Word Impact

     There are many people in the religious world who are seeking something "better felt
than told," by  which  they  mean, they  are  seeking  an  extraordinary  or supernatural
influence that will lead them to a "religious experience." They often ridicule the idea that
God has designed his written word in such a way that it, without a direct  operation  of
the Holy Spirit is capable of convicting and converting sinners, and equipping the saved
to live a life of faithful service to God and preparing them for an eternal home in heaven.

     Nevertheless, the New Testament  teaches there  is  nothing in addition to the word
of God, as a written message from God, that is needed to convict the sinner and  bring
him to  the knowledge of the salvation that is in Christ Jesus. One biblical example will
suffice to prove this point.

     In the second chapter of  Acts  we  read  that the Holy Spirit filled the apostles. The
"filling" was a miraculous  manifestation of  the  Spirit  on  the apostles, not on the other
people. The text says "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak
with other languages as the Spirit gave them the ability." (Acts 2:4) The pronouns refer
to the "eleven apostles" plus Matthias who was chosen to replace Judas, and that equals
twelve apostles. (Acts 1:26) Notice the result of the apostles being filled with the Holy
Spirit; "they began to speak." The salvation that would come to the Jews on that day
would  be  the result of God's  saving  grace, manifested  through  what the apostles 
would preach, and the compliance of the Jews to God's will.  I call it "word impact."

     When the Jews mocked the events that were transpiring on the day of Pentecost,
they accused the apostles of being filled with new wine. Peter corrects them by saying,
"...give attention to my words. For these are not drunk as you suppose; seeing it is but
the third hour of the day..."  The Holy Spirit guides him to quote that which was spoken
"through the prophet Joel." (verses 16-21) He further says, "You men of Israel, hear
these words." (verse 22) Peter quotes from David with regard to the resurrection and
lordship of Jesus. He tells the Jews that "God has made this Jesus whom you crucified
both Lord and Messiah." (verse 36) "Now when they heard this, they were pierced
in the heart , and said to  Peter  and  the  rest  of  the  apostles, 'Men, brothers, what
should we do?" (verse 37) It  is  what  the Jews heard that pierced (convicted) them.
The words of Peter  made a  profound  inward  impression  on  them. It  was "word
impact."

     Luke says "With many other words he testified and was appealing to them saying,
'Save yourselves from this perverse generation." (verse 40)  As  the  result of Peter's
testimony and appeal, "The ones then having welcomed his word were immersed."
(verse 41) This is clear and convincing evidence from the scriptures  themselves  that
"word impact" worked then and "word impact" will work now.

     Those who are the adherents of the teaching of Augustine who lived approximately
354-430 A.D. and  John  Calvin, the  French  reformer  who lived from 1509-1564,
are implying that God's word is inadequate to do exactly what  God  says  it  can do.
( Acts 20:32;  Rom. 1:16-17;  1 Cor. 1:18, 21;  2 Tim. 3:16-17; Jas. 1:18,21)  Both
Augustine and Calvin taught that man is so morally corrupt and depraved that something
in addition to the word of truth must prepare the heart to receive the word and be saved.
Both men were  wrong and those who teach today what they taught long ago are also
wrong.
                                                                                                                 R. Daly

Copyright 2011

The Churches of Christ

     The   churches  of  Christ  were  established  by  Christ   long   before   Alexander 
Campbell, Walter  Scott, and  any  of  the other so-called "restorers" were born. This is
proven by the fact that in the letter Paul wrote to the brothers and sisters in Rome, he said,
"Greet one   another  with   a   holy  kiss.  All   the  churches   of   Christ   send   greetings."
(Rom. 16:16, NIV-11) This  poses  insurmountable problems for denominations and we
will explain why later in this article.

     The  word  "churches"  translates  ekklesiai, the plural form of the collective noun
ekklesia. In the New Testament, ekklesia means "congregation or assembly." It is used
in Acts 19:39 with reference to a secular assembly. When used in religious contexts it refers
to the community of God's people; the saved, those who are consecrated to God's service.
(Mat. 16:18; Eph. 1:22; Col. 1:18, 24, etc.) The descriptive phrase "churches of Christ"
refers  to  local  congregations in various places. The  New  Testament   tells   us   there 
were    congregations      in      Jerusalem     (Acts 15:4),    Ephesus     (Acts 20:17,28), 
Corinth  (1 Cor. 1:2) , Philippi  (Phil. 1:1; 4:15),  Galatia (Gal. 1:2),  Smyrna (Rev. 2:8),
Thessalonica (2 Thess. 1:1), and many other places.

     Many denominational people are convinced that when we speak of the "church of
Christ" that we have reference to either the sign on the building or the building itself.
Those who are knowledgeable of Bible teaching are aware that the "church of Christ"
refers to neither. The  "sign on the building"  should accurately reflect who meets in the
building, though it does not always do so. The "church of Christ" is the people of God,
and no group is a "church of Christ"  unless it has the characteristics  that  meet  God's
standard revealed in the New Testament.

     The expression  "of Christ"  tells  us  that  they belong to the Messiah and they are
subject  to  his authority. Those who are in Christ were purchased by his blood. They
are recipients of  the  benefits of Christ blood. (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; Rev. 1:5)
The Lord, not the so-called "restorers" or any other human being including the pope of
Rome has supremacy over the congregation of Christ. The Lord Jesus is "head over all
things  to  the  assembly, which   is   his   body."   (Eph. 1:22-23)   "He   is   the  head
of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so
that in everything he might have the supremacy." (Col. 1:18, NIV-11) No denomination
was purchased by the Lord's blood and they are not subject to the Lord's authority.
They  are  man-made  from beginning to end and are not "of Christ." When Jesus said,
"Upon this rock I will build my congregation," he was not speaking of any denomination,
for none of them exists by divine authority in the word of the living God! They are not
named in, authorized by, or based upon the New Testament of Christ. The Lord's own
words emphatically declare all  religious "groups" except his unacceptable to the holy
God  of  heaven.  He  said, "I will build my congregation." (Mat. 16:18) Ask yourself,
"Whose congregation did he promise to build?" Now answer the question. If he said
"my church  or  congregation"  is  it  not his, therefore the "church or congregation of
Christ?"

     It  is sometimes said,  "Okay, I  will  accept  the  fact  that  we  read of  'churches
(congregations) of  Christ'  in  the  New  Testament, but  the phrase is not a name, it
indicates possession." Even if that were true it would disqualify denominations such as
Baptist, Methodist,  Lutheran,  Episcopal,  Presbyterian,  etc. because  no passage in
the word of God speaks of  Baptist  Church  or  Baptist Churches; Methodist Church
or Methodist Churches, Lutheran Church or Lutheran Churches, etc.  So,  even  if  the
phrase "churches of Christ" is not a name, but merely a descriptive phrase, it does not
describe   denominational   churches.  Why    not?   There  is  nothing   about   them
that honors Christ. Nothing  about  them  meets God's standard of what constitutes
"churches of Christ."

     The  expression  "churches  (congregations)  of  Christ"  is genitive of relationship,
and is used by Paul to describe the congregations as belonging to Christ.

                                                                                                              R. Daly
Copyright 2011
 

The Journey To Denominationalism (No.3)

     The  journey  to  denominationalism  is  taken  when  the  language  of  a person or
congregation emanates from denominational thinking. In some ways the mouth is a conduit
of the heart. The content of a person's heart will find a way to express itself, and the means
of doing so is usually through what one says. The Master said, "But the things that proceed
out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man." (Mat. 15:18, NASB-95)
We should earnestly strive to "speak as the scriptures speak, and be silent where the
scriptures are silent." (cf. 1 Cor. 4:6; 1Pet. 4:11)

     It is not uncommon to hear people speak of the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and
John as "the gospels." Such speech is not biblical nor is it accurate. According to the
sacred scriptures there is one gospel. (Gal. 1:6-9) The gospel is identified by several words
or phrases in the New Covenant: "the word" (Acts 8:4), "the good tidings" (Acts 8:12),
"the word of the Lord" (Acts 8:25), "the word of God" (Acts 11:1), "the gospel" (Acts 14:7),
"the word of truth" (Eph. 1:13), "the word of the truth of the gospel" (Col. 1:5), "the faith"
(Jude 3), etc. But, we have no record of any writer guided by the Holy Spirit ever speaking
of "gospels" as if there is more than one body of  "good news" from the mind of God. I am
aware that most denominational "scholars" and commentators often use such terminology,
but they erroneously do so. There is no authority in the New Testament for the concept.
It is accurate to refer to the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John as accounts of the
life of our Lord.

     People often speak of  "joining the church." That is another concept that is foreign to
the word of the Lord in the sense that most people intend the phrase to be understood.
It  is  possible  for  a  person to join a local congregation. Luke  tells  us  that  after Paul
obeyed    the   gospel,   "When    he   came   to   Jerusalem,   he    tried   to   join    the
disciples..." (Acts 9:26, NIV-11). Notice that the text says, "When he came to Jerusalem."
This informs us that  there  was  a  body  of  disciples in  Jerusalem,  and  Paul  attempted
to "join," that is, "be involved, associate, or unite" (Grk. kollao) with them and their work
of serving the Lord. Generally, those who speak of  "joining the church," indicate they placed
themselves in  some universal group or denomination. The New Testament clearly informs us
that no human being places those who obey the gospel among the universal assembly of the
saved. This  is  something  that  God  does,  for  he knows those who are his, and he "adds
together day by day those who are being saved." (Acts 2:47; 5:14) 

     Another  phrase  that  is commonly heard among people is "church of Christ preacher."
The New Testament does not explicitly use the phrase nor is it implied. For instance, some
preachers refer to themselves as "Baptist preachers." All of us are well aware that we do
not read of any denominational Baptist preachers in the word of God. As used today, the
phrase implies that one is a Baptist, that is, a member of the Baptist denomination, and that
he preaches Baptist doctrine. The phrase "church of Christ preacher" seems to imply that
one   preaches    "churches of Christ doctrine."    Church   of   Christ  doctrine   is    no
more acceptable  than  Baptist  doctrine  and  one  man  cannot  be a "church of Christ."
Furthermore, those who preach among the Lord's people are proclaimers, preachers of
the  gospel, or evangelists who teach the word of the living God. (Acts 21:8; 2 Tim. 4:1-5)

     Finally, the word "brother" is often misused by religious people. We who are Christians
are aware that God forbids wearing and assigning religious titles of distinction to those who
preach. The denominational world is filled with terminology that is unauthorized in God's
word. Titles such as reverend, rabbi, pastor, priest, and doctor are frequently used among
men who are  "too big for their spiritual britches!"  They  violate  the  principle  of humility
taught in passages such as (Mat. 23:5-12; Col. 1:1; 4:7,9; 1 Thes. 3:2, etc.)  Sometimes
the word brother is misused  among  the  Lord's  disciples.  Some  people will refer to a
preacher as "brother" and address other members of the Lord's body by their first or last
name. The fact is, a preacher of the gospel is no more a brother in some specialized sense
than anyone else. We  who  are  in  Christ are all brothers. Brother (Grk. adelphos) is a
word that describes the  relationship  of  all  who  are  in association with Christ and one
another. It indicates a filial relationship and it is used with reference to the close affinity that
we share; we  are  fellow  members or associates in the family of believers. (1 Tim. 3:15;
1 Pet. 2:17)

     Let us do our very best to be true to the Book in the way we speak and act. When we
use the language of sacred scripture, we can be sure that we are right, and we will not take
the journey to denominationalism because we are walking in  the truth. (3 Jno. 3-4)
                                                                                                                   R. Daly

Copyright 2011

The Journey To Denominationalism (No.2)

     In part one of this brief series of articles, we began discussing some of the factors
that help determine when individuals and congregations are taking the journey to
denominationalism.

     (3) The  journey  to  denominationalism  is  taken when  subjectivism  and  
emotionalism  are  allowed  to  override the objectivity of divine truth. It is quite
common to have someone ask what the word of God teaches about a certain subject,
and upon giving them the correct answer from scripture, to have them respond, "Well, I
know that's what the Bible says, but my God is  bigger  than  a  book,  and I just believe
his grace and mercy will make allowances." Many times a spouse, parent, or child has
died in a state of disobedience to God, and rather than accept the fact that they died lost,
people  try  to  cope  with  their grief through self deception, or by attempting to persuade
themselves and others that God's word is not the final court of appeal in religious matters.
(1 Pet. 4:11; 1 Cor. 4:6) They are trying to convince themselves that God will do something
different than what the Holy Spirit revealed from the mind of God in scripture. The Book
says, "Let God be true, and every human being a liar." (Rom. 3:4, NIV-11)

     God's word is truth. (Jno. 17:17) It is "the word of the truth of the gospel," (ASV)
that is, "the true message of the gospel" (Col. 1:5, NIV-11) Inasmuch as it is "the word
of the truth," it is the gospel of our salvation." (Eph. 1:13) There is but one gospel, and
no additions, subtractions, perversions, or modifications of any kind are tolerated. It
stands as written and whatever it teaches on any issue must remain intact. Paul wrote,
"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the
grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel; which is really no gospel at all.
Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the
gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel to
you other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse! As we
have already said, so now I say again: if anybody is preaching to you a gospel other
than what you accepted, let them be under God's curse." (Gal. 1:6-9, NIV-11)

     We live in a day when many among the Lord's own people no longer tolerate the
same forceful, bold, straightforward preaching that we heard a generation ago. It is
not uncommon to hear a brother or sister say "I do not appreciate the fact that he said
those who die in denominationalism will be lost. By preaching such, he has assigned
my dear old mother and father to hell." I wonder if such people would be pleased if
preachers of the gospel were to compromise and say that people who die in man-made
religion will be saved in spite of what  the  Bible teaches? They  probably  would  be
happy, but God would not, and that is what matters! Nevertheless, there will be a
"softie" in a pulpit somewhere who will accommodate such people. There are always
preachers who will tell people whatever they want to hear, whether true or false. They
are like the false prophets in the Old Testament. They cry "Peace, peace; when there is
no peace." (Jer. 6:14; 8:8-12) They are hirelings!

     Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one comes to the Father,
except through me." (Jno. 14:6) Salvation is in Christ. Paul said believers have "the
salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." (2 Tim. 2:10) He also said we
have "the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thess. 5:9) A
person cannot get into Christ without being immersed into him. (Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:
3-4) Therefore, since a person cannot come to the Father except through Christ, and
since salvation is in Christ, and inasmuch as a person cannot get into Christ without
being immersed into him, immersion is essential to salvation, and the accountable person
who dies without immersion will die lost! The Bible teaches this and the Bible is right.

     No amount of tears poured out over the casket of a dearly departed lost spouse,
no amount of sorrowful moans over the cold body of a mother or father who died in
rebellion against God, and no amount of heart wrenching screams over the body of a lost
child, will change the word of the living God. Scripture says what it says and it teaches
what it teaches. We must be careful that we do not put family over God by falling prey
to  the  devil's  allurements  through  the  human  way  of  thinking. Many are doing this,
and it will not be overlooked on   the   day  of   judgment.  We   are  to  love  no  one
more   than   God;  no  one!  (Mat. 10:34-39; Lk. 14:25-27)  Can  we  not  see that
denominationalism is not a friend. It is a thief  of souls. It is a perverter of divine truth. It
gives false hope and comfort to sinners. Both  the  adherents  and  founders  of  man-made
religion will fall into the pit. (Matthew 15:9,13-14)

     I  have  never  known anyone to take the journey to denominationalism without first
allowing human emotions and human reasoning to become the foundation of their ability
(or inability) to study the word of God. It  may be that  the  greatest  test  we  face  on
earth  is  to see whether we will  turn our backs on family when they turn their backs on
God. Most  people unlike Abraham, are  not willing  to  give  up  a child, wife, mother,
father, or  self   in  order  to   have  something   much  better  when  this  life   is   over.
(Heb. 11:8-10, 17-19)
                                                                                                                     R. Daly

Copyright 2011

The Journey To Denominationalism (No.1)

     Dear friends, this is a subject that we should consider very seriously because its
implications reach into eternity. There was a time when the people of God knew the
Bible, and they maintained an undying loyalty to divine authority and to the blood
bought body of the Lord Jesus Christ. In former days preachers, elders, and Bible
class teachers made a determined effort to inform Christians about the errors of
denominationalism but it is different in many places today. What have we accomplished
if we teach against moral sins such as homosexuality, abortion, adultery, racial prejudice,
incest, stealing, and drunkenness), yet fail to teach against doctrinal errors such as once
saved always saved,  the  direct  operation of the Holy Spirit  on  the sinner's heart in
conviction and conversion, salvation by faith only, present day miraculous divine healing,
sprinkling and pouring instead of immersion, and  the  use of mechanical instruments of
music in  New  Testament  worship?  What we will have done is this: sown the seed of
apostasy, tilled the soil of ecumenism, and created an atmosphere of tolerance for every
form of doctrinal corruption among God's people. The purity of the local congregation
involves  both  moral  and  doctrinal  conformity  to  the  word  of  the  living God. The
congregation   at   Pergamum   had   people  who  were  practicing  sexual  immorality
and  some among   them   held   to   the   teaching  of   Balaam   and   the   teaching 
of   the Nicolaitans, and as the result of their lack of conformity in doctrine and practice
the Lord said, "I have a few things against you ... repent then." (Rev. 2:12-16)

     In  the  early  1990's  I   read  a  lot  about  a  heinous  movement  that  had   roots
in Florida. In those days older preachers with knowledge and experience were saying if
this new movement is not challenged, we will see numerous congregations  with their
elders and deacons become so soft that they will take the journey to denominationalism.
The movement was known as The Crossroads Movement. The assessment of the
wise older preachers was exactly right. They hit the nail on the head. The movement
eventually expanded and developed its own system of teaching and organization and
later evolved into The Boston Movement. The movement had cultic tendencies and
several congregations and elderships could  be identified  as  congregations of  Christ
only in "name." Their attitudes changed from a formerly militant stance of walk softly
and carry a big stick to a "tip-toe and carry a toothpick" posture. (Jude 3) Their practice
changed from only doing what was authorized by the New Testament, to doing what they  
wish could be found in the word of God. The only thing that brought more sorrow to the
hearts of men who were committed to "sticking with the book," was the fact that those who
departed from the truth of God had a rather large group of sympathizers.  What are some 
of    the  telltale   signs    that   a   person  or  congregation  is  taking  the   journey   to
denominationalism?

     1) When  a  person or congregation looks  for  something  in addition to the
word of  God  to  lead  them  to  the  salvation in  Christ.  Many   people   in  the
Crossroads Movement talked  about the Holy Spirit  guiding them, touching their eyes
and preparing their hearts to  obey God. They  were  expecting  the  Holy Spirit to do
something to them that the  word of God could not do for them. They  were  implicitly
denying the all-sufficiency of the word of God as the message of salvation. They seemed
oblivious to the fact that the word is  the  instrument  through  which the Spirit works to
convict  and  convert  the  alien  sinner,  and  to  build  up  the  believer.  (Acts 20:32;
2 Tim. 3:16-17;  Jas. 1:25;  2 Pet. 1:3)  "For  the  word  of  God  is  living  and active."
(Heb. 4:12) It is not only "living," but living and active, meaning it gets inside a person's
heart and brings forth results. The word of God does this because God designed it this
way. We are "brought forth by the word of truth." (Jas. 1:18) The implanted word "is able
to save our souls." (Jas. 1:21) The "word  of  the  cross" is the power of God to salvation.
(Rom. 1:16;   1 Cor. 1:18, 21) I    have    never    met    a    person  who believes the Holy
Spirit is influencing them  apart from  the teaching of sacred  scripture, who did not begin
teaching things that the Holy Spirit  did not reveal  to  the  apostles  of Christ. (Jno. 16:13;
1 Cor. 2:13; Eph. 3:5) When this happens, if they do not see the error of their way and turn,
the inevitable consequence will be to take the journey to denominationalism.

     2) When a person or congregation speaks disparagingly of the concept that 
the  New Testament  constitutes  a pattern for faith and conduct. This  is  usually
done when the "progressives" want to initiate a program or work, that  as things stand,
they cannot find any authorization for in the New Testament, so their choices are either
to abandon the unauthorized concept, or as is usually done, to say, "Well, we don't need
authority for everything we do anyway because the New Testament does not constitute
a pattern. It is a series of 'love letters' that are primarily applicable to the apostolic age."
The apostles believed their writings were authoritative, absolute, and that they were to
guide the Lord's people. Therefore, they believed in "pattern authority." Paul said there
is one gospel, and that no one, angel or otherwise has any right to change it! (Gal. 1:6-9)
Paul was certain that he was writing the "commandments of the Lord." (1 Cor. 14:37)
He told Timothy to "Follow the pattern  of  the  sound words that you have heard from
me." (2 Tim. 1:13, ESV) James said we have "the perfect law of liberty." (Jas. 1:25)
Jude said "the faith has been  once for all  delivered to the  holy people." (Jude 3) The
point is, if the New Testament is not to be changed, consists of the commandments of the
Lord, is a pattern of sound words, is a perfect law of liberty, and is the faith that has been
once for all delivered to the holy people of God, (and all of these things are true), therefore
the New Testament is the pattern or standard for faith and practice. I have never known a
person  who  believes  that  the  New  Testament  is not  a  pattern  for  faith  and  practice,
who did not begin believing and practicing things that are not taught in the New Testament.
If they do not see the error of their way and turn, the  eventual  road  they  will take is the
one leading to denominationalism.
                                                                                                                    R. Daly

Copyright 2011


     


    

A New Direction?

     It is unquestionably true that some who profess to be members of the body of Christ
want the Lord's people to go in a new direction. They  are  determined to bring about
changes in the doctrine, practice, and  attitude  of the Lord's  people  toward religious
error. Some call them "change agents," and such they are, but before they became change
agents they became "softies." Many of these men, whether elders, preachers, or editors
of religious journals, have lost their perspective about the need to "fight the good fight of
the faith" (1 Tim. 6:12, ASV), to "be strong in the Lord, and in his mighty power...so that
you can  take your stand" (Eph.6:10-11, NIV-11),  and  to "contend  earnestly  for  the
faith  which  was  once  for  all  delivered  to  the saints." (NASB-77)

     It is often alleged by some young preachers of today, and some of the older ones who
have softened like butter left on the dinner table, that the older generation of preachers
proclaimed such  strong  "doctrinal"  sermons  that  they  neglected  to preach on other
important subjects such as grace, mercy, love, and unity. I deny their claim with every
fiber of  my  being! I  have  never  met  or  heard  a preacher of the gospel from the past
who did not believe in and preach on grace, mercy, love, unity and any other "positive"
subject in God's word. The difference between them and many of our day is, they
understood that those very subjects include all that God has done and taught, and that
unity is attained through adherence to the word of God, and not as the result of doctrinal
compromise, neglect, and an ecumenical spirit in which anything goes. (John 17:17,
20-21; Eph. 4:1-6)

     Many  preachers, elders, and members  in  local  congregations  are seeking a new
direction of positivism that refuses to inform  people  when they are  religiously wrong.
Instead of telling their religious acquaintances that  they  are  wrong  in doctrine, faith,
and practice, they first seek common ground of agreement. This is usually the result of
espousing a misconception of love. To them, love is an emotion or affinity that promotes
comradery. The New Testament uses the word love to denote intense interest in the
spiritual  well-being  of  others. It  seeks  peoples'  best  interest even when it strongly
differs with them, and  it  always  puts  God  and  his  will  first.  The  person who is
characterized by biblical  love  realizes  that emotionalism and personal affinity toward
those who are religiously wrong are not the answers to their need.

     Jesus loved everyone he met during his earthly service for his Father, yet he never
hesitated to tell the religious leaders among the Jews when they were wrong. He told
the Pharisees and scribes that they broke the commandment of God for the sake of
their tradition. (Mat. 15:3) He said they were hypocrites. (Mat. 15:7) And he said they
were   blind   guides  and   that   they   were  not  planted  by  the  heavenly  Father.
(Mat. 15:13,14) When the Sadducces questioned him about the resurrection of the
dead based on their erroneous assumptions,  he  plainly  told them, "You are wrong,
because    you    know    neither   the    Scriptures    nor   the   power    of   God."
(Mat. 22:29, ESV-2011) The apostles imitated Jesus and so should we. (1 Cor. 11:1;
Phil. 4:9)

     A new direction for the doctrine would be the wrong direction. God teaches that
his word is not to be changed. It is a fixed body of truth, as it has been "once for all
delivered to the holy people." (Jude 3) Jesus shed his blood for the New Covenant.
(Mat. 26:28; Heb. 9:11-17) It is "the complete law of liberty" and therefore allows no
changes. (Jas. 1:25) It constitutes a pattern of sound words from the mouths and pens
of the apostles and other writers who were guided by the Holy Spirit. (2 Tim. 1:13;
1 Cor. 2:13; Eph. 3:5) It is our standard of faith and conduct. Therefore, there can be
no "new direction" for the doctrine!

     Some of these men are deemphasizing the most  fundamental doctrines such as the  
one church/congregation of the saved  (Eph. 4:4).  Some  of them will not rest till they
have "proven" the acceptability of denominationalism. Perhaps a friend, child, mother,
or other family member has died, and they are allowing human emotions to alter what
the sacred scriptures teach. They often do this under the guise that they have "matured"
in their thinking through the years, and the veil of "church of Christ traditionalism" has
been lifted. They are seeking a new direction and are willing to sacrifice and compromise
the truth to get there! (Mat. 7:13-14; cf. Jer. 6:16)

     Others   are   seeking   a   new   direction for the biblically based  worship that has 
characterized the congregations of Christ. They decry the biblical viewpoint that we are
to sing without mechanical accompaniment. (Acts 16:25; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16) They
now say  that  whether  or  not  we  use  instrumental  music in worship is a matter of
opinion. It  is  optional  and  is of  no  consequence. They are wrong. They go further
and   state   that  choirs,  choruses,  and   other   singing   groups  are  authorized   in
the worship of the congregation. We ask, "Where's the proof?" Some among them go
further in their pursuit of a new direction. They hesitate to directly employ instrumental
music in their worship, so they use their voices to "mimic" the sounds of the instruments
they reject. This, too, is without warrant  in  the   New  Testament. God says "teaching
and admonishing one another in all wisdom...singing." (Col. 3:16) I would like to know
how mimicking the sounds of instruments of music in worship meets the standard that
God has set. 

      Rather than seeking a new direction for the doctrine, practice, and attitude of the
Lord's disciples toward religious error, we should seek the right direction, and when
we  find  it,  we  should  walk  in  it and  if  need  be, give our very lives in defense of it.
(Prov. 23:23; 2 Tim. 4:1-8)
                                                                                                              R. Daly

Copyright 2011

What Is A Religious Denomination?

     Many  people  believe  that  every  religious  group,  society,  or  institution is a
denomination. Such is not the case and we intend to allow the facts to serve as proof
of our thesis.

     The word denomination is defined as, "a religious group, usually including local
churches, often  larger  than  a  sect." (Webster's  Encyclopedic  Unabridged 
Dictionary of the English Language,  page  386,  Copyright  1989.) Stated
another way, a denomination is " a religious organization uniting in a single legal and
administrative body a number of local congregations." (Webster's Ninth Collegiate
Dictionary, page 339, Copyright 1989)

     Based on the preceding definitions, a denomination is a religious organization,
consisting  of  local  congregations,  with said  organization being the legal and/or
administrative body of those local congregations. By extension, a denomination
also has a distinct name, organization, doctrine, practice, and worship that are not
authorized by the New Testament.

     No denomination is found in, authorized by, or given any credence in the New
Testament. The congregation of Christ is found in, authorized by, and given credence
in the New Testament, but it is not a denomination. The word that is generally used
in the New Testament to identify the people of God is ekklesia (which means
assembly, congregation, or group), though it is translated "church" in most English
versions of the scriptures.

     Ekklesia in its singular and/or plural forms is used to identify:

     (1) The universal body of Christ consisting of those who have obeyed the gospel
whether living or dead. It  has  no organized structure  through  which  each  person
functions,  nor   is  it  comprised  of  local  congregations. The  universal  body  or
congregation of Christ consists of people who have been saved  from  sin,  whose
head   is  Christ,  and   whose  law  is  the  gospel.  It   is  a  "brotherhood"  not  a
"church-hood."  (Mat. 16:18-19;  Eph. 1:22-23;  Col. 1:18; 1 Pet. 2:17)

     (2) The local congregation which consists of those who have obeyed
the gospel and live and meet in a specific geographical area in order to carry out
its mission under common oversight. For example, there were congregations of Christ
in Jerusalem, Ephesus and Philippi. They were "organized" with overseers. (Acts 15;
Acts 20:17,28; Phil. 1:1) There was no "religious organization uniting them in a
legal and administrative body." They were independent and autonomous groups.They
had their own organization, work, worship, and mission.

     (3) A congregation of the Lord's people who live and work in a region. Acts 9:31
tells  us, "So  the  church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace,
being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit,
it continued to increase." (NASB-77) They did not constitute a "region wide" organization,
nor was any such organization "over" them dictating their course of action, work, worship,
etc. The concept of denominationalism that is so prevalent in today's religious world
is foreign to the New Testament! The following admission is found on page 22 of  The
Standard Manual For Baptist Churches, editor, Edward T. Hiscox, D.D., "It is most
likely that in the Apostolic age when there was but 'one Lord, one faith, and one baptism,'
and no differing denominations existed, the baptism of a convert by that very act
constituted him a member of the church..." It is indeed true that in the apostolic age, no
differing denominations existed!
                                                                                                       R. Daly

Copyright 2011
   
   

"Too Hard"

     Have you ever heard people say that some preaching is too hard? What was your
response to the statement? Did you pass it off as a harmless opinion? If you did, you
shouldn't have. It is not a harmless opinion. It portrays a spirit that says, "Yeah, it's
okay to preach the truth, but don't hurt feelings." One problem is, some folks will take
offense at the simplest Bible truths! Atheists take offense when we preach on God's
existence. (Gen. 1:1; Heb. 11:6) Methodists take offense when we preach about
the falsity of substituting sprinkling and pouring for the act of immersion. (Rom. 6:
3-4; Col. 2:12) Baptists take offense when we preach on the fact that a person
cannot be a Baptist and a Christian at the same time. (Acts 11:26; 1 Pet. 4:16)
Seventh Day Adventist take offense when we preach that the observance of the
sabbath day was under the old law, and is no longer binding. So, must we soften
the impact of truth in order to appease those who embrace religious error? No!
We must do exactly what Jesus and his apostles did; we must preach the truth and
accept the consequences.

     During Jesus' earthly ministry, some of his disciples said, "This is a hard saying;
who can listen to it?" (Jno. 6:60-62; ESV-2011) People often reject the plain truth
because they have grown accustomed to being fed a diet of refined sugar, and
they  think  any  scriptural  truth  is  "too hard."  How  can  a  man  preach too
hard if what he is preaching and teaching is the word of God?

     We are not making an appeal for preaching that is mean-spirited, unnecessarily
harsh, and belligerent. But, we are saying that the world needs men who are strong
enough to preach the truth; all the truth, and nothing but the truth, anytime, anywhere,
and before anybody! Too many people believe that congregations grow when the
teaching program is "sweet," "soft," and "non-combative." It won't happen. A
congregation may "swell" from soft preaching, because it is prone to draw tolerant
disciples from other congregations, but soft preaching is not a catalyst for true
growth.

     Some people have their roots in congregations that tickled their ears, scratched
their backs, and manicured their feet, instead of telling them what God wants them to
know. A child that has lived on a diet of junk food will expect junk food every time
he eats. A congregation is not a university for lecturing. It is a group of God's people
and they need bold preaching. God says so! (1 Tim. 4:11-16; 2 Tim. 4:1-5) God's
people have the responsibility to rise up and question any preacher and teacher
when any error is taught. Many people are worried about hurting someone's feelings,
making people angry, and driving people away. But, the same people do not seem
to be concerned about making God angry and causing God's Spirit  to grieve by their
silence and tolerance of wrongdoing. (Eph. 4:30; 1 Jno. 4:1) May God bless all
preachers and teachers of the gospel to be as hard as scripture teaches that they
should be in order to accomplish the most spiritual good.
                                                                                                         R. Daly
Copyright 2011
     

Personal Bias In Bible Study

     Preachers of the gospel often tell people that they should allow the scriptures to
speak on their own merit, without shaping their theology by tradition, former teaching,
family influences, etc. It is important for us to interpret the sacred writings in a fair
and credible manner. But, it is also necessary for us to know how to safeguard our
hearts in a way that allows us to study the Bible without personal bias. How can
we do this?

     First, it is imperative to remember that when we study the word of God,
we are seeking God's will, and  that  doing  so  necessitates  that we allow the
Bible to speak for itself regardless of what others think or say. It is never right to
force the scriptures to teach something that they do not teach, in order to please
a friend, parent, spouse, or even an enemy. It is not right to corrupt or make
merchandise of the word of God! (2 Corinthians 2:17) We do not want to be like
the preacher who was looking for a place to preach, and one of the elders of a
congregation asked him, "Where do you stand on the 'brotherhood' issues?" The
preacher replied, "Where do you want me to stand?" In order to protect oneself
against personal bias in Bible study, a person must be brutally honest with the
word of the living God.

     Second, a person must be willing to change when God's word contradicts
some  personal  or  doctrinal  belief   that  he  holds. This  is  one  thing  that
many people will not do because it may mean that they will appear to be weak
or wishy-washy to other people. Most people would rather remain wrong and
save face than to change and save their souls! Honest people will approach God's
word asking, "What would you have me to do Lord?" Satisfying the Lord's will is
their supreme goal in life. When arrogance and pride get in the way, personal bias
becomes a stumbling block and such a person chooses to fight rather than switch.
(Proverbs 16:18; 1 Peter 5:6)

     Third, be prepared to "let the facts be the facts."  "Stick to your guns"  when
you have thoroughly studied a subject, a word, or a biblical concept, and have
reached the proper conclusion that aligns with Bible teaching, Resist the temptation
to stand with notable men even when they are wrong. We should not be afraid or
ashamed to differ with people whom we respect when their understanding and
application of scripture are erroneous. We are servants of the most high God.
Jesus told the Jews, "You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."
(John 8:32) God's word is truth. (John 17:17) God's word has veracity and it
must be allowed to stand. Seek truth...accept the facts on any religious subject.

     Fourth, we  can  alleviate  personal  bias  in  Bible  study  by  approaching
the scriptures with "freshness" each time we turn to them. There could be and
usually is something we missed. As an example: many people have read John 3:16
many times, and have not realized that the phrase "God so loved the world," is not 
indicating the intensity or degree of God's love for the world. The word "so" translates
the Greek word  houtos which is an adverb, indicating the manner or way God
loved the world. There is no doubt that God's love for the world is great, but that is
not the point of the word "so" in John 3:16. (cf. Eph. 2:4)

     It is incumbent on all of us to approach the scriptures as free of personal bias
as we can be, for in this way we will allow the Book to speak and we will listen.
The Book will lead and we must follow.
                                                                                                             R. Daly

Copyright 2011
 

    

Authority In Religion (No. 4)

                                        Application of Authority


     The New Testament teaches that we must have authority from God before we
act in the religious realm. Paul wrote, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do
everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through
him." (Col. 3:17) According to the apostle, all must be done "in the name of the
Lord Jesus." The phrase "in the name of" is an idiom that means in honor of the
power  or  attributes  possessed  by  the  person  who  wears the name. In the
Colossians' text it is the name of the "Lord Jesus." The word "Lord" means master
or ruler; one who is in control. Therefore, whatever the Christian does must be done
in honor of  Jesus' authority.

     There are many things that distinguish the Lord's people from the denominational
world. One of the most prominent marks of distinction is the fact, that we who believe
and accept the teaching of the New Testament do not use mechanical music in worship.
The fact that we do not employ instrumental music in worship is not a matter of tradition,
opinion, or our likes or dislikes. It is a matter of authority. If mechanical music is authorized,
we have the right to use it; if it is not authorized we must avoid it and warn against its use
in worship.

     Mechanical music in worship is not authorized in the New Testament. There is no
direct statement that tells us to use it. There is no account of action under apostolic
direction which shows us that we may use it. Nor is there a word, phrase, or text that
implies that we must use it. To the contrary, God through the written testimony of the
Holy Spirit in the sacred scriptures, teaches us to sing without mechanical accompaniment.
The direct statements in the new covenant that speak of music in worship tell us to
"sing." (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Jas. 5:13) The accounts  of  action  under  apostolic 
guidance teach us to sing without mechanical accompaniment. (Acts 16:25; 1 Cor. 14:15)
Therefore, the words, phrases, and texts that relate to the kind of music that God desires in
New Testament worship imply that we are to sing without mechanical accompaniment.
(Rom. 15:9; Heb. 2:12; 13:15)  

     God has specified 'singing and making melody in the heart" as the kind of music
that pleases him in worship. (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16))  He revealed this through the Holy
Spirit to the apostles and prophets of New Testament days. (1 Cor. 2:9-13; Eph. 3:5)
We have no right to deviate from what God has authorized and add another kind of
music to the will of God.

     Those who believe the New Testament constitutes God's will and our rule of faith
and practice accept the testimony as revealed, and we dare not add to nor take from
it. We are satisfied to allow it to remain as written! 
                                                                                                           R.  Daly
Copyright 2011

                                        

Authority In Religion (No. 3)

                                 
                          How Do We Determine What Is Authorized?

     Sometimes people ask, "How do we established Bible authority?" In my judgment,
that is the wrong question. It is not in the hands of human beings to establish authority
in  religion. All  authority  resides   in God. Our   duty is   to  determine what God has
authorized by the teaching of his word. Authority is not established by human wisdom
and ingenuity. God has spoken.

     Mankind has been required to act by divine authority during each period of human
history. This was true during patriarchy, Judaism, and the age of the gospel. During
patriarchy God gave Noah a pattern for building the ark. (Genesis 6:14-16) God
told Noah the kind of wood to use in making the ark. He also told him the dimensions
of the ark. Notice Moses' language in describing God's instructions to Noah, "And
this is how you shall make it..." (verse 15) The phrase implies that there was a
pattern! Noah understood that God's directions constituted a pattern because Moses
told us, "Thus Noah did; according to all that God had commanded him; so he did."
(Gen. 6:22; 7:5, 16; NASB-77) God gave Noah a pattern and Noah built according
to the instructions that Yahweh gave. Noah built the ark by divine authority.

     The Israelites were to respect the authority of God during Judaism. God spoke
to them through Moses and the prophets. They were not to add to nor take from any
thing that God has prescribed. God's will was to remain intact. Moses said to the
people of Israel, "You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor
take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of Yahweh you God which
I command you." (Deut. 4:2) He also said, "Whatever I command you, you shall be
careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it." (Deut. 12:32) The fact
that Yahweh through Moses told them not to "add to nor take away" from his word
clearly shows that there was a pattern, and  the  pattern   was  not  to be altered!
Yahweh put Nadab and Abihu to death because they offered "unauthorized" fire.
(Lev. 10:1-3) They failed to respect God's pattern. (Lev. 6:12-13; 16:12)

     The same is true during the age of the gospel. The gospel is not to be changed
in any way. (Gal. 1:6-9) We are not to go beyond what has been written. ( 1 Cor.
4:6) We are to remain within the teaching of Christ. (2 Jno. 9-11) When a person
speaks, he is to speak as the very words of God. (1 Pet. 4:11) When he does so,
he "retains the standard of sound words." (2 Tim. 1:13; NASB) The ESV says,
"follow the pattern of sound words." The ASV says, "Hold the pattern of sound
words." The preceding information shows that we must be certain that we carefully
examine  the  sacred  scriptures   in   order to  know  what God has and has not
authorized. Therefore we ask, "How do we determine what God has authorized?"


    
     The issue of whether or not physical  circumcision   was binding   in this age
was one of the burning issues during the days of the apostles. "And certain ones
of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed, stood up saying, 'It is necessary to
circumcise them, and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses.' " (Acts 15:1,5)
The apostles and elders came to the forefront and debated this issue with the
Judaizers. The issue was not decided on the basis of human emotions, tradition,
family religion, or academic credentials. The apostles appealed to the authority
of God.

     Peter stood up and said, "Brothers, you know that in the early days God made
a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the
gospel and believe." (Acts 15:7) He used himself as an example approved by God,
of one who preached to the Gentiles. But, he did not preach that the Gentiles had
to be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses. So, by an approved account of
action we learn that circumcision was not commanded of the Gentiles.

     Peter also makes the following direct statement, "And God, who knows the
heart, bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he also did to us;
and he made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith."
(Acts 15:8-9) Friends, please notice, that "God knows the heart...bore them
witness...giving them the Holy Spirit...made no distinction...cleansing their hearts
by faith." And he did all that without commanding the Gentiles to be circumcised.
So, by a direct statement we learn that circumcision was not commanded of the
Gentiles.

    
     After Peter appealed to an approved account of action and a direct statement,
he concluded in this way, "Now therefore, why do you put God to the test by
placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we
have been able to bear?" (Acts 15:10)  Peter implies that since God has not
indicated that the Gentiles must be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses by
an  approved  account  of  action   nor  by  a  direct  statement, then physical
circumcision is not a part of the gospel! His conclusion is, "But we believe that we
will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will." (Acts 15:11)

   
     The same means by which the issue of physical circumcision was discussed
and settled is the means by which one determines the authority for any religious
issue at any time, any place, and before any group. In short, God authorizes by
means of approved  accounts of action, direct statements, and implication. This
is illustrated throughout the New Testament.
                                                                                                           R. Daly
Copyright 2011
 


     

    

Authority In Religion (No.2)

                                       
                                           Kinds Of Authority

     The word of the living God teaches that there are various kinds of authority.
First, there is inherent authority. Inherent authority is the kind that exists or
resides in a person because of his status or position. God is sovereign and all
authority  inheres  in  him. God  is  all  in  all  and  has  the  privilege to give
orders, to enforce obedience, and to judge all humanity. Paul said there is "one
God and Father of all , who is over all, and through all, and in all." (Eph. 4:6;
ASV) He also said, "For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be glory forever. Amen. (Rom. 11:36; ESV) Jesus said the Father
has set things "by his own authority." (Acts 1:7)  John, the apostle, wrote,
"all the angels stood around the throne, and the elders and the four living
creatures, and they fell before the throne on their faces, and worshiped God
saying, 'Amen: blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor,
and   power,  and   might,  be  to  our  God  for  ever  and  ever . Amen.' " 
(Rev. 7:11-12)

     God declares himself to be "Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the
end." (Rev. 21:6)  Alpha  is  the  first  letter of  the  Greek  alphabet  and
Omega is the  last letter. The phrase "Alpha and Omega" is described as
beginning and end; first and last. It figuratively indicates God's absolute
privileges,  power,  and   authority!   He   exercises   authority  over  the
commencement  and  consummation  of  human  history and  all  creation.
This right inheres in God.

     Second, there is delegated authority. Delegated authority is that which
is assigned or given to another. One who has delegated authority, acts or
speaks in behalf of  the one who entrusted him with the authority. Jesus
said, "The Son can do nothing of his own accord." (John 5:19) He also
said, "I can do nothing of myself...because I do not seek my own will,
but the will of the one who sent me." (John 5:30) He acknowledged that
he did not speak on his "own authority, but of the Father" who sent him.
(John 12:49)  He told his apostles that, "All authority has been given to
me in heaven and on earth." (Mat. 28:18) God the Father placed Jesus
at his right hand, and in doing so he exalted him "far above all rule, and
authority, and power, and dominion." (Eph. 1:20-21) God has placed
all things "under his feet and gave him to be head over all things to the
assembly." (Eph. 1:22-23) God has given Jesus supremacy in all things.
(Colossians 1:18) Jesus exercises delegated authority with respect to his
work of redemption.

     The Holy Spirit also exercises delegated authority. Jesus spoke of
the Spirit's work in the apostles in this way, "But when he, the Spirit of
truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak
on his own authority, but he will speak whatever he hears, and he
will declare to you the things that are to come." (John 16:13) Jesus said
the Father would "send" the Holy Spirit to help the apostles in the
teaching of the truth. (John 14:26) The apostles of Christ also exercised
delegated authority. When Jesus chose them "he gave them authority
over unclean spirits..." (Mat. 10:1) They were ambassadors on behalf
of Christ. (2 Cor. 5:20)

     Third, there is limited authority. When I speak of limited authority,
I am referring to the right or power to act within prescribed boundaries,
or within the purview of  work that has been assigned. For instance, as
stated earlier, Jesus said all authority has been given to him in heaven
and on earth. (Mat. 28:18) It is understood that the Father gave him the
authority. But when we study other pertinent texts, we learn that "all
authority" does not mean that the Father is under the authority of the
Son. Paul said, "For, he put all things in subjection under his feet. But
when he says all things are put in subjection, it is evident that he is
excepted who subjected all things to him." (1 Cor. 15:27)  So, Jesus
has "all authority" to function in his role as Son, as Messiah, as the
Redeemer of mankind, as the great high priest, etc.. Elders have
limited "authority," in that they have the right to lead the congregation
in any direction   that   truth   takes   them,   and   they   may  go no
further. (Acts 20:28-32; 1 Pet. 5:1-3)
                                                                                        RD

Copyright 2011

    

Authority In Religion (No. 1)

                                                   


                                  What Is Authority?

     Authority is important in both the physical and spiritual aspects of life.
It is especially important in the realm of religion. In the absence of authority
anarchy will reign. There will be lawlessness and disorder. This was true
at one point in the history of ancient Israel. "In those days there was no
king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes." (Judges
17:6; 21:25) Those who desire to please the Lord, never want to "do
what is right in their own eyes." They want to know, believe, and do the
will  of  the  Lord, and  in doing so, they must act by his authority. I want
to re-emphasize some of the sacred principles pertaining to authority in
this series of articles. Each generation must be taught all the truth all over
again or apostasy will be the inevitable result. (Judges 2:6-15)

     The English word authority means, "the power or right to give commands,
enforce obedience, take action, or make final decisions; jurisdiction."
(Webster's New World Dictionary, page 94) Therefore, the basic concept 
involves having the power or right to act.

     The idea of authority is also taught in the sacred scriptures. We read in
the Old Testament that Joseph told Pharaoh to "appoint overseers" over the
land of Egypt, who during the seven years of plenty, would "store up grain
under the authority of Pharaoh." (Gen. 41:35; ESV, NIV-2011, NASB)
The ASV chooses to be literal and says, "under the hand of Pharaoh." The
Hebrew word translated "authority" or "hand" is yad and it has a wide range
of meanings. In the Genesis text it means authority, jurisdiction, or command.
There are various ways the Hebrew text connotes the concept of authority.
It may as in this case use a word, or an entire phrase may suffice. In Isaiah
22:21 Yahweh says, Shebna's "authority" (ESV) would be committed to
Eliakim the son of Hilkiah , and on his shoulder would be placed "the key of
the house of David." The ASV uses the word "government" instead of authority.
The Hebrew word translated "authority" or "government" is memshalah. It
refers to dominion, government, rule, and by extension, authority.

     The New Testament also contains the concept of authority. Jesus taught as
one having authority. (Mat. 21:29) The chief priests and elders of the people
questioned the authority of Jesus. (Mat. 21:23-27) A centurion told Jesus
that he was a man "set under authority." (Luke 7:8) Jesus said that all authority
had been given to him. (Mat. 28:18) The Greek word translated authority in
all these instances is exousia. It means power, right, authority. Exousia can
connote a state of control over something, freedom of choice (Jno. 10:18);
potential or resource to command, control, or govern, capability, might, power
(Mat. 9:8); the right to control or command, authority, absolute power, warrant
(Mark 6:7); power exercised by rulers or others in high position by virtue of their
office, ruling power, official power (Luke 20:20); bearer of ruling authority...
officials, government (Rom. 13:1,2,3) ; and the sphere in which power is
exercised, domain (Col. 1:13). (cf. A Greek-English Lexicon Of The New
Testament And Other Early Christian Literature, Third Edition, BDAG,
pages 352-353)

     The idea of authority is also conveyed by the use of phrases in the New
Testament. Paul said that God "seated him (Christ) at his right hand in the
heavenly regions, far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion."
God "put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head
over all  things..."  (Eph. 1:20-22)  Paul  is  writing  about  the  supreme
authority  that  has been granted to our blessed Lord Jesus. Paul  told  the
brothers and sisters in Colossae, "And whatever you do, in word or in deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through
him." (Colossians 3:17) When a person does everything "in the name of the
Lord Jesus, he does it by the authority of the Lord Jesus. He acts by divine
warrant or right! Christians are followers of Christ, and as such they come
under the authority of the Lord. Everything the believer does or says ought to
be in harmony with the lordship of Jesus. Therefore, the entire life of the
believer is placed under obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ.
                                                                                                         RD
 Copyright 2011
     

The "One" Body

     Paul, the Lord's apostle, said "There is one body" in his masterful letter
to the Ephesians. (Eph. 4:4) Most  of  the denominational  world  agrees
in general terms with Paul's words.  As a matter of fact, I do not recall ever
having discussed Paul's statement with a denominationalist who disagreed
with it. The reason is, most people who are in sectarian churches believe
the  "one body"  is   the  universal  body  of  Christ  that  consists  of  all
denominations.They believe that the spiritual body of Christ is made up
of Methodist, Baptist, Lutheran, Episcopal, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian,
Pentecostal, and all other denominational churches. Can this belief be
sustained by the sacred scriptures?

     First, Paul himself plainly identifies the "one body" of (Eph. 4:4). In the
same letter he says, "And he put all things in subjection under his feet, and
gave him to be head over all things to the congregation, which is his body,
the fulness of him that fills all in all." (Eph. 1:22-23) What is commonly called
the church (that is assembly, congregation, or group of the saved) is the one
body. So, when Paul says that there is "one body," the meaning is there is one
church or congregation of saved people! The Lord's congregation does not
consist of churches, it is made up of individual members. Therefore, we do
not read of "congregations of the church of Christ" in the New Covenant.
We do read that "the congregations of Christ greet you." (Rom. 16:16) The
reference is to local congregations that are independent and autonomous.
There is no hood of churches. We read of a "brotherhood" not a "churchhood."
(1 Pet. 2:17)

     Another point for us to consider is, Paul said, "There is one body." He
did not say there are two, three, a hundred, or a thousand bodies. He said
there is one body. One is one more than zero and one less than two, hence
it is singular! The apostle has already identified the "body" as the "congregation"
or "church," so when he says there is one body, he is saying there is one
church or congregation of saved people. There was a time when the Lord's
disciples believed and taught this important truth. Now, there are some who
are determined to appear peaceful to the denominational world and they
rarely   preach  sermons or teach  Bible  classes  devoted  to  discussing
this fundamental doctrine. I believe with all my heart that the New Testament
teaches there is only one body, which is the church or congregation of Christ,
that Jesus is its head, and that no other religious body is acceptable to the
great God of heaven. (Matthew 16:18; Eph. 5:23-27; Col. 1:18,24, et.al)

     Second, we can also be certain that the "one body" does not consist of
any denominations because no denominations existed when Paul wrote
those words. If  you  believe  they  did  exist, what passage in the New
Testament identifies them? Which passage implies that they are authorized
to exist? No denominations existed for several centuries after the apostolic
age! They were all started by human beings; they are perpetuated by
human beings, and they will partake of the same judgment that the schemes
and doctrines of men will receive on the last great day of human history!
(Matthew 7:21-23; 15:13-14)

     There was "one body" when the apostles lived, and there is "one body"
now. Denominations are not part of the one body now, they never have been
part of that for which Jesus Christ died, and they never will be part of the
one body of Christ.
                                                                                               RD

Copyright 2011

The Importance of Context

     What is context? The Second College Edition of the American Heritage
Dictionary says on page 316, that context is, "The part of a written or
spoken statement in which a word or passage at issue occurs and that often
specifies its meaning." (emp. mine RD) The part of the definition that says
"and that often specifies its meaning" is true in the field of biblical studies
as it is in political, historical, and linguistical studies.

     It is impossible to overstate the importance of observing the context when we
study the sacred writings. Studying the context is one of the key elements that
assists in understanding and applying the word of truth. (2 Tim. 2:15) If a person
does not pay careful attention to the context of a passage of scripture, he will
almost certainly reach an uninformed interpretation. No one has the right to
mishandle the word of God. (2 Cor. 2:17; 4:2)

     Sometimes people see things in the biblical text that are not there. Sometimes
people "snatch" a word, phrase, or text from its context and build a system of
doctrine that has no scriptural basis in fact! It has been rightly said that, "A text
taken out of context becomes a pretext."

     I have heard Pentecostals quote 1 Cor. 14:1 and say, "The Bible says, 'desire
earnestly spiritual gifts,' so we should desire to speak in tongues, prophesy, and
heal the sick." The relevant issue is not what the verse says. The problem with
the Pentecostals is, they ignore the fact that when the verse was penned by Paul,
the Corinthians could desire spiritual gifts because people could perform miracles.
The exhortation to "earnestly desire spiritual gifts" no longer applies because the
means of receiving and performing such powers has ended. The is what the
context of 1 Cor. chapters 12, 13, and 14 teaches. (cf. 1 Cor. 13:8-10)

     I have heard members of denominations and their preachers attempt to prove
that denominations have the right to exist by quoting Jesus' statement, "I am the
vine and you are the branches." (Jno. 15:5) They argue, "The branches are all
the churches, therefore all the various churches have the right to exist." They
ignore the context of Jesus' statement. Jesus was not talking to nor about
churches. The very verse they quote proves this point. It says, "I am the vine,
you are the branches: the one who abides in me, and I in him, the same bears
much fruit: for apart from me you can do nothing." Jesus is talking to the apostles
about their relationship to him.

     Sometimes people who seek to find authority for instrumental music in
worship say, "Paul speaks of the pipe, harp, and trumpet in his first letter to
the Corinthians (14:7), so it cannot be wrong to use instrumental music in
our worship." If they would pay close attention to the context, they would
notice that Paul is speaking about the secular use of such instruments, not
the religious use in the assembly. "Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear
call, who will get ready for battle?" (1 Cor. 14:8) He uses the pipe, harp,
and trumpet as examples of instruments that must play distinct sounds or
notes in order for a person to know what is being played. Just so, what
edification would result if a person in the assembly at Corinth speaks in a
language that is not known to those assembled unless someone interprets?
(1 Cor. 14:9)

     If a person has the right to indiscriminately snatch a word, phrase, or text
from its context, and interpret it accordingly, then the Bible can be forced to
mean anything that anyone wants it to mean. Such would be a great injustice
against God's holy word.

                                                                                                         RD

Copyright 2011

    

The State of the Nation

     This is not political meandering in order to bolster any political party or
agenda. I want us to stop for a moment and ask from a biblical perspective,
"What is the state of this nation?" How does God view this country?" "Is this
really a God-fearing nation?" Yahweh's view of this nation is what matters
most. It is fundamentally and eternally important!

     When we look around us we see a nation in which those who are sworn
to protect and preserve life are granted legal license to destroy it. The fact
that abortion is a reality in American society proves this. The Bible teaches
that human life begins in the womb from the earliest stages of conception.
King David gives a beautiful poetic description of his life in his mother's womb.
David speaks to Yahweh and says, "You created my inmost being; you knit
me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and
wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know it full well. My frame
was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was
woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them 
came to be." (Psa. 139:13-16; NIV 2011)

     Did  you  notice  how  David  credits  God  with  "knitting him together,"
"weaving his body together," and seeing David's "unformed body?" All of
the phrases describe the conception and development of human life in the
womb. Even before David's body had all of its members, from the earliest
stages of  his body's development, Yahweh's merciful, patient, and loving
hands were providentially preparing the way for the birth of one who would
kill a lion, a bear, and a giant! Then he would be king of God's nation and an
ancestor of the Messiah!

     Have you noticed that the pro abortionists must devaluate that which is
in the womb in order to set the stage for the slaughter of the fetus? They often
refer to the fetus as a mass, blob, matter, or some other substance. The reason
is, if those who favor abortion admit that there is human life in the mother's
womb, then the act of destroying that human life by abortion becomes murder.
According to the sacred scriptures, that which is in the mother's womb is a
"baby." (Lk. 1:41,44)

     Since, at conception, there is life in the mother's womb, and since it is human
life, and inasmuch as the life is that of innocent little human beings, then abortion
is the murder of little ones who have done nothing worthy of death. No nations
are as guilty before Yahweh as those who slaughter their innocents!

     When we look around us we see a nation in which homosexuals have more
"rights" than unborn babies. God's viewpoint of homosexuality is straightforward
and clear. In Rom. 1:26-27 God says homosexuality is impure, degrading,
shameful, and unnatural. "Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts
to uncleanness, so that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves...
for their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature: and
likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust
toward  one  another,  men  with  men  working  indecency..."  God classifies
homosexuality and lesbianism as sins against oneself, humanity, and God!

     Paul says in his letter to the Corinthians that sodomites and homosexuals will
not inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Cor. 6:9-11) God says homosexuals, lesbians,
and other sexual perverts must turn away from their ungodliness in order to be
forgiven and have the hope of heaven.It is not an acceptable alternate lifestyle.
God did not present a male to Adam in the garden of Eden; he presented a
woman to Adam. (Gen. 2:22-23) And the name was Eve not Steve! (Gen. 3:20)
It is not Yahweh's will for men to have sex with men, nor for women to have
sex with women. God's word teaches that such is perversion. Yet, this is the
state of the nation.

     When we carefully observe the state of the nation, we also see a place in
which laziness is rewarded. We see a welfare system that virtually rewards
people for being lazy. This is not to say that some of those who receive
food vouchers and special government subsidized housing are not truly in
need, but there are many young, strong, able-bodied blacks, whites, and
hispanics who are deadbeats, triflers, and irresponsible. They steal from
the system. They, by their "beg, beg, beg...take, take, take,...no put back
into the system attitudes" are making it hard for those who really need help
to get it. I am appalled at the alarming numbers of young girls who are having
babies only for the system to "kiss their hands" and welcome them into the
cesspool of social and financial slavery! Often, they are afforded better
medical and financial treatment than people who have worked hard all
their lives.

     The  most  abject  kind  of  slavery  that  this  nation has ever tolerated
is the kind that we see unfolding before our very eyes; generations of so-
called minorities, (particularly blacks and hispanics) are enslaved to a system
that rewards them by making them slaves, and the recipients do not even see
it! As long as a person is given a fish without being taught how to fish he
will be a slave with no self respect. Give a person a fish, he eats once; teach
a person how to fish,  he eats often and when he wipes his mouth he does so
with pride.

     God's word teaches us that people who can work should work, and
those who cannot work need our help. We should teach our children and
those around us to work with their hands. (Eph. 4:28) God says, "If a
person does not provide for his own family, he has denied the faith and is
worse than an unbeliever." (1 Tim. 5:8) Those who are at the top of the
nation's welfare system would do well to heed God's command, "If any
will not work, neither let him eat." (2 Thess. 3:10) Stop feeding those who
are willfully lazy! The best way to help the lazy is to stop helping the lazy.

     Well, beloved, this is the state of the nation. It is a place where the
little unborn human beings are aborted, homosexuals and lesbians have
more rights than babies in the womb, and the lazy are rewarded and
consequently enslaved by the system. Oh how the Spirit of God must be
grieved at such ungodliness. One day human history will come to an end,
and those who have mocked God will realize that they did  the wrong
thing, for "the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all
ungodliness and unrighteousness of human beings who suppress the truth
in unrighteousness!" (Rom. 1:18) 
                                                                                                      RD

Copyright 2011