HOW MANY TIMES?

How many times did Adam and Eve have to eat the forbidden fruit to surely die? (Genesis 3:3)

How many times did Cain have to kill Abel, his brother, to become a murderer? (Genesis 4:14)

How many times does a sow have to return to the mire to become filthy? (II Peter 2:22)

How many times does one have to have a sexual affair with one other than his/her spouse to become an adulterer? (Galatians 5:19-21)

How many times did Moses have to disobey God in striking or speaking to the rock to get water before God refused his entrance into the promised land? (Numbers 20:11-12)

How many times do we have to put things, people and desires before God, before we are displeasing in His sight? (Matthew 6:33)

How many times can a Christian forsake the assembly without sinning? (Hebrews 10:25)

Author Unknown

Our Second Religion

Sporting activities have been called the “second religion of America.” Whether it is the fast-break, jump shooting, and 3-point shots, or the 55-yard pass for the winning touchdown on the last play of the game, we love sports. It can be ice hockey or air hockey, but it still has its appeal. Hunting moose, elk, deer, quail, doves, and varmints (the four-legged kind) attracts a following. Fishing holes are sometimes marked by nearly as many fishers as fish. They can be the “boys of summer” that win it in the last inning or the sprinter who wins by a nose, but it makes no difference. Football, fishing, baseball, hunting, basketball, track — we love it all.

But, may we call a “time out” to consider a fairly common problem in light of the Bible? Sporting activities are not the second religion of some — collective sporting activities are the first religion to some. Some view sports as of the utmost value and concern in life. Sadly, even some professing to be children of the heavenly Father implicitly tell the God of heaven to “take a number (other than one) and we’ll be right with you after the last quarter.” Sports can be wholesome and good for all who participate or spectate, but Christians are careful to keep such activities in their proper place. The Bible still teaches, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33), and “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).

One brother, speaking to a preacher’s workshop, justified his son missing Wednesday evening services to play ball by asking the teen if he would be willing, come next week, to attend both the regular Wednesday evening services and an area Gospel meeting on Thursday night. Of course, if it is right for a Christian to miss worship assemblies and Bible class to participate in sports, does it not follow that all the brethren can miss the assemblies and classes to watch the ball game or other sporting activities? And, if we can “make up” forsaken assemblies like a student makes up a missed test, then surely we can justify shutting down the church building during the hottest part of the summer and do “make up” worship every night for a few weeks this Autumn.

Bible classes and worship assemblies in some places take a tremendous nose dive in attendance because some brethren worship at the idol of sporting activities. We cannot help but wonder though how important our sporting achievements will seem when we stand before God in judgment. Suddenly the “one that got away” will be insignificant and the state championship trophy will provide as much comfort as a crash helmet to a kamikaze pilot.

I like sporting activities. I have played organized sports. I try to instruct my children in sports. But when the church is working, meeting in assemblies, or studying in Bible classes, my family needs to be present, promoting the work, exhorting the brethren, and receiving exhortation: “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (I Timothy 4:8).

Lynn Parker

What Is Christmas?

Here are some undeniable facts about Christmas:

• There is no proof that Christ was born on December 25. But the glorious good news is in the fact that HE WAS BORN as our Savior, that He came down from heaven to seek and save the lost (Luke 2:8-12).
• Another fact worthy of consideration is the fact that we can rejoice in Christ, as Christians, on December 25, just the same as the other 364 days of the year. We do not have to cease to be happy in Jesus at “Christmas” just to be different from others. Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). This would take in Christmas along with all other days of the year.
• Instead of revealing the date of the birth of Christ, God has revealed the day on which He was raised from the dead — the first day of the week (Mark 16:8-9; Luke 24:1-47). God does want us to observe this day. It is a day called the “Lord’s day” (Revelation 1:10; I Corinthians 16:2; Acts 20:7). In it we are especially rejoiceful and glad.
• We should show our faith in Christ, in His birth, in His life, in all that He did for us, and is doing for us in every proper way; but we should not deceive others into thinking we are celebrating December 25 as the birthday of Christ, for there is no reason to believe it is the date of His birth.
• But when all the facts are considered, there is nothing to prevent our enjoying the holiday season just ahead called “Christmas.” We may give and receive gifts in this season, or at any other season of the year, on December 25, or on any other day of the year that we wish — on our birthday, or that of others. In fact, we should “rejoice with them that do rejoice” at Christmas or any other time. There is not enough happiness in the world anyway. We can, however, do all this without celebrating Christmas as the birthday of Christ.
• Finally, it is proof of the divinity of Christ to find Him so popular in the world two thousand years after His birth that the civilized world wants to celebrate His birth, whether it knows the date or not.

Thank God for our Lord and His coming into the world, regardless of the exact date of His arrival by the virgin birth. We shall, therefore, go on preaching the truth, whatever is proper and fitting, regardless of “Christmas."

Gus Nichols

The 5 B’s of Baptism

There is much confusion about baptism. Many do not believe that a person must be baptized to be saved from his sons. Others say baptism is necessary for salvation. Some say sprinkling or pouring are acceptable forms of baptism. Others say only immersion in water is acceptable. There is only one way to settle the confusion about baptism. We must go to the New Testament, which is the law for all men today. What does the Bible tell us about baptism? Its teaching is clear on this subject. Let us notice the five “B’s” of Bible baptism.

First, baptism is a BURIAL. Notice the apostle Paul’s statement in Romans 6:3-4: “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were into His death? Therefore we were buried with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Paul states clearly that baptism is a burial. To bury something is to cover it completely. Sprinkling or pouring will not substitute for the burial which baptism demands. In fact, the word “baptism” itself means “to immerse, dip, plunge.” Bible baptism is a burial.

Second, baptism is for BELIEVERS. Bible baptism is for those who can show they believe in Jesus, the Son of God. In Mark 16:16, Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” No where in the New Testament will one find a person baptized who was not able to express his belief in Christ. In Acts 8:12 we read, “But when they believed Philip as preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.” Notice that “both men and women” were baptized, not little children. Why? Because baptism is for believers, not babies. Babies are born innocent. They are not guilty of the sins of their parents, as some teach (Ezekiel 18:20). Jesus used little children as examples of humility, and said we must become like them to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:1-5). Would Jesus use sinful children as examples of what we must become to be pleasing to God? Certainly not!

Third, baptism is BEFORE the forgiveness of sins. Jesus made this clear in His statement, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Jesus said belief AND baptism bring salvation. He did not say belief brings salvation, and then one is baptized. One cannot be saved without baptism. In Acts 22:16, Saul of Tarsus, a man who believed in Christ, repented, and confessed Jesus as Lord, still had to be baptized to wash away his sins. There is not a single instance in the New Testament where anyone was said to be saved until he was baptized. Baptism comes BEFORE forgiveness.

Fourth, baptism is the BIRTH of the Christian. It is the beginning of the Christians’s life. In John 3:5, Jesus told a man named Nicodemus, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” To be born of water and the Spirit involves being baptized in water in obedience to the teaching of the Holy Spirit. How does the Spirit teach us? He does so through the Word of God. In the New Testament we learn of the importance of being baptized in water. So it is the Spirit who teaches us to be baptized as we read His Word. This is what the apostle Paul meant in I Corinthians 12:13. “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free – and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” Paul says all must be baptized into the body of Christ, which is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23). It is by the teaching of the Spirit through the Word that we learn of our need to do this. Then, we must “drink into one Spirit,” which means we are to continue to study the Word which the Holy Spirit has given – the New Testament. We must grow in our knowledge of God’s Word, and we must remain faithful in the one church (Revelation 2:10).

The final “B” is that Bible baptism is where the BLOOD of Christ is applied to cleanse us from our sins. Can a person be saved from his sins without the blood of Christ? No! But only in baptism is the blood applied from Heaven to take away our sins. The blood of Jesus was shed in His death. The soldier pierced the side of the slain Savior of the world, and “...immediately blood and water came out” (John 19:34). Then, in Romans 6:3-4, Paul speaks of being buried in the “likeness” of Christ’s death through baptism. The blood that was shed in Christ’s death is reached only in the likeness of His death – baptism. In Revelation 1:4-5, John says Jesus washed us from sins in His blood. When does that washing take place? It is the washing of baptism. Remember what Ananias said to Saul of Tarsus: “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” When we look at Acts 22:16 and Revelation 1:4-5, we conclude that in baptism the blood of Jesus is applied to wash away our sins.

We should never forget the five “B’s of baptism. They remind us of what the Bible teaches about this very important subject. The Bible says baptism is a BURIAL. It is for BELIEVERS, those who can express their belief in Christ. It comes BEFORE forgiveness of sins. It is the BIRTH of the Christian, and it is where the precious BLOOD of Jesus is applied to wash away our sins. Have you received BIBLE baptism?

Give Thanks unto the Lord

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good:

for his mercy endureth for ever.

O give thanks unto the God of gods:
for his mercy endureth for ever.

O give thanks to the Lord of lords: 
for his mercy endureth for ever.

To him who alone doeth great wonders:
for his mercy endureth for ever. 

To him that by wisdom made the heavens:
for his mercy endureth for ever. 

To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: 
for his mercy endureth for ever. 

To him that made great lights: 
for his mercy endureth for ever: 

The sun to rule by day: 
for his mercy endureth for ever: 

The moon and stars to rule by night: 
for his mercy endureth for ever. 

To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: 
for his mercy endureth for ever: 

And brought out Israel from among them: 
for his mercy endureth for ever: 

With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: 
for his mercy endureth for ever. 

To him which divided the Red sea into parts: 
for his mercy endureth for ever: 

And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: 
for his mercy endureth for ever: 

But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: 
for his mercy endureth for ever. 

To him which led his people through the wilderness: 
for his mercy endureth for ever. 

To him which smote great kings: 
for his mercy endureth for ever: 

And slew famous kings: 
for his mercy endureth for ever: 

Sihon king of the Amorites: 
for his mercy endureth for ever: 

And Og the king of Bashan: 
for his mercy endureth for ever: 

And gave their land for an heritage: 
for his mercy endureth for ever: 

Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: 
for his mercy endureth for ever. 

Who remembered us in our low estate: 
for his mercy endureth for ever: 

And hath redeemed us from our enemies: 
for his mercy endureth for ever. 

Who giveth food to all flesh: 
for his mercy endureth for ever. 

O give thanks unto the God of heaven: 
for his mercy endureth for ever. 

Psalms 136:1-26

Dealing with Wolves

Attitudes toward false teachers vary. Some people are more concerned about hurting the feelings of those “ravening wolves” which are devouring the flock of God than they are with protecting the precious bride of Christ from being ravaged. Some have come to believe that more  good can be accomplished by being irenic toward those who teach false doctrine and lead astray God’s elect than by marking “those that cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned” (Romans 16:17). Some would be afraid to suggest that any today have “concerning the faith made shipwreck” (I Timothy 1:19). To suggest such would be too harsh and/or too unloving. The possibility of dealing with false teachers by delivering them to Satan would be unthinkable to many who want to bring back those blasphemers with a disposition of sugary sweetness. Yet, in the New Testament we have the example of Paul’s dealing with Hymenaeus and Alexander to compare with the sweet-spirited approach common today. To suggest that a false teacher’s words “will eat as doth a canker (cancer, NKJV)” would be too strong and too bold to even contemplate uttering, but Paul stated these very ideas regarding Hymenaeus and Philetus (II Timothy 2:17). On another occasion Paul referred to those who taught damnable doctrines as “dogs” and “evil workers.” Paul was so bold as to shock our “civility” by saying “beware” of these dogs and evil workers. How inconsiderate; how unloving!!?     

Concerning the Cretians, Paul stated emphatically that they were “liars, evil beasts, idle gluttons” (ASV). Before someone says that Paul did not say this but someone who was a prophet among the Cretians  said it, it should be remembered that Paul said “this witness is true” (Titus 1:12-13). Also notice carefully that Paul’s next words of inspiration were, “Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith” (Titus 1:13). What is meant by “rebuke them sharply”? It does not mean smile and tell them that everything is fine and that there are no problems with what they are doing and teaching! These comments written on this verse are helpful: “Titus should ‘expose,’ should ‘unmask,’ the false teachers and should do it ‘severely.’...Titus must not be content if the false teachers merely soft-pedal their doctrines. They must completely abandon them. There must be a clean cut, a severance....It involved something like a surgical operation. The gangrenous limb must be severed (cf. II Timothy 2:17)” (Commentary on I and II Timothy and Titus, by Ronald A. Ward, page 246). This sounds too severe for some of our irenic brethren who do not want to upset especially false teachers by being too blunt, too harsh, or too direct. It must be kept in mind, however, that Paul’s words were inspired of the Holy Spirit – had the approval of God; it must be observed that Paul was not unloving and unkind; it needs to be noticed that the “irenic spirit” that is so popular among some brethren is NOT the attitude of Paul and others in the New Testament. The irenic approach advocated today by many will not halt false teaching, will not diminish the influence of such teachers, and will not enable the salvation of the false teachers and those under their influence. It should be noted that Paul’s treatment of these false teachers was designed so “that they may be sound in the faith” (Titus 1:13b). Can we believe that the “sweet” treatment being presently advocated by some will bring the same result as the divinely authorized approach? Absolutely not!    

According to I Peter 2:21, Jesus is to be our example and we are to follow in His steps. In Matthew 23 our Savior referred to the false teachers as “hypocrites” several times, He called them children of hell, He spoke of them as “blind guides,” He described them as being like tombs that had been white-washed on the outside but were full of dead men’s bones, He stated that they were “children of those who killed the prophets” meaning that they were of the same mindset and attitude, and called them “serpents” and a “generation of vipers.” He then posed the pointed question, “How can ye escape the damnation of hell?” Our Lord’s words were clear, plain, bold, direct, blunt, and TRUE.     

Should we have a more conciliatory approach toward those that destroy precious souls with their false doctrines? Should we ignore the seriousness of their crimes and try to downplay the harm that is being done by those who make shipwreck the faith of many by their damnable heresies? Should we not follow the example of Jesus? Of Paul? Should we act as if the teaching of lies (the commandments of men) does not really matter? Shall we just look the other way when our Lord’s bride the church is being attacked and destroyed by the cohorts of the “roaring lion” which “walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8). Shall we all agree to use only “sweet words,” and just hug each other and act as if any deviation from God’s Word is just a friendly difference of opinion without any real significance? I think not!    

We as Christians are engaged in a warfare with the devil and the forces of evil (Ephesians 6). Many times those who are messengers of evil pretend to be messengers of righteousness (truth) (II Corinthians 11:15). We must be aware of the devices (ways) of the devil (II Corinthians 2:11). If the devil can convince us that soft-soaping error and soft-pedaling false teachers is the loving thing to do, much harm will come to the body of Christ and the souls of many will be lost! Remember, it was the same apostle Paul who wrote, “Speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Paul did not violate his own inspired instructions when he exposed sharply those false teachers we have noted above. Jesus did not violate that which the Holy Spirit revealed to Paul in Ephesians 4:15. Could it be that the concept of the “loving thing to do” that many brethren have today is not really the loving thing to do? Surely this is the case! Let’s follow Jesus! Let’s expose every false way and mark every false teacher! Let’s be clear whose side we are on!

Lester  Kamp

How Can It Be Possible?

For a person to be saved before baptism since Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). Peter told the Pentecostians to “Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). He also said, “Baptism doth also now save us not the putting away the filth of the flesh by the answer of a good conscience toward God” (I Peter 3:21).

For there to be nothing in a name or one name as good as another when Acts 4:12 says, “There is no other name in which one can be saved.”

For one church to be as good as another when the Lord has a church (Matthew 16:18).

For there to be more than one church as the Bible says, The church is the body (Ephesians 1:23) and there is BUT one body (I Corinthians 12:20).

For one to be saved out of the Lord’s Church since He bought it with His blood (Acts 20: 28).

For one to be saved by faith only when James teaches that we are justified by works and not by faith only (James 2:24).

For sprinkling to be baptism when Paul says we are buried with Him in baptism (Romans 6:3-4).

To observe the Lord’s Supper on Thursday night when Acts 20:7 says that the church at Troas came together on the first day of the week to break bread.

For a Christian not to fall from Grace when the Bible warns against the danger of falling (I Corinthians 10:12), and even speaks of some who had fallen (Galatians 5:4).

For snake handlers to quote Mark 16:18 for handling snakes and not have services to drink poison as the very next thing referred to in the same verse mentions drinking poison.

For one to be a Christian and not be interested in saving the lost.

For a Christian to be interested in saving the lost and never try to teach them or talk to them about the Bible.

For a Christian to be in earnest about going to Heaven and fail to come to Bible study on Sunday morning.

For one to be a faithful Christian and miss the Wednesday night Bible study to watch television.

For a person to love the Lord more than relatives when they will miss services to visit relatives or stay away from services because relatives come to visit them (Matthew 10:37).

For a Christian to make $100.00 a week and give the Lord $1.00 and it be liberal giving (II Corinthians 8:2).

For a Christian to wait until the collection is being taken and run his hand in his pocket and give whatever he may find and purpose to give as II Corinthians 9:7 says to do.

For a Christian to be giving as the Bible teaches and then complain because the preacher preaches on it.

For a Christian to have the spirit of Christ who attends the congregation in their community and then because the elders do not see fit to follow every suggestion to give their money in other places.

I have been looking for a long time to find the answers to these questions. If you have the answer to these questions will you please give them to me in order to put my mind at ease about these people. Most of the people mentioned above think they are going to Heaven so surely they must have the answers. I would like to see all of these go to Heaven but from where I sit I can only ask, “HOW CAN IT BE POSSIBLE?”

Franklin Camp
(1915-1991)