Steven Cline wrote an article in "Seek The Old Paths" magazine recently, bringing to my
mind the old song many of we Kentuckians used to sing. "Mamma don't allow
no_________playing around here." The song goes through several musical instruments verse
after verse which "mamma don't allow," then continues to say "I don't care what mamma
don't allow, I'll play my_________any how, mamma don't allow no_________playing around
here."
Some folks are outright rebellious against God. What His word teaches means little to them. They truly "don't care what God doesn't allow, (or authorize) they intend to do their own thing any how." Others are unaware (ignorant) of what He allows (authorizes) through His revealed will. They believe and do things not knowing that they are incurring His wrath against themselves now, and come judgement, unless they learn and do better before then. The grammar of the song title as you are no doubt aware is poor, but you get the point of this lesson. Neither ignorance nor rebelliousness will be tolerated by God ultimately (Acts 17:22-31; Matthew 15:1-9; Matthew 7:21-28; Luke 6:46; John 12:48; Hebrews 1:1-2). Please read Scripture references! As we consider "what God doesn't allow," we mean "that which is not authorized."
1). God doesn't allow man to choose just any Savior-
2). God doesn't allow man to choose just any church-
3). God doesn't allow man to choose his own nature at birth-
4). God doesn't allow man to choose his own plan of salvation-
5). God doesn't allow man to choose what name he will wear-
6). God doesn't allow man to choose his own church organization-
7). God doesn't allow man to choose his own kind of music in worship-
8). God doesn't allow man to choose among three or more baptisms-
9). God doesn't allow man to choose the work of the N.T. churches-
10). God doesn't allow man to choose where he will be forever-
11). God doesn't allow man to choose what standard (authority) to follow-
12). God doesn't allow man to choose what is and isn't moral-
13). God doesn't allow man to choose whatever God he desires-
14). God doesn't allow man to choose the faith of his choice-
15). God doesn't allow man to choose whether he will die or not-
16). God doesn't allow man to choose whether he stands in judgement-
17). God doesn't allow man to choose his race or the color of his skin-
18). God doesn't allow man to choose to be a respecter of persons-
19). God doesn't allow man to choose what memorials he will observe-
20). God doesn't allow man to choose who heads Christ's church-
21). God doesn't allow man to choose which church Christ will save-
The Scriptures do not say that Jesus is one of the ways to God. Just the opposite is so. Jesus is
the Savior of Old Testament prophecy. In fact I read recently how many prophecies were fulfilled
in Christ. The number is staggering to realize! When put into a mathematical equation Steve Rudd
wrote, "there are well over 60 predictions about our divine Savior Jesus Christ. A scientist picked
out 48 such prophecies and determined that the probability of one man randomly fulfilling them all
is 1 in 10 to the exponent of 157. That is 1 followed by 157 zeros! Yet Jesus fulfilled all of the
prophecies." Have you ever considered this? Besides, Jesus Himself claimed that He came from
the Father and that He came with a mission. That mission was to "lay down His life and take it up
again" (John 10:14-29). Matthew applied the Old Testament prophecies to Christ (Matthew
1:18-23).
Jesus Himself said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father
except through Me" (John 14:6). Jesus said "I have come that they may have life, and that they
may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). Jesus was either who He claimed to be or He was
the worst imposter on the stage of human experience! If He wasn't everything He claimed to be,
He wasn't even a good man for good men do not lie. He was either "God incarnate"
(Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 10:5; 2:9; John 3:16-17), or He pulled off the worst hoax ever
known. Look at the men and women who have died rather than deny Him. Just think about it;
those who would honor Muhammad, Buddha, Joseph Smith or any other as the prophet for
our day, are saying the same as the folks in the song: "We don't care what God don't allow, we
will have our prophet any how." Well, read (Acts 3:22-23; John 8:21-24). Reams more could be
written about this wonderful Savior but I must continue with the other points of this study.
#2 Only One Church Built By Christ
Just as there is one Savior for all mankind, there is only one relationship wherein reconciliation
unto God (by the blood He shed on the cross) of Calvary is possible (Ephesians 2:10-17). The
New Testament church was planned by God from eternity as the relationship that His Son would
bring into being by the sacrifice of Himself for man's sins (Ephesians 3:8-12). To suggest that
one can be in the right relationship to God without Christ and His church, is like saying that He
died in vain. The blood of the cross is the purchase price of His church (Ephesians 5:25; Acts
20:28; 1 Peter 1:18-25; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). I must request that you take the time to read
each Scripture reference. If I should write them all out this would become a large book. The
church is referred to as the "bride of Christ" of which He is head, purchaser and Savior
(Romans 7:4; Ephesians 5:22-33). The church is the "house of God" (1 Timothy 3:14-15). To
claim that man may be saved and not be a member, is like saying that one can be a child of God
without being in His family! When folks believed the facts of the gospel in the first century when
preached by inspired men, and obeyed its commands to have their sins remitted by the blood He
shed, they automatically became a part of this purchased possession of Christ, His church (Acts
2:22-38, 40-41, 47). Paul makes it plain that there are as many bodies (churches) as there are
Gods, Lords, Spirits, and baptisms, and he said there was one of each (Ephesians 4:1-6; 1
Corinthians 12:20). Still folks say by their doctrine and actions, "We don't care what God
don't allow, we will establish our denominations any how." And so we hear things like "join
the church of your choice." God says they will all ultimately be "rooted up" (Matthew 15:13;
Psalms 127:1). Generally speaking, denominations of men admit to the fact that one doesn't have
to be a member of "their denomination" in order to be in a right relationship with God, Christ,
the Holy Spirit, and other professed Christians. If following Christ makes one a member of a
particular denomination, then only those who are members of said denomination are following
Christ acceptably. The admission that following Christ acceptably doesn't make one a member of
any denomination whatsoever, is testimony that they aren't related to Christ or to His kingdom,
the church He died to purchase. What a fatal admission! This is why they are destined to be
"rooted up" (Matthew 15:13; Psalm 127:1). I have asked their preachers and members if one
must believe exactly what their denomination teaches and be a member of it to be saved? The
answer has always been a resounding, no! My friends, one must believe what one teaches if one is
teaching the truth. Too, one must be a member of the church that the blood of Jesus purchased if
one is to be numbered with the saved. Preachers for various human denominations are constantly
heard saying such things as "join the church of your choice," or "if you don't have a church
home, we would be happy to have you come worship with us." The closest any denomination
comes to a "claim" of being the church described in the New Testament, is the "claim" that they
are "a part" of the whole. This suggest that the one true church of Christ is therefore made up of
all the different denominations with their conflicting founders, names, organization, worship
activities, and missions. Who can believe such? This would make Christ the "author of
confusion" if He accepted such, and we know better than that (1 Corinthians 1:13; 14:33). The
fact of the matter is, the one true church of Christ isn't even made up of all of the faithful
congregations who wear the "name" "church of Christ." No, it is made up only of individuals who
have been born again into this relationship (John 3:3-5; Acts 2:22-38, 41,47; Acts 22:16;
Colossians 1:13-14; Romans 6:3-6; Galatians 3:26-29). On the day of judgement only
individuals will stand before Christ to be judged, not congregations or churches (Revelation
20:12-15; John 15:1-6; 2 Corinthians 5:10-12; Romans 14:12). Folks who promote division by
their "church of choice" doctrine are saying much the same as the old song: "We don't care
what Christ don't allow, we will have our denomination of choice any how.." We hope dear
reader that if this has been your attitude over the years you will have a change of heart and come
back to the Bible's teachings.
#3 Man's Nature At Birth
Many erroneous doctrinal positions are an offspring of the Calvinist position which claims that
man is Hereditarily Totally Depraved. That means one comes into this world by physical birth a
child of the devil. Let's read how uninspired men have described the nature of the newborn infant:
"We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his maker; but by voluntary
transgression fell from the holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now
sinners, not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the
law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin,
without defence or excuse" (These Folks Called Baptist By Jimmy H. Heflin, pg. 11 Articles
of faith number 111 "Of the Fall of Man:)." That quote is identical to Edward T. Hiscox's
quote in the Manual For Southern Baptist). This group call themselves "moderately
Calvinistic" (Ibid). Those who are out and out totally Calvinistic put this same doctrine in the
following language. After having given the state of Adam and Eve after their sin in Eden, the
quote says, "...They being the root of all mankind, the guilt of sin was imputed, and the same
death in sin and corrupted nature conveyed, to all their posterity, descending from them by
ordinary generation. From this original corruption, whereby we are utterly indisposed, disabled,
and made opposite to all good, and wholly inclined to evil, do proceed all actual transgressions"
(Constitution of the Presbyterian church pgs. 34,35,36). Later as we look at God's "plan of
salvation" for all mankind, we will perhaps refer to this article of faith as to the greatest reason
we often meet with failure in leading precious souls to Christ, and why those precious souls will
not consider God's real "plan of salvation" as given in Christ's "Great Commission."
The Bible is so clear as to what one's condition is at birth that one must have professional help
to misunderstand it. We are born innocent, pure, safe, without the taint of sin either in ourselves,
or from Adam or our parents, period! Many are the folks who hold membership in denominations
with Calvinistic teachings on this subject who when ask if they believe that their little baby is a
child of the devil, will answer in the negative. They need to heed Paul's admonition to "come ye
out from among them.." (2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 2 John 11; Ephesians 5:11)! Let's look at a
few clear Bible verses in order to learn how God looks at the child at birth. After all, that's what
matters now isn't it? God says such things as: "Behold, all souls are Mine; as the soul of the
father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die" (Ezekiel 18:4). "...the
son shall not bear the iniquity (sin ket) of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity (sin
ket) of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the
wicked shall be upon him" (Ezekiel 18:20). We are said to be the offspring of God and that
God is the father of our spirits. When the spirit comes from God, it does not come depraved, else
Jesus would have been born depraved! The Hebrew writer said "we have had fathers of our flesh
who corrected us and we gave them reverence. Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the
father of our spirits and live" (Hebrews 12:9)? Add to this what the inspired apostle Paul told
the idolaters at Athens, Greece almost two thousand years ago: "...we are also His offspring..."
(Acts 17:28). Once Jesus sat a little child in the midst of His disciples and told them the
following: "..Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the
kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3). In the next division of Matthew's gospel he recorded the
words of Jesus in this language: "..Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me;
for of such is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:14). Do you suppose for one moment that
Jesus meant "unless you become wholly inclined to evil, dead in sins etc., you can not become a
citizen of My kingdom? Hardly!
The very definition of sin will assist one in learning whether or not we are sinners by birth.
"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law" (1
John 3:4). When is one held accountable for transgressing God's law? When one has the capacity
to think and act as James describes a sinner. "But every man is tempted when he is drawn away
of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when
it is finished, bringeth forth death" (James 1:13-14). Look back at (Ezekiel 18:20) in connection
with this last verse cited. Ezekiel had another point to show the sinlessness of man at birth, when
he wrote, "Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was
found in thee" (Ezekiel 28:15). Much more could be said on this point but if one clear passage of
holy scripture doesn't convince one, ten thousand would not help.
#4 The Plan of Salvation
It is only logical and right that we should now study God's "plan of salvation" for lost
humanity right after taking into account our "nature at birth." The very fact that Jesus "tasted of
death for every man" (Hebrews 2:9; John 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:4), indicates that man has the
capacity to weigh the evidence as the gospel of Christ is preached and accept or reject it. Those
who reject the gospel will be punished with "everlasting destruction" (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).
This shows beyond a shadow of a doubt that all men have the capacity to respond before being
acted upon by any outside force of the Holy Spirit on their hearts. One of the creeds from which I
have already quoted which teaches that we are "born sinners," likewise teaches that we cannot
respond until acted upon separate and apart from the word. That is why so many speak of "the
new birth" as "an experience of grace" that is beyond our comprehension. But Jesus said to
Nicodemus that being born from above with this Spiritual birth involved something that he must
do, that is, "be born of the water and of the Spirit" (John 3:3-5). Let's read from the creed
just mentioned about conversion: "Of Grace in Regeneration" "We believe that in order to be
saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy
disposition to the mind; that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of
the Holy Spirit, in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the
gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, and faith, and
newness of life" (These Folks Called Baptist by Jimmy H. Heflin, pg 12 V11). Did you get
that? This is saying that one is actually saved before one believes or repents. You see believing
that one is depraved as they do, one cannot act until acted upon, and after having been acted upon
by the Holy Spirit, one is said to "repent, believe and reform!" Regenerated first, repent and
believe later! If this is the way it works, why doesn't God "regenerate" everyone since He wants
everyone saved? Why must the gospel be taken to "every creature?" I suggest that the Holy
Spirit is indeed active in every conversion or whenever one is regenerated, because the Holy Spirit
inspired the word, but this word must be taught. See (Romans 10:6-17). "Faith comes by
hearing.." This is why Jesus said, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every
creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be
damned" (Mark 16:15-16). Something else is very strange about those who hold this "direct
operation of the Holy Spirit" in conversion, namely the fact that their creed also teaches the
following. In the Standard Manual for Southern Baptist churches, Edward T. Hiscox says under
the heading of "justification," page 62, that it comes "..solely through faith in Christ.." When one
backs up just one page one reads this: "We believe the Scriptures teach that the salvation of
sinners is wholly by grace........;" Can you not see the contradictions involved in their own
quotes? It simply can't be by a "better felt than told experience," "wholly by grace," and
"solely by faith." The facts are, man leaves God by his own disobedience and man must return to
God by obedience. This is why Peter told those whom his sermon had convicted of their sins, and
that this Jesus whom they had crucified was indeed their Messiah, "....save yourselves from this
crooked generation" (Acts 2:22-38,40). It seems that folks either don't know or like the folks in
the song from which we are drawing some conclusions, don't care what God allows, they are
going to have their own plan of salvation any how. The sad conclusion to all this will be (unless
they learn better) they will be told when they stand before Christ in judgement, "..I never knew
you.." (Matthew 7:21-23). Please study carefully these cases of conversion following which
show what was taught by inspired men as they carried out the commission Christ gave them, and
what folks were told to believe and do to be forgiven of alien sins. One could easier "prove"
universal salvation than what Mr. Hiscox and those influenced by the Standard Manual for Baptist
(Southern ket) Churches teach. If salvation does indeed come by the "Holy Spirit giving folks a
holy disposition of the mind" causing them to "repent and believe," surely the God who gave
His Son because He desires all to be saved, will send this "experience" to everyone enabling
them to do so! See? Also, since they say we are saved "wholly by grace" and since God's grace
has been sent to "all men" (Titus 2:11; Ephesians 2:8-9), why is it that only a few will be
saved (Matthew 7:13-14)?
Cases of Conversion in Acts:
Pentecost (Acts 2:22-38,40-41,47).
Samaritans (Acts 8:12).
Simon (Acts 8:13).
Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26:39).
Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:1-6; 22:16; Acts 26).
Cornelius (Acts 10:1-2, 43,46-48, Acts 11:14).
Lydia (Acts 16:14-15).
Philippian Jailer (Acts 16:16-33).
Some Logical And Scriptural Conclusions
It seems to me that the honest Bible student will be forced inevitably to come to the following
conclusions when all of the evidence is considered concerning the world wide commission of
Christ in the light of these cases of conversion to Christ and membership in His New Testament
church: (1). The gospel had to be preached to every creature. (2). Folks had to weigh the
evidence then determine to accept this gospel message with all of its implications as to the nature
and work of Christ; His death, burial, resurrection and exaltation to the Father's right hand in
heaven where He now rules and reigns as the head of His church and king of His kingdom.
Accepting those facts one must turn from sin and error in repentance. Having repented, one must
confess Jesus to be "the Christ" the Son of the living God. Then only one thing stands between
this one and the "remission of alien sins," that being water baptism into Christ and into the one
body. Having been buried and raised to "newness of life" one now has the right to wear the new
name, "Christian." One who hasn't "obeyed the gospel" has yet to be "born again." Those
who have not complied with this "plan of salvation" as given by Christ Himself, are still citizens of
Satan's kingdom, lost and in need of accepting the grace of Christ on His terms (2 Thessalonians
1:6-10; 1 Peter 1:22-25; Matthew 7:21-23; Hebrews 5:9). One cannot see nor enter the
kingdom of Christ until one has been born of the "water and of the Spirit" (John 3:3-5).
#5 "..That Worthy Name.."
The New Testament teaches emphatically that God who "named" His people in the Old
Testament "Israel," also has "named" His people in this New Testament dispensation. Names
have always seemed to mean a lot to Jehovah! But we hear such things as "a rose by any other
name would smell just as sweet." I think that line comes from William Shakespeare. But to say
such doesn't address the Biblical principle involved in this matter at all. Folks have been saying
for as long as I can remember "there's nothing in a name." It seems that in this, as well as the
other points we have already made, folks are saying "We don't care what God doesn't allow,
we will wear the name of our choice any how!" God changed Jacob's name to "Israel." God
changed Sarai's name to "Sarah" and Abram's name to "Abraham." Each of these names had
significance to God and fit into His plan for the salvation of the souls of all mankind. Before John
was born it was revealed that he would be called "John" (Luke 1:13). Gabriel in speaking of the
incarnation of the Son of God to Mary, informed her that the baby she would bear would be
named "Jesus" (Luke 1:26-33). Who would have the audacity to say that what the Son of God
was "named" was of no importance? Yet those same folks will deny that there is anything
contrary to God's will for them to wear religious names unknown to God's scheme of things. I
have had any number of Protestants tell me when challenged about the names they wear which
honor either a man, method, or organization, say something like the following: "well I'm a
Christian first and a______by choice." I usually say something like, "who gave you the right to
make such a choice? Christ certainly didn't." Some seven hundred years before the "new name"
for God's people became a reality, it was prophesied by Isaiah in two chapters of His book. While
not a few folks have worked to try and prove that these passages do not mean what they seem to
mean, one will search in vain for a brand new name for God's people until one comes to (Acts
11:26b). As Isaiah said, "..I will give in mine house and within My walls a place and a name
better than that of sons and daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut
off" (Isaiah 56:5b). Then later; "And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy
glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name"
(Isaiah 62:2). After Gentiles and kings had indeed seen "God's righteousness" a name never
before used referring to God's people was divinely given. That name was "Christians." I know
this name was not given in derision as some argue, for Peter said that this is the name in which we
"glorify God" (1 Peter 4:16). Peter had earlier stated that there was no salvation in any other
name than the name of Christ (Acts 4:11-12). When Paul attempted to convert king Argippa to
Christ unsuccessfully, Agrippa said to Paul, "..almost you persuade me to be a Christian"
(Acts 26:28). Paul wished that he was not "almost but altogether such as he.." (V-29). It is note
worthy to observe that one cannot speak the name "Christian" without speaking the name of
Christ. Paul condemned in no uncertain language the wearing of any other name than the name of
Him who was crucified for us and Him in whose name the Corinthians had been baptized in (1
Corinthians 1:10-12). Other names are indeed divisive. Other names show the differences among
us at least to a degree. If we accept what Peter said by inspiration as cited above, this matter is so
serious that one's salvation is dependant upon wearing the proper name, for "salvation is in no
other name than that of Christ" (Acts 4:12). Think of the case of Agrippa already mentioned
for a moment. How do you suppose he knew that if he did as Paul taught it would make him a
"Christian?" Could following the apostle's doctrine make one anything else in the first century
A.D.? Then how can that same seed produce a crop of "tist" and dist" or what have you today?
Someone must have put some impure seeds in the sack, for the "seed (of the kingdom ket) is the
word of God" (Luke 8:11). This seed only produces after its kind. That's a law in both physical
seed sowing and in the spiritual realm as well. You can not learn how to become anything other
than simply and only a Christian and as such, a member of Christ's church by reading, believing
and obeying only apostolic teaching.
Just how important are names? Have you ever really considered this question? Laying aside the
religious aspect about which we are speaking, surely everyone knows that names are indeed
important in all walks of life. When my wife and I married, getting on nigh to fifty years ago, what
do you suppose our relationship would have been had she said something like the following:
"Ken, I really do love you and I want to be your wife, but I don't believe I want to wear your
name. Your best friend has a name I really like much better than "Thomas," I think I will wear
his name instead." How do you suppose I would have felt? Do you think for a moment I would
believe she really loved me? Do you suppose she would ever have become my wife? If you answer
in the negative you would be exactly right. I would not want a wife who would not honor me by
taking my name. According to Scriptures when we become a Christian we are in a spiritual
relationship to Christ that is likened to a marriage. Paul wrote, "...you also were made to die to
the Law through the body of Christ, that you might be joined (married KJV) to another, to Him
who was raised from the dead, that we might bear fruit to God" (Romans 7:4 NAS). In the
Ephesian epistle Paul used the marriage relationship to describe the Christians relationship to
Christ in graphic and vivid language. Evidently God wants us to know how important it is for
each member of Christ's bride, the church, to be chaste and to honor Him in every possible way.
"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as
also Christ is the head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the
church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands,
love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it, that He might
sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He might present it to Himself
a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, (such as wearing the name of
another ket) but that it should be holy and without blemish....For we are members of His body,
of His flesh and of His bones. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and he
shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I
speak concerning Christ and the church..." (Ephesians 5:22-33). How can folks claim to love and
honor Christ as the "head" of this relationship known as the "church" individually or
collectively, while refusing to honor Him by wearing His name? There could be no exactness in
contracts, deeds, or transactions of any kind without taking into account the importance of names.
If you are among those who argue "there's nothing in a name," I suggest that you forge a check
by signing someone else's name and see what the end results will be. I wonder why folks don't
name their daughters Jezebel or their sons bozo? Why must your automobile be registered in
your name rather than your neighbors? Names identify and names are extremely important! When
it comes to "names" in the context of which we speak, in religion, our eternal destiny hangs on a
name among several other things.
When a man and a woman produce offspring outside of wedlock, we call the offspring
"illegitimate" and rightly so. The "fruit" born by folks who are not in spiritual wedlock with
Christ (members of His blood bought church which wears His name) is not recognized as "pure
fruit" in God's eyes. Paul used the following language to express this fact. "To Him be glory in
the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end, Amen" (Ephesians 3:21).
This accounts for why Christ will say on judgment day to folks who have operated outside of His
authority that their "many wonderful works" were never recognized. "Not everyone who says to
Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father
in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name,
and done many wonders in Your name? And then will I declare to them, I never knew you; depart
from Me, you who practice lawlessness!" Then He said later, "Every plant which My heavenly
Father hath not planted will be uprooted" (Matthew 7:21-23; Matthew 15:13 NKJV). Why
so? Because the church is the bride of Christ and this is the relationship God planned from eternity
that cost the life blood of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:8-11; 5:25; Acts 20:28). You may want to
go back to point #2 and read it again.
#6 Church Organization
The only working entity known to the religion of Christ for collective church function in
"church work", is the local congregation. Each local church of Christ is independent and
autonomous with her own group of elders, pastor, or bishops and deacons (Acts 14:23;
Philippians 1:1-2; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Hebrews 13:7,17; 1 Thessalonians 5:11-21). The
qualifications these men and their families must meet to be qualified for these functions are given
in (1 Timothy 3:1-13 & Titus 1:5-9). There is no distinction among "elders" "bishops" and
"pastors," all three Greek words describe the function of the same group of men. A preacher,
minister, or evangelist, is another function in the Lord's church from that of the "pastor" "elder"
or "bishop." The preacher, minister, or evangelist operates under the oversight of these men
known by all three terms. Deacons likewise, along with all other members of the local church
function under the elders oversight. No denomination on earth has the government described in
the New Testament for local churches belonging to Christ! We hear of earthly heads and
headquarters of various denominations in the land. Christ alone is the head of His church
(Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 5:22-33). We read of synods, council,
associations, etc., in denominational bodies.Such are totally unknown and unauthorized by Christ
for His church. Christ who is the only head of His church both in heaven and on earth, rules from
the Father's right hand where He took up residence when He ascended back to the Father after
his death, burial and resurrection (Acts 2:22-37; Matthew 28:18; Luke 1:26-33).
When we read of men who serve alone in some denomination who call themselves, "pastor" so
and so, and when we read of men who form a "board of directors" who have not the Biblical
qualifications given for elders, pastors, bishops, and when we read of "Popes" "synods"
"associations" "councils," etc., all without Biblical authority for their existence, aren't those
folks saying "We don't care what God doesn't allow, we will have our "church offices" and
"religious organizations" of our choice any how?" That's exactly the case. For the sake of
clarity let me phrase it in the following language. There is no organization larger, smaller, or other
than the local congregation authorized to function in collective church related worship and work.
With this system in place, when and if one local congregation departs the faith once delivered, it
doesn't take the rest down with it. Denominations with earthly heads and headquarters, with
organizations given the "authority" to formulate doctrine and policy, pass their changes in
doctrine down to every member local denomination in that particular fellowship they thereby
effect the whole from the top down. This isn't Christ's arrangement. I have brethren in Christ
who likewise need to learn this so they will give up the idea of a "sponsoring eldership" through
which sister congregations function along with the various "human benevolent, edificational
and evangelistic organizations" to which some send funds to do the very work with which
either the individual Christian or the local congregation is charged.
#7 Music In Worship
God has specified the "kind" of music He desires that we use in our dispensation to sing
praises to Him and to teach and admonish one another. That "kind" of music happens to be
vocal. There are multiple passages in the New Testament concerning music. Every last one of
them specifies "singing, teaching, speaking, etc" (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; 1
Corinthians 14:15; James 5:13; Hebrews 2:12; Romans 15:9; Matthew 26:30; Acts 16:26).
When folks add another kind of music, "instrumental," they are guilty of violating the fundamental
principle that when God specifies what He authorizes, everything else is automatically ruled out.
When folks add instrumental music when God says "singing or vocal music," they are guilty of
adding to the word of God (Revelation 22:18-19). Likewise when folks do something for which
there is no New Testament information (add instrumental music) they are guilty of invading into
the silence of God. This, Israel was not allowed to do with God's approval. This is why even
though God had not forbidden priest from other tribes, when he specified the tribe of Levi, this
ruled out every other tribe (Hebrews 7:14). You see the ones who add instruments of music to
worship are responsible to give an answer as to why they are assured that God (Christ) is pleased
with their actions (1 Peter 3:15; 2 John 9-10; Galatians 1:6-11: Revelation 22:18-19; 1 Peter
4:11). The age old question often asked, "where does it say we can't to this?" is exactly the
wrong question! We in turn are right to ask, "by what authority do you use the mechanical
instrument?" The best they can do (and it isn't good enough) is to run back to the Law of
Moses or ahead to what they suppose will be used in heaven. We must have New Testament
authorization (Colossians 3:17; Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:24; Colossians 1:18).
What Some Reformers Have Said
Obviously we have appealed to the Scriptures for our authority regarding music in worship and
that is the sole source for said authority of course. It is interesting to study the history and the
evolution away from "vocal" to "instrumental" music and learn what many Protestant reformers
believed and taught on this subject. If you desire further study on this matter as regards who and
when mechanical instruments were first introduced into the "worship" or those claiming to be
"of christ," you will come to what may be for you some startling revelations! You will find it was
of Roman Catholic origin and that relatively few generations back. But read the following
interesting thoughts about mechanical devices in worship:
John Calvin, a prominent man and one of the founders of the Presbyterian church said: "Musical
instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more suitable than the burning of
incense, the lighting up of lamps, the restoration of the other shadows of the law. The Papist
(Roman Catholics ket), therefore, have foolishly borrowed this, as well as many other things, from
the Jews." (John Calvin's Commentary, Thirty Third Psalm).
Adam Clark, called the greatest commentator of all time among the Methodist, said: "Music as a
science, I esteem and admire: but instruments of music in the house of God I abominate and
abhor. This is the abuse of music; and here I register my protest against all such corruptions in
the worship of the Author of Christianity." (Clark's Commentary, Vol. IV., p. 686).
John Wesley, the reputed founder of the Methodist church, is quoted by Adam Clark to have
said: "I have no objections to instruments of music, in our chapels, provided they are neither
heard or seen." (Clarke's Commentary, Vol. IV., p. 686).
Martin Luther, a distinguished reformer, called the organ "an ensign of Baal"-(McClintock &
Strong's English cyclopedia, Music, Vol. VI., p. 762).
Charles H. Spurgeon, recognized (by the Baptist ket) as the greatest Baptist preacher that ever lived, preached for twenty years to thousands of people weekly in the Metropolitan Baptist Tabernacle, London, England, did not have musical instruments in the worship.-(M.C. Kurfees, Instrumental Music in the Worship, p. 196).
Multitudes today either are ignorant of these facts and of what the New Testament teaches on
this subject, or, are like the folks in the song to which we keep referring: "They don't care what
God doesn't allow, they are going to have their mechanical instruments of music any
how." But God doesn't allow any instruments of music around here. Period! That's why faithful
Christians only "sing." Let me just add, purely from my own observation and feeling in addition to
that which God authorizes. There is nothing that can move one like heart felt singing! The
instrument God wants used in music in our dispensation is indeed the heart (mind) of His children.
Any attempt to "worship" God with a mechanical device, is like those in some parts of the world
who fancy themselves to be praying with the use of a so called "prayer wheel" on a pole with their
prayers written on this device that spins in the wind. You could as easily pray mechanically as you
can use heartless mechanical devices of music in worship. Much more could be written about this
subject but I must leave this point and get on to another.
# 8 "Choices of Baptisms"
Just as Christ has revealed His will through the inspired writers whom He promised would be
guided into "all truth" by the Holy Spirit whom He sent them (John 16:12-13) concerning the
music He authorizes, He likewise has specified as regards baptism that "there is one" (Ephesians
4:5). Did you get that? "One Lord, one faith, one baptism." There have been other "baptisms"
in the past, and there is yet one baptism that is reserved for the future called "the baptism of
fire" having to do with eternal torment in Hell! When Paul penned the letter to the brethren at
Ephesus, there was now only "one" valid baptism. This was (and is) immersion in water of a
penitent believer upon confession of faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, for the remission of
sins, into Christ and into His blood bought body, His church. Any other baptism into any other
relationship with any other design, is not the "one baptism" of Ephesians 4:5! If you need to
think more about this go back to point # 4 and study about the "plan of salvation" as well as the
cases of conversion we listed from the Acts of the Apostles.
Today, however, we read in denominational creeds such statements as "Let every adult person,
and the parents of every child to be baptized, have the choice of sprinkling, pouring, or
immersion." (Methodist Discipline; p. 539, 1910). Any way you read it, this gives the choice of
"three" actions called "baptism." That's two, too many "baptisms" my friends! Aren't such
folks saying much the same regarding this subject as others have that we have noticed? Namely,
"We don't care what Christ doesn't allow, we will have our choices of baptisms any how."
Whether this is done in all honesty, or whether men are just plain headstrong and intent on "doing
their own thing," regardless of what Christ's word teaches, the end results are the same. It is a
failure to "abide in the doctrine of Christ" which brings dire consequences (2 John 9). Besides,
there is no record of infant baptism in the New Testament. Only believing penitents upon
confession of said faith are proper subjects for scriptural baptism. The very meaning of the Greek
word translated into our English word baptism, literally means only one thing, "immersion."
Since baptism is a verb denoting the action of a burial and a resurrection, to say that one was
baptized by sprinkling would be like saying that one ran by walking! They are two different
actions don't you see. If one hasn't been immersed (and that for the Bible design or purpose) then
one hasn't really been baptized at all.
# 9 The Work of Local Church
The reason I say the "the work of the local church" is because the church "universal" has no
head or headquarters on earth, nor is it assigned any activity. It has no earthly organization. The
only working entity recognized by heaven to function in "collective church work," is the local
congregation under the oversight of a group of men known as elders, pastors, bishops. We
covered this point in #6 if you wish to refresh your memory on that subject go back and read that
portion again. In this section of our study we wish to give attention to the work that Christ has
assigned each independent local congregation to perform. When we see the sum total of what
local churches of Christ did in the first century A.D. when men guided by the Holy Spirit were
present among them, we will then know what (we aren't speaking of methods of operation) but
what the functions of said congregations were in the first century. They had the same problems in
society and the same needs that people have today. Since the apostles were guided into "all truth"
we know that they did all that they were authorized and commanded to do. The New Testament
therefore in its entirety forms the "pattern" for what churches of Christ may do today with
Christ's approval (James 1:25; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). They had crime, moral problems, drug
addiction, widows, orphans, educational needs, recreational needs, etc. We learn from reading
the New Testament pattern that the local church's role was three fold. (1). As the pillar and
ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15), they carried out the charge to support the proclamation of
the gospel to a lost and dying world (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Acts 13:1-4). The local churches
each made their own decisions with no outside authority except Christ Himself charging or
regulating them to support the preaching both locally and in other areas of their world (2
Corinthians 11:8; Philippians 4:14-18). Individuals and congregations saw evangelism as their
major responsibility (Acts 6:4; Acts 8:1-4). The churches were also charged to see to their needy
brethren, but even this took a back seat to the preaching of the word as in the verse just noticed
(Acts 6:4). Still, they were to share with those who had legitimate physical needs among them
(Acts 4:32-37; Acts 6:1-6-7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians chapters eight and nine.
See also (Acts 11:27-30). As regards benevolence, it is interesting to note that individuals are
charged to see to their own families and not burden the local church with their responsibility (1
Timothy 5:8,16). Too, they did not involve themselves in the "social gospel" concept of
providing for non members nor did they provide recreational facilities nor anything like a family
life center to see to the social needs of the membership nor of the people in the community. No,
Paul informed the Corinthians that they should take care of such in their homes (1 Corinthians
11:22).
Edification of the membership was and still is a vital function of the local congregation. When
folks on whom the apostles had laid their hands thereby imparting various spiritual gifts, met in
the assemblies they were to exercise said gifts to the "building up" of the body. See (1
Corinthians chapters 12-13-14). This was all to be done in an orderly manner. Evangelist were
left in certain areas or sent by the apostles to "set in order the things that were lacking in local
churches" and take the lead in appointing overseers to "take care of the churches" (1 Timothy 3-4; 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-14). We read of congregations that were fully and scripturally organized in
such passages as (Acts 14:23; Philippians 1:1-2; Acts 6:1-6; 1 Peter 5:1-4; 1 Thessalonians
5:11-17; Hebrews 13:7,17). I should note that a congregation may function with elders with no
deacons, for deacons aren't mentioned in every local church that had a group of elders. You see,
elders oversee the entire program of the local church while deacons simply assist as servants
doing what they are assigned by the elders. There was never a case where one man served as a
"pastor" in the local churches of Christ. They are always spoken of in the plural number, and are
the same as elders and bishops. Paul left Titus to "ordain elders" and then proceeded to give him
by letter the qualifications for bishops, thereby showing that the function is one and the same
(Titus 1:5,7). Let us summarize what we have learned from Scriptures to be the sum total of
collective church work supported from the first day of the week contribution.
1. Preaching the gospel locally and elsewhere as ability and opportunity presents itself (1
Timothy 3:15; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Philippians 4:14-18; Acts 13:2-4; 2 Corinthians
11:8). 2. Seeing to the legitimate benevolent needs of the membership locally and elsewhere as
ability and opportunity arose (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians chapters eight and nine.
Individuals were to see to their own household's needs as regarded social, recreational, political
and physical needs (1 Timothy 5:8, 16). The churches did not engage in the "social gospel" such
activities were to remain a function of the individual or the home atmosphere. The mission of the
blood bought church is much too high and too holy to get sidetracked into those areas of activity.
Local churches of Christ must limit their function to that which was authorized or commanded by
apostolic teaching and examples in the first century. 3. Edification of the membership (1
Thessalonians 5:11-17,21; Hebrews 13:7,17; Ephesians 4:11-16; Acts 2:42; Acts 15:24).
# 10 Where To Reside Forever
By the above I simply mean what the reward of the faithful will be. When Jesus was about to
depart from among His disciples, they were saddened. Jesus attempted to cheer them up by saying
the following: "Let not your hearts be troubled; you believe in God (the Father ket), believe also
in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would not have told you. I
go to prepare a place for you, And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and
receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:1-3). There is much
speculation among religionist as to what the reward of the faithful will be. Many think it will be a
paradise here on the earth. Some believe in a one thousand year golden age when Christ will reign
from Jerusalem Palestine during a time of universal peace on the earth. The fact that Jesus is said
to be already on David's throne ruling doesn't deter these millennial speculators from affirming
that doctrine (Acts 2:29-36). The fact that Jesus said such things as, "My kingdom is not of this
world.." (John 18:36), doesn't deter them from saying and teaching "oh yes it is of this world."
The fact that Paul and John and all other Christians of the first century were citizens of Christ's
kingdom already, doesn't deter these speculators from saying the kingdom is yet future
(Colossians 1:13-14; Mark 9:1; Revelation 1:9). Too, the same apostle who spoke of a "new
heaven and a new earth" in his second epistle, had already identified this new dwelling place as
one that was "incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away reserved in heaven for you"
(2 Peter 3:9-14; 1 Peter 1:3-4). In fact Peter used such graphic language regarding the fate of
this present earth as to say that it would be "melted" dissolved" and "burned up" at Christ's
return. Still, we hear it on every hand that the reward will be here on a paradise earth. That's like
saying, "Lord, we don't care what you or your apostles say about the reward for the faithful, we
will still teach otherwise and hope for a millennial kingdom of peace with Christ reigning from
Jerusalem Palestine any how!" See also (2 Corinthians 5:1-9; 2 Timothy 4:6-8; 1
Thessalonians 4:13-18).
# 11 Standard of Authority
While all those who profess belief in Jesus Christ as the Messiah say that the Old and New
Testaments are the revealed will of God for all mankind, still, many have their own "standards of
authority" which are either additions, subtractions, or substitutions for what "the book" actually
teaches. Therefore they are only giving lip service to belief in the Bible as our standard of
religious authority. What do I mean? The Roman Catholics say the Bible alone isn't sufficient. To
them, the so called "living voice of the Roman Catholic church" supersedes the Bible as
authority. They are even arguing as I compose this about the ancient traditions of Catholicism that
should allow for women priests, as well as asking for a more modern approach to the role of
homosexuals and lesbians in "their church." Those who really do take the Bible as their standard
of religious authority know that "God's word is forever settled in heaven" (Psalm 119:89) as
regards both homosexuality and the role of women in the New Testament church! Homosexuality
is an abomination as taught in both Testaments, and women are not allowed to place themselves
"over the man" in spiritual matters. Besides, there is no such thing as a special clergy laity system
in New Testament religion, so no special priesthood, rather the priesthood of every obedient
believer (Leviticus 18:22-23; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Romans 1:26-28; 1 Timothy 2:11-14; 1
Peter 2:5-9).
While most Protestants say they disagree with the "authority of the Pope or the voice of the
Catholic church," they likewise have seats of "authority" such as "synods," "councils,"
"associations" and "conferences" of uninspired men who meet from time to time and rewrite
portions of their "creeds" which are a statement of their beliefs and that to which those whom
they ordain to preach for them must submit. Each Protestant church has a different creed which is
at odds with all the others and all of them are at odds with the book in which they say they
believe! Some of my older preaching brethren used to say and I agree, if a creed contains more
than the Bible it is condemned as an addition. If it contains less than the Bible it is condemned as a
subtraction. If it contains the same thing as the Bible it isn't needed for we have the Bible. The
fact is, creeds are in a sense condemned on all three counts. The last one of them teaches that
there are some things the Bible commands that men do not have to do to be saved. Two, they all
add some things to their religious beliefs and practices that aren't taught in the Bible. For example
the baptism of infants and the doctrine of original sin. They also observe religious holidays about
which the New Testament is silent. Last, the creeds do not contain the same things as the Bible as
can be seen in the examples already given. They are in fact one of, if not the major cause of
religious division. The Bible claims to be a revelation of the complete will of Jesus that is
understandable and is and will be the standard by which our beliefs and practices must be judged
(2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3; John 16:13; Galatians 1:6-11; James 1:25; Revelation
20:12-15; Ephesians 3:4; 5:17). Aren't all these folks saying something like, "We don't care
with the Bible says about other standards of authority, we will have our synods, councils,
associations, conferences, and our creeds any how? Sure they are.
# 12 What Is & Isn't Moral
I have already touched on this some in the last section about standards. God has already
determined what is and isn't moral. All we are left to determine regarding morality is whether or
not we will be hemmed in by what God considers moral? God's standard of morality calls certain
things sin and says that those guilty of such, can't inherit eternal life if they persist in them. Many
individuals and denominational bodies are now saying some things are acceptable which God calls
soul damning actions. In fact they fellowship folks who aren't in fellowship with God and
condemn those of us who respect God's moral standards as being judgmental and unloving of our
fellowman when we refuse. Did you know that the following sins (and the list isn't exhaustive)
will keep one out of heaven? 1. Homosexuality. 2. Drunkenness. 3. lying. 4. Adultery. 5.
Fornication. 6. Covetousness. 7. Uncleanness. 8. licentiousness. 9. Idolatry. 10. Sorcery. 11.
Hatred. 12. Contentions. 13. Jealousies. 14. Outburst of wrath. 15. Selfish ambitions. 16.
Dissensions. 17. Heresies. 18. Envy. 19. Murder. 20. Revelries and the like. Too, one who does
not "obey the gospel of Christ.." (Galatians 5:16-21; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).
Many of my fellow gospel preachers have fallen prey to Satan's snare regarding some of these
matters as well as have many denominationalist. We must now face as "divisive issues," things
about which most everyone once stood against with one heart and one voice. I speak of such
things as abortion, marriage divorce and remarriage without the one Scriptural reason, adultery,
thereby freeing only the innocent party. Modesty. Some can't seem to determine what is and what
isn't modest! We all used to know. We have brethren who take a leading role in local churches of
Christ whose daughters participate in cheerleading squads whereby they wear clothing that in no
way could be called modest. Some have even won medals and been rewarded for putting their
young bodies on public display! As stated above, I speak of parents who are Christians and their
daughters who also wear the name of Christ. We have Christians who are members of the
Masonic lodge being fellowshipped in some local churches of Christ. The social gospel has
become the order of the day in the more liberal churches of Christ. They have aped the
denominations in many things. While each of the sins listed above need some common sense to
interpret as to when one is guilty, the fact that these things are considered as sin in God's eyes,
does not change as society changes.
I shall make a short list of some common sins that are no longer considered sin in many religious circles as well as among some brethren. I make this short list for emphasis sake:
Marriage Divorce & Remarriage for any reason, not the Bible reason
Dancing which produces licentiousness (revelries and such like)
Wearing immodest apparel
Lying, cheating, stealing
Abortion on demand
Filthy suggestive speech
Viewing movies one should not
Listening to filthy vulgar music
So called "social drinking"
Some attempting to justify the "gay" lifestyle
So called unity in diversity (dissensions & heretics accepted)
Drunkenness, called a "sickness" rather than a soul damning sin.
It has come to pass that many religious people are much like Israel of old of whom Isaiah
wrote, saying; "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and
light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter" (Isaiah 50:19-20). Not long ago
in discussing the Bible with a friend of mine from the denominational "church of God," the subject
of marriage, divorce and remarriage came up because of what I had recently preached on the
radio. This young man made the following statement: "Ken, if we begin to practice what you
teach on MDR we wouldn't have many members left!" I suggested that what the Bible teaches
isn't subject to our subjective ideas about this matter. We can't change the Bible to suit what
society is practicing. We must teach the truth so society will conform to the Bible's standard of
morality." That's terrible of course, but how about the following? In a Bible class I was teaching
once, an elderly brother held up his hand for recognition. I allowed him to speak and he spoke to
the subject at hand, about which we were just beginning to study, which was marriage, divorce
and remarriage. His remarks were (as well as I can remember) "brother Thomas, we will never be
able to come to a common understanding on this controversial subject: I know good brethren
(gospel preachers) who are of conflicting views on this subject: Even my wife and I do not agree
as to what the Bible teaches on this subject." I proceeded to say something like the following: "It
isn't what the Bible teaches that is difficult to understand. (Matthew 5:32 & Matthew 19:9)
respectively teach one man for one woman for life with one exception (that being adultery)
thereby allowing the innocent party to enter into another marriage with Christ's approval
assuming the one they marry has no entanglements. Who can misunderstand what Christ taught
here? It is when folks disregard what Scriptures teach, either through ignorance or a disregard for
it, that makes it difficult to know how to solve the many problems such has created, especially
where children are involved. Often folks will "throw away" children from the godly scriptural
union to enter into an ungodly union, then when children are born into the unholy "marriage" and
brethren attempt to get folks to repent which demands getting out of an adulterous relationship,
they make an emotional appeal based on the damage such would cause the children. Why weren't
they that concerned for the children of the former holy union? You will have to be the judge, I'm
sure I don't know but I suspect this is a dodge in many cases to keep from taking the hard steps
that repentance demands. I could give numerous names of brethren in Christ, some of whom are
gospel preachers, who have compromised on this "issue" of MDR for whatever the reason. Some
of these men are well known and highly respected in the brotherhood, this makes them even more
dangerous to the morals of the folks in the church and in society in general. If some changes
aren't made soon and if there aren't more who are willing to get back to the moral code set in
God's word, soon it will be like the man in a northern state of whom I was told who walked the
streets of this particular town wagging his head and exclaiming, "you can't tell the sinners from
the saints." Aren't many saying on this subject as well as others we have touched, "we don't care
what Christ's will doesn't allow, we will marry, divorce, and remarry for any reason we
choose any how? Surely that is how it is to our shame and disgrace! In another discussion once
at the meeting place of the seventh day Adventist in what was supposed to be an open Bible study
to which I was invited, they passed hurriedly over the passages dealing with marriage, divorce and
remarriage. I called them back and asked some questions which opened up quite a "Pandora's
box" to say the least! Finally after lots of discussion in which few if any were willing to take the
Bible answer as given by Christ about this subject, one member of the Adventist group said, "we
have found a way around that." He never did tell us what it was. I think I know. It is to disregard
it as if Jesus had never taught what He did in (Matthew 5:32 and 19:9)! What a day it will be
when we all stand before Christ to give an account for the deeds done in the body! What good
will it have done to fellowship folks who are "living in adultery" (Colossians 3:1-7), only to have
Him say to all who have not obeyed the gospel or to those who have disregarded His teachings
either, "I know you not" or "I never knew you!" Such will be the fate of multitudes. We need
to face the truth on all points now or it will face us later when it is too late to make things right
with our creator! (See Matthew 7:13-23; 25:121).
# 13 "Whatever God You Choose"
Who would have the audacity to say that men are free to "choose whatever God they desire?"
We are getting closer and closer to seeing those who once had convictions that folks must believe
in the one true and living God and His Son Jesus Christ, accept folks who believe in another God
and in another prophet or savior! The same Bible which teaches there is only "one Savior" for the
whole world (John 14:6; Matthew 1:21-23), says implicitly that there is "one God and Father of
all, who is above all, and through all, and in all" (Ephesians 4:6). In fact the Scriptures teach that
one's soul salvation is predicated on knowing this one true God and His Son Jesus Christ (1 John
5:11-13). At Mars' hill Paul accused these idolaters of ignorance and then revealed to them the
"one true God in whom we live and move and have our being," along with His Son before whom
we must one day stand to give an account for our lives (Acts 17:21-31). We must have both the
Father and Son to stand acceptable and not some substitute. It wasn't good enough to believe in
some deity, no, they must come to know the one true God as must we all and then we must abide
in His teaching (2 John 9-10). All those who reject Jesus Christ as the Messiah of Old Testament
prophecy and as the crucified, resurrected, exalted Savior for all mankind, likewise reject the
Father. Jesus said so in so many words. "Whosoever receives one of these little children in My
name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me" (Mark
9:37). Again, "He who receives you (the apostles ket) receives Me, and he who receives Me
receives Him who sent Me" (Matthew 10:40). The Jews, Muslims, and other Eastern religions
along with the Mormons do not receive Jesus as the only prophet for these last days, therefore,
they reject Him who sent Him! If that isn't so, then what do the last two passages mean? See also
(Acts 4:11-12; John 8:21-24; John 1:17). God has not spoken through Muhammad nor Joseph
Smith nor any other than His only Begotten Son. Period (Hebrews 1:1-2)!
# 14 "Faith of Choice"
Often folks today will ask the question, "of which faith are you?" Usually they mean are you
Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, etc. The very question suggests that there are "many
faiths" or systems by which one may serve whatever or whomever one perceives God to be. We
noticed above that this will not do at all! The one true God, has revealed the "one faith" (system
of doctrine) through His only begotten Son (John 1:17; Hebrews 1:1-2: John 12:48). So, there
is only "the faith" for which Christians must "contend" (Jude 3; 2 John 11; Galatians 1:6-11).
Again, the same book (the Bible) that declares this one God and this one Lord Jesus Christ,
speaks of only "one faith" (Ephesians 4:5). Many of the (Old Testament) priests were "obedient
to the faith" (Acts 6:7). This is "the faith" (system of doctrine) that Christ commissioned His
apostles to take into the whole world by His authority. They were to make disciples of all the
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching
them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even
to the end of the age." Amen (Matthew 28:18-20). This is why the apostles went about
converting folks to Christ through the teaching of this one faith, from heathenism as well as the
Jewish faith. This is the one faith for all nations. It is found in the New Testament. In fact it is the
New Testament.
Once I arranged for a debate with a Roman Catholic priest. We were to discuss the identity of
the church of Christ, the church about which you may read in your bible. I had read literature put
out by the Roman Catholic church in which they claimed to be "the true church of Christ that has
existed since the first century." I contacted a fellow gospel preacher in whom I had and still have
great confidence, who had engaged in several oral as well as written debates in times past, to
discuss this matter in the meeting house where the church with which I was then working met
regularly and the debate began. I was the master or ceremonies. I suppose you would say my role
was to keep order and keep things moving properly. To my surprise, the Roman Catholic priest's
opening statement was one that was very ecumenical to say the least! He said something like the
following as well as I can remember: "I am father_______. I'm glad to be here to engage in this
discussion. I want my members to know that I haven't dropped my title of father, it is just that
these folks refuse to refer to me as father. Let me say in the beginning that I am not here to try
and convert anyone to the Catholic faith. I suggest that you continue to serve Christ where ever
you are, in which ever church you are a member." My first thought was, why did you agree to
come and defend the Roman Catholic church as the church which Christ said He would build?
The church of which we read in the Bible was planned from eternity and it cost the blood of the
sinless Son of God to bring into being (Ephesians 3:8-11; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 2:13-16;
Ephesians 5:25). This is the church of which Christ is the founder, head, and Savior (Matthew
16:18; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 5:23, 27). Scripture teaches that "all
spiritual blessings are in Christ," Ephesians 1:3. The sphere of being "in Christ" and of being "in
the church of Christ," are identical spheres or relationships. Why so? Because the same acts of
obedience which change one's spiritual status from "out of Christ" to "in Christ" are the same
acts which place one in the church of Christ (Acts 2:22-38, 40-41, 47; Colossians 1:13-14; John
3:3-5; Titus 3:5; Romans 6:3-6; Galatians 3:26-29; 1 Corinthians 12:13). Obedience to "the
faith" therefore makes one a part of the "one body" which Christ died to bring into being. Neither
this "one faith" or this "one body" are optional in God's scheme of things, rather they are
indispensable to one's soul's salvation! You see if I am "abiding in the doctrine of Christ" and
teaching only the truth, one must believe what I teach for only the truth frees (John 8:31-32).
If I am a member of the true church of Christ, one must be a member of the church of which I
am a member if one is to be blessed by God! That which is the object of Christ's love and for
which He shed His precious blood can not likely be optional to one's salvation. Therefore, the
"one faith" and the "one body" must be identified and identifiable as we look into the book of
God. The two are inseparably connected and interwoven in God's scheme for the salvation of
mankind. The fact that we are admonished to "all speak the same thing.." (1 Corinthians 1:10),
and to "..all be one as Christ and the Father are one based on the apostle's teaching" (John
17:17, 20-21), is further proof of the necessity of "one faith."
# 15,# 16-To Die or Not To Die?
Solomon said, "...the living know that they shall die:..(Ecclesiastes 9:5). We are totally without
choice in this matter. This is a consequence of the sin of Adam and Eve in the garden. We are
born outside the garden without access to the "tree of life," and so from birth we begin to age
and will eventually all die (Hebrews 9:27-28). Lately some are attempting to defy even this.
Some are spending hugh sums of money to have bodies preserved until medical science finds the
cure for death and they can be brought back to physical life. It will never happen my friends, God
said so! Death is certain. All will eventually die. What folks should spend their time and money
doing is serving the creator acceptably so they will never die in the sense of which Jesus spoke at
the home of Mary and Martha when He said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes
in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do
you believe this?" Then the record says, "Martha said to Him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are
the Christ, the Son of God, who is come into the world" (John 11:25-27). We understand that
Jesus is speaking of spiritual death and life in this context. Jesus came "that they may have life,
and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10 b). The assurance that we will be raised
to receive either a reward or punishment is abundantly taught in Scripture (John 5:28-29; 1
Corinthians 15:1-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). How are you doing regarding your preparation
for the great day (Jude 5-6; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11; Romans 2:5-11; 14:12; Matthew 25:1-46)? As in the above illustration, some are saying, even about this subject, "We don't care what
God doesn't allow, we will find a way not to die any how." I would say that these same folks
evidently reject what the Scriptures say about the judgment as well.
# 17, # 18 Race & Skin Color
How anyone can think themselves better than others (especially in God's eyes) I have never
been able to figure? I had no choice in who my parents were, their race or color. I could have
been born in Africa, Japan, India, Russia, etc., etc. I don't have to belabor this point the reader is
well aware of this basic fundamental fact. How would I feel to be discriminated against because of
where and to whom I was born? The Scriptures teach that "..God is no respecter of persons.."
(Acts 10:34-35; Romans 2:11). As far as the religion of Christ is concerned God is color and
race blind! Paul said the following. "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For
as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek,
there is neither male nor female; for all are one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you
are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:26-29; See Genesis 12:1-4). I have been subjected to prejudice due to being born in the state of Kentucky. I moved to find
work in northern Illinois. I was called a "hillbilly" by some of those folks. It took several years of
living as a person should live to overcome the stigma attached to having been born in the south.
What sense does this make? It makes none at all. Due to what some from the south had done,
everyone from the south was suspect in some folks minds. I remember going to a gas company
and trying to establish credit so I could heat our mobile home. I was asked where I was from? I
said I am originally from Kentucky. Sorry, said the owner, you will have to pay cash. I have been
taken too many times by folks from Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, etc. So ability to get
credit was affected by my origin of birth. After a few years in the small town I was recommended
to other business men seeking employees as one who could be trusted. Some who profess to be
Christians will not attempt to teach the gospel to certain races in particular. What about you? Do
you feel that you are better than another human being just because of where you were born or the
color of your skin? Jesus "tasted of death for every man" (Hebrews 2:9; John 3:16; Romans
5:6-8). Peter was adversely effected with "racism" at one time in his life. He received a severe
public rebuke for his hypocrisy from the apostle Paul. The story is found in the Galatian letter.
"But when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed;
for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he
withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. And the rest of the
Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their
hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said
to Peter before them all..."(Galatians 2:11-14). I have had occasions when I was engaged in a
home Bible study with folks who were less than the most desirable kind of people due to their
lifestyles, who needed Christ and His gospel desperately, only to have some brother or sister in
Christ put me down for attempting to convert people of their caliber. It was the common people
who heard Jesus gladly. The socially elite and the spiritual leaders of the people didn't often
receive Him well if at all (Mark 12:37b). Paul spoke of this and of course he was an exception to
the rule, saying, "For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh,
not many mighty, not many noble, are called" (1 Corinthians 1:26). Jesus taught the woman
"taken in the very act of adultery." He didn't condone her actions at all, but neither did he write
her off as of no account before God (John 8:3-11). Look at the kind of people some of the
Corinthians had been prior to conversion to Christ (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). The precious blood of
Christ has the power to remit any and every sin of which one is willing to repent. The very
murderers of the Christ were forgiven when as believers they "repented and were baptized for the
remission of sins" (Acts 2:36-38, 40-41, 47). If you have been guilty of looking down on
someone because of their race or the color of their skin, if you are filled with prejudice, you are
like the folks in the song. "I don't care who God accepts or what God doesn't allow, I will have
nothing to do with those who are of a particular race or color any how."
# 19 Memorials To Observe
Men tend toward pageantry and celebrations of all kinds. Give them any excuse and they will
appoint a memorial and a celebration. This often is closely related to the appeal of idolatry. Folks
want something tangible to see and carry about, something they can control themselves. Look at
the Roman Catholic and Protestant calendars and you will learn that the "special holy days" are
myriad. It was difficult to get the Jews who had been converted to Christ to give up those special
days of celebration that had once been appointed by God for Israel in memory of various activities
and events in their past history. Paul was inspired to write to those who were still engaged in
vestiges of Judaism, "You observe days and months and seasons and years. I am afraid of you,
lest I have labored in vain" (Galatians 4:10-11). In the next chapter of this book he informed
them that to attempt to be justified by the law, "You have become estranged from Christ, you
who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace" (Galatians 5:4).
The first day of each week has special significance in our gospel dispensation. It is the day
Christ arose from the dead (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:2, 9; John 20:1). This is the day by an
approved apostolic example we learn that the early disciples met as the local church to partake of
the communion or Lord's supper (Acts 20:6-7; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:23-29). This is likewise
the day they were commanded to "lay by in store" or put into the collective treasure of the local
congregation a portion of their prosperity and as they purposed in their hearts for the work of the
local church (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Chapters eight and nine of second Corinthians gives more
information about their weekly giving. The first day of the week is the day on which the Holy
Spirit descended upon the apostles marking the beginning of the church of Christ (Mark 9:1;
Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4). This was the first Pentecost following the resurrection and exaltation of
Jesus to the Father's right hand where he took up His position as king of His kingdom and head
of His church (Acts 2:22-37). Pentecost was always fifty days after the feast of the passover and
always fell on the first day of the week. This is "Sunday" on our calendar. In Scripture it is called
"the Lord's day" (Revelation 1:10). This memorial "supper" is the only memorial that Christ
authorized to be observed by Christians, period! Someone is wondering no doubt, then what
about what we have been taught is the "Christian calendar" of special holy days that mean so
much to so many people? We look forward to "Christmas," "Lent," "Ash Wednesday,"
"Maunday Thursday," "Good Friday," "Easter Sunday," just to name a few of them.
Interestingly, many Protestants, who came into existence in opposition to Roman Catholicism,
have now embraced these special so called "holy days" into their religious activities, all of which
have no higher authority than the Pope of Rome and the Roman Catholic church who originated
every one of them! Jesus would say to such folks exactly what He said to the religious leaders of
the Jews who had perverted the law of Moses and were teaching human traditions rather than the
things authorized under the law of Moses. "Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophecy of you, saying,
These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is
far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrine the commandments of men"
(Matthew 15:7-9 NKJV). Did you know that the revelry and debauchery of the festival known
as "Mardi Gras" also known as " Fat or Shrove Tuesday," the last day before lent, is a Roman
Catholic celebration? Read again about the "works of the flesh" in (Galatians 5:19-21) and you
will find "revelries and the like" among the sins that will keep one out of heaven! This is "church
sponsored revelries" of the basest sort. How can the world be lifted to a higher moral plane when
religious people professing to be "of Christ" engage in such? Answer, we can not! I could write a
book about things that have been done and are still being done in the name of religion by those
claiming to follow Christ that would literally curl your hair! This accounts for the moral and
spiritual decline in this and other nations of the world. Folks often are heard to say, "if that's
Christianity, I don't think I am interested." Friends, it isn't, and you should be interested in pure
New Testament religion! After all, where counterfeits exists, the true from which it is copied must
also exist. It is up to you to look into the book of books and identify it. That is what this study is
about. Read the following passages (Colossians 3:17; Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2
John 9-11; 1 Timothy 4:1-4; 2 Timothy 4:1-8; Galatians 1:6-11; John 12:48; Revelation
22:18-19). We must have authority from Christ through His revealed will before we are at liberty
to engage in any activity with His approval (Matthew 7:13-28). Still, folks are saying by their
very practices which have not one iota of authority behind them, "We don't care what Christ
doesn't allow (authorize) we will observe our religious holy days any how."
# 20 Head of Christ's Church
We have dealt somewhat with this point under heading #6 earlier. Go back and read that please
and then continue here. We shall only briefly state that the Roman church claims that the Pope is
the visible head of Christ church on earth and that Christ is the head in heaven. The Scriptures
teach conversely, that Christ is the head of the church both on earth and in heaven (Matthew
28:18; Ephesians 1:22-25; Colossians 1:18; Philippians 1:5-11). No apostle, including Peter,
ever claimed superiority over the other apostles, and certainly not one of them, including Peter,
ever claimed to be the head of Christ's church. Not one of them assumed the title of "Pope" nor
of "Father" for such exalting titles were condemned by Jesus in language too clear to
misunderstand! "and call no man your father upon the earth" (Matthew 23:9). This is in the
context of condemning them for exalting one above another. He isn't condemning calling one's
actual dad father. In another chapter a woman wanted her sons to have certain positions of
prominence in Christ's kingdom. He assured them that such was not the nature of His kingdom
and that such as would tend to exalt one above another was not to be so among them (Matthew
20:20-28). Christ showed that the way to greatness in God's eyes was to serve and not to be
served. Peter took Cornelius up and would not allow such homage to be paid to him as the Popes
glory in. "As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.
But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I myself am also man" (Acts 10:25)." That isn't the
way those who claim to have succeeded Peter as the first Pope behave themselves today, now is
it? You know it isn't! They bow before him, kiss his ring and what have you and he accepts it.
# 21 Which Church Christ Will Save
The reason this lesson is of vital importance, is because we have given some of the distinctive
characteristics of Christ's New Testament church which set it aside from the many innovations of
men. The many human denominations with their earthly heads, headquarters, organizations, names
and activities for which there is no authority. We have shown briefly the uniqueness of the religion
of Christ as it is depicted on the pages of inspiration. The importance of all this can be further
seen when we notice again the fact that the blood bought church of Christ is His one and only
bride of which He is not only the founder or builder, but he is its head, purchaser, and Savior.
When Christ returns, is will be the "last day" and He is coming to "receive the kingdom", His
church, His chaste bride unto Himself and then deliver the redeemed to the Father in heaven and
then shall He too be subject to the Father who put all things in our dispensation under His feet.
This is all taught in the following passages (Ephesians 5:22-33; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28;). All
those who are not a part of Christ's church will not be received unto Him as His chaste bride.
They will be as those outside of Noah's ark when the great flood came. "And Noah only remained
alive, and they that were with him in the ark" (Genesis 7:23b). Are you in God's ark the church
of Christ today? You can be you know. If you will only believe with all of your heart in the Christ
who died was buried and was resurrected, repent of past sin and error, confess your belief that He
is the Son of God, then be immersed into His death to have your sins "washed away" in his blood
and he will add you to the number of the saved in His church and allow you to wear the new name
He chose for His followers, "Christian" (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:45-47;
Acts 2:22-38, 40-41, 47; Hebrews 11:6; John 8:21-24; Acts 17:30-31; Luke 13:3; 2 Peter
3:9; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:37; Romans 6:3-6; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:20-22; Galatians
3:26-29; Acts 11:26; 1 Peter 4:16; Acts 26:28-29; Acts 4:10-12; 1 Corinthians 1:10-12). Call
us for further study and assistance in obeying Christ.