Baptizing Babies

If a Methodist women has a child, and her husband is wican believer. Can she baptize a newborn in any church by her self? ~ Andrea Delgado The New Testament teaches that adult believers are baptized, not babies. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved…” (Mark 16:16). Babies are neither able to believe nor choose for themselves to be baptized. Regarding conversion in the early church, men and women rather than children responded to the Gospel call. “And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women” (Acts 5:14). The Bible would not have anyone baptize babies. You do, though, need to research God’s Word respecting his will regarding salvation, acceptable worship, etc. The churches of Christ rely solely on the New Testament for their instruction and practice in religion. The Bible alone is man’s only sure avenue to the mind of God for humanity. Bible correspondence courses are available or you may want to seek out a church of Christ in your community to help you in your studies of the Bible.

How Old Was Abram When Noah Died?

The “Chronology of the Bible” that appears in the back of The New Dickson Analytical Bible places the death of Noah by Ussher’s calculations at the year 1998 B.C. (1452). The same chart lists the birth of Abram (Abraham as we better know him) at 1996 B.C. That many years ago, chronologists essentially mark the death of Noah and the birth of Abram as occurring about the same time.

When Jewish Sacrifices Ended

Can you tell me when the Jews stopped their animal sacrifices, and why? Was it because their city of Jerusalem and temple were destroyed? The Romans prohibited Jews from even entering the city of Jerusalem after the city’s destruction in A.D. 70. The Jewish revolt of A.D. 132-135 failed and Jews was unable to wrest the site of Jerusalem from the Romans. The Romans rebuilt and fortified the former capital of Judaism, naming it Colonia Aelia Capitolina, which they considered a Roman colony. A heathen temple dedicated to Jupiter Capitolinus was built atop Mt. Moriah where the Jewish Temple had stood (New Unger’s). Along with the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, “…the high priesthood and the SANHEDRIN were abolished” (Nelson’s). However, the Jews suspended their sacrifices on the 84th day of the siege of Jerusalem by the Romans, and the Temple was destroyed on the 105th day of the siege (International Standard). Another source reads, “On the 28th of June the daily ‘sacrifice (Dan 9:27) ceased’ from want of an officiating priest… On September 11th at last the Romans gained the upper city…” (Fausset’s). Centuries later, the Jews were permitted to make an annual visit to the western wall of the Temple mount where they prayed and mourned at the time of the former evening sacrifice. “Jews were forbidden to enter the city on pain of death. In the fourth century they got leave to enter it in order to wail on the anniversary of its capture; their place …

Matthew 5:28

Does Matthew 5:28 of KJV justify divorce and the right to remarry? What is meant by “adultery of the heart”? Please explain this verse in context. Thank You, Carol F. Chambers The Greek word for “adultery,” moicheuo, that appears in Matthew 5:28 is used in other passages where it clearly means to commit adultery in every sense in which one normally understands that act. The same Greek word appears in Matthew 5:27, 19:18, Mark 10:19, Luke 18:20, Romans 13:9 and James 2:11 where its use refers to the prohibition in the Old Testament against committing adultery. This Greek word is used in Luke 16:18, a parallel passage to Matthew 5:32 and 19:9, where it does refer to the physical activity of adultery. There can be no doubt that the Greek word refers to the physical act of adultery for it is used precisely that way in John 8:4. Revelation 2:22 also employs this Greek word for adultery. Moicheuo appears in both Matthew 5:27 and Matthew 5:28 where the prohibition against adultery in the Old Testament is compared with our Lord’s use of the same word regarding sexual lust, which he calls ‘adultery of the heart.’ The word for “adultery” in Matthew 5:32 where Jesus regulated divorce and remarriage is moicheia, related to the word appearing in Matthew 5:27-28. However, did Jesus intend the original recipients of his message in Matthew 5 (and us) to understand that thoughts of lust alone that have not yet been acted upon are sufficient, God-approved grounds for …

You Can Do It

There are thousands of small churches and millions of Christians throughout the land who are doing very little to spread the good news of the Gospel, not necessarily because they do not care, but partly because no one has helped them to see how, and then helped them to do it. This article is an attempt to motivate and encourage you, individually and/or collectively, to start and continue a program that will be rewarding spiritually for all those who participate, and will do more for the spiritual and numerical growth of the church than any one thing of which I know. I have been preaching from the pulpit and radio for about half a century, and involved in teacher training, personal evangelism and correspondence Bible course work for almost that long. In fact, I was involved in correspondence Bible course work in 1945. I do not know of any method of winning souls that has more potential for advancing the cause of Christ than correspondence Bible course work. Let me suggest some reasons why, and some methods by which you can do it. If you cannot get the whole congregation involved at first, start by yourself, and as good results are seen, others will help. First, any person who can be encouraged to get involved will profit in the following ways: 1. He will feel a sense of self-worth and commitment to the greatest task on earth. Do not underestimate the value and power of that. 2. He will be …

Heaven

I am walking to a city the grandest of them all The streets with gold are laid Yet, there is the gate, a beauty to behold Encrusted with all the beauty in the world The meadows have every kind of flower Bees and butterflies, too Trees have nests with chickadees And cardinals, too The valley has a lake with Fish turtles and frogs, too But the Church is the grandest thing of all Bibles are everywhere It’s like a great big library With songbooks, too The sign outside says Christ’s Church in Heaven I see my family Mommy, Daddy Jennifer, Carrie, Lori, Tarz Roger, Austin Brayden, Pap Pap S., Grandmas And my friends are there, too Shanan, Bonnie Louis, Robert Rebecca and everyone in between But the last view to behold is God, Christ and the Holy Ghost All sitting on the Throne It is more beautiful Than that No one can paint it They just believe in the Beautiful City of God By Sarah Beth Smith (age 10)

Home Bible Study

[West Virginia Christian. 10.2 (2003): 6.] Study is essential to learning, to understanding and to success. As mothers, we make sure our children study their lessons and are prepared for school each day. We review and quiz them in their schoolwork because we know that study is important for their success in the future. The study of the Bible with our children at home is of much more importance than the study of school subjects. Bible study answers the question, “Who is God?” for our children. It lets children know where they come from and how special and priceless they are to God. It gives them a sense of purpose here on earth. It teaches them about sin (about right and wrong), about forgiveness and about heaven. Romans 10:17 teaches that Bible study will increase our children’s faith in God. Second Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to show yourself approved unto God…” Yes, our children study the Bible in their classes on Sunday morning and Wednesday night each week, but an hour of study a week does not give our children enough spiritual food to ward off the world’s temptations. In many cases, we are failing to teach our children the principles of God’s Word. The church is not growing, as it should. Do you realize that if each of us were teaching our children, as we should, the numbers of Christians would generally be increasing, without even considering teaching the Gospel to those outside our families? Think about it. Most …

Relation to the Generation

 “Be saved from this perverse generation.” These are words of Peter on Pentecost that follow the more familiar strains of Acts 2:38. Peter apparently elaborated on them to some extent, since the Holy Spirit records, “And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse generation’” (Acts 2:40). Wouldn’t it be interesting to know the illustrations and applications that elucidated this stern and loving warning? Perhaps Peter spoke of the rampant immorality of the Roman world, in which the Jews grudgingly resided. Perchance he spoke of corruption in leaders — both Jewish and Roman, although it is unlikely he railed against government, for later inspired teachings command a solemn respect for the authorities (Romans 13; 1 Peter 2; 1 Timothy 2). He may have mentioned the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. He had already spent accusations against Christ’s tormentors, and those bystanders who called for his death. He may have dwelt on that theme a while longer. It would be interesting to know, but it is obviously not necessary, or we would know. The whole thought, though, gives rise to the question of what times in history such a homily would be appropriate. Is every generation perverse? Are there some better than others? To this author’s mind, with limited historical knowledge, the application seems timeless. Every generation has its righteous people, and, conversely, its wicked. The wicked, as per Jesus’ prediction (Matthew 7:14,15), outnumber the godly. Never is there an age that cannot fit this …

The True Test of Discipleship

James wrote: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves… If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world (James 1:21-27). It is easy to talk a good religion, but it is quite another thing to live it. To hear the truth but not be changed by it will do no one any good. As the text says, we must be more than hearers; we must be doers. What does this entail? Christianity is the religion of the bridled tongue. Our relationship with Jesus is reflected in the language we use, the things we talk about and the things we do not talk about. If we think we can follow Jesus while we embrace the language of the world, we are sadly mistaken. Religion without a bridled tongue is vain religion. Christianity is the religion of the compassionate heart. We cannot be children of God while closing our hearts to the needs of those around us. Widows and orphans are representative of all who are in genuine need. The apostle John expressed it this way. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? …

When the Great Physician Got Sick

Evidently, Jesus had a healthy body from birth. There is no record of him ever being sick or injured before the terrible scene that started in Gethsemane and culminated at Golgotha. He may have been sickened by some virus or by something he ate as a child, but we have no record of it. The only time we know he ever got sick was after he want back to heaven. Jesus told John about it, and John passed it along to some churches he knew in Asia Minor (by inspiration, of course, 2 Timothy 3:16). We can still read the letter for it is found in the Bible’s last book. The emotion here ascribed to our Lord is, so far as I know, not ascribed to him anywhere else in God’s Word. At times Christ was represented as being grieved (Mark 3:5), angry (Mark 3:5) and disappointed (John 6:67), but John pictures him as disgusted, even to the point of nausea. He felt like he would “spue…of out His mouth” (Revelation 3:16, literally, “I am about to vomit”). What made the Lord sick? Or, rather, who are those with whom he was so thoroughly displeased? It was not Nero and his court officials. It was not a brothel or bar. It was not homosexuals marching down main street or bootleggers selling on back streets. It was not an “Atheists’ Association” or a local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan. It was not some group of pagan worshippers — not even …

Two Mountains — Two Laws

The theme of the Bible is redemption. In Genesis God selected the vehicle for this redemption, namely, the nation of Israel. In Exodus God redeemed this nation from Egyptian bondage. In Exodus, we read of the great events at Mt. Sinai. Here God gave the standard of life for his redeemed (i.e. the Law of Moses). Here he set forth the meeting place for the redeemed (i.e. the tabernacle). At Sinai God gave to this redeemed people a special Person (i.e. the Messiah, the Christ). There are rich contrasts between the Law of Moses and the Law of the Messiah. There are contrasts between when these laws were given, where they were given and the results of these laws being given. Fifty days after Abraham’s seed (the Israelites) were set free from Egypt, they came to Mt. Sinai, and the Law of Moses was declared. Fifty days after Abraham’s true seed (cf. Galatians 3:16), the Christ — was set free from death, and resurrected, the law of Christ was declared at Mt. Zion (Jerusalem — 2 Samuel 5:7; 1 Kings 8:1). This was in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (cf. Isaiah 2:1-3). There is the contrast concerning where these laws were given. The Law of Moses was given at the mount that might be touched (Hebrews 12:18). This was a physical mountain. The Law of Christ was given from a spiritual mountain — Jerusalem which is above (Galatians 4:26). The Law of Moses was given with the message for the …

The Coolest Form of Life!

A common saying today by young and old alike is “Chill Out.” Of course, it is meant like counting to 10 to taking five deep breaths, which gives us a chance to calm down and reflect on our actions. Indeed the inspired Scriptures admonish us to “Be slow to speak,” which reflects this same idea. But for one life form that God created, the phrase “Chill Out” is its way of living. Let’s examine the coolest organism alive on earth today. From the McMurdo Dry Valley of Antarctica 800 miles from the South Pole comes one of the most unusual life forms known to man. In what appears to be one of the most inhospitable climates on the planet we find living things. The temperature never climbs above 4 degrees above freezing. Yet, even in the ice, there have been found living things. God has designed even in this frigid environment a form of bacteria that can thrive under these conditions. While studying many of the frozen lakes found on Antarctica, the teams of scientists drilling down into the ice found colonies of bacteria. Down more than 20 feet in the ice, whole colonies of different types of bacteria were found. These included cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), some nitrogen-fixing species, and other undescribed varieties. It appears that this colony, made up of different species of bacteria, is necessary for the survival of each one of the species. Each of the variety of bacteria has a different metabolic mechanism that allows it …

What About Fasting

What is fasting and what does the Bible teach about this practice? Is it in any way for Christians today? Fasting, in biblical sense, is abstaining from food and/or drink for a spiritual reason. In the Old Testament era the Jews fasted frequently, though there was only one fast commanded by the Law. Once each year on the Day of Atonement, the Hebrews were to “afflict” their souls (Leviticus 16: 31), which meant fasting (Isaiah 58:3). There are no compulsory fasts required on Christians today, yet the New Testament takes for granted the fact that children of God would occasionally see the need to fast. When the Lord’s disciples were criticized for not fasting, Jesus responded by suggesting that it was hardly appropriate for them to fast while he was yet with them. The time would come, however, when he would be taken away, and then they would fast (Luke 5:35). In cautioning against improper motivation in worship Christ warned: “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites…” (Matthew 6:16). It is significant that the Lord did not say “if,” but rather, “When ye fast,” reflecting the expectation that they would fast. Fasting for the Christian is strictly a voluntary matter. It should arise, as R.C. Foster observes, “out of the heart and should not be imposed on the body my mere external custom.” A careful study of the biblical data concerning this practice can be of considerable profit. Occasions for Fasting Fasting may be of value in times …

Biblical Principles Rejecting Gambling

The Psalmist’s prayer should be the objective of every Bible class lesson and sermon, “Give me understanding, that I may observe Thy law, and keep it with all my heart” (119:34). The Holy Scriptures are certainly able to guide us in choosing how to live (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Our goal in Bible study should be to examine the Scriptures and discern how we should live. It is incredible that some maintain the Bible does not address “modern” choices. Having made that assertion, they feel justified in participating in many unethical activities. One of these is gambling. But, it is error to say the Bible does not call gambling a sin. Look at these principles that reveal the sinful nature of gambling. The Bible teaches that we are to work for what we get. A number of texts urge us to be diligent in our work ethic (cf. Ephesians 4:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12; Proverbs 28:19; 13:11; 15:27; etc.). A Christian who gambles is trying to get something for nothing and that is sin according to God’s Book! The Bible teaches that we are to feel compassion for others. The “Golden Rule” (Matthew 7:12), the “second greatest command” (Matthew 22:39), and Christian benevolence (Galatians 6:10) advocate compassion. But gambling prods us to rejoice when another is wronged. The Bible teaches us to avoid materialism. The apostle’s simple command is “Love not the world!” (1 John 2:15-17). The reason is explained by Paul, a love for the world will compromise one’s love for …

The Value of Old Testament Study

[Christian Courier 35 (2000) 43.] Several New Testament passages teach the temporary design of the Old Testament system (the Law of Moses), and the fact that the new covenant of Christ superseded the Old (Colossians 2:14-15; Ephesians 2:14-15; Galatians 3:23-25; Romans 7:1-6; Hebrews 6:12; 9:15-17). If the Old Testament has been abrogated, why should a person be concerned with studying it? This is a question of many sincere people, and it deserves a response. This caution, however, must be noted. In arguing the temporary status of the Old Testament system, one should not leave the mistaken notion that the OT is an insignificant portion of Scripture. In considering the value of Old Testament study, one should be aware of some invalid uses of it. First, the OT is not a source for determining how to become a Christian (cf. Acts 4:12; Romans 1:16). Second, the OT is not a guide for Christian worship (cf. Colossians 3:17; 2 John 9). Third, the OT is not a pattern for the church (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:11; Hebrews 10:1). Fourth, the OT cannot be isolated from the NT (2 Timothy 1:10). When inspired NT writers comment on OT passages, it is abject arrogance to disagree with them. The NT was given as the binding will of Christ, becoming operative subsequent to his death (cf. Hebrews 9:15-17; Luke 10:16; John16: 13). Why, then, study the OT? Let us consider a number of reasons. First, Life’s basic questions are answered. What is the origin of man and the universe? By inspiration, Moses began Genesis, “In the beginning, …

The Running Watchmen

In ancient Palestine, vineyards were very important to the people. A great deal of food was grown in these vineyards, particularly the grape. The vineyards were many times planted not only in the valleys, but also up the sides of the mountains. Terraces were built on the side of the mountains so that the grapes could be planted. Watchmen were appointed to stand guard over these vineyards. The watchmen would be stationed high up on the sides of the mountains. The watchmen always stood on an outcropping of rock. By standing, they were always awake and able to be attentive to see if anyone came near the vineyard. The watchmen would be positioned so that one could see all the way to the point where another one could see. Many times the watchmen might not be able to see each other but they knew that they could communicate. If a watchman saw someone enter the valley and come close to the vineyard, he would begin to call out. Another watchman would hear the call and call out also. Before a few minutes could go by, the entire valley would be filled with the calling of alarm by the watchmen. The watchman closest to the strange intruder would leave his post and run to meet the stranger. If the watchman observed that the stranger meant no harm, he greeted the stranger with a large cluster of grapes and kind words. He would then accompany the stranger through the valley with words …

Crying in the Wilderness

In Mark 1:3, we read, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” The word here for “crying” is the word for crying out with deep feeling. It is not just a person shouting out a message. It is a message given out with deep interest for those who would hear it. The one crying in this verse is John the Baptist. John was sent by God to tell the Jews that the Christ was coming. John was inspired by God to give a message to the Jews. John, therefore, was given the words to say from God. John was crying out with the deep love and interest that God had for the Jews. God is love. And, God wanted nothing more than for all of the Jews to obey him. God wanted the Jews to accept and follow Jesus when he came. God also loves you. He wants you to follow and obey his Word. He wants you to read and study is Word.

Causes of Falling Away from the Faith

(1) The wrong kind of companions, as in the case of Simon Peter (Luke 22:54-62). The future apostle “sat down among” the wrong kind of people. Soon thereafter he denied the Lord three times (Vs. 61). “Evil companionships corrupt good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33). (2) The love of money, as in the case of Judas Iscariot (Matthew 26:14-25). Judas’ heart was “in the bag” in the sense that he loved too much its contents (John 12:6). Paul said that covetousness is idolatry (Colossians 3:5). Many have been led away from God who loved too much the power of money (1 Timothy 6:17). (3) Self-satisfaction, as in the case of the church of Christ at Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22). Robert R. Taylor, Jr., has correctly depicted this ancient church of Asia Minor by saying, “Laodicea is a sad synonym for lukewarmness, disinterest, lack of zeal, heartlessness, iniquitous indolence and lethal lethargy. They were a congregation on the certain way to hell and did not care. It bothered them not one iota” (Ripley Beacon, Sept. 9, 1990). If we are not moving upward and onward (spiritually), we are sliding backward and downward. (4) Returning to false religion, as in the case of the Galatian and Hebrew brethren (Galatians 5:1-4; Hebrews 6:4-6). Judaizing teachers who confused people with extra demands insisting that circumcision and the Mosaic Law were needed in addition to the cross affected the Galatian churches. The Hebrew Christians had been reared in the religion of Moses for fifteen centuries. The design of the Hebrews epistle is to show the …

Passion Sunday

The Sunday (April 2, A.D. 30) before Jesus’ crucifixion is called “Passion Sunday” or “Palm Sunday.” From the 4th century are the “blessing and procession of palms (leaves of the date palms or twigs from locally available trees)” accompanied by singing (Britannica). The prophet Zechariah, about 520 B.C., saw Jesus, not as a “carpenter” (Mark 6:3), but as a “king”: Rejoice with all your heart, people of Zion! Shout in triumph, people of Jerusalem! Look! Your King is coming to you: He is righteous and victorious. He is humble and rides on a donkey, on a colt, a young pack animal (Zechariah 9:9). Jesus knew what Zechariah had predicted, and he knew where two donkeys, a mother and her son, were in Bethphage tied in front of a certain house “by the door outside on the street” (Matthew 21:1-4; Mark 11:4). Jesus asked two of his disciples to bring the donkeys to him. “So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them” (Matthew 21:6). Then they threw their garments on the colt, and set Jesus on him (Luke 19:35). As Jesus rode along, a large crowd spread their garments on the road, and some cut branches from the trees and put them on the road (Matthew 21:8). The people going before and following fulfilled another Old Testament prediction as they shouted, “Hosanna [“Save now”] to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heavens” (Psalm 118:25-26; Matthew 21:9). …

Who Really Killed Jesus?

Last week Mel Gibson’s movie, The Passion of the Christ, began playing in theaters across the nation. Since the film has met with some intense controversy, it is perhaps appropriate to address some of the criticisms leveled against it. By no means is this an endorsement or a condemnation of the movie. This writer has not yet seen The Passion, but from previews, it appears to be a stunning visual account of the last twelve hours of the life of Jesus. Then too, if the reviews are correct, we expect there to be some scriptural inaccuracies contained in the story itself. This would not be completely unexpected since it is a manmade work of art, and directors and writers often take some liberties with their scripts, citing poetic license or artistic expression as their reasons for doing so. The title of the film suggests the content as well. From its Latin roots, the word “passion” originally meant “pain and suffering.” As is common with word usage, the meaning has changed somewhat over the passing centuries to also include the compassion or pity and love Jesus has for the human race. Many in the media have expressed concern with The Passion’s graphic, violent nature. Where were these people when The Terminator, Silence of the Lambs, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, etc. were released? Incidentally, there does not seem to be as much public outcry against modern video games either. Of course, if the film is to be visually accurate at all, it of necessity must be violent and bloody! The …

Why Not in Your Town?

Two thousand years ago, Mary gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem, at which time 332 Old Testament prophecies concerning the Savior of the world began to be fulfilled. Joseph and Mary reared Jesus in Nazareth, whereupon when he reached full manhood at the age of 30, our Lord commenced his earthly ministry. For about three years, Jesus prepared for the establishment of his church and equipped some rather ordinary men, which he dubbed apostles, to lead the primitive church, once it was begun. Our Lord’s public ministry abruptly ended when, instigated by Jewish leaders, the Romans mercilessly beat Jesus and crucified him, on a cross outside the walls of Jerusalem. Three days after his burial, death and Hades unable to contain the Son of God, Jesus resurrected from the grave, never to return thereto. A little over a month later, Jesus Christ Ascended to heaven where he remains awaiting the end of time, whereupon he will return to whisk his followers into heavenly bliss. The four Gospel records and Acts Chapter One abound with the details of the foregoing. From his heavenly headquarters and through his apostles, Jesus Christ established his church on May 28 of A.D. 30 in the city of Jerusalem (Acts 2:22-36 NKJV). Before Acts Chapter Two, the church did not exist yet, but it was the object of our Lord’s promise: “…I will build my church…” (Matthew 16:18). With the unfolding of Acts Two, all the disciples of Jesus, who had undergone the preparatory baptism of …