Apostasy from Primitive Christianity

Second Thessalonians 2:3-10 addresses an apostasy from primitive Christianity. Other New Testament passages likewise speak of an apostasy from primitive Christianity (Acts 20:29-30; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:1-9; 4:3-4; 2 Peter 2:1-2). As indicated in the forgoing Scripture references as well as others (2 Corinthians 11:14-15; 1 John 4:1), many false teachers will be erring Christians or at least appear to be servants of God when they are not. However, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10 has peaked interest respecting whether a particular person or persons are meant in that context, namely is it a reference to the Roman Catholic Pope. The following URL includes some information respecting 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10. https://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2001/apr/page18.htm Below, please note further observations regarding the passage of 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10. The primary application of the passage about apostasy pertains to the generation in which the Epistle of 2 Thessalonians was written–the first century. We know this because 2 Thessalonians 2:7 notes that the apostasy under discussion was already underway. Catholicism, with its Catholic pope, was yet hundreds of years in the future from when 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10 was penned. In addition, application of the passage to any specific historical person (as many diverse opinions have done throughout the centuries) meets the same objection, namely that the apostasy mentioned was already budding. Application of the passage to any particular person is highly subjective and not defensible (i.e., verifiable) by the Bible itself. The 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10 passage may refer to an apostasy before the destruction of Jerusalem, and compare to Jesus’ …

In It to Win It!

“In it to win it” is an expression used everywhere to punctuate our language from references to sports teams, sales forces, fast food crews and nearly every other group activity imaginable. “In it to win it” often refers not only to a group’s determination to be the best it can be and the most successful possible, but “in it to win it” characterizes each individual group member’s mindset and contribution to achieving the anticipated goal. As Christians and component parts of the church belonging to Jesus Christ, are we “in it to win it” religiously? How much activity for the Lord and with the Gospel would characterize a local congregation were each member clearly “in it to win it”? Above all others, Christians need to be “in it to win it”! Otherwise and using biblical wording, one might say he has “whole heart” religion. “Whole heart” religion leads one to not only praise God, but to unreservedly and actively serve God, too. “I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works” (Psalm 9:1). The original language word for “whole heart” here includes one’s emotions and intellect, plus suggests the deepest organ and center; from the deepest most internal part of our being we ought to fully worship and serve our God. “Whole heart” religion leads one to enthusiastically and unconditionally worship God in his own appointed way. “Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly …

Helping Children Succeed in school

In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about the success of children in the schools. Most parents want their children to receive a good education in order to be successful in life. Teachers also want children in their classrooms to do well. The question then arises, “How do we help children reach their full potential and learn all they can?” The first thing parents, teachers and even children need to understand is that everyone can learn. Life is a learning process. Babies learn to get the attention of adults. As children grow, they learn to feed themselves, dress themselves, walk and talk. Each of these events is an area of learning. Just like children do not all begin to walk or talk at the same age, children do not all learn to read, write and do arithmetic at the same age. Anyone can learn. The apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” All things include the ability to learn. Next, consider that not everyone has the same ability to learn. While everyone is capable of learning, not everyone can be a rocket scientist. The parable told by Jesus in Matthew 25:14-30 is a good example of this principle. In this illustration, a man divides his goods among his servants in preparation for taking a long journey. The key verse for our purposes is verse 15. It reads, “And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and …

Why Do the Churches of Christ Rely on Freewill Giving?

It is important to emphasize biblical fundamentals, especially when they differ from contemporary religion. The churches of Christ belong to Jesus Christ, and consequently, they are obligated to conduct themselves according to what Jesus authorizes (Romans 16:16; Colossians 3:17). People living in the Gospel Age must heed the words of Jesus Christ rather than Moses or the Old Testament prophets (Matthew 17:1-5; John 12:48). Jesus Christ is the Lawgiver and Mediator of the New Testament, to which people living today must turn for religious instruction (James 4:12; Hebrews 9:15). Jesus Christ condemns alteration of the Gospel with “the commandments of men,” and the apostle Paul condemns false Gospels and the human will (when substituted for divine will) (Matthew 15:9; Galatians 1:6-9; Colossians 2:23). One must turn exclusively to the New Testament to learn what God has authorized respecting Christianity. The contemporary religious world funds itself in a variety of ways. The manner in which the religious world funds itself is entirely owing to preferences of the human will. Gambling is one popular way that some denominational churches finance their religious activities (e.g., bingo, raffles). Food sales is another popular way that some manmade churches fund themselves (e.g., pancake suppers, steak dinners, bake sales, etc.). Car washes, carnivals and various sales help fund some churches. Some churches rely on commercial enterprises to raise money (e.g., investments in sugar or insurance, owning distilleries and bottling companies, operating tourist attractions, etc.). In addition, most contemporary churches adopt tithing from the Old Testament as a part of how …

Why Do the Churches of Christ Not Vote on Doctrine?

It is important to emphasize biblical fundamentals, especially when they differ from contemporary religion. The churches of Christ belong to Jesus Christ, and consequently, they are obligated to conduct themselves according to what Jesus authorizes (Romans 16:16; Colossians 3:17). People living in the Gospel Age must heed the words of Jesus Christ rather than Moses or the Old Testament prophets (Matthew 17:1-5; John 12:48). Jesus Christ is the Lawgiver and Mediator of the New Testament, to which people living today must turn for religious instruction (James 4:12; Hebrews 9:15). Jesus Christ condemns alteration of the Gospel with “the commandments of men,” and the apostle Paul condemns false Gospels and the human will (when substituted for divine will) (Matthew 15:9; Galatians 1:6-9; Colossians 2:23). One must turn exclusively to the New Testament to learn what God has authorized respecting Christianity. Contemporary churches routinely vote on religious doctrine. Catholic and Protestant doctrine has evolved over the centuries. Catholic doctrine slowly developed over several hundred years (e.g., holy water, 1009; priestly celibacy, 1079; indulgences, 1190; transubstantiation and auricular confession, 1215; purgatory, 1439; Mass in Latin only, 1546; immaculate conception of the virgin Mary, 1854; papal infallibility, 1870; etc.). Further crafting of doctrine among Protestants has resulted in crystallizing numerous denominational churches (i.e., hundreds of denominations and thousands of subgroups within those denominations). Especially denominational doctrine continues to change in our time. Denominational doctrines have changed within our lifetimes (e.g., before 1910 Methodist babies were born in sin; meatless Fridays resulted from the Catholic doctrine of not eating …

Two Men and Two women

Many years ago, while teaching at a college operated by Christians, we attended a lectureship in which there was a question and answer period each afternoon. One afternoon discussions arose involving the question of the placement and meaning of Matthew 24:40-42 in which Jesus said, “Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” The question that gave these brethren so much trouble was why did Jesus place these statements after Matthew 24:36, in which he said, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” They pointed out that since the 36th verse obviously referred to the “end of time,” why would Jesus put a scenario into the paragraph that did not fit? All sorts of answers were advanced such as, verses 40-42 were an ellipsis, copyists had put the passage in the wrong place and other such ideas. We remember thinking, what is the problem in the portion of Matthew 24 if the Lord was not making reference to his coming in judgment on the world in verse 36, but to the fact that no one knew the exact time when he would destroy the city of Jerusalem? Did anyone to whom Jesus spoke on that occasion know the day and the …

Lessons from Ananias and Sapphira

Many persons seem to have the attitude of Ananias and Sapphira as recorded in Acts 5:1-11. They would like to “eat their cake and have it too.” They want to partake of the blessings that come from evangelistic efforts that require much money, but are not willing to make any commensurate effort to see that the program succeeds. There are many congregations whose average members spent more on Christmas presents than the whole congregation plans to spend on all missionary or evangelistic programs. Yet, they expect to receive all the blessings that result from others preaching the Gospel throughout the world. There are those in the church now who seem to glory in their “soundness” as they preach eloquently about the value of restoring New Testament Christianity. However, it is one thing to talk about it and another to practice it. When there was a great need in Jerusalem for funds so the Gospel could continue to be preached to large numbers, the Christians there met that need with spontaneity, grace, liberality and power that is worthy of our emulation. That is very different from the cold chisel and wrecking bar that seems necessary today to cut people loose from their possessions. Often it does not seem to be the average church member who is unwilling to give. It is the leadership that has apparently absorbed the notion that if the congregation is told of some pressing need outside the local congregation it will detract from some project the leadership …

Why Do the Churches of Christ Not Fellowship Denominations?

It is important to emphasize biblical fundamentals, especially when they differ from contemporary religion. The churches of Christ belong to Jesus Christ, and consequently, they are obligated to conduct themselves according to what Jesus authorizes (Romans 16:16; Colossians 3:17). People living in the Gospel Age must heed the words of Jesus Christ rather than Moses or the Old Testament prophets (Matthew 17:1-5; John 12:48). Jesus Christ is the Lawgiver and Mediator of the New Testament, to which people living today must turn for religious instruction (James 4:12; Hebrews 9:15). Jesus Christ condemns alteration of the Gospel with “the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9), and the apostle Paul condemned false Gospels and the human will when substituted for the divine will (Galatians 1:6-9; Colossians 2:23). One must turn exclusively to the New Testament to learn what God has authorized respecting Christianity. There were no denominations in the first century to which the churches of Christ could have extended fellowship; Catholic and Protestant churches did not appear in history until several hundred years after the establishment of our Lord’s church. It is true, though, that departures from primitive Christianity began in the first century, some of which doctrinal errors appear in the New Testament (e.g., 1 Corinthians). However, the Roman Catholic Church did not have a universally accepted pope until Boniface III in 606, and the Protestant Reformation Movement did not begin until 1517 when Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany. In contradistinction, Jesus Christ established only one church …

Statistical Activity

A scoreboard is “a large board for displaying the score of a game or match,” and a scorecard is “a card for recording the score of a game.” A scorekeeper is “one that keeps score,” and scoreless means “having no score” (Merriam-Webster). In other words, a scoreboard and its related words pertain to statistical activity. Usually, these words pertain to various games or sports with which humans amuse themselves, such as baseball, basketball, hockey, football, auto racing or golf. In principle, a scoreboard and its related words can pertain to other areas of life such as business and the stock market. As important as business matters may be, still there is another, more important area of life for Christians that could be summarized with statistical activity or a scoreboard of sorts. The Wadsworth, Ohio church of Christ has a scoreboard of sorts or records statistical activity respecting their labors for the Lord in its community; this record board accompanies the usual information boards (i.e., attendance, contribution, song numbers) at the front of the auditorium. Christianity, while not strictly a sport and not trivial like a mere game, is compared to sporting events several times in the New Testament (Galatians 2:2; 5:7; 1 Corinthians 9:24-26; Philippians 2:16; 3:14; 2 Timothy 4:7; Hebrews 12:1). Likewise, the Old Testament portrays the godly pursuit as a race (Psalm 19:5; Ecclesiastes 9:11; Jeremiah 12:5). The scoreboard or statistical activity exists for every congregation and for each child of God, irrespective of whether realized. No congregation …

The Church Ain’t Doing Nothing

“The church ain’t doing nothing!” How often have we heard that statement from a brother in Christ? And it is to be admitted that we often fail in fulfilling the many obligations that God has given to us. But there are some pertinent observations that need to be made relative to this broad statement. First of all, we could say that the brother who makes such an accusation has taken to himself some of the attributes that are considered belonging only to God. In Psalms 139, we learn that God is omnipresent and omniscient. Thus, for a brother to be absolutely correct in saying that “The church ain’t doing nothing” (a double negative which means that the church is doing something) he would have to posses all the knowledge of what all the brethren may or may not be doing. Otherwise, where he could not be and what he could not know, some brethren could be doing some work for the Lord. It is humanly impossible for a mortal man to have a complete knowledge of every good deed done by Christians. One may not know: of a marriage saved because an elder or a preacher counseled with the husband and wife in privacy. A letter of encouragement written to a friend. A family providing transportation to worship for an elderly person. A sister caring for a loved one who is an invalid. Members visiting those who are shut-ins and/or sick. A young person carrying a gift to an aged …

High Road to Heaven

Spiritually, there are two possible roads between which every accountable soul makes a choice. Jesus said, “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” (Matthew 7:13-14). The word “way” in this passage means “road.” Christians need to select the high road to heaven! Taking the high road to heaven sometimes means refusing to be detoured by the temptation to berate those who malign or otherwise harm us; take Jesus for instance: For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (1 Peter 2:21-24) Rather than stooping down to the level of those who make themselves the enemies of Christians (Galatians 4:16), Christians need to follow the lead of Jesus when he said: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and …

The Spirit of Involvement

In the Book of Nehemiah we are introduced to people who had “a mind to work.” This is the same as saying that they had the spirit of involvement. It takes involvement to get a job done (Nehemiah 2:17-18). It takes involvement for the church to grow. The spirit of involvement demonstrated here is opposed to the spirit of laziness, fear, contentedness, hopelessness, apathy and indifference. Enemies try to provoke a spirit of hopelessness in us just as they did in Nehemiah’s day (4:1-3), but, we can respond to discouragement by praying (4:4). Interest and enthusiasm are contagious commodities as are their opposites, stagnation and non-involvement. Leaders can lead, urge, encourage and provide the example for greater involvement in the Lord’s work, but, until people “catch fire” with interest and zeal there is little else they can do. One of the problems we face in the church today is spectator mentality. Someone has suggested that most congregations are composed of people who are “100% willing”–10% are willing to work and 90% are willing to let them. No doubt, all of us want to see the Lord’s work prosper and grow, but what are we doing to help? We want to see the lost taught the Gospel, the sick visited, the needy relieved, the weak encouraged and the body of Christ edified, but who is personally involved in any of these areas? Are you? We have no aversion to being involved in clubs, sports, scouts, organizations, social interests and hobbies; however, …

Be It Far from Me

Eli was a judge of Israel. God had promised to bless Eli and his family. Eli was also a priest. God had chosen Aaron and his sons to serve as priests. Every son born into the Aaronic line was to be a priest. It was the responsibility of each priest to train his sons in the priesthood. And just as every father was to do, the priest was expected to rear his children in the proper faith toward God. Each father was responsible for teaching the Word of God to his children. Each father was to properly discipline his children. Eli had failed in rearing his children properly. In 1 Samuel 2:27-36, we read what a prophet came and told Eli. He tells Eli that he has not done well. He did not keep his sons properly disciplined. He had taken advantage of God’s blessings. He had allowed his sons to do some very bad things. In verse 30, the prophet speaking for God says, “I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.” God had given a promise to Eli and his family. But that promise of blessing was dependent on obedience by Eli and his family. When Eli did not do what he was supposed to do, God was not required to …

Being Armed

The Israelites had wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. They had come up against some kings and had won battles. They were now preparing to cross the Jordan River and go into the land of Canaan. The Reubenites and Gadites had many cattle. They had seen the land of Jazer and Gilead and knew it would be good for their cattle. They asked Moses if they could stay on the east side of the Jordan and make these lands their home. Moses tells them that they could. But there was something they must do before they could consider themselves at rest in their new homes. They must go across the Jordan and help the other tribes conquer the land where they would live. You can read what Moses had to say to them in Numbers 32:1-33. Later in Joshua 1:12-18, you can read Joshua’s restatement of what Moses had said. Many Bible students believe that it was only the land west of the Jordan River that the Israelites were to inherit. They believe that this was the only promised land. But this is not true. If the Reubenites and Gadites had decided to live somewhere other than God’s promised land, they would not have been blessed in doing so by God.  God also put three of the cities of refuge on the east side of the Jordan. He would not have done this if it had not been part of the promised land. In Genesis 15, God had told …

“Full Steam Ahead!”

“Full steam ahead” is an idiom. An idiom is “an expression in the usage of a language that is peculiar to itself… in having a meaning that cannot be derived from the conjoined meanings of its elements” (Merriam-Webster). In other words, an idiom is a figurative expression that has a meaning that goes beyond the individual words that comprise it. The idiom “full steam ahead” means “with all possible energy and enthusiasm” (Free Dictionary) or “[a]s fast and as strongly as possible” (Answers.com). The “[e]tymology” [historical development of words] for this phrase is “based on the literal use of full steam in ships, which makes them go at their top speed” (Free Dictionary) and “allude[s] to the steam engine, where full steam signifies that a boiler has developed maximum pressure” (Answers.com). Purportedly, the expression “full steam ahead” was made famous in 1864 by Admiral David Glasgow Farragut at the Civil War Battle of Mobile Bay. In 1864, David Farragut [of the Union] was assigned the task of securing Mobile Bay, the center of Confederate blockade-running. The area was protected by formidable fortifications and the bay was heavily mined (mines at that time were known as torpedoes). On August 5, 1864, Farragut gave the order to ignore the risks: [With  mild profanity respecting] “…the torpedoes!”… he said, “Full steam ahead!” The modest Confederate fleet was defeated and the forts surrendered shortly thereafter. (“Civil War”) “The engagement on Mobile Bay was the preeminent naval action of the Civil War” (“Civil War”), or in other …

The Power of Prayer

The text of James 15:13-18 gives us a glimpse of the power of prayer. To begin with, we are given reasons to pray: suffering afflictions (verse 13), sickness (verse 14) and confession of sins (verses 15-16). The healing of the sick (verse 15) and forgiveness of sins (verse 15) are listed in the text as results of prayer. The text also gives an Old Testament example of the power of prayer. Verses 17-18 site Elijah praying to God to stop the rain and then for it to return three and a half years later. This account is recorded in 1 Kings 17-18. The main phrase from our text for discussion at this time comes from verse 16, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” There are four main points to the lesson: (1) Prayers Are Effectual, (2) Prayers Must Be Fervent, (3) Prayers Must Come from the Righteous and (4) Prayers Will Avail. Prayers Are Effectual The text reads, “The effectual fervent prayer…” The Greek word for “effectual” is energeo, which means, “to be active, efficient” (Biblesoft’s). The root word also means “operative” and “powerful” (Biblesoft’s). We see from the definitions of the Greek words that our prayers are operative in that they produce action. Although our prayers do produce actions, these actions must not, cannot, be contrary to the laws of nature. We cannot pray for a miraculous recovery and expect it to occur because miracles have ceased (1 Corinthians 13:8; Ephesians 4:11-13). God does work, however, by means …

Why Do the Churches of Christ Emphasize Baptism?

It is important to emphasize biblical fundamentals, especially when they differ from contemporary religion. The churches of Christ belong to Jesus Christ, and consequently, they are obligated to conduct themselves according to what Jesus authorizes (Romans 16:16; Colossians 3:17). People living in the Gospel Age must heed the words of Jesus Christ rather than Moses or the Old Testament prophets (Matthew 17:1-5; John 12:48). Jesus Christ is the Lawgiver and Mediator of the New Testament, to which people living today must turn for religious instruction (James 4:12; Hebrews 9:15). Jesus Christ condemns alteration of the Gospel with “the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9), and the apostle Paul condemned false Gospels and the human will when substituted for the divine will (Galatians 1:6-9; Colossians 2:23). One must turn exclusively to the New Testament to learn what God has authorized respecting Christianity. The churches of Christ are obligated to emphasize exactly what the New Testament teaches. The churches of Christ are obligated to adhere to what the New Testament teaches regarding every divine doctrine. Consequently, the churches of Christ teach what the New Testament teaches about Christian worship. The churches of Christ teach what the New Testament teaches about Christian living. The churches of Christ teach what the New Testament teaches about Christian service. Therefore, the churches of Christ teach what the New Testament teaches about salvation. The New Testament consistently teaches that baptism is the point at which one’s sins are removed. Jesus taught the faith and baptism results in salvation (Mark 16:16). The apostle Peter taught that through repentance and …

Why Do the Churches of Christ Not Have Female Leaders?

1 Timothy 2:12-14 It is important to emphasize biblical fundamentals, especially when they differ from contemporary religion. Since, the churches of Christ belong to Jesus Christ (Romans 16:16), they are obligated to conduct themselves according to what Jesus authorizes (Colossians 3:17). Really, all people living in the Gospel Age must heed the words of Jesus Christ rather than Moses or the Old Testament prophets (Matthew 17:1-5; John 12:48). Further, Jesus Christ is the Lawgiver (James 4:12) and Mediator (Hebrews 9:15) of the New Testament, to which people living today must turn for religious instruction. In addition, Jesus Christ condemns alteration of divine instruction with “the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9), and the inspired apostle Paul likewise condemned false Gospels (Galatians 1:6-9) and the human will when substituted for the divine will (Colossians 2:23). Hence, one must turn exclusively to the New Testament to learn what God has authorized respecting Christianity. Manmade religion has improvised regarding several aspects of church leadership–displacing the leadership in religion that God authorized in the New Testament. One way in which mankind has altered religion from the New Testament pattern is by introduction of a formal clergy. Often this clergy is distinguished from the rest of the church by special clothing for the clergy (e.g., often colorful, flowing robes and headgear). Companion to special clothing for clergy are special religious titles reserved for clergy, which Jesus disallowed (Matthew 23:8-10). Many denominations have formalized worship with this special clergy beyond what the New Testament reveals respecting worship under Christianity. “But I …