SOME NEW THINGS OF CHRISTIANITY

People of all ages enjoy getting new things. In religion, some are always seeking something new or different. Things that originate with men (religions, movements, ideas or doctrines are vain, Matt. 15:9). The only true and valid new things are those that began on Pentecost some 2000 years ago. They are still in effect, and will remain new until the end of the world. These “new things” should thrill our souls to serve God.

First, there is a NEW COVENANT. A new covenant was foretold in the old covenant (Jer. 31:31). The old covenant was broken by Israel (Jer. 31:32). God brought the old covenant to an official end at the cross when Jesus died (Col. 2:14). The new covenant went into effect after Christ's death—providing a new way to God (Heb. 9:15-17; 10:9f, 15-20).

Second, there is a NEW CHURCH. The old church consisted of the Israelites in the wilderness during the Mosaical age (Acts 7:38, KJV). The old church was governed by the old covenant. Moses was its mediator and lawgiver (Gal. 3:19; John 1:17). The new church consists of all the saved in the world (Matt.16:`18; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38,40,41,17). The new church is governed by the new covenant. Christ is its mediator and lawgiver (John 1:17; 1 Tim. 2:5).

Third, there is a NEW BIRTH. The old church was entered by a fleshly birth (Heb. 8:10,11). The Israelites were born into a covenant relationship with God. They had to be taught to “know” their God, after they were already in the family of Israel. The new church is entered by the spiritual birth (John 3:1-7). In the new birth, one learns of God before becoming a child of God (John 6:45). The word of truth produces the new birth (1 Pet. 1:22,23).

Fourth, there is a NEW LIFE. The old life before conversion is sinful (Eph. 2:1; Col. 3:9,10). The new life begins at the new birth when one enters the new church by obeying the new covenant (Rom. 6:3-6; 8:10-14; 2 Cor. 5:17). The new man has new thoughts and motives (Matt. 5:8; Phil.4:8). The new man has new ways, new habits and new friends.

Fifth, there is a NEW NAME. Under the old covenant, God was honored in the name “Israel”, with the el at the end referring to God. Now, we have a “new name”, that gives honor to Christ our Savior, in the name “Christian”, which includes the name “Christ” (Isa. 62:2; Acts 11:18,26; 1 Pet. 4:16). Sadly, most religious people in world that “claim” Jesus is their savior, prefer to wear another (denominational) name above and before the name “Christian”. This does not honor Christ (John 17:20,21; 1 Cor. 1:10).

Sixth, there is a NEW RESIDENCE. The Jews of old dwelt in the physical land of Canaan, with Jerusalem as its center. Christians are but pilgrims here, with real citizenship in heaven, with spiritual Jerusalem as its eternal city (Heb. 11:13,14; 1 Pet. 2:11; Phil. 3:20 (cf ASV); Rev. 21:1,1).

Conclusion. These “new things” are NOT something WE have made new, but are those things GOD has made new, that began in the first century, and will always be new for the gospel age. God wants everyone to be a part of it and to enjoy His blessings. These new things are truly exciting for honest hearts.

Don Tarbet

Withdrawing from the Withdrawn

Strange as it may seem, some actually deny the right of the church to withdraw their fellowship from those who refuse to walk in the light. Others agree that such must be done, but that it cannot be done if some have already “withdrawn from the church.” This is strange language indeed, or we read nothing in the Scriptures about the right of people to withdraw from the church.” However, we do read about the responsibility of the church to withdraw from certain ones who become wayward. The Scripture says, “mark them which cause divisions…and avoid them” (Romans 16:17); “when ye are gathered together…To deliver such an one unto Satan….Purge out…the old leaven…not to keep company…not to eat…. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person” (I Corinthians 5:4-13); “from such withdraw thyself” (I Timothy 6:5); “Now we command you… withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly…note that man, and have no company with him” (II Thessalonians 3:6-14).

These passages show that the church has an active responsibility in the matter of discipline, and must take a stand for truth and fellowship. Our responsibility is not merely passive. Apostates from the faith seldom become such for no reason at all, but are actively engaged in the ways of the world. “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world” (II Timothy 4:10). Those who forsake the Lord in worship have usually already forsaken Him in living. Does this mean the church can do nothing to discipline wayward members if they have already ceased to worship with the saints? Just where do people get the idea that fellowship is limited to the worship “service”? They must think so, if they think they are to withdraw only from those who attend worship. Actually, we do not forbid anyone to attend worship when they are disciplined, but we encourage them to attend so as to be exhorted to Christian living. A withdrawal of fellowship simply means that Christians are to do nothing with those withdrawn from that would indicate any approval of their wayward conduct, and this would primarily be outside of the worship service. Any effort to reject God’s Will in discipline is an effort to follow the way of least resistance. We need to forget our fears and human reasoning and start obeying God.

Don W. Tarbet

Withdrawing from the Withdrawn

Strange as it may seem, some actually deny the right of the church to withdraw their fellowship from those who refuse to walk in the light. Others agree that such must be done, but that it cannot be done if some have already “withdrawn from the church.” This is strange language indeed, or we read nothing in the Scriptures about the right of people to “withdraw from the church.” However, we do read about the responsibility of the church to withdraw from certain ones who become wayward. The Scripture says, “mark them which cause divisions…and avoid them” (Romans 16:17); “when ye are gathered together…To deliver such an one unto Satan…Purge out…the old leaven…not to keep company…not to eat…. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person” (I Corinthians 5:4-13); “from such withdraw thyself” (I Timothy 6:5); “Now we command you…withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly…note that man, and have no company with him” (II Thessalonians 3:6-14). 

These passages show that the church has an active responsibility in the matter of discipline, and must take a stand for truth and fellowship. Our responsibility is not merely passive. Apostates from the faith seldom become such for no reason at all, but are actively engaged in the ways of the world. “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world” (II Timothy 4:10). Those who forsake the Lord in worship have usually already forsaken Him in living. Does this mean the church can do nothing to discipline wayward members if they have already ceased to worship with the saints? Just where do people get the idea that fellowship is limited to the worship “service”? They must think so, if they think they are to withdraw only from those who attend worship. Actually, we do not forbid anyone to attend worship when they are disciplined, but we encourage them to attend so as to be exhorted to Christian living. A withdrawal of fellowship simply means that Christians are to do nothing with those withdrawn from that would indicate any approval of their wayward conduct, and this would primarily be outside of the worship service. Any effort to reject God’s Will in discipline is an effort to follow the way of least resistance. We need to forget our fears and human reasoning and start obeying God.  

Don Tarbet

Withdrawing from the Withdrawn

Strange as it may seem, some actually deny the right of the church to withdraw their fellowship from those who refuse to walk in the light. Others agree that such must be done, but that it cannot be done if some have already “withdrawn from the church.” This is strange language indeed, or we read nothing in the Scriptures about the right of people to “withdraw from the church.” However, we do read about the responsibility of the church to withdraw from certain ones who become wayward. The Scripture says, “mark them which cause divisions…and avoid them” (Romans 16:17); “when ye are gathered together…To deliver such an one unto Satan…. Purge out…the old leaven…not to keep company…not to eat…. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person” (I Corinthians 5:4-13); “from such withdraw thyself” (I Timothy 6:5); “Now we command you…withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly…note that man, and have no company with him” (II Thessalonians 3:6-14). 

These passages show that the church has an active responsibility in the matter of discipline, and must take a stand for truth and fellowship. Our responsibility is not merely passive. Apostates from the faith seldom become such for no reason at all, but are actively engaged in the ways of the world. “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world” (II Timothy 4:10). Those who forsake the Lord in worship have usually already forsaken Him in living. Does this mean the church can do nothing to discipline wayward members if they have already ceased to worship with the saints? Just where do people get the idea that fellowship is limited to the worship “service”? They must think so, if they think they are to withdraw only from those who attend worship. Actually, we do not forbid anyone to attend worship when they are disciplined, but we encourage them to attend so as to be exhorted to Christian living. A withdrawal of fellowship simply means that Christians are to do nothing with those withdrawn from that would indicate any approval of their wayward conduct, and this would primarily be outside of the worship service. Any effort to reject God’s Will in discipline is an effort to follow the way of least resistance. We need to forget our fears and human reasoning and start obeying God.

Don Tarbet