Eastside Church of Christ Blog

What is a real Church? | The Apostles' Traditions... From God or man - The Heart of the Matter!

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 02:02:25 GMT

Have we forgotten these commands?

I am quite certain that very few Christians would have a problem with the proposition that the Bible contains commands which are supposed to be obeyed. When Paul wrote to Timothy, as someone in church leadership, and told him to, “Command and teach these things...” (1 Timothy 4v11), then we can only take this to mean that they were true ‘things’ which constituted commands, and which were therefore expected to be adhered to and obeyed. So when we read in the pages of scripture that we are to, “Bless those who persecute you...” (Romans 12v14), then we understand it to be something which we are obliged to do and not an option. In the light of such a clear biblical statement, we can thus conclude that it is self-evident that no believer is free to curse anyone, and that should we decide to do so then we would be in actual disobedience to the Word of God.

What might cause Christians quite a lot of problems though is my next proposition that there is, in fact, a whole batch of commands relating to a particular area of the Christian life which not only are not obeyed but which are either considered to be irrelevant or not even realized to be in the pages of scripture at all. And what I am referring to are the specific practices and ways of doing things of the churches established by the apostles. The way the church was set up and functioned was not only a matter of apostolic command but the only way the New Testament envisages churches would ever be set up and function.

What I am going to show, then, is that the New Testament teaches that not only are apostolic doctrine and morality (personal holiness) binding on us as commands but so too are specific practices and ways of doing things passed down by the apostles about how churches ought to be set up, function and operate. And what we are going to see is that there are practices – traditions, if you will - to which every church ought to adhere, such practices and traditions being actual biblical commands, and thus binding on us and to be obeyed the same as any other biblical commands. So let us turn to scripture to find out that the New Testament does indeed speak of such ‘traditions’, or practices - handed down by the apostles - which are presented as actual commands, and which are thus binding on us as believers.

So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions (Gk: paradosis - a handing down, established practice) which you were taught by us (the apostles), either by word of mouth or by letter.....And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things which we command......Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is living in idleness and not in accord with the tradition (paradosis - established practice) that you received from us.”(2 Thessalonians 2v15, 3v4 and 6, Revised Standard Version)

Now in these verses, Paul is referring to Christian behavior (personal holiness) in general, and then, in particular, the need for each man to work and earn his living and not to be idle. So here we see that there were certain practices, or ‘traditions’, which pertained to practical aspects of the Christian life, which Paul handed down to the believers in Thessalonica and which he stated, in the name of the Lord, to command. And these particular commands covered not only the mandate to work and earn one’s living, but also to withdraw fellowship from any brothers who decide to disobey and remain in idleness.

So what we have here is an example of what I am going to call apostolic tradition. This particular example pertains to the area of Christian behavior (personal holiness), and we have established it to be a matter of clear scriptural command. And as we proceed now to some other references from Paul, this time to the Corinthian believers, it is vital to note that the context of what he writes is what they were doing, their practice, when they come together as a church. And what follows is a direct claim from Paul for divine command concerning the way believers ought to go about things when they gather together as a church.

“I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions (paradosis - established practice) even as I have delivered them to you.” (I Corinthians 11v2 Revised Standard Version)

Paul is here referring to the comprehensive blueprint for the Corinthian church which he had passed on to them; in particular, their practices when they gather together. Or, to put it another way, he is dealing with the issue of how they met as a church, and the way they went about things when they did so. Paul is not here dealing with matters of doctrine or belief, and neither is he concerning himself with that which pertains to personal holiness. No, his remit here is to correct certain abuses that were occurring when they came together as a church, and in process of so doing, he commends them that the mechanics of their coming together - the nuts and bolts of what they did when they met as a church - were in line with the traditions he had handed down to them. And what this tells us is that it is obvious that Paul had indeed taught the Corinthian church to meet in a particular way, and to proceed along particular lines and to do things in a particular way. It is clear that he had, in fact, already given them a "how to do it" type of instructions when it came to meeting as a church, and he praises them for adhering to it even though he gives some corrections that need to be implemented.

“If anyone is disposed to be contentious, we recognize no other practice, nor do the churches of God.” (I Corinthians 11v16 Revised Standard Version)

Notice here Paul’s assumption and insistence that all churches were set up the same, and based on apostolic practice. The particular issue he’s referring to here was whether or not people in the church should have head coverings to participate in the open worship and sharing that occurred when the New Testament churches met, but the thing to highlight is his command, and expectation, of complete uniformity in that regard. And of course, what we are seeing is that there was a set way of doing things that the apostles expected all churches to adhere to. For the record, our understanding of this is that women should have long hair and men short hair, it is all to do with differing gender roles of men and women, and with the angelic beings who are looking at us.

“As in all the churches of the saints......” (I Corinthians 14v33 Revised Standard Version) Here, on the issue of women speaking during the church gathering, we once more see Paul assuming that all churches are practicing in the same way. Again and again, we see this simple and unmistakable fact that the apostles set churches up to function and go about things in the same way when they gathered together. They didn’t go around suggesting various ways for different churches to go about things when they met depending on what suited them best or on what they felt like at the time. No, they rather just instructed all the churches in the only way they were ever intended to go about things when they came together - and it was simply expected that all churches would comply. And just so there’s no missing what I‘m driving at here just get a load of this:

“What! Did the word of God originate with you, or are you the only ones it has reached?” (You not just feel the sting of Paul’s sarcasm here at any idea that there could be other ways of doing church than that which he had taught them.) “If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that what I am writing to you is a command of the Lord. If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.”(I Corinthians 14v36-38 Revised Standard Version)

Again, we must underline the fact that the context of these verses (and we shall see the scholars concurring on all this later) pertains to matters of church practice, to what believers did when they got together as a church. They relate to how they functioned and how they were set up regarding their corporate activities. And Paul, when referring to the general issue of church practice, puts it all under the simple and straightforward heading of being a matter of the Lord’s command. It is not optional! It is not a matter of what suits one best! And neither is it a matter of how the Holy Spirit is leading! The Holy Spirit will never lead anyone to go against the teaching of the Bible (after all, he inspired its writing in the first place), but He will most definitely lead us when we meet according to the teaching of the Bible! No, this is a matter of one thing and one thing only: the command of the Lord! Further, Paul tells us not to recognize, and to ignore, anyone who says differently! Do we realize what this means?

It means that the prevailing idea that the Lord wants different types of churches to meet in different types of ways goes against the teaching of the New Testament.

The apostles, under the Lord’s guidance through the Holy Spirit, set up churches to operate and function in a particular and definite way (later on we will show what that way was), but of course, the point to underline at this juncture is that a church is either based on such apostolic practice/tradition - or on something else. And if a church's foundation bases itself on something else then it equates to but one thing - the extra-biblical practices/traditions of mere men! And if that is the case then such churches, when it comes to their corporate practice, are not biblical churches. They are unbiblical churches (we are not saying they are not churches), but they are not based on scripture. Indeed, the believers who constitute such churches may well be sound and orthodox in so far as other things are concerned, and be living faithful and godly lives in so as far as personal holiness goes, but when it comes to what church is all about they are still completely failing the test of being biblical.

That is what this website is all about. Indeed, what our church here is all about too. So join us on a journey to discover from the New Testament what churches, as established and set up by the apostles of Jesus, were actually like. You will then be ready to embark on the even greater adventure of playing a part in establishing and setting them up again.

Called By God

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 19:11:04 GMT

What does it mean to be called by God?

The last verse in the passage of scriptures in the story about the workers in the vineyard says, "So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen." The many that are called, who hear the word of the Lord, and it's call on their lives, yet fail to heed it's called, will fail to be counted amongst the chosen who do. For the bible says, "....For wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in there at, because straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (Matt. 7:13)

As we can see, many will not chose the straight gate, (although they have been called by it through the Word). It's "way" is just too narrow and confining for them, unlike the wide broad way. Understanding that we are all called to enter in at the straight gate, we are not made to do so by God. It is something we must give heed to, and open our hearts to. Those who chose to enter in at the straight gate, are considered the chosen, in that they have taken heed to, and followed, God's preordained, and predestined "way" spoken of in His Word, by seeking it. Furthermore, the later part of that same passage of scripture also says, "Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravaging wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits."

Those who choose to follow the wide broad "way", and give heed to it, will ignore this warning to, "beware of false prophet's", but instead will end up following their pernicious ways, that lead to a wide broad "way." Being decieved by there sheeplike clothing, and giving heed to their teachings. Things that will allow for them to become laxe and venerable, being tossed too and frow by every wind of doctrine (Eph 4:14); ever learning, but never able to come unto the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4) Thereby, being lead astray from the calling, and thus not being named amongst the chosen.

If you have any questions contact us and we will have a bible study with you. May God bless the readers, hearers, and doers of His holy word.

The One True Church

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 18:55:59 GMT

What is the one true church?

It is truly, truly, sad how so many brethren have become apostate, due to lack of enthusiasm about the truth of Christ's ONE church. Many have sought to, (so call) expand their thinking beyond, what they have come to believe and even teach, what they consider (so called) the traditions of the church of Christ. Not withstanding the unprecedented steadfast history of the church of old, that we have as our ONLY example, as to what is "that good and perfect will of God".

We didn't become the church of Christ by starting a congregation, are choosing to "join" a congregation called the church of Christ. We became the church of Christ by standing on the promises of God and the doctrine of the church, that was handed down by the apostles. Men filled beyond measure with the Holy Ghost of promise. We became the church of Christ because we obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine, which can only be followed and understood by what we read in the pages of inspiration. We didn't make up this doctrine. We are only required to follow it, as did the church given in the scriptures. The truths that are written as our only guide to gaining the knowledge of how to reproduce the same fruit, given by example by the ONLY church we can read about in the New testament scriptures, are all we have been given and all we need in order to know, without question, that our worship of the Father, is in spirit and in truth, which also is according to the Word of God, through Christ Jesus.

Many have gone about to produce fruit from some other vine, other than the true vine, which is Christ, and the Father who is the husbandman over His vineyard. It is truly sad to see. We must all stir up our pure minds by way of remembrance, and return to our first love, and that is, our ONE faith in the ONE church of the ONE bible, and the gospel message that called us out I'd this world. We must realize, it is not through our own strength and abilities, that the one church will shine through to this dark world in blindness, produced by the god of this world. It is not through our own strength and power, that we able to withstand Satan 's assaults on each member of the Lord's body. It is only through His (Christ's) strength, who is the Word that strengthens us,. It is only through His grace and His mercy, that we are able to do all things through the power and the authority in the name of Jesus the Christ, our Lord and savior!

Cor. 12:27-28 'Now' ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the 'church'.....ISN'T THE BODY THE CHURCH AND THE CHURCH THE BODY? If that is the case , the 'body of Christ,' is the same as the 'church of Christ.' I see it in these two verses do you? Paul called the body of Christ , the church, therefore it is the church of Christ.

If you have any questions please contact us for a bible study. May the Lord have a special blessing for the readers, hearers, and doers of His holy word.

History of the Church of Christ

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 18:41:03 GMT

The History of the Church of Christ

At one time owning a Bible was illegal for the ordinary person, believing it was worse, often resulting in torture and death! Bibles were copied and shared with brethren, they could not be purchased so the only way to have one was to copy the scriptures illegally from a friend. This way for centuries the word of God, the Holy Scriptures, were shared in the vernacular language until the age of printing, and then later, the Reformation. The church of Christ existed prior to the Reformation and were the only people to have the Bible except the Roman Catholic Church who kept it hidden. These pre-Reformation Bibles were the basis for Tyndale's printed English translations (1526 updated in 1530) and from there, the basis for the King James Bible (1611). In 2011 the Anglican Church made much about the King James Bible, but they were amiss in not giving credit to Tyndale, a member of the Lord's Church and also forgot to mention they too at one time would burn a person for owning the Bible. This web-site is a history of those people who kept the Bible alive during the Dark to Middle Ages and later, brethren who called themselves - The Church of Christ.

From about 1000 AD in England, Christians called by their enemies derogatory terms such as Waldensian, Lollard, Pelagian and Anabaptist, who baptized believers for the remission of sins by immersion upon confession, have been active in Great Britain and even earlier in Europe. They called themselves Christians and the church - The Church of Christ, having met continuously to join in fellowship with the Restoration Movement in the 1840s. The first Church of Christ came into being on the first Pentecost after the Resurrection.

The churches of Christ (Romans 16:16) do not follow the Roman Gospel which originated in paganism, several hundred years after the first church of Christ assembled in Jerusalem on the first Pentecost after the Resurrection, who followed the Jerusalem Gospel. It is an error to confuse the churches of Christ with the Protestant Reformation, they are not Reformers but restorationists, who hold to the Word of God in all maters of faith and practice. For the pre-Reformation Roman Catholics it was sin, the reformation Anglicans, Protestants, Lutherans, Zwinglian, Calvinist and Roman Catholics all held that the churches of Christ were in sin, and through persecution many Christians died at the hands of the Reformers and Roman Catholics - there was nowhere to flee, except prayer. The Reformers and Roman Catholics held to the alliance of Church and State and denied Free-Will, the churches of Christ opposed this, confirming Free-Will and separation of Church and State, which made them criminals twice over. The Reformers holding fast to the doctrine of Church and State forced this through infant baptism (infant baptism is pagan in origin).

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

The famous Swiss Reformer Huldrych Zwingli stated “Nothing grieves me more than that at the present I have to baptize children, for I know it ought not to be done" he also states "… If however, I were to terminate the practice then I fear I would lose my prebend.” He affirmed: “I leave baptism untouched, I call it neither right or wrong; if we were to baptize as Christ instituted it then we would not baptize any person until he has reached the years of discretion; for I find it nowhere written that infant baptism is to be practiced.” He concludes: “However, one must practice infant baptism so as not to offend our fellow men." (Verduin, Reformers and Their Stepchildren, 198/9)

One thousand years of Churches of Christ in England - Traces of the Kingdom.

But even if we or an angel from Heaven preach a gospel to you beside what we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we said before, and now I say again, If anyone preaches a gospel to you beside what you have received, let him be accursed.

From the letter written by Paul of Tarsus to the Galatian churches, dated approximately 53/56 AD (Gal 1:8,9)

Archie Watters in his History of the British Churches of Christ (1948) wrote "The story of the Churches of Christ in Great Britain is of particular value in correcting an error which has persisted for some time that the movement is peculiarly American. Alexander Campbell was at considerable pains to point out the fact that the movement was as much native to Britain as America."

In 1891 Walter Crosthwaite was baptized at Ulverston, England. The late American brother, John Allen Hudson, said of brother Crosthwaite in his book 'The Churches of Christ in Great Britain (1948)', to have "saved the cause of our Lord from complete defeat in Britain." It was from Walter Crosthwaite that the work of training evangelists to prepare the church for the later part of the twentieth century was undertaken. Brother Crosthwaite was born in Ulverston on October 30th, 1873. His father Joseph had started the Ulverston congregation in 1876 on the 19th of March and was an elder there for many years.

The fellowship to which Joseph Crosthwaite belonged was the churches of Christ which are known to have existed in the Furness Fells of Northern England in the 1600s, and those churches were in fellowship with other churches of Christ, which went back many years earlier, this is a history of those churches.

Dr. Robert Halley, Principle of New College, London (congregational) wrote in 1869 in his work 'A History of Puritanism and Nonconformity in Lancashire' of the Tottlebank Church of Christ, "It has been disputed where was formed the first congregational church in England. Islington, Yarmouth, Southwark, Dukinfield have claimed the honour. Among the fells of Furness was founded the first Christian church in England. By Christian I mean here not congregational, not Presbyterian, not Episcopal, not Baptist, but simply Christian in its unrestricted sense - Christian not sectarian, Catholic not denominational, a church of people acknowledged as Christians and nothing else. A poor ejected Minister from over the sands had the wisdom and grace to form such a church, and the poor mountaineers of his neighbourhood had the piety firmly to adhere to it and long sustain it."

Dr Halley was wrong, such churches in the Furness Fells pre-existed the Tottlebank congregation.

Anglican clergyman, Dr Daniel Featly, (who was one of the translators of the King James Bible) wrote in 1645 of the Churches of Christ meeting in London and elsewhere in his work the 'Dippers Dipt', took those congregations back to 1525 when he quotes from them "That baptism ought to be received by none, but such as can give a good account of their faith; and in case any have been baptized in their infancy, that they ought to he re-baptized after they come to years of discretion, before they are to be admitted to the Church of Christ." These churches in the 1600s were in communication with other churches of Christ in America, nearly two hundred years before Campbell!

Featley, an enemy of the Lord's church, states there were members of the Church of Christ, in London, that they had existed in England during the reigns of Henry VIII, Edward VI, James I! These congregations existed separately from the Church of England and dismissed infant baptism, baptizing those who could give an account. Featly confirmed these congregations immersed for the remission of sins (Dippers Dipt), from elsewhere we know they were congregational and opposed Calvinism, being "Free-Willers."

But Featly was wrong on one account, such congregations existed prior to 1525, being pre-reformation!

In c. 1449-1455 Reginald Pecock, sometime bishop of Chichester wrote his most famous work, 'Represser of over-much weeting [blaming] of the Clergie' the first major theological work after the Conquest (1066) to be written in the vernacular English. The 'Represser' was a refutation of the Lollards, who called themselves Christians, and the church, the church of Christ, who baptized believers by immersion for the remission of sins. The first major theological work written in English after the Norman Conquest of 1066 was to oppose the Church of Christ. Pecock, who held views similar to the later Anglican Church died a heretic at Thorney Abbey about five years after his 'Represser' was written. His sin? The use reason against those Christians termed Lollards who called themselves the church of Christ.

In 1529, Simon Fish a barrister by profession and one of the preachers at the Bow Lane Church of Christ (London) wrote his work, titled 'The Summe of the Holye Scripture.' The book was printed in Latin and English over several editions. The title page reads 'The Summe of the Holye Scripture and ordinary of the Christian teaching the true Christian faith by which we be all justified. And of the virtue of baptism after the teaching of the Gospel and of the apostles with an information how all estates should live according the Gospel.'

Fish's book teaches baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. For a time Fish was friends with Henry 8th and his wife, the queen, Anne Boleyn, advising on the Reformation until Henry realized Fish was seeking Restoration, not Reformation! Fish was a close friend of another member of the church of Christ, William Tyndale, the famous Bible translator. Fish with others through queen Anne getting the scriptures into the court of Henry. A perfectly dangerous thing to do, Fish fortunately dying of the plague a year later, his wife marrying James Bainham being made a widow twice when he died in the flames of persecution in 1532.

If you have any questions please contact us and we can have a bible study together. May God be with the readers, hearers, and doers of His Holy Word.

Rest In Jesus

brandon@sharpenclicks.com (Brandon Seay) — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 18:13:43 GMT

Rest In The Lord

When you stop and think about it, Why do you think that Jesus Christ said, "Come unto me all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest". So, exactly what is this "rest" that our Lord is promising here? The word of God is very clear that Jesus came to be our rest. (See: Heb. 4) So how exactly does this relate to how the Sabbath rest of God effect us as Christians today? Now keep in mind, by the time God made man, the Sabbath had already been declared ,and eternally established. In Genesis 2, we read where God rested on the 7th Day and hallowed it. B ible verses about rest:

1 Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished.

2 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.

3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

There is no need for an example of that rest in the way of a Sabbath day any longer. Not any more than there is a need for us to continue sacrificing Lambs for our sins. Christ came to seek and save, that which was lost, and redeem us from the curse of the Law (Gal. 3:13), And that which was lost, was our very Souls, and he sacrificed himself to prepare a body for for us to enter in and find rest in Jesus. Yes the way is straight and the gate is narrow, yet we must enter in by faith, and that faith is in that Promised Rest, through Christ, and his church.

The kingdom has come, God's will must be done, on Earth as it is in heaven. (Matt 6:10) Man has no need for a Sabbath day rest, when we have the ultimate victory through faith in Christ Jesus. (1Jhn 5:4) Amen! (no need for Shadows any longer See: Col 2.) We now have the real deal REST, in the way of The Savior of the world, our Lord, our King, our Master, Jesus the Christ, and his kingdom which is the church, He purchased with His own blood. (Gal 3:13-15) He is our savior, He is our Messiah, he is our wonderful counselor, our Prince of Peace. The peace that passes all human understanding, that leads to that rest that we have our hope in through Christ. He is Lord over the Sabbath. (Matthew 12:1-8, Mark 2:23-28 and Luke 6:1-5. He is our Emmanuel, which means God with us. Jesus the Christ has come, and now the Promised rest, can be fulfilled, through him and by him, even as we serve him in his body/Church/Kingdom today! Amen

If you have any questions please contact us and we will be happy to have a bible study with you. May God bless!

Is There Only One True Church?

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 17:01:41 GMT

Where Is the True Church? What is the Church?

According to the scriptures the Lord commanded His disciples, (the 12 Apostles) to tarry or wait in Jerusalem, on the day of Pentecost and they would receive power from on high to start His church. (Acts 1:4)

The same church we find in Matthew 16:16 where Jesus told Peter, "Upon This Rock, meaning the statement that Peter made prior, that Jesus was the Christ, the son of the Living God, and that he would build his church upon every confession made by men. He also told Peter that He was going to give him the keys to the kingdom/church and whatsoever was bound on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever was loose on Earth shall be loosed in heaven. This was done in accordance with the prophecy found in the book of Isaiah, chapter 2, which states that the kingdom/Church would have it's beginning in Jerusalem. (Isaiah 2:2-4) Once the prophecy was fulfilled there was no authority given to start another church other than the one that Jesus started through his appointed disciples on Pentecost. (Cor 3:11)

When was the church started?

The church that was started in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost has identifiable marks that we should be able to find in the Lord's church we see today. However, when you search the scriptures you will find that these different denominations are not found in the scriptures. According to history, so called denominationalism started during what is known now as the Protestant Reformation Period. Anyone claiming Christianity after this point were considered Protestants, because they came from a movement that was protesting against Catholicism and its teachings.

There is so much more information to share with you, but it's too much to put in this article. So if you have any questions about what I have just stated so far, please contact us and we can open the Bible and look at the scriptures for ourselves.

Why am I a member of the Church of Christ?

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 18:26:03 GMT

Church of Christ

People have offered a variety of reasons for their religious connections. I am here presenting my reasons for being a member of the church of Christ; but, first, some negative thoughts:

NOT BECAUSE OF WEALTH:

The Roman Catholic Church is probably the wealthiest (in material worth) religious organization in the world. The Mormon Church ranks high in wealth among American churches. If I were interested in the material value of a religious body, I would not be a member of the church of Christ.

NOT BECAUSE OF POPULARITY:

The Southern Baptist Denomination boasts of the largest membership of any Protestant body in the United States. If I wanted to be lined up with something big and popular, I would not be a member of the church of Christ.

NOT BECAUSE OF SOCIAL PRESTIGE

Most of the people in the church of Christ are just plain, ordinary folks socially.

NOT BECAUSE OF CONVENIENCE:

At times it would be much more convenient to belong to some denominational organization. One could remain in good standing with little effort, and could be considerably more lax in his living without anyone attempting to correct him.

NOT BECAUSE OF FAMILY CONNECTION:

No one ever tried to get me into the church of Christ in order to maintain a family tradition. If he had done so, and I suppose such things may sometimes occur, he would have been using the wrong reason to get me to right church.

THE BEST REASON I CAN OFFER IS:

The reason why I am a member of the church of Christ is quite simple. I heard the gospel of Christ, I believed it, confessed Christ, repented of my sins, and was baptized for the remission of my sins. The people who taught me the gospel were content to stop where the gospel stops. They did not ask me to affiliate with any denomination. I have never done so. Hence, I became a Christian and a Christian only, was added by the Lord to His church (Acts 2:47) and have since worked and worshipped with the people who did the same.

You might say that I am a member of the church of Christ for the same reason that I am a Christian; obedience to the gospel of Christ never makes one anything else. The same Lord who saves people (making them Christians) adds them to His church (the church He built).

If the Lord added to the Methodist Church such as should be saved, I would be a Methodist. If he added to the Lutheran Church such as should be saved, I would be a Lutheran. If He added to the Presbyterian Church such as should be saved, I would be a Presbyterian. But since He adds to His own church, that is where He put me and that is where I am to stay.

What is Worship to God

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 18:17:08 GMT

Worship to God

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.....

After reading that Passage, one seeking true understanding of how to worship and please God would have to ask themselves when and how do we offer up the spiritual sacrifices as acts of worship, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ, According to his good pleasure? Philippians 2:13, NASB: "for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." As worship is not as much for us, as it is for our Father's good pleasure. We should first and foremost make sure that our worship unto God is pleasing and acceptable in His eyesight. Meaning, in accordance with his will and words of truth for these acts of worship, and as a result we discover that we now are the recipients of the Commonwealth as benefactors/heirs, and are blessed to reap the benefits of worshiping Him in Spirit and in truth. This is done by being encouraged and uplifted by one another, as we bond together as the one body in the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4.

When we consider the context in which this was stated, we have to consider the fact that this is referring to a specific particular group of people. Only to those who are in Christ Jesus, as the household of God. So with that thought in mind, let us consider this one particular verse, as our primary thought for this lesson.

When we [The ekklesia of the most high] set our minds on offering up spiritual sacrifices/acts of worship acceptable to God according to his good pleasure, it is incumbent upon us, as children of God, to consult his word first and foremost. For it is where we profess our very own like faith. Therefore the spiritual sacrifices/acts of worship we can read of, that are spoken of in the scriptures, by inspired men of God who delivered his word unto us, are not only reference to our own personal denial of self, (Matthew 16:23-25) but also our acceptance of nothing short of the unadulterated uncompromised, word of God, when we consider how we are to carry out the things of God. Specifically when we offer up our sacrifices/acts of worship that are offered for the purpose of pleasing the Lord, each Lord's Day.

When we consider the Passover which is represented by the communion we take today, does that not represent the ultimate spiritual sacrifice of all. A sacrifice we remember, as we worship every Lord's day.

When we give of our means, in accordance with what we have, and based upon how God has prospered us.... is that not a God required spiritual sacrifice of giving back to God for his blessings of health and strength which allows us to maintain our living in this life?

Luke 6:38 KJV - Give, and it shall be given unto you; - Bible ...

When we offer the sacrifice of praise continually with the fruits of our lips, is that not that which God is pleased with?

Hebrews 13:15 KJV - By him therefore let us offer the - Bible ...

Is it possible to offer up prayer before all mighty God, without being prostrate in worship before Him, anywhere and at any time? Therefore is not our prayers then also a sacrifice pleasing and acceptable, as a sweet smelling savor unto the Lord?

Matthew 6:5-6 NIV - Prayer - “And when you pray, do not - Bible ...

When the word of God is opened and presented in lesson form, and in spirit and in truth, by the man of God in the assembly of God, is this not that which God is well pleased? And worthy of sacrifice as we worship Him? 1 Corinthians 1:21 ... That through the foolishness of preaching...

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Now I ask you, my dear bretheren, how is it possible for each of these acrs mentioned above not to be considered worship? When each of them can be easily found in the Scripture and considered a sacrifice unto God, holy and acceptable in his sight. These acts we find as sacrifices in scripture are there for us as His assembly, to carry out as well and we are not to offer anything unto God that he has not asked for. As we know Israel made many sacrifices to the Lord in the way of worship unto Him. We learned much from the Old Testament when it comes to worship and God's view of of how He wishes to be worshiped, and that is in spirit and in truth.

The word worship has always been used synonymously, in the Bible with sacrifices and offerings. As you remember Abraham told those traveling with him and Young Isaac that he and the lad we're going to Worship On The Mountain, and as preparation for that worship they brought everything for a sacrifice but the lamb. So when Abraham said that he was going to the mountain to worship we now know that that worship included a sacrifice unto the Lord. So as we serve God as the body of Christ we offer sacrifices holy acceptable unto him. Not only in our everyday lives but also specifically in our worship on the first day of the week.

Now mind you I made this post mainly for the naysayers amongst us, who would have you believe, these actions that we take in order to include what is known to us as the 5 acts of worship on the first day of the week, are not biblical acts of worship at all. However according to the scriptures each of them are considered sacrifices in the sight of God, which He requests, and are required for true worship. As we offer these sacrifices, worthy of acceptable worship unto Him who loved us first, in the way of self sacrifices, by offering his only begotten son as a sacrifice for us and the sins of the world! How can we not see this perfect example of sacrifice, given to us by God himself, and not see the correlation in our sacrifices in worship. So, let us consider God's offering and sacrifice for our sins as we offer of our gifts at the alter of God each Lord's day. This allow us to pay homage to and honor our God by worshiping him in no other way than in Spirit and in Truth.

God's Grace and Mercy

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 18:08:29 GMT

Thankful And Blessed

I woke up this morning feeling THANKFUL and BLESSED! We can never thank God enough for His GRACE and MERCY! God knew we could never be good enough, or work hard enough for our salvation, so He granted us, unmerited favor (GRACE), and pity (MERCY), to give us a better chance to make our calling and election sure.

He gives us GRACE, allowing us time and space to repent and correct whatever propensity we may of to continue making the same mistakes over and over again. After we have been blessed to continue working for Him in this life, being give His GRACE to do so, His MERCY is shown towards us, when He forgives us each time we sin, and repent, by petitioning Him at His throne of GRACE and MERCY. Amen!

But, one day, when it is His to call and ours to answer, we will have to answer for this life He has given us and stand before Him in the manner in which we died. If we die in a sinful condition, then we shall be raised in that same condition, and judge accordingly.

When we live a THANKFUL life, led by the Spirit, acknowledging His blessings and love, we can better see God's GRACE at work in our lives. When we experience that deep heart felt regret, and godly sorrow for having sinned, we are then blessed to become acquainted with His pity, shown to us as MERCY, when He grants us forgiveness, as He promised in His word. (1 John 1:9)

We should acknowledge God's GRACE and MERCY, each and every day. When you see God show up, and protect you, even when you didn't deserve it, you should always give Him the praise of thanksgiving! Let God know that you appreciate each time He steps in, and rescues you, or gives you a way out of a sinful situation. Don't only give Him the praise of thanksgiving, but make a conscious decision to no longer follow the path of unrighteousness, and commit to do all you possibly can to be resolved to follow the path of righteousness, never to return to whatever sin that separated you from your God in the beginning. Stay sin free by living a Thankful Life in Christ Jesus! Amen!

Submitting To The Will Of God

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 17:46:58 GMT

Totally Submit to the Word/will of God

The hardest thing for man to do is to totally submit to the Word/will of God.

As a life lesson, I have had to learn that studying and/or meditating upon God's word would be a daily part of every devoted Christians life, if they ever expect to spiritually survive in this physically demanding, and materialistic society we are now somehow required to navigate, in order to make Heaven our home.

God's word is the only manna given from above that can satisfy the curious hunger, and or quench the spiritual thirst of our new spirit man, as we are sanctified by the word, through the Spirit. (Jn. 17:17) Otherwise, we become sitting ducks for every wind of doctrine, and even hypocrisy of that which you already know.

Be sure, the enemy is on top of his game, and is in relentless pursuit of every true child of God day and night. His main goal and objective. is to preoccupy as much of our time as possible, in order to give us the delusion that we are too busy to set aside a few minutes of our 24hr, God given day, to feed our very soul by consuming a daily portion from the Fathers table/word. Hence, the scripture that concludes, " If we sow to the flesh we shall reap of the flesh corruption, but if we sow to the spirit we shall reap of the spirit eternal life. (Gal. 6:8)

This is something we as Christians know, if not addressed, can ultimately lead to a reprobate mind. (Rm. 1:27-29) Which can even result in God sending a strong delusion, that we will even believe that petty lie of the enemy, and further excuse ourselves for not being faithful stewards of Gods word. Further condemning ourselves, to a place at the end of life, that we were not expecting, nor intended for, irregardless of the blindness that lead to our ignorance.

For this to ever work, we must do all things God's way, by first, Submitting ourself to God, (How? By studying to show yourself approved unto God, as a faithful workman, and thru rightly dividing His words of truth. (2 Tim 2:15) Only then can we resist the Devil and he will have no choice but to flee! (James 4:7) Amen!

Hearing The Word of God

brandon@sharpenclicks.com (Brandon Seay) — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 17:42:34 GMT

The Message Is More Important Than The Messenger

There is a big difference between Hearing and LISTENING, especially when it comes to the word of God. Hearing takes place when something disturbs the atmosphere and that disturbance takes the form of pressure waves that strike our ear drums as sound.

It’s the way we perceive sound.

Listening is different. It expands on hearing when we pay attention to the meaning of what we hear. For example, say a truck just rolled by on the road in front of our house. I (Jim ) heard the noisy rumble, knew what it was, and after that paid no attention whatsoever.

Many do that when we’re merely hearing the words we hear from the pulpit. They’re just vibrations in the atmosphere. We nod, smile, perhaps even respond, "Amen", but are we listening? Hardly. Listening requires that we open to the meaning of the words of God being spoken, that we — in a very real way — enter into the experience those words are meant to convey.

It’s no longer just about sound but about the thoughts, feelings, point of view, expectations, thoughts, the sensations, beliefs — the whole of the message being conveyed — or at least as much of the whole as is available in the moment it is being spoken.

James 1:19-25 (KJV)

19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

This message from scriptures is written to those who are, baptized, blood bought, members of the body of Christ. It is meant as a reminder to those who hear God's word, but don't fully grasp, by listening intently to the message being delivered, whether from the pulpit or while reading alone. The Spirit speaks expressly, through God's word, to challenge us to do as the word of God requires us to do.

One simple way to understand listening, is to ask yourself — what do I want to gain from the message at hand, and am I open to receive it? What we should want most is to understand, and appreciated what God is wanting us to take from the message, and apply it to our everyday lives. Not just heard.... technically, but to feel what the love of God has for you, in the message at that very moment in time.

To fully trust and believe every word of God, is to understand it so well that you fully absorb it into your inner most thoughts, and desires, and become a doer of the work, and not a hearer only. You know it through and through, and you get it. You respect it. You reverence it. You live it! It will change your life, and challenge you to follow and keep it's precepts as part of your everyday living.

If you can remember how you felt when you first obeyed the gospel of Christ, that saved your soul. You can realize the importance of every message shared from the pulpit, and how we can use it to edify each other. We even sing it, and teach it, through psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, as the words of Christ dwells within us reachly, filling us with the Spirit.. Therefore there’s every need for every word to be established, because when we hear and listen — with all our souls, body, and being -- because it becomes food to our souls, and nourishment for our spirit.

When we get it, listening becomes automatic.

When we get it, doing it becomes automatic.

When we get it, sharing it becomes automatic!

When we get it, living it becomes a part of our everyday lives!

The most important christian quality that comes from listening to God's holy and inspired word is that it allows you (fleshly man) to step aside and be mindful of the inner man, to which the word of God, through the spirit, is intendng to have experience the spiritual things of God. That means you have to abandon your own points of view (will), according to the outer man (flesh), and fully embrace the spirit-man, when becoming totally engaged, while God's word is being preached, so that your soul can be feed.

All things are made new! Your life is changed forever for the better! You have learned to deny yourself, when you are fully submerged, and engaged in the spirit of the word, as it speaks to the inward man. When you are hearing (listening) to the word, you then become spiritually available to what the word wants to communicate to your spirit man, and then you become spiritually capable of carrying it out. Not of your own will, but by the will revealed through the word by the Spirit.

When we listen, (truly listen), the rewards are immediate, as the Spirit deserns the thoughts and the internet of your heart. The more we are engaged in hearing, the more we can fully receive and appreciate the message as it is being delivered by the messenger. This is why God's word will only benefit us in this way if we are totally willing to surrender ALL to His will. The better we receive and appreciate the message, the better we are connected to God, and the power of His word, and the blessings that are being freely laid before us. The better our relationship to God, and His word, the better we can apply it to our lives, and the better will be the out come as it effects our lives. As we learn how to walk in the Light, as He is in the Light; we also began to circumspectly, walk more by faith, and not vicariously, by sight (flesh), and the better will be our fellowship with one another as we fight the good fight of faith together. Amen!

Why Would God Cause Anyone To Believe In A Lie

Sun, 31 May 2020 22:07:32 GMT

Why have so many in the Lord's church bought into the lies of the enemy?

2 Thes. 2:8-12

8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

We see it happening almost every day. The lies of the enemy tearing through the Lord's Church like wildfire. Why have so many chosen to embrace these obvious lies, told by the enemy? If you read the earlier part of this passage of scripture, you will find the answer. God has forewarned us that a falling away must first come. Here in the most well known country, recognized throughout the free world, as the world's #1 super power, the USA is leading the way to spiritual apostasy, and a turning away from the standards set by God, that will never change.

This world is filled with sorrows, and trouble here below, and we as true children of God are now having our faith tested, like never before. We see denominational teachings infiltrating us on levels we once thought would never be heard of, not to mention, being accepted, by those who have been entrusted with overseeing our very souls.

Weakness amongst our ranks on any level breads the disease of apostasy that grows like a seed in fertile soil.

Why is God allowing so many to fall into this disillusion? We can find the answer written throughout the scriptures, when we read of those who were once entrusted with the commandments of God, and choose their own will over the will of God.

Over and over again we can read how mankind has, over time, slowly but surely turned from God's teachings, and choose to do their own will instead, while still claiming to follow Him. I could go into all of the gory details in scriptures, but those of us who are faithful members of the Lord's church know full well about these sad, but true occurrences throughout Israel's history, and even amongst the early church.

Now that we see the word of God being fulfilled right before our eyes, concerning those being given this strong disillusion, we can hardly believe it. When this happens, God's grace and mercy has come to a place where God has had enough. It is possible to want to believe a lie so badly that one would even argue against God's word. They no longer have a love for the truth, as their first love. They have been given over to a reprobate mind, because they have chosen the ways of the world over the righteousness of God. (To be continued)

Worship In Spirit and in Truth

Sat, 16 May 2020 18:01:12 GMT

Worship

The Bible is clear there is such a thing as vain worship, will worship, and ignorant worship and these are contrary to the will of God. So then, that would leave only ONE way of worship that pleases God, and that is worship done in spirit and in truth.

However you choose to slice it or dice it, we had better figure it out before it's Everlasting and eternally too late. We are to work out our own soul salvation with fear and trembling.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

We are also commanded to sanctify the Lord God in our hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man that askes us the reason of the hope that is within us with meekness and in fear. (1 Pt 3:15)

14 Do all things without [d]complaining and disputing,[e] 15 that you may become blameless and [f]harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world....

What is our light to do? It is to be sed to shine in the darkness to reveal the truth according to God's good pleasure, and that is in accordance with his word.

So, when people ask, why does the Church of Christ meet every Sunday? We are obligated to be ready to give them an answer according to God's good pleasure found only in the word of God.

When people ask, Why does the church of Christ sing without instruments of music? We must let our light so shine and tell them the truth as it is written in God's word.

When people ask, Why do you take the Lord's Supper every Sunday,? We have to let our light so shine and give them an answer that pleases God.

When people ask, Why do you take up money from the members every Sunday? We are obligated to let our light so shine and give them an answer according to the good pleasure of the truths only found in the inspired Word of God.., which is profitable for Doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.

Earlier in that same letter we find that we are to be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. And the only way that could ever happen is when we are teaching the same things and minding the same things and having the same rules. 1st Corinthians chapter 10.

The Church Seems To Be Struggling

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 23:23:44 GMT

A thought about why the church seems to be struggling so much today

"When we consider how often the early church met, and the unwavering love and commitment they had for one another and the church, we have to wonder, could this be why we as the church today have seemingly become stagnant? (For lack of fellowship and assembling) Treading the waters of doubt, becoming weary in well doing, by willfully forsaking the appointed assembly. This whole "Less is More" attitude of many has become as a canker sore of rotting flesh among many members and is spreading amongst the brotherhood. Allowing many to become carefree, and comfortable spending more time with the world, and less time with the Lord's people. This is too why rebuke and withdrawal have become virtually, obsolete and ineffective amongst the church of Christ.

Take a look at the passages of scriptures, before and after Heb. 10:25 ,(the one scripture most quoted here today).

22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

Does these scriptures not strike you as being direct instructions in righteousness? Provoking us to be concerned for one another when assembly is called. As well as a warning to those who willfully forsake the assembly. I mean, we have to wonder, why are these scriptures right there , together. Are they meant to be a part of the same train of thought. Or are they meant to be used separately and apart from one another? First, we see a provocation to exhort, and encourage one another, "as we see the day approaches" is mandated! (vs. 22-25) Then, we see a warning of correction, and instructions in righteousness to those who would oppose this teaching; "for if we willfully sin" is being stressed. (vs. 26-30)

The idea of willfully sinning by forsaking what we are commanded to provoke, and exhortation one another to do, is what is at stake here, and should be the focus of our attention when reading these verses. To willfully reject the exhortation, and reproval of the church was once considered a serious offence ( Matt. 18:17 ), but now it's been reduced to reasonings such as, "You're just trying to tell people what to do", or "You're just meddling in people's business". Or the popular cliches, "Let them work it out on their own. God knows my heart" The unity that once bonded the church together is slowly but surely becoming undone by the acceptance of this type of behavior.

So we should all ask ourselves, is it a SIN to willfully, forsake bible study and worship? I say, NOT if you think ignoring warnings not to forsake the assembly, and ignoring being give exhortation after exhortation to come, the RIGHTEOUS thing to do.( James 4:17 )"

Be encouraged !

Instrumental Music in the Church

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 17:54:53 GMT

Is Instrumental Music Authorized in the New Testament Church?

Why are there no examples of instrumental music in New Testament worship?

During the time when God did allow instruments of music, like David, He was very meticulous about giving them specific instructions. Specifically to the priest, concerning the type of instruments they were to use, as well as how, and when the instruments were to be introduced into the ceremony. In these instructions the Lord only allowed the priest, who were of the tribe of Levi to play the instruments, at a particular time, and in the particular order that He specified. So, in other words, the music was limited to only a special portion of their worship, and only the priest, of the tribe of Levi could use them. Unlike the free for all, jam sessions we see going on in many of the world's modern day churches of today. However, being of a royal priesthood, all Christians are now authorized to offer the sacrifice of praise through the fruits of our lips, as we worship in praise to the Lord.

The way people use instrumental music in their worship today, looks nothing like the way God instructed the Jews to use them. This is why it is so hard for me to understand how people feel justified having Jam sessions in place of orderly worship, as God requires. Besides, we could never duplicate the way they used their instruments back then, nor know how they followed God's specific instructions of how and when they should be used, even if we wanted to, because God never left any such instructions for the church in the way of example or direct inference. Otherwise I will worship will be in vain because it would be ignorant worship.

There is not one example in the NT that duplicates IM in worship, in any way, or anything that had to do with what the Jews practiced when they entered the Temple to worship. Let it be noted; If we even tried to go back under the law to get any of it, we in turn automatically dishonor Christ's death on the OT cross, which delivered us from the curse of the OT law and all it's ordinances. When Paul wrote to the church at Galatia, he made it very clear that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, and if one does choose to goes back to try and justify using any part of the OT law, that person would be obligated to keep the whole law. Therefore, as a people, Christians are not allowed to go back into the OT law and introduce any part of it in our worship to God today; else Jesus the Christ our savior has died in vain.

Preachers are NOT Pastors, Elders, or Bishops

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 22:18:51 GMT

Exposing The Devil's Lies!!!

How? or Does? , "Pastor/shepard/elder/overseer, and bishop, refer to the same person, and why is neither used to refer to the "preacher" (exclusively) in the scriptures? And, why does the denominational world persist on calling their preacher by these references, as if they were some type of entitlements to be bestowed upon him as being somehow, "holier than thou" or a step above the rest of the flock?

It is vitally important for us as christians, to know what God's word teaches about who can and who may not qualify to do the work of an elder/pastor/bishop, etc., in the church. This in stark contrast with, who can "qualify" to do the work of a preacher/evangelist, will make plain why the preacher and the elder do not share the same qualifications. Thereby concluding that the preacher/evangelist, has a separate and all together different role to carry out than the pastor/elder/bishop/shepard.

NOTE: Neither of which is a title, to be worn by men, to somehow distinguish them as being above all else, "The big man out front"; "The one leading the way, and calling the shots", but instead, as one whom has lead a life worthy of carrying out the duties assigned to them as an elder, according to the word, and will of God. (1Tim. 3:1-7)

The devil has over thrown the faith of many, who would undermine God's authority, on this crucial matter, by teaching that the preacher can be given the "title" of pastor, elder, or bishop, etc., and not meet the biblical requirements/qualifications. Satan has continued to perpetuate this lie amongst the denominational community, that the preacher is also the pastor or overseer, of the local congregation. All of this, in order for Satan to continue his desperate attempt to discredit the church of our Lord and savior Jesus the Christ. This ignorance has lead the so called, "religious world" even farther down the broad road of destruction, because they teach as doctrine, the commandments of men, and make void the word of God. To know that the primary duty of a preacher/evangelist is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, at his home congregation, but also in other places where the gospel may need preaching and also know that the primary job of an elder, or pastor/bishop, is to remain stationary at one congregation, to enforce righteous judgement amongst the ranks of the congregation, and for keeping out those wolves in �� clothing. AMEN!

Let it not be once named amongst us, as becometh saints. 1 Peter 3:15 says, " but sanctify the Lord God in your heart, and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you the reason of the hope that lies within you, with meekness and in fear" We are required by God, to give anyone who asks us,why we believe what we believe, a God breathed, answer. Let us be ready always.

The word pastor most closely corresponds to the word poimen in the New Testament, but there are other words that denote this position as well. Some denominations have the tradition that Pastors, Bishops (or Overseers), and Elders denote different positions. This interpretation does not hold up to Biblical scrutiny, however.

Bishops and pastors are not distinct from elders; the terms are simply different ways of identifying the same people. The Greek word for bishop is episkopos, from which the Episcopal Church gets its name. The Greek word for pastor is poimen. When used in it's proper textual context, evidence indicates that all three terms refer to the same office, in ever biblical application. The qualifications for a bishop, listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, and those for an elder, in Titus 1:6-9, are unmistakably parallel. In fact, in Titus 1:5,7, Paul uses both terms to refer to the same man.

First Peter 5:1-2 also brings all three terms together. Peter instructs the elders to be good bishops as they pastor: "Therefore, I exhort the elders [presbuteros] among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd [pomaino] the flock of God among you, exercising oversight [episkopeo] not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God."

We find similar connotations in the 20th chapter of the Acts of the apostles, which also uses all three terms interchangeably. In verse 17, Paul assembles all the elders [presbuteros] of the church to give them his farewell message. In verse 28, he says, "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers [episkopos], to shepherd [pomaino] the church of God."

In general usage, the term elder may be preferred because it seems to be free of many of the connotations and nuances of meanings that have been imposed on both bishop and pastor by our culture in the USA.

So, Episkopos , the word for bishop, means "overseer," or "guardian." The New Testament uses episkopos five times. In 1 Peter 2:25, Jesus Christ is called the episkopos of our souls. That is, He is the One who has the clearest overview of us, who understands us best, and He is "the Shepherd and Guardian of [our] souls." The other four uses of episkopos have reference to leaders in the church.

Thus episkopos suggested two ideas to the first-century Greek mind: subordinates to a superior power, and an introduction to a new order of things. During that time, Gentile converts would immediately understand those concepts in the term, due to their usual subordinate position in that society.

It is truly interesting to trace the biblical uses of episkopos. It appears in the book of Acts only once, near the end (Acts 20:28). But, of course, at that time, there were relatively few Gentiles in the church, and so the term was not commonly familiar or used. But apparently as Gentiles were saved and the church began to lose its Jewish orientation, the Greek culture's word episkopos was used more frequently to describe those who functioned as elders (1 Timothy 3:1).

The New Testament bishop, or overseer, is in a unique leadership role in the church, specifically responsible for teaching (1 Timothy 3:2), feeding, protecting, and generally nurturing the flock (Acts 20:28). Biblically, there is no difference in the role of an elder, and that of a bishop; the two terms refer to the same type of leadership. Episkopos emphasizes the function; presbuteros, more so, the character.

Poimen, the word for pastor, or shepherd, is used a number of times in the New Testament, but Ephesians 4:11 is the only place in the King James Version where it is translated "pastor." Every other time it appears in the Greek texts, it is translated "shepherd" in the English version.

Two of the three times it appears in the epistles, poimen refers to Christ. Hebrews 13:20-21 is a benediction: "Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd [poimen] of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will." (1 Peter 2:25) says, "For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd [poimen] and Guardian [episkopos] of your souls."

Poimen , then, emphasizes the pastoral role of caring and feeding, although the concept of leadership is also inherent in the picture of a shepherd. The focus of the term poimen is primarily on the man's attitude. So, what we learn from this is, for a man to be qualified as a pastor, a he must first have a shepherd's caring heart.

So the term elder emphasizes who the man is. Bishop speaks of what the man does. And pastor deals with how he is to subjugate love. So, we learn that all three terms are used of the same church leadership, and all three identify those who feed and lead the church (Not primarily as the mouth piece from the pulpit), but each has a unique emphasis.

By becoming more familiar with our understanding of the meanings and proper definitions of these terms will definitely helps us to better realize the overall concept of this position or office in the church. Therefore, the qualifications given for an elder is the same for a bishop, and pastor/shepard. So to mishandle the word of God, by referring to the one who is the preacher (of or at) any particular congregation, as the pastor/shepard, bishop, or elder, would not be the correct way to rightly divide the word of truth.

Don't fall for the enemies lies and deciete! We should always let the bible be the final authority when it comes to spiritual matters of the church. AMEN!

Why Repentance Must Precede Baptism?

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 17:03:00 GMT

More importantly: Why is baptism so depending upon one's decision to repent from there sins first?

Before he ascended into heaven, Jesus said to his apostles, "....Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47.) and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem".

W hy Repentance Is So Important

Repentance has always been a prerequisite by God, in order for us, as man, to receive God's forgiveness, and there by being in his good graces once again (Acts 17:30 .... :God now commandeth all men everywhere to repent:....). This same repentance was the entire theme that drove John the Baptist's ministry of the baptism of repentance, as he paved the way for Jesus Christ, the coming Messiah. (Mt. 3:11) John baptized an untold number of disciples with the baptism of repentance. His entire mission was simply to, prepare the way, by teaching every disciple he baptized to repent of their sins.

This baptism was to show their dedication to the Christ, who would come after him, and was also to show their willingness to sorrowfully repent before God. They were to then follow after Jesus the Christ, once God had openly given Him his approval and conformation before the world, by sending the Holy Spirit upon Him, like a dove, which rested upon Jesus after His baptism by John. (Mt. 3:16-17 & Jon. 1:15-40). So from this, we learn that God chose John as the forerunner of Christ in order that men would hear God's call for all men everywhere to understand the importance of repentance before being accepted by Him.

One would beg the question, "Why is repentance so important to God?", and "Why has God placed so much importance on repentance before baptism?" New Paragraph

Without Repentance There Is No Salvation

Let us take a closer look at the word repentance, as it is defined in its original Greek tongue, in order to understand more clearly what God is emphasizing here. [The word repentance from the Greek, is (metanoe'o), used as a verb: it means, to change one's mind, change the inner man, (particularly with reference to acceptance of God's will): as a noun: it implies deep sorrow, compunction, or contrition for past sin, wrong doings, or the like. to feel sorry, self reproachful, regret or to be conscience-stricken about past actions.]

I would venture to say that, If one has not, first been taught to totally and completely repent of their sins, and he has to totally and completely given up his or her rights to self, (and all that comes with self consciousness, self indulgence, and being self-willed etc), that person's baptism is in vain!

It does one no good, whatsoever, if he is baptized and has not truly repented of his sins. The Bible says, "Godly sorrow worketh repentance" (II Cor. 7:10), the same as baptism being "an answer of a good conscience towards God" (I Pt. 3:21). Therefore, that same godly sorrow and good conscience towards God work hand in hand, as we are conscience stricken, internally in the inner man, and repent from our old sinful ways, as we coherently and willingly, choose to clear our conscience before God and give up self, by having a change of heart and mind, and turning to God through Jesus Christ our Savior, for the salvation of our lost souls. Being then baptized for the remission, or forgiveness, of our passed sin filled lives.

For it is through being baptized into Christ where God himself adds us to, "the Church of God which he purchased with his own blood" to become a new and changed creation. (ACTS 2:47, 20:28) This is what places us in a right relationship with God.

God is only able to grant us this forgiveness, and washing away of our sins, only if we are sorrowful and self reproachful, and turn away from all sins that separated us from Him, in order for God to forgive us of our sins in the first place.

If this sorrow and contrition does not exist before we are baptized, then, what else would have been our motivation to have our sins forgiven, or remitted by God, to begin with? Or what would be God's motivation to forgive us, if we haven't sorrowfully, and repentantly turned from our past wrongdoings. If we are not properly motivated by our need to repent, be sorry, and turn away from our past sinful lives, how can we then be properly motivated to live out our lives as a new creature, or as a changed, and quickened spirit, in Christ?

Too many people have gone through the motions of baptism, and never made the souls stirring, change of repentance before being baptized. They were never translated, by God, into the marvelous kingdom of his dear son, because there was no true desire to change. It is possible that when they went down into the water, there was no godly sorrow on the part of the non repentant, dry devil, who simply came up out of the water, a wet devil. Never receiving a good conscious toward God, and never having received Gods forgiveness nor even having their sins washed away, by the atoning blood of the Lamb. So I think it's safe to say, that without repentance there is no remission of sins, no matter how many times a person gets baptized. Before a person is baptized it is our responsibility as the church to teach them repentance, first and for most!

How many people do you know who were never taught what true repentance is before they were baptized in ignorance?

What is a Biblical Marriage

Sat, 09 Sep 2017 22:12:15 GMT

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Plain Bible Teaching about

Adulterous Marriage!

One of the consequences of the high divorce rate in our society is the number of adulterous marriages. These are unlawful unions in which at least one person is still bound to their original mate. Of course, when we discuss adulterous marriages, we must have the law of God in mind. To the state, there is no such thing as an adulterous marriage – only marriage. Once a couple is legally divorced, subsequent marriages are unconditionally legitimate in the eyes of the state. In this study, we will not be discussing civil laws about marriage and divorce. Instead, we will be looking at what the Scriptures teach about adulterous marriages.

Is There a Such Thing?

As we begin this study, it is important to ask this question: Is there a such thing as adulterous marriages? Many people do not believe that there is. Yet the Scriptures are clear that a couple may be married, but still be committing adultery with one another.

“And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery” (Matthew 19:9).

Jesus was asked about lawful causes for divorce (Matthew 19:3). He answered that there is no lawful cause for one to put away his wife except for fornication. Therefore, if one puts away his spouse for a cause other than fornication, he commits adultery upon remarriage.

“For the married woman is bound by law to her husband while he is living; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law concerning the husband. So then, if while her husband is living she is joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress though she is joined to another man” (Romans 7:2-3).

Paul indicated that if a woman is married (joined) to one man while her first husband is still alive, “she shall be called an adulteress.” This is obviously referring to God’s marriage law. The state does not label a married woman as an adulteress because she has been previously married. The law of God labels her as an adulteress even though she is married to the one with whom she is committing adultery with and at the same time are committing adultery against her first husband. If her husband died and she was, therefore, no longer bound to him, she could marry the second man without committing adultery.

What Is an Adulterous Marriage?

Knowing that there is a such thing as an adulterous marriage, we must determine what qualifies as an adulterous marriage.

First, we must remember the definition of adultery. Adultery refers to sexual relations between two people when at least one of them is married to someone else. An adulterous marriage then refers to sexual relations between a husband and wife when at least one of them is bound in marriage to another. The adulterous Act is being committed against the first spouse.

It is important to understand the fact that someone can be bound in marriage to one person, yet married to another. Again, this is based on God’s law, not man’s. It is possible for one to divorce his spouse, marry another, and still be bound to his original mate. This happens all the time. Notice a few examples:

Jesus taught that after a couple is joined together by God in marriage (Matthew 19:6), if one then puts away his spouse for a cause other than fornication, his second marriage is adultery (Matthew 19:9). Why? Without the cause of fornication which would have triggered the divine permission to put away his wife, this man was still bound to his first wife.

Paul taught that if a woman was married to a second husband while her first husband was still alive, she was an adulteress (Romans 7:2-3). Why? Since he was still alive, she was still bound to her first husband.

Note the example of Herod – “For Herod himself had sent and had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, because he had married her. For John had been saying to Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife’” (Mark 6:17-18). Herod was married to Herodias. Yet John called her his brother Philip’s wife. How? Though Herodias had married Herod, she was still bound to her first husband, Philip.

The Scriptures certainly do teach that there is a such thing as an adulterous marriage. This is a marriage in which at least one person is still bound in marriage – by God’s marriage law – to another.

How to Avoid an Adulterous Marriage

If we consult the Scriptures, there are some simple steps we can take to avoid an adulterous marriage.

Marry someone who is not bound to another (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:6) – Of course, we must not be bound to another, either.

Remain in that marriage for a lifetime. Once bound, God intended a man a woman to not be separated (Matthew 19:4-6) until death (Romans 7:2-3).

If separated, remain unmarried or be reconciled (1 Corinthians 7:10-11). When we sin, we cannot go back and undo our transgressions. We must repent and live with the consequences. If one becomes separated from the one to whom he was lawfully bound, his options are to either remain unmarried (if his wife will not have him back) or be reconciled (if she will take him back). There is no third option to marry another.

What to Do If You Are in an Adulterous Marriage

While it is important to avoid entering into an adulterous marriage, there are many who have not avoided it and are now in such a relationship. What should one do who is in an adulterous marriage?

Repent. One who is in an adulterous marriage is guilty of adultery (Matthew 19:9; Romans 7:3). The word of God is clear in its condemnation of the sin of adultery (1 Corinthians 6:9; Hebrews 13:4). Repentance is a prerequisite for forgiveness (Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 8:21-22).

How does one repent of adultery? One repents of adultery by stopping the adultery. Repentance requires an end to the adulterous relationship – even if this relationship is an adulterous marriage. When the people of Ezra’s day were guilty of marrying foreign wives (Ezra 10:10) – a violation of God’s marriage law under the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 7:3) – Ezra gave them this command: “Now therefore, make confession to the Lord God of your fathers and do His will; and separate yourselves from the peoples of the land and from the foreign wives” (Ezra 10:11).

We are not under the same law today that prohibits us from marrying one from another nation. But the lesson about how to repent when in an unlawful marriage applies. A separation must occur if we are to repent, because if one continues in that adulterous marriage they will continue to commit adultery against the first spouse. This is surely not an easy thing to do. But the Scriptures are clear that we must put the Lord first before everyone else, even those who are the closest to us in this life (Matthew 10:37).

Conclusion

“Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4). Marriage is an honorable institution. But we must keep the marriage bed (referring to the sexual union in marriage) undefiled. However, an adulterous marriage is inherently defiled. We must keep away from such a relationship, for “adulterers God will judge.”

Let us strive to be pure in all things. When we sin, let us have the courage to repent and turn from that sin, no matter how difficult it may be.

Why Does The Church of Christ Only Use A Capella Music

Mon, 03 Aug 2015 22:33:07 GMT

What Is A Cappella Music?

One of our readers recently wrote asking that we explain what is meant when it is stated that churches of Christ use only a cappella music. This is an excellent question and we are happy to respond.

The phrase a cappella derives from a Latin expression which, by way of Italian, means “in the style of the church,” or “as is done in the church.” It reflects the historical reality that instrumental music in Christian worship was not practiced in the Christian movement for many centuries, and that the rather late introduction of it constitutes an innovation void of New Testament authority.

Professor Everett Ferguson , one of the premier historians of church history, has noted that the non-use of the instrument in worship was the “majority tradition of Christian history” until “comparatively recent times” (83).

Between 1708-22, Joseph Bingham, an Anglican cleric, produced his magnificent ten-volume work titled, The Antiquities of the Christian Church, a prodigious effort that required twenty years in composition. The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church depicts this work as that which “has not been superseded” (Cross, 173). Regarding the use of instrumental music in church worship, the celebrated English scholar wrote:

Music in churches is as ancient as the apostles, but instrumental music not so: for it is now generally agreed by learned men, that the use of organs came into the church since the time of Thomas Aquinas, anno 1250. For he in his Sums has these words, “Our church does not use musical instruments, as harps and psalteries, to praise God withal, that she may not seem to judaize” (I.315).

He then catalogs considerable testimony from ancient writers of the post-apostolic age to sustain the point.

There is scarcely any controversy regarding this historical matter. In their massive, twelve-volume Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature (1876), John McClintock and James Strong (denominational scholars) noted:

The Greeks as well as the Jews were known to use instruments as accompaniments in their sacred songs. The converts to Christianity accordingly must have been familiar with this mode of singing; yet it is generally believed that the primitive Christians failed to adopt the use of instrumental music in their religious worship.

These scholars further noted that: “The general introduction of instrumental music can certainly not be assigned to a date earlier than the 5th and 6th centuries [A.D.]” (VI.759).

They also observed that the early reformers, e.g., Martin Luther , and also Calvin and Knox (Presbyterians), protested against the use of instruments. The same could be said of Clarke (Methodist) and Spurgeon (Baptist). The men were the leaders of their respective movements.

In my library I have a volume titled Instrumental Music in Public Worship. It was written by John L. Girardeau , a professor at Columbia Theological Seminary (a Presbyterian institution). The book was published first in 1888. This little volume of 208 pages was delivered initially as a series of lectures that had been requested by some of the seminary students. A dear lady who heard one of Girardeau’s lectures offered to have them published at her expense so that the evidence might stand as a “testimony to the truth.”

Girardeau argued :

A divine warrant is necessary for every element of doctrine, government and worship in the church; that is, whatsoever in these spheres is not commanded in the Scriptures, either expressly or by good and necessary consequence from their statements is forbidden (9; emp. original).

The professor contended that the evidence shows that instrumental music was not commonly used in churches “until the thirteenth century” (156).

I n 1965 James W. McKinnon prepared a dissertation at Columbia University on “The Church Fathers and Musical Instruments.” In this exhaustive document, McKinnon contended that “early Christian music was vocal” and there was a "patristic [the “church fathers”] polemic against instruments" (1-2; quoted in Bales, 351-352).

The truth is there is no authority in the New Testament for the use of instrumental music in Christian worship — neither command, precedent, nor necessary implication. This is so elementary that it is like rehearsing one’s ABCs all over again.

In view of this it is both shocking and disheartening that so many who profess an allegiance to Jesus Christ, and his New Testament revelation, have incorporated the use of mechanical instruments into their worship. As Christ once said of his contemporaries:

These people honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. In vain do they worship me, teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men (Matthew 15:8-9).