By James Baker

There are wonderful brethren who keep the money in the Lord’s treasury active. They do so by not stacking the money up and sitting on it (which is wrong) but by sending it regularly to worthy men who are preaching the gospel in their respective areas. These good brethren do so because they aspire to support the preaching of the word in cities other then their own because they, like Christ, see lost people all over the world (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15-16).

These good brethren realize that the money in the treasury is not “our money,” and they would never dream of using such a term because they realize it belongs to the Lord and must be spent according to His will (Mark 12:17).

These brethren have come to realize that such scriptures as 1 Corinthians 9:1-18, 2 Cor. 11:7-8, and Philippians 4:14-16 are speaking to them directly, and they feel obligated to answer the call. These brethren have great interest in the preaching of the gospel in cities other then their own, and they consider requests from preachers equal to paying the light, gas, and water bills. etc. These good brethren read all appeals for support that come in and will contact each writer and let them know if they are in position to render help.

The good brethren of whom I speak realize one cannot get something for nothing (2 Samuel 24:24; 1 Cor. 9:7). They know that if churches want preachers that churches must pay preachers a worthy wage (1 Timothy 5:18). They know that a preacher is on call 24/7, and for that reason they want to be perfectly sure he is getting what he truly deserves. These good brethren have also taken notice of how well man-made churches support their preachers, and they learn not to allow false churches to show them up when it concerns supporting the preacher.

And on a disgusting note, may I add that some denominational preachers pretty much drain their flocks dry, and people still send money to those preachers (2 Peter 2:1-3). The good brethren of whom I speak are wise enough to know that the gospel might not do as well in one place, as it might in another, but they still support the men who work with the church in those liberal secular areas (Mark 6:4-6; Acts 17:10-12; Matt. 10:14; Acts 13:44-52; Acts 8:5-8).

The good brethren of whom I write are caring enough to inform a preacher with enough notice if they have to drop him from support. These brethren care about the man and realize that the preacher is dependent upon the check being in the mail. So, they will give a preacher enough notice so that he can make changes if the support must cease. They know that each man is a human being, and they care about his feelings so they won’t cut him with the insensitive remark, “this is your last check.” These brethren don’t want their employers doing such to them, so they don’t do that to a preacher (Matthew 7:12).

In closing, let me thank God for the support that interested churches provide, and many have been doing so for years. The wish of all preachers is the more churches will aspire to fairly support their own preacher and then extend other support to men who are faithfully teaching all over the world. And once the support of men begins, churches need to keep in mind that supporting preachers is not like paying off a mortgage; pay for 30 years then its over. No, the support of preachers must continue in the local church until the end of time (1 Cor. 9:14).

By James Baker

(This is a article I wrote a few years back and it remains timely because circumstances surrounding the support of preachers still need improvement)

Imagine yourself as an evangelist who understands that he has permission from the Lord to sustain himself from the treasury of the church (1 Corinthians 9:7-11; 2 Cor. 11:8-9). Next imagine yourself writing to a church inquiring about money in their bank account for fellowship. Next, imagine those brethren reading your request and laying the letter aside as “unimportant” or throwing the letter in the trash. Now, what do you think about brethren who would do such a thing? But before we cry how bad it was for a church to treat a preacher like that. Let us make sure that our protest doesn’t point back at us (2 Samuel 12:5-7). If we are apathetic toward preachers’ requests, feeling that such letters are “burdens” or “junk mail,” then, “we are the man!” (2 Sam. 12: 5-7).

Nothing that God expects the church to do is to be considered junk or a burden. Because that is why the Lord has a treasury, so it can get things done. The Lord has money in His bank account, and He expects faithful men to receive some of the money. I’ll take it further and say that God expects brethren to have an interest in the preachers’ appeal and pay the man a decent wage. God certainly doesn’t want preacher requests to be looked upon as “another man asking for money.” Or brethren complaining “I’m sick and tired of these preachers writing!” To avoid being “the man” we need to start considering preacher support requests a priority.

Brethren, listen to me, it is no picnic or day at the beach for any man who is seeking to raise support. I promise you, every man who has to do such would much rather be doing something else. It isn’t a pleasant experience because of the way some churches treat preachers appeals for support. We in Philadelphia, like so many other churches on the northeastern coast, are a small group. Even we get appeals from preachers seeking support, and we answer them back letting them know that we aren’t able. If more churches would do so, that would make sleeping a little better for the preacher, because he will know that no support is coming and that he will then have to move forward with his next step.

I’m aware that some requests will come from unworthy men or those who may not even be preachers. But still we don’t know for sure, and we need to be courteous and reply to them in some manner. One thing a church could do in order to make it easy to reply is, print up a standard letter and have it ready to send to any man writing for support. The letter will explain why help can or cannot be given. That way, the preacher will at least get a reply and not be sitting around waiting for a phone call or letter that isn’t coming.

It is said that the soldiers of the Alamo, sat for days waiting for help that never came. And even closer to home, we saw the citizens of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast waiting and hoping for government help that also never came (until long after the fact). Why should brethren be guilty of causing the same stress upon a preacher? Simply because they aren’t interested in answering his request? The man is writing because it is urgent—it is not an exercise for his fingers. Come on brethren, we are the Kingdom of Christ, and we are better than that! (1 Peter 2:9; Colossians 1:12).

We must start doing a better job replying to men who write, and we must also take more interest in using the Lord’s money to support our brethren (Philippians 4:14-19). Now, I understand the parking lot needs paving, the roof needs fixing, etc. Those things will always plague us, but still I wonder how pleased the Lord is, when He sees the parking lot win over the man who needs money in order to preach? But we live in an imperfect world where the things of God aren’t always done. So what is a preacher to do if brethren refuse to support him? He shouldn’t start selling the items in his house in order to feed his family. And he shouldn’t sit around waiting for a check that is not gonna come. Instead the preacher should go find secular work and do that until he can get support (1 Thessalonians 4:11). For even Paul worked secularly at times, so there is no reason for men today not to do the same, unless they are not physically able (Acts 18:5; 2 Thessalonians 3:8). And if one is not physically able to work secularly that makes the plea of this article more valid. Some preachers may be in a wheelchair or suffering from other ailments that make punching a time clock out of the question. These men must not be cast to the side like an old rag, but we must do all in our power to make support to preachers our top priory.

There are probably churches who have a nice sum of money and aren’t really doing anything with it. That money needs to be spent, and we best quit sitting on it. Whenever a preacher has to leave the work of God and do secular work because apathetic brethren refuse to support him, we create shame. No preacher should ever have to work secularly, but it is very possible he may have too. Many men are doing so already, and their work in the secular world doesn’t make them any less of a preacher. God may be displeased with brethren who put the preachers in such situations, but He is very pleased with faithful men who labor in His vineyard and punch the time clock as well.

By James Baker

You would think that after seeing bad things happen to others, that such actions would cause those who come along later to have a change of course. But no, there is no change of course! Young men continue to get locked up! Young men continue to be gunned down! Young girls continue to get pregnant! Famous and non famous people continue to get caught having affairs, dying from the use of illegal drugs or prescription pills! Politicians continue to get caught doing unethical things. And church people continue to get caught in wrong doing, etc, etc. etc.

We have people failing miserably all over America with each decade, bringing fresh faces to fill the void left by those already disgraced in jail or dead. Lessons are given each time a person is forced from office, or his name exposed on television, or at the sound of the jail door being locked. Lessons are there when a woman claims she has had sex with someone or even the sight of a 16-year-old girl pushing a stroller while trying to attend high school, etc. Talking about people being pathetic, they most certainly are. So where is intelligent thinking? Where is the fear of consequences? All this and more, is enough to cause a sober minded person to say, “there is no way that I am going to go down that road!”

Solomon said in Proverbs 22;3, “A prudent man will see the danger and stay away, but the stupid will pass through and be punished.”

Apostle Paul wrote about the need for the current generations to lean from the mistakes of the past in 1 Corinthians 10:6-11, “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”

Again, Solomon writes about the pleading of Wisdom in Proverbs 1:20-33:

Wisdom cries without; she shouts her voice in the streets: She cries in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she speaks her words saying, How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. Because I have called, and you refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But you have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. But whoever listens to me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

Men and women could save themselves a lot of grief if they would simply obey what the word of the Lord said. But alas, they will not do so. Therefore, look for more shameful apologies on TV, and families ruined because people will not do the right thing. It is indeed pathetic, because the way of the transgressor is hard (Prov. 13:15).

By Herschel E. Patton

The importance of following, obeying, or submitting to anyone, or thing, depends on who or what is making a request or demand of us. Does what we are asked to submit ourselves to have the right, power, or ability to seek our submission and fulfill the promises made?

People are invited and urged, in the Bible, by evangelists and individual followers of Jesus to believe in and follow Him. Jesus, himself, said, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). An affirmative response on our part depends on who he is and his ability to do what he says.

Who Is Jesus?

This question was often raised by the people when Jesus was on earth. When Jesus made his triumphal entry to Jerusalem, with people crying, “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest... all the city was moved, saying ‘who is this’?” (Matt. 21:6-10). In the city, Jesus cleansed the Temple, healed the blind and lame (v. 12-14), and was asked by the chief priests and elders, “By what authority doest thou these things? Who gave thee this authority?” (v. 23-27).

When Jesus healed a man possessed with a devil, blind and dumb, the people were amazed and said, “Is not this the son of David?” (Matt. 12:23). The people were rightly identifying him with the promised seed of David (Acts 2:29-36).

Jesus was not just an ordinary man, like had appeared at various times before, gained a following, but came to nought (Acts 5:34-41).

When Jesus asked his chosen disciples, “Whom do men say that I the son of man am?” They replied, “Some say that thou art John the Baptist—Herod thought this (Matt. 14:2); Some Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets” (Matt. 16:3- 14). These, however, were wrong about who Jesus was. When Jesus put the question directly to His chosen disciples, Peter rightly answered, “Thou art the Christ, the son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16).

Historically, there was a man by the name of Jesus, who was born, lived, attracted a lot of attention, was crucified, buried, and disappeared mysteriously from the tomb in the place and time frame of the New Testament. This is vividly confirmed in history. But, today, as in that day, many are confused, and at a loss to explain who he REALLY was.

Jesus Claimed To Be Deity

When Jesus healed the impotent man at the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath day, and was criticized, He said, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” The Jews then sought to kill him, saying: “He not only had broken the Sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.” Jesus continued to affirm his deity saying, “What things so ever He (God the Father) doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.... For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will.” He further said the Father, “hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father” (John 5:17-23).

In verse 33 Jesus mentioned John the Baptist’s witness of him. “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world... I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Spirit. And I saw, and bear record that this is the Son of God” (John 1:15-34).

Further Evidence That Jesus Is “Son of God”

Prophecy of Jesus and its fulfillment is proof that He was, indeed, the Son of God.

Prophecy (Fulfillment)

Born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14 Luke 1:26-35)

Place of birth (Micah 5:2 Lk. 2:l-7)

Heal (Isa. 53:5 Matt. 8:17)

Mocked/scourged (Isa. 50:6 Matt. 27:26-31)

Hands/feet pierced (Psalm 22:16 Lk. 23:33)

Gall and vinegar (Ps. 69:21 Matt. 27:33,34)

Garments divided (Ps. 22:18 Jno. 19:23,24)

No bones broken (Ps. 34:20 Jno. 19:36)

Be raised (Ps. 16:10 Acts 2:23-28)

The teaching of Jesus (Mt. 7:28-29; Jno. 7:46). His compassion and mercy (Acts 10:38), and character (Jno. 8:46; 1 Pet. 2:22) all show there was more to Jesus than common man. His many miracles were such that brought from men the exclamation “Only God could do such”—“Surely this was the Son of God.”

God In The Flesh

When Mary, betrothed bride of Joseph, was found with child of the Holy Spirit (Lk. 1:30-35), the angel appeared to Joseph and explained the situation, and said, “Thou shalt call his name Jesus; for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). It was further revealed that all this fulfilled the prophecy (Isa. 7:14) that said, “Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel, which being interpreted is, GOD WITH US” (Matt. 1:19-23).

Paul listed as the first point in the “Mystery of Godliness,” “God was manifest in the flesh” (1 Tim. 3:16). John wrote that the Word that “was in the beginning, and by whom all things were made, was with God and was God... and was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

Much has been written of late about the deity and humanity of Jesus. Many fine things have been written on both the deity and humanity of Christ, but after reading an abundance of material written, every writer has declared a belief in the fact Jesus was both God and man while on earth. If anyone denies this, he would be going against the passages already mentioned in this article that affirm Jesus, on earth, was “God manifest in the flesh,” and all miracles of Jesus that were performed to convince people that He was “The Christ, the Son of the living God” (Jno. 20:30-31). On the other hand, if one claimed Jesus, on earth, was not completely human, but had an advantage over us when he suffered or was tempted, this would be in conflict with Hebrews 2:17-18: “...Behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted”; “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15). See also Philippians 2:7.

Who was Jesus while on earth? He was “God manifested in the flesh.” He proved to people here on earth that he was the Son of God by his works, life, miracles, death on the cross, and resurrection. He is now glorified, sitting on the right hand of God in heaven, reigning over his people (church-kingdom).

If Jesus was and is all he claimed and proved himself to be, then believing in, coming to, and submitting to His will is man’s only hope for salvation and eternal glory (Matt. 7:21; Heb. 5:8-9; Revelation 22:14). This is why all should follow Him. He is, indeed, Bread of Life.

— Via Searching the Scriptures, September 1992, Volume 33, Number 9

By Bob Buchanon

Not many of us think for ourselves when it comes to matters of religion. Most of us are what we are religiously because of the way our parents reared us and have never questioned whether we were right or wrong. We prefer to leave religious subjects and Bible issues to those supposedly trained and skilled in this field—the priest, theologians, pastors and preachers. Sometimes, we even get the idea that the Bible cannot be understood by common people. Some of the religious leaders even teach and encourage this view.

Does the Bible say anything about the ability and responsibility of the average person to understand its message? Most certainly it does. To the Christians in Ephesus, Paul wrote, “Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17). Surely God does not require of man that which is beyond his ability, Paul had said earlier: “. . . as I wrote before in a few words, whereby when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Eph. 3:3,4).

The Jews of Berea were commended in the New Testament as being “more noble than those in Thessalonica because they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). These people were not famous, nor were they rich or powerful. In fact, they were somewhat obscure. Their excellency was in their readiness to receive and investigate, to study and search for themselves whether the new teaching was or was not in accordance with the Will of God. Certainly, the Bereans could not be called professional theologians. They were simply people of honest hearts and open minds—moreover, a people with a profound respect for the authority of the sacred Scriptures. Unfortunately, this attitude of the Bereans—the spirit of independent, personal investigation—does not prevail among religious people in the twenty-first century. Man is in a pitiable state when he does not possess the spiritual interest to study the Word of God for himself.

It is shocking to discover how many “religious” people have never read the Bible. It is the duty of every man to test all new doctrines by the teaching of the Divine Word. We are, as the Bereans, to search the Scriptures whether these things are so or not. There is no excuse for failing to do this. God has placed His Word well within reach of us all. It is printed in our language (no book has been put into more translations than the Bible) and can be purchased for a small sum. God has so formed us and so written His Book that it is in the level of our understanding. He has given us the necessary mental faculties to comprehend it, and He has made the substance of it so simple and plain that the wayfaring man can read and understand it. It is not the mystical utterance which some writings are.

The New Testament abounds with evidence that harmonizes with the attitude of the noble Bereans. The apostle Peter insisted that Christians should know what they believe and why they believe it, “be ready always to give an answer to every man who asks you for a reason of the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). The apostle John places the responsibility directly upon every Christian to follow the pattern of the Bereans and prove every teaching to be sure it is from God “because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

It is not only our right, but our duty to listen to all and to try all: to judge for ourselves what is right (Luke 12:57). It is God’s plain Will that we should all bring what we hear to the Standard of His own revealed Will in His Word. Members of God’s family today are simply trying to reproduce faithfully the church of our Lord as it existed in the first century—the same in doctrine, worship, name, organization, service, life and work. The Bible clearly teaches that the seed of the gospel—the Word of God—will produce after its kind, pure and undenominational Christianity. The first century church was founded upon the basis of the Word of God. It follows that the same Word must serve as the blueprint for the twenty-first century church.

—Via The Eastside Edifier

by Leon Mauldin

When a loved one dies, it is normal to engage in some reflective thinking on the life of the deceased. One’s memory seems to select those incidents and occurrences, which, now that death has come, take on special significance. Perhaps this is a factor that helps the survivors in the “healing process” that needs to occur when we “have said ‘Good-bye’ to the dearest on earth” to us. It has just now been two years since my father died of cancer. This has given me the occasion to reflect upon lessons that I learned from him, for which I will always be thankful.

The Bible Is Right

My father had absolute faith in the inspiration and infallibility of Scripture. For example, he had unquestioning faith, childlike faith, in the Genesis account of creation. When God’s Word said in Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth,” that settled the matter. In looking up at the skies, the handiwork of God was seen. No theory of evolution was ever seen as a plausible explanation of the things “that have been made” (Romans 1:20; Hebrews 11:3).

Likewise, in the matter of God’s provision for our salvation in Christ (Isaiah 53; John 3:16) and obedience to the Gospel that we might receive salvation, the Bible is right (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). One of my Dad’s favorite passages was that of the conversion of the Ethiopian nobleman (Acts 8:26-40). Just weeks before his death, when he was no longer able to locate references, he asked me to find that text for him.

I learned from my Dad that in all matters, the Bible is right. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16,17).

The reason that this attitude toward Scripture is important, is because it is the attitude that Jesus had toward the word of God: God’s Word is right “and the Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35).

My father taught me that Scripture is that which is spoken to you by God—that it is God’s word for us today. When Jesus was asked a “knotty” marriage question that was really intended to disprove the resurrection, He replied, “But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not God of the dead, but of the living” (Matthew 22:31-32). Although the words to which Jesus referred (Exodus 3) had been spoken more than 1400 years earlier, the Scripture had direct application and relevance for His audience. This is the exact view of Scripture which we must have!

The Futility of Denominationalism

While there was never hatred or malice for our friends and neighbors who were members of various denominations, I learned from my father a very important principle: that the doctrines and traditions of men are futile. If name, or doctrine, or belief or practice was not from heaven (revealed in God’s Word), then it was man-made, and was to be rejected. With my father, it was as simple as that.

This principle is not true because he believed it, but because God’s word reveals it: “Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition...And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:6,8-9). “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted.... And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch” (Matt. 15:13-14). (Please read also Galatians l:6ff; 2 John 9; Matt. 7:21-23; Luke 6:46).

That Liberalism Is Wrong

When we moved to Sumiton, Alabama, in the early 60’s, the Sumiton church had not been established. I remember my Dad making a call to brother Pryde E. Hinton, who was preaching at Sayre (Jefferson County), whom we had never met, and asking him how the Sayre church stood regarding church support of human institutions. Upon learning that the church was scriptural in its organization and work, we began to worship there.

Even before that, I remember hearing discussions with relatives, where Dad would maintain that there is a difference between an individual’s money, and the treasury of the church, and a difference between what he could do with his money, and what the church could do with the Lord’s money.

Regarding this subject, as well as much of these matters included in this article, I have had the occasion to thoroughly study for myself. My faith is not my father’s faith—it is my faith, as indeed it must be for me to be pleasing to God. But it is the word of God that speaks of local churches with bishops and deacons (Philippians 1:1); of elders who tend the flock among them (1 Peter 5:2). It does not authorize such arrangement as the sponsoring church, with elders overseeing the funds and work of many churches. The Bible teaches that the work of the church is evangelism, edification, and benevolence (relief of needy saints). The work is not recreation, entertainment, or social program. Jesus did not shed His blood to purchase unto Himself a people that would duplicate the services of various human organizations (Red Cross, Human Services, etc.). I learn from reading the Bible that the church is not authorized to build and maintain human institutions that propose to do the work that God assigned to the church.

Sensitivity To People

From my father I learned to care about people—to be sensitive to people. He was observant as to whether one “had something on his mind,” or was upset, or had hurt feelings. In this regard, he readily saw what others either do not see, or else have to be told.

Repeatedly in the ministry of Christ, we read that He was moved with compassion. We also should have a heart of compassion (Colossians 3:13) that is sensitive to the needs of others, and be tenderhearted (Ephesians 4:32).

This should find expression in our family. Truth must be lived and practiced, but that includes conveying to one’s spouse and children tenderness toward them, and genuine care for them.

This is true regarding our brethren—sensitivity is needed here also. Each of us are at different levels of growth. It is clear that if one is unruly (disorderly, ASV), he is to be warned (1 Thessalonians 5:14); and if that warning is not heeded, he is to be withdrawn from (2 Thess. 3:6). Truth must never be compromised. But we need to be sensitive to the fact that not all are unruly—some are faint-headed, others are weak. Some may struggle with problems which they have not informed others about. “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the faith-hearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all” (1 Thess. 5:14). This calls for wisdom, and for sensitivity. In all of this our goal should be to strengthen our brother’s hand in God (1 Samuel 23:16).

Toward those not yet children of God, there is a need for sensitivity. I must ever keep in mind that “by the grace of God, I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10). Error must be met forcefully, but I must not be motivated by glee in answering the opponent’s argument. Remembering that people in error have feelings too, I need to approach them as I would want someone to teach me if I were in their shoes (Matt. 7:12). Each Christian is told to 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). That individual we teach in his home, in an effort to convert him, must see that we are not merely filling our quota of calls for the week, he must see that we have a genuine interest in and love for his soul.

Conclusion: I have not written about opportunities that were fumbled, and blunders that were made. There were many weaknesses in his life of which my father was aware, and many things of which he was rightfully ashamed, but I will always be thankful to have had these foundational truths from God’s Word to build on. These principles have helped fortify my faith, and it is my desire that in some small way they may strengthen your faith also.

—Via Searching the Scriptures, November 1990, Volume 31, Number

by James Baker

Since I wasn’t there when you were harmed by this church, I cannot dispute your claim, so I’ll going to take you at your word. Also because of your unpleasant encounter, you now say that you’ll never go to another church again.

Come on, do you really think you should be that way? What if you were done wrong by your job—would you never work again? What if you were served bad meals in several restaurants; would you never dine out again? Just because a bad encounter was permitted by one church, that doesn’t mean that other churches would condone it.

I want you to know that there is another way to view this dilemma and that way is God’s way. Now be prepared for the fact that some people don’t like God’s way and they will claim persecution when confronted with what they need to do (Galatians 4:6). This is not mistreatment, but it is God being good and showing people how to be good in return by following His word and doing the right thing; which some people prove themselves unwilling to do (Romans 3:4; 2 Timothy 4:3).

If a church truly did you wrong, you would know such by their violation of what the bible teaches (2 Timothy 4:14:18). By acting in a manner which is not in harmony with what the bible teaches, you were truly done wrong and that church needs to be rebuked (1 Tim 5:20).

But some people come to church with the wrong ideals, they come to church not wanting to hear what God said about conforming lives (Romans 12:1-2). Instead they come to church thinking they know it all, that they need no improvement, nor do they need to change how they live (1 Corinthians 8:2). This is a recipe for disaster because the word of God cannot help itself, it will effect sinful man (Hebrews 4:12; Rom. 1:16; Acts 24:24-25). Instead of crying “foul” men should embrace God’s instruction and live up to it (James 1:22). In Mark 10:17-31 we are introduced to the young rich ruler who thought that Jesus had done him wrong by telling him to give up all he possessed in order to follow Him. The man walked away very sad and who knows what crazy story he may have told his friends about what the Lord said. Jesus did this man no wrong, Jesus knew the man loved riches too much and that would keep him from reaching his goal of making it to heaven, so the Lord told him the best advice he needed to hear. Shame is, that was not what he wanted to hear.

The point of all of this is; did you become upset by something the bible said or something someone did? If the bible was clearly taught to you and you became offended, the problem is not that church, it is you. Your problem isn’t with that church, your problem is with what your Maker said. You didn’t like what your Maker said, so you aren’t going back to His church to hear anything else He has to say. So, be honest with yourself; were you really done wrong or did you simply get angry because someone tried to help you by teaching you something you didn’t want to hear? (Acts 7:55-57).

There is no room for error concerning this matter, you must make the right choice because your soul is at stake.

By James Baker

We don’t use mechanical instruments during our praise to God because the New Testament doesn’t authorize it. As we study the pattern of praise as it is recorded in the New Testament, we see no practice of the church using instrumental music, even though instruments can be traced to the time of David (Psalm 150).

Another point is that the Bible demands that men follow the law that they are under and for us in 2010, that would be the New Testament (John 8:31-32; 1 Peter 4:11; Matthew 28:20; 2 Corinthians 3:5-6; 1 Timothy 6:3; 1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Tim. 1:13; 1 Cor. 11:1-2; 2 John 9-11). Nothing in the Old Testament is for the church of Jesus Christ, that is why Jesus built His church in Matthew 16:18 on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1:47) in the city of Jerusalem (Luke 24:45-47; Acts 2:5).

Singing Without Instruments in the New Testament Pattern

Singing With Instruments in the New Testament Pattern

Objections to What the New Testament Has Shown

Question: The Bible didn’t say not to used a piano!

Answer: It didn’t have to say that. It has already told you what to do.

Question: David used instrumental music in the worship (1 Chronicles 15:28-29).

Answer: David lived and died before Jesus built His church and before the establishment of the New Testament.

Question: You have instruments at home.

Answer: A person has many things at home which he cannot use in the church. Men have pets at home, guns at home, video games at home, and go on vacations at home. Can the church have or do these things? Of course not, but that shows that what you may do as a person, is different than what the church may do.

Question: There will be instrumental music in heaven (Revelation 14:1-3).

Answer: First of all, this is a symbolic statement for the happiness and praise of victory by Christ. But even if instruments are in heaven that has nothing to do with what the Bible teaches about what we must have in church today. And by the way, if literal instruments are in heaven; do you think they are the same brands sold on earth, and do they require maintenance service?

Question: The original greek word “psallo” (melody-singing) authorizes instruments (Eph. 5:19).

Answer: No “psallo” doesn’t. It does teach that every person is to pluck the strings of the heart in order to make melody. If we accepted the view saying that instruments are authorized, then the only way it could be obeyed is, every member must pluck an instrument. And if a church has 100 members, that church would have to provide 100 instruments.

By Keith Sharp

If you’re thinking about working and worshiping with us, you have the right, indeed, the obligation, to know where we stand as a congregation. You should seek a group of disciples of the Lord with whom you may worship and work (Acts 2:41-42; 9:26-28). But you must be careful not to become part of a group that disregards the doctrine of Christ (Ephesians 5:11).

Likewise, the congregation needs to know something about you before we can properly accept you into our fellowship (Acts 9:26-28; 2 Corinthians 3:1). So what should we expect of one another?

What to Expect of Us

You have the right to expect that we are simply a local group of Christians not affiliated with any denomination or sect (Acts 11:26; 1 Corinthians 1:2,10-13). As Christians, we must believe in the one true God revealed in the Bible (1 Corinthians 8:4), in the Bible as His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and in Jesus Christ as His Son (John 20:30-31).

You should expect us to submit to the authority of Jesus Christ in everything (Colossians 3:17). Thus, we must follow His divine pattern, the New Testament, in all aspects of our lives (2 Timothy 1:13).

You have the right to expect that each member of this congregation has come to Christ by believing He is the Son of God (Romans 5:1-2), repenting of his sins (Acts 3:19), confessing his faith in Christ (Romans 10:8-10), and being immersed in water for (in order to) the remission of his sins (Romans 6:3-4; Acts 2:38).

You ought to demand that we be serious about living godly lives (Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 5:19-25; 1 Peter 1:13-16) and that we withdraw from members who live in sin (1 Corinthians 5:1-5).

You should expect us to preach and teach the Word of God rather than human opinions (2 Timothy 4:1-2; 1 Peter 4:11).

You have the right to expect us to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:19-24). Thus, our worship must consist of singing spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:18-19), praying (Acts 2:42), preaching and teaching the Bible (2 Timothy 4:1-2), taking the Lord’s supper on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7), and taking a collection on the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).

Since each congregation must be independent and self governing under Christ (1 Peter 5:1-2), you should expect the congregation to be independent of any organizational ties to associations of congregations or organizations built by human authority. You ought to expect the men to take the leadership roles in the church (1 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:11-12). The congregation should have its own, qualified elders to rule and shepherd and deacons to serve (Philippians 1:1; Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; 5:17; 1 Peter 5:1-2) or be working toward having them (Titus 1:5).

You should expect the congregation to be diligently at work (1 Corinthians 1:1-4). But, since the church is a spiritual relationship (Ephesians 1:3,22-23) and is more limited in what it is authorized to do than are its members individually (1 Timothy 5:16), you have the right to expect the congregation to limit its work to those spiritual activities in which the Lord directs it to engage: evangelism (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8), edification (building each other up spiritually, Ephesians 4:11-16), and benevolence toward needy Christians, an expression of fellowship in Christ (2 Corinthians 8:1-4).

You have the right to expect us to be united in faith and love (Ephesians 4:1-6), mutually working together and caring for one another (Romans 12:4-13; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Galatians 6:1-2).

What We Expect of You

We have the right, indeed, obligation to be sure that those whom we accept into our fellowship are really disciples of Christ (Acts 9:26-28). Thus, if you want to share in the work and worship of this local church as a member, we expect you to have come to the Lord just as we have, to be living a righteous life (1 Corinthians 5:11), to be submissive to the authority of Christ (Colossians 3:17), and to be willing to do your part to help the congregation to be successful in glorifying the Lord (Ephesians 3:20-21) by helping to reach the lost, to edify one another, and to help needy members. We expect you to assemble faithfully with the church when we come together (Hebrews 10:24-25) and to show love and concern for all the members of the congregation (Romans 12:10,16).

Conclusion

By working and worshiping together as a congregation we help each other go to heaven. And that is really what being a Christian is all about. If you are a Christian and not a member of a faithful congregation, we invite you to talk to us about joining this congregation. If you are not a Christian, let us tell you why you ought to be one and how you can become one.

by Gene Taylor

In Matthew 25:31-46 the Bible teaches that at the final judgment while the righteous will enter heaven to enjoy everlasting life, the wicked will go into eternal punishment. The thought of everlasting suffering is repulsive to many. No doubt this aversion lies at the bottom of much of the indifference to what the Bible teaches about hell.

Hell, despite the denials of many, is real. Sin demands it. Sin is a violation of the law of God (1 John 3:4). If there were no punishment for sin, then there could be no law; for law without penalty is null and void. If there is no law, there would be no sin. That would make the death of Jesus useless because if there is no sin there is no responsibility to save anyone from it.

The reality of life after death also demands the reality of hell. Jesus taught in Matthew 22:23-33 that there was life after physical death. In the account of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31, two distinct destinies are presented: comfort for the righteous, but punishment for the wicked—depending on whether or not one serves God while living on earth.

Hell was not originally prepared for man. It was prepared for Satan and his angels (Matt. 25:41). Jude 6 states that fallen angels are placed in chains awaiting judgment. Yet, when men and women join the devil in his work and live in servitude to him, they must suffer the same fate that will befall him.

Hell Is Not Contrary To The Nature of God

Many people find it difficult to accept the reality of hell because they cannot understand or believe that a loving, merciful and forgiving God could create such a place and then place people in it eternally. If no punishment were given for violation of His law, then God would not be just. Being a just God, He will reward the righteous and punish the wicked. Hell is to punish the wicked.

What Hell Is Like

• Hell is eternal. It is described that way in Matthew 25:46. In Romans 16:26 God is said to be eternal. The Holy Spirit, in Hebrews 9:14, is also described as eternal. The same Greek word is used in all three passages. The word means "eternal, everlasting, without end, never to cease." Hell and the punishment meted out there will last as long as God—forever.

• Hell is a place of darkness. Jude 13 speaks of "the blackness of darkness" to which false teachers will be confined forever. God is light (1 John 1:5) and the Father of lights (James 1:17). Hell is described as darkness because it is the place farthest removed from God.

• Hell is a place of fire. Matthew 13:42 speaks of it as a furnace of fire. Matthew 25:41 calls it an everlasting fire. Mark 9:44-45 says the fire is never quenched. Revelation 21:8 refers to it as the lake of fire. There will be no relief from its fires because Revelation 14:11 says the smoke from the fires of torment ascends forever and ever.

• There is no rest there. Revelation 14:11 says the wicked will have no rest from their torment day or night. Hell is a place where there is no hope. The punishment is everlasting (Matt. 25:46) with no chance of pardon or parole.

Who Will Go There

As already noted, Satan and his angels will be there (Matt. 25:41). Revelation 21:8 says the "cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars" will be there. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 says that those who do not know God and those who will not obey the gospel of Christ will be punished with everlasting destruction. In short, all sinners who choose to remain in their sin will be found in hell.

Why People Will Go There

People will not be in hell because God wants them to be there. He desires that all be saved (1 Tim. 2:1-4). They will not be there because God cannot save them. God is all-powerful and the gospel, His power to save (Rom. 1:16), can save to the uttermost. God sent His Son into the world so that all might have salvation (John 3:16) and He has extended His invitation to all who would come to Him (Matt. 11:28-30). If a person ends up in hell, he is lost by his own free choice. He has no one to blame but himself. Many see no need to be interested in spiritual things and are indifferent to the pleas of the gospel. Others refuse to obey the gospel or submit to the will of God. Some refuse to believe. Others just love sin more than righteousness. Some, though once obedient, become unfaithful in service. Many put off obeying until it is too late.

Hell is real. The suffering of it is waiting for the sinful. You can escape the torments found there by giving obedience to Christ now. He will wash away the guilt of your sins and grant you hope of a life of eternal bliss in His presence.

—Via The Bulletin of the Church of Christ at New Georgia, November 8, 2009