Have Thine Affections Been Nailed To The Cross?

There are many who have been baptized into the body of Christ and have yet to repent of their sins. These are they who attend worship each Sunday morning and each time the church doors are open, but they also bring along with them their transgressions. The question for each of us to answer today is, “Have our affections been nailed to the cross”?

Before anyone can become a Christian we must believe with the mouth and confess with the heart that Jesus is the Christ. With this confession most are baptized into Christ never having repented of their sins. I would even suspect that most were never told that they had to turn from their sins whatsoever. Brethren, we are not saved if we haven’t repented of our sins. Acts 17:30 Baptism can only wash away the sins that have been repented of, and if we haven’t repented, we are still in our sins. What is even more in question for many is did they repent of their sins before baptism, or have they returned back to their sins soon thereafter.

In order to be right with God all Christians must die to their sins, and walk in the steps of the Savior. This means we must put off adulteries, fornications, homosexuality, and all works of the flesh. Gal 5:19-21 We must stop lusting after the flesh and begin to desire to learn of God’s Word. As Peter said, “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” 1 Peter 2:1-3 Christians must cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light. Rom 13:12

Christians must be prepared in God’s Word in order to stand against evil. Notice as Paul wrote, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.   Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Then notice as Paul continues by instructing what we must put add to ourselves. “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints —” Eph 6:12-18

Christians must study God’s Word daily in order to be be approved unto God; 2 Tim 2:15; to be set for the defense of the gospel; Philip 1 15:18 and to contend for the faith. Jude 3  Christians must lose this world in order to gain the world to come. Mt 16:24-26 We can’t serve two masters without preferring one over the other. Mt 6:24 We can’t love this present world and love God at the same time. John said, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 Jn 2:15-17 We can’t follow in the steps of the Savior while walking in the paths of Satan. 1 Pet 2:21 As the Psalmist David said, “Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.” Ps 110:133 Therefore, let us repent of all of ours sins and take up our cross and follow after Christ, for is we fail to do this we are not worthy of Christ and can’t be called a Christian. Lk 13:3 ff; Mt 13:38; Lk 14:27 Have your affections been nailed to the cross? It’s a question we all must ask ourselves daily while we examine ourselves whether we be in the faith or not. 2 Cor 13:5 If not, repent today and get back on the strait and narrow path which leads to life everlasting. Mt 7:14

Preaching To A Wicked Generation

We live in a generation which live for today, say what they please, do what they want, and refuse to take the advice of others. It’s the me generation, and to them it’s eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die. So, are they any different than any other generation? Hardly. In fact, all generations have young people who think this way. Paul said concerning such, “Know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:  For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Tim 3:1-6 It was as though Paul was given a vision into the future to see society today. What is different in this generation is that it’s not just the young who think this way, and not just the middle aged, but many aged as well. The question for every Christian today is what responsibility do they have to reach out to this wicked and perverse generation?

Preach In Season and Out of Season

It’s easy to preach to an audience who is wanting to hear the truth of God, and who is willing to change when change is necessary. However, it’s difficult to preach to an audience who reject the truth of God no matter how articulate it is presented. Such was the commandment of Paul to Timothy: “I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” 2 Tim 4:1,2 Paul explained to Timothy that there will come a generation who will not endure sound doctrine, but will do according to their own desires having itching ears, and will seek out teachers who speak to them fables and not the truth of God. 2 Tim 4:4  As Paul had professed in his first letter to Timothy, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,” 1 Tim 4:1,2 Even as Isaiah the prophet spoke concerning, “That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:” Isa 30:9-10 Paul concluded to Timothy to “be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” 2 Tim 4:5 In other words, it’s not the responsibility of a Christian to make the wicked turn from their sins, but rather to present the truth to them whether they like it or not.

Answer When They Ask

The Word of God is a precious thing, a pearl of great price which is not to be cast before just anyone. Jesus said, “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” Matt 7:6 It is little doubt that Jesus meant “Dogs” in reference to people who rejected, opposed, or abused the doctrine of Christ. Phil 3:2 f; 2 Peter 2:22 “Swine” referred to those who would trample the gospel by people who are corrupted, polluted, and obscene. Anyone who has no value of the gospel will treat it like a dog or a swine. Prov 11:22. Yet, notice Jesus next statement: “Ask and you shall receive” The apostle Peter made that even more abundantly clear when he said, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;” 1 Pet 3:15 Christians must study God’s Word, and become able to teach that which they have learned for such times. 2 Tim 2:15 f; Heb 5:12-15

Guide When They Seek

Jesus taught that those who seek will find. Yet, how can they find except someone should guide them. Such was the case of Philip and the Eunuch. The Ethiopian Eunuch was reading from the book of Isaiah chapter 53, yet he didn’t understand of whom the prophet was speaking. Being directed by the Holy Spirit of God, Philip ran to him and asked if he understood what he was reading. The Eunuch said, “How can I except some man should guide me.” Acts 8:29-31 Philip instructed the Eunuch that the man Isaiah was in reference to Jesus and thus preached unto him Jesus, the gospel of Christ which resulted in the baptism of the Eunuch who went his way rejoicing. Acts 8:32-39

Open When They Knock

When Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, Jesus opened up to him the Word of life. Even as Jesus had said, “Knock and it shall be opened unto you”, Thus Jesus verily spoke to the Jewish Master about things he never had previously never heard . Jesus answered and said unto him, “ Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus reasoned with Jesus, “How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” Jesus answered Nicodemus, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” Jn 3:3-5 Eventually Jesus opened up to Nicodemus the very essence of the gospel when he said, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Jn 3:16 It is not recorded whether or not Nicodemus obeyed the gospel, but what is recorded is that the gospel was presented unto him.

Conclusion: The obligation of every preacher is to present the gospel to as many who will give ear. If anyone asks, seeks, or knocks, we must be prepared to teach them. Yes, we live in a society which mocks the Word of God, and yet, gospel preachers are obligated to preach the Word to them. It’s not up to preachers to make the world believe. Preachers obligation is to plant and water, for only God gives the increase. When the gospel is preached to this wicked generation they shall stand before God without excuse. For as Paul said, “…Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.” Rom 10:18 Therefore, all who preach the very Words of God are pure from the blood of all men. Acts 20:26,27 f; 1 Pet 4:11 If we dare preach and teach the doctrines of men we shall stand accountable to all we have lead astray. Mt 15:7-9

Why Only The church of Christ?

There has been much talk about the end of times in the last few years, and with all the strange weather, asteroids and comets which have been in the news lately, it’s hard to ignore the possibility that we are in the last days. Just as Noah preached for 120 years while preparing the ark, so it is in our days. It had never rained in the days of Noah, and in our times the sun and moon has never darkened and the stars have never fallen from the sky. So, what is a person to do but to prepare themselves every day to meet the Lord. In Noah’s time, the ark was the only place of refuge which could save one from destruction. So, what is here today to save us from utter destruction? It is called the body, the church of Christ. Why only the church of Christ? Let the bible explain …

What Is The Church of Christ?

The church of Christ is the manifold wisdom of God. Eph 3:10 The church of Christ is the pillar and ground of the truth. 1 Tim 3:15 It was Jesus who said you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. Jn 8:32 This truth was defined by God’s Word as the gospel of our salvation. Eph 1:13  In other words, the truth is Jesus Christ. Jn 14:6

This is why Philip preached to the Eunuch Jesus, or the gospel. Acts 8:35 When the Eunuch heard the gospel of Jesus he requested baptism which was granted unto him upon his confession that Jesus was the Christ. Acts 8: 36,37 This coincides with the commission Jesus gave to his apostles when he said to them: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:15,16 If the Eunuch believed not, he would have been lost, but once he confessed that he believed, baptism washed away his sins and he was saved. Acts 22:16 If belief alone saved the Eunuch, there would have been no need to have been baptized. There is no example of any new testament convert who was not baptized, or one who was saved by faith only. No not one. Anyone who obeys not the gospel shall be lost come the day of judgment. 2 Thess 1:7-9 Therefore, anyone who is not a member of the body of Christ shall be lost, for no one can be saved separate and apart from the church of Christ.

How Do We Know The Name of the Church Is The Church of Christ?

To know the name of the church one only needs to know who is the head of the church. Jesus said, “Upon the rock I will build MY church” Mt 16:18 Therefore the church belongs to Christ. This fact was repeated by Paul both to the Ephesians and Colossians when he said, “He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Eph 1:22-23 “He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” Col 1:18 In these two passages two things are made known to everyone. One, the body is defined as the church. Secondly, Jesus is the head of the church. There is only ONE body or church. Eph 4:4 All Christians are added to church by Christ once they have been baptized. Acts 2:47 Therefore, all Christians are baptized into the body of Christ; 1 Cor 12:13 And are members of the the body, the church of Christ. 1 Cor 12:27 ff; Eph 5:30; Rom 12:5 Therefore, it is undeniable that the church which Christ died for and paid for with his own blood was called by his name, the churches of Christ. Acts 20:28 f; Rom 16:16

Conclusion: Just as in the days of Noah, the church is prepared to save a lost and dying world from utter destruction which was promised to mankind. Jesus verily said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my Word shall not pass away.” Mt 24:35  Only baptized believers who have repented of their sins shall be added to the church of Christ and if these members remain faithful to the doctrine of Christ, they are promised the crown of eternal life. Mk 16:16 ff; Acts 2:38; Rev 2:10; Tit 1:2 Now, I can’t tell you the Lord is coming today, tomorrow, or even in your lifetime. Yet, sooner or later He will come. However, I can promise you that you will die and face the Lord, and give an account of your sins according to gospel of Christ. 2 Cor 5:10 So, if it is your intention to be saved from your sins, the churches of Christ is your only source for the truth, the gospel of Christ. If you are not a member of this church, you have absolutely no chance whatsoever of entering into the Kingdom of heaven. If you are a member of the church of Christ, remember to abide faithfully to the doctrine of Christ until the end that you too don’t become a castaway. 2 Jn 9 ff; Mt 24:13; 1 Cor 9:27

Are You Worth More Dead or Alive?

How often a person is worth more dead than alive. Even so, some are worth more alive than dead. The question is, which one are you when it comes to God? Would it be worth more to you to be alive and live in pleasure upon the earth or would you be better off dead and receive eternal damnation? Christians have two choices to make because they have worth to God in two ways. Notice the words of the apostle Paul: “ For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.” Phil 1:21-26

It was the psalmist David who wrote that it was precious in the sight of God for the death of his saints. Ps 116:15 It was John who wrote, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.'” “Yes,” says the Spirit,”that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.” Rev 14:13 It is undeniable that it is more profitable for the saints of God to die immediately and rejoice with God in heaven than it is to have a long life here on earth where they suffer for the cause of Christ and that too often unmercifully. 2 Tim 3:12

Yet, the value of just one saint who is doing the will of God is of great profit to all those who he comes in contact. Whether it be him preaching or teaching God’s Word saving souls from death or by doing good unto all men to ensure their well being, a Christian is invaluable. Jam 5:19,20 f; Gal 6:10 It has been estimated that 99.9986% of all human beings upon this earth are lost in their sins. If suddenly those few who are saved were to be removed from planet earth, what chance would the lost have? All the saints of God are like Paul who have the desire to be in heaven with God, yet know of their value and responsibility to a lost and dying world.

And, yet, soon the righteous will be taken away from the wicked and the evil to come. Isa 57:1,2  “For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked.” 2 Cor 5:1-3 “In hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began,” Titus 1:2 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul both sure and steadfast. Heb 6:19 Nevertheless, God has saw fit to keep a few here on earth in the last 2,000 years in order that the gospel be preached and that souls may be harvested for that great and dreadful day. Mt 9:37,38 As the old hymnal song goes: “We’ll work till Jesus comes, and then be gathered home.” As John concluded the desire of every saint, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” Rev 22:20

Who Should You Marry?

When we read the advice that Paul gave to a young Timothy, it was almost like the advice a father gives to his son. The bible leaves us lots of advice on how to conduct our lives here on earth that can prosper us much in the spirit and in the flesh. Among those words of wisdom is who we should marry and who we should avoid.

Young Christian Men

A young man of the faith has a lot to offer God, especially if he marries properly in the Lord. However, if he marries the wrong woman, his service can be limited or negated altogether. Even if this young man is as zealous for the Word as Paul, bold in the Word as Peter, and as pious as Christ himself to give his life for his fellow brethren, it profits him nothing if the woman he is married to is not a Christian woman who is just as strong in the faith as he. No man can be an elder or deacon of the church if his wife is not also a faithful Christian. What church would hire a preacher who has a faithless wife? As Paul said concerning an elder’s family, “If a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?” 1 Tim 3:5 And though Paul was not specifically addressing marriage, it is difficult to exclude such an application when he said, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?” 2 Cor 6:14-16

The point is, the woman you marry will affect the rest of your Christian life. Not only that, but it will affect your offspring. How often when one marries someone outside of the body of Christ that their children are torn between their mother and father and usually choose the wrong way. I knew of a local Christian man who married a beautiful Baptist woman. They had two beautiful daughters and both of them chose to follow their mother into the Baptist doctrine. He began solid in the faith but he lost his two daughters all because his wife lead them astray. He brought wickedness into his own house, and lost his own offspring. He died in the faith having done little for the Lord except save himself.

Young Christian man, choose rather to marry a virtuous woman like the one Solomon spoke of: “Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.” Prov 31:10 Choose a Christian woman who loves God’s Word enough to submit herself to you and her children. Tit 2:4-5 Choose a woman who is willing to assist you in the faith to do the work of God even as Priscilla did to her husband Aquila. Acts 18 Seek a woman who knows that this life is not about worldly gain, but rather spiritual gain. Find a woman like Sarah who obeyed Abraham and called him Lord. 1 Pet 3:6 Find a woman like Ruth who was willing to follow her husband anywhere. Ruth 1:16 No, she might not have the beauty of worldly women, but remember, “Favor is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman that fears the Lord she shall be praised.” Prov 31:30 And when you find this precious pearl of great price, you will have the help meet God intended you to have in order to serve Him to your fullest capacity.

Young Christian Women

Some of the same components that was suggested to the young Christian man also applies to the young Christian women. It is so much harder for any woman to serve God when her husband is not of the same like faith or faithless altogether. A Christian woman needs a Christian man to guide her in the faith. If she be married to an atheist or a man who belongs to a denomination, her service to God is strained at best.  Instead of being an elder’s wife, deacon’s wife or a preacher’s wife she will be forced to be subservient to a faithless or godless man, and yet have to choose God to worship alone. Instead of devoting her life to the service of a God fearing man who praises her, she will be often abused for doing that which is right in the sight of God.

Young Christian woman, choose not a man based upon how much he makes or how handsome he looks, but rather choose a Christian man who has chosen to serve God. This kind of man will be a good father to your children, and a faithful husband to you. How can you depend on a man to be faithful to you who is not faithful to God? How can you depend on a man to respect and honor you when he does not respect or honor God? How can two walk together except they be agreed in God’s Word? Amos 3:3 The church of Christ depends upon Christian women to marry Christian men. Such is the foundation of the government of the church because from such unions proceed elders, deacons and preachers. Young Christian men and women most often proceed from such unions.

Conclusion: The church itself was compared to marriage. As man is the head of the woman, so Christ is the head of the church. As Christ gave his life for the church, so ought husbands to give their life for their wives. There is no way to separate successful Christian marriages from a strong church of Christ. When we marry God’s way, the church flourishes and bears forth fruit worthy of honor and praise. So, young Christian man and young Christian woman, the future of the church is in your decision to marry one another and bring forth the offspring of God and to do the works of God. Remember, marriage is sacred in God’s eyes, and was intended to last man and woman for the rest of their life. So, if and when you choose to marry, marry in the Lord, and you will receive blessings upon blessings, and the church will prosper for your decision.

Who Gave You This Authority?

The church of Christ was brought into existence by the preaching of the gospel. Jesus said, “The seed is the word of God.” Luke 8:11. Therefore, wherever the gospel was preached, churches of Christ came forth. The apostles and other inspired men of New Testament times chose death rather than to compromise the truth which was revealed to them by the Holy Spirit. Jn 16:13 It was because of the plea of the leaders in the restoration movement, and through the subsequent efforts of faithful gospel preachers, who stood firmly on the word of God and took the Bible alone as the all-sufficient rule of faith and practice, that many were led out of denominationalism, and become certified Christians, members of the body, the church of Christ. Since the truth brought forth the church, it can only be maintained by the adherence to truth. 2 Jn 9 What we sow we shall also reap. Gal 6:7 Sow a human creed and the harvest will be a human denomination. Sow human philosophy in the church and the result will eventually be an apostate church. The church that has ceased to be guided by the Bible will cease to be the church that you read about in the Bible. The church that has ceased to be subject to Christ and His Word as it was written is not the church of Christ.

There was a time when preachers of the church of Christ built up a reputation for loyalty to the word of God and for testing all things by the scriptures. The determination to speak where the Bible speaks and to be silent where the Bible is silent, eventually made them to be feared in religious circles . In this respect, at least, preachers of the church of Christ, who stood with an open Bible in hand and their feet firmly planted on truth, proved to be invulnerable. This is not true today. Liberal minded churches of Christ actually sound more like denominational churches than the church of the new testament.

The Results Doesn’t Justifies the Means

People like to see results. And so, the fact that a large number of people have been baptized as the result of some man designed program, or the fact that some needy people are being fed is sufficient proof, to some at least, that the organizational setup of the thing in question is scriptural. This is an appeal to the philosophy that the end justifies the means. Remember the warning of the apostle Paul, “Why not say, “Let us do evil that good may come”? — as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.” Rom 3:8 Are we prepared to go all the way on that? Thousands have been baptized through the work of the missionary society. Does that make the missionary society scriptural?

Viewed from the human standpoint, it was a good work for Uzzah to prevent the ark of the covenant from falling and being broken to pieces, but the means he used violated an express commandment of God, and he was punished by death. I Chron. 13:9, 10. If Uzzah had lived he might have justified himself by saying “God didn’t say not to” or “Good deeds supersede the commandments of God”.  Both excuses fall short and this Uzzah lost his life immediately. The death of Christ made possible the redemption of man; but it did not excuse the crime of the Jews in crucifying him.

Traditions Of Men

In the discussion of present issues, it is common for brethren to try to prove that their practice is right by referring to what prominent brethren have taught and practiced in the past. Or it is common to hear someone say, “We have practiced this for the past hundred years.” This is merely an appeal to tradition. If we are going to start proving things that way, let us go to the Catholics. They have hundreds of years advantage over us when it comes to proving things by tradition. Surely brethren ought to realize that when it comes to proving the scripturalness of a practice, church of Christ tradition is no more reliable than Baptist or Catholic tradition. Did not Paul warn us: “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” Col 2:8 Isn’t it amazing that the ones who cry “Legalist” and “Pharisees” the most is doing exactly what the Pharisees did? The Pharisees held the tradition of washing of hands, but rejected obeying the commandments of God. To this end Jesus said, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.  And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” Matt 15:8-9

God’s People Are The Minority

Surely it is evident to every Bible student that in all God’s dealings with man, seldom, if ever, has the majority been right. Almost always, if not always it was the minority who was right. Moses wrote, “The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples;” Deut 7:7 Jesus said, “Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matt 7:14 Noah and his family, eight souls were all that were saved in the ark, while millions perished in the flood. Lot and his wife and two daughters were the minority in Sodom and except for Lot’s wife, who looked back, the minority were saved by obeying God explicitly. If one is on the wrong side of a question because he is in the minority, then surely the experience of Elijah with the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel was a monumental failure. He was outnumbered four hundred and fifty to one. I Kings 18:19. If you or I am alone on this planet who dares speak the truth according to God’s Word, then are we wrong by the shear fact that we stand alone for the truth? God forbid! For God and the truth are the majority.

Conclusion: If we as Christians are not abiding by God’s Word as it was written, we are alien to God. Were we not all warned to not to go beyond what was written? 1 Cor 4:6 Were we not commanded to speak the very words of God? 1 Pet 4:11 Were we not promised to be accursed if we change the gospel? Gal 1:6-9 We we not told that our names would be removed from the book of life when we add to the Word of God? Rev 22:19 The prophets of God spoke in the name of the Lord. Jam 5:10 The apostles spoke in the name of the Lord. Acts 4:19,20 cf; 5:29 Jesus spoke the very words of God. Jn 12:49,50 There are many frivolous excuses for breaking God’s law, but the end never justifies the means. Rom 3:8 If God never gave us the authority for what we say and do, then by whose authority do we follow?

God’s Way Works Today

How often do we see the denominational world embedded in the mire of secularism. They are quick to embrace the works and ways of man, and reject the works and ways of God. They will tell you that the ways of God won’t work in our modern civilization, and therefore we are not obligated to follow the old paths. Solomon wrote, “There is a way that seems right unto a man but the ends thereof are the ways of death.” Prov 14:25 cf; 16:25 Jeremiah the prophet said, “0 Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walks to direct his steps.” Jer. 10: 23 The wise man said again, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.” Prov. 3:5-6  Isaiah wrote of God’s way: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isa. 55:8-9) Surely, the ways of God are higher than our ways for only God’s way prevails. We may not understand why God has commanded this or that, but if we have the faith to work his ways, his ways will work. Let us examine how God’s Way works and man’s way fails.

Deliverance of Egypt By Moses

When God sent Moses into Egypt to lead forth the captive Israelites, Moses was eighty years of age and unknown to the elders of Israel. Why should they even trust him? How could he make them believe that God had sent him? God’s way: Moses was given miraculous power such as delivering 10 grueling plagues upon Egypt (Ex. 4:1-9) Gods way worked! Israel believed and accepted Moses as their leader and they followed him out of Egypt.

In their flight from Egypt the Israelites came unto the Red Sea. There was no passage over it. Pharaoh and his army were quickly approaching. Israel cried unto the Lord, but Moses believed God would come to their rescue, and charged them: “Fear you not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will show to you today.” God told Moses to “Lift you up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.” (Ex. 14:13-16) Men would say, at a time like this we have no need for wishful thinking. Let every man run for his life and defend himself against Pharaoh’s army. Yet, Israel stood still and followed Moses upon dry land through the sea, and escaped the capture of Pharaoh’s army which were drowned. Gods way worked!

Because of their unbelief, the Israelites were made to wander in the wilderness for forty years. During this time they spoke against God and he sent fiery serpents among them and they bit the people and many of the Israelites died. When the people confessed, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord,” they asked Moses to pray unto the Lord for them. God had Moses to make a serpent of brass and put it on a pole, and when one was bitten he was to look upon that serpent on the pole and he would live. To the medical profession today this would be sheer folly. In fact, no man could believe that a brass serpent could heal a poisonous snake bite, but by God’s power it did.  God’s way worked!

Eventually Israel rejected God through Moses to lead Israel, and 250 famous men like Korah rose up against Moses and invoked the wrath of God who caused the ground to swallow them up. And when Israel accused Moses of killing these unjust men, God’s anger was prepared to slay them all. Even though Moses persuaded God not to slay them, God’s way prevailed for he allowed them to wander in the wilderness for 40 years until their carcasses fell dead. God through Joshua lead Israel out of the wilderness into the promise land. Nu 16

The Gospel Is God’s Way

Sometimes the way of God appears foolish unto men. But let us remember that of some it is said, “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools . . .” (Rom. 1:22). “The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness.” 1 Cor 1:18 The very idea that the crucifixion of a Jew on a cross was the only means of salvation was utter folly unto many of the wise men of Paul’s day, but God in his eternal wisdom could see that the world by wisdom knew not God, thus it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. (1 Cor. 1:18, 21) Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men, God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise … and the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty … and the base things of the world, and things which are despised, that no flesh should glory in his sight. 1 Cor 1:18-31

Conclusion: How often do many today scoff at the simplicity of the gospel. God way was to send his only begotten Son to die for the sins of the world. Jn 3:16 God’s way to save man was to have mankind believe Jesus was the Christ the Son of God and confess this before men. Rom 10:9,10 God’s way was to have mankind repent of his sins and have them washed away by the means of baptism. Acts 2:38 f; Acts 22:16 God’s way adds such to the body, the church of Christ which Christ is the head thereof. Acts 2:47 f; Col 1:18 God’s way commanded all to worship him in Spirit and in truth, abiding in the doctrine of Christ, and that faithfully. Jn 4:23,24 ff; 2 Jn 9; Rev 2:10

Man today has their way which says it’s legalism to follow God explicitly. These are the sons and daughters of Korah and all such who believe they are more wise than God. Man’s way says only Pharisees follow God. Man according to God can’t direct his own steps. Jer 10:23 If man will be walk in the steps of the Savior and his blessed apostles, they can be saved. 1 Pet 2:21 f; 2 Cor 12:18 They showed us God’s way, but it’s up to us to follow it.  1 Cor 11:1 God’s way works! Man’s way fails. Lk 6:39 The next step belongs to you…

The Godhead

One of the most difficult concepts for humanity to understand is, how can there be just one God when the Bible calls three persons God. John said, “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit: and these three are one.” 1 Jn 5:7 It is such a difficult concept to grasp that probably no one fully understands it, but we ought to grapple with it and gain as much insight into this truth as the scriptures allow.

We must accept the idea that there is just one God who is made up of three persons (not human but Spirit) or personalities because it is taught in the Bible. If we are going to accept the fact that the Bible is absolute truth revealed by God, then we must accept this concept even if we cant fully comprehend it or explain it. There are three persons of the godhead: the Father, the  Son, and the Holy Spirit.

One God

Numerous passages throughout the Bible declare that there is just one God. Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! (Deuteronomy 6:4). There is one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all (Ephesians 4:1-6). Yet, for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him (I Corinthians 8:6). For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (I Timothy 2:5). Clearly, the Bible proclaims that there is just one God.

The Father Is Called God

But, just as the Bible says that there is one God, so the Bible calls three different persons God. Generally speaking, people do not have trouble accepting the fact that the Father is God. Ephesians 6:4 which is quoted above, declares that fact. Many other passages could be quoted which also proclaim this truth.

The Son Is Called God

The Son of God, sometimes called the second person of the godhead was named Jesus when He came to earth to live. John, the apostle and the writer of the gospel which bears his name, calls Jesus the Word (John 1:14). Speaking about the Word he wrote, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men (John 1:1-4). He declared that the Word was God. Not only that, but he also declared that this person of the godhead was the one who created all things (John 1:3 f; Col 1:15-17).

The apostle Paul also declared very clearly that Jesus was God. When he was teaching that we ought to have the same spirit of humility that Christ had, he wrote: Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond servant, and being made in the likeness of men (Philippians 2:5-7). He said that before Jesus came to earth He existed in the form of God and in fact he explained that this person was an equal with God (the Father). This person of the godhead emptied Himself of something when He came to earth and took on the form of humanity. But, the point is that this person of the godhead was declared by inspiration to be “God.

The Holy Spirit Is Called God

The third person of the godhead, the Holy Spirit, is also called God. This truth is not taught as often or as clearly as the other members of the godhead, but declared, nevertheless. There are several ways to show that the Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is God, but well only give a couple of proofs. First, in the accounts of the second person of the godhead coming in human form we find that the Holy Spirit is called God. When Mary’s pregnancy with Jesus was explained to Joseph the angel told him, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20). When the angel revealed Gods plan to bring His son into the world through Mary, Mary said, How can this be, since I am a virgin (Luke 1:34). The angel answered and said to her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35). Notice that in both Matthew and Luke’s accounts, they state that Mary’s conception was due to the Holy Spirit yet the one born was not called the Son of the Holy Spirit, but rather the Son of God. Therefore, we must conclude that the Holy Spirit is God as well.

A second example to show that the Holy Spirit is called God is found soon after the church was established. In the account of Ananias lying about how much money he received when he sold a piece of property, Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land (Acts 5:3). Peter then said, You have not lied to men but to God (Acts 5:4). In one breath Peter said that Ananias had lied to the Holy Spirit and in the next breath Peter said that Ananias had lied to God. Thus, the Holy Spirit is declared to be God.

The Chain of Command In The Godhead

In many organizations there is a chain of command or that one is superior to those below him. For example, one who is a captain is superior to the sergeant who is superior to the private. The captain gives orders to the sergeant who must carry out those orders. The sergeant gives orders to the private who must carry out his orders.

God the Father gave orders to the Son. Jesus said, For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak (John 12:49). Speaking of the Holy Spirit Jesus told His apostles, If I go (to heaven), I will send Him to you (John 16:7).

Does the fact that God the Father commanded the Son mean that the Father is superior to the Son? Does the fact that the Son commanded the Holy Spirit mean that the Son is superior to the Holy Spirit? Is there a chain of command?

There is a chain of command in function but not in deity.  Jesus is the only mediator between God and man (I Timothy 2:5). The Holy Spirit can intercede for man but He cannot mediate for man (Romans 8:26; I Timothy 2:5). Jesus is the head of the church because He purchased it with His own blood and because the Father gave Him that position (Ephesians 1:22-23; Acts 20:28). Neither the Father nor the Holy Spirit is the head of the church. That is Jesus role. The Holy Spirit’s work was to guide the apostles into all truth, to bring to their remembrance all that Jesus had taught them, and to enable them to record it accurately in the scriptures (John 14:26; 16:13; I Corinthians 2:6-14). God the father is the head of Christ as Christ is the head of man and man is the head of woman. 1 Cor 11:3 At the judgment Jesus who now possess all power in heaven and earth will hand back the kingdom and all power back to God the father.  1 Cor 15:24

Yes, there is just one God but He exists as three individual persons, each of whom is called God but none of whom is God without the other two for in unity they all are one. 1 Jn 5:7

What The Bible Taught About Woman’s Silence

I have heard just about every argument made by the denominations and members of the church which express their reasons as to why women can be a preacher or  a teacher of God’s Word. Yet, I do not address this subject to the denominational world but rather to members of the churches of Christ. Let us examine those who say that the word “Silence” doesn’t actually mean silence as was expressed in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians and his letter to Timothy.

The Argument For Women NOT to Remain Silent

Many will teach that since women can sing in the churches and because singing is both teaching and speaking that women can teach and speak in the assemblies. Eph 5:19 f; Col 3:16 Some teach that because a man and his wife both met with Apollos privily and explained to him that the baptism of John the Baptist was no longer in effect, that women can be preachers of the Word. Acts 18:26 Some will say because there was women prophets in the new testament that women can be preachers. Acts 2:16,17 Some will use the argument that Paul’s writings were his own and not inspired of God. 2 Tim 3:16,17 f; 2 Pet 3:16 Some will say that these were the prophet’s wives who were to be silent and not for women today. Some will say that silent doesn’t mean silent and therefore women can speak and teach. Some will say women can teach children and other women in the assembly but not men. Some will redefine and dissect each and every single word in these passages and actually conclude the bible said that women are to be teachers just like men. Nevertheless, what did the scripture actually say? Gal 4:30

Let us read the text on this subject which so many have such a variety of opinion: “Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says.  And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.” 1 Cor 14:34-35 “Let a woman learn in silence with all  submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.” 1 Tim 2:11-13

What The Bible Taught About Woman’s Silence?

Paul wrote, that all women were not allowed to speak in all of the churches. He said that it was shameful for all women to speak in the church. He stated that women are to be silent as also said the law of Moses. (The Jerusalem Talmud  notes: “Women’s wisdom is solely in the spindle.” He added, “The words of the Torah should be burned rather than entrusted to women” (JT Sotah 3:4, 19a).)  Paul stated if women wanted to learn anything that they should ask their husband at home. 1 Cor 14:33,34

Paul commanded all women to learn in silence. He said he didn’t allow any woman to teach a man. This means that Priscilla did not teach Apollos, but rather her husband Aquila instructed him. He taught that no woman could have authority over a man. In such matter all women were to remain silent. 1 Tim 2:11,12 Paul didn’t say a woman could not teach or have authority over other women cause aged women were commanded to instruct the younger women to: “… Admonish or encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,  to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.” Titus 2:4-5

It’s obvious to a sincere seeker of the truth that Paul wrote the very words of Jesus. Paul said to those who contend otherwise “If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.” 1 Cor 14:37 All women are prohibited from being speakers in the assemblies. They are to learn in silence and any questions must not be done in the assembly. Women can sing but they can’t be song leaders. Women can pray silently, but not not lead prayers in the assembly. Women can’t be church leaders such as elders or deacons. 1 Tim 3:1-13 There is no mention in the bible that children were taught any place other than in the home by their own parents. Eph 6:1-4 There is no mention of women teaching other women in the assemblies. There is no mention of women preachers and teachers of God’s Word in or out of the assembly. Yes, women assisted Paul even as Priscilla assisted her husband, but even as Paul wrote, none were allowed to teach or have authority over a man. If aged women were to teach other women it was as Paul instructed Titus. Tit 2:4,5

Conclusion: It is high time that the churches of Christ break alliances with the denominational world, and stop preaching that women can do more than what the scriptures commanded. Women play a submissive role in the church and family even as God commanded from the beginning. This was done because woman disobeyed God by the taking of the forbidden fruit and caused Adam to sin when he harkened to her. 1 Tim 2:13,14 Men, obey God by preaching and teaching God’s Word and taking the leadership role in the family and the church. Women, obey God by being submissive to man and remaining silent in the assembly. After all beloved Christian women, you are not submissive to man because man commanded you, but rather because God commanded you. 1 Cor 11:3 Remember, if God cast out Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden because of their disobedience, he will do the same today. God verily gave woman control over their own soul, so do what God commands, and save it.

Brotherly Love Proves Our Love For God

It is amazing how many Christians think that they can please God while despising fellow brethren. A Christian is never more elevated than when they are kneeling down to help a sister or brother in the faith. In fact, we can’t love God until we first love fellow brethren. As God loved the world, as Christ loved us, even so must we  love our brethren.

The Love of Jesus

Jesus left heaven to come to a place of sorrow and sin. For 33 years He lived among men doing good. He healed the sick, made the blind to see, made the lame to walk, restored lepers, cast out demons, and even raised the dead. He preached the gospel of God’s love for mankind, calling upon men to repent and obey the Word of God.

Because the common people heard him gladly, the Jewish leaders became jealous of Jesus and plotted His death. They paid Judas Iscariot to betray Him into their evil hands. They brought forth false witnesses in Jesus’ trials to accuse him unjustly, and then delivered him to Pilate to be crucified. They nailed Him to a cross, and then stood around to watch Him die. They mocked and ridiculed Him, hurling abusive language toward the sinless Son of God.

Jesus endured the cross because He loved us so much.  As He said, “Greater love has no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends; And you are my friends if you do whatsoever I command you.” Jn 15:13,14 Jesus suffered the pain of Calvary, its physical suffering and humiliation, in order that you and I might be delivered from sin.

Love One Another

The love which Jesus displayed for us is the kind of love which He commanded us to show one another. The apostle John wrote: “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought to love one another.” (1 Jn. 4:11) We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar: for he that loves not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he had not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That we who loves God love his brother also. Whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loves him that begat him also that is begotten of him (1 Jn. 4:19-5:1).

Sometimes we act as if love is some warm, mushy romantic feeling which we have toward someone else. That is the weakest of love for soon it fades and can even turn to pure hatred. Love is more than some warm feeling of endearment, and should be obvious from the divine command to love one’s enemies (Matt. 5:44). The good Samaritan obviously did not have such warm feelings toward the man who fell among thieves. He did not even know him. Yet, he demonstrated love toward his neighbor (Lk. 10:25-37). Love is an act of the will, not of the emotions. It demonstrates itself by what it does as opposed to what it says. In reading 1 Corinthians 13, Paul’s unparalleled description of love, notice that Paul used verbs and not adjectives to describe love. He described love by showing us what love does as opposed to how love feels: “Love suffers long, and is kind; Love envies not; Love vaunts not itself, is not puffed up, does not behave unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” Love never fails….now abides faith, hope, love but the greatest of these is love. (1 Cor 13:4-7,13).

John emphasized the same truth when he wrote, “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 Jn. 4:18). John was not criticizing the expression of love. If a person loves someone else, he should tell them. However, love goes much beyond the mere expression of words. It reveals itself by its deeds.

The mother who tenderly nurses her sick child back to health is showing her love. The woman who cares for her father-in-law who is aged and can’t take care of himself properly shows her love. The woman who cooks and cleans for  her husband no matter how abusive he is to her, shows her love. The man who provides for his wife and takes care of his families’ needs, shows his love. These acts show love in deed and in truth.

Our love toward one another should demonstrate itself. John wrote, “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso has this world’s good, and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him?” (1 Jn. 3:16-17).

Human compassion toward one another should characterize the saints.  Barnabas by selling his property to relieve the needs of his brethren showed his love. (Acts 4:36-37). How many of us would be willing to sell our car or house in order to relieve the suffering of our unemployed brother? How many preachers go in want because of Christians who have much share not in the preaching and burden of spreading the gospel? How many have even consider doing such?

We should demonstrate love in our relationships within the local church. Sometimes the church possesses hypocrites who say that they love God, but in reality they hate God for they hate their fellow brethren. Envy, jealousy, bitterness, abusive speech, gossip, suspicion, and evil surmising sometimes are rampant in the local church. I can recall once seeing a man who was ragged and starved who was turned away by the church. It shamed some of its members so badly that they privily took money out of their own pockets and gave it to the man. Peter said, “. . . for love shall cover the multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8). Paul added, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also you are called in one body; and be you thankful” (Col. 3:15).

Because some brethren with inadequate understanding of love might judge otherwise, we need to emphasize that rebuking a sinner in the hope of causing him to repent is an act of love. Sometimes men conclude that elders hate a brother from whom they lead the congregation in withdrawing fellowship; others conclude that bitterness and hatred exist when one brother rebukes the false doctrine taught by another brother. Both are mistaken. Men take the time to call these errors to the attention of the erring brother for the express purpose of leading him to repentance. Such men love the soul of the erring brother and want to see him in heaven. Consequently, when they see him err from the truth, they seek to restore him to the Lord.

Brotherly Love Is Evidence Of Our Salvation

John repeatedly used brotherly love as a criterion for determining whether or not one was saved. “He that says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loves his brother abides in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him (1 Jn. 2:9-10). “In this the children of God are made known, and the children of the devil: whosoever does not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loves not his brother” (1 Jn. 3:10). We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. “He that loves not his brother abides in death. Whosoever hates his brother is a murderer: and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” (1 Jn. 3:14-15) “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God.” (1 Jn. 4:7).

The knowledge that we have brotherly love gives our heart assurance and confidence before God (1 Jn. 3:19). The person who feels bitterness, hatred, variance, and strife toward his brother surely must question his personal salvation before God. The brother who backbites, gossips, spreads rumors and malicious lies about his brother surely must know that he is lost, regardless of how highly regarded he might be by some brethren. To have a genuine assurance of salvation, let each of us manifest brotherly love toward each other.

Conclusion: Love is not what we say or feel, but what we do for one another. The greatest love we can show to one another is when we teach anyone the gospel of Christ or correct an errand brother or sister. Jam 5:19,20 There are not many who care enough for our soul that they would give up everything just to teach you the truth of God. A love so strong that they are willing to become an enemy in your eyes just to save your soul. Gal 4:16

Yes, love will feed and clothe you. Yes, love will shelter you from the cold and heat. Yet, the greatest love of all is to feed one the truth of God, and deliver them from the heat of hell and damnation. Paul said, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.” Rom 10:1  Paul said he would give his very soul if Israel could be saved. Rom 9:3 If you ever find anyone who loves you as much as God loved the world, as much as Christ loved us, or as much as Paul loved Israel, you have found the greatest love of all. We are commanded to love our husband and wife, our children, our neighbor, our brethren, and even our enemies. If we can’t love them, then we can’t love God, and if we love not God we can’t be saved. A fleshly love at best will last a lifetime, but the spiritual love God described will last for an eternity. This is how God wants us to love the brotherhood.