Scriptural Worship

  • Preaching the Word of God – Acts 2:42
  • Giving of Your Means – I Corinthians 16:1-2
  • Observing the Lord’s Supper – Acts 20:7
  • A Cappella Singing – Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16
  • Praying – Acts 2:42

The Christian Life

The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch (Acts 11:26). “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, ‘Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian’” (Acts 26:28). “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed: but let him glorify God on this behalf” (I Peter 4:16).

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CHRISTIAN

  1. It means remission of past sins (Acts 2:38).
  2. Membership in the church, the Body of Christ (Acts 2:47).
  3. He can call God, Father (Romans 8:15).
  4. He can worship and serve God acceptably (John 9:31).
  5. He has the hope of eternal life in Christ (Revelation 2:10).

HOW DOES ONE BECOME A CHRISTIAN?

  1. He believes unto righteousness (Romans 10:10).
  2. He repents unto life (Acts 11:18).
  3. He confesses unto salvation (Romans 10:10).
  4. He is baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27; Romans. 6:3). He is born again (John 3:5). See also I Peter 1:23.
  5. A Christian must live like Christ; must follow Him.

WHY WEAR THE NAME CHRISTIAN?

  1. It honors Christ who died for us (Hebrews 2:9).
  2. We were baptized in the name of Christ (Acts 19:5).
  3. Paul condemned human names (I Corinthians 1:10).
  4. We are married to Christ (Romans 7:4). Therefore, we should wear His name.
  5. There is salvation in no other name (Acts 4:12).
  6. We are His children (Galatians 3:26). Hence, we are in His family, and should wear His name and no other.

BECOME AND REMAIN A TRUE CHRISTIAN!

WHAT MUST ONE DO TO KEEP SAVED?

A. This great question implies:

  1. Man was once lost in sin.
  2. That he has been saved.
  3. There is a danger of falling.
  4. Something must be done to remain saved.

B. There is a danger of falling.

  1. Demas hath forsaken me . . .” (II Timothy 4:10).
  2. Simon was commanded to repent and pray (Acts 8:22).
  3. The last state was worse than the first (II Peter 2:20).

C. Christians have the power to stand.

  1. Give all diligence and add the Christian graces (II Peter 1:5-10).
  2. Make your calling and election sure (II Peter 1:10).
  3. Then, “Ye shall never fall” (II Peter 1:10).

D. Four safe rules to follow:

  1. Read the Bible daily. The Bereans were more noble than those in Thessalonica because they searched the scriptures daily (Acts 17:11). Newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the word that they may grow thereby (I Peter 2:2). The engrafted word will save (James 1:21). We will be judged by it (John 12:48).
  2. Pray to God every day. Pray Without ceasing – have a regular time for prayer (Ephesians 6:18).
  3. Attend all the services of the church. Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together (Hebrews 10:25). The disciples met upon the first day of the week.(Acts 20:7). Christians need this spiritual food.
  4. Give liberally of time, talents and means. See I Corinthians 16:2 and 2 Cor. 9:7. “Where your treasure is there will your heart be also.”

MAKE IT AS SURE AS YOU CAN!

OUR RELATIONS ONE TO ANOTHER

A. Love one another.

  1. “This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12).
  2. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35).
  3. One cannot love God whom he hath not seen and hate his brother whom he hath seen (I John 4:20).

B. Bear one another’s burdens.

  1. “Bear ye one another’s burdens [the crushing burden beyond one’s ability to carry, John Rose] and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
  2. “For every man shall bear his own burden [any load one can carry, himself; John Rose]” (Galatians 6:5).
  3. Each individual must bear his own responsibility to God.

One cannot obey God for another person. However, we can help one another bear the infirmities of the flesh.

C. Forgive one another.

  1. "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15).
  2. How often shall we forgive? Jesus said to Peter: “Until seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22).
  3. “And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him” (Luke 17:4).

D. Pray for one another.

  1. Paul said: “Brethren pray for us” (I Thessalonian 5:25).
  2. “Confess your faults one to another and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).
  3. Samuel said: “God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you” (I Samuel 12:23).

LET US HELP ONE ANOTHER

(above adapted by John Rose from a tract)

MARKS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

The world in general and religious people in particular ought to recognize that teachers and preachers have no more right to handle the Word of God deceitfully than the teller in your local bank has to juggle his books and misappropriate the funds of others. The thieving bank clerk if brought into court would land in jail, and the false teacher after judgment will dwell in torment. “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8-9)

MODERN CHURCHES

Many churches have become famous because of the grandeur and splendor of their church buildings, the high educational attainments, or the gifted oratory of the minister. Others have gained favor among the people because of their social and recreational activities. They build a stage, sound the trumpets, and put on a show for the benefit of the world. The playroom displaces the prayer room. Lectures and book reviews take the place of Bible teaching and an ounce of Bible preaching against popular sins would cause as much consternation as a “block-buster” on Broadway. Such places are not churches; they are social clubs and recreational centers. There is a vast difference between the modern churches of today when they are contrasted with a model congregation of the New Testament period. Some one has written a poem on “The Modern Church” which will illustrate what I mean. It is too lengthy to quote in full but here are a few selections from the poem:

         “Well, wife I’ve found the modern church and worshipped there today;

It made me think the good old times had surely passed away.

The meeting house was finer built than they were years ago,

But I found when I went in ‘twas mostly built for show.

An usher led me down that stylish aisle (he knew that I was poor)

And found a plain uncushioned seat away back by the door;

I saw the people coming in―their silks a rustling made;

They did not come to worship God―it was a dress parade.

I wish you'd heard the music, wife, it had the opera ring,

The preacher did not rise and say, “Let everybody sing,”

No, no, dear wife, that’ out of date, they’ve got way up higher,

They don’t make music in their souls, but praise God with a choir.

There was an organ and a horn, a banjo and a flute,

And almost every kind of thing that’s used to squeak or toot.

It made me think of younger days when I attended balls,

They didn’t sound the Savior's name, of Crown him Lord of all.

I wish you’d heard the sermon, wife, ‘twas not the old time truth;

It did not suit old men like me, nor help the giddy youth.

It did not speak of dying love, nor yet of rising, power,

Nor of the Father’s watchful care, extended every hour.

He did not speak of church or creeds, the gospel’s power to save,

Or whether we should pour or cross, or dip beneath the wave.

He did not say, Confess your sins, be-lieve, repent or pray,

You could not tell there was a soul that needed aught that day.”

 

 

 

            These few verses from the pen of T. R. Burnett serve as an indictment of modernism in religion. Is it for social entertainment? Do you go to hear lectures on social, political, or economic issues? Do you go to church to hear a book review of some current, best-seller in the field of literature? Or do you go to church to hear God’s word pro-claimed, the Bible taught in its purity, and engage with other kindred souls in the most devout and sincere worship of God the Father? Jesus said to the woman at Jacob’s well: “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit; and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:22, 24).

VAIN WORSHIP

Jesus further informs us that it is possible for us to worship God in vain. To the Pharisees, the strictest sect of that day, Jesus said: “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:8-9).

The religious world today needs to realize that a “thus said the Lord” is vital in all worship and teaching. God’s revelation of the acts of worship, and the conditions of pardon, stands complete and final. He has given unto us all that pertains to life and godliness (II Peter 1:3). We have a “perfect law of liberty” in Christ (James 1:25), so we should be careful to continue therein. That which is perfect never needs amendment, substitution, or sub-traction. In this connection let’s read (Revelation 22:18, 29): “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book; and if any man shall take away the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

LOYALTY TO THE TRUTH

The church of Christ in your community believes in calling Bible things by Bible names, teaching the truth in its primitive simplicity, and worshipping the Father as the Bible directs. The power of plain gospel preaching, and the beauty and simplicity of a scriptural worship service are the only attractions we have to offer the world. We have no plea but the gospel and no creed except the New Testament. If you are interested in becoming better acquainted with a group of people who profess to be Christians only, here are a few considerations that will help you to understand:

1. Who We Really Are

The church of the Lord, in your community, is composed of those believers in Christ, who have become obedient from the heart to that form of doctrine delivered unto men. (Romans 6:17) being thereby made free from all past sins, and having become children of God and heirs with Christ (Galatians 3:26-27). As heirs with Christ and followers of his teaching, the members of the church, wear the name Christian signifying their relation to Christ (Acts 11:26).

We believe that the whole heart of man composed of the intellect, emotions, and will power, must be completely turned from a love of sin and unrighteousness to an abiding love for God and right. This complete change of heart is accomplished by the Holy Spirit through the gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16).

The Spirit testifies through the gospel of Christ and we having heard this testimony, became believers in Christ (Romans 10:17). The gospel is the instrument that the Spirit used to produce spiritual life in our hearts (I Corinthians 4:15).

Realizing that faith must work by love to avail anything (Galatians 5:6), we became obedient to the faith (Romans 1:5) and at this point Christ became the author of our salvation (Hebrews 5:9). Our souls were purified by obedience to the truth (I Peter 1:22), and in our submission we acknowledged Christ as “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”

Faith in the Spirit's testimony led us in godly sorrow to repent of all past sins (II Corinthians 7:10). Then, realizing that salvation was possible only in Christ, we desired to enter into Christ where such spiritual blessings as redemption and the hope of Life eternal might be received. From the Spirit’s teaching we learned that the believing, penitent person should be baptized into Christ (Romans 6:3) and that such a baptism is unto the remission of past sins (Acts 2:38), we were then “buried with Christ” in baptism, and then raised to walk in newness of life.

All those baptized, who were baptized in accord with the Spirit’s instructions, were added to the church by the Lord Himself (Acts 2:47), so we also, by the same Lord, were in the same manner added to the same church. If not, why not? Has the law of reproduction failed? Has the Lord disregarded His divine plan of adding to the church daily, such as should be saved? No, the Lord has not failed, neither has the plan been altered. Com-ply with the conditions of pardon specified in God’s Word today, and the Lord will still add you to His church now just like He has added thou-sands of others in ages past.

2. As To The Worship Service

We assemble on the first day of the week “to break bread" or observe the Lord’s supper (Acts 20:7) and by this solemn service we keep alive in our hearts the memory of our Lord’s suffering and death until some glad day we shall see Him coming on the clouds of heaven (I Corinthians 11: 17).

There is no melody sweeter than the heartfelt melody of human voices rising in praise and devotion, in “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (Colossians 3:16). And since the Lord commanded that we make melody WITH our hearts unto Him in song, we do not presume to use a mechanical instrument which is wholly unauthorized in the New Testament.

We fully recognize the need and obligation of teaching and giving much time to the study of God’s Word. We also, as did the brethren in Jerusalem, desire to continue in the “apostle’s doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers” (Acts 2:42). We are taught to give our means as we are prospered (I Corinthians 16:1-2), out of which funds we support all the work of the church. The contribution on the first day of every week is assessed by Jehovah according to our ability, but there is no assessment by man, nor do we ever raise money by entertainment to support the Lord’s work. “As a man purposeth in his heart, so let him give” (II Corinthians 9:8) Do you know friends, that the most desirable and happy life on earth is the Christian Life? And the way the Lord reveals in His word is clearly de-fined and will safely lead us home to heaven. Why not walk that way today?

J. A. McNutt

Principles of Scriptural Giving

We are not giving what is ours. We do not give to God a portion of what belongs to us. Instead, we are giving back to Him part of what is His. Our decision is not how much to give, but how much of God’s blessings we can afford to keep (Romans 14:8; Haggai 2:8).

Giving is to be according to our prosperity. The more we have, the more we are to give. We are to give as we have been prospered (I Corinthians 16:2). What we have is only temporary. We do not own what we have. God’s bounty is only ours to use for a short time. Our possessions are part of our gifts from God. We will give account to Him of the way we have used them (I Timothy 6:17-19).

Giving is a spiritual matter. Paul speaks of our giving to God as a service (II Corinthians 8:4). It is an evidence of our sincerity and is a proof of our love (II Corinthians 8:8, 24).

Our generosity will be rewarded. Although reward can never be a proper motive for giving, we have God’s promise that He will not forget us and will reward us for our liberality. Read Proverbs 11:24; Matthew 25:29; Malachi 3:8-10.

Giving begins in the heart. The tabernacle was built in the wilderness with gifts that were given from hearts that were stirred to sacrifice for God (Exodus 25:1). Our purpose must begin in our heart, and must be translated to action (II Corinthians 9:6-7).

The Lord knows our gifts. We can hide from men, even the IRS. Yet, we cannot hide from God. He knows our hearts. He sees our motives. He observes how much we give. Our giving is one way to serve Him who is the Source of all things. Let us understand that giving is serious business. It affects our relationship with God. It affects where we will spend eternity.                                  

Author Unknown

I Believe in Santa’s Cause

Many years ago the singing group, The Statler Brothers, had a song titled, “I Believe In Santa’s Cause.” As I think about the meaning of that song, I realized that I, too believe in Santa’s Cause.

Santa’s Cause involves happiness for all people. Santa is one who spreads good will. It should be my desire to live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:18). Santa wants everybody to be happy. There is nothing negative ever said about Santa. Santa brings smiles, joy, and happiness to everyone he is around. In a world full of violence, bloodshed, and despair, Santa brings joy, peace, and happiness. The Christian should shine and stand out in the midst of a crooked generation (Philippians 2:15). The Christian should be the light that is needed to bring happiness to all around.

Santa’s cause involves giving. No one can think about Santa without thinking of giving. This time of year involves giving. Unfortunately many people are getters, not givers. Some love to get, but do not like to give. Giving involves sacrifice. Jesus said “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Is this our attitude generally around Christmas?

If we did not get any presents under the tree, how would we feel? Perhaps many young children are taught that getting is more important than giving. When we give presents we feel good. How do we feel when we have to give money to a certain cause? Are we stingy or liberal? The giving that Santa represents ought to be a very real part of the Christian’s life year round.

Santa’s cause also involves universal love. Santa looks at children in Afghanistan and Iraq the same way he does children in America. We, too should have a universal love for all people.

The Bible says God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). Neither should Christians be biased or partial (James 2:9). This time of year the love for many is shown. From the church that gives baskets to the needy of the community to the individual who makes a special gift to send to someone, universal love is seen in many areas. God’s universal love for the world caused Him to send His Son into a world that was full of sin.

Let us believe in Santa’s cause year round. The thought of spreading happiness, good will and universal love should be part of the Christian’s life 12 months a year. Do you believe in Santa’s cause?

Author Unknown