Friday, November 26, 2010

Does Instrumental Music Matter? -- David Pharr and being Criticize by Allen Daves

Does Instrumental Music Matter? -- David Pharr

The proposition stands: There is no biblical authority for instrumental music in Christian worship. Numerous have been the quibbles and excuses, but no authority for instruments has ever been shown. There is no principle, no command, no precedent, no logical implication that will show scriptural approval for the practice. However, as time has gone by, the question now surfacing in many progressive, institutional churches is, “Does instrumental music matter?” I want to suggest to you seven reasons why instrumental music does matter.
First, instrumental music matters because it matters how we worship God. The eternal principle that governs worship is that it must be in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Some seek to evade the force of “truth” by saying that to worship “in truth” simply means to be genuine in what we do. But in vs. 23 Jesus had already used an adjective for genuine (“true worshipers”). If “truth” is also to be understood as genuine, the words of Jesus contain a superficial redundancy. He would be saying that genuine worshipers worship in a genuine way. This would be a truism, like saying, “Red cars must be red” or “Real things must be real.” Truth is defined in John 17:17: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” Worship that has only the authority of men in vain (Matthew 15:9) and is not “in truth,” but according to man’s will -- “will worship” (Colossians 2:23).
Second, instrumental music matters because we must respect the authority of the scriptures (1 Peter 4:11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Isaiah 8:20). In the Christian Standard, a Christian Church publication, Rubel Shelly wrote, “It is simply incorrect for those of us with non-instrumental convictions to say (as I have!) that the use of instrumental music among those with a different conviction in the Christian churches stems from a lack of respect for the authority of scripture.” Our rejection of his assessment is not to impugn the sincerity of those who use the instrument, but we must insist that the issue is indeed one of authority. This is the emphasis of 1 Thessalonians 5:21: “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” Beliefs and practices are to be tested to determine whether they are good. “Good,” that is, acceptable, will always be approved by the word of God. Authority can be found for them. But what is not “good” because it cannot be proven -- practices for which there is no authority -- must be rejected. What would be the point of saying to hold to what is good (proven) if we may also hold to what is not good (not proven)?
Third, instrumental music matters because the inspired writers of the New Testament were guided and guarded to include only what was consistent with the purposes of God. They bound what is bound in heaven and omitted what heaven omitted (Matthew 18:18), and furnished us completely unto every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). They taught everything Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:20), being guided into all truth (John 16:13). To suggest that they overlooked such an obvious item of worship would imply a failure in their inspired teaching and practice.
Fourth, instrumental music matters because there can be no restoration of the New Testament church if we abandon the principle of authority which excludes it. The doctrine that includes certain items (Lord’s supper, prayer, baptism, etc.) must be equally respected in reference to items which are excluded (sprinkling, infant baptism, instrumental music, etc.). Keeping the traditions of the apostles (1 Corinthians 11:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:15) requires not going “beyond the things which are written” (1 Corinthians 4:6). Instrumental music is a tradition of men and falls into the same category as the Jews’ washing traditions (Mark 7:1-13). The whole concept of restoration stands or falls with whether we draw the line where the apostles drew it.
Fifth, instrumental music matters because compromise on this point would justify an endless list of innovations. If it is right to add an instrument in the absence of authority, what objection can be made to burning incense, counting the rosary, Wednesday night communion, etc.? The only way to hold the line against endless fads in worship is respect for the apostolic standard.
Sixth, instrumental music matters because disregarding heaven’s directions on this one point (or any other point) betrays an inclination of disobedience. James 2:10 says, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” This warning is not directed at incidents of human weakness, but at any tendency to willfully ignore the will of God. When in the absence of divine authority one adds musical instruments, or any other innovations, he demonstrates indifference toward the Lord’s rule. To encourage it or to compromise with it further compounds the error. This is the principle of Matthew 5:19, applied to the New Testament as well as to the old (Hebrews 2:1-3).
Seventh, instrumental music matters because there is no room for fellowship when worship is corrupted. Instruments in the assembly involves every participant. Those who seek to worship “in truth” (John 4:24), and who know there is no truth that allows the instrument, cannot with good conscience participate and thus fellowship must be broken (Romans 16:17; 2 John 9-11).
A touching example of this was the case of J. W. McGarvey and the Broadway Christian Church in Lexington, Kentucky. McGarvey had assisted in the founding of the congregation in 1870, but in 1902 he had to move to another congregation because, in spite of all of his teaching and protests, the church voted in the organ. This great Bible scholar saw it as both unscriptural and divisive, and as a cause for withdrawing fellowship. He stated, “The party which forces an organ into the church against the conscientious protest of a minority is disorderly and schismatical, not only because it stirs up strife, but because it is for the sake of a sinful innovation upon the divinely authorized worship and the church; and, inasmuch as the persons thus acting are disorderly and schismatic, it is the duty of all good people to withdraw from them until they repent.”
It is not expected that the world will understand or appreciate why instruments do not belong in worship. Few, even among religiously-minded people, understand the parameters of biblical authority. We can expect that instrumental music, as well as other innovations, will be popular and that objections will be dismissed and even ridiculed. But Christ is still Lord over His church, the Bible is still absolutely correct and infallible, acceptable worship still requires submission to heaven’s will, and singing remains the only music ever authorized for Christian worship.
-- David Pharr

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Criticize by Allen Daves

Thanks Mike,

I am still working on a more detailed address of this for you, based on some debates i have had with folks at Faulkner and Harding... .but if you have this man's contact information i would love to have it ...He is quite ignorant of scripture and needs to learn to keep his mouth shut before trying to teach utter nonsense....

Almost all of the scriptures that command Singing are a specific ref to the book of Psalms itself!?!.

So where do you find Psalms? He is so selfrighous as to claim he only speak where the bible speaks and silent where the bible is silent

"First, instrumental music matters because it matters how we worship God.
Second, instrumental music matters because we must respect the authority of the scriptures
Third, instrumental music matters because the inspired writers of the New Testament were guided and guarded to include only what was consistent with the purposes of God. They bound what is bound in heaven and omitted what heaven omitted (Matthew 18:18)
Fourth, instrumental music matters because there can be no restoration of the New Testament church if we abandon the principle of authority which excludes it.
Fifth, instrumental music matters because compromise on this point would justify an endless list of innovations. If it is right to add an instrument in the absence of authority, what objection can be made to burning incense, counting the rosary, Wednesday night communion, etc.?
Sixth, instrumental music matters because disregarding heaven’s directions on this one point (or any other point) betrays an inclination of disobedience.
Seventh, instrumental music matters because there is no room for fellowship when worship is corrupted. Instruments in the assembly involves every participant. "

and yet you get your psalms where?...…The book store?! The Psalms in scriptures are the Psalms and New song that we are to sing....it tells you what to sing and how to sing it...... the whole context of Psalms is the NT teachings on Doctrine both for singing as well as all of Eschatology and soterology...!?!

The NT authors referenced psalms in the very NT commands to sing and even quoted from it such that you can't mistake what psalms He is referring to both in what to sing and how to sing it..?!?

If you show your servant some people using a weed eater to get rid of weeds and then latter tell your son "go get the weeds out of the yard"..would you berate and ask him...."why are you using a weed eater?...I did not say anything about a weed eater". The verse and commands to sing, make melody, speak all ref the source or example of what you are to do and you can know this because .....The very context of psalms is about the church and what the church would do......Must God quote every verse in psalms in order to say " i want you to sing psalms?..Must God quote the whole ot in order to tell us that we are and they did evaluate and understand nt doctrine from the ot scriptures?.......He referenced psalms in the very NT commands and even quoted from it such that you can't mistake what psalms He is referring to???......

The Apostles did not have to quote the entire OT scriptures in order to validate them or to convey that we are to study them....Their doctrine came from the OT we are to study and learn not to think beyond it.... they studied and patterned doctrine after the OT scriptures .....!?!.....Acts 17:11; 1 Cor 14:34;
God does not have to quote every scripture verbatim in every other verse or mention every detail in every verse of what the church was to do in order to tell you where to get your doctrine from and how to use it!?!

Col 2:14. Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances ( we still have a differnt set of hand written ordnances!?!) that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross. This is specific to old law ordnances of purification and sacrifice
Heb 9:13. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14. How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?15. And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament

The OT practices that were for the sanctification "to the purifying of the flesh" were nailed to the cross and blotted out.......Not the old testament scriptures !!!

A.To claim "singing psalms hymns and spiritual songs" is silent with respect to mechanical instruments in our worship is equivalent to claiming "Acts2:21 whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." is silent with respect to baptism!?!. ......Scripture defines what calling on the name of the lord is....and scriptures defines what a "psalm" is and how it was sung. The beareans study those scriptures and Paul told us not to think of men [doctrines] beyond those scriptures)

B.To claim that scripture is silent with respect to instruments because it does not mention a specific instrument they used is like saying scripture is silent about baptism with the thief therefore he was not baptized....you cannot build a argument on the fact that scripture does not give you a certain detail(s)...I don't have to "authorize" you to put air in the tires or gas in the car when i give you permission to use the car particularly if the car uses gas.....and Psalms is what and how we are to sing...I suggest he read them...!?!.

C. Logic tells you that if you are not to think beyond what is written and you are to sing psalms then you should begin with the ones actulay listed in scripture the ones that are found in scripture...they were told not to think beyond them....NT Doctrine comes from OT scripture.....


A .Psalms mentions instruments inclusively not exclusively ......This is to say.....If i say "you guys are going to clean up this yard using weed eaters, clippers, rakes and shovels and even your hands"......No one in their right mind would take that to mean that Although i commanded you to clean up the yard that I commanded everyone to use a rake and everyone must use a shovel and everyone must use just their hands.........And why?...because the statement of what will be done is inclusive, It is not exclusive to the action or to each person. The statement is one of permissive inclusion not exclusion and cannot be said to restrict the action of cleaning up with everyone using all the elements listed or even limit the object of "clean up this yard" to those particular tools.....or just hands


Scripture can only ever be said to demand instruments in worship, and never be used to claim that scripture is either "silent" or forbids Instruments!?!...and thus if you do not then the same logic that you condemned others now condemns you for the same reasons.....learn in us not to think beyond what is written.....The book of Psalms is where many of the ref and quotations come for for the very act of sining.....but many think they are righteous because they ignore those psalms and get the "authorized" psalms from the book store...that is hypocritical and will condemn those who apply that logic....
.
Mat 7:2. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

People like him.....
1 Tim 1: 7. Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

Further, many if not most of the folks that condem instriments are duble minded and unsatble and you should stay far away from them.

The Psalms that scriptures do mention, they don't sing even though scripture is obviously not silent about what a psalm is or how to sing it ....Oh but they say instruments we don't dare use because they are not present in scripture?!?!

So you don't do foot washing although scripture is not silent about that with explicit command and example..

And you do use the Church treasury to build church buildings and maintain them when the scriptures are silent about that in spite of explicit command and example..

The fallacy in the logic used to arrive and maintain the position against instruments is significant and leasds to damdable heresy...why?....because it is the very same logical and scriptural error that pervades all of doctrine and why there are so many Damnable heresy, as defined in scripture, out there being taught even in the churches own "statements of faith"...ie "Christ is going to return someday".... 2 Tim 4:8...shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
The appearing in context is the 2nd comming"....you can't love that which you spend your time denouncing... note also John 14:19-24 the context there is Christ 2nd coming as well.......and most folks do not understand any of this for the very reason they are not looking at the OT scriptures and as such denying the lords appearing waiting for the periodic table of elements to "melt with a fervent heat"........God help us!?

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Silent Speech - Dee Brown

Silent Speech

“I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day:
I’d rather one would walk with me than merely tell the way.”

“The eye’s a better pupil, and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear.”

“I can soon learn how to do it, if you let me see it done,
I can catch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.”

These lines from the poet Edgar Guest are beautiful. They not only speak a truth in an eloquent way, but stimulate us to think about our own influence and whether or not we are “saying” what we should be saying to others.

Influence has been a vital part of our most fundamental lessons. Our first effort at writing words involved a written example of the A-B-C’s. Math problems–from the most fundamental arithmetic to the most complex calculus–was made clear to us by the use of examples; it is the same with biology, chemistry, polemics, football, or computer science. We can just do it better after we’ve seen it done.

Could I suggest some sermons you could preach without ever having to enter a pulpit?

Say something to others by how you speak. If you speak with a clean tongue in this world of filthy language, you are saying something about how you feel about taking God’s name in vain, about using dirty terminology, about speaking derogatorily all the time. What do you think people “see” when they “hear” you?

Say something to others by what you wear. Sloppy dress says something without saying a word. Provocative dress–low neck lines, short-short skirts, tight clothing–is a speech that should not be in your vocabulary. Conversely, proper attire, modest apparel, appropriate dress all make a strong statement without a word.

Say something to others by how you act.
Everyone wants to have fun, it’s part of the good life. But when fun goes ballistic, when restraint goes out the window, when loudness and silliness take over, you are saying, and loudly enough for all to hear, that you don’t give much consideration to control, much concern for orderliness. It’s fine to have fun, but you don’t have amplify it to a ridiculous extreme. Conduct speaks volumes.

Say something to others by your choice of associates. Stay long enough in an atmosphere and you become like those with whom you share it. If you choose to associate with people who have no concern for God, who are constantly deriding those who do, then it won’t be long until you join their chorus. On the other hand, if you associate with godly people, people who have Christ in their hearts and love on their minds, you will likely adopt their views and endorse their good example. What say ye?

Say something to others by your attendance at worship services. If you are the only one on your block who gets up on Sunday and makes his way to the services of the saints, you are making a loud, discernable statement to your neighbors. You are telling them what you consider to be important, what takes precedence in your life, and by that you are recommending the same high life to them. But if you only attend sporadically they hear your voice clearly; it says that you are satisfied with spiritual mediocrity and will attend when it’s not too much trouble or when there’s nothing more exciting to do. What are you saying on Sunday morning?

Now, I’ve not used a host of scriptures to prove these assertions. Why? Because, I needed only one: “Let your light so shine before men that others may see our good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Need I say more?


Dee Bowman

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Preaching as of Nov. 14, 2010.

To the brethren and sisters in Christ, whom I love in truth in Christ Jesus.

"I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper

and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." (3 John 2)

Grace, Mercy, and Peace be with you
From God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Brother Allan Kimnon and I just arrived preaching in three local congregations where we preach every Sunday because we have agree that we will two of us in three congregations. We first preached in Looc Kamanga church of Christ our lesson was "Scriptural Prayer". then in Kamanga church of Christ in the morning, the message was "Christian as a salt and light of the world". When afternoon came, we then preached in Abtam Libas Kamanga church of Christ our lesson was "Scriptural Prayer".

We have a collection every Sunday, in Looc Kamanga our collection just this morning was 36 Pesos, then in Kamanga church of Christ I am sorry I can't certainly know how much, but in Libas church of Christ which is the third one, our collection is 56 pesos while last Sunday was 71 pesos.

As we preached about Prayer this morning and afternoon, I request the brethren and sisters to pray for the brethren and sisters in Christ both inside the country.


Thank you and God bless.


Take care always because I love you so much.


Thanks,
Mike



In Christian LOVE,

Mike

marktumandan@yahoo.com

marktumandan121992@gmail.com

dad's e-mail samtumandan031756@yahoo.com
http://gospelwork.blogspot.com

PROVERB 19:22 "The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar."

2 Cor. 8:21 "Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."

"The naked truth is always better than the best-dressed lie! Ann Landers

Sunday, November 07, 2010

Brother Allan and I just arrived preaching in three different congregations in Maasim, Sarangani Province.

Brother Allan and I left our homes around 7:30 AM in the morning going to Maasim to preach the pure gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We first preached in Looc Kamanga church of Christ then in Kamanga church of Christ in the morning. When afternoon came, we then preached in Abtam Libas Kamanga church of Christ, so glad that those who were baptized yesterday were all present in our worship.

Thank you so much for the prayers and love my dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

Thanks,
Mike

Saturday, November 06, 2010

7 Souls were added in the Lord's body through baptism this day, Nov. 6, 2010

As an obedience to the command of our Lord in Matt. 28:18-20 "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

Those who gladly received the word of God were baptized in the first century is like this 21st century. What they did in the first century is what we also must do to be saved.

Brother Allan Kimnon and sister Dores Joaquin Gumban


I am doing the baptism.


Brother Romel Dazon preached a good lesson about BAPTISM.



Baptism


We sing a hymn to glorify God.
a.


b.


c.


I and brother Allan Kimnon riding in his motorcycle.


Dad and Mom riding in motorcycle going to Maasim.





The names listed below are those who recieved Christ through baptism just this day:

1. Analiza Joaquin Sibel
2. Sheila Mae Joaquin
3. Daniel Joaquin
4. Johana Gumban
5. Karren Kaye Sibel
6. Lydia Quilan
7. Dores Joaquin


They are now member of the Lord's body (Col. 1:18) which is His church and they are now joining in worship with the saints in Abtam Libas church of Christ Maasim Sarangani Province where brother Allan Kimnon and I serve as an evangelists.

Acts 2:47 (King James Version)

47Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Friday, November 05, 2010

Modest Apparel (Jim Mcdonald)

Modest Apparel
“In like manner that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefastness and sobriety, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly raiment; but (which becometh women professing godliness) through good works” (1 Tim. 2:9).
Paul has shown that men are to be leaders in spiritual realms, praying in every place “lifting up holy hands” without wrath or disputing. And just as the man is to be sober and orderly, so women are also to express the same piety. First Timothy 2:9 has often: 1) been used to prohibit something which was not the object of the apostle and 2) has been pressed to a limited use of the word “modest” when the passage says much more than sometimes it is thought it does.
Our Pentecostal friends use 1 Timothy 2:9 to condemn the wearing of gold and jewelry. It is wise to consider Peter’s writing along the same line regarding the dress and behavior of godly women. “Whose adorning let it not be the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing of jewels of gold, or of putting on apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Pet. 3:4). It is evident, from Peter’s words, that strict prohibition of wearing jewelry and gold was not the thrust of the apostle’s words, for were that so, the prohibition would apply equally to wearing clothes, for if the words “whose adorning let it not be the outward adorning … of wearing of jewels of gold” is adamant prohibition against wearing said items; the phrase which follows “… or of putting on apparel” would be equally so. Yet, no one understands Peter to condemn the wearing of clothes! Peter shows that the real adornment of women is not the jewelry they have nor clothes their wear, but the adornment of women is that adornment with which they dress their spirit. Peter, along with Paul shows that the greatest adornment a woman can have (comparable to a man’s “holy hands”) is that of good works, coupled with a meek and quiet spirit.
The expression “modest apparel” is oftentimes placed in contrast with the brief attire so prevalent in modern society, and it is proper to so use the phrase. If the skimpy attire worn by the “enlightened woman” of today constitutes “modest,” pray tell what the woman will have to further remove for their dress to become immodest?!! The short, brief, tight, revealing, suggestive dress which many (a majority?) of women wear today is not the apparel of the godly women who desires to please God more in her dress than to dress to make herself desired (lusted after) by man. There is a flip side to this passage, however. Short, skimpy dress is not modest, but on the other hand, many garments are costly and ostentatious; “immodest” attire for women professing godliness. And, to our Pentecostal friends who use 1 Timothy 2:9 to forbid wearing gold rings and jewelry under any circumstance, the same verse forbids costly raiment. I have seen many such women whose dress covers them up, but which obviously are expensive, sparing no dollars in the purchase of them. If 1 Timothy 2:9 forbids of wearing of any gold jewelry at any time, then Pentecostal ladies should make their dresses of burlap, or in the language of yesteryear, make all their dresses out of “flour sacks” (for those who live in our enlightened age but on whom this expression is “lost,” during the depression companies which sold flour would use cotton material from which women would fashion clothes for their entire family).
We should always remember that our body is a “temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? and ye are not your own; for ye were bought with a price: glorify God therefore in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19f). We should not abuse our body nor sin against our body by dressing it in such a way as to dishonor God whose temple it is! It matters how a woman (or man) dresses. The most important dress is not the way one dresses the body but how one adorns the spirit! The meek and quiet spirit is of great price!
-- Jim McDonald

“Be Thus Minded …” (Jim Mcdonald)

“Be Thus Minded …”

“Let us, therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded, and if in anything ye are otherwise minded, this also shall God reveal unto you: only, whereunto ye have attained, by that same rule let us walk” (Phil. 3:15).
“Let us therefore … be thus minded” modifies the things which preceded Paul’s words here. Paul had expressed his determination to “count all things loss for Christ” (vs. 7). He stated his ambition was to “gain Christ, finding in him a righteousness not of his own, but a righteousness which came through faith in Christ.” Paul determined to “press on toward the goal of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (vs. 13f). These were the things he had in mind when he urged Philippians to be “thus-minded” with him. Such is an appeal to bring out the very best in those who pursue the same ambitions as the apostle’s “single-mindedness.”
Injected in this appeal is that it is directed to “as many as are perfect.” This sounds contradictory to his earlier words: “not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect” (vs. 12). Still, contradictory as it may sound, it is not. In the first appearance of the word, Paul acknowledged he was in a state of action: he was pursuing a goal he had not yet reached, or not obtained. In the second instance of the word, he used the word to signify “full grown,” “mature;” not meaning without fault or flaw.
“If … otherwiseminded.” To those whose minds and hearts were not fully set on things before, nor determined to press on toward the goal, Paul said “this also shall God reveal unto you.” It is not a special revelation Paul here mentions, but revelation which comes through God’s revelation to His creatures. The word is sharper than any two-edged sword; it pricks the hearts of those who hear it (Heb. 4:12; Acts 2:37). One needs no special revelation from God to tell us when our single-mindedness is single-mindedness no longer. Does not our own conscience smite us when we become “bogged down” with other interests, whether cares or pleasures? The Laodiceans were lukewarm; Ephesians had left their first love; both indications of those who were “otherwise minded” (Rev. 2:4; 3:15f).
“Only whereunto we have attained.” The word “attain” suggests “to reach;” a plateau one has reached. The Philippians had reached a point of favor with God. To maintain that favor they were urged “by that same rule let us also walk.” Paul used the word “rule” in another place to signify an accomplishment or attainment which was met. “For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace be upon them, and mercy and upon the Israel of God” (Gal. 6:15). When the Galatians walked by the rule that neither circumcision nor uncircumcision matters, but that what mattered was that they were new creatures, they stretched forth and attained the role of new creatures by walking by that “rule,” they became the “Israel of God.”
The word “rule” in Philippians 3:16 is in italics, showing the word is supplied, yet that is the inherent thought. As they had walked by the rule of not looking back but stretching forward to the goal before, they had attained a state of maturity, completeness in Christ. In order to maintain that continued completeness, it was necessary they follow the spirit which brought them where they were. God’s children must keep the heavenly prize before their eyes. Keeping that goal in mind reminds us that whatever occurs between now and our reaching the heavenly prize, really is not that important for the heavenly goal is the sum total of our purpose in living.
Jesus posed an important question to those of His day. “For whosoever would save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his life?” (Mt. 165:25f). Let us reflect on these sober words from our Lord. By what spirit or rule do we walk?
-- Jim McDonald

If Denominationalism Is Okay …( Kyle Campbell)

If Denominationalism Is Okay …

… then they exist without the authority of Jesus

A lot of people say that denominationalism is good because you can look for a church that suits you -- one that you connect with. However, we will see over the course of several articles that denominationalism is not what the Lord intended to build. There are different ways of examining this, but the way which we will explore will show the results if denominationalism is okay.

Denominationalism has to exist without the authority of Christ. Before He ascended to heaven, He declared that He had been given all authority (Matthew 28:18). Ephesians 1:22-23 says, “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.” That authority was used to proclaim the gospel to us. Hebrews 1:1-2 says, “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds …”
If we cannot find denominations in the Bible, such as Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopalian, etc., then we know that they must exist without the authority of Jesus. In fact, there is no way that denominationalism can exist without undermining the authority of Christ, for He said that He was only going to build one church! A better alternative would be to go back to the Bible and follow it alone. This is our desire and we would love the opportunity to show you what the Bible teaches about Christ and His church.


If Denominationalism Is Okay …

… then they violate Christ’s teachings on unity

A lot of people say that denominationalism is good because you can look for a church that suits you -- one that you connect with. However, denominationalism is an affront to the biblical concept of unity.

Jesus wants unity. He prayed, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:20-22). A lot of people have postulated that denominations are merely acceptable parts of the larger “Christian church.” But Paul said, “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?” (1 Corinthians 3:3-4). Carnality in this context is a failure to grasp the teachings of Christian unity (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:4-6).
Furthermore, denominationalism is against common sense, for many great “Reformation leaders” have decried denominationalism, knowing it be wrong. Paul said again, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Denominationalism, because it does not promote unity, of necessity promotes confusion! The most logical approach is to go back to the Bible and follow it. This is our desire and we would love the opportunity to show you what the Bible teaches about true unity.


If Denominationalism Is Okay …

… then they deny that God’s word is sufficient

A lot of people say that denominationalism is good because you can look for a church that suits you -- one that you connect with. However, the very existence of denominationalism asserts that the Bible is insufficient for our salvation.

If denominationalism is true, then all of the additions of denominations are necessary. However, this offhandedly argues that the Bible is insufficient, for we cannot find the additions of denominationalism in the Bible! The Bible plainly says that it is sufficient. Paul wrote, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16–17) We MUST respect the sufficiency of God’s word (1 Peter 4:11). The apostle John added,“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds” (2 John 9-11). Make no mistake: if your denomination puts something in its structure that is not in the Bible, you do not have God! Nothing could be more serious!
The most logical approach is to go back to the Bible and follow it. This is our desire and we would love the opportunity to show you what the Bible teaches about the true sufficiency of the scriptures.


If Denominationalism Is Okay …

… then they equate God’s ways and man’s ways

A lot of people say that denominationalism is good because you can look for a church that suits you -- one that you connect with. However, the existence of denominationalism puts the ways of man on the same level as the ways of God.

When denominations change God’s word, they are in effect saying that they know how to organize the church better than God. Over the centuries, every identifying mark of the Lord’s church has been changed by denominations. The prophet Isaiah, speaking the word of the Lord, said, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8–9). When Naaman thought he knew more than Elisha the prophet, he said, “Behold, I thought” (2 Kings 5:11). Paul expressed the same sentiment when he said, “I myself thought” (Acts 26:9). Who knows better than God regarding topics like salvation in Christ, the leadership of the church, the role of women, socializing the gospel, etc.? Proverbs 16:25 says, “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” For all of our friends in denominations who think that they are fine changing the church, you need to realize the seriousness of your situation!
The most logical approach is to go back to the Bible and follow it. This is our desire and we would love the opportunity to show you what the Bible teaches about respecting God’s ways and the authority inherent within the Bible.


If Denominationalism Is Okay …

… then they cheapen the price of the Lord’s church

A lot of people say that denominationalism is good because you can look for a church that suits you -- one that you connect with. However, we are going to see that the existence of denominationalism cheapens the price of the Lord’s church.

Jesus promised to build the church in Matthew 16:18 and it was established in Acts 2:38, 41, 47. However, He not only built the church, but it was “… purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). Ephesians 5:23 furthermore says that Christ is “the saviour of the body.” He gave Himself for the church (Ephesians 5:25). These facts were preached in the first century (Acts 8:5, 12; 14:22-23; 28:23, 31). You simply cannot separate Christ from the church. He is the head of it (Ephesians 1:22-23). These few facts help us to see what denominationalism does to the church. Something is valuable when there is very little of it. Said another way, scarcity denotes importance. Denominations say that literally thousands of different “faiths” or churches can rightly be called the Lord’s church. However, this cheapens the church because even if someone were honestly looking and found the church of the New Testament, they are apt to think, “It’s just one among many.” The church is precious and steadfastly holding to the concept of the one true church elevates it to its proper place before men.
The best approach is to go back to the Bible and follow it. This is our desire and we would love the opportunity to show you what the Bible teaches about the supreme value of the Lord’s church and what membership in it truly means.


If Denominationalism Is Okay …

… then it makes obeying the gospel meaningless

A lot of people say that denominationalism is good because you can look for a church that suits you -- one that you connect with. However, we are going to see that the existence of denominationalism makes obeying the gospel meaningless.

Obeying the gospel puts one into a special relationship. The Bible is very clear, despite what many teach in denominations, that the redeemed are added to His kingdom after they are washed in the blood of Jesus Christ. Paul taught that we are translated into the kingdom. Colossians 1:13-14 says, “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” John also added his testimony. He wrote, “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:9). This washing occurs at baptism (Mark 16:16; Hebrews 10:22). The Bible says that there is only body (1 Corinthians 12:13), but being translated into one body means nothing if there are many bodies. Therefore, the existence of denominations makes obeying the gospel meaningless.
The best approach is to go back to the Bible and follow it. People are being lost because they are following the teachings of denominationalism. This is our desire and we would love the opportunity to show you what the Bible teaches about the supreme value of the Lord’s church and the true meaning of obeying the gospel.
-- Kyle Campbell

DISOBEYING GOD (Garland M. Robinson)

Most people live as though they cannot disobey God, or that at least it doesn’t make any difference if they do. There are at least five ways in which people disobey God.
1) By doing what is specifically forbidden. People have always been guilty of violating God’s Will. That’s what sin is -- violating or breaking God’s Will. First John 3:4 says, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”
Sin, any sin, all sin is condemned in the Bible: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like (Gal. 5:19-21). Many other lists of sins are recorded in the Bible. Men must learn of and stay clear of every sin (1 Cor. 6:9-10; Rom. 1:18-32; Col. 3:5-9; and many more).
There is not enough paper and ink to list all those who have sinned. Romans 3:23 says “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” In the Old Testament we read, “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Gen. 6:5). Also in the New Testament we read, “the whole world lieth in wickedness” (1 John 5:19). People love sin. They love evil. They love “doing their own thing.”
We must take great care to do our best to not sin (cf. 1 John 2:1). But, even with our best efforts we still sin (1 John 1:8). We often end up doing that which is specifically forbidden.
2) By refusing to do what God has commanded. There are times when we are not directly involved in breaking a specific law of God. But instead, we ignore and/or fail to do what God commands us to do. These are sins of “omission.” We omit doing what God says. James 4:17 says, “To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
God commanded king Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites along with all they had. But instead, Saul spared their king and claimed it was the Israelites who brought back the spoils along with many sheep and oxen. When confronted with his sin, his excuse was that he brought them back to offer as a sacrifice. He sinned in not doing what God commanded him to do. We can read about it in 1 Samuel 15.
Whatever God commands, we must do, no questions asked! It is our task to do God’s will. It is not burdensome to do so. First John 5:3 says, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”
3) By adding to what the Bible says. God has never allowed men to add to his word. Near the beginning of the Bible we read: “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you...that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you” (Deut. 4:2). In the middle of the Bible we read: “Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar” (Prov. 30:6). And, at the close of the Bible we read: “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book” (Rev. 22:18).
Men today add to God’s word when they refer to themselves by names not found in the Bible, such as: Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Holiness, Catholic, Mormon, etc. Men add to God’s word when they use mechanical instruments of music in worship, when they burn candles and incense, when they have creeds and manuals, etc. All these things go beyond (add to) that which is written. Such is forbidden in 1 Corinthians 4:6. Those who add to God’s word bring upon themselves God’s judgment.
4) By taking away from what the Bible says. God has never allowed man to do so. In respect to God’s word, Deuteronomy 12:32 says, “Thou shalt not diminish from it” (see also Deut. 4:2). In Revelation 22:19 we read, “And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book.”
Denominational churches take away the name of the church and add man-made names (Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 1:2). They take away scriptural worship by adding mechanical instruments of music to singing (Col. 3:16), by eating the Lord’s supper on any day of the week and/or only occasionally (Acts 20:7), by teaching the doctrines and commandments of men (Matt. 15:8-9), by not worshipping in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). They take away the Lord’s plan of salvation of faith (John 8:24), repentance (Acts 2:38), confession (Acts 8:37) and water baptism (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16). Woe be to those who take such liberties with the word of God!
5) By substituting something else for what God commanded. Nadab and Abihu substituted a different fire than what God had commanded (Lev. 10:1-2). Jeroboam substituted the cities of Dan and Bethel as places of worship instead of Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:25-19). Denominations today substitute fund raisers in place of the first day collection (1 Cor. 16:1-2), sprinkling instead of baptism (immersion) (Col. 2:12; Rom. 6:4), entertainment and recreation instead of Gospel preaching (1 Cor. 1:18-21; 2 Tim. 4:2). There is no end to men substituting for God’s divine arrangement!
Men everywhere must love, respect and obey what God says in His holy book, the Bible. You will never be saved any other way than obeying God’s commands. The apostle Paul wrote by inspiration, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for IT is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16). Jesus made clear that the inspired word is what will be used to judge us in the last day. “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). The only way we can be saved is by obeying the truth, the Gospel. Peter wrote, “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently” (1 Peter 1:22).


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Sent by Brother Morris Bowers.

GOSPEL WORK REPORT: NOVEMBER 2023

  12 th   Day of December, Year of our Lord 2023 Dear Brethren and Sisters in Christ Jesus, "I wish above all things that thou mayest p...