Historical Posts
Danger of Extremes
When eyeglasses were first introduced they created quite a stir. Doctors opposed them as harmful to the eyes, and the clergy insisted that trying to restore failing eyesight by artificial means was an act of defiance against God. Both saw them as a danger to the wearer.
Around the turn of the 20th century, a group of Christians in Evanston, Illinois decided that the fizz in carbonated drinks was a danger as a corrupting influence on the young. They forbade the sale of ice cream sodas on Sunday. To circumvent the rule, ice cream parlors left out the soda and put a topping on their ice cream. This new concoction became known as the “Sunday.”
In Matthew 15 the Lord’s disciples were criticized for eating without first washing their hands. The tradition of the Jewish elders called for the washing of hands before meals. Hand washing among Jews was not simply an act of cleanliness, but a ceremony, and to neglect it was a sin as great as that of eating pork. “He who neglects hand washing deserves to be punished here and hereafter,” says the book of Sohar. They argued, “He is guilty of death…It is better to go four miles to water than to incur guilt by neglecting hand washing…He who does not wash his hands after eating is as bad as a murderer.”
The Law, however, said absolutely nothing regarding this practice. The Law did, however, command that children honor their parents, a practice which the Pharisees sought to free themselves from. Thus, they were more interested in upholding their traditions than adhering to the law of God. Jesus indicted them for binding traditions while ignoring direct commands from the Almighty. He further accused them of paying lip service and not offering heartfelt worship. This was precisely what Isaiah had predicted (Isaiah 29:13). Their worship was “vain” because it exalted the “doctrines of men” and ignored the commandments of God (Matthew 15:9).
In their quest for spirituality they had become ardent enforcers of tradition, but careless in regard to divine commands. Christians must be mindful of that danger and careful not to make a similar mistake. If we do, we will be just as guilty and our worship just as vain!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Matthew 28:18-20 – Authority is all in Jesus – Audio
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Text: Matthew 28:18-20 (Reading by Don Treadway)
“By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority (Matthew 21:23)?” The chief priests and elders questioned the authority of Jesus. He did not answer them because they could not handle the answer. His disciples, on the other hand, could understand because they had come to know Him.
I. Jesus has been given all authority.
A. Jesus was given all authority (Matthew 28:18; Daniel 7:13-14).
B. This authority could only come from God (Ephesians 4:6; John 12:48-50).
C. He spoke with authority (Matthew 7:29).
D. He has full authority over…
1) …nature (Mark 4:39).
2) …unclean spirits (Mark 1:21-27).
3) …death (John 2:19; 10:17-18).
4) …judgment (Jonn 5:22-23,26-27; Acts 10:42).
5) …angels, authorities, and powers (1 Peter 3:22).
6) …the church (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18).
II. Jesus gave His disciples authority to make disciples.
A. Jesus commanded them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).
B. They were to preach the gospel, and signs would accompany them (Mark 16:15-18).
C. They preached repentance and remission of sins, beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 24:46-49; Acts 2).
III. We must abide by His authority.
A. Jesus said we are to observe all things He has commanded us (Matthew 28:20).
B. The early church continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42).
C. Whatever we do, we are to do “in the name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:17).”
Are we abiding by the authority of Christ? Have we been obedient to the gospel? Are we faithfully keeping all His commandments?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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In the Name of The Lord
“Do All in the Name of the Lord”
“What-e’er you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord; do naught in name of man or creed, do all in the name of the Lord. Do all in His name, do all in the name of the Lord; in word or deed, as God decreed, do all in the name of the Lord.” These words were penned by Austin Taylor in 1916, and are still sung today. They are taken from Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
First, we do in word in the name of the Lord Jesus by:
- Letting them be acceptable in His sight (Psalm 19:14).
- Letting our lips show forth His praise (Psalm 51:15).
- Being justified, and not condemned, by our words (Matthew 12:37).
- Letting our speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6).
- Being nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed (1 Timothy 4:6).
Next, we do in deed in the name of the Lord Jesus by:
- Looking into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, being not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work (James 1:25).
- Loving in deed and in truth (1 John 3:18).
- Fully preaching the gospel of Christ (Romans 15:18-20).
Christ did all in word and deed! He did not sin, nor was guile found in His mouth (1 Peter 2:21-23). He went about doing good (Acts 10:38). By following His example, whatever we do, we “do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Age of Tolerance
Some Behave Line There is No Other Sin but Lack of Tolerance
If I had to describe this period in our history in two or three words I would say we are living in the “Age of Tolerance.” I believe there are vast numbers of people who are convinced that the worst sin in the world is the sin of intolerance. In fact, I am convinced that there are some who believe there is no other sin but lack of tolerance!
Judge Righteous Judgment
These are the people who are always quoting the words of Jesus, “Judge not that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1), while ignoring another of His statements, “Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). I hasten to point out that the two statements are not contradictory. In the first He was confronting the hypocrisy of one who condemns others while being guilty of the same or greater sins himself. In the latter, His statement was an indictment of those who were quick to condemn Him as a law breaker for healing on the Sabbath, yet found no fault with circumcising a baby on the Sabbath. The Sabbath law did not prohibit doing good on the Sabbath. Judgment should not be hypocritical.
We Must Make Judgments
There is not an area of life where we do not have to make judgments. We must make judgments in the voting booth, the grocery store, the car lot, and even the clothes closet. We understand the need to make such judgments in every area of life but religion. Here we are told by socienty that it really doesn’t matter what religion we choose, and we dare not be critical of and must be have tolerance for the choices of others. Further, it is argued that moral and ethical matters are all relative. To suggest anything else is to be labeled as lacking tolerance and being judgmental.
Jesus Warned of False Teachers
If that is the case, then Jesus was was judgmental and lacked tolerance. He warned of false teachers whom he labeled “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (Matthew 7:15). He then urged his disciple to examine their “fruit” to determine the validity of their message (Matthew 7:16-20). One cannot do that without making judgments. These judgments are not determined by our will, but by God’s word. When I say that adultery, fornication, and homosexuality are sinful, I am not judging! I am only repeating what God’s Word says (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10). Cries for tolerance (acceptance) of sin will fall on deaf ears when we are attuned to the word of God. I am certainly not advocating that sinners be abused, maligned, or discriminated against. I am simply pleading for them to abandon their sin and embrace the Savior. Call me intolerant if you like. I have no problem with that label when it comes to sin. As Christians we must hate sin while loving sinners.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Antiquated or Outdated?
Is the Bible Outdated or Antiquated?
Times have changed since Jesus walked the paths of Galilee. How could his message be relevant in a modern, technological society? The Bible is outdated! You’ve heard the arguments before. At first these assertions sound plausible, but look more carefully. Is the Bible outdated?
Things aren’t that much different.
Sure, we’ve made enormous technological advances, but people are still the same, and we still have the same problems.
- From an Egyptian letter dated 256 B.C., someone wrote:
“I am in difficulty both summer and winter about my salary.” - Cicero, an astute Roman statesman (106-46 B.C.) observed:
“The first of June and nothing done by the Senate.” - Socrates (470-399 B.C.) complained:
“Athletics have become professionalized.” - And, one of the most interesting comments of all was made by Emperor Diocletian when he wrote:
“Who has not seen with his own eyes the present spirit which forces up the price of commodities to such a degree that human language cannot find words to express the transaction?”
The Bible is a book about men, not machines.
The Bible is a message from God to man. It addresses the one problem that has plagued every generation since Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit. That problem is SIN! Science and technology cannot solve it. But, Jesus offers a solution. He was “made to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). The world may have changed since Jesus traveled the roads of Palestine, but people are still the same.
As we enter a new age of technology in the 21st century, man must still confront the “age-old” problem of sin. The only solution will still be Jesus. He is “the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
Some may ask, “If the Bible is still relevant, why is there so much sin in the world, and why does it seem that religion has failed?” The answer is quite simple. The solution to a problem will only work when it is followed. The message of Christ is ignored by millions. Many of the major denominations make no effort to be governed by the Bible and its authority. They have succumbed to the pressures of compromise, but God’s word is uncompromising.
Christ, His Word, and His Church are as relevant as ever.
He is every generation’s only hope. Today, and every day, we must remember him.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Self-Examination
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). The implication from the text is that there is a time for everything. The list the author provided was not intended to be exhaustive, but representative. There is a season for everything, and a time for every purpose under heaven: birth and death, planting and harvesting, war and peace, all have their appointed time.
Perhaps it is time for us to take personal inventory and do some self-examination.
The apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth and commanded self-examination: “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Prove yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?–unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Perhaps it is time for us to take personal inventory.
- Are we in the faith?
- How do we know?
- What standard do we use?
Some answer these questions with: “I feel it in my heart!”
But, can we trust our feelings? Didn’t Saul feel he was doing God’s bidding when he persecuted the church? He said, “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth” (Acts 26:9). He was wrong, and later self-examination shows that!
Others seek to determine whether or not they are “in the faith” by comparing themselves with other Christians.
That won’t work either, because the standard is flawed. We are all imperfect. Again, Paul warned: “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves; but they measuring themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” (2 Corinthians 10:12). Our self-examination must use a reliable standard.
Only one reliable standard exists for determining whether or not we are “in the faith.”
That standard is the word of God. Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).
Where do we stand in respect to the commands of the Almighty?
How do we compare with the perfect standard – Jesus Christ? Where do we need to do better? Remember Jesus’ warning: “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” (Matthew 7:21). Now you know why we place so much emphasis upon the Scriptures.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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On the Contrary
Are Christians Contrary?
Living a different, or contrary, lifestyle than another can cause curiosity. Sometimes that curiosity might lead to trouble; other times that curiosity can open doors to open and honest communication. For example, Haman noted to King Ahasuerus that the Jews’ “laws are different from all other people’s, and they do not keep the king’s laws (Esther 3:8).” He did not want them to remain, yet Ester was chosen to be queen to Ahasuerus and helped to save the Jewish people.
Paul called a spirit of divination out of a girl in Philippi, contrary to her masters desires. Since their profit was gone, they brought them to the magistrates and accused them of “exceedingly troubling our city; and…teaching customs which are not lawful (Acts 16:16-21)…” As a result, Paul and Silas were thrown into prison. However, this resulted in the other prisoners and Philippian jailer having a chance to hear the gospel. The latter heard it and obeyed it!
Paul also commended the Thessalonians for following the Christian examples of others. However, by doing so, they had to suffer persecution from their own countrymen, even as they did from the Judeans. The Judeans were guilty of killing the Lord and their own prophets, and thus did not seek to please God. Thus, they were “contrary to all men (1 Thessalonians 2:13-16).”
We must live our lives according to God, even if it is contrary to the world and what is accepted by the world, for the world has no authority to change God’s Word. In a dark world, Jesus said to “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).” Hopefully our contrary lifestyle will open the door for communication and salvation!
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Wrong Questions
Are We Asking The Wrong Questions?
When disaster strikes, we ask, “Why?” When suffering comes into our lives, we ask, “Why me?” These are the wrong questions. We should be asking, “What can I learn from this?” Or, “How do I deal with it?” No life is free from adversity. It is foolish to think that we can go through life unscathed. Troubles come into life as surely “as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). No one should be surprised by adversity. It is inevitable! How we deal with it is another issue altogether. It can make us or break us, and we really do determine which it will be.
When troubles enter a marriage the first question often raised is, “Should we get a divorce?” But, again, that is the wrong question. What should be asked is, “How do we fix it?” There are no broken marriages which cannot be fixed if both parties want to resolve the problems. At the root of nearly every broken marriage is a communication problem. And frankly, at the heart of this problem is a failure not to talk but to listen. It is not by accident that James admonished, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). When we focus on the symptoms we are asking the wrong questions. If you find yourself in a troubled marriage, start looking for solutions, not an escape!
When religious controversy arises, the question is raised: “Who is right?” That’s another example of asking the wrong questions! The correct question ought to be, “What is right?” If truth is to triumph in the hearts of men there must be a constant pursuit of the truth. After all, it was Jesus who said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). We cannot close our eyes to the message because we dislike the messenger. We must not reject the truth because it conflicts with our traditions. We must not let the messenger have more sway over us than the message. This is, however, exactly what happens when we allow “smooth words and flattering speech” to triumph over truth (Romans 16:17-18).
When someone dies the inevitable question is, “How did they die?” Was it an accident? Had they been sick? Did they have a heart attack? But, the more important question to be raised is, “How did they live?” Death is inevitable, and judgment follows (Hebrews 9:27). The verdict rendered at Judgment is not based on how we died, but how we lived? Perhaps we would all benefit from an honest appraisal of how we are living, and whether or not we are prepared for death and what follows!
Don’t get mired in asking the wrong questions. Let’s ask the right questions. Let’s consult the Bible for the right answers.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Sound Familiar?
Pay attention to the warnings form the past. They should sound familiar and we should learn from them.
Isaiah, a prophet of Israel, seven centuries before Christ, warned his nation of impending disaster. The warning should sound familiar. The moral foundations of Israel were crumbling, and without a strong moral foundation, no nation can long survive. As I read Isaiah, I am struck by the similarities between that society and our own.
First, Isaiah described a people who loved alcohol and sought escape in the bottle. He wrote: “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them” (Isaiah 5:11). In a culture where alcohol and drug abuse have reached epidemic proportions, his words hauntingly sound familiar. People are still looking for escape, but are not finding it. Misery is the companion of those who turn to drugs and alcohol.
Second, Israel had forgotten God. They would go into captivity because they had no knowledge of God (Isaiah 5:13). Today, parents do everything in their power to see that their children have the best toys, the latest fashions, the nicest houses, and the finest education money can buy. But, that which every parent needs to pass on to their offspring is neglected. Does this sound familiar? Children are growing up without a spiritual foundation. Only in God can we find answers to the great questions of life. If God is left out, it matters little what kind of education we provide our children, for they will grow up spiritually ignorant and without meaning and purpose for their existence.
Third, he spoke of a nation with warped values. Good had become evil, and evil had become good (Isaiah 5:20). That surely does sound familiar. Many of those things which our parents and grandparents recognized as sinful are now embraced and endorsed by society. Adultery, abortion, homosexuality, gambling, and a number of other immoral and ungodly activities are no longer frowned upon. In fact, those who oppose these things are now the bad guys! Good is again evil, and evil is good.
It is not too late, yet, but soon it will be. It is imperative that we begin again to build a society on the moral and ethical foundations of God’s word. Unless we change directions soon, the America many of us know and love will no longer exist.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Pleasing Men, or God?
Is it more important to be pleasing men, or God?
Someone, when asked the secret to success, replied: “I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.” He was right on target. Those of us who seek to preach and teach Jesus would be wise to keep those words in mind and be aware of whether we are pleasing men, or God.
The apostle Paul warned the churches of Galatia: “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:6-10). It’s clear that Paul was more interested in pleasing God than men!
Jesus was far more interested in pleasing His Father than in pleasing men. The Pharisees (a sect of Judaism) found His message terribly offensive. The disciples came to their Lord and said, “Do you not know that the Pharisees were offended…” (Matthew 15:12). The Lord responded: “Let them alone, they be blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit” (Matthew 15:14). Jesus clearly demonstrated whether He would please men, or God. Jesus had not come to court the favor of men. His aim was to please His Father (John 5:30).
We will never succeed in our service to Christ until we are more concerned with pleasing God than men. Our message must not be determined by what people want to hear, but what God wants us to say. The charge to Timothy is still valid. “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside unto myths” (2 Timothy 4:2-4). In essence, you know whether you should seek to be pleasing men, or God. Don’t be a people pleaser. There is no success when we seek to please men. There can be no failure when we please God. Who do we seek to please? Have you started seeking to please Him by accepting His salvation?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Men and Women in the Church
The church is the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18), and includes both men and women (Acts 5:14). Paul explained to the Corinthians that there is one body, yet that body is made up of different members with different functions (1 Corinthians 12). Regardless of gender, there is something each person can do in the body of Christ.
Sadly, there has been confusion as to what men and women can and cannot do. We must remember that the Scriptures, not our feelings, give us the authority for what we can or cannot do (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Paul told Timothy: “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence (1 Timothy 2:8-12).” He told the Corinthians, “Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church (1 Corinthians 14:34-35).”
Paul told Titus: “…The older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things – that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works (Titus 2:2-8)…”
Scripture tells us that men led in the worship, women taught women and children, and that everyone, regardless of age, was to set a good Christian example. Women were not permitted to lead in worship because it was the woman who was deceived and fell into transgression (1 Timothy 2:13-15; Genesis 3).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Taxation Talk – audio
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As a number of seats were determined yesterday in the House and Senate, a few items on some ballots involved taxes. Some taxes were accepted; others were rejected. Voters want to know how much of a tax they are paying and what the tax goes toward. Some people want to know where every penny spent goes.
Paul had a little to tell the Romans concerning the government and taxes (Romans 13:1-7). The government has a role to use taxes in the proper way, and Christians must render taxes to whom taxes are due.
This was the concern of the Pharisees as they sent their disciples with the Herodians to Jesus. They wanted to know if it was lawful to pay taxes unto Caesar. Jesus told them to “render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s (Matthew 22:15-22).”
Some even questioned Peter about Jesus paying the temple tax (Matthew 17:24-27). Jesus explained to him that although the sons of the king are free from paying taxes, they would pay in order to avoid offending them. Interestingly, money was provided to pay for them that did not belong to them.
Just as it is good to pay taxes, one must be careful about collecting them. Zacchaeus was a tax collector that was seen as a sinner in the public eye, but was brought salvation by Jesus; Matthew was a tax collector that left all in order to follow Jesus, becoming His disciple (Matthew 9).
As Christians, it is our primary to serve God (Matthew 6:33; Acts 5:29). When paying our taxes, we are supporting the good and combating the evil. It is what Jesus would have us to do. He taught what He learned from His parents as they paid their taxes (Luke 2:1-5).
Content by Richard Dillon
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No Rule Changes
Thanks to Al Parr, working with the Saline Church of Christ, for the content of this post.
Expect No Rule Changes from God.
“And I besought the LORD at that time, saying, O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might? I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon. But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter. Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan.” – Deuteronomy 3:23-27
We know what is expected of us, as Moses had known when he struck the rock, and now in this life is the time to do it. Asking God to change the rules later did not work for Moses, and it will not work for us. No rule changes should be expected.
It is not mercy that changes the rules with respect to persons, but anarchy; God will respect His word, and so, therefore, must we.
Al Parr works Confirming the Churches and preaches at the Saline Church of Christ
7300 East Michigan Avenue
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-4319
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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It Can Not be Part True and Part Myth
Thanks to Al Parr, working with the Saline Church of Christ, for the content of this post.
“For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark.” – Matthew 24:38
Jesus said that Noah lived and the flood happened as it is recorded in Genesis. If the flood story is false, as many affirm, then Jesus is a liar.
You either take the whole Bible, or you reject the whole Bible; it can’t be part true and part myth, because it is all one complete revelation.
It is often said that “the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.” Just so, every page of the Bible is inextricably linked to every other page, the entire account depending upon every word.
The Old Testament was written as God moved men to write (2 Peter 1:21), and the New Testament was preached and written in the words of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:12-13). Not part true and part myth – all of it true.
Al Parr works Confirming the Churches and preaches at the Saline Church of Christ
7300 East Michigan Avenue
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-4319
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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Indisputable Facts – II
The advent of choirs, the use of solos, and various other forms of religious entertainment were late comers to the worship of the church and lack any New Testament authority. The Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature (Vol. VI, page 758) says: “These innovations were first made in the 4th century; and though the people continued to enjoy their ancient privilege of all singing together, it is conceivable that it gradually was forced to die…An artificial style of music, having no affinity with the worship of God, soon began to take the place of those solemn airs which before had inspired the devotion of his people.”
Further, Neander writes of the consequences of bringing secular music into the church as follows: “We have to regret that both in the Eastern and Western Church their sacred music had already assumed an artificial and theatrical character, and was so far removed from its original simplicity that even in the 4th century the abbot Pambo of Egypt complained that heathen melodies [accompanied as it seems with the action of the hands and feet] had been introduced into their Church psalmody” (Kirchengesch, ii, 681: comp. Scriptores Ecclesiastici, De Musica, i [1784] 3).
These innovations ultimately lead to the demise of congregational singing. “Thus it soon came about that the many, instead of uniting their hearts and their voices in the songs of Zion, could only sit coldly by as spectators” (Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature (Vol. VI, page 758). These are indisputable facts of history.
Further, the New Testament knows nothing of the present state of division within Christendom. From Acts 2 to the close of Revelation there was only one church. Denominationalism did not exist! The Bible makes it clear that Jesus came to build one church (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:4; Colossians 1:18). One church is all we find in the Bible. These are also indisputable facts.
If it is important to respect the authority of the New Testament, then these are matters of extreme significance. If, on the other hand, it is more important to do what we deem best rather than what is clearly authorized in Scripture, then these are matters of little concern. I am convinced by Scripture that it is far more important do what God authorizes in His word than to do what appeals to men (Galatians 1:10). Therefore, I am committed to teaching the truth on these matters whether others agree or not!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Indisputable Facts – I
Although baptism is said to involve the sprinkling, pouring or immersion of one in water, it is admitted that in the New Testament baptism involved a burial or immersion of the convert in water. Baptism is called a burial (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12). John baptized at Aenon near Salim because much water was available there (John 3:23). When Jesus was baptized the record says He came immediately out of the water (Matthew 3:16). Obviously, if He came out of the water He had to go down into it. The only reason for Him to do that was the fact that His baptism required a burial in water. The same can be said for the account of the Ethiopian’s baptism (Acts 8:38). In the New Testament baptism was indisputably an immersion in water! One who has undergone sprinkling or pouring has not been baptized.
Further, there is not one single account of infant baptism in the New Testament. That practice has no Scriptural authority. It developed in response to the false doctrines of total depravity and original sin. These are indisputable facts, neither of which can be sustained in the Bible!
Any student of the New Testament knows that music was an important element in the worship of the church (Matthew 26:30; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). The introduction of any mechanical instruments of music into the worship of the church came centuries after the close of the New Testament and came without any New Testament authorization. According to the Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature (Volume VI, page 759): “The general introduction of instrumental music can certainly not be assigned to a date earlier than the 5th and 6th centuries; yea, even Gregory the Great, who towards the end of the 6th century added greatly to the existing Church music, absolutely prohibited the use of instruments.” Music in the church, at least through the first five centuries of her history, was undisputedly singing without musical accompaniment of any kind.
If, as some argue, the use of mechanical instruments is authorized in the New Testament, it is clear that the disciples through the first five centuries of the church’s existence were unaware of it. That defies belief! Now you may reason that this is not a matter of any great concern to believers, but for those who believe that it is important to respect the Divine will, these are matters of grave importance. These are indisputable facts. Now we must determine how we will respond to them.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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A Lesson from our Past
Learn from our past. Seek to be Christian, and Christian only.
Diana Ross McCain, writing in Early American Life (October, 1989), described the hardships of worship in seventeenth century Connecticut. In our past, Church attendance was almost universal since it was required by law of young and old alike, unless excused by serious illness or some other equally compelling circumstance.
Church buildings were not built for the comfort of the church goer in our past. Winters were especially hard on the devout. The church building of that day had no fireplace, no stove, and no significant heat source of any kind. Preachers often delivered their sermons wearing their heavy coats and mittens. Samuel Griswold Ridgefield, writing of his boyhood in Ridgefield, Connecticut, around the turn of the nineteenth century, said, “Nobody thought of staying home from church because of the extremity of the weather.”
About 1830 stoves were introduced. Writing about their introduction, Ridgefield, noted: “As soon as this reform was suggested, they began to wrestle with the people, until at last the church and society were divided into two violent factions, the Stove Party and the Anti-stove Party.” At the first worship service following the introduction of the stove, the head of the anti-stove faction slid to the floor in her pew in a faint. She was carried outside where she quickly regained consciousness. “What happened?” she was asked. “Oh, it is the heat of those awful stoves,” she replied. “No, no, my dear,” responded the head of the stove faction, “That can’t be: it’s a warm day, you know, and there’s no fire in them.”
It is an amusing story, but it illustrates an important point from our past that is still applicable today. It has been man’s tendency, almost since the day God first revealed His will to man, for men to seek to change it. We either make laws where God has made none, or set aside the laws which He has made. Moses warned against this when he wrote: “What thing so ever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it” (Deuteronomy 12:32).
So many problems could be avoided if only we would heed this command! Let’s not make laws where God has made none, and let’s not set aside any which He has made.
Would you join us in seeking to be Christians, and Christians only?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Is the Bible the Rule Book for the Church?
Thanks to Al Parr, working with the Saline Church of Christ, for the content of this post.2 Thessalonians 3:6 – “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition that he received of us.”
Is the Bible the rule book for the church, or isn’t it?
We see everywhere today the results of the hijacking of churches by agents of change. It’s not entirely the fault of the hijackers! When people begin to teach in the church what was not taught by the apostles and recorded in the Bible, they must be stopped (Titus 1:11). When we make excuses against confronting them, we ourselves become contributors to the apostasy (1 John 1:11) that will surely result from all false teaching and practice.
How much plainer could the rule be?
The sentence includes the words “command,” “you,” “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” “ye” and “every.” It’s not an option; it’s a direct order from your Master, and your response to it will be weighed in the final judgment day.
And how many other souls will be affected by your words and actions?
Al Parr works Confirming the Churches and preaches at the Saline Church of Christ
7300 East Michigan Avenue
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-4319
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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Luke 06:46-49 – Lord, Lord – audio
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Text: Luke 6:46-49
Introduction
A. Who is Lord of your life?
1) Do you call all the shots?
2) Do your parents always tell you what to do?
3) Is there someone else that rules your life?
B. Only Jesus should be Lord of your life!
Body
I. Jesus Christ is Lord!
A. There is one Lord (Ephesians 4:5).
B. God made Jesus both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36).
C. Jesus is Lord of:
1) lords (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14; 19:16).
2) Jews and Gentiles (Romans 10:12).
3) dead and living (Romans 14:9).
4) all (Acts 10:36).
D. Saul of Tarsus did not know the Lord (Acts 9:4-6).
E. Everyone will know the Lord (Hebrews 8:11).
F. We can only serve one Lord (Luke 16:13).
G. If Jesus Christ is our Lord, we must do to others as He did for us (John 13:13-17).
II. We must do what the Lord says!
A. As a servant honors his mater, we owe honor and reverence to the Lord (Malachi 1:6).
B. Simply saying, “Lord, Lord” will not give us access into the kingdom of heaven; rather, we must do His will (Matthew 7:21-23).
C. The doers of the Lord’s will, not the hearers, will be blessed (James 1:22-25).
Conclusion
A. We must give the more earnest heed to what the Lord has to say (Hebrews 2:1-3).
B. We must confess Jesus is Lord in order to be saved (Romans 10:9ff.).
C. There will be a time in which everyone shall confess Jesus as Lord; for some, it will be too late (Philippians 2:9-11).
D. Christ is Lord of our lives when we put on Christ in baptism and live for Him, and Him alone (Galatians 3:27).
Content by Richard Dillon
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I Think…
Solomon admonished: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Later he wrote: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12).
The prophet Jeremiah confessed, “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).
On our own we are incapable of charting a course which will lead to God. We simply lack the wisdom and expertise to do it, but that doesn’t keep people from trying!
Over the years I have been involved in numerous Bible studies in which the scriptures have been consulted in answer to some question. And often, the response is, “I don’t care what the Scriptures say, I think…” It is hard for me to understand that kind of arrogant attitude, but it’s certainly not new.
You are probably familiar with the Old Testament story of Naaman. Naaman was a leper in search of a cure. His search ultimately led him to Elisha, a prophet of God in Israel. The prophet, knowing what Naaman sought, did not even bother to meet with the man. He simply sent a servant to tell Naaman to dip seven times in the Jordan River. The leper’s reaction was not at all surprising. The record says: “But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, he will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper” (2 Kings 5:11). However, what Naaman thought was wrong! It was only when he did what was commanded that his leprosy was cured.
What we think about homosexuality, women’s roles, acceptable worship, baptism, or any other matter is not nearly as important as what God has said about it.
Our responsibility is not to do what we think is best, but to do what God tells us in His book! What we think about a matter is irrelevant when God has addressed the subject. The next time you start to say “I think,” remember the correct response should be “the Bible says…!”
Thus, Peter admonished: “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God…” (1 Peter 4:11).
If you have questions, the Bible has the answers.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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