Historical Posts
Sound Advice
What shall we do?
The people came to John the Baptist asking, “What shall we do then?” (Luke 3:10). He answered them, “He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise” (Luke 3:11). The publicans (tax collectors) followed suit, asking, “Master, what shall we do?” John replied, “Exact no more than that which is appointed you” (Luke 3:13). The soldiers followed with the same question, “What shall we do?” To them John said, “Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages” (Luke 3:14).
Three lessons
What did John tells these folks? Three fundamental lessons on life are offered. We would do well to listen.
First, if you have wealth, share it
Paul admonished Christians to work that they might have to give to those in need (Ephesians 4:28). Wealth is not to be hoarded, but to be used. The tragic story of the rich man was told by our Lord to reinforce this lesson (Luke 12:16-21). No man is truly rich who leaves God out of his life and ignores the needs of his fellow man (1 John 3:17-18).
Second, if you are in a position of trust, honor it
Tax collectors were notorious for the abuses of their office. They were in a position of trust and service, and not one of privilege and personal gain. Many politicians and preachers need to take heed. As Christians, we have a solemn charge from God to “provide things honest in the sight of all men” (Romans 12:17). Positions of trust must not be misused for personal gain.
Third, if you have power, do not abuse it
Although clearly directed to the military, this principle has application in every area of life where men have authority over others. Stories of abuses of power abound in the military, law enforcement, government, and even the home. Such abuse is never justified. It is not the use of force which John prohibited, but the abuse of it which he condemned.
The same answer applies today
If we were to ask the same question today, I suspect the answer would be the same. It’s sound advice. We would be wise to listen and learn.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Why Can’t We Agree?
Division is condemned
Why are there so many churches? Why is there so much disagreement among professed believers? Will believers ever be united? Unity is desirable. Jesus prayed that His disciples would be united (John 17:20-21). Division was condemned in the church at Corinth. Paul pleaded with them to speak the same thing and to be perfectly joined together in mind and thought (1 Corinthians 1:10). It is said of the early church at Jerusalem that they were of one heart and soul (Acts 4:32).
What can we do?
Can we understand the Bible? Is unity possible? Where have we gone wrong? What can we do?
We need unity
First, we must acknowledge the need for unity. A house divided against itself cannot stand (Matthew 12:22-28). When division occurs, believers become so involved in fighting each other that the real enemy, Satan, goes unchallenged. He (the devil) is, therefore, the greatest advocate of division. Only the devil rejoices when brethren fight. All of us should long for common ground upon which we can stand together.
Authority of Scripture is the answer
Second, not only is unity desirable, it is attainable. But, for unity to occur we must acknowledge the authority of Scripture, and willing submit to it. Here is where the problems arise. The difficulty is not in understanding what the Scriptures say, but in accepting what they say. Far too often, our actions are based, not on what the Bible teaches, but on what we think, feel, or believe! Everything is subjective, and the absolute standard of God’s word is ignored. There can be no unity where truth is ignored. Faith and practice must derive from Scripture (1 Peter 4:11).
Unity in faith
The pioneer preachers of the Restoration Movement made a valid plea when they proclaimed: “In matter of faith, unity! In matters of opinion, liberty! And, in all things, charity (love)!”
Cannot compromise principles
We desire unity, but we cannot compromise principles to achieve it!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Matthew 21:23-25 Authority in Religion
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Text: Matthew 21:23-25
Introduction
1. The Lord’s church can expect to confront many challenges
a. Opposition by Satan was foretold in the parable of the tares – Matthew 13:24-30, Matthew 13:36-43
b. Attacks from within and without foretold by Paul – Acts 20:29-30
c. Apostasy was foretold, and began very early – 2 Peter 2:1-3; Jude 4
2. The local church will be at the front of the confrontation
a. As the church universal is a spiritual entity well preserved by Jesus
b. But the church local is subject to many things that can threaten its existence
c. How can the church local stand strong and firm in the service of Christ?
3. I believe the key is respecting the proper authority
a. How shall we determine what is right or wrong, good or evil?
b. What shall be our authority in matters of religion?
c. Is a particular doctrine or practice from heaven or from man? – Matthew 21:23-25
Body
I. WHAT MANY CHURCHES ACCEPT AS AUTHORITY
A. THE OLD TESTAMENT
1. From the beginning of the church, many have appealed to the OT – Acts 15:1-5
2. The OT has its place, when properly handled – Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Timothy 3:14-17
3. But it can be misused, to authorize things no longer required – Galatians 5:1-4; 1 Timothy 4:1-3
4. We cannot assume that just because something is in the OT, it is authorized!
B. TRADITIONS OF MEN
1. The handing down of traditions was common in Rabbinic Judaism – Mark 7:1-5
2. Traditions of God are not wrong – 1 Corinthians 11:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 3:6
3. But Jesus condemned the traditions of men
a. When they are taught as doctrines of God – Mark 7:6-7
b. When they displace the commands of God – Mark 7:8-13
4. Uninspired traditions cannot be equated with or replacements for the Word of God!
C. MODERN DAY PROPHETS
1. Throughout church history, many have claimed to be prophets of God – Revelation 2:20
2. Christ and His apostles warned against false prophets – Matthew 7:15; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1
3. The OT gives us two ways to test the prophets
a. Do their prophecies come to pass? – Deuteronomy 18:20-22
b. Even if they do, is their doctrine consistent with God’s Word? – Deuteronomy 13:1-5
4. Since the 1st century A.D., all prophets have failed either one or both tests!
D. MAJORITY RULE
1. Many people and church councils decide doctrine or practice based on majority rule
2. Yet Jesus warned of the danger of following the majority – Matthew 7:13-14
3. If we had followed the majority
a. In Noah’s day, we would have perished in the flood
b. In Joshua’s day, we would have perished in the wilderness
4. Following the majority is not a good guide for authority in religion!
E. CONSCIENCE
1. Let your conscience be your guide is the motto of many
2. But our conscience cannot always be reliable
a. Paul had served God with a good conscience throughout his life – Acts 23:1
b. Even at a time when he was persecuting Christians! – Acts 26:9-11
3. The conscience is like a clock, which works properly only if set properly
4. Our conscience is not always a reliable guide in matters of religion
F. HUMAN WISDOM
1. Many feel that through their own wisdom they can determine right and wrong
2. But God’s thoughts and ways are not always our own – Isaiah 55:8-9
3. In fact, God has chosen to save man in a manner specifically designed to confound those who depend solely upon human wisdom – 1 Corinthians 1:18-29
4. For us to know God’s will, it was necessary for Him to reveal it to us – 1 Corinthians 2:9-12
5. This He has done through His Spirit-inspired apostles – Ephesians 3:1-3
6. Who in turn shared it with us through their writings – Ephesians 3:4-5
7. Human wisdom is often the exact opposite of God’s wisdom!
G. FEELINGS
1. This is often the standard of authority for many people and churches
a. Who go by whatever ‘feels right’
b. Who place stock in a religion ‘better felt than told’
c. Who will follow societal trends that may seem good and right
2. Yet the Bible declares the danger of trusting in feelings
a. There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death – Proverbs 14:12
b. He who trusts in his own heart is a fool – Proverbs 28:26
c. O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. – Jeremiah 10:23
3. Such subjective feelings are from the heart of man, not the mind of God!
These seven standards of authority in religion are from men, not from heaven, and are the main reason for much religious confusion and division that exists today.
II. WHAT CHURCHES SHOULD ACCEPT AS AUTHORITY
A. THE WORDS OF JESUS CHRIST
1. Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and on earth – Matthew 28:18
2. He expects us to observe all things whatsoever He commanded – Matthew 28:19-20
3. He is the head of the church, which is to be subject to Him – Ephesians 5:23-24
4. As the body of Christ, we must submit to our Head!
B. THE DOCTRINE OF THE APOSTLES
1. To receive Christ, we must receive His apostles – John 13:20
2. They were sent as His ambassadors – 2 Corinthians 5:20
3. To ensure reliability, Jesus promised them the Holy Spirit – John 14:26; 16:12-13
4. The apostles’ wrote so that we might have their understanding – Ephesians 3:1-5
5. They wrote their epistles that we might always be reminded – 2 Peter 1:12-15; 3:1-2
6. Their writings were the commandments of the Lord – 1 Corinthians 14:37
7. They received their word as the word of God – 2 Thessalonians 2:13
8. Thus the early church continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine – Acts 2:42
9. Any true local church of Christ respects the doctrine of the apostles as their authority
C. THE FAITH REVEALED ONCE FOR ALL
1. The faith or doctrine of Christ was delivered once for all time (NLT) – Jude 3
2. The apostles did not hesitate to proclaim the whole counsel of God – Acts 20:27
3. They proclaimed all things pertaining to life and godliness – 2 Peter 1:3
4. The Scriptures provide everything needed to make one complete – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
5. With the Scriptures as an all-sufficient guide, we need no other authority!
Conclusion
1. The only proper authority in religion
a. Is that which emanates from Jesus as the head of His church
b. Which has come to us through the doctrines of His Spirit-inspired apostles
c. Which has been preserved in the form of the New Testament
2. All other authority in religion comes from:
a. Either misapplication of the Scriptures (e.g., the Old Testament)
b. Or uninspired men (and women) who usurp authority based on feelings, etc.
3. When confronted with any challenge, the church today needs to:
a. Look to the words of Christ, and the writings of His apostles
b. Observe all things He commanded, and continue steadfastly in their doctrine
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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All Your Heart… Mark 12:28-33
1 Samuel 12:14-25
Samuel was the last judge over Israel. During his reign, the people wanted a king to be like all other nations. This displeased Samuel, and the LORD told Him, “they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them” (1 Samuel 8:7).
As a result, God gave them a king, but chose Saul. Samuel’s final words of advice were to fear the LORD, serve Him with all their heart, and obey His voice. God sent thunder and rain as a sign, and the people knew that they had sinned greatly by demanding a king.
However, Samuel prayed to the LORD for them as a righteous man should do (James 5:16). He also taught them the good and right way. If a way is proven to be good and right, one must follow it. That only way is Jesus Christ (John 14:6)!
After all, there is a way that “seems” right to a man, but its end is the way of death (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25). Jesus described that way as broad, where many go in. However, narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads to life, and few find that way (Matthew 7:13-14).
Mark 12:28-33
Just as Samuel told the people to “fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you,” Jesus taught a scribe what the first commandment was.
He said, “you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength…The second, like it, is this: you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Just as the Israelites were to serve God with all they had, so should we!
Everything we think, say, and do must have Christ’s authority (Matthew 28:18).
Thus, if we love Him with all, we’ll do all He says (John 14:15).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Genesis 06:01 – 09:17 Noah and the Worldwide Flood – powerpoint – audio
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Genesis-06-01-09-17-Noah-and-the-Flood PDF
Genesis-06-01-09-17-Noah-and-the-Flood PowerPoint
Text: Genesis 6:1-9:17 ESV
The Biblical Worldwide Flood in the days of Noah has become a great divide
The central issue is not what current “evolutionary geology” decrees.
The issue is what the Bible actually says.
God’s Word speaks plainly of a Worldwide Flood.
The evidences to that effect from both Scripture and science are overwhelming.
Outline
Introduction
- God ensured that men possessed the rules
- Men were created as free moral agents
- Humankind set its face against God
- Scientists believed in a universal Flood
- Religionists also have opposed a global Flood
- Christians attempting to harmonize the Bible with science
- A lightning rod for controversy
- The Biblical Worldwide Flood in the days of Noah has become a great divide
- The central issue is not what current “evolutionary geology” decrees
- The issue is what the Bible actually says
- God’s Word speaks plainly of a worldwide Flood
- The evidences to that effect from both Scripture and science are overwhelming
I. The Reasons For The Worldwide Flood – Genesis 6:1-8
II. The Worldwide Flood Genesis 6:9 – 8:22
III. The Rainbow Covenant and Its Implications
Conclusion
- The Worldwide Flood is one of the most prominent stories in the Bible
- Next to Creation, the Flood of Noah’s day is the greatest single geological event
- Repeated references to the Flood account within the Old Testament
- Jesus and the writers of the New Testament often alluded to Noah and the Worldwide Flood
- There is no other event except the Fall which has had such a revolutionary effect
- Theologians and scientists of the past attributed many of the Earth’s features to the Flood of Noah
- That no longer is the case
- The conflict between evolutionary geology and the inspired Word of God
- It is impossible to correlate the Bible with evolutionary geology
- Those who do not believe in God, delight in ridiculing the Flood account
- Was the Flood universal in scope, or was it merely a local flood?
- Is the account in Genesis 6-9 of the Worldwide Flood the record of an actual historical event?
- Examine the biblical and scientific evidence that supports the Genesis Flood
- Never be willing to compromise inspired testimony
- The main concern, as always, should be what do the Scriptures teach
Content by Andrew Perkins
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Titus 01:10-16 Those Who Resist Authority
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Text: Titus 1:10-16
Introduction
1. In his epistle to Titus, Paul’s first order of business was to:
a. Remind Titus why he was left on the island of Crete – Titus 1:5
b. Provide the qualifications needed for the appointment of elders – Titus 1:6-9
2. The need for such elders is described in the rest of the first chapter
a. Because of those described as insubordinate – Titus 1:10
b. Who were negatively impacting the churches on Crete – Titus 1:11
3. What does it mean to be an insubordinate?
a. Insubordinate: one who does not submit to authority, mutinous, unruly
b. Insubordination is therefore disobedience and resistance to authority
4. In the setting of our text, that would mean the authority of the apostles of Christ
a. In whose teachings the early church continued steadfastly – Acts 2:42
b. Whose teachings were to be considered on par with the Lord’s – 1 Corinthians 14:37; 1 Thessalonians 2:13
5. Insubordination can be a problem in churches today, so we do well to carefully consider the text of our study – Titus 1:10-16
Body
I. Who are We Talking About?
A. IN THE CHURCHES OF CRETE
1. They were idle talkers and deceivers – Titus 1:10
a. More given to talk than practical religion
b. Not honest, seeking to deceive others
c. Such conduct had permeated the character of those living on Crete – Titus 1:12-13a
d. It was also true of those among the circumcision – Titus 1:10
2. Their minds and consciences were defiled – Titus 1:15
a. A natural consequence of deceiving others
b. Their minds and consciences have become corrupted
c. Notice Paul’s description of such people in 1 Timothy 6:3-5
3. They had become abominable and disobedient – Titus 1:16
a. Abominable: detestable to God
b. Disobedient: unwilling to be persuaded and obey
c. Guilty of six things that are an abomination to God – Proverbs 6:16-19
4. They were disqualified for every good work – Titus 1:16
a. Disqualified: literally, reprobate, worthless
b. Of no real value to God, who has created us to walk in good works – Ephesians 2:10
B. IN CHURCHES TODAY
1. Those who resist the authority of the Word are more likely to be given to talk than doing
2. We should beware of those prone to be talkers and not doers
3. They not only deceive others, but themselves as well – James 1:22-26
4. Following them will make our religion useless
II. What difference do they make?
A. IN THE CHURCHES OF CRETE
1. They were subverting whole households – Titus 1:11
a. Turning them away from the faith
b. Not just one member, but entire families!
2. They were teaching things they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain – Titus 1:11
a. Motivated more by popularity and monetary gain
b. Willing therefore to teach things that were not true
B. IN CHURCHES TODAY
1. Insubordinates are also motivated by such things as popularity and monetary gain
2. Who will teach what others want to hear, rather than the Word of God
3. Whose influence will not stop with just one or two, but impact entire families!
III. What should be done?
A. IN THE CHURCHES OF CRETE
1. Their mouths were to be stopped – Titus 1:11
a. It means, properly, to check, or curb, as with a bridle; to restrain, or bridle in; and then, to put to silence
b. It is, of course, implied here that this was to be done in a proper way, and in accordance with the spirit of the gospel
2. They were to be rebuked sharply – Titus 1:13
a. The reproof should be such as would be understood, and would show them plainly the wickedness of such traits of character
b. Titus was not to be mealy-mouthed, but he was to call things by their right names, and not to spare their faults
3. With the goal of helping them to be sound in the faith – Titus 1:13
a. Confronting error has the objective of saving the one in error
b. Not just stopping the spread of error
4. This was the duty, not just of Titus, but of the elders – Titus 1:9
B. IN CHURCHES TODAY
1. We must take insubordination seriously
2. We must stop the spread of false teaching by addressing it plainly
3. We must have in view the salvation of those guilty of insubordination and error
4. This is the duty of both evangelists and elders
5. If the insubordinate fails to repent, then withdrawal is the final option
a. As Paul commanded the church in Rome – Romans 16:17-18
b. As he commanded the church in Thessalonica – 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15
Conclusion
1. We have seen that those who resist the authority of God’s Word
a. Hurt themselves by corrupting their minds and consciences
b. Harm those whom they influence through their teaching
2. Insubordinates must be stopped
a. By rebuking them sharply, hoping they will become sound in the faith
b. If they do not repent, then we must withdraw ourselves from them Elders and evangelists are especially charged with the responsibility of dealing with insubordinates. But every Christian should be on guard against the harmful influence of those who are disobedient and resistant to the authority of God’s Word
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Why is the Bible Important? – audio
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Introduction
- The English word Bible comes from the Greek word biblia, meaning books. The Holy Bible is the collection of inspired books (39 old testament, 27 new testament), revealing in God’s Words how sinful man can be reconciled to Him through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus – John 3:16-17
- For this reason it is important to know the indispensible value of God’s written law for men and women. It will determine where you and I will spend eternity, since it will judge us in the last day – John 12:48
- Let us examine further why the Bible is important.
Body
- The Holy scriptures are important because they are the inspired Word of God – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- God moved holy men as they were moved by the Spirit – 2 Peter 1:20-21
- The Bible was written over a span of about 1,500 years by forty different inspired authors, with no contradictions or conflicts in their writings.
- God’s law is important because it’s perfect. It has the ability to save your soul, if you obey it – Psalm 19:7; James 1:21
- The Word of God is important because it is absolute truth – John 17:17
- It is the standard that determines what is right or wrong.
- Through the Word of God you get an understanding of what is true and false – Psalm 119:104
- The Bible is important because it is the guide that leads you out of darkness to the light – Psalm 119:105
- The Sword of the Spirit is important because, it’s powerful, it gets to the thoughts, and intents of the heart – Hebrews 4:12
- The Bible is important because it reveals facts and answers that mankind has questions about. Did you know the Bible reveals that:
– The earth is round – Isaiah 40:22
– The center of the earth is molten – Job 28:5
– The earth floats in space – Job 26:7
– Water vapor rises from the earth – Jeremiah 10:13
– The wind moves in patterns – Ecclesiastes 1:6
Conclusion
- Is the Bible, the Word of God, the center of all things in your life? Is it the standard you live by and base all your decisions upon? If it’s not, why not?
- Why not obey the Word of Truth today and save yourself from the wrath of God?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page