ChristiansRus

SRAEL: The 51st State--Press Release

2005-06-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

ISRAEL: The 51st State
…the Unspoken Foreign Policy of the United States of America

(Athens, Alabama – June 21, 2005)— Morris Bowers, published by iUniverse, Inc., the leading provider of publishing technology solutions for authors, announced today…

A totally different view of the Middle East problem between the current State of Israel (1948) and the Palestinians. The real cost of supporting Israel by the United States Government and the lack of financial support for the Palestinians. The real root cause is exposed for the first time.

When you read ISRAEL: The 51st State you will see clearly that the original charter that Israel signed has not been kept. What the Palestinians feared would happen has clearly happened. The killing and confusion in the Middle East is to be laid at the feet of the United Nations, England, France and the United States. They created this controversy, and in my opinion it can not be unscrambled without another world war. The current “war of terror” is an off-shoot of this problem. It is totally out of hand and many years of frustration on the part of the Palestinians and Arabs in general will be very hard to contain without much blood shed in the world. The false doctrine of premillennialism and those that teach this subject must take full responsibility for adding fuel to the fire of hatred among the State of Israel and Palestinians. This author is not taking sides with either. It is my purpose to expose the false teaching and its impact on the United States foreign policy and try to influence our government officials to look at this situation without the influence of the “religious right” and modern day Zionist Jews.

The controversy is good for Christians while at the same time dangerous and divisive. There are always controversies when we take the Bible as our only means of authority. The “Truth” is narrow! The “Truth” is divisive! The “Truth” will separate families! The “Truth” will not necessarily bring peace! The world understands that 2+2=4; not 4.1. You see in this simple example what the truth is? It’s 4! So, why can’t a world understand the scripture from which Jews and Christians derived their “Faith” that Elohim is plural which includes God (the Father), Jesus (the Son) and the Holy Spirit.

Christians are faced with open warfare over the teachings of the Holy Bible. Controversy forces us to refocus attention on what the Bible has to say about the following issues in the year of our Lord 2005 and beyond. You must read ISRAEL: The 51st State in order to obtain answers to these questions. Nothing is held back. The truth is revealed for the first time.

● Are present day Jews the same as the Jews of the Old Covenant?
● Do the Jews believe in the same God as Christians?
● Why didn’t the Jews of Jesus day believe in Him as the promised Messiah?
● Are the United Nations, Great Britain, France and the US government responsible for the current crisis in the Middle East?
● Who are these preachers that are causing this problem?

Biographical information: Retired from a major North American automotive manufacture where he was a senior manager for the sourcing and procurement of semiconductors for all vehicle electronics in North America. Mr. Bowers is married with two (2) children and (5) grandchildren.

Mr. Bowers traveled to Southeast Asia, China, Japan and Europe for twenty years. He has numerous speaking engagements to his credit at Corporations and Universities in the United States, Asia and Europe.

This experience allowed him to study the culture and religion of many people that are different from a Southern American. This experience qualifies Mr. Bowers to present the information in ISRAEL: The 51st State from a totally different view from what is considered normal by the news media in the United States
His formative years were in a home of loving Christian parents whom he credits with his knowledge of the Bible both Old and New Testament.

ISRAEL: The 51st State…the Unspoken Foreign Police of the United States.
ISBN: 0-595-35891-8, PDF EISBN: 0-595-80346-6.
Published: June 2005.
Publisher: iUniverse, Inc.
Order From: www.iUniverse.com; www.amazon.com; Barnes & Noble; Books-a-Million
(Ready to purchase on Friday June 25, 2005)

About iUniverse
iUniverse provides individuals a simple, fast and affordable way to publish, market, and sell fiction and non-fiction books. The company is one of the largest book publishing companies in the United States. iUniverse eliminates the necessity of massive print runs, dramatically shortens time-to-market, and gives authors control over when and how their works are published. iUniverse publishing programs are endorsed by industry leading author organizations, including the Authors Guild, ASJA, and Mystery Writers of America. iUniverse is a proud member of the Association of American Publishers, Publishers Marketing Association, and Small Publishers Association of North America. The company's major investors include Warburg Pincus and Barnes & Noble.

# # #

Media Contact:
Morris Bowers
Global One Associates
(256) 777. 3095
MB1304@charter.net

WARNINGS ABOUT THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST

2005-06-07T00:40:00.000-07:00

The churches of Christ Greet You (Romans 16:16)

Our dearly beloved reading audience, in this article we will concentrate our efforts on opening your spiritual eyes (minds) to “the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ” (2 Cor. 4:3-4). As we proceed “to declare unto you the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27), we will make plain God’s Plan of Salvation and expose many of the false doctrines you are being taught in your particular denomination.

Loved ones, as we give you the TRUTH of what God says, we will give you the Bible book chapter and verse for everything we teach. Our prayer for you is that you will open your Bible and study the Word of God with us. Please don’t believe OR disbelieve anything we say just because we say it, but SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES to be sure what we say is true (Acts 17:11).

Has anyone ever WARNED you about the churches of Christ? Maybe you've heard this WARNING: “Those are the ‘Christians’ who think only ‘church of Christ folk’ are going to Heaven!” Occasionally in a home Bible study, some honest and sincere soul will admit his need of teaching, but because he has been WARNED about us, he's a little wary to listen to what we say.

This is no new thing, for certain unbelieving Jews "WARNED" those in Thessalonica against Paul and his co-workers (Acts 17:6), and some who met Paul when he went to Rome confessed that they had been "WARNED" about "this sect," and it being "every where spoken against" (Acts 28:22).

The purpose of this lesson is to mention some of the "WARNINGS" made about the churches of Christ, and to deal with them from the Word of God. Remember: Satan and his laborers deal in craftiness, dishonesty, and deception (2 Cor. 4:2) but truth has nothing to fear!

WARNING NUMBER ONE:

"THE CHURCH OF CHRIST DOESN'T BELIEVE THE OLD TESTAMENT"

It is amazing that some would make this accusation, since there's really no foundation for accepting the New Testament unless the Old can be believed. May we clearly and strongly declare that we believe ALL the Bible, both Old Testament and New. Indeed, Paul tells us that "ALL scripture is inspired by God and profitable..." (2 Tim. 3:16). Since Genesis 1:1 is inspired just as is Revelation 22:21, and all in between, then the child of God must believe it all!

What men confuse are these terms: BELIEVING the Old Testament and BEING SUBJECT TO the Old Testament. Colossians 2:14 and Ephesians 2:15 tell us that the Old Testament Law of Moses ended with the death of Christ on the cross. Galatians 3:23-25 bears this out, with Paul more plainly showing in Galatians 5:4 that if one tried to be justified by the law he was FALLEN FROM GRACE and Christ is become OF NO EFFECT!

Romans 15:4 and 1 Corinthians 10:1-11 tell us the proper use of the Old Testament: it is a volume for study, that we might learn by examples from olden times, and be encouraged by the long history of God's rewarding obedience just as we are warned by the records of His punishing sin. But friends, we are NOT UNDER that law, and cannot be, for we are now subject to Christ, and we must hear Him! (Matt. 17:5 Heb. 1:1-2).

Please consider this illustration: we today know we are subject (in this land) to our current laws, yet there has also been English law and Colonial law, but we're not under either one of those now. Many points would remain the same, but we are under the system of American jurisprudence though students desiring a background of law knowledge will study all types.

Just so, Christians are under the New Testament of Jesus Christ, not under Moses and his law (cf. John 1:17), but that does not mean that the Old Testament isn't inspired, is not to be believed, or serves no useful purpose to one who follows Christ.

WARNING NUMBER TWO:

"THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IS AGAINST MUSIC"

Many of our readers have heard this. It is perhaps the single most discussed fact when the worship of God's people is being given consideration. There are those who really believe that the churches of Christ do not believe in music! Yet, it is true that we have music at every service, and we know of no faithful Christian who would think that he had faithfully worshiped God if the Lord's day ended and he had not used music!

Let us state the fact correctly: The churches of Christ are opposed to mechanical instruments of music IN WORSHIP! The Lord has regulated WORSHIP! He has NOT legislated concerning music and the playing of it purely for entertainment and pleasure, and in circumstances where worship is not the intent. But he has regulated HOW He is to be worshiped, stating that man’s worship must be IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH (John 4:24). That word "truth" demands, by John 17:17, that worship must be in keeping with the Word of God. Indeed, it can't be OF FAITH unless it is by the Word of God (Rom. 10:17).

Covering the Lord's ministry, here is the range of New Testament teaching on music; and notice the words from these verses that we emphasize: Matt. 26:30 and Mark 14:26 (SUNG); Acts 16:25 (SANG); Rom. 15:9 (SING); 1 Cor. 14:15 (SING); Eph. 5:19 (SINGING); Col. 3:16 (SINGING); Heb. 13:15 (FRUIT OF LIPS); and James 5:13 (SING). Surely no one can miss the action the Lord has repeatedly specified, and it is highly significant that the Lord repeated this over and over in the New Testament, whereas the mechanical instrument and PLAYING took place under the Old Testament!

The principle of divine worship is that everything that we do be set forth in the New Testament, by precept, approved example, or necessary inference. Mechanical instruments in worship is set forth by neither. Therefore, those who practice such are guilty of going beyond the teaching of Christ, and the Holy Spirit says: “Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ hath not God, but he that abideth in the teaching, hath both the Father and the Son” (2 John 9).

We have in the Bible both generic and specific commands. In Ephesians 5:19 we are told specifically how to carry out the musical part of the service to God. To be more plain if possible, you remember that God told Noah specifically how to build the ark (Gen. 6). He specified the wood. Now, if God had told Noah just to build it out of wood, Noah could have used hickory, oak, pine, or any other kind of wood, for wood is generic.

But God didn't tell Noah to just build the ark out of “wood.” He gave Noah a specific command. He specified the wood. He told Noah to build it out of gopher wood (Gen. 6:14). God did not authorize Noah to use any other wood; therefore, as you well see, all other wood was excluded. The same is true regarding the singing of praise to God in worship. If God had told us to make music, we could resort to any kind of music, for music is generic. But He specified the music. READ carefully Ephesians 5:19 and you will notice the specific music God desires in worship.

The Scripture says, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart.” No where does the New Testament authorize plucking, playing or making melody on a piano or any other mechanical instrument. No where does the New Testament authorize the blues, jazz, rock, or rhythmical songs. Therefore, these things are excluded from the worship of God.

The church of the Lord is expected to abide by His Word. The early church was commended for following the doctrine of the apostles (Acts 2:42) - which is also the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9). That doctrine provides for music in the church, but specifies that the music is to be VOCAL: each saint singing praises to God, offering unto Him the praise from his lips. Music that one enjoys and engages in under pleasure and entertainment circumstances is one thing; music in the body of Christ is to be vocal music!

WARNING NUMBER THREE:

"THE CHURCH OF CHRIST WAS BEGUN BY ALEXANDER CAMPBELL"

This has been frequently stated, and sometimes by an honest soul who really doesn't want to be affiliated with a man-made, human institution - and we agree! We also would not want to enter into any union with a human religious system, built by man, and on man, and to further man's own opinions. But let's look at the above objection, in scriptural light.

The statement itself is an impossibility: Alexander Campbell COULD NOT originate Christ's church! Neither could any other man! Jesus promised to build His church (Matt. 16:18), and we find later that it HAD come into being (Acts 2:47) and Paul tells us HOW: it was purchased by His shed blood (Acts 20:28). Acts Chapter 2 throughout the end of the Bible is a record of that church, and NEITHER did a man named Campbell or any other bring it into being.

Someone might well object at this point: "Forget the church of the New Testament! I'm talking about Campbell founding the religious group known today as ‘the Church of Christ.’ That's the one Campbell started!" You know, that point would remain to be seen. The seed is the Word of God (Luke 8:11). At any time, in any land, and among any people, if a man plants only that seed, and no doctrine of men, the fruits will be just what God intended, and not after man.

Indeed, that's just what every faithful missionary does. If his name is Smith, and he plants only God's seed, the fruits aren't Smithites. When Paul preached the Word only, he didn't create Paulites nor begin the "church of Paul." Rather, he spoke against that very idea in 1 Corinthians 1:10-12. The Word only produces Christians, and they in assembled form are congregations of the churches of Christ (Rom. 16:16).

That Alexander Campbell existed, and labored in the Lord's kingdom is not to be denied. The test will be: what does the churches of Christ teach that is anti-Bible and proves to be purely the invention of Campbell? In examining the doctrine we hold and teach, the plan of salvation made known to men, the pattern of worship, the organization - and all else - is it by God's Word, or after the opinions of men? That examination is all we ask of men who want and love truth. And they will see that we teach not Campbell, but Christ!

Interestingly, those who claim that Campbell began the Church of Christ deal with an impossibility, even from the standpoint of time. The State of Massachusetts, in its Bay Colony Tercentenary Commission's work, has erected this historical marker in Revere, Massachusetts: "Church of Christ - 1710. Meeting house of the Church of Christ in Rumney Marsh. Erected in 1710, Thomas Cheever, the first settled minister, died December 27, 1749. Aged ninety-one years." This is very important, considering that Alexander Campbell first reached these shores in 1809. Campbell was born in 1768, and there had been a congregation of the church of Christ in Massachusetts for at least 76 years before his birth!

WARNING NUMBER FOUR:

"THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IS JUST ANOTHER DENOMINATION"

The church of Christ is an undenominational institution. When we say undenominational, we do not mean all-denominational. Some man-made churches (such as some Community Churches) claim to be undenominational, but in reality they are all-denominational. They are all-denominational in that they look with favor upon all denominations. The churches of Christ are undenominational in that we are not a denomination and we stand opposed to denominationalism.

It is evident that denominationalism is antipodal to the Bible. For instance, examine the following:

1. Denominationalism (D) is made up of many bodies or churches. Undenominational Christianity (UDC) consist of only one body or church (Matt. 16:18; 1 Cor. 12:20).

2. D is founded by man. UDC is founded by Christ (Matt. 16:18).

3. D has human heads. UDC has Christ alone as its head (Eph. 1:22-23).

4. D has human creeds. UDC uses the Bible as its only creed (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

5. D wears human names. UDC glorifies God in the name Christian (Acts 11:26; 1 Pet. 4:16).

6. D follows men. UDC understands that following men is condemned (1 Cor. 1:10-13).

7. D has a multiplicity of churches unknown to the Bible. UDC is mentioned in the Bible (Rom. 16:16; Acts 20:28).

8. D membership is not essential to salvation. UDC understands that membership in Christ’s body is essential to salvation (Eph. 5:23).

9. D preaches many different gospels. UDC understands that if a man preaches any other Gospel, he is condemned (Gal.1:8-9).

10. D rewrite their creeds every few years. UDC uses only the Bible which remains the same (Matt. 24:35).

11. D has many faiths. UDC has one faith (Eph. 4:5).

12. D has many baptisms. UDC has one baptism (Eph. 4:5).

13. D invites one to “join” their church. UDC understands that only the Lord can “add” one to His church (Acts 2:47).

14. D claims to abide in branches of the church. UDC abides only in Jesus, the true vine (John 15:1-6).

15. D walks by different rules. UDC walks by the same rule (Phil. 3:16).

16. D thanks God in their prayers for so many churches. UDC believes in Jesus’ prayer for oneness (John 17:20-21).

17. D claims that doctrine is inconsequential. UDC understands we are to take heed unto doctrine to save self and others (1 Tim. 4:16).

The above is only a brief contrast. It could be increased many fold. But this should be enough to convince the convincible that denominationalism contradicts the Bible. Therefore, the church of Christ is not a denomination and has nothing to do with denominationalism (except to reprove it - Eph. 5:11).

WARNING NUMBER FIVE:

"THE CHURCH OF CHRIST BELIEVES IN WATER SALVATION"

Because of the widespread belief of Luther's doctrine of "salvation by faith ALONE," this is perhaps the most frequent point discussed by men as they "warn" against the churches of Christ. Of course, baptism is the item at which objection is made.

We often like to point out that while "water salvation" is not a scriptural term, and we have never heard members of the churches of Christ claim to believe in "water salvation," one could just as easily object to the record in Genesis 3 as teaching "FRUIT DAMNATION." Most clearly, Moses there shows us that Adam and Eve fell due to their eating a bite of fruit! Do we believe in "fruit damnation?"

Let us state it clearly: We, and all children of God, must believe in OBEDIENCE salvation and DISOBEDIENCE damnation. The Lord authored eternal salvation for those who obey Him (Heb. 5:9), and we're told He'll take vengeance on those who refuse to obey Him (2 Thess. 1:8-9). Disobedience has always damned, and obedience has always blessed. The point that must be made is that the obedience AND the disobedience will have some action that is incidental and part of the obeying or disobeying. Adam and Eve's disobedience took the form of eating of that fruit. Noah's obedience took the form of obeying God's will relative to the ark and its preparation (Gen. 6).

It cannot be denied, by the Scriptures, that man's obedience to the Gospel has his being baptized as a part of it. It is a part of his obeying the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16); it is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38); it is to wash away sins (Acts 22:16); it is to put on Christ (Gal. 3:27) and it is to be saved (1 Pet. 3:21).

Romans 6:3 lets us know that baptism places us where the benefits of Christ's death can be applied to us. That benefit, of course, is the blood of Christ. Romans 6:4 continues to show that in being baptized, with Christ and into his death, the same power that raised up Christ from the grave will cause us to then be in NEWNESS OF LIFE!

Paul goes on to show that in that very obedience, in baptism, the old man of sin is ended (v. 6) and that we then are freed from sin (v. 7). If that opens the door for a FALSE charge that we believe in "water salvation," then so be it! To cover the range of requirements, it must be said that we believe and teach FAITH salvation (Heb 11:6), REPENTANCE salvation (Acts 17:30), CONFESSION salvation (Rom. 10:10) as well as BAPTISM salvation (1 Pet. 3:21). The point is that Christ must be obeyed, and that baptism is required, and neither one of these facts can be denied by the Word!

FRIENDS, we have dealt with five warnings sometimes given by honest and sincere people who are MISTAKEN as they warn others about the churches of Christ. The salvation of your soul is too important for you to rely on the words of others, whose instructions may or may not be true. That's why we urgently encourage you to visit and investigate the church of Christ, comparing all things by your own study of God's Word. Then, AND ONLY THEN, can you really know! Why not begin your serious investigation today, and plan now to visit the church of Christ in your community at the next scheduled service?

-Samuel A. Matthews

What Is The Church of Christ?

2005-06-05T21:04:00.000-07:00

INTRODUCTION TO THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
(Historical Lineage)

Some denominations claim the ability to trace their historical lineage (an unbroken link of churches throughout history) directly to John the Baptist. Of course, this is impossible to do and is a false claim. The Lord's church was not in existence while John the Baptist was alive.

John, himself, said,

"In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand! For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight. And John himself was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not think to say to yourselves, we have Abraham as our father. For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire" (Matthew 3:1-12).

John was a prophet, pointing to Jesus and the kingdom yet to be built.
Of John, Jesus said,

"As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written: Behold, I send My messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you. Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he" (Matthew 11:7-11). How could John be so great and yet "the least in the kingdom be greater than John?" Very simply, John was never to see the kingdom of which he prophesied. He was beheaded by Herod before the kingdom (church) was established.

John was beheaded by Herod (Matthew 14:1-10)

Jesus promised to build the church in a future time, after John's death (Mt. 16:13-19).
The church actually began in Jerusalem after the death of Christ (Acts 1, 2). No church, Catholic or Protestant, can trace its historical lineage to New Testament times. The oldest denominations are too young in age to be a New Testament church. How far back can the roots of denominations be traced? Notice the following dates of origin:

Roman Catholic Church - Rome, 606 A.D., with Boniface III as pope.

Lutheran Church - 1520 A. D., Germany, with Martin Luther's writings as authority
Episcopalian - 1534, England, when Henry VIII broke with Roman Catholicism
Presbyterian -1536, Switzerland, led by John Calvin
Congregational -1550 A.D., England, by Robert Browne
Baptist - 1607, Holland, by John Smythe
Methodist - 1739, England, by John Wesley
Latter Day Saints (Mormons) - 1830, America, by Joseph Smith
Adventists - 1830, America, by William Miller
Christian Scientist - 1866, America, by Mary Baker Eddy
Jehovah's Witnesses - 1872, America, by Charles T. Russell

As a matter of fact, at the time Jesus built his kingdom (church), no denomination of any kind was in existence. The church of Jesus Christ was established in 33 A.D., in the city of Jerusalem on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 1, 2). Any denomination that had its origin by another founder than Jesus cannot be the church that belongs to Christ. Any denomination that is younger than 33 A.D. cannot be the Lord's church. Any denomination that was begun in another location than Jerusalem cannot be the Lord's church. Any denomination that follows a creed other than the Bible cannot be the Lord's church. Notice the Biblical history of the Lord's church:

Subject of Prophecy: Distant Fulfillment promised

2 Samuel 7:12-16 - the kingdom to be in David's lineage (Christ)
Isaiah 2 - the kingdom to begin at Jerusalem
Daniel 2 - the kingdom to begin in the days of Roman kings
Joel 2 - the kingdom to begin with power from the Holy Spirit
Subject of Prophecy: Near Fulfillment promises
Mt. 3:2 (Mk. 1:1-8) - John, the kingdom is at hand
Mk. 1:14-15 - Jesus, the kingdom is at hand
Mt. 16:13-19 - Jesus, the kingdom is promised
Mk. 9:1 - Jesus, the kingdom to be established in life-time of hearers
Prophecy fulfilled - the kingdom of Christ is established at Jerusalem
Acts 1-2 (notice 2:30-31) - throne of David established at Jesus' resurrection
Acts 2:47 - saved people added to the church in Jerusalem
Col. 1:13 - people continually added to the kingdom (church)

Churches of Christ listed in New Testament as in existence during apostles' life

Jerusalem - Acts 1:36-47; 6:1; 8:1-4
Judea and Samaria - Acts 1:8; 8:5; 9:31
Uttermost parts of the earth - Acts 1:8
Gentiles added to the church - Acts 10, 11, 15
Antioch - Acts 11:19-24
Asia Minor
Paul's first missionary journey: Acts 13:1-28
Paul's second journey: Acts 15:36--16:5 (Macedonian call)
Europe
Paul's third journey: Acts 18:23--21:8
Rome - Romans 1:1-7
Corinth - 1 Cur. 1:1-2; 2 Cur. 1:1-2
Churches of Galatia - Gal. 1:1-2
Ephesus - Eph. 1:1-2
Philippi - Phil. 1:1-2
Colossae - Col. 1:1-2
Thessalonica - 1 Thes. 1:1-2; 2 Thes. 1:1-2
Churches in private homes - 1 Cor. 16:18; Col. 4:16, etc.
Seven churches of Asia - Rev. 1:10--3:32

Thus, overwhelming evidence exists in scripture to prove that the church foreseen by the prophets and promised by Jesus actually started in Acts 2 in Jerusalem and spread throughout the Roman Empire and beyond in New Testament times. Yet, as the New Testament ends, not a single denomination existed!

However, the Holy Spirit testified that the Lord's church would become divided, that apostasy (a great falling away from the faith) would occur. The apostle Paul warned the Ephesians elders that such division would come (Acts 20:17-31).

Forces of division were already at work in Corinth during Paul's lifetime (1 Cor. 1:10-13). The Holy Spirit expressly testified about a "departure" from the faith (1 Tim. 4:1-6; 2 Tim. 4:1-4). The apostle John warned of those who, though in the church, were not satisfied with the truth but who placed themselves above the truth (the Gnostic heresy) - 1 John 1; 2 John 9-11; 3 John 9. Satan was at work to combat the church by creating division among believers. This division remains to this day, growing worse as more denominations are formed.

The first full-fledged denomination, distinct from the church of Jesus Christ was the Roman Catholic Church (see 1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Thes. 2:1-15). The first pope (an office unknown to the New Testament), Boniface III, was appointed in 606 A.D. (600 years after the Lord's church began). This was a culmination of many departures from truth. Note the following traditions of men that led to the beginning of Roman Catholicism: church councils; hierarchy (diocesan bishops, cardinals, popes, synods, monks, nuns, convents, monasteries, etc.); holy water (about 120 A.D.); doctrine of penance (about 157 A.D.); worship of Mary (about the 4th century); doctrine of Purgatory (5-6th century); extreme unction (6th century); celibacy of priests and nuns (11th century); sale of indulgences (12th century); instruments of music in worship (666 A.D.); sprinkling for baptism (introduced in 3rd century, but fully adopted in 1311); plus the use of the Rosary, lighting of candles, burning of incense, sacramental system, Christmas, Easter, Lent, prayers to dead saints, etc.

Contrary to the teachings of Catholicism, Peter was never a pope. He was married, an equal among equal apostles, and rebuked by Paul for sins (Gal. 2:11-14). The church was not built upon Peter (a mere man), but upon the confession of the deity of Jesus as the Son of God, the true rock (Mt. 16:13-19).

As Roman Catholicism grew, it became abusive and authoritarian, forbidding common people (non-priests) to read the Bible, denying them access to God's grace except by the sacerdotal system of a corrupt priesthood. Religion plunged into darkness, persecution, and ignorance. Creeds, traditions of men and superstitions bound people to error while truth was withheld from them.

In these centuries of "dark ages," men arose who "protested" against the doctrines and practices of Roman Catholicism. From this crucible of persecution and error came a religious uprising known historically as the "Protestant Reformation." At the front of the battle was Martin Luther (followed by many others) who attempted to "reform" the apostate church. Unsuccessful at reform, their efforts led to a splintering of the Catholic Church. Lutherans, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, etc. all had their beginnings as competing creeds were formed to explain departures from the Catholic Church. These Protestant churches further divided, divided again, and continue to divide today. In America, there has been an explosion of denominations, too numerous to mention, but numbering in the hundreds. Most of us have become accustomed to the situation, not realizing that this is, indeed, a far cry from the unity that was intended for believers in Christ.

In this cauldron of boiling religious division, we need to recall the words of Jesus about the unity which we have failed to cultivate. He said:

“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. “And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me."

In keeping with this, the apostle Paul commanded unity:

"Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and that there are no divisions among you, but that you are perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?" (1 Cor. 1:10-13).

The Bible outlines the completeness of unity in Ephesians 4:1-6:

"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."

Thus, Jesus prayed for unity, that "all believers might be one." Paul instructed that we should "all speak the same thing," "that there be no division," and that we all be "perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." This unity is found in the one body of Christ, the church (Eph. 4:4-6; Eph. 1:22-23). It is to our shame today that Jesus' prayer goes unanswered, that Paul's instructions remain unheeded. Denominationalism, so common and accepted, is wrong and sinful. There has to be a way of unity for believers in Jesus Christ.

How does the church of Christ Relate to This Division?

In early America, different religious leaders arose in diverse parts of pioneer days, which were appalled by the division around the world. They realized that believers could never be united as human creeds, traditions and superstitions existed. These men began to raise a plea for the complete abandonment of human creeds, with a return to New Testament Christianity. Rather than reform denominations, they suggested a restoration of the New Testament church in the twentieth century! Among these leaders were Alexander and Thomas Campbell, immigrants from Scotland. As they began to preach a restoration to New Testament Christianity, other men (independent from the Campbell’s) were teaching the same thing by tossing out the creeds and accepting the Bible as the sole guide of faith and practice in religion. Reacting to this message with fervor, many thousands responded to this pure Bible teaching. Just as recorded in the Book of Acts, men and women in America were baptized upon repentance and confession of their faith in Jesus and were added to the Lord's church. The church of Christ, identical to the faith and practice of the New Testament church, exists throughout the world today as it did in the days of the apostles.

Historical Lineage for churches of Christ?

No one who understands the Bible makes the claim for authentication of modern churches of Christ by a historical, unbroken link that connects back to Jerusalem. It cannot be done, historically, nor is it necessary that it be done to recognize the Lord's church today. How is it valid, then, for us to claim spiritual identity as the church of Christ without this link? What right do we have to say that we belong, spiritually and organically, to the Lord's church?

First of all, Jesus taught the validity of New Testament Christianity for all ages when he gave the "Great Commission" (Mt. 28:18-20). The gospel was to be for "the whole world" until the "end of the ages." The gospel is for all ages of time, for all nations, for every tribe, for every tongue. Faithful men in the first century were instructed to teach future generations (2 Tim. 2:2).

As the gospel of Christ is proclaimed in its purity, without the addition of creeds (Gal. 1:6-9), its simple message (1 Cor. 1:19--2:13) becomes the "power of God unto salvation" (Rom. 1:16). Within the gospel is a divine power that is called "the seed" (Luke 8:1-15) by which spiritual life is generated in every age, wherever the gospel is proclaimed. No self-appointed clergy has the right to reject those who do not recognize their ecclesiastical oversight. Jesus is the head of the church (Eph. 1:22-23), and it is His right to determine who is saved and who is in His fellowship. The power of the gospel, the seed (Lk. 8:11) generates life wherever it is sown. Disciples are made when they obey the gospel (Mt. 28:18-20) and the Lord adds them to His church (Acts 2:47). As individual saints are born by the word, they meet with others saints in a locality in order to work and worship as New Testament Christians did. In this fashion, wherever the gospel is preached, churches of Christ will appear.

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST THAT CHRIST BUILT (Matthew 16:18)

A local church of Christ is simply a congregation that belongs to Christ. It is organized after the New Testament pattern of "elders, deacons and saints" (Phil. 1:1). All creeds of men are rejected and the Bible is the only standard of faith and practice. As the gospel is planted in the hearts of honest men and women (Luke 8;11; Rom. 1:16), new Christians are born (John 3:1-5; Rom. 6:1-7). Upon the instructions of the New Testament, Christians meet on the Lord's day for the Lord's supper (Mt. 26:26-30; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-29), singing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16), prayers (Acts 12:5), study of the scriptures (Acts 15:7-21) and giving contributions for the Lord's work (1 Cor. 16:1-2).

Each congregation is independent from every other congregation, claiming its autonomy under Christ (Phil. 1:1; 1 Pet. 5:1-2). It recognizes no earthly head, belongs to no association of churches, stands free from denominational churches and supports no human institutions.

It recognizes its God-given responsibility to preach the gospel according to its own ability, to provide edification to its own members, and to provide benevolence for its own needy (Acts 6) and for those saints in need in other places (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8, 9).

As the early disciples "went everywhere preaching the word" (Acts 8:4), so do 20th Century Christians. Please consider the following material as a short explanation of God instructions to man for Salvation. It is important we answer through scripture what God require of us that we might be saved.

How Does One Become A Christian?

Hear the Gospel, the good news of Christ and His coming

Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me" (Rev. 3:20). The Lord is inviting you into His kingdom. He also said, "I am the good shepherd," and he is the "door of the sheep" (John 10:7, 11). He invites the lost into the fold of safety, for danger is outside. For the lost, Jesus is the good shepherd that leaves the "ninety and nine" and looks for the "sheep that is lost," for "the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost" (Mt. 18:11-14). Jesus' sheep hear his voice and follow him (John 10:27-28) for eternal life. How do the sheep hear the voice of Jesus? We are "called by the gospel" (2 Thes. 2:14), which is "power of God unto salvation" (Rom. 1:16). It is by the word of God that faith is produced in the hearts of the lost (Rom. 10:17). Have you heard the gospel?

Believe that Christ is who He said He was, the Messiah

As the gospel story is read (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), Jesus is shown to be the Son of God (Jn. 20:27-31). Our faith rests in Him. We must believe that He is the Son of God, sacrificed for our sins (Mt. 16:13-16; John 8:24). Do you believe?

Repent of Sins

All of us have sinned (Romans 3:23) and have died spiritually because of sin (Romans 6:23). We must face our sins and repent. Repentance is a change of mind, followed by a change of life, as illustrated in Matthew 21:28-31. The son "repented" (changed his mind) and "went" (changed his life). This repentance is required before one can be saved (Luke. 13:3-5; Acts 2:36-38). Have you repented?

Confess the Name of Jesus, publicly

Jesus warned that we must have the courage of our faith to openly confess Him with the mouth, an oral confession (Rom. 10:10). If we do not have this courage, Jesus will not confess our name as brethren (Mt. 10:32-33). People in the New Testament times confessed Jesus' name (Acts 4:10-12; 8:37). Have you confessed that Jesus is the Son of God?

Be Baptized, immersed in water for the remission of your past sins

Yes, baptism is a Bible doctrine, commanded by Jesus (Mt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16; Luke 24:48). Baptism is not administered as a "rite of the church," as a work of human righteousness or merit, but as an act of faith (Mk. 16:16; James 2:17, 18, 20, 24). Regardless of the animosity toward baptism in the denominational world, and in spite of their denial of its place in salvation, it is administered by the authority of Jesus for the remission of sin.

Baptism is a burial (Rom. 6:1-7; Col. 2:12) in water (Jno. 3:1-5; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:38). It is for (unto, toward) the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) and is viewed in scripture as involved in "washing away sins" (Acts 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21). It is understood by Bible students that forgiveness is not in the water, but in the blood of Christ (Mt. 26:26-28; Rom. 6:1-7). However, Jesus has placed the opportunity of reaching that blood in the act of baptism. It is at baptism that the sinner meets the blood of Christ, that the old man of sin dies, and the new birth takes place (Rom. 6:1-7; Jn. 3:1-5).

Baptism is a re-enactment of the sinner for what Jesus did for him (death, burial and resurrection, 1 Cor. 15:1-4). The sinner obeys, in baptism, a "form of the gospel" (Rom. 6:16-18) in that he becomes dead to sin as he repents, is buried in baptism, and arises to a new life in Christ (Rom., 6:1-7). There is no other act of obedience in the New Testament that so fittingly portrays the gospel in our life as baptism. It is an act of faithful obedience (Rom. 1:5; Jn. 6:28-29; 8:39), not an act of merit or of human righteousness (Tit. 3:5). At the time of baptism, Jesus forgives our sins by the power of the blood and adds us to His church (Acts 2:38, 47). Have you been baptized?

Now That You Are a Christian

Disciples of Jesus wear no denominational names or support denominational doctrines. You are not Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, etc. No such names or denominations existed when Jesus built His church, and you now belong to that church (Mt. 16:18; Acts 2:47). The name of "Christian" is given for you to wear, and you glorify God in that name (Acts 11:26; 4:12; 1 Peter 4:14-15).

As a Christian, you will meet with other Christians for worship and service (Heb. 10:25; Acts 2:42; 9:26-28; Eph. 4:11-16).

Christians begin as "babes" in Christ, having been born again (John. 3:1-5; Rom. 6:1-7; 1 Pet. 1:22-23; 1 Pet. 2:1-2). Each grows toward being a mature Christian (Eph. 4:11-15). They no longer live in sinful life-styles as in the past (Col. 3:1-17; Gal. 5:19-24). A Christian grows by adding the attributes of grace (2 Pet. 1:2-11).

Are you a Christian? It’s that simple!

By Tom Roberts with additions by Morris Bowers
June 3, 2005

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

2005-06-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

If there was ever a question that any religious person would find compelling, the above question is it. The whole thought contained within those few words sums up the desire of the individual to seek salvation from sin. Our challenge is not in the asking but the answers that are given today. It is not the purpose of this article to list the numerous answers given by religious people today in seeking to answer what a person must do to be saved. The reason is simply that only one person has the authority to give that answer and that is Jesus Christ.Jesus tells us "all authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." (Matthew 28:18) If any person seeks to give any answer other than the one given by Jesus, they are teaching a false doctrine. Paul wrote in Galatians 1:8, "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed." Paul emphasized the importance of teaching only the doctrine of Jesus Christ.How did Jesus answer the question, "What must I do to be saved?" We find His own answer in the four gospel accounts of His life, His death and His resurrection.

We begin with Matthew's account in chapter 28:19-20 - "Go therefore and 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 that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Jesus tells his disciples to make disciples by baptizing them and teaching them. Let us turn to Mark's account.Mark 16:15,16 says, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues, they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." Again Jesus tells His disciples to go and preach the gospel - when a person believes and baptized, he will be saved. If a person does not believe the preaching of the gospel, they will be lost. Certain signs would follow those who sought believe in the Christ.

When we read the book of Acts, we find these signs to be true.Luke tells us of the commission of Christ in chapter 24:46-49 - "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." Luke writes about the suffering of Christ which made our salvation possible. Jesus tells the disciples that repentance and remission of sins should be preached to all nations and all these things would begin at Jerusalem.

In Acts 2, we find the apostles gathered together on the day of Pentecost - they preached the gospel of Jesus Christ, many believed on Him, they were told to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins - they responded - "And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."What the early disciples followed was the simple plan given by Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18 and Luke 24:46-49. If you are looking for the answer to the question, "What must I do to be saved?" - compare the answer you get with the answer Jesus gave in these passages. Jesus has the only authority to give the answer to that question. If we believe any other answer, we will be lost.

By Kent E. Heaton Sr. From Expository Files 2.11; November 1995

Humanism, a Failed System

2005-05-22T13:10:00.000-07:00

Humanism was already a failed system of thinking when Paul wrote: “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Col. 2:8). The system of belief now called “Humanism” can be traced back 500 years before the birth of Christ. While traces of it are seen in the writings of Homer [between 800 and 900 BC], modern humanism was begun with the Sophists, the most famous of which was Protagoras (485-410 BC) who said: “Man is the measure of all things; of the things that are, that they are; and of things that are not, that they are not.” This concept formed the basis of relativism, the notion that nothing is either right or wrong within itself; and contradictory ideas are equally true.

The Sophists were agnostic rationalists who challenged or denied the existence of gods and substituted conventions among men for divine sanctions. An agnostic differs from the atheist in that whereas the atheist says, “there is no god” (cf. Psa. 14:1), the agnostic says “we cannot know there is a god.” Neither atheists nor agnostics accept Divine Revelation as a source of knowledge. They will accept only what can be known through the “scientific method,” establishing human reasoning as the basis of knowledge.

Socrates (470-399 BC) identified by his contemporaries as a Sophist, sought to establish an absolute morality by the exercise of reason and, ultimately, by the individual’s intuition of good. He was a practicing homosexual, and like such ilk today made himself the absolute standard of his own conduct. His ideas are preserved in the writings of his pupil, Plato (429-347 BC). Aristotle (384-322 BC) was a student of Plato. The Epicurean and Stoic philosophers Paul met in Athens were heirs of centuries of classical Greek culture.

When Paul entered Athens (AD 52) the city was still considered the center of art and learning in the Greek world, but it was also filled with the grossest form of idolatry. Idols were on every hand. Starting with an inscription to a God the Athenians confessed they did not know, Paul proclaimed that this God is the Creator and we are His offspring. He is a Spirit who is not to be worshipped with hands. He has heretofore “overlooked” your ignorance, but now commands all men everywhere to repent. Assurance of judgment and human accountability to the Creator is given in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (Acts 17).

The philosophers, who were not themselves believers in many gods, were apparently not upset at Paul’s lesson about God. However, the idea of the resurrection of Christ ran counter to their rationalistic thinking. Some were willing to “take the matter under advisement” to be considered later, but others made fun of the idea. Humanists of today still make fun of the idea, but the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ is still the solution to human problems.
In Rom. 1:18-30, the apostle Paul describes the effect of humanist philosophy on society. The degradation of human society can be traced to the rejection of the knowledge of God and the failure to give Him proper reverence.

Humanists “regard the universe as self-existent and not created” (Humanist Manifesto I, p. 8) and calls faith in the prayer-hearing God “an unproved and outmoded faith” (Humanist Manifesto II, p 13). However, like the Gentiles of old, they are “without excuse” (Rom. 1:20).
Paul declared that “His eternal power and godhead”—His “invisible attributes”—have been clearly discernible “by the things that are made” from the beginning of time (Rom. 1:20). There is sufficient evidence in Nature to convince the thoughtful person that there is an Eternal and Powerful God. Five hundred years before Protagoras a Hebrew poet wrote: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard” (Psalm 19:1-3). The same writer said, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘there is no God.’ (Psalm 14:1). Foolish, indeed, is the man who can see no evidence of a Creator in the physical universe.

The humanist who believes the universe was not created must believe that it always was. He must believe that dead, lifeless matter spontaneously [without outside stimuli] gave rise to life. He must believe that the carbon/carbon-dioxide exchange dependency between plant and animal life is an accident. He must believe that complex protein molecules composed of thousands of atoms just accidentally happened. You have a “rational mind.” Does that make sense to you? The probability of such a thing happening by accident is about as large as the probability that my computer fell out of an explosion in a junkyard!

Further, failure to honor God as God resulted in idolatry with the immoral excesses that were known everywhere in Paul’s day (cf. Rom. 1:20-22). Because men “exchanged the truth of God for a lie,” God “gave them up to uncleanness” (vs. 24), to “vile passions” (vs. 26), to “a debased mind” (vs. 28). It is no wonder that the heirs of classical Roman and Greek culture were so immoral in their conduct.

In spite of the fact that “it is not in man that walks to direct his own steps” (Jer. 10:23), and the fact that the “heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jer. 17:9), God gave them up to do as they pleased—because they had already given Him up. Following their own natural inclinations “their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful….” No better description of modern homosexual activity could be given.

Paul’s catalog of the sins of the ancient world is as fresh as today’s newspaper. They were “filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them” (vs. 29-32). They were the heirs of humanistic philosophy. How do modern humanists think they will do better?

Now, as then, men need the gospel of Jesus Christ, salvation from our sins, and a hope for a better life beyond the grave. The gospel, not humanistic philosophy, is man’s hope. Let us preach the gospel to every creature, and vigorously oppose the “empty deceit” of humanism.
— James E. Cooper

Prepare To Meet Your God

2005-04-29T12:54:00.000-07:00

Amos 4:12

Rebellious Israel was headed to captivity. They would not repent of their sins in spite of all the prophets' warnings and the consequences God continually sent upon them. Amos. 4:6-11 details some of the reproofs. They lacked food, had rains withheld from them to the extent that their cities ran out of water, suffered every type of natural disaster and horrible losses in war. In spite of all of these punishments that decimated them to the point that their destruction was compared to Sodom and Gomorrah, the scriptures repeatedly state, "Yet you have not returned to Me." (vss. 6,8,10,11)With all that they had suffered, they might have thought that though they were shaken, they were still standing in spite of all that God had to throw at them, and they might yet be all right. Any who might have thought this way were greatly mistaken. Though God had done so much to them, He had not yet begun to exhaust the reservoirs of His resources. That insubordinate people would soon have to meet God fully in judgment. So Amos warned, "Therefore, thus I will do to you, O Israel; Because I shall do this to you, Prepare to meet your God, O Israel." (vs. 12)What at horrible thought to have to meet God after having lived so immorally. Meeting God under such circumstance is akin to the sheriff taking the felon from his cell and saying, "Time to face the judge." We might not think ourselves to be (or in fact be) as bad as ancient Israel, but we must still seriously consider Amos' admonition, "Prepare to meet your God" because we will all meet Him. Let us carefully consider this admonition word by word, from last to first. God We do not often think as seriously as we should about God, His nature, His holiness and His demands. We often do not contemplate that one day we will be personally examined by the Just and Upright Creator of all things. Immediately after telling the people to prepare, Amos reminded them of God's surpassing greatness, "For behold, He who forms mountains and creates the wind And declares to man what are His thoughts, He who makes dawn into darkness And treads on the high places of the earth, The LORD God of hosts is His name." (vs. 13) He knows and controls all physical matter and, frighteningly for us, He knows our thoughts. As another scripture says, "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do." (Heb. 4:13)Your He is "our" God whether we acknowledge Him or not. We must realize that we are never away from His presence. "Where can I go from Thy Spirit? Or where can I flee from Thy presence? If I ascend to heaven, Thou art there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, Thou art there" (Ps. 139:7,8) That fact that we would deny God does not change the fact that He is still watching and noting our deeds for judgment. "Can a man hide himself in hiding places, So I do not see him?" declares the LORD." (Jer. 23:24)Our God is not only ever present in life, but He will also be present after death. Just as Amos admonished Israel to prepare, Solomon taught all to give thought to God. "Remember Him before the silver cord is broken and the golden bowl is crushed, the pitcher by the well is shattered and the wheel at the cistern is crushed; then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it." (Eccl. 12:6,7) For too many, meeting God at death will be a first introduction. This is not because God did not make Himself known, but because they ignored to all that God has said and done. God has spoken, but they have not listened. To Meet The unprepared will meet with God just as certainly as the prepared will. The scriptures teach that an interview with God is inevitable. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." (2 Cor. 5:10) God does not want you to come ignorant and unprepared. He sent His prophets, and later His son and the apostles, telling men to prepare. He also furnished conclusive proof that the judgment meeting will come. "Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead." (Acts 17:30,31)Prepare The need to prepare to meet God is clearly recognized by all who understand what will happen when we meet. There will be a thorough judgment of all sinners based on all their sins. "And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds." (Rev. 20:12) Since we know that this will happen, will we get properly prepared? Some make inadequate preparations. Secular education is not proper preparation to meet God. "The world through its wisdom did not come to know God" (Col. 1:21) Moses found this out. He "was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, and he was a man of power in words and deeds," (Acts 7:22) but he was still not prepared to meet the Lord when He appeared in the burning bush. We will be no more prepared to meet God in judgment than Moses was with only what man can teach us. Denial of the afterlife by the arguments of atheism, the self delusion of either rationalism or emotionalism, or the false comforts brought by false doctrines are all equally inadequate. Even morality, which many practice to the point of penance, fasting and prayer, without the truth that is known only in the gospel, is inadequate. We can never be good enough to meet God on our own terms or accomplishments. "He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit." (Tit. 3:5) The only proper and effective preparations to make to meet God are revealed in His word. "How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word." (Ps. 119:9) "The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil." (Eccl. 12:13,14)Those who have never been "obedient from the heart to that form of doctrine" (Rom. 6:17) which is revealed only in the gospel must began by submitting in "obedience to the truth [to] purify your souls." (1 Pet. 1:22) This is done by having faith in Jesus the Messiah; (Jn. 3:16, 8:24, Heb. 11:6) repenting of sins by leaving them and committing to live the holy life the gospel demands; (Luke 13:3, Acts 17:30) and by being baptized in water in Jesus name. (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38, 22:16) Without doing these things that God instructs, no man has even begun to prepare to meet the Lord. But having begun your preparations is not the same as completing your preparations. Consider Noah, who "in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household." (Heb. 11:7) Think if Noah had stopped preparing before he had "cover[ed] it inside and out with pitch." (Gen. 6:14) He would has spent a year in a very leaky boat. Do you think he would have been willing to risk his life and the lives of his family without making all the preparations that God said to make? But how many Christians risk their souls with so much left undone, inside and out, when it come to morals, faithfulness, and service? How many need to heed of the warnings of the Lord? "But I have this against you, that you have left your first love...because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth." (Rev. 2:4; 3:16) Any Christian who is no longer completely ready to meet their God has only one way to become prepared again. You must return to Christ with full devotion. This is what the Lord directed the unprepared in His churches, "Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you, and will remove your lampstand out of its place -- unless you repent." (Rev. 2:5) Or as Peter told a man in sin, "Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you." (Acts 8:22) So repent, pray and reform. You're not prepared until you do. The old saying, well based in scripture, is that "Heaven is a prepared palace for a prepared people." This reflects what Jesus said, "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you." (Jn. 14:2) It is prepared for us. We must be equally prepared for it.It is essential that we are prepared to meet God. The alternative is simply too horrible to contemplate. "And cast out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth...these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life... these will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power." (Matt. 25:30,41; 2 Thess. 1:9)
By Jay Horsley May 2003

What If (It Was All a Big Mistake)?

2005-04-14T22:31:00.000-07:00

By Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) t r u t h o u t Statement
Wednesday 26 January 2005
Delivered to the U.S. House of Representatives.

America's policy of foreign intervention, while still debated in theearly 20th century, is today accepted as conventional wisdom by bothpolitical parties. But what if the overall policy is a colossal mistake,a major error in judgment? Not just bad judgment regarding when andwhere to impose ourselves, but the entire premise that we have a moralright to meddle in the affairs of others? Think of the untold harm doneby years of fighting - hundreds of thousands of American casualties,hundreds of thousands of foreign civilian casualties, and unbelievablehuman and economic costs. What if it was all needlessly borne by theAmerican people? If we do conclude that grave foreign policy errors havebeen made, a very serious question must be asked: What would it take tochange our policy to one more compatible with a true republic's goal ofpeace, commerce, and friendship with all nations? Is it not possiblethat Washington's admonition to avoid entangling alliances is soundadvice even today? In medicine mistakes are made - man is fallible. Misdiagnoses aremade, incorrect treatments are given, and experimental trials ofmedicines are advocated. A good physician understands the imperfectionsin medical care, advises close follow-ups, and double-checks thediagnosis, treatment, and medication. Adjustments are made to assure thebest results. But what if a doctor never checks the success or failureof a treatment, or ignores bad results and assumes his omnipotence -refusing to concede that the initial course of treatment was a mistake?Let me assure you, the results would not be good. Litigation and theloss of reputation in the medical community place restraints on thistype of bullheaded behavior. Sadly, though, when governments, politicians, and bureaucrats makemistakes and refuse to reexamine them, there is little the victims cando to correct things. Since the bully pulpit and the media propagandamachine are instrumental in government cover-ups and deception, thefinal truth emerges slowly, and only after much suffering. The arroganceof some politicians, regulators, and diplomats actually causes them tobecome even more aggressive and more determined to prove themselvesright, to prove their power is not to be messed with by never admittinga mistake. Truly, power corrupts! The unwillingness to ever reconsider our policy of foreignintervention, despite obvious failures and shortcomings over the last 50years, has brought great harm to our country and our liberty.Historically, financial realities are the ultimate check on nations benton empire. Economic laws ultimately prevail over bad judgment. Buttragically, the greater the wealth of a country, the longer the flawedpolicy lasts. We'll probably not be any different. We are still a wealthy nation, and our currency is still trusted bythe world, yet we are vulnerable to some harsh realities about our truewealth and the burden of our future commitments. Overwhelming debt andthe precarious nature of the dollar should serve to restrain ourdetermined leaders, yet they show little concern for deficits. Restassured, though, the limitations of our endless foreign adventurism andspending will become apparent to everyone at some point in time. Since 9/11, a lot of energy and money have gone into effortsostensibly designed to make us safer. Many laws have been passed andmany dollars have been spent. Whether or not we're better off is anotherquestion. Today we occupy two countries in the Middle East. We have sufferedover 20,000 casualties, and caused possibly 100,000 civilian casualtiesin Iraq. We have spent over $200 billion in these occupations, as wellas hundreds of billions of dollars here at home hoping to be safer.We've created the Department of Homeland Security, passed the PatriotAct, and created a new super CIA agency. Our government now is permitted to monitor the Internet, to read ourmail, to search us without proper search warrants, to develop a nationalID card, and to investigate what people are reading in libraries.Ironically, illegal aliens flow into our country and qualify for drivinglicenses and welfare benefits with little restraint. These issues are discussed, but nothing has been as highly visibleto us as the authoritarianism we accept at the airport. The creation ofthe Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has intruded on theprivacy of all airline travelers, and there is little evidence that weare safer for it. Driven by fear, we have succumbed to the age-oldtemptation to sacrifice liberty on the pretense of obtaining security.Love of security, unfortunately, all too often vanquishes love of liberty. Unchecked fear of another 9/11-type attack constantly preoccupiesour leaders and most of our citizens, and drives the legislative attackon our civil liberties. It's frightening to see us doing to ourselveswhat even bin Laden never dreamed he could accomplish with his suicidebombers. We don't understand the difference between a vague threat ofterrorism and the danger of a guerilla war. One prompts us to expand andnationalize domestic law enforcement while limiting the freedoms of allAmericans. The other deals with understanding terrorists like bin Laden,who declared war against us in 1998. Not understanding the differencemakes it virtually impossible to deal with the real threats. We areobsessed with passing new laws to make our country safe from a terroristattack. This confusion about the cause of the 9/11 attacks, the fearthey engendered, and the willingness to sacrifice liberty prompts manyto declare their satisfaction with the inconveniences and evenhumiliation at our nation's airports. There are always those in government who are anxious to increase itspower and authority over the people. Strict adherence to personalprivacy annoys those who promote a centralized state. It's no surprise to learn that many of the new laws passed in theaftermath of 9/11 had been proposed long before that date. The attacksmerely provided an excuse to do many things previously proposed bydedicated statists. All too often government acts perversely, professing to advanceliberty while actually doing the opposite. Dozens of new bills passedsince 9/11 promise to protect our freedoms and our security. In time wewill realize there is little chance our security will be enhanced or ourliberties protected. The powerful and intrusive TSA certainly will not solve ourproblems. Without a full discussion, greater understanding, andultimately a change in the foreign policy that incites those whodeclared war against us, no amount of pat-downs at airports willsuffice. Imagine the harm done, the staggering costs, and the loss ofliberty if the next 20 years pass and airplanes are never employed byterrorists. Even if there is a possibility that airplanes will be usedto terrorize us, TSA's bullying will do little to prevent it. Pattingdown old women and little kids in airports cannot possibly make us safer! TSA cannot protect us from another attack and it is not thesolution. It serves only to make us all more obedient and complacenttoward government intrusions into our lives. The airport mess has been compounded by other problems, which wefail to recognize. Most assume the government has the greatestresponsibility for making private aircraft travel safe. But thisassumption only ignores mistakes made before 9/11, when the governmenttaught us to not resist, taught us that airline personnel could notcarry guns, and that the government would be in charge of security.Airline owners became complacent and dependent upon the government. After 9/11 we moved in the wrong direction by allowing totalgovernment control and a political takeover by the TSA - which wascompletely contrary to the proposition that private owners have theultimate responsibility to protect their customers. Discrimination laws passed during the last 40 years ostensibly fuelthe Transportation Secretary's near obsession with avoiding theappearance of discrimination toward young Muslim males. Instead TSAseemingly targets white children and old women. We have failed torecognize that a safety policy by a private airline is quite a differentthing from government agents blindly obeying anti-discrimination laws. Governments do not have a right to use blanket discrimination, suchas that which led to incarceration of Japanese Americans in World WarII. However, local law-enforcement agencies should be able to targettheir searches if the description of a suspect is narrowed by sex, race,or religion. We are dealing with an entirely different matter when it comes tosafety on airplanes. The federal government should not be involved inlocal law enforcement, and has no right to discriminate. Airlines, onthe other hand, should be permitted to do whatever is necessary toprovide safety. Private firms - long denied the right - should have aright to discriminate. Fine restaurants, for example, can require thatshoes and shirts be worn for service in their establishments. The logicof this remaining property right should permit more sensible securitychecks at airports. The airlines should be responsible for the safety oftheir property, and liable for it as well. This is not only theresponsibility of the airlines, but it is a civil right that has longbeen denied them and other private companies. The present situation requires the government to punish some bytargeting those individuals who clearly offer no threat. Any airlinethat tries to make travel safer and happens to question a larger numberof young Muslim males than the government deems appropriate can beassessed huge fines. To add insult to injury, the fines collected fromairlines are used for forced sensitivity training of pilots who do theirvery best, under the circumstances, to make flying safer by restrictingthe travel of some individuals. We have embarked on a process thatserves no logical purpose. While airline safety suffers, personalliberty is diminished and costs skyrocket. If we're willing to consider a different foreign policy, we shouldask ourselves a few questions: 1. What if the policies of foreign intervention, entangling alliances, policing the world, nation building, and spreading our values through force are deeply flawed? 2. What if it is true that Saddam Hussein never had weapons of mass destruction? 3. What if it is true that Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden were never allies? 4. What if it is true that the overthrow of Saddam Hussein did nothing to enhance our national security? 5. What if our current policy in the Middle East leads to the overthrow of our client oil states in the region? 6. What if the American people really knew that more than 20,000 American troops have suffered serious casualties or died in the Iraq war, and 9% of our forces already have been made incapable of returning to battle? 7. What if it turns out there are many more guerrilla fighters in Iraq than our government admits? 8. What if there really have been 100,000 civilian Iraqi casualties, as some claim, and what is an acceptable price for "doing good?" 9. What if Rumsfeld is replaced for the wrong reasons, and things become worse under a Defense Secretary who demands more troops and an expansion of the war? 10. What if we discover that, when they do vote, the overwhelming majority of Iraqis support Islamic (Sharia) law over western secular law, and want our troops removed? 11. What if those who correctly warned of the disaster awaiting us in Iraq are never asked for their opinion of what should be done now? 12. What if the only solution for Iraq is to divide the country into three separate regions, recognizing the principle of self-determination while rejecting the artificial boundaries created in 1918 by non-Iraqis? 13. What if it turns out radical Muslims don't hate us for our freedoms, but rather for our policies in the Middle East that directly affected Arabs and Muslims? 14. What if the invasion and occupation of Iraq actually distracted from pursuing and capturing Osama bin Laden? 15. What if we discover that democracy can't be spread with force of arms? 16. What if democracy is deeply flawed, and instead we should be talking about liberty, property rights, free markets, the rule of law, localized government, weak centralized government, and self-determination promoted through persuasion, not force? 17. What if Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda actually welcomed our invasion and occupation of Arab/Muslim Iraq as proof of their accusations against us, and it served as a magnificent recruiting tool for them? 18. What if our policy greatly increased and prolonged our vulnerability to terrorists and guerilla attacks both at home and abroad? 19. What if the Pentagon, as reported by its Defense Science Board, actually recognized the dangers of our policy before the invasion, and their warnings were ignored or denied? 20. What if the argument that by fighting over there, we won't have to fight here, is wrong, and the opposite is true? 21. What if we can never be safer by giving up some of our freedoms? 22. What if the principle of pre-emptive war is adopted by Russia, China, Israel, India, Pakistan, and others, "justified" by current U.S. policy? 23. What if pre-emptive war and pre-emptive guilt stem from the same flawed policy of authoritarianism, though we fail to recognize it? 24. What if Pakistan is not a trustworthy ally, and turns on us when conditions deteriorate? 25. What if plans are being laid to provoke Syria and/or Iran into actions that would be used to justify a military response and pre-emptive war against them? 26. What if our policy of democratization of the Middle East fails, and ends up fueling a Russian-Chinese alliance that we regret - an alliance not achieved even at the height of the Cold War? 27. What if the policy forbidding profiling at our borders and airports is deeply flawed? 28. What if presuming the guilt of a suspected terrorist without a trial leads to the total undermining of constitutional protections for American citizens when arrested? 29. What if we discover the army is too small to continue policies of pre-emption and nation-building? What if a military draft is the only way to mobilize enough troops? 30. What if the "stop-loss" program is actually an egregious violation of trust and a breach of contract between the government and soldiers? What if it actually is a backdoor draft, leading to unbridled cynicism and rebellion against a voluntary army and generating support for a draft of both men and women? Will lying to troops lead to rebellion and anger toward the political leadership running the war? 31. What if the Pentagon's legal task-force opinion that the President is not bound by international or federal law regarding torture stands unchallenged, and sets a precedent which ultimately harms Americans, while totally disregarding the moral, practical, and legal arguments against such a policy? 32. What if the intelligence reform legislation - which gives us bigger, more expensive bureaucracy - doesn't bolster our security, and distracts us from the real problem of revamping our interventionist foreign policy? 33. What if we suddenly discover we are the aggressors, and we are losing an unwinable guerrilla war? 34. What if we discover, too late, that we can't afford this war - and that our policies have led to a dollar collapse, rampant inflation, high interest rates, and a severe economic downturn? Why do I believe these are such important questions? Because the #1function of the federal government - to provide for national security -has been severely undermined. On 9/11 we had a grand total of 14aircraft in place to protect the entire U.S. mainland, all of whichproved useless that day. We have an annual DOD budget of over $400billion, most of which is spent overseas in over 100 differentcountries. On 9/11 our Air Force was better positioned to protect Seoul,Tokyo, Berlin, and London than it was to protect Washington D.C. and NewYork City. Moreover, our ill-advised presence in the Middle East and ourdecade-long bombing of Iraq served only to incite the suicidal attacksof 9/11. Before 9/11 our CIA ineptly pursued bin Laden, whom the Taliban wasprotecting. At the same time, the Taliban was receiving significantsupport from Pakistan - our "trusted ally" that received millions ofdollars from the United States. We allied ourselves with both bin Ladenand Hussein in the 1980s, only to regret it in the 1990s. And it's safeto say we have used billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars in the last 50years pursuing this contradictory, irrational, foolish, costly, and verydangerous foreign policy. Policing the world, spreading democracy by force, nation building,and frequent bombing of countries that pose no threat to us - whileleaving the homeland and our borders unprotected - result from a foreignpolicy that is contradictory and not in our self interest. I hardly expect anyone in Washington to pay much attention to theseconcerns. If I'm completely wrong in my criticisms, nothing is lostexcept my time and energy expended in efforts to get others toreconsider our foreign policy. But the bigger question is: What if I'm right, or even partially right, and we urgently need tochange course in our foreign policy for the sake of our national andeconomic security, yet no one pays attention? For that a price will be paid. Is it not worth talking about?--------------------------------------* Ron Paul is a Republican Congressman from Texas.

Do All Roads Lead to Heaven?

2005-04-02T00:23:00.000-08:00

I
There are some things plainly taught in the word of God that are difficult to explain to our friends because their minds are blinded by their own thoughts, wishes, hopes, and fears concerning others. Some can hardly see what the Bible teaches on a given subject because they are thinking of the beliefs or practices of their relatives and friends, living or dead. We should all seek the truth regardless of what others may have thought or done, and having learned we should obey as quickly as did Saul of Tarsus, the Philippian jailer, Cornelius, or the three thousand on Pentecost. They did not wait to consult some living friend or to consider the belief of some dead relative. When they were sure of God's will, they accepted without hesitation. We all need to be sure we are right in God's sight and then go ahead. Each is judged as an individual and should seek first the kingdom and righteousness of God.
People do not reach heaven accidentally, nor by some way contrary to the Lord's will. We should all give diligence to make our calling and election sure or none will enter in through the gate into the city. (2 Peter 1:5-11.) The idea that one can shut his eyes and select some religion by chance and certainly be right is a foolish idea. It is possible to be wrong in religion, and it is very serious to be wrong in the sight of God. "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." (Matt. 7:21-27.)
We must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of the deeds done in the body, and these deeds will be classed as good or bad. (2 Cor. 5:10.) There will be no other classification. We will not be the judges of our own deeds or of the deeds of others, but Christ will be the Judge, and His decisions will all be final. There will not be another field day for us to try in another race. Nothing can change the decision at that great day of judgment, and it does matter what the decision is. Eternity is involved. "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Cor. 6:2.) We must all work out our own salvation with fear and trembling because it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Our God is a consuming fire. (Phil. 2:12; Heb. 10:26-31; 12:29.) Read and think seriously.
Some seem to think that all religious leaders are leading their followers to heaven. What if some present day leaders are like those among the Pharisees and Sadducees in the day of Christ? Many of them had been blinded by the God of this world, and if the blind lead the blind both shall fall into the ditch. (Matt. 15:14; 2 Cor. 4:3,4.) In our day or in any other generation Christ would say, "Woe unto you, ye blind guides." (Matt. 23:16. Read this whole chapter and see if religious leaders can be wrong.) "For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 5:20.) Was Christ here saying that we are all right and that one religion is as good as another? Was He saying that it is ugly to question another's religion since one is as good as another? We all need to search the scriptures daily, whether those things we hear are so. (Acts 17:11,12.)
"Beware," "Be not deceived," "Take heed," "Be vigilant," "Try the spirits," "Examine yourselves," and "If you do these things" are from verses that we need to consider. "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matt. 7:15.) These are words of the Savior. Who is a false prophet? Is one who teaches that which is false a false prophet? Do all teach that which will lead to heaven? Why were these teachers compared to ravenous wolves? Wolves and sheep are not alike, and it is not safe for the sheep and wolves to be in the field together. We should be able to tell the difference between a wolf and a sheep. They are different, you know.
The Spirit-guided apostle to the Gentiles wrote: "I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified." (Acts 20:29-31.) Was it all right to speak perverse things? Paul said that after his departure grievous wolves would speak perverse things to draw away disciples after them. This, in brief, is the explanation of how we got the ancient denominations, is it not? Paul warned night and day with tears to save as many from digression as possible, and he commended them to the word of His grace which could build them up in the most Holy faith, and keep them from falling. Why did he weep? Are all religious movements right in the sight of God? We and all others should realize that our adversary goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:6-11.) To approve all religious movements is contrary to the will of God. Counterfeit religions is one of the devil's devices. (2 Cor. 2:11.)
"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. And that from a child thou hast known the Holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (2 Tim. 3:12-15.) We should all realize that no greater danger comes to our souls than that which comes from these evil men who deceive. The popular doctrine that nothing is wrong, but every religious movement, doctrine, and practice in religion is right overlooks the fact that John was right in his day when he wrote, "Beloved, believe not every Spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1.) Paul said they would come as wolves, and the Master asked that we beware. This is so different from the Spirit of false security that claims that all religious movements are right and that we should warn no one of error.
There is something that may be called pernicious ways or damnable heresies, and there is something that is called the way of truth. Which would you suppose the many will follow? Notice very carefully what the inspired text says and believe it. "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scriptures is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not." (2 Peter 1:20-2:3.) We and all others must be able to discern between the Holy men of God who spoke and those money-loving false teachers who brought destruction upon themselves and upon the many followers of their pernicious ways. This passage teaches that some roads do not lead to heaven, does it not? The way of truth is what we all need. There are many counterfeit religions. Are we able to realize the danger so that we may search the scriptures for the way of truth which is mentioned? It was the right way of the Lord, but it was "evil spoken of."
What any of us says does not become the standard by which men are judged. If some say that there is a right way of truth and holiness that men must find and follow if they would enter in through the gates into the city, and others say that one faith is as good as another so that all religious people are right, neither group of men would have the personal authority to make their sayings binding. What does the Bible say? This is the real question. Does your Bible teach that you need not be very concerned because it does not matter what you believe since one way is as good as another? Have you carefully studied to see whether there is reason to be concerned and search? The Bible is a revelation of the will of God, and the Bible says the same to all who are searching with honest hearts. Are you convinced that modern America is getting its religious views from a careful study of the Bible? Does this matter? Why did God speak through His Son? (Heb. 1:1-4; 2:1-4.)
Some may say, "Our church teaches" this or that, and then they may ask, "What does your church teach?" Even within any religious denomination we might find many conflicting views. We cannot deny that within some building, with a sign saying that a group calling itself the church of Christ meets there, members may be found that conflict with one another. Where there is conflict there is error, and error is dangerous. It is truth that makes us free, and truths do not conflict. It is not enough to claim to be "of Christ." It is very important to be "of Christ," or followers of Christ. It is reported that one religious group calls itself "The Holy Jumpers, Inc." Do you suppose this is the group Christ had in mind when He said, "Upon this rock I will build my church"? (Matt. 16:18.) An unscriptural name should awaken all to the danger of following their religious practices. A name may certainly reveal that some one other than Christ is the father of their beliefs, but name alone is not enough. It is not enough to claim to be His followers. The devil is glad to have some of his followers in the camp of the Lord. It is important to search to see what the scriptures teach. (Acts 17:11,12.)
Some of the most often quoted authorities in religion today are "I think," "My mother said," "Our preacher told me," and "I don't think it matters." What I think or you think has very little to do with determining what is right or wrong in religion. "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Prov. 14:12.) "O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." (Jer. 10:23. )The entire will of God could have been written on one side of a postal card if it had been His will that every man do what seemed right to him. Every one would then have been a law unto himself. "In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes." (Judges 17:6.) Evidently that referred to civic rules and community life in general. Many seem to think that there is no higher authority in religion now than that which is right in their own eyes. Christ is our King, and He has all authority. (Matt. 28:18-20.) If we love Him, we will keep His commandments. (John 14:15,21,23; I John 5:1-3.)
"My parents said" is not the highest authority for adults in religion. "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me." (Matt. 10:34-38.) We are, of course, to honor our parents, but not above Christ. Our first loyalty is to Him. The parents of the last generation were as human as we are. Would we want our children to blindly follow us with no checking of their way by the scriptures? When the apostles went out to preach they turned the children from the idolatry and Judaism of their parents.
To you your parents may have been wonderful. You were greatly blessed if you had parents who were worthy of great respect, and you are to be congratulated if you showed them due honor. We all should show our parents respect and at the same time realize that Christ has higher authority in religious matters than they. He is the Judge that God has appointed. (Acts 17:31; 2 Cor. 5:10.) Many have asked me about theft parents. When they did, they asked the wrong person. Christ is the Prophet, Judge, Priest, and King. I can hold no higher office than that of His humble servant.
Children are willing to use correct grammar even though their parents may not have known grammar. They are willing to use better farming or business methods if they have opportunity to learn better. They may choose a different state as home, and have different political views, but they may profess to think their parents were infallible guides in religion. Some of this talk about what "my mother said" may grow out of indifference to religion that leads to no desire to investigate. ',Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves." (2 Cor. 13:5.) Are you willing to do this? Each gives account of his own deeds. If your relatives that are dead did miss the way, they are now eager for you to avoid their mistake. The rich man wanted Abraham to send Lazarus to his "father's house: for I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." (Luke 16:27-31.)
I cannot say anything directly about your parents' being saved or lost. There are several reasons for my silence. This is written for the public, and I do not know every one's parents. In fact, no man knows his fellow man and the mind of God well enough to take the fearful responsibility of deciding destinies. If we should decide, the Lord would not go by our decision. I am one of the older segment of America's population today, and I know that my generation (the parents near my age and the older people to whom I preached many years ago) were not all infallible in religion. Ignorance of the Bible has been an impressive characteristic of the general public in the forty-five years I have preached. "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth," (2 Tim. 2:15.) "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." (1 Cor. 10:12.) Is this advice good or bad? Does it reflect on your parents or on any other person? The Bible is right, and it pays to be careful in matters relating to the eternal soul. (Matt. 16:26; Eph. 5:11-17.) We are calling facts to your attention. If your parents are of the highest type they will feel highly honored to have you search the scriptures for yourself. If they are right, your careful study will confirm it. If they are in error, you need to know for your own sake and in order to help them.
In religious discussions people often speak of those dear loved ones who are dead. "Do you think they are lost?" they ask. Let us admit that their destiny is settled. We cannot change it. I am not the judge, but I am to preach to you and seek to persuade you to obey the gospel, working "out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Phil. 2:12.) Let me plead with you earnestly to think more of the souls that are influenced directly or indirectly by you. You cannot change the destiny of your dead ancestors, but you do have a fearful responsibility toward your children and grandchildren. In the future they may claim you as a pattern as you have claimed those who have gone on to their reward. Too few think for themselves. You must not lead your own descendants astray. Please be careful for their sakes as well as for your own sake. Your special responsibility is now, and it is pointing toward the future. Study the Bible because it is God's will for you and yours. (Deut. 29:29.)
Many years ago I heard an illustration. I do not know from whom, nor how much I have changed the details, but I want to use it. The story was of a man who made the flour and meal at the old water mill for the farmers who brought their grain. He also sold these products to others. The Bureau of Standards was set up, and a representative was sent out to check the units of measurement used by men in various businesses. He found the sturdy old metal container used by the miller too small. The miller said, "This business has been here a long time and was operated by my father before he died. This was his container. Are you saying that my father was dishonest?" The firm, quiet answer was, "I am not saying that your father was dishonest, but I am saying that you will be dishonest if you use it in selling your products now that you know it is too small!"
With permission I am including an article on Attitudes and Information by Connie Adams. The article follows:

"In order to please God it is essential that we have the right attitude toward Him and His word as well as the proper information. Israel was taken into captivity because they reached the point of ignorance of God's will. 'Therefore my people have gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge.' (Isa. 5:13.) They had arrived at this point because they had developed the wrong attitude toward God and His word. 'Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? Nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the Lord.' (Jer. 8:12.)
"Jesus taught the same principle about acceptable worship and showed that it must be rendered in Spirit (the right motive) and in truth (the right information). (John 4:24.) Paul showed that the possession of spiritual gifts exercised without love (the right Spirit or attitude) was not profitable. (1 Cot. 13:1-3.) Paul said that in the gospel age that which avails is faith (which is based on the right information) which works by love (with the right attitude). (Gal. 5:6.) Again, he said, 'Speaking the truth (the right information) in love' (the right attitude). (Eph. 4:15.) While attitudes are so important, we must not minimize the fact that we must have the truth. No amount of sincerity and uprightness of purpose can compensate for a lack of truth. In this matter there are four possibilities open to us.
"1. One may have the wrong attitude and the wrong information. There are many in error because they do not want the truth. There are those who have voluntarily closed their eyes and stopped their ears. (Matt. 13:14,15; John 7:17; 3:20.) Those in this category rejoice in error and not in truth. (1 Cot. 13:6.) There are some who are not only ignorant of the truth but who are arrogantly proud of that ignorance. Such cannot be saved.
"2. Some have the wrong attitude but the right information. Every case in the New Testament where the truth was preached but rejected by those who heard was of this kind. The rich young ruler learned the right information, but his attitude toward the truth was such that he prized his wealth above it. (Matt. 19:16-22.) In Acts 7, Stephen's audience learned the truth but killed the preacher because their attitude was wrong. Many in the church are that way. They know where their duty is, but they do it not. (James 4:17.) This may apply to attending the services, giving, personal work, godly lives, or even to the problems over which churches have divided in recent years. When elders say, 'I know what you say is truth, but you cannot preach it here,' then they have the wrong attitude toward truth. In teaching the alien sinner we must impart the right information, but it must not be done with a know-it-all, haughty Spirit. In reclaiming the wayward child of God, we must teach the truth about his true condition before God, but this must be done in the 'Spirit of meekness.' (Gal. 6:1.)
"3. Some have the right attitude but the wrong, information. Every case of conversion in the Bible was like that. Here were people who wanted to do right but who simply did not have a knowledge of the truth. When they learned the truth they readily accepted it because theft hearts were right. Saul of Tarsus was ready to do whatever God wanted him to do. (Acts 23:1.) Cornelius wanted to 'hear all things commanded thee of God.' (Acts 10:33.) The jailer was baptized 'the same hour of the night' when the gospel was preached to him. His attitude was right. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all people every where had the attitude manifested by these?
"4. Thank God, there are those who have the right information and the right attitude. If we stand before God in judgment having either the wrong attitude or the wrong information we will be lost. Let each of us examine his own heart to determine his attitude, and then let us keep our minds open and receptive to divine truth. Only in this way can we please God."
Think for a minute of Saul of Tarsus and Cornelius, as mentioned by Connie Adams in the article above. It would have been a different story if they had been limited to the belief of their parents. There is no hint that they were eager to show disrespect for their parents, or that they did show such disrespect. Such men as they became would be an honor to any worthy father. If their parents were still alive they would now have an opportunity to learn the truth that can make men free from these happy converts to the gospel of Christ. Cornelius had kinsmen and near friends ready to hear Simon Peter. (Acts 10:24.) Saul, or Paul, visited Tarsus, his home town. (Acts 9:30.) If his parents were still living we may be sure that they heard the wonderful words of life. Lydia, the Philippian jailer, the Ethiopian nobleman, and others who could be mentioned obeyed the gospel when they heard it. They knew, and we all should know, that our first allegiance is to God. The big question concerns the will of God. What is His will?
There are other questions often asked by people who are hesitating to obey the gospel. "Do you mean to say that my Uncle John is lost? .... What about my mother who died last year?" I did not know your Uncle John or your mother, nor am I the judge. Concern is expected, but we must get our minds back to the will of God concerning what one must do to receive the gift of His grace. "But," you may ask, "what will happen to all these good neighbors?" The answer is that each will give account to God for his own deeds. (Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10; John 5:28,29.) Are you ready now to talk about the question: "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" (Acts 9:6.) You will have enough to answer for in answering for your own deeds, and it is absolutely impossible for you to change for better or worse the destiny of those who are already dead. If love for God prompts you to obey that form of doctrine delivered you (Rom. 6:7,8), there may be opportunities to change the direction of several who yet live. Think of your descendants. Your responsibility points that way. Most of the hundreds of your ancestors, both good and bad, have gone to meet their Maker. You cannot help them.
Honestly, I fear that most of these hundreds of dead ancestors (both yours and mine) and most of those millions of neighbors will be lost. "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matt. 7:13-15.) Peter said that many would follow the pernicious ways of the false prophets who bring in damnable heresies. (2 Peter 2:1-3.) Luke records a conversation between our Lord and some one from the audience. This one asked: "Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in and shall not be able." (Luke 13:23,24.) The popular idea seems to be that most are saved. Listen to the funeral sermons of all kinds of people. Read these verses again and many others similar to them, and then "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Phil. 2:12; I Cor. 10:12; Eph. 5:15; 2 Peter 1:10; etc.)
Look again in the verses mentioned above for the word "narrow.'' It seems that people are more afraid of being narrow in the sight of the crowd than of being wrong in the sight of God. Human beings are more likely to be followers than independent thinkers, so blind leaders and grievous wolves can draw away disciples after them. (Matt. 15:12-14; Acts 20:29-32.) Please do not doubt that there are many false prophets and deceitful workers. "But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." (2 Cor. 11:12-15; I John 4:1.) Do you believe what these Holy men of God have written for our good by the guidance of the Holy Spirit? If you believe these men then you can see reason for the admonition given in Heb. 3:12,13: "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.' It is possible for believers to lose their faith and be lost. If not, what do these verses mean?
We have written of the difficulty of converting people to the right way of the Lord because they quote such authorities as "I think," "My mother said," "Our preacher told me," and "Our church teaches." It seems so ugly to people who quote such "authorities" that you would dare read from the sacred writings statements that flatly contradict what these "authorities" have said. They then bluntly state that every one has a right to his own views! Does the Lord have any right to His own views which evidently contradict these "authorities"? Whom shall we follow? What if there is some sacrifice in following the way of truth and holiness that leads to life? What if it is narrow and few find it? Listen carefully! "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it is of God, or whether I speak of myself." (John 7:17.) Do you believe this? Would you do His will now if you knew it? Then search as did the noble Bereans, and you shall find it. (Acts 17:11.) After it mentioned how they searched the scriptures whether those things were so, the next verse begins with these significant words: "Therefore many of them believed." Seek and ye shall find. Please do not close your eyes, stop your ears, and harden your hearts as some did when the Master taught. (Matt. 13:10-16.) The Master Teacher could not reach such people, and neither could the apostles.
From the parable of the sower we might say that there are three chances out of four that those who hear the word will be lost. (Matt. 13:1-23.) The preaching made no impression on the hearts of those represented by the wayside soil. The shallow soil type believed for a while but in time of temptation fell away. Those represented by the thorny soil never had time enough to worship, study, and work as they should for the Lord. The cares, riches, and pleasures took their time. The good soil that did produce a harvest were the honest and good hearts who received the word and brought forth fruit with patience. Some of those "good" people that are referred to by some one who is looking for something to criticize in the doctrine of Christ are like some of those in the first three types of soil. We tend to overlook the indifference and weakness of faith on the part of dear "Uncle John'" who petted us when we were children. We would assign him a place in heaven, but the Lord may not. It would be much better for us to give less thought to being conformed to and satisfied with the world, and rather be transformed by the renewing of our minds so that we may be living illustrations of the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. (Rom. 12:1,2.) Let the inspired instruction and examples be our whole concern in our seeking of the way that leads to life.
The Jews who crucified Christ did it through ignorance. (Acts 3:17; Luke 23:34; I Cor. 2:8.) They were upholding the traditions of their fathers and leaders, but they were seriously wrong. Religious people are not infallible patterns. The apostles and the Christ before them tried to point out the serious errors, but the eyes of many were closed and their ears stopped. (Matt. 13:15.) They were bitter toward the Christ for questioning the traditions of their ancestors. (Matt. 15:1-14; Mark 7:1-13.) Search the scriptures and obey them for the Lord's sake, for your salvation, and for the influence you may have on the lives you touch.
Christ said, "Upon this rock I will build my church." (Matt. 16:18.) "Christ 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; but that it should be Holy and without blemish." (Eph. 5:22-27.) The church which we speak of is the one which the Lord purchased with His blood. (Acts 20:28.) Christ is "the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all." (Eph. 1:22,23.) This clearly states that the church is His body and this same book says, "There is one body." (Eph. 4:4.) What does this mean? Be careful. How many churches are named and described in the New Testament? Christ prayed earnestly, "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and ! in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me." (John 17:21-23.) Do you mind my quoting these verses? I sincerely hope it is not offensive. They are, as you know, from the good book. They should make me walk very carefully as well as you. We must not let money, pleasure, family loyalty, or prejudice hide the truth. In those early days "the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." (Acts 2:47.)
To which church did the Lord add the saved? Is there one church described in the New Testament, or does it describe three hundred churches with different terms of entrance, forms of worship, types of government, assignments or work or mission, standards of morals, and names? The truth is that the Lord had His plan from all eternity, and many men have come up with their own plans which differ very much from the one described in the New Testament. In speaking of His own mission, the apostle to the Gentiles said: "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Eph. 3:8-11.)
The church as planned by God, purchased and built by Christ, established on the first Pentecost after the resurrection under the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit, and spread over the world by the preaching of the Holy apostles and prophets, was a manifestation of the many sided (manifold) wisdom of God. The present confused, conflicting, and divided state of religion with its emotionalism, modernism, false prophecies, emphasis on recreation and country club type of social life, and disregard for the kingship of the risen Christ who died for our sins is a manifest token of the work of the devil. Please do not allow yourself to be among those who praise the present confusion of tongues on religious matters in preference to the beauty, wisdom, and remarkable simplicity of the church as described in the New Testament. There were problems in the churches in the first century, but it was not plagued and hindered by denominationalism that reigns supreme today. One great purpose served by the books of the New Testament was to correct the errors of that day for those churches and for all that would follow through the centuries. The epistles did not praise them for the different doctrines and practices. They were rebuked for the perverted gospel and warned that more would come. Please read the following passages and observe the plainness of the rebukes and even the tears of the apostles as they thought on these damnable heresies. (2 Peter 2:1-3; Acts 20:29-31.)
Let us show by more direct quotations that the Bible does not teach that doctrine does not matter. Denominationalism such as we know today was foretold, and that was what the apostles were fighting. They were not saying that sincerity was enough or that doctrine did not matter. "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." (Gal. 1:6-12.) Should you read this again with the question in mind as to whether one group who teaches another religious doctrine is just as safe as the one who teaches the doctrine that Paul taught? Does doctrine matter? No other sin is condemned in the New Testament as many times as the sin of teaching the wrong doctrine. Check this carefully for yourself. In earlier generations in America, religious people had more conviction and were not so inclined to think that every one was right. There were divisions, but each group thought it was right. Unity on "nothingness" is a doctrine of this generation especially.
"Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)" (Phil. 3:17-19.) Does this sort of thing have any parallel in our modern religious situation? Do you see why conscience will not let me make a statement giving blanket approval to all religious movements? There is no pleasure in being different or in being in conflict with neighbors, relatives, and friends. Please believe this. Conscience is the driving force in pleading with people to speak as the oracles of God. {1 Peter 4:11.) Eternity is too long to approach the day of judgment unprepared. (Matt. 7:21-23.)
The clearest explanation of the origin and cause of denominationalism that I know of is found in the first three verses of Romans ten. "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish theft own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God." Can we not see that their own righteousness would not save? They were lost through ignorance of God's righteousness. Do you suppose that those working out the mergers in modern denominationalism have needed Bibles in their counsel meetings? Think about this. They did not come up with the Bible pattern for church work, church government, worship, or even the plan of salvation revealed so clearly in the book of Acts. It is a thing to cry about rather than a thing for which one should rejoice. One way to make worship absolutely vain or useless is to teach for doctrines the commandments of men. (Matt. 15:9.) That is the very basis of human denominations whose names, government, worship, and terms of entrance are not even mentioned in the Bible. I am trying to arouse the fear and trembling that would cause you to search the scriptures and take heed lest you fall. (1 Cor. 10:12; Phil. 2:12; Acts 17:11,12.) If people will open theft eyes they will see that many dangerous doctrines are abroad. How can we persuade them to "strive to enter in"? (Luke 13:23,24.)
An outstanding belief of the American public is that none should preach against the doctrines and practices of other religious people. There is one thing, at least, we can say for this attitude. It is far different from the Spirit of those who beat, imprisoned, burned, or killed with the sword those with whom they differed. Many of the wars, much of the civil strife, and much of the cruelty to millions of tortured people have been in the name of religion. Many bitter modern conflicts are between religious groups. We may marvel at the spiritual blindness of such people who so completely ignore the teaching of the Lamb of God whom they claim to honor. Christ sent His disciples out as sheep, but not as wolves. They used no carnal weapons even though they suffered much at the hands of others. They were to turn the other cheek, but they were not to smite the cheek of the other. They were sent out to teach the whole counsel of God even though this brought suffering to them. They suffered for righteousness' sake, but they did not form rock-throwing mobs to destroy others. These servants under the direct influence of the Christ were as doves and sheep, not causing others to suffer. They were taught to overcome evil with good. (Rom. 12:17-21.)
What do people mean when they say that they do not believe in preaching against other people's religion? Do they mean that one cannot be wrong in his religious beliefs to need warning? It is easy to be wrong in religion, and it is very serious because eternity is involved. Few find the narrow way that leads to life, and many go the broad way to destruction. (Matt. 7:13,14.) Should we be concerned that many are following a perverted gospel? (Gal. 1:6-12.) Would it make sense to give our smile of approval to the soul-destroying perversions? Grievous wolves will draw away disciples after them. These wolves may be in sheep's clothing. The Christ, Paul, John, and other Spirit guided men warned of the danger. (Please take time to read Matt. 7:13-15; Acts 20:29-31; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 4:1.) People need to be warned of the danger of teaching the wrong doctrine because men, or even an angel, will stand accursed before God if he teaches a perverted gospel. (Gal. 1:6-12; Titus 3:9-11; 1 Tim. 6:3-5.) The blind followers of such teachers are also lost and need to be warned. (Matt. 15:1-4.)
Each man should give diligence to make his own calling and election sure, and he should reprove, rebuke, exhort, as well as instruct and warn others because there is great danger in heresy. (2 Tim. 4:1-5; 2:15-18; Titus 1:11-13; 2:15; 2 Peter 1:10; Phil. 2:12; I Cor. 10:12; Heb. 3:12,13.) This message will come through with great force if you will take time to read and study these references carefully and prayerfully. Will you take the time?
We are to love our enemies. We are to harm none. For love's sake we should teach, warn, reprove, and rebuke every creature. This is the Master's will. It is the truth, and only the truth, that makes men free. (John 8:31,32.) Speaking the truth in love is an act of friendship and ought to be appreciated. (Acts 20:17-32; Eph. 4:15.) Paul's question in Gal. 4:16 is still a good one. He asked: "Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?" Many books of the New Testament were written to warn and rescue people from the deadly effects of false teaching--to speak against their religious doctrines and practices, if you will. Read the letters to the Galatians and to the Corinthians, for examples. Paul loved them enough to tell them the truth with great plainness of speech.
When people say that they do not believe in preaching against others' religion, they are usually saying that it is always an example of ugly self-righteousness to do it. They may sometimes be simply saying that they think it will do no good and will only win their III. will. For our own spiritual welfare we need to warn of error because we want to be pure from the blood of others. "Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." (Acts 20:26,27.) Good is accomplished by such bold preaching. A bold proclamation of truth does awaken some. Many true Christians today were once in grievous error. Think of the great soldiers of Christ who fought a good fight in the pagan world nineteen hundred years ago. It is this earnest contention for truth that men need to turn them from "darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and may have an inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith." (Acts 26:18; Jude 3.)
Yes, the very books of the New Testament were very bold and frank efforts to warn against and correct error. Such can also be said about the teaching of Christ. He warned His disciples to beware of the "doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees." (Matt. 16:12.) There were no more popular or influential denominations among the Jews in that generation. He did not say that both movements were right. Christ loved these people well enough to preach the truth to them even though it led to His crucifixion. He died for sinful men, but He did not condone theft errors; nor did He flatter them to keep them satisfied in damnable heresy. Read these sad words from the Master's sermon: "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? and then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity." (Matt. 7:22,23.) Was it ugly to warn these people while they had time to repent? Would it be today? Would it not be rather an act of friendship?
Maybe the millions of Americans who say that they do not believe in preaching against other people's religion are thinking of judging. At least, we can say that such people often quote part of Matthew 7:1, out of context. They say: "Judge not, that ye be not judged." That is what Jesus said as He began this great teaching on judging, but the Master Teacher said more. He made it clear that He was talking of the harsh, unfair criticism of the hypocrite, who, with a beam in his own eye, was staring at the speck in his brother's eye. This man could have seen more clearly to help his brother if he had removed the log from his own eye. Christ was not asking that we never do any kind of judging, which would be the same as forbidding our using any kind of judgment.
Judgment is the mental process by which we are able to see differences and likenesses. It is discernment or good common sense. According to the Christ, we are to "judge, not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment." (John 7:24.) Righteous judgment is not forbidden, as is the harsh judgment of the hypocrite. In fact, in becoming Christians, and in continuing as faithful Christians, we must distinguish between good and evil. Men of God are commanded to reprove, rebuke, exhort, and warn others. This could not be done properly without the "righteous judgment" that Christ commands. (See Titus 1:13; 2:15; 2 Tim. 4:1-5; Acts 20:29-31.) As we develop skill in righteous judgment, we come to be of the "same mind and the same judgment." (1 Cor. 1:10.) One cannot be a Christian without this righteous judgment that we "may approve things that are excellent." (Phil. 1:10.) It is very unfortunate that Christ is accused of forbidding good men to judge so they can make wise decisions, correct their own lives and the lives of their friends, and give moral support to those who are standing firmly for the truth.
Some are looking for faults in others in order to slander. Some see faults in those they love and use wisdom and patience in helping them make correction. These two types of judgment are as opposite as daylight and darkness. Parents need to judge wisely in dealing with their children. Love should fill the hearts of mature Christians when they see and deal with faults in brethren. (Gal. 6:1; James 5:19,20.) Faultfinding that one may slander, and rebuking that others may be sound in the faith are as unlike as day and night. Since heresy must come, and it can damn the soul, we need to work out our salvation with "fear and trembling," and exhort "one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." (Heb. 3:13; 1 Cor. 11:19; 2 Peter 2:1-3.) This takes "righteous judgment" which is commanded. Please do not overlook this fact.
Sometimes we may tell ourselves and others one thing as an explanation of our actions and attitudes when there is another subconscious reason. We may say that we do not believe in preaching against other people's religion when our desire for their praise and friendship is far greater than our interest in their spiritual safety. When people have gone beyond the doctrine of Christ they have cut themselves off from God. (2 John 9-11.) If they add to God's word, God will add the plagues. (Rev. 22:18,19.) If they preach another gospel they pervert the gospel of Christ and stand accursed. (Gal. 1:6-12.) Should Paul have written to the Galatians and to the Corinthians to warn them? Was he judging them in a sinful way or was it righteous judgment? When religious people have obviously changed the pattern of church government, baptism, the Lord's Supper, the work or mission of the church, the plan of salvation, church music, etc., they need help. "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men." (2 Cor. 5:11.) When a good man speaks the truth in love in trying to help these people, please do not sit off and criticize, hindering his worthy effort, by saying, "He is judging." He is commanded to use righteous judgment in fighting a good fight for the truth.
It is because the doctrines of men make our worship vain that we need to fight a good fight. (Matt. 15:9; I Tim. 1:18; Eph. 6:10-19; Jude 3. Are you willing to read these?) Our weapons are not carnal, but they are "mighty through God to the pulling clown of strongholds." (2 Cor. 10:4,5.) We must wrestle against sin. The jelly fish attitude of compromise, flattery, and the condoning of error was not a trait of the Master. He sought to change the "status quo," not to approve it. Preachers are not sent out into the world to keep it as it is. They are to seek to make the changes that will improve it. There is a price to pay for telling the whole counsel, but loyalty to Christ and love for the souls of men should demand it of us all. (2 Tim. 3:12; Luke 6:46; Matt. 5:10-12.) Let us pray for boldness rather than for the love of error. (Eph. 6:18,19; Acts 4:29.)
Sometimes after a very practical lesson to the church, some good member will jokingly say: "You sure would have hit them if they had been here." Is it not actually true that people do tend to push the truth aside by thinking of some living or dead relative or friend as if the sermon were preached to these who could not hear it? Sermons are preached to those present, and if the preacher is a faithful man of God, he is trying hard to help you and others who are present. Do not allow concern for a dead friend or sympathy for a living friend hinder you from hearing the truth. If every way is safe, why are there so many warnings about false teachers in the good Book? We are to walk by faith that comes by hearing the word of God. We are to be judged by this book, and each individual will be on his own at judgment day. Awake to righteousness. Turn from the very common careless unconcern and indifference. Such an attitude is based on ignorance of God's righteousness and a failure to investigate. Be noble and search the scriptures. (Acts 17:11.) Lean not on your own understanding. (Prov. 3:5.)
Some have no real convictions because they have lost their faith, or they have very little faith. To them the Bible is a book and not the book. We would expect them to say that they do not believe in preaching against other people's religion. They think of religion as a psychological sedative, at most. They think that this life is the only life and if a man likes his superstitions, let him keep them. The church, according to these people, could well be a glorified country club, providing pleasant social life for all ages. It does not matter to them which church sponsors the steak supper, the scout troop, or the ball team. They do not know of sin, salvation, and heaven. Their Christ is a man who died long ago and is still dead.
Men of strong faith who love the Lord recognize His authority and the narrowness of truth. (Matt. 28:18-20; Eph. 1:22,23; 4:1-6.) Their earnest desire is to preach the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth to those who are present and willing to hear. Their teaching includes the many positive principles of righteousness, and they oppose men's changing these principles. They believe that their own salvation and that of their friends may well depend on their earnest contention for the faith that was once for all delivered unto the saints. (Jude 3.)
The lax and careless attitude held by many in American Protestantism has come into the church that claims to speak as the oracles of God. (1 Peter 4:11.) One of the greatest marks of this digression, that shows up often in private contacts, is that changes in the organization, work, and worship of the Lord's church are not considered serious. "We are all going to the same place," they say. "We ought not to be so narrow." Institutionalism is only one chapter in this big story of digression unfolding before us among so-called churches of Christ. There are more and more people who claim to be Christians only who would not even enjoy hearing a preacher in the pulpit read: "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and in you all." (Eph. 4:4-6.) The book that is to be opened before us at the judgment reads as it always has read since it was first given by the Holy apostles and prophets who spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. It is not a signboard saying "The Church of Christ Meets Here" that saves. Neither is it the building beyond that sign that saves. Even the people that meet in that building cannot guarantee your salvation. Several of those who attend there may be lost. The necessary thing is that we actually do the will of the Father in heaven as the Master taught in Matt. 7:21. Each individual is on his own. It is true that the Lord adds to the church those who are being saved. (Acts 2:47.) We may be sure that He adds to His church of which He was speaking when He said, "I will build my church." (Matt. 16:18.) He does not approve of churches with different doctrines and practices. He would refer to these as false doctrines and to those who advance them as false teachers. He would say, "Beware of false prophets." Our great task is to please Christ who is to judge us all according to His word. He has told us before what He expects. He is not trying to surprise us as to the basis of His final judgment. Do not allow living or dead relatives or friends to hinder your searching of the scriptures. Study to show yourself approved of God. (2 Tim. 2:15.) The Lord may long ago have removed the candlestick from some group which meets behind the "Church of Christ" sign. It takes more than claim or pretense, but the real divine plan for His church is beautiful.
We are not saying that all children should follow a different pattern of religion from their parents. We are saying that Christ must come first in our choice of religion. Our Lord's comment is that "he that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me." (Matt. 10:32-39.) We are to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Matt. 6:33.) Please free yourselves from all alliances that would hinder your doing the will of the Father who is in heaven. The way of truth and holiness is narrow, but it leads unto life. (Matt. 7:13,14; Isa. 35:8; 2 Peter 2:2.) It is sad but true that the way of truth now is and has always been evil spoken of. Sin is deceitful. (Heb. 3:12,13.) There are many false teachers of whom we should beware. (Matt. 7:15; I John 4:1.) These are things we have been saying and plan to continue saying.
Parents and friends in error are not the only powerful influences that hinder our seeing the truth. The love of money and material things that money can buy may win our love until this materialism becomes our God. (Col. 3:5; Eph. 5:5; 1 Tim. 6:7-12.) This is a pleasure mad world seeking money at any price, even at the loss of the soul. (Matt. 16:46.) This pleasure is but for the moment, and heaven is lost by the worship of this idol. Are you too busy in the rush for money and pleasure to worship the God who made you?
Some heartily say that they agree that we must go by the Bible, but they suppose that all preachers do go by the Bible because they all do sometimes read from it. One confused man told me of going to a religious discussion. He could hardly stand it, he said, because one speaker would get up and read his doctrine out of the Bible and then the other would get up and deny it and also read from the Bible. The preachers were teaching opposite doctrines, so at least one was misusing the Bible. The word of God can be handled deceitfully. (2 Cor. 4:2.) The devil could quote scripture. (Matt. 4:6.) Here is the place for the righteous judgment which the Lord commands. (John 7:24.) "For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (Heb. 5:13,14.)
Please remember that servants of the devil can use scripture out of context to prove whatever they desire to prove. No better proof of this could be found than the use of the Old Testament scriptures concerning the return of the Jews from captivity to prove that Christ is to return soon to Jerusalem to set up an earthly kingdom. Some are deceived and say, "He read it right out of the Bible." We should rightly divide or handle aright the word of truth. Beware! Take heed! Be not deceived!
We and all others should know we have an adversary. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (1 Peter 5:8,9.) We should also know that the devil appears as an angel of light and his servants as ministers of righteousness. (2 Cor. 11:12-15.) There is a great difference between the man who uses the Bible to deceive and the one who faithfully and skillfully uses it to save souls. "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." (Eph. 4:11-14.) We must not speak words of approval for all that goes on in the name of religion. Much is serious error, and from the wrong motives. (Titus 1:11; 2 Peter 2:3; 2 Tim. 4:3; Phil. 3:17-19; Rom. 16:17,18.) Read these passages carefully and prayerfully and then walk circumspectly. (Eph. 5:11-17.) Beware of false prophets.

by Irven Lee