How Much Cleaner?

An elderly lady sat reading her Bible as she did several times a day, when her grandson said, “Why do you waste so much time reading the Bible? You don’t remember what you read. Why don’t you quit?”

The old lady said nothing, but went outside, and returned with a bushel basket. “Here, son,” she said, “take this down to the creek and bring me a bushel of water.” It took persuading, but finally he went. Later, he returned. The basket was empty, of course. “Grandma, I tried; really I did, but the basket just won’t hold water. I dipped and dipped but it ran out as fast as I could fill it up.”

The grandma took the basket and examined it carefully.... Then she said kindly, “I know, my son, but look how much cleaner the basket is now!”

–via Bulletin Digest

For Faithful Christians

Too much of our writing, preaching and visiting is directed to the weak and unfaithful. We want to reverse that order here. This article is not addressed to you who have to be begged, petted and pampered before you will attend the services of the church, and still are absent as much as you are present.

This isn’t for those who grumble the most while doing the least! Those in that category can stop reading now, for this is not written to you. This is written to the faithful.

Our vocabulary is not large enough to tell YOU WONDERFUL PEOPLE how much you are appreciated. It does not matter how many meetings we have each week, you will be present. Neither the weather nor company of any kind is able to keep you from your responsibilities.

Whatever attractions or detractions the world may offer, you will not forsake the Lord. You make whatever sacrifices are necessary. You have no more time than the unfaithful members do, but somehow you manage to find time to serve our Master with the finest and best of your time and talents.

Whatever good programs are put before the church, no one wonders what your response will be. You always support fully every good work. You will accept an assignment and when you do it, it is a foregone conclusion that you will successfully complete it.

You don’t flirt with sin and see how worldly you can become without completely apostatizing. You are appreciated and even more because you demand no special attention or praise for your service, and you do not consider regular and faithful attendance of each class and worship period in service to God as a grievous burden or a great feat of valor.

You are a good example to the youngest member and an inspiration to all. You make the work of each of us much lighter. Thank you for being what the Bible describes as a simple New Testament Christian.

Author unknown

What Does Jesus Christ Mean to You?

To the geologist, He is the Rock of Ages.

To the builder, He is the Foundation.

To the doctor, He is the Great Physician.

To the jeweler, He is the Pearl of Great Price.

To the pilgrim, He is the Way.

To the weary, He is Rest.

To the thirsty, He is the Water of Life.

To the philosopher, He is the Wisdom of God.

To the banker, He is the Hidden Treasure.

To the educator, He is the Great Teacher.

To the farmer, He is the Lord of the Harvest.

To the sinner, He is the Lamb of God that takes away sin.

Author Unknown

IF…

If you are searching for the TRUTH, please read every word, answer every question, and look up each Scriptural reference, and learn truth that you may obey (Matthew 7:21). Be fair to yourself and search the Scriptures (Acts 17:10-11).

IF all churches are right, why does the Bible make it so plain that there is only one (I Corinthians 12:20; Ephesians 4:4; I Corinthians 12:13; Colossians. 1:18-24; Ephesians 1:22-23; Matthew 16:18)?

IF all ways are acceptable, why did Jesus say that only those who follow the strait and narrow way will receive eternal life (Matthew 7:13-1.4)?

IF Jesus is the head of all churches (plural), why did He say, “I will build my church” (singular) (Matthew 16:18)?

IF Christ wanted different denominations, why did He pray for unity (John 17:21)?

IF we can show you proof that Jesus Christ was the founder of the true and only church, His church, will you accept the Bible and it alone (Matthew 16:13-19; Luke 24:45-47; Ephesians 1:22-23; Acts 2:14-47)?

IF God has promised salvation out of the church, why did Christ die for it (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25-27)?

IF the church has nothing to do with our salvation, why does the Lord add us to the church (Acts 2:47)?

IF one is saved by faith only, why were the devils not saved?  They believed and trembled (James 2:19)?

IF one can be saved without faith, why did Paul say it was impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6)?

IF one becomes a Christian when he believes, why was not King Agrippa a Christian (Acts 26:27-28)?

IF faith comes in answer to prayer, why are we told that faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17; John 20:30-31)?

IF “faith alone is a most wholesome doctrine and very full of comfort” (as one denomination’s discipline states) why did James say, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:20)?

IF one can be saved without complete obedience to the Gospel of the Lord, why did Paul say that Christ is to take vengeance on them that obey not the Gospel (II Thessalonians 1:8)?

IF man can be saved by obeying the doctrines and commandments of men, why did Christ say it was vain worship to follow them (Matthew 15:6-9; Mark 7:7)?

IF one can be saved by just believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, why did Jesus say that “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 7:21)?

IF Christ will save anyone as long as they are sincere and good, why did the Hebrews writer state explicitly that Christ is the Saviour of those who obey Him (Hebrews 5:8-9)?

IF the Lord will save us without baptism, why did He command it (Acts 10:47-48)? 

IF the Lord has promised us salvation without baptism, why did Peter say that baptism saves (I Peter 3:21)?

IF we can receive remission of sins without baptism, why did Simon Peter say baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)? 

IF baptism has nothing to do with salvation, why did one of the Lord’s inspired preachers tell a sinner to “arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16)?

IF a man can be saved and not be baptized, why did not Jesus say, “He that believeth and is NOT baptized shall be saved” (Mark16:16)?

IF we can get into Christ without baptism, why did Paul say we are baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27)?

IF the Lord will save without baptism, why did Paul put “newness of life” after baptism, and not before (Romans 6:4)?

IF sprinkling, pouring and immersion are scriptural baptism, why did Paul say there is one baptism and that it is a burial (Ephesians 4:5; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:11-12)?

IF we can get into the body of Christ without baptism, why did Paul say we are baptized into the body (I Corinthians 12:13)? Remember the, body and the church are one and the same (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22-23).

IF baptism is a Christian duty, please name the place in the Bible that gives ONE example where a Christian was ever commanded to be baptized.

IF one is saved before baptism, he is saved before his sins are remitted (Acts 2:38).

IF one is saved before baptism, he is saved before his sins are washed away (Acts 22:16).

IF men have a right to make laws, change them, or delete them, why did Christ say that He had all authority (Matthew 28:18-20)?

IF the Word of God is able to save men, what need have we of anything else (John 8:32; Acts 20:32)?

IF the Word of God is complete and furnishes us unto every good work, how can we make it better by adding to or taking from (Revelation 22:18-19; II Timothy 3:16-17)?

IF preachers have the right to preach their opinion, why then did Paul say to “Preach the word” (II Timothy 4:2)?

IF creeds and manuals are necessary, why are we told to follow and obey the “perfect law of liberty” (James 1:25; Matthew 7:21)?

IF you can be a Christian, worship God acceptably, practice every principle of Christianity, live, die and go to heaven without ever hearing of, belonging to, or in any way supporting a denomination, then why arc not these denominational groups useless and unnecessary (I Corinthians 12:27; Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:47)? 

IF when you search the Bible you fail to find the name of your denominational church in the pages of inspired Scripture, why should you remain in it (I Corinthians 1:10-13)?

IF you think a man has a right to prefix his name with “Reverend,” “Father,” “master,” etc., be sure and read Psalm 111:1-9 and Matthew 23:8-12.

IF instrumental music is to he used in the church services, why was it omitted by Paul as he wrote “In the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee” (Hebrews 2:12)? If the instrument should be used, why did Paul omit it in Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:19?

IF there is nothing in a name, why did Peter say salvation is in the name of Christ (Acts 4:10-12) and why did Paul declare that whatever we do is to be done in the name of Christ (Colossians 3:17)?

IF the Word of God authorizes elders to oversee, (Acts 20:28) and deacons (as servants, workers, I Timothy 3; Titus 1), what Scripture gives the authority for ecclesiastical heads, councils, synods, (as various religious groups are so organized)?

IF a man cannot fall from grace, why did Peter say that one can be “entangled again therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning” (II Peter 2:20-22)?

IF one can be eternally saved without being faithful (once in grace, always in grace), why did the Lord say to be “faithful unto death”(Revelation 2:10)?

IF Hebrews 10:9 teaches that the old law established, why do some today continue to keep the Sabbath Day (Saturday)?

IF the kingdom of God (the church) is yet to be built, why did Paul and John say they were in it (Colossians 1:13-14; Revelation 1:9)? Why did Jesus say that it would come in the lifetime of His apostles (Mark 9:1)?

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

IF it doesn’t make any difference what a man believes so long as he is sincere, why are we told that we will be damned if we believe not the truth (II Thessalonians 2:12)?

IF God promises to save all, regardless of what they do, why did Paul say, “we persuade men” (II Corinthians 5-11)?

IF there is no punishment for the wicked after death, why did Christ say certain ones would go into everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46)?

IF you are lost, condemned in judgment, it will not be the fault of either God, Christ or the Holy Spirit. They want you to obey the Gospel, and be saved (II Peter 3:9).

IF you enjoy simple New Testament worship, attend the services at the church of Christ. “Come now, and let us reason together (Isaiah 1:18). “Come thou with us, and we will do thee good” (Numbers 10:29).

Author Unknown

From the Past….

There has been an ever increasing tendency in the past few years to seek a change in the methods that have formerly motivated us in our attitude toward the denominational world. Brethren have contended for a different method of approach, have urged a modified view of the relation we sustain to the world. Particularly is this true with reference to the tactics that should characterize us in discussing the differences between the New Testament church and the denominations. As a result debates with Sectarians have become unpopular, strong preaching is frowned upon, and a generally soft attitude has become the order of the day. In the field of journalism, especially, has the battle waxed warm.  It is urged that argumentation and controversy have no place in a religious journal; that it is detrimental to the Cause to hand copies of our papers containing such to friends not Christians, and that the papers should be purged of all such. It is strange that proponents of this theory do not see that their argument is equally valid against the New Testament, itself. Paul withstood Peter to the face because he was to be blamed; and later told the world about it in his epistle to the churches of Galatia. Paul and Barnabas dissented so sharply over John Mark that they parted company. Evidently, Luke did not feel the need of surpassing this interesting bit of information concerning those men. Many other similar accounts are recorded with great detail in the Book of God. Indeed, we hesitate not to assert that this freedom to investigate and criticize, is the one safeguard against corruption of doctrine and innovation in worship. Only the realization that what we write is subjected to the most minute examination and the severest investigation will keep us from apostasy in matters of doctrine. It is indeed strange that any one who has regard for the Lord and His Word would seek to surpass criticism, or lift his utterances above the level of investigation. The very attempt smacks suspiciously of the papacy.

Denominationalism is the curse and bane of the age. So long as it remains to mislead and deceive the people, our work will not be finished. It is our duty fearlessly to unsheath the Sword of the Spirit, boldly go forth to battle, and plunge it into the very heart of sectarianism, until, mangled and bleeding, it is left to die in its own shame. Let the Lord’s disciples learn that their Master came not to bring peace on the earth, but a sword. The servant is not above his master. Christianity is, in its very nature aggressive, and its friends must never succumb to that maudlin pietism that trucks to the popularity of the world. The great characters of the past who have walked pleasingly before the Lord have been men who were not afraid. Noah stirred up considerable strife before the flood, and Moses created quite a storm in Egypt. Elijah disturbed Israel, and John the Baptist was beheaded for his fearless preaching.

Guy N. Woods

“Christianity in a Changing World,” Abilene Christian College Lectures (1939), pages 56-58.

Church Discipline Equals Saving Souls

Since the first Pentecost following the resurrection of Christ, God recognizes only faithful members of the church of Christ as the saved of the earth (Acts 2:47). These persons who heard the Word of God, had faith in Christ formed in them by their correct understanding of the Word (the Gospel; Mark 16:15-16; Romans 1:16), repented of their sins, confessed their faith in Christ, and baptized (immersed) in water by the authority of Christ into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in order to obtain the remission (forgiveness) of sins (Romans 10:17; Acts 17:30; Romans 10:10; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38; Romans 6: 3-4; I Peter 3:21; Acts 22:16). This is God’s plan of salvation. It is obligatory upon man. Less than these steps in God’s plan one cannot do and be saved from his sins. More than what this plan of salvation requires God does not demand of one in order for him to be saved from sin. Only persons who have complied with the preceding plan of salvation are authorized to be fellowshipped by other children of God (Acts 2:41; Ephesians 5:23).

In order to remain in fellowship with God, church members must continue to live according to the New Testament teaching regarding Christian living (Acts 2:42; I John 1:7). Since space does not allow for a detailed discussion of obligatory matters in Christian living, suffice it to say that obligatory matters relating to faithfulness pertain to what Christians must do to remain saved. A child of God who ceases to submit to any or all of God’s obligatory laws (New Testament principles that one must abide by in order to remain saved or faithful) must have any relationship between himself and faithful members of the Lord’s church terminated.

Christians must understand that all the processes or means by which the church teaches and trains its members to “walk in the light” is disciplinary in nature. However, I am emphasizing the responsibility of faithful members to restore wayward members and to keep the church pure by withdrawing fellowship from those who are determined to live disorderly lives (lives not in submission to the obligatory matters of the Gospel of Christ or those who create factions by making laws for God and splitting the church by striving to make other Christians submit to them as if they were obligatory in nature). The design of all church discipline is to save erring brethren and to keep the church pure in life and teaching.

When the church fails to discipline her members she is not doing all God demands her to do and be. It is a sin of omission (James 4:17). God intends for the church of Christ to be His influence for good on the earth. When church members are allowed to be impure, it is impossible for the mission of the church to be accomplished as God intended. Hence, when members of the church persist in sin, faithful brethren must labor to get the unfaithful to repent. However, if in time a church member adamantly refuses to repent, the church is to withdraw itself from the rebellious member. This means that this person is not to enjoy the fraternal association that exists between and among faithful members of the church of Christ (Romans 16:17-18; I Corinthians 5; II Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; Galatians 6:1-2). Sins that have their beginning in private between two brethren are taught by Christ to be handled according to Matthew 18:15-17. Furthermore, elders who will not demand that such be routinely preached and practiced are themselves sinning and need to repent. If they refuse to amend their ways, they become subjects for corrective church discipline themselves.

David P. Brown

A Good Rule

Everybody needs a rule to work by, and here is a good one: The whole church, and the furtherance of Truth, is more important than one man, or a few, and more important than one congregation or a few. The Word is to be preached (II Timothy 4:2), and ALL OF IT (Acts 20:27), and in a spirit of love of Truth (II Thessalonians 2:10) and hatred for all false ways (Psalm 119:104, 128). To “let error pass” is to declare that one cares nothing for Truth, cares nothing for the souls of men, and cares not if souls are lost. No man calling himself a Gospel preacher can afford to be in that position. And, he cannot allow himself to be compromised in spirit and heart that some man or some men stand between himself and the Truth! Our speaking and writing brethren, around the world, need to take this lesson most seriously!

Bill Jackson