must be preceded by “Simon says,” or you are out of the game. Notice some things Simon the sorcerer said, in Acts 8. When he heard the preaching of Philip and saw the message confirmed by miracles, he believed and was baptized (v. 13). He said these conditions of salvation were confirmed by miracles, as Jesus promised (Mk. 16:15-20). When he saw by the laying on of apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money and said give me this power (vs. 18,19). He saw that miraculous gifts were given only through apostolic hands. When he was rebuked, and was told to repent and pray for forgiveness (v. 22), he said pray for me (v. 24). The things Simon said are still true.
What did Simon, the sorcerer see?
Philip went to Samaria, preached the gospel and confirmed it through miracles. Simon saw the difference between his sorcery and the miracles of Philip. When apostles went and gave miraculous gifts, Simon “saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given” and tried to buy the gift (Acts 8:18). The apostles had power that Philip did not have. They had laid hands on Philip (Acts 6:5,6), and he had miraculous power, but could not transfer it to others. Simon did not try to buy the power of the Spirit from Philip, but when he saw that apostles could bestow it, he offered them money. Apostles had accompanied Jesus since His baptism and been witnesses of His resurrection (Acts 1:21-26). No one today meets those qualifications, therefore no one has miraculous power.
What do you do with 1 Corinthians 14:39?
The verse says, “Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.” The chapter is regulating miraculous gifts while they existed. Prophesying was greater than tongues (verses 1-5), and was never by the will of man (2 Pet. 1:20,21). Paul said “prophecies would fail” and “tongues will cease” (1 Cor. 13:8). Jesus warned about false prophets (Mt. 7:15), and John said “many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 Jn. 4:1). How do we determine whether a professed prophet is true or false? Since Scripture completely furnishes us to every good work (2 Tim. 3:16,17), if anyone teaches differently from what is revealed in Scripture, “let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:6-9). Those who claim tongues and prophesy do not believe what was confirmed through the apostles (Mark 16:15-20).
What does “be silent” mean?
The slogan “Speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent” is based upon 1 Peter 4:11: “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God…” This implies if God’s word is silent about something, we should not teach or practice it. The New Testament speaks about the Lord’s supper on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7); it is silent about Saturday. It speaks about singing in worship (1 Cor. 14:15); it is silent about instrumental music. It speaks about churches teaching, and ministering to their needy (Eph. 4:11,12); it is silent about churches providing social meals, recreation and entertainment. The Midway congregation is committed to being simply a church, not a social club or entertainment center. If you are interested in this kind of church, we invite your investigation.
What does death mean?
The word death never means non-existence. It means separation. The body separated from the spirit is dead (Jas. 2:26). Isaiah said “your sins have separated you from your God” (59:2). The “second death” (Rev. 20:14) is eternal separation from God. One who is dead to the law (Rom. 7:4) is not under it. None of these mean non-existence. Jesus said “you have passed out of death into life” (Jn. 5:24). They had not changed from non-existence into existence! When Jesus said, “let the dead bury their own dead” (Mt. 8:22), He was saying the spiritually dead could bury the physically dead. One who is “dead in sins” (Eph. 2:1), is separated from God. When one is baptized into the death of Christ (who didn’t cease to exist when He died, Rom. 6:3), he is raised to walk a new spiritual life.
What does “no creed but Christ” mean?
The word credo means I believe. Leaders in the effort to restore New Testament Christianity used “no creed but Christ” to indicate their commitment to follow only the teaching of Christ. That includes following Christ’s attitude toward authority. He condemned traditionalism (Mt. 15:9), and considered the writings of Moses as “the word of God” (Mk. 7:10-13). He lived under the Law (Gal. 4:4), and taught people under it to obey Moses (Lk. 10:25-28). He never told anyone “do what you feel Moses would do.” When asked about divorce, He quoted a statement, used the example of Adam and Eve and drew the conclusion “Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Mt. 19:3-6; Gen. 2:24). Those who believe Christ, give Bible authority (a precept, example or necessary inference) for everything they do in religion.
What does Immanuel mean?
Isaiah prophesied: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (Is. 7:14). Matthew said Immanuel means “God with us” (Mt. 1:23). Jesus was God in the flesh (Jn. 1:14). After doubting Thomas was convinced that Jesus had arisen from the dead, he confessed Him as “My Lord and my God” (Jn. 20:28). The “I AM” spoke to Moses from a bush (Ex. 3:14). Jesus said “before Abraham was, I AM” (Jn. 8:58). When Jesus forgave sins, the Jews said “who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Mk. 2:5-10). Indeed! Jesus received worship (Mt. 8:2; 14:33), but said we should only worship God (Mt. 4:10). The Father said, “let all the angels of God worship Him” (Heb. 1:6-8). When Jesus came in the flesh, He was Immanuel – God with us.
What does it mean to abide in Christ?
In the parable of the vine and branches, Jesus said believers must “abide in Me, and I in you” (Jn. 15:4). The branch that does not abide in Christ will be cast into the fire (v. 6). This is a great problem for those who believe a person in Christ cannot be severed and cast into the fire. Later, John wrote, “Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father” (1 Jn. 2:24). A believer abides in Christ by continuing to “walk in the light” (the truth, 2 Jn. 4) thereby having fellowship by the cleansing of the blood of Christ as he confesses his sins and asks forgiveness (1 Jn. 1:7-9).
What does it mean to forsake Christ?
The word “forsake” is found several times in the Bible. Paul said “Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world” (1 Tim. 4:10). Peter wrote about those who “have forsaken the right way and gone astray…” (2 Pet. 2:15). Moses “forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king” (Heb. 11:27). The same writer warns us “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some…” (Heb. 10:25). To forsake is to make a choice to leave behind, to abandon. There is a difference between being absent and forsaking. The person who stays home because he is sick, or some other legitimate reason, has not forsaken, but to be willfully absent is to forsake. “Harsh correction is for him who forsakes the way, and he who hates reproof will die” (Prov. 15:10).
What does the word baptize mean?
The Greek word baptizo was not translated, but transliteratedinto the English word baptize. Early translators believed in sprinkling, and did not translate the word, which means “the process of immersion, submersion and emergence” (W.E. Vine). John the baptizer was baptizing “in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there” (Jn. 3:23). Mark records that Jesus was baptized “in (Greek: into) the Jordan” (Mk. 1:9,10). Paul twice clearly defined the action. “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death” (Rom. 6:4). “Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God…” (Col. 2:12). There are five Greek words translated “pour,” and two that are translated “sprinkle.” There is one Greek word transliterated baptize. It is never translated sprinkle or pour, because it means to immerse, or bury.
What draws people to Christ?
Several years ago, a church used hamburgers and cola in their communion because they “did not want to continue things that have no meaning in the modern world.” Recently, churches have begun using fellowship meals, basketball, soccer, horse riding and motor-cycle riding. Paul said he would not use oratorical skills nor human wisdom to draw people, so their faith “would not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (1 Cor. 2:1-5). He knew what they were drawn with, they are drawn to! Some have forgotten that Jesus said those who do things not authorized will hear the words “depart…you who work lawlessness” (Mt. 7:21-23). If the N.T. does not authorize hamburgers in the Lord’s supper, it is lawlessness. If the N.T. does not authorize churches to use food, sports or horses to draw people, it is lawlessness.
What if Christ had not died?
One hundred people were asked: would it make any difference in your life if Jesus had not died? Forty-five didn’t think it would make any difference. Twenty-five said it would, but were not sure what it would be. Ten said they did not know, and twenty said it would make a difference in how they live. Three thousand Jews, on Pentecost, were convicted of sin and obeyed Christ, because they believed in His death and resurrection (Acts 2:36-41). It is the preaching of the cross, not providing entertainment, that draws people to Christ (1 Cor. 2:1-5). Paul reminded the Corinthians that the gospel, by which they were saved, is based upon the death and resurrection of Jesus (1 Cor. 15:1-8). Is this the foundation of your hope, and does it make a difference in the way you live?
What if the social hall is in the basement?
A caller asked about a church that does not have social meals in the room where they assemble, but in the basement. Not many years ago, no church of Christ to my knowledge, built a kitchen or social hall, but some decided they needed to use such appeals to draw people. Some built separate buildings on church property for social meals, paid for by individuals, to appease those who believed 1 Cor. 11:22,34 forbad churches providing such. Some, who have not been taught Biblical authority, see nothing wrong with churches providing gymnasiums, ball fields and family life centers, nor eating a social meal during the worship! Paul would not use oratorical skills, nor human wisdom to draw people (1 Cor. 2:1-5). Do you suppose he would have used church sponsored social meals, entertainment and recreation?
What is “a congregation of the church of Christ”?
The words “church” and “congregation” are translated from the same Greek word. The universal church is composed of all the saved. The Lord adds the saved to the church (Acts 2:47), or we are baptized into the one body (1 Cor. 12:13). Local churches are identified by: composition – of saints (1 Cor. 14:33), of Thessalonians (1 Thess. 1:1); by location – of Galatia (1 Cor. 16:1), of Asia (16:19); or by relationship – of God (1 Thess. 2:14), of Christ (Rom. 16:16). Local churches are not pieces of the church, but each is a whole church. Each church is to have its own organization (Acts 14:23; Phil. 1:1) and is autonomous. There is no Scriptural organization to oversee two or 2,000 churches, therefore there is no such thing as “a church of the church of Christ.”
What is – calling Bible things by Bible names?
Followers of Christ have claimed to “be silent where the Bible is silent,” and “call Bible things by Bible names.” Today, we hear social halls called fellowship halls. The Bible uses the word fellowship to refer to the Lord’s supper (1 Cor. 10:16), the contribution (Rom. 15:26; 2 Cor. 8:4), and the support of preachers (Phil. 4:15). It always indicates some spiritual relationship between brethren, except in Luke 5:7, where it refers to “partners” in the business of fishing for a living. (If churches may do everything called fellowship, they may engage in businesses to earn money.) Social meals are good for individuals (Acts 2:46), but churches are not authorized to provide them (1 Cor. 11:22,34). Trying to justify social halls by the word fellowship is not calling Bible things by Bible names.
What is “end time” speculation?
Joseph Smith (1843) said the end would come, and he would see the Lord if he lived to be 85. The messenger didn’t tell him he would be killed before then. Charles Russell said the end would be 1914, then 1915. The May 1, 1968 Watchtower said it would be in 1975. In 1856 Ellen G. White predicted some then living would see the coming of Christ. Later Adventist writing says “We are the last generation,” but does not date it, so they will not have to revise their speculation! Christ gave signs for His coming in judgment of Jerusalem (Mt. 24; Mk. 13; Lk. 21), and historians say Christians were not killed because they heeded the warning to flee when the abomination of desolation (the Roman army) approached (Mt. 24:15,16; Lk. 21:21). Christ gave no signs for His second coming.
What is “that which is perfect”?
Paul said prophecies, tongues and knowledge would cease “when that which is perfect has come” (1 Cor. 13:8-10). The contrast is between revelation in parts (as the Spirit revealed it) and the completion of God’s revelation. It is not between partial revelation and a perfect person. Jesus came as our Apostle and High Priest (Heb. 3:1). He proved His claim by His miracles (Jn. 10:37,38). We do not need Christ on earth to prove that He was God with us (Mt. 1:23). Likewise, the apostles had miraculous power to reveal and confirm the gospel (Mk. 16:16-20), and we do not need apostles and prophets to prove the message that has been revealed. When we look into “the perfect law of liberty” (Jas. 1:25), we know what we should do because it was confirmed by miracles.
What is acting in the name of Jesus?
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” (Col. 3:17). What does that mean? Peter told a lame man, “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6). When he was asked “by what power, or by what name have you done this?” (4:7), he “by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth” (4:10). Obviously, “in the name of Christ” means by His authority.
In Ephesus, seven exorcists tried casting out a demon “in the name of Jesus,” and the man cast them out naked and wounded (Acts 19:13-16). Jesus had given them no authority for their action! If God were working the same way today, surely there would be many naked and wounded!
What is Contemporary Worship?
Contemporary means the style of the present. Reading religious announcements shows that many are more interested in being entertained than in worshiping God according to an ancient book – the Bible! Hip Hop Sunday, talent show, musical concert, flag football, cheerleading, etc. shows that religion has become a man-centered, rather than God-centered matter. It is – what will a church give to me, not what will I give to God? Worship must be “in spirit and in truth” to be acceptable to God (Jn. 4:24). Israel was condemned for worshiping idols. Men today are worshiping themselves. If a church does not give them what they want, they will keep “changing channels” until they find a program that suits their taste. Traditional (Biblical) truth has not changed. When men change it to suit their tastes, their worship is vain (Mt. 15:9).
What is baptism in the name of Christ?
The expression baptism in the name of Christ is mentioned four times in Acts. In Jerusalem, believers were told to be baptized “in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:37,38). When Philip preached in Samaria many believed and were “baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” They did not receive miraculous power until the apostles laid hands on them (Acts 8:12-19). Cornelius, the first Gentile convert, was baptized in water “in the name of the Lord” (Acts 10:47,48). In Ephesus, some had been baptized with John’s baptism; Paul taught them the truth, they were “baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus,” and received miraculous gifts by Paul’s hands (Acts 19:1-6). Therefore, baptism in the name of Christ is in water, for the remission of sins and is not Holy Spirit baptism
What is emotionalism?
The Bible teaches that we should have emotion – such as love, joy, peace, hope, etc., but it does not teach emotionalism. In fact, it warns against following our feeling. Saul of Tarsus felt right when he was doing things contrary to Jesus (Acts 26:9). The Ethiopian “went on his way rejoicing” because he had obeyed truth (Acts 8:39). Both felt they were right in their action. The difference? One knew he was right because he felt right (emotionalism), the other knew the truth and therefore had joy (an emotion). When people offer their feelings as evidence that you should accept their teaching – that is emotionalism. Solomon said, “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool…” (Prov. 26:28). Surely not everyone who feels right is right! Feeling is not evidence, but true emotion is produced by obedience to the truth.
What is fellowship?
The word fellowship, like the word Christian, is loosely used in our society.
The Bible uses it to refer to those who are called by the gospel (1 Cor. 1:9), and who walk in the light (1 Jn. 1:3-7). We are to have no fellowship with demons (1 Cor. 10:20), nor with unbelievers (2 Cor. 6:14). The word is never used of social meals. Paul said “if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home” (1 Cor. 11:34). Albert Barnes (Presbyterian) commented: “it was grossly irregular and disorderly to make the place of worship a place for a festival entertainment.” Adam Clarke (Methodist) wrote: “they should have taken their ordinary meal at home…Let him not come to the house of God to eat an ordinary meal.” The communion with Christ is the Christian’s fellowship meal (1 Cor. 10:16).
What is fellowship?
Last week we showed that each of the Philippians who contributed to Paul’s support had fellowship with him, and God credited it to them (Phil. 4:17). The word fellowship means sharing in common. Some smell coffee when they hear the word, but Scripture does not use it that way. Generally, it refers to spiritual participation, but it refers to Simon’s “partners” in the fishing business (Lk. 5:10). There are things we may do together, such as fishing, that are not works of the church, and we need to be careful about misusing the word fellowship to justify what we want. We are to “walk in the light” in order to have fellowship with God and brethren (1 Jn. 1:6,7). Some claim not to go along with unscriptural things, but by participating, they are going along with what they don’t go along with!
What is Pragmatism?
John MacArthur said pragmatism “is determined by practical consequences…usefulness is the standard of what is good.” He said “Churches are allowing drama, music, recreation, entertainment, self-help programs…everything seems to be in fashion in the church except biblical preaching” (Ashamed of the Gospel, p. xii). Winford Claiborne said: “Pragmatism has led many churches – including some churches of Christ – to spend hundreds of thousands dollars on gymnasiums, exercise equipment, musical extravaganzas, having dramas instead of sermons, engaging in dance in the worship…If such practices draw large crowds, publicize the church in the community and increase the contribution, they become a role model for other churches” (The Spiritual Sword, Oct., 1998). This is the result of people not knowing the Biblical distinction between individual and congregational action. Bodily exercise is profitable (1 Tim. 4:8), but it is not the work of the church.
What is praying with the spirit and understanding?
Paul said “I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding” (1 Cor. 14:15). Praying with the spirit was in a language that he did not know. He said that praying in a tongue (a foreign language) would be unfruitful because the listener could not be edified (verses 14-16). In fact, Paul said he had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue that listeners did not know (v. 19). Prophesying was always by the inspiration of the Spirit (2 Pet. 1:20,21). First Corinthians 14 gives the regulations of miraculous gifts, while they existed, but chapter 13 said prophesies would fail and tongues will cease. No one can prophesy, nor speak in a language he has not learned.
What about Irresistible Grace?
Calvinist doctrine says those who have been predestined to life, and only those, God will effectually call in His appointed time. When He calls them, by a direct operation of the Spirit, they cannot reject it. If the doctrines of total depravity, and predestination were true, then a miraculous calling would be necessary. The Bible teaches God chose “through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth” (2 Thess. 2:13), but this does not teach a miraculous calling. The next verse says “He called you by our gospel.” The gospel is the power of God unto salvation “for everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16). When men obey from the heart the doctrine of Christ they are “set free from sin” (Rom. 6:17,18). He predetermined the place of salvation – in Christ (Eph. 1:3-6), but we must make the choice to obey.
What is repentance?
Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of action. Jesus said we must repent or perish (Lk. 13:3-5). Peter told believers (those who had been “cut to the heart”) to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:37,38). When those who believe in salvation by faith only are confronted with the necessity of repentance, they usually say repentance is included in faith. It was not in Acts 2! Those believers were told to repent. A person may believe and never repent. In another sense, belief may include repentance. Believers were added to the Lord (Acts 5:14), but what kind of believers? Those who repented and were baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38,47). We are saved only by faith, but not by faith only! Saving faith causes the believer to act in obedience to God’s word.
What is the baptism of fire?
John the Baptist told some Jewish listeners that Jesus would “baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Mt. 3:11). These people knew what the prophets meant by the baptism of fire. Isaiah said, of those who transgressed against God, “their worm does not die, and their fire is not quenched” (Is. 66:24). Jeremiah said hearts must be circumcised, “lest My fury come forth like fire” (Jer. 4:4). John the Baptist said “He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Mt. 3:12; Lk. 3:17). Some of John’s audience would be baptized with the Holy Spirit, and some with fire. It is the chaff (the useless stalk or straw), not the kernel, that will receive the baptism of fire. Jesus will say to the goats, those in the left hand, “depart from Me…into the everlasting fire” (Mt. 25:41).
What is the baptism of the Spirit?
John said Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire (Mt. 3:11,12). Jesus said the Father would send the Spirit and “I will send” the Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:26; 15:26). He told the apostles they would “be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now” (Acts 1:5), and this was fulfilled when the Spirit was sent upon the apostles on the day of Pentecost giving them miraculous power to reveal truth in languages unknown to them (Acts 2:1-4). Scripture reveals one other example of Spirit baptism (Acts 10:44-46). In both examples, the Spirit came from heaven and those who were baptized spoke in languages they had not learned. No man ever administered the baptism of the Spirit and no one today receives new revelations from heaven nor speaks in languages he has not learned.
What is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit?
Many false theories arise because men do not distinguish between an unpardoned and the unpardonable sin (read Mt. 12:22-32; Mk. 3:22-30). Sins against Jesus could be forgiven, if they repented, but Jesus said the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit would not be forgiven. When the Pharisees saw Jesus cast out a demon, but ascribed the power by which He did it to the devil, Jesus said they would never be forgiven for that.
Some wonder if they have committed an unpardonable sin. The situation of those Pharisees cannot be reproduced today. No one today has seen Jesus cast out a demon, and any other sin can be forgiven if men submit to God’s terms (Acts 2:36-38; 1 Jn. 1:9).
What is the eye of a needle?
When the rich man was told to sell what he had, he turned away. Then Jesus said “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (Mt. 19:21-24). There is no evidence there was a gate in Jerusalem called The Needle’s Eye. Jesus did not say “it is difficult.” He said “it is impossible.” Mark said “those who trust in riches” (Mk. 10:24). Abraham was rich (Gen. 13:2), but he did not trust in riches. Joseph was rich, but was a disciple of Jesus (Mt. 27:57-60). The rich who use their wealth wisely lay a good foundation for eternal life (1 Tim. 6:17-19). Those who trust in riches cannot be saved. Those who trust in God, whether rich or poor, can be saved.
What is the Lord’s day?
The apostle John wrote, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day…” (Rev. 1:10). The only other time the word “Lord’s” appears in the Bible is “the Lord’s supper” (1 Cor. 11:20). The Lord was raised from the dead on the first day of the week (Mk. 16:1-5), disciples in Troas observed the Lord’s supper on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7), and disciples were taught to give on the first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:2). Those facts make the first day of the week special. The Old Law, taught Jews to rest on the Sabbath (Ex. 20:8-11; 35:2,3) and offer two lambs as a sacrifice every Saturday (Num. 28:9,10). Sunday is not the Sabbath, but some churches meet many Sundays without taking the Lord’s supper, and will take a collection any day of the week.
What is the Lord’s money?
Some say all our money belongs to the Lord. That is true in a sense, but Scripture teaches a distinction between what we keep and what we give. When Ananias and Sapphira lied about how much they had given (laid at the apostles’ feet), Peter asked, while it remained was it not your own? And after it was sold was it not in your own power? (Acts 5:4). This implies that after it was sold and laid at the apostles’ feet, it did not belong to them. If there is no difference before and after it is given, what sin did Ananias commit? Individuals have responsibilities to provide food, clothing, entertainment, education, etc. for their families. The church is to provide for its needy and teach the gospel (Acts 4:34,35; 1 Cor. 9:11-14). The Lord’s money should be used for church work.
What is the meaning of 666?
There is much speculation about the number “666.” The passage (Rev. 13:14-16) was written to those persecuted because they would not worship the image of the Roman emperor. Ray Summers (Baptist author of “Worthy Is The Lamb”) explained, “The safest method of determining the identity of the beast is to study the symbolism in the day in which the book was written.” He said the number had been applied to Nero, the Roman Church, the Pope and Hitler. Then observed that “7” represented perfection and “6” fell short of that. “By symbol the number ‘666’ is evil raised to its highest power” and it applied to the Roman emperor, with the approval of Paganism, persecuting those who would not worship his image. It has nothing to do with your social security number!
What is the meaning of 666?
There is much speculation and superstition about this number. All the Bible says about it can be read in Rev. 13:15-18. The context is the persecuting power of the Roman empire, which forced people to worship the image of the Emperor or be persecuted or killed. Ray Summers (a Baptist author of the commentary – Worthy Is The Lamb) said “the safest method of determining the identity of the beast is to study the symbolism in the day in which the book (of Revelation) was written” (p. 174). A social security number would have meant nothing to those people! Summers concluded “the number 7 represented perfect, or complete and the number 6 fell short of perfection…(so) 666 is evil raised to its highest power.” It probably represented evil government and evil religion combining to persecute God’s people.
What is the mission of the church?
N.B. Hardeman, in 1942 “Tabernacle Sermons,” Vol. V, pages 50,51 said: “Again, I say to you, with caution and thought, that it is not the work of the church to furnish entertainment for the members. And yet many churches have drifted into such an effort. They enlarge their basements, put in all kinds of gymnastic apparatus, and make every sort of an appeal to the young people of the congregation. I have never read anything in the Bible that indicated to me that such was a part of the work of the church. I am wholly ignorant of any Scripture that even points in that direction…It was never intended that the church should…pile up a large sum of money. The church should not go into the banking business.” I believe and teach the same things, and for the same reason.
What is the new birth?
Jesus told Nicodemus “unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God,” and “unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (Jn. 3:3,5). Just as physical birth begins a new relationship, the new birth begins a new relationship – kingdom citizenship. Paul said the church, or kingdom, is sanctified “with the washing of water by the word” (Eph. 5:26). Notice the parallel statements: “water” and “water” (Jn. 3), “the Spirit” and “the word” (Eph. 5). The Spirit works through the word! Paul stated the same thing to Titus: we are saved “through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Tit. 3:5). A person who is dead in sin is buried into the death of Christ, dies to sin and arises to walk as a new creature (Rom. 6:3-6).
What is the perfect?
Paul said prophecies will fail, tongues will cease, and knowledge (as well as the other miraculous gifts, 1 Cor. 12:7-11), vanished away “when that which is perfect” came (1 Cor. 13:8-10). Some teach that the perfect refers to Christ. That ignores the context and other Bible teaching. Miraculous gifts were transferred by laying on of apostolic hands (Acts 8:18). Miraculous knowledge, tongues, etc., were in part (1 Cor. 13:9). Whatever is the nature of the part is the nature of the perfect. The truth was given “in parts,” but when revelation was complete and confirmed, those things in part ceased (Mk. 16:15-20). The contrast is not between Christ and miraculous gifts, but between the parts and the complete. The perfect has been given, and any addition to that is false, and brings the curse of God upon one who teaches it (Gal. 1:6-9).
What is the purpose of the Lord’s Supper?
Jesus instituted the memorial supper during the Passover, the feast of unleavened bread (Lk. 22:15). Unleavened bread represents His body and the fruit of the vine represents His blood (Lk. 22:19,20). He did not say the body and blood is taken in the bread, nor did He use leavened bread and water. It is rebellion to Christ to substitute other elements or other purposes. Jesus said He was bestowing a kingdom upon His disciples, and they would eat and drink at His table in His kingdom (Lk. 22:29,30). The church at Troas did that on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). The Lord’s Supper is a way of proclaiming the Lord’s death and resurrection (1 Cor. 11:24-29). The kingdom and the church refer to the same people and we are to celebrate His resurrection each Sunday.
What is the Roman road to salvation?
The book of Romans emphasizes salvation by faith, but some have concluded that it teaches salvation by faith only. It is true that faith is essential, but it is not true that faith alone saves. The book teaches faith comes by hearing God’s word, not by an emotional experience (Rom. 10:17). Believers must also repent of sins (2:4), confess Christ (10:9,10), and obey from the heart the form of doctrine that had been delivered (6:17,18). As Christ died, was buried and arose from the dead, a person who is dead in sin is buried by baptism into the death of Christ and arises to walk a new life, being made free from sin (6:1-7). The new life follows the burial. It does not precede it, as taught by those who talk about “the Roman road.”
What is the sinner’s prayer?
The Bible teaches that sinners prayed. Saul of Tarsus prayed for three days (Acts 9:9-11), but he was not saved by prayer. Cornelius was a praying man (Acts 10:1,2), but he was not saved by prayer (Acts 11:14). The “sinner’s prayer for forgiveness of sins” did not originate in the Bible. Saul was told to “arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins” (Acts 22:16). Cornelius was “commanded to be baptized in the name of the Lord” (Acts 10:48). Baptism in the name of the Lord is part of the new birth (Jn. 3:5) It is in water (Acts 10:47), and unto the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Praying for the remission of sins is a blessing of being a child of God, not the means of becoming one (1 Jn. 1:9).
What is the sinner’s prayer?
Simon was told to repent of his wickedness and pray for forgiveness (Acts 8:22). Some teach this as the way to become a child of God, but they ignore the context. Simon had believed and been baptized (v. 13), and then he sinned by trying to buy apostolic power to perform miracles. Cornelius prayed (Acts 10:2), but was told to send for Peter who would tell him “words by which you and your household will be saved” (Acts 11:14). Those who are children of God are told to confess their sins and pray for forgiveness (Acts 8:22; 1 Jn. 1:9), but the Bible does not teach what is called the sinner’s prayer for salvation. We become children of God by obedience to the gospel (Mk. 16:16), and then we have the privilege of praying for forgiveness.
What is wrong with a church gym?
Bodily exercise is profitable (1 Tim. 4:8), but it is not the responsibility of the church. The Bible makes a clear distinction between individual and collective responsibilities. The widow to be enrolled in church relief was to have raised children, lodged strangers and washed the saints’ feet (1 Tim. 5:10), but these are not works of the church. When the individual cares for his widow (a good work), the church is not charged (v. 16).
Jesus taught the same. He discussed the action of an individual, a group of individuals and then the action of the church (Mt. 18:15-17). When disciples do not recognize this distinction, they get involved in things God never authorized for churches. Jesus did not die for a ball team, but for a spiritual family!
What kind of faith saves?
All Bible believers accept the teaching that faith is essential for salvation, but what kind of faith is necessary to be saved? When Noah was warned about the flood, he had faith, but what if he had not built the ark? (Heb. 11:8). Would that faith have saved him? Abraham believed God was going to give him a land, but what if he had not obeyed to “go out to the place which he would afterward receive as an inheritance”? (Heb. 11:8). Faith only would have left the Israelites bondage to Egypt (Heb. 11:29). Simply believing in God will not save a person. James said, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (Jas. 2:26). What kind of faith will you have in the new year?
What must one confess to be saved?
Paul said “if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved…For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Rom. 10:9,13). (Lord – kurios in the Septuagint and the N.T., represents Jehovah in the Hebrew.) Thomas confessed Jesus as “my Lord (Kurios) and my God (Theos) (Jn. 20:28). The I Am spoke to Moses from a bush (Ex. 3:14); Jesus claimed to be I Am (Jn. 8:58). That implies He and the Father are the same in essence –Deity ( Jn. 10:30). The eunuch believed in his heart, confessed Christ with his mouth and was baptized to be saved (Acts 8:37; Rom. 10:10). (If you would like more information go to our website, then to articles on Godhead.)
What was the mark of the beast?
The book of Revelation is written in symbolic language. It describes a conflict between Christ and His followers and the Roman Empire and those who worshiped the image of the emperor. Those who would not worship the image were persecuted or killed, but those who worshiped it received a mark (Rev. 13:15-18). The 666 has been applied to Nero, the Catholic Church, Martin Luther, Hitler and others, and to worshipping on Sunday. About two hundred years after Revelation was written, Constantine legalized the Christian religion, recognizing its right to hold property. He did not make Christians observe Roman rules, nor change the day of worship, but legalized what Christians were doing. The mark of the beast identified those of the first century as being worshipers of the Roman emperor who was the Sea beast of Revelation.
What will happen to the earth?
The Bible says the earth had a beginning. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1). The Psalmist said, God laid the foundation of the earth and the heavens (atmosphere and outer space, Gen. 2:1; 2 Cor. 12:2), were the work of His hands, but they will perish (Ps. 102:25-27). Isaiah said “the heavens will be rolled up like a scroll; All their host shall fall down,” and “vanish away like smoke” (Is. 34:4; 51:6). Peter stated the earth that was “standing out of water and in the water” (Gen. 1:2,9) “will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat” (2 Pet. 3:10). The things that were made will be shaken, but the kingdom of Christ is eternal (Heb. 12:27,28). The Bible does not teach an eternal Paradise on earth!
What will happen on the last day?
Jesus said He came that those who follow Him may be raised on the last day and given everlasting life (Jn. 6:39,40). He also said those who are drawn to Him will be raised at the last day (Jn. 6:44,54). When Lazarus died, and Jesus arrived at the home, He said “your brother will rise again.” Martha said “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus assured her that death does not end life (Jn. 11:21-25). Furthermore, He said “the hour is coming” when the righteous and the wicked will be raised (Jn. 5:28,29), and those who reject Him will be judged on the last day (Jn. 12:48). When Jesus comes again, it will be the last day because He must reign till the last enemy, death, is destroyed (1 Cor. 15:25,26).
What Will Happen When Jesus Returns?
When Jesus ascended, angels said “He will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). John said when He comes “every eye will see Him” (Rev. 1:7). Jesus said “the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth – those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (Jn. 5:28,29). He further said those who obey Him will be raised “at the last day” (Jn. 6:44), and those who do not obey Him will be judged “in the last day” (Jn. 12:48). Paul said at the resurrection the kingdom would be “delivered up to the Father” (1 Cor. 15:24,25), not “set up” on the earth.
What will happen when Jesus returns?
Jesus said “the hour is coming” in which all in the grave, both the righteous and the wicked, will be raised (Jn. 5:28,29). He said believers will be raised “at the last day” (Jn. 6:40), and unbelievers will be judged “in the last day” (Jn. 12:48). Paul said the righteous dead will be raised before the righteous living are caught up to be with the Lord forever (not seven years, 1 Thess. 4:15-17). He told the Corinthians Christ will reign until the last enemy, death, is destroyed, then those who are His will be raised, the kingdom will be delivered to the Father and the reign of Christ will end (not begin, 1 Cor. 15:20-28). Furthermore, “the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up” (not purified for a thousand years, 2 Pet. 3:10-12).
When will the Lord return?
False prophets have been in abundance predicting the time of the second coming. Some are: William Miller – 1844; Charles Russell – 1874; Herbert Armstrong – 1975; Watchtower Society – 1975; Hal Lindsey – 1988; now Harold Camping has a group in Jerusalem to await the Lord’s return on May 21! Jesus gave signs for the destruction of Jerusalem, which were fulfilled in 70 A.D. (Mt. 24). Some signs would be wars, famines, earthquakes, etc. but Jesus said “this generation will by no means pass away till all these things are fulfilled” (Mt. 24:34). Peter wrote, “the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat…” (2 Pet. 3:10). A thief does not announce the time of his coming, neither has Christ announced His!
When did the law of Christ go into effect?
When Moses came from the mount with the commandments (the ministry of death), his face was shining (Ex. 34:29-35). He put a veil over his face so they would not see the fading of the glory. This was symbolical of the passing of that law (2 Cor. 3:7-15). The New Covenant went into effect on Pentecost (Lk. 24:47). Paul said it gives life, is more glorious than the Old, and remains. We are “dead to the Law through the body of Christ” (Rom. 6:4), it was “nailed to the cross” (Col. 2:14), and He abolished in His flesh “the law of commandments” (Eph. 2:15). When one argues that Christ’s law must be written before He died, then refers to fifteen passages in the N.T. to try to prove his point, he inconsistent and nullifies all the New Covenant!
When did the New Covenant go into effect?
When Moses received the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people, he then sprinkled the book and the people (Ex. 24:4-8; Heb. 9:18-20). Animal blood dedicated the Old Covenant. The New Covenant was “first spoken by the Lord and then confirmed to us by those who heard Him” (Heb. 2:3). He took away the first and established the second Covenant (Heb. 10:9; Col. 2:14). The New Covenant became effective on the day of Pentecost (Lk. 24:46,47; Acts 2:36-38). It had been prophesied in the Old Testament but was revealed by the apostles (1 Pet. 1:9-12). The blood of Christ dedicated the New, not the Old Covenant. You may go on our website, to Sermons and God’s Greatest Gift Memorialized, and read and listen to a sermon I recently presented on this subject.
When was Christ’s kingdom established?
Daniel said the kingdom would be established during the fourth world empire, beginning with the Babylonian – which was the Roman empire (Dan. 2:32-45). Later, he used four beasts to represent the same empires. Premillennial speculators have said the ten toes (which Daniel says nothing about) represented 10 common market nations, but now there are 27! John the Baptist said the kingdom was at hand (Mt. 3:2). After His baptism, Jesus said the kingdom was at hand (Mt. 4:17). He explained that by saying some who heard Him would be alive when it was established (Mk. 9:1). Peter said Jesus was raised to sit on David’s throne (Acts 2:29-31). Jesus said those born of water and the Spirit are in the kingdom (Jn. 3:5), and Paul said the Colossians were in it (Col. 1:13).
Where does the Bible say not to?
When asked for authority for churches building gyms, some reply “the Bible does not say not to!” That rejects the Biblical principle of speaking where the Bible speaks, and being silent where it is silent (1 Pet. 4:11). Authority is established by Bible teaching, not by its silence. It does not say you cannot pray through Mary, but it does say there is one Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5). It does not say you cannot use hamburger in the Lord’s supper, but it does say unleavened bread and fruit of the vine (Mt. 26:17-28). It does not say you cannot use instrumental music in worship, but it does say sing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). It does not say you cannot sprinkle a baby, but it does say believers are buried in baptism (Rom. 6:1-4). Bible believers should produce Bible teaching for their practices.
Where is Jesus today?
After Jesus “purged our sins, (He) sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Heb. 1:3). Daniel said when Jesus ascended to the Ancient of Days, He would “be given dominion and glory and a kingdom” (Dan. 7:13,14). Jesus said those who overcome will be able to “sit with Me on My Father’s throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Rev. 3:21). Jesus ascended to heaven to sit on the throne of David (Acts 2:29-35). Paul said Jesus is reigning and “He must reign till He (the Father) has put all things under His (Christ’s) feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death” (1 Cor. 15:24-26). Jesus is King over those who have been born again (Jn. 3:3-5), and will continue His rule until the end of time.
Which “version” do you believe?
There are several “versions” of Mark 16:16 in the religious world. (1) “He who does not believe, but is baptized will be saved.” This is believed by those who teach babies should be baptized for the remission of inherited sins. (2) “He who believes and is saved should be baptized.” This is the teaching of those who believe in salvation by faith only. (3) “He who does not believe and is not baptized will be saved.” This is taught by Universalism which says God is too good to let anyone perish. (4) “He who believes and is baptized will be saved.” This is what Jesus said and the apostles confirmed through miraculous gifts of the Spirit (Mk. 16:15-20). Do you know anyone who claims miraculous leading of the Spirit today who agrees with what the apostles taught and confirmed?
Who are the 144,000?
The Watchtower Society teaches this is a literal number of those who will go to heaven. Revelation is written in figurative language (Rev. 1:1). If the number 144,000 is literal, its composition must also be literal, which means the number is composed of 12,000 Jews from each tribe mentioned, and none from Dan (Rev. 7:1-8). The number was sealed, probably indicating God’s protection of all His people on earth; the great multitude had white robes, probably indicating victorious saints in the keeping of God (Rev. 7:4,9). John identified the great multitude as in heaven (Rev. 19:1). This is figurative language, but the Bible plainly teaches that there is ultimately one hope (Eph. 4:4); that hope is reserved in heaven for the faithful (1 Pet. 1:3-5). The Bible knows nothing of an earth class and a heaven class in eternity.
Who are the elect?
Calvinism teaches that God has predestined certain ones to be saved, and they are the elect. Everyone else is non-elect, therefore lost by God’s choice. Paul said God has “chosen us in Him” and “predestined us to adoption…according to the good pleasure of His will” (Eph. 1:3-5). God’s will is that those who decide to obey Him will be in Christ, therefore saved (Rom. 1:16; Mk. 16:15,16). He is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34,35; Rom. 2:11), therefore did not arbitrarily decide who would be in Christ and who would not. Near the end of the New Testament, John wrote “And whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:17). One preacher put it this way: God votes for you; the devil votes against you; whichever way you vote, that’s the way the election goes!
Who is the First and the Last?
Jehovah said to Israel, “I am the First and I am the Last” (Isaiah 44:6). Jesus said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last” (Rev. 1:11,17). Either there are two “Firsts” and “Lasts” or there is a sense in which the Father and the Son are one. Jesus said “I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me” (Jn. 8:16). So, they are two witnesses. But, He also said “I and the Father are one” (Jn. 10:30). They are not a numerical one, but a united one (cp. Mt. 19:6; Jn. 17:21). There is one Godhead, but three Divine Beings. Doubting Thomas confessed Jesus as “my Lord and my God” (Jn. 20:28), which we must confess to be saved (Rom. 10:6-13).
Who is the Israel of God today?
Paul described himself as a Hebrew of Hebrews (both parents were Hebrews), of the tribe of Benjamin and one who had been circumcised at eight days of age. But all these things he “counted loss for Christ” (Phil. 3:4-6). He told the Romans that circumcision in the flesh was not important, for “a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart” (Rom. 2:28,29). To the Colossians, he said the true circumcision is “made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh” when one is “buried with Him in baptism” (Col. 2:11-13). He told the Galatians that those who are of faith are Abraham’s seed, because they have been baptized into Christ, and “there is neither Jew nor Greek” in Christ (Gal. 3:26-29). The true Israel inherits spiritual blessings, not land.
Who received Holy Spirit baptism?
The Bible records two examples (Acts 2, 10). This week we will notice the first and next week the second. After Matthias was chosen as an apostle and numbered with the eleven, Acts 2:1 says “THEY were all with one accord in one place.” By following the pronouns in Acts 2, it is obvious who received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. THEY were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues (languages, verses 4,6,8,11). Those who spoke were accused of being drunk, and Peter defended the apostles against the charge (vs. 13-15). Those who were “cut to the heart” by the preaching of the apostles were baptized (v. 38) and “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (v. 42), and saw many signs “done through the apostles” (v. 43). Only he apostles received Holy Spirit baptism on Pentecost.
Who received Holy Spirit Baptism? #2
Last week we showed that the apostles received H.S. baptism on Pentecost to qualify them to reveal and confirm the truth. The only other example of H.S. baptism is in Acts 10. When Cornelius received H.S. baptism, Peter said “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” (vs. 47,48). When Peter was criticized (11:1-3), he used the event at Cornelius’ house for the purpose of showing to the Jews that Gentiles should be accepted. He said the Spirit fell on them “as upon us at the beginning” (11:15; 1:8; 2:1-4). His critics said, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life” (11:18). Holy Spirit baptism qualified the apostles for their work and showed that Gentiles were qualified to enter the church.
Who was Michael?
Daniel said Michael was “one of the chief princes” (Dan. 10:13). Jude called him “the archangel” (v. 9). The Watchtower Society teaches Jesus “bore another name in heaven, which is Michael” (“The Truth Shall Make You Free,” p. 49). Joseph Smith taught that Adam was “Michael, the prince, the archangel” (D & C 107:54). The Bible says when Jesus became a man, “He was made a little lower than the angels” (Heb. 2:9), and that God never called an angel His Son (Heb. 1:5). When Jesus came, He was “GOD manifested in the flesh” (1 Tim. 3:16); so He was not Adam, nor Michael. Angels are not to be worshiped (Rev. 22:8,9), but God said “Let all the angels of God worship Him” (Heb. 1:6). Jesus often accepted worship (Mt. 8:2; 9:18; 14:33; 15:25). The Father called the Son GOD (Heb. 1:8), and so should we!
Who will enter the kingdom of heaven?
Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Mt. 7:21). He illustrated what it means to act “in the name” of Christ. Some will say “we prophesied in Your name,” others “we cast out demons in Your name,” and others “we have done wonderful works in Your name,” but Jesus will say “you practice lawlessness” (vs. 22,23). Acts 19:13-17 tells about some Jewish exorcists trying to cast out a demon “in the name of Jesus whom Paul preaches,” but the evil spirit said “Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?” People do not cast out demons today, but many profess to be acting “in the name of Jesus,” while practicing works not authorized by Him.
Why did he leave the Christian Church?
About 80 years ago, Floyd Decker left the Christian Churches and began preaching in Churches of Christ. Here are some of the reasons he gave: (1) The C.C. has Education directors, Associate ministers and Youth directors; the C.of C. has elders, deacons, evangelists and teachers (Eph. 4:11; Phil. 1:1). (2) The C.C. emphasizes society and the physical man by appealing to the carnal nature, with church carnivals, bands, plays, choruses, dramatics, church kitchens, church camps and elaborate fellowship halls; the C.of C. does not (1 Cor. 10:7; 11:22,34; Rom. 14:17). (3) The C.C. owns Radio Stations, Hospitals and other Benevolent Societies; the C.of C. builds nothing but churches (Eph.3:21). He left churches that were practicing things not authorized in the Bible. What would brother Decker do if he were in some churches of Christ today?
Why did Jesus come to the world?
John wrote, “He came to His own (creation), and His own (people) did not receive Him” (Jn. 1:11). Although He was Creator of all things that were made in heaven and on earth (Col. 1:16), He said, I came “to do the will of the Father who sent Me” (Jn. 5:30). Hebrews 10:9 says, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God. He takes away the first that He may establish the second.” The “first” was the Old Testament, and the fading of the glory on Moses’ face typified its passing (2 Cor. 3:7-15). The New Covenant was dedicated by the blood of Christ (Heb. 7:22; 9:16-20), which is memorialized in observing the Lord’s supper (Mt. 26:28). One who does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God (2 Jn. 9).
Why did Jesus use a whip?
When Jesus saw the selling of animals and exchanging of money in the temple, He took a whip and “drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables” (John 2:14-16). The leaders probably argued it was convenient to sell animals to those who had traveled long distances, and it was a good source of revenue for those serving the temple. There was nothing wrong with what they did, only where they were doing it! There are many good works individuals may do that are not works of the church (Gal. 6:10-13). What do you suppose Jesus would do about church buildings being used for social meals, basketball, and family life centers? He would probably need a bulldozer instead of a whip to clean house today!
Why did people follow Christ?
After feeding about 5,000 people with five barley loaves and two small fish, Jesus realized the multitude was going to try to make Him a king, so He began walking on the sea and joined the disciples (Jn. 6). When the multitude followed him to Capernaum, Jesus said, “you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled” (v. 26). Many still “follow Jesus” for the food, frolic and fun, rather than the spiritual food that produces everlasting life (v. 27). John MacArthur, Jr., said megachurches resemble elegant country clubs, with bowling lanes, movie theaters, state-of-the-art gymnasiums, etc. He said, they do not ask whether a method is biblical, but Does it work? (Ashamed of the Gospel, p. 70.) If we are not following Christ, having crowds following us will not please Him.
Why did they call Him Jesus?
The word Jesus means “Jehovah is salvation” (W.E. Vine). An angel said, “you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Mt. 1:21). Isaiah prophesied John would “prepare the way of the Lord (Jehovah)” (Is. 40:3), which was fulfilled in Jesus (Jn. 1:23; 3:28). Jesus is “I Am” (Jn. 8:58), the same name by which God spoke to Moses (Ex. 3:14). While on earth, He was “Immanuel, which is translated, God with us” (Mt. 1:23). No one knows the exact date of His birth. Adam Clarke (Methodist commentator) said His birth has been placed in every month, but “the matter has been considered of no moment by Him who inspired the evangelists” (comments on Luke 2:8). We do know the day of His resurrection (Mk. 16:2), and how we should celebrate it (Acts 20:7).
Why didn’t Abraham keep the Sabbath?
The Sabbath was given to those who came out of Egypt (Dt. 5:1-15; Neh. 9:13,14). That was 430 years after the promise to Abraham (Gal. 3:17), therefore did not apply to him. Why did Moses not observe the Lord’s supper? Because the New Covenant came into effect 1500 years after Moses. Why was neither Abraham nor Moses buried by baptism into the death of Christ and raised in the likeness of His resurrection? (Rom. 6:3,4) Because Jesus had not been raised from the dead, therefore this command did not apply to them. Why do we not obey God’s command to stone to death adulterers? (Jn. 8:5) Because the Covenant given through Moses (Jn. 1:17) and dedicated with the blood of animals (Heb. 9:17-20), passed away. Why would anyone want to go back under that law?
Why is apostasy progressive?
When disciples decided to add a Missionary Society to the organization God authorized (in 1849), instrumental music and many other departures were soon added, resulting in total apostasy. Why? Men measured themselves by themselves (2 Cor. 10:12). When churches began building kitchens and “fellowship halls,” some said: if we can do that, then we can add recreation, entertainment, and whatever draws people. Paul knew what people are converted with, they are converted to (1 Cor. 2:1-5). Those who ignore God’s instructions in 1 Cor. 11:22,34, and provide social meals, cannot object to other departures, because “if we can do that, we can do this.” Apostasy inevitably grows when men reject God’s pattern and use their own practices as their standard. Many of us still believe in speaking where the Bible speaks and being silent where it is silent (1 Pet. 4:11).
What is splitting hairs?
Some think those who insist on Bible authority are just splitting hairs. When Nabab and Abihu offered profane, or unauthorized fire on the altar, they may have thought it made no difference. After all, fire is fire! But God sent another fire and devoured them (Lev. 10:1,2). Paul said whatever we do, in word or deed, must be in the name, by the authority, of Christ (Col. 3:17). Jesus said worship must be in spirit and truth (Jn. 4:24). When men do things not authorized by Christ, their worship is vain (Mt. 15:9). When churches add activities to the work of the church that are not authorized, it is going beyond the doctrine of Christ at great expense (2 Jn. 9). Some do not oppose anything – except those they call “hair-splitters.” Often, those who use this label are simply compromisers.
Why is the Bible so difficult?
Studying the Bible is much like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. It is easier if you have seen the picture. Many read the Bible like trying to put the puzzle together without seeing the picture.
God’s plan is summarized in Gal. 3:15-29. Study it carefully and you will see the promises to Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3), the giving of the Law to Israel (Ex. 20), and the fulfillment of God’s promise to bless all nations in the seed of Abraham. The Old Covenant served as a tutor (bus driver) to bring the Jews to Christ, but after Christ came they were no longer under the bus driver. Those who obey “the faith” are heirs of the promise to Abraham.
Why was Cornelius baptized in water?
After Cornelius (the first Gentile convert) was baptized with the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44,45; 11:15,16), Peter said: “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord…” (Acts 10:47,48). This passage identifies baptism “in the name of the Lord” as being in water. The Samaritans had been baptized “in the name of the Lord” but had not received a miraculous gift of the Spirit, therefore it was not Holy Spirit baptism (Acts 8:14-16). Jews on Pentecost were told to repent and be baptized “in the name of Jesus Christ” for the remission of sins (2:38). Therefore, baptism “in the name of Christ” is in water and for the remission of sins.
Will Christ reign in Jerusalem?
The Premillennial system teaches that when Jesus returns, He will sit on David’s throne, return the Jews to Palestine and reinstitute animal sacrifices. The Bible teaches the Law was nailed to the cross, the New Testament was dedicated with His blood and the Lord’s supper is a memorial of His death and resurrection (Heb. 9:11-23; 1 Cor. 11:23-30). Under the New Covenant, there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile (Gal. 3:28,29), and there is no promise of land for anyone. Jesus is not coming to build a temple in Jerusalem and return the Jews to Palestine. He is coming to judge all nations (Mt. 25:31,32).
Will Christ reign on earth for 1,000 years?
The book of Revelation mentions a thousand years reign – but does not mention Christ on earth. John said “the souls of those who had been beheaded” will reign with Christ (Rev. 20:4-6). Ray Summers (a Baptist) wrote, “no one would have ever dreamed of a literal thousand years of Christ’s reign upon the earth (setting up a throne in Jerusalem, etc.)… Yet whole systems of eschatology…have been constructed on this precarious basis of highly symbolic verses” (Worthy Is The Lamb, p. 203).
Will Christ sit on David’s throne in Jerusalem?
The Premillennial system says that Jesus will sit on David’s throne in Jerusalem and reign for 1,000 years. The angel, Gabriel, told Mary that her son would be given the throne of David and would reign forever (Lk. 1:26-33). Peter said God’s promise that the fruit of David’s body would sit on his throne, referred to the resurrection and ascension of Christ (Acts 2:29-36). Daniel prophesied that the Son of God would receive a kingdom when He ascended to heaven, not when He came back (Dan. 7:13,14). Zechariah said He would be both Priest and King (Zech. 6:12,13). Jesus is now both priest (Heb. 8:1) and king (Acts 17:7). The premillennial theory dethrones Christ.
Will Jesus reign on David’s throne in Jerusalem?
Amos prophesied that the tabernacle of David would be raised and Gentiles would participate in it (Amos 9:11,12). In the Jerusalem conference, James quoted this prophecy and said it was fulfilled in Gentiles being accepted into the Lord’s kingdom (Acts 15:13-17). An angel told Mary that her Son would reign on the throne of David, and His kingdom would have no end (Lk. 1:30-33). Peter said Jesus was raised from the dead to sit on the throne of David (Acts 2:29-32). When Jesus ascended to heaven, He was given the everlasting kingdom (Dan. 7:13,14; Heb. 12:28). Jesus is now our Priest (Heb. 5:5,6) and King (1 Tim. 6:13-16). When He comes again, He will deliver the kingdom to the Father and end His reign (1 Cor. 15:22-28). The Bible does not teach a future reign of Christ on earth.
Will preachers be judges?
Paul said God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world by Christ, and “has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:31). Matthew said, when Jesus comes again “all nations will be gathered before Him,” and He will separate the sheep from the goats (Mt. 25:31-33). When preachers consign people to heaven, or to hell, because they were on a desert and could not be baptized, they are presuming to be judges. Jesus said “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk. 16:16). He did not say infants who are baptized will later believe, nor did He say one who is saved by faith will later be baptized. When preachers presume to make exceptions to what God said, they need to be reminded that the Judge was resurrected!
Will the Gospel tame wild animals?
Isaiah’s prophecy about wild beasts and vipers getting along with tamed animals and children (Is. 11:6-9), has been interpreted literally by some religious people. The next verse says the “Root of Jesse” would reign and Gentiles would be saved. This verse is quoted by Paul and applied to Christ and the salvation of Gentiles as well as Jews (Rom. 15:8-12).
In describing the same period of time, Isaiah later said, “No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast go up on” the Highway of Holiness (Is. 35:8,9). Both statements are true, because Isaiah was talking about the spiritual kingdom of Christ in which men are transformed into peaceful beings (Eph. 2:14-17). The gospel tames the viciousness in men, not in beasts or snakes!
Will there be degrees of punishment?
Jesus said some cities, because of their advantages over others, would have worse punishment (Mt. 10:14,15; 11:21-24). He said the “servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few…” (Lk. 12:47,48). People ask, what about the barbarian who never saw a Bible? They should be concerned about being unprepared where Bibles are abundant! Peter said it would be better never to have known God’s will than to know it and turn away (2 Pet. 2:20-22). That implies it will be worse for some than for others! Punishment will be bad for anyone, but one who knew, or had opportunity to know, and did not, will suffer more.
Will we meet in the rapture?
Premillennialists teach there will be a rapture of the saved before Christ establishes His kingdom. John L. Bray (a Baptist preacher in Lakeland, Fl.) has written extensively against this theory. He documented that the first to write such was Morgan Edwards in 1788. Edwards predicted the lake of fire will be on the moon, the millennium would begin in 1996 and the rapture 3 1/2 years prior. The Bible says nothing about a rapture of seven years, nor animal sacrifices being reinstituted. Paul said Jesus will come with a shout and the trumpet of God, not a secret coming; the dead in Christ will be raised first (before the living saints are caught up), and they will be caught up together to “always be with the Lord,” not 7 years and then back to earth (1 Thess. 4:14-17).
Will wild beasts be tamed in the kingdom?
Isaiah predicted wild animals and reptiles would lose their ferocity in the “mountain of the Lord’s house” (Is. 11:6-9). Premillennialists ignore the context and other passages in Isaiah and conclude that these things would literally happen. The context shows those things would happen when the root of Jesse reigned and Gentiles were admitted into the “holy mountain” (Is. 11:10). Jesus is the root of Jesse (Rom. 15:8-12) and Gentiles can seek the Lord (Acts 11:1-18). Isaiah was talking about the effect of the gospel on the hearts of man, not on beasts and snakes. Later, he said in the Highway of Holiness, “No lion shall be there, Nor shall any ravenous beast go up on it” (Is. 35:9). Both are teaching that Christ’s kingdom is spiritual, and carnal means are not used to establish nor defend it.