Good Afternoon

For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body (1 Cor. 6:20)

We Have been rescued from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of God's beloved Son, in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins (Col. 1:12-14). That rescue did not come without a great price being paid to make it possible (1 Thess. 5:9-10; 1 Pet. 3:18; 1 Pet.2:21; Heb. 2:9-10; Heb. 13:12; Heb. 5:7-9). Realizing that we have been bought with a price should lead us to praise, exalt and honor God in our thoughts, words and deeds as we walk the pathway of life.

Long ago Solomon stated "as a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Prov. 23:7). I has been said that nothing, good or bad, is done without the thought having first been planted in the heart. We should give diligent heed to "Watch over our heart with all diligence for from it flows the springs of life (Prov. 4:23). Be mindful of the things you put into your heart. We may deceive our fellowman but in reality, what we think is really what we are and God knows every thought of our heart (Heb. 4:12-13). It will be much easier to glorify God if we fill our hearts with that which is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, good repute, excellent and worthy of praise (Phil, 4:8).

In glorifying God our speech must be sound. "Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another"--Eph. 4:25. "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such word as is good for edification....so that it will give grace to those who hear"--Eph. 4:29. "From the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way"--James 3:10. "Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God"--1 Pet. 4:11.  I wonder, will the words we speak and write every day pass the test of these four passages? Always keep in mind that our words whether spoken or written reveal much about us (Matt. 26:73).

Glorifying God in our body is going to require that we walk worthy  of Him and please Him in our conduct (Phil. 1:27; 1 Thess. 2:12; 1 Thess. 4:1; Matt. 5:16; James 1:27; 1 Cor. 15:58; Rom.12:1-2). Study carefully Eph. 4:17-32 and Romans 12:1-21 and learn some of the great rules that govern our walk as a child of God. Living by these rules, we will be honest and honorable people living lives of truth and integrity. My friends, if we conform to these rules we will glorify God and come to the end of the journey with no regrets.

Charles Hicks

"A DAY THAT WILL LIVE IN INFAMY"

Fifty-seven years ago, on a bright Sunday morning, more than 2000 servicemen lost their lives as a result of an attack by Japan on Pearl Harbor. President Roosevelt predicted that December 7th would be a day that would “live in infamy.” A Memorial has been erected on the very spot where the USS Arizona sank. More than 50 years ago I stood on that Memorial and gazed down into the water to view the remains of that once mighty battleship that now serves as a tomb for the sailors who lost their lives that day. I was not yet born when those men lost their lives, but my visit to the Memorial reminded me that freedom does not come cheap. But I fear, as do others, that with each passing generation the memorial becomes less and less significant. Frank Michel, columnist for the Houston Chronicle, once wrote:   Time carries out little sneak attacks on our collective memory and too few still feel the shock and pain. Too few are ready to rally ‘round. Too few still see the relevance. Too few know the history! That, I suppose, is part of why so many lie [sic] below the water at Pearl - and beneath the ground in places all over the globe. So that Americans of the late 20th century can wallow obliviously in the luxury of not knowing much and not caring much how, and at what great sacrifice, we got here.   The value of Memorials was implied when Joshua led Israel across the Jordan into the promised land. Twelve stones were taken from the bed of the Jordan River to use in setting up a memorial of that great event. Future generations would ask, “What mean ye these stones?” And they would be reminded that “Israel came over this Jordan on dry land...That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the Lord your God for ever” (Joshua 4:21-22).   Almost 2000 years ago a humble Galilean met with His disciples. On that night before His betrayal He took bread and fruit of the vine and instituted the single greatest Memorial this world has ever known. Shortly thereafter He was arrested, hurried through a mock trial, and crucified between two thieves on a cross outside of Jerusalem. That, too, is a day that will live in infamy! Since that time, millions have observed that feast in His memory. But once again, the passing of time has taken its toll, and a generation has arisen that seems to have forgotten that spiritual freedom has a price! The Memorial is neglected by too many of God’s own people. Trivial things take precedence over the really important. The Supper is spread; the invitation stands; but alas many a place is vacant when it comes time to “do this in my memory.”   Memorials neglected tend to become nothing more than relics of a by-gone era. Each generation must be taught afresh. Once educated, there must be observance of the same so as to repeatedly impress upon our minds the event or thing which the memorial itself represents. It is not enough to simply acknowledge a memorial. We must observe it as well.   Let us not neglect partaking in that Memorial ourselves and let us dare not fail to teach our children the significance of that one and only Memorial that carries with it eternal consequences if we neglect it.   By Tom Wacaster

 

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father--Colossians 3:17

 We need to pay close attention to the command of this passage from the inspired word of God. The words we speak, the deeds we participate in, in fact as a child of God, everything we do in this  life whether it pertains to the temporal realm or the religious realm should be regulated by this command. Doing all things in the name of the Lord Jesus requires that we have his support, his authority to justify not only what we do but also how we do it.

 We are in the midst of a time in which people all over the land are focusing on the birth of Jesus. The birth of God's son was a momentous event and certainly we should be rejoicing that God sent his son to be born into this world (John 3:16; Rom. 5:1-8). Yet, there is no command, inference, principle or example found anywhere in God's word telling us on what day or month that birth took place. Surely, if God had wanted this particular day and month to be a special time of observance, he would have revealed the exact time of its occurrence. On the other hand, the word of God places great emphasis on the life of Jesus, his death, burial and resurrection. This is that which brought to us life, liberty, redemption, and forgiveness of sin (1 Pet. 2:21; Col. 1:12-14; Heb. 5:7-9). If we really want to honor him, let's do it every day of the week by loving him with an exacting obedience to him throughout the entire year (John 14:15; John 15:14)

 Much controversy exists today as to saying "Happy Holiday" instead of "Merry Christmas". The controversy seems to center around taking Christ out of Christmas. Personally, I have come to, prefer "Happy Holiday" because at 84 years of age, after much thought and prayer, considering the way Christmas is observed in a religious vein with no biblical authority for doing so, coupled with the deceptive practices engaged in as a part of Christmas (Santa, Elf on the Shelf), I have come to the conclusion that Christ was put into the Christmas celebration by man, not God. Please understand, this is only one old man's opinion.

 It is the responsibility of each person to diligently search out the truth and then come to their own conclusions. My intent with this "Thought" is not to condemn anyone but rather stir up your minds to be careful in all your words and deeds, following the command of Colossians 3:17. By now some of you may be thinking, this man has lost it. I prefer to think that after 84 years on this earth, spiritually I have grown a little taller and become a little wiser. Call me a Grinch, call me Scrooge but please, don't be angry with me--"Happy Holiday" to everyone.

Charles Hicks

Oswald Golter was a missionary in northern China during the 1940's.

After ten years service he was returning home.  His ship stopped in India, and while waiting for a boat headed for home, he found a group of refugees living in a warehouse on the pier.  Unwanted by anyone else the refugees were stranded there.  Golter went to visit them.  As it was Christmas-time, he wished them a merry Christmas and asked them what they would like for Christmas.

 

“We’re not Christians,” they said. “We don’t believe in Christmas.”

 

“I know,” said the missionary, “but what do you want for Christmas?”  They described some German pastries they were particularly fond of, and so Oswald Golter cashed in his ticket, used the money to buy baskets and baskets of the pastries, took them to the refugees, and wished them a merry Christmas.

 

When he later repeated the incident to a class, a student said, “But sir, why did you do that for them?  They weren’t Christians.  They don’t even believe in Jesus.”

 

“I know,” he replied, “but I do!” *

 

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 NKJV).

 

“While we were still sinners…”  Note that the Apostle Paul includes himself and the Christians in Rome in the “we” of this text.  He is speaking of all humanity.  All of us are sinners.  “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  And, “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

 

Even though we were and are sinners, God demonstrated His own love toward us by giving His Son to die on the cross for our sins.  "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV).

 

Some would question: “Why would God give His Son to die for those who didn’t ask for Him to do so?  They don’t deserve it.  God, they don’t love You.”

 

Through the cross, God answers, “But I do.  I love them.  I want them to be saved.”

 

God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4 NKJV).

 

The truth is…  We are sinners (Romans 3:23) and in our sin are destined for destruction (Matthew 7:13-14).

 

The truth is…  God loves us anyway.  He loves us so much that He gave His Son to die on the cross to pay the price to redeem us from sin (Ephesians 1:7).

 

The truth is…  God will save those who place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  God will continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7).

 

It is amazing and it’s true.  Jesus died for you so that you might live.

 

Won’t YOU accept His offer of salvation and eternal life on His terms?

 

-- David A. Sargent

What is the reclaimed in church Orlando, Florida?

DOES THE CHURCH HAVE AN OFFICIAL, EXCLUSIVE, PATENTED NAME?

 

In our contemporary world of many religions, including a multiplicity of denominations under the umbrella of what is called “Christianity,” it is exceedingly difficult for most people to think in terms of simple New Testament undenominational Christianity.  It is hard for many people to conceive of there being a body of religious people on earth who have become Christians only, but who have not joined any denomination, who do not wear a denominational name, who are not governed by a denominational creed, catechism, or church manual, who do not have a denominational organization/structure or denominational headquarters, who eschew denominational status, but who seek to be just Christians as were the followers of Christ in New Testament times (Acts 22:26; I Peter 4:16).

 

In the New Testament we read of a body of people belonging to God by virtue of having been purchased by the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28; I Peter 1:18-19).  They are identified as God’s “own special people” (Titus 2:11-14).  The more common term used to refer to these people is the word “church,” from the Greek “ekklesia,” meaning “the called out,” i.e., those called out from the rest of the world to be the people of God (II Thessalonians 2:14; I Peter 2:9-10).

 

Jesus promised to build His church and referred to it in the singular as “My church” (Matthew 16:18).  The book of Acts is an inspired account of how Christ, through His Spirit-filled apostles, established His church (Acts 1-2) and of its amazing spread throughout the Greco-Roman world of the first century (Acts 3-28).  Local congregations of redeemed people were called “churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16).

 

These same people also were called the church of God (I Corinthians 10:32; I Corinthians 15:9), and various congregations were called “churches of God” (I Corinthians 1:1-2; I Thessalonians 2:14; II Thessalonians 1:4).  Most often, however, they are simply referred to as “the church” (Matthew 18:17; Acts 2:47 [KJV; NKJV]; Acts 8:3; Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 3:10; Colossians 1:18, 24; et al). 

 

These people are likewise described in the New Testament as being the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18), of which it is emphatically stated that there is but “one body,” and, therefore, but one true church (Ephesians 4:4).  In the context of this latter verse (i.e., Ephesians 4:1-6), one might as well ask which God do you believe in or which Lord do you serve as to ask which church are you a member of or which faith do you follow!  The fact is there is only one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God! 

 

These people  constitute a spiritual kingdom, variously designated as the kingdom of God, the kingdom of Christ, and the kingdom of heaven (Mark 9:1; Colossians 1:13; Matthew 16:18-19). They are referred to as the temple of God (Ephesians 2:19-22 [esp. v. 21]; I Peter 2:4-5), the house (family) of God (I Timothy 3:15), the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:22-32; Romans 7:4; Revelation 21:9), the church of the firstborn [ones] who are enrolled in heaven (Hebrews 12:23), a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation (I Peter 2:9-10), the spiritual Israel of God (Galatians 6:16; Galatians 3:29; Romans 2:28-29), as well as many other informative terms which the careful reader of the New Testament will discover. 

 

None of these descriptors, however, was ever intended to be the official, exclusive, and patented “name” for the New Testament people of God.  Those who want to make any one of the descriptors “the name” of the church show a decidedly denominational concept of the church.  Some do this unknowingly and unintentionally; others do it because they want to portray the church as “a denomination among denominations.”  

 

At the same time, in the midst of a multiplicity of denominations (all of which arose this side of the New Testament), it is in order for those of us who are seeking to be just the church of the New Testament to have some descriptive term by which brothers and sisters in Christ may know one another, especially as they travel from place to place.  Addressing this very point, the late Batsell Barret Baxter, in a tract titled “I Talked to a Stranger and He Asked These Questions,” and in response to the question, “What do you call this church?,” said (and here I am quoting brother Baxter from memory but it is virtually verbatim): “We call it by any of the terms used in the New Testament to designate the people of God, but in the midst of a sadly divided religious world we find it necessary to use one of these terms almost exclusively insofar as our public announcements are concerned and in order to avoid confusion in our modern world.  Although it is no more scriptural than the other terms, we have most often used the designation ‘church of Christ.’  This is appropriate because the Bible speaks of the church as the bride of Christ and of Christ as the founder and head of the church.”  Yet, neither brother Baxter nor any other informed Bible student regarded/regards the descriptor “church of Christ” as the official, exclusive, and patented name for God’s people!  This truth understood, no biblically informed person will speak of “the Church of Christ church,” “Church of Christ congregations,” “Church of Christ preachers,” “Church of Christ colleges,” “Church of Christ worship services,” etc. 

 

Some nit pickers and hair splitters (for whom I have little patience and less time!) love to point out that the singular expression “church of Christ” is never used in the Bible, only the plural “churches of Christ.”  Yet the Scriptures speak of the universal body as the “church of God” (I Corinthians 15:9) and of local churches as “churches of God” (II Thessalonians 1:4).  Based on that fact, since it is acknowledged that local churches are designated as “churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16), then one may logically conclude that the universal body may be scripturally referred to as the “church of Christ,” as much so as “churches of God” warrants the use of “church of God”!  To speak as the oracles of God (I Peter 4:11) and to call Bible things by Bible names simply means to set forth Bible concepts in language reflective of Bible teaching.  The Bible nowhere speaks of “the New Testament church,” but clearly there was a New Testament church, and Jesus called it “My church” (Matthew 16:18), thus the “church of Christ.”  Therefore, the use of all of these terms is to “speak as the oracles of God” and to call Bible things by Bible names.

 

In the September 1941 issue of the Bible Banner, Cled E. Wallace, who had a clear understanding of the undenominational nature of the church, wrote: “I am certain that the expression ‘church of Christ’ has been used in a sectarian sense, but not when it is applied to the right thing, however often it may be used.  It is misused only when it is employed to cover too little or too much or applied to something that is not it all. For instance, if you call something 'the church of Christ' which is smaller than the entire body of Christ and larger than a local congregation, then you have employed the term in a
sectarian sense. Brethren keep me more uneasy sometimes
by what they mean by it, than they do by how often
they say it."

 

Addendum: The December 2018 issue of The Christian Chronicle told of a church planting in Orlando, Florida with the name “Reclaimed Church.”  When I read this, I could not help but think of “the Restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,” a branch of the Mormons.  I am all for doing everything within the realm of biblical authority to reach millennials (and all others) with the gospel, but I fail to see how the Reclaimed Church will more effectively communicate biblical, undenominational Christianity to others.  How long will it be before “Reclaimed Church” will be used in a denominational sense?  “Reclaimed Church people,” “Reclaimed Church congregations,” “Reclaimed Church preachers,” “Reclaimed Church elders,” etc., etc.?    Earlier this year, the editor of the Chronicle spoke of “the name of the fellowship.”  THE name?  The FELLOWSHIP?  Whatever became of the simple Bible descriptors for the body of Christ, the church of our Lord, the New Testament people of God? 

 

I deeply love my brethren, but many of them are in need of some serious instruction on the undenominational nature of the church and how to think, speak, and write of the body of Christ in a non-sectarian, undenominational way.  Sadly, some of them seem to be ingloriously unaware of their need for such instruction or of a willingness to receive such instruction in a humble manner, as if it were not at all possible for them to be guilty of thinking, writing, and speaking of the church in a denominational fashion.  No unkindness is intended by these remarks, but simply a statement of the reality of the situation as it exists with far too many in the church today.

 

Hugh Fulford

 

Love is the Bond that Produces Perfection: the Full Expression of the Divine Life in the Church

And on the following part of Colossians 3 verse 14:

And above all these things, put on love, which binds all together in perfect harmony.

 

Other possible renderings of rather "flexible Greek," include:

Above all, put on love  — the perfect bond of unity. Holman

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. NIV

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. NLT

and above all these things, have love, which is a bond of the perfection, Young's Literal

 

Apparently, the Greek could be saying that love is the bond that produces perfection, or the bond that signifies perfection. The word 'perfection' in Colossians 3:14 is the full expression of the divine life in the community.

(Rienecker and Rogers, Linguistic Key to the Greek NT)

 

Love is the bond that produces perfection.

Sounds a lot like …

Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:8-13

 

Real knowledge, whether from prophecy or tongues, as in 1^st century Corinth, or from Scripture today for us, is knowledge lived in love. Compare 1 Corinthians 8:1-3. When love binds all members together, perfection will have arrived and replaced partisanship, partiality or the favouring of parties or parts. Partisanship was a huge problem among the gifted in Corinth. It was true of some tongue-speakers in Corinth, and it can be true for any of us today who work selfishly or divisively rather than in love for all. Read James 2:1-9.

 

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:11-16

So the teaching leadership in the church equips the church to speak the truth in love and serve in love, just as Paul told Timothy:

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 1 Timothy 1:5

 

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48

 

Love is best of all!

 

David Hunter

Daniel 3:16--If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.

 When faced with being thrown into a furnace of blazing fire, the faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego was so great they could without hesitation proclaim that their God is able to deliver them and deliver them He did (Daniel 3:9-26). O that you and I will have this kind of faith in our God today.

 There have been times when I have wondered if we really realize just how able our God really is (Matt. 6:25-34; Matt. 14:29-31). I believe our God is able to pour forth blessings upon us beyond our wildest imagination if our faith in him is such that we are willing to commit everything we have to him, our time, talents, abilities, money, ourselves in total, nothing held back (2 Cor. 8:1-5; Rom. 12:1-2). In doing this, we will be submitting ourselves into his care under any and all circumstances in which we find ourselves.

 Our soul is our greatest treasure. To ensure our success and happiness on this earth as well as in the eternity to which we are going, we must be willing to entrust this treasure to him. By so doing we will have a peace that passes all understanding in this life even when we are facing sore trials (2 Tim. 1:12; Isaiah 12:2-3). Each of us should be asking ourselves, just what and how much have we committed to Him. Think seriously on this, are we banking in heaven or just on this earth (Matt, 6:19-21)?

 Our God is able to change these feeble bodies (Phil. 3:20-21). Just think about this for a little while--one day if we have committed our souls to Him wholeheartedly, He will deliver us from all the trials, troubles and temptations of this world. One day this old body will no longer be racked with pain, there will be no more sickness or disease to strike us, there will never be a tear to dim our eyes. No more pain worry, anxiety, burdens or cares that are connected with living in the flesh (Rev. 7:13-17; Rev. 21:2-6; 1 Cor. 15:42-44; 1 Cor. 15:51-57).

 Our God is able--Do you truly believe it? I pray that all of us will live our lives in such a way that we can pray, "Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust" (Psalms 16:1; Psalms 86:2; 2 Tim. 4:18).

Charles Hicks

 

What does the church of Christ believe?

BIBLE FACTS ABOUT THE CHURCH OF CHRIST

 

1. It was established by Christ (Matthew 16:18).

 

2. It was purchased with the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28).

 

3. It was the culmination of God’s eternal purpose (Ephesians 3:8-12).

 

4. It began in the city of Jerusalem in c. A.D. 30 (Luke 24:46-49; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4, 47).

 

5. Its foundation is the deity of Christ (Matthew 16:16-18;  I Corinthians 3:11).

 

6. Its head is Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18).

 

7. It is singular in number (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:4; Colossians 1:18).

 

8. It is composed of all who have been saved from their sins by obedience to the gospel (Acts 2:37-47; Acts 18:8; Romans 6:16-18).

 

9. Its organization is in harmony with the Scriptures—autonomous congregations overseen by elders and served by deacons.  (Philippians 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Timothy 3:1-14).

 

10. It wears names/descriptors that honor the One who planned it from all eternity (God), the One who brought it into existence (Christ), and that reflect its divine nature (II Thessalonians 1:3-4; Romans 16:16; Colossians 1:13-14, 18; I Timothy 3:15; et al).

 

11. Its worship consists only of those acts which the New Testament authorizes, not the traditions and commandments of men (John 4:24; John 17:17; Colossians 3:17; Acts 2:42; Matthew 15:7b-9).

 

12. Its law of entrance is that set forth in the New Testament, consisting of what a responsible person must do to be saved from sin (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:37-41, 47; Colossians 1:13).

 

13. It has no creed book, church manual, or catechism.  Its standard of authority for all matters of faith, doctrine, and practice is the teaching of the New Testament (II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:3).

 

14. Its destination is heaven, the eternal realm of the redeemed (I Corinthians 15:24; Philippians 3:20-21; II Peter 1:10-11).

 

No denominational church—Catholic or Protestant—can  lay  claim to any of these biblical facts.  The Catholic Church arose as a result of a departure from and a corruption of the doctrine and practice of the New Testament church (Acts 20:28-31; II Thessalonians 2:3-4; I Timothy 4:1-3; II Timothy 4:3-4).  The first protestant denomination—the Lutheran Church—began in 1521, less than 500 years ago, and far this side of the New Testament. All other denominations came later and are over 1500 years too late to be the church of which we read in the New Testament.  The facts about the church of Christ are clearly set forth in the New Testament, and the facts concerning the origin of Catholic and protestant denominations are available in history.  One would do well to acquaint himself/herself with these facts and to build his/her religious and spiritual life accordingly.

 

Hugh Fulford

 

The Evidence of the New Testament: Facts Build Faith which Brings God’s Favour

The internal evidence of the New Testament contains the most powerful and convincing witness …

(i)     to the truthfulness of Jesus as the Son of God, Saviour and King of kings,

(ii)    of the Christian faith, that it is the faith God has prepared for His redeemed people, drawn from all nations, and

(iii)   of the certainty of our hope of eternal life.

What Jesus taught, what He did and didn't do, what He claimed about Himself, what He predicted and what He started … are all evidences of the true Jesus and the religion He began. This is the best evidence because it is God's own testimony in the context of real history. God doesn't tell lies. And if these aren't the words of Almighty God, as He inspired men to write them, John 16:13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21, where are the real words - how would we ever know anything about God and eternity? What follows is some of this divine testimony, and there is still more. But we will never be convinced - and benefit from a sure, eternal hope - if we don't read it with an open mind. There is much to gain if we read it and believe, but much to lose if we don't read it or don't believe it. I have left some references here without comment for you to think about what evidence they contain.

When we put the simply unbelievable signs and claims of Jesus against his clearly undeniable character and teaching, a reasonable, open mind can draw only one conclusion. Are you up to it?

"Jesus Christ made claims about his identity that have implications for everyone. His claims were unique and separate Him from every other figure in history. As we examine the claims of Jesus Christ it is important to ask ourselves whether His life demonstrates the authority and validity of His claims." (www.thetruthofjudgmentday.com). Will you examine them?

In regard to Jesus' miracles, ask yourself: why do I believe this really happened? Is the miracle consistent with what we know about Jesus' character and His claims about Himself ? Does it relate to something he taught or was about to teach? What is it about the miracle that would be impossible to fake? Who would have been the witnesses?

It is not just His miracles, it's also his claims about Himself, his insight, his teaching, his character, his compassion.

All of these aspects work together in helping us to know the real Jesus who walked the earth, died and rose again.

Matthew 1:1-25

Matthew 2:1-6

Matthew 3:1-3

Matthew 4:12-16

Matthew 8:1-17,23-34

Matthew 9:1-38

Matthew 26:19-28:10  Jesus' died on the cross, without any doubt. Roman soldiers know when a man is dead! Muslims claim Jesus did not die. God raised Him from death three days later, just as Jesus had predicted many times during His ministry. Why does anyone doubt this?

Mark 8:27-9:1      Jesus predicts the vindication of His reign as King before the end of the 1^st century.

Mark 10:28-52      Jesus promises that followers who suffer loss will be blessed abundantly.

Mark 12:1-17       "We know you … teach the way of God in truth." (Pharisees and Herodians try to set    a trap, but it backfires.)

Mark 16:15-20     Jesus predicts the preaching of the gospel will be accompanied by confirming miracles.

Luke 1:1-4,26-35,41-79  One who was not an eyewitness had checked the eyewitness  reports to assess their accuracy.

Luke 4:18-21

                       John 2:6-3:25  Jesus' teaching on being born again must be read in this wider context to get a

                       better picture of what it means.

John 5:1-47

John 6:1-40  Giving thousands bread to eat to live a few days, starting with just five loaves and two fish, is a miracle. Giving them the bread of life to live eternally is a greater miracle!! Jesus' miracles weren't just for show.

John 7:25-52  No one ever spoke like Jesus!!

John 10:1-42 

John 11:1-53 

John 12:44-50  Everything Jesus taught came from His Heavenly Father. Jesus therefore was not simply just another street preacher airing his worldly wisdom.                     

                        John 13:36-38   Jesus' predictions always come true.

                        John 15:21-27  Jesus doesn't promise "peace when there is no peace." The apostles who preached Christ had been with Christ throughout His ministry and therefore are familiar with who He was and what He taught.   They are therefore credible witnesses.

John 16:1-33   "I came from the Father, into the world, and am about to go back to My Father to send the Spirit."

John 17:1-26   This prayer of Jesus is a witness to why He came: to glorify His Father God.

  John 18:12-19:30  Arrest, trial and death of the innocent  Jesus who did not protest His innocence. Why?

John 19:31-37  An apostle tells only the truth, and several prophecies are fulfilled at His death, including the resurrection.   The one predicting does not concoct the fulfilment.

John 20:1-31   The reason the life, death and resurrection of Jesus is recorded is found in this chapter.

John 21:1-24   More appearances of Jesus and more instruction from Jesus after His resurrection from death.

                   

Acts 1:1-8        "Many convincing proofs." Appearance of and instruction by the resurrected Jesus to His apostles.

Acts 2:1-36,43   Divine prophecies are fulfilled as Christianity begins in Jerusalem.

Acts 3:1-18     The gospel-confirming miracles begin, just as Jesus predicted.

Acts 4:1-33

Acts 5:12-42  

Notice all the miracles with all kinds of witnesses throughout Acts. Where is the contrary evidence that it didn't happen, when all these many and varied witnesses saw it happen? Our courts can only prove what happened because of witnesses. You do not lightly set aside the testimony of many witnesses confirming an event.

 

Acts 8:1-18  Even a magician can see that what God does in Christ is greater than magic.

Acts 9:1-22  It took an encounter with the resurrected Christ to turn Paul from unbeliever to believer.

Acts 14:1-18  Gentiles in Galatia admit they have seen God's power at work in a miracle.

Acts 16:16-40  It takes God's help to get out of a Roman prison, and God's love to save a Roman guard.

Acts 21:19-28:31  Paul getting to Rome is a profound miracle, with many amazing incidents along the way. Jesus'  promise in 1:8 is fulfilled despite the many attempts to thwart the efforts of the apostles. The last word in the Greek text of Acts is 'akōlutōs' = 'unhindered'! Nobody stops God's purposes.

Romans 1:16-6:23      The gospel of salvation by faith must be read in full in these chapters. One verse, such as John 3:16, isn't enough. Justification by faith includes repentance and baptism as well.

1 Corinthians 15:1-24  Notice the many witnesses who saw the resurrected Jesus – more than 500 at one time!

Galatians 3:5              Another reference to the miracles. They won't go away!

Hebrews 3:1-6            If we know it takes a builder to build a house, then where did the universe come from?

Hebrews 11:1-3          Faith is based on evidence from God. The universe did not create itself.

2 Peter 1:16-21        The Old Testament prophecies were seen fulfilled by the New Testament eye-witnesses. What is recorded in the New Testament is very difficult to refute when it is reported to have happened just as the Old Testament - many centuries before - had predicted it would happen!! And God's Holy Spirit ensures an infallible recording of what took place.

                                    So we have a three-fold evidence: the prediction, the witnesses to the fulfilment of the prediction, and the permanent, unchanging, divine record of both.

    1 John 1:1-3              Jesus is not just the invention of wild imaginations; He is an historical reality who won't  go away. He was seen. He was heard. He was handled. And it wasn't just that he was seen, but that he was someone you couldn't help but look at with contemplation.

What a man! Who is this remarkable person?

    1 John 5:9-20                The witness of God concerning His Son, the Son revealing God and giving eternal life to

those who believe the witness, and the certainty of knowing we have eternal life.

Revelation 1-22           Suffering, victory, vindication of Christ as King with infinite power. Revelation proves that        

                                 Jesus conquered death, and what Jesus accomplished will never be overthrown.

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven with the key to the bottomless pit and a heavy chain in his hand.

2 He seized the dragon—that old serpent, who is the devil, Satan—and bound him in chains for a thousand years. 3 The angel threw him into the bottomless pit, which he then shut and locked so Satan could not deceive the nations anymore until the thousand years were finished. Afterward he must be released for a little while.

4 Then I saw thrones, and the people sitting on them had been given the authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony about Jesus and for proclaiming the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his statue, nor accepted his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They all came to life again, and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

5 This is the first resurrection. (The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years had ended.) 6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. For them the second death holds no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him a thousand years. Revelation 20:1-6

The victory of Jesus and His faithful Christians is total and complete and forever! The evidence has been presented. We have a compelling case!! Dear friend your eternal salvation is a sure thing – based on this evidence. Believe!!

 

Handel's Messiah: A Scriptural Praise of the Messiah put to Music.

Handel's Messiah is an English-language oratorio composed in 1741 by George Frideric Handel, with a scriptural text compiled by Charles Jennens from the King James Bible, and from the version of the Psalms included with the Book of Common Prayer. It was first performed in Dublin on 13 April 1742 and received its London premiere nearly a year later. After an initially modest public reception, the oratorio gained in popularity, eventually becoming one

of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in Western music. (Wikipedia)

Here are all the Scriptures used in this masterful oratorio – pretty much in order of presentation:

                                              Isaiah 40:1-5

                                              Haggai 2:6-7

                                              Malachi 3:1-3

                                              Isaiah 7:14

                                              Matthew 1:23

                                              Isaiah 40:9 (margin)  Isaiah60:1

                                              Isaiah 60:2-3

                                              Isaiah 9:6

                                              Luke 2:8-11

                                              Luke 2:13-14

                                              Zechariah 9:9-10

                                              Isaiah 35:5-6

                                               Isaiah 40:11

                                               Matthew 11:28-29

                                               Matthew 11:30

                                               John 1:29

                                                 Isaiah 53:3-6

                                                 Psalm 22:7-8

                                                 Psalm 69:20,

      Lamentations 1:12   

      Isaiah 53:8

  Psalm 16:10

  Acts 2:27

  Psalm 24:7-10                                       

Romans 10:15

Romans 10:18

Psalm 2:1-3

       Psalm 2:4

       Psalm 2:9

Revelation 19:6

       Revelation 11:15

       Revelation 19:16

Job 19:25-26

       I Corinthians 15:20

I Corinthians 15:21-22

1 Cor. 15:51-57

Romans 8:31-34

Revelation 5:9, 12-14

 

The Triple Witness to the Certainty of Bible Accuracy: Prophetic Prediction, Witnessed Historical Fulfilment, Holy Spirit Inspiration of the Biblical Record

For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendour with our own eyes 17 when he received honour and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, "This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy." 18 We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.

19 Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet's own understanding, 21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God. 2 Peter 1:16-21

 

·       They were confident of it in the 1^st century.

·       Handel was confident of it in the 18^th century.

·       We are confident of it today in the 21^st century.

 

Jesus said: Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear. Matthew 24:35

 

Since we believe human testimony, surely we can believe the greater testimony that comes from God. And God has testified about his Son. 10 All who believe in the Son of God know in their hearts that this testimony is true. Those who don't believe this are actually calling God a liar because they don't believe what God has testified about his Son. 11 And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God's Son does not have life. 13 I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. 1 John 5:9-13

God spoke from heaven in a voice that could be heard by bystanders: "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him." Thus God witnessed to Jesus as the Son of God. Everything Jesus taught is also the witness of God because Jesus taught only what His Father God commanded. John 12:44-50. Jesus taught the way of God in truth. He was not a liar. Where is the evidence of a different Jesus? It doesn't exist. The evidence of the real Jesus is the evidence of the New Testament. If you have a view of Jesus that differs from that presented in the New Testament, please show us your evidence, because I have shown you mine! Read Paul's moving words:

But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough. 5Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles. 6Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.

7Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God's gospel to you free of charge? 8I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. 9And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way. 10As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia. 11And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!

12And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. 13For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. 2 Corinthians 11:3-15

In the next chapter, Paul will write: The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. 2 Corinthians 12:12

Those who spoke the truth about Jesus had signs and wonders supporting their words.

 

Jesus replied … And you know that the Scriptures cannot be altered. John 10:34-35. 

 

So many witnesses, of all kinds of beliefs, testify to the same truth: Prophets, priest, tax-collector, shepherd, fisherman, physician, tent-maker, etc. They come from different nations and write their testimonies separated by centuries. 66 separate books written by 40 different authors separated by over a thousand years are all telling the same story about God's plan to save forever. Collusion is impossible. Only the hand of God could bring this about.

 

Praise God for His irrefutable and indestructible witness that assures anybody, anywhere in the world, and in any age, that there is a God in heaven, who sent His Son Jesus to earth to win eternal life for anyone willing to examine the evidence and believe and obey the Son of God!

 

Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, "I am thirsty." 29 A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. 30 When Jesus had tasted it, he said, "It is finished!" Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

31 It was the day of preparation, and the Jewish leaders didn't want the bodies hanging there the next day, which was the Sabbath (and a very special Sabbath, because it was Passover week). So they asked Pilate to hasten their deaths by ordering that their legs be broken. Then their bodies could be taken down. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men crucified with Jesus. 33 But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn't break his legs. 34 One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out. 35 (This report is from an eyewitness giving an accurate account. He speaks the truth so that you also may continue to believe.) 36 These things happened in fulfillment of the Scriptures that say, "Not one of his bones will be broken," 37 and "They will look on the one they pierced." John 19:28-37

 

The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name. John 20:30-31

 

David Hunter