Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

There are several theories current regarding the establishment of the Lord’s church. Some still hold that the church was established during the ministry of John the Baptist; others hold that Christ established the church during His personal ministry upon this earth. When was the Lord’s church established?

Many of today’s believers know almost as little about the church as do the denominationalists. Some think that the Church of Christ was established by Americans associated with Thomas and Alexander Campbell. Many of the liberals are plainly willing to state their conviction that the Church of Christ is just another denomination. Perhaps the church of which they are a member is just another denomination; I do not know. However, the church of which I am a member does not trace its origin to the Campbell’s. Its ancestry goes back much further than that; it is directly attached to the plan of God Almighty.

The Church In Prophecy

Paul wrote that the establishment of the church was linked to God’s eternal purpose in Christ Jesus (Eph. 3:10-11). This forever destroys the idea that the church was established through the will of man or as an afterthought of God because the Jews rejected Jesus. Being a part of God’s divine plan, we should be able to find some references to it in the Old Testament. Searching the pages of the Book, we are not disappointed.

1. The exaltation of the mountain of the Lord’s house (Isa. 2:1-4). The prophet Isaiah foretold the exaltation of the Lord’s house in a day when Judah was to be destroyed and the Temple decimated. He foretold the coming of the “last days” when things would be different. He wrote:

And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountains of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

There are several important statements foretold about the Lord’s kingdom in these verses. (1) These verses pertain to what shall come to pass in the “last days,” the days identified in the New Testament as those in which God speaks to men through His Son (Heb. 1:1-2), the days following Pentecost (Acts 2:17). (b) The mountain of the Lord’s house would be exalted. Whereas the Temple and Israel were soon to be destroyed, Isaiah foretold the exaltation of the mountain of the Lord’s house (this terminology is used to speak of the church). (c) All nations of people would flow into the Lord’s house. Whereas the Mosaical law prohibited non-Israelites from entering the Temple, Isaiah plainly foretold all nations of the earth flowing to the house of the Lord. (d) The word of the Lord would come forth out of Zion. (e) This new kingdom would be peaceful in nature, unlike a nation preparing for war.

2. The kingdom to be established during the days of the Roman kings (Dan. 2:1-46). Space will not allow me to reproduce this entire chapter. hence, I must summarize it. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream which Daniel interpreted for him. He saw an image composed of these parts: (a) a head of gold; (b) his breast and arms were silver; (c) his belly and his thighs of brass; (d) his legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. As he viewed this image, a stone image which was cut without hands smote the image upon his feet and brake them in pieces. Then, the stone that smote the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.

Daniel explained that the four parts of the image represented four consecutive kingdoms beginning with Babylon. They were identified as follows: (a) Head of gold: Babylon; (b) Breast and arms of silver: MedoPersian Empire; (c) Belly and things of brass: Grecian or Macedonian Empire; and (d) Legs of iron and feet mixed of iron and clay: Roman Empire. As Daniel came down to the fourth kingdom, he staged that the stone cut without hands was God’s kingdom, he said,

And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever (2:44).

Hence, Daniel foretold that the kingdom would be established in the days of the Romans kings, that it would consume all nations (compare Isaiah’s “all nations shall flow into it”), and that it would never be destroyed.

3. The kingdom to be established following the ascension (Dan. 7.13-14). During the reign of Belshazzar, Daniel saw another vision pertaining to the same succession of earthly kingdoms. During the Roman Empire, he foresaw that the following would occur:

I saw in the night visions, and behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Daniel foresaw one “like the son of man” (Jesus) ascending to (not descending from) the Ancient of days (God). When He ascended to God, a kingdom was given to Him. This kingdom would consist of men of every nation, the dominion would last forever, and the kingdom could never be destroyed.

In summary, the Old Testament tells us these facts about the establishment of the Lord’s kingdom:

Time: Last days; during the Roman kings.

Place: Jerusalem Duration.

Everlasting. Scope: All the world; every nation.

Nature: Peaceful. Founder: Son of Man.

The Time Is Fulfilled

When John the Baptist appeared in Judea, he preached, “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 3:1-2). This simple announcement indicated that the time was near when the prophecies of the Old Testament would be fulfilled. The time of the Roman kings had arrived; at that very moment, Tiberius Caesar occupied the throne in Rome (Lk. 3:1). Yet, when John the Baptist was beheaded, the kingdom had not yet been established; Matt. 14:10 records the death of John the Baptist and Matt. 16:18-19 contains words showing that the kingdom had not yet come.

Jesus began His ministry preaching exactly the same thing that John preached; He said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mk. 1:17). He sent the Apostles on the Limited Commission to announce to Israel that the kingdom of heaven was at hand (Matt. 10:7). In Mark 9:1, He stated, “Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.” This verse shows conclusively that the Lord’s kingdom, also known as His church (Matt. 16:18) was to be established during the lifetime of those whom Jesus addressed.

Yet, the Son of Man had not yet ascended unto the Ancient of Days, so the kingdom or church was not yet established. Acts 1:9-11 records the ascension of Jesus into heaven. Just ten days later, the kingdom or church was established. The first gospel sermon announced that Jesus was now seated on David’s throne ruling over His kingdom (Acts 2:30-31). Hence, the church was established on the first Pentecost following the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

The Lord’s kingdom or church was established on the day of Pentecost. In keeping with the promises of God, it has never been destroyed; it shall survive just as long as the indestructible word shall survive inasmuch as the word is the seed of the kingdom (Matt. 13:19). We are part of the Lord’s kingdom today when we receive the word into a good and honest heart, understand it, obey it, and hold it fast.

That being so, let it be understood that the kingdom of which I am a part was not established by Alexander Campbell. All that Campbell did, or any other gospel preacher, was to plant the seed of the kingdom. One might as well think that when Farmer Jones plants corn that what comes up is Jonesites as to think that those who obeyed the gospel under the teaching of Alexander Campbell were Campbellites. The work which Alexander Campbell did in West Virginia is no different from what I am doing in Ohio; he was simply preaching the gospel. If a group of us begin a new church in this area and that church follows the New Testament pattern, it will not be a Willisite church; it will. simply be a Church of God. Anybody who can see through a ladder can see that.

I wish that those who state that those in the churches of Christ are Campbellites would take the time to tell us what we would have to do to become a part of God’s eternal kingdom, the one established on the day of Pentecost. If I know anything about my heart, I know that I want to be a part of the kingdom of heaven. If what I have done in obedience to the gospel has not put me into the kingdom of heaven, I wish that they would tell me what I would have to do to become a part of that kingdom. I have no desire to be a part of any human denomination, whether it be established by Martin Luther, John Wesley, John Calvin, John Smythe, Joseph Smith, Mary Baker Eddy, or Alexander Campbell. I want to be a part of God’s everlasting kingdom. If what I have done has not made me a part of God’s kingdom, please tell me what I would have to do to become a part of it! If what I am a part of is the Lord’s Kingdom, let us not speak of it as if it were a denomination.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 17, pp. 275-277
April 26, 1979

By Austin Mobley

Our concept of heaven is a “city of gold” with “walls of jasper” derived from John’s figurative language used in, Rev. 21:18. Perhaps one reason we picture heaven in. this manner is that the finite mind can only grasp the things which are familiar. Whatever the reason, our ideas of that eternal city leaves us in awe and stirs within our hearts a burning desire to live forever in that land which is fairer than day. This hope of heaven is the anchor for the soul. It encourages sinners to turn from their wicked ways and causes Christians to set their affections on things above (Col. 3:2).

1 am glad to be a child of God! Nothing in the world is better than being a Christian because we have the promise of eternal life in heaven, and this promise is from God who cannot lie (Tit. 1:2). That promise is enough to satisfy the most hungry and thirsty soul.

But Christians have a bonus. We are promised an abundance of rich blessings right here on earth now! Oh, I realize they do not fully compare with the glories of heaven, where all will be perfect. However, that does not minimize the little bit of heaven we can experience every day.

For one thing, we Christians are at peace with God. The enmity that once kept us from Him was removed at the cross (Eph. 2:11-17). This peace is described as that which “passeth all understanding” (Phil. 4:7). His peace reigns within our hearts as we gladly serve in the kingdom, and that is a little bit of heaven.

We also have the privilege of prayer. We can approach the throne of grace with boldness (Heb. 4:16), being assured that if we ask anything in His name, according to His will, it will be granted (1 Jn. 5:14-15). Pity poor sinners separated from God by their sins who cannot petition Him as “Our Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 6:9) on behalf of sick loved ones, or to help in times of tribulation. The blessing of prayer is, indeed a little bit of heaven.

In addition, we have the joy of fellowshipping with the Lord, for Jesus promised to be with us when we gather together in His name (Matt. 18:20). Because we are members of one great family, there is a closeness that only Christians can know. We do not ever need to feel alone. This intimate fellowship in worship and service is a foretaste of that which is to come is a little bit of heaven.

Then we also have the Bible, God’s inerrant Word. Its exhaustless storehouse of truth guides our feeble steps toward that eternal city. Its power helps to conquer the foe. Its freshness lifts our tired spirits as we study and meditate each new day. Yes, it meets our every spiritual need because it is a little bit of heaven.

We have the opportunity of dedicated service. We do not have to waste our lives upon ourselves. We can serve God gladly and, according to opportunity and ability, serve our fellow roan. With every act of. mercy, every deed of kindness, God gives His blessing. Truly, as the Lord said, “It is more blessed to ;give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). These daily blessings received from: God are a little bit of heaven.

Finally, we have the. prospect of the return of Christ (Acts 1:9-11). We know our existence does not end at the grave because the Lord’s resurrection gives us unwavering faith in future life. Heaven is just ahead! Knowing that we can be with the Lord Jesus in eternal glory makes the cares of this life easier to bear. We know that our labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58). That is a little bit of heaven.

Add these things up and I believe you will agree that God’s children have a little bit of heaven right here on earth now!

Truth Magazine XXIII: 17, p. 274
April 26, 1979

By Ron Halbrook

It has long been known there are bats in the belfry of the Belmont Church of Christ in Nashville, Tennessee, but only recently did we learn our poor brethren are haunted by witches as well! Belmont is a long-time leader in liberalism and doctrinal looseness of most every variety: no-patternism applied to the worship, organization, and mission of the church; so-called Pentecostal or charismatic movement; Ketchersidian grace-unity error; social gospel programs; and, a general sprinkling of you-name-it. Once the New Testament pattern is denied, brethren are put to sea without chart or compass; some sail faster than others, zigging and zagging with every wind, Belmont faster than most. Koinonia Bookstore across the street on 16th Ave. South is closely affiliated with the church on Belmont Ave. and is well stocked with a hodgepodge of denominational and ecumenical and Pentecostal nonsense.

A1 Jaynes, a bookstore director, swore out a warrant charging Mary Locke with disorderly conduct in allegedly disturbing the bookstore’s musical concert-prayer meeting on August 28, 1978. Laughing and giggling rippled through the crowd when Miss Locke quietly walked through the store wearing a witch’s costume and carrying a broom. Yet, in Special General Sessions Court, “Church members and bookstore patrons testified they believe in demonology and did not take Miss Locke’s actions tightly” (Nashville (TNJ Banner, 14 Sept. 1978, p. 19). Her own hair-raising testimony explained that Belmont members felt she was demon-possessed and harassed her with anonymous phone calls, black crosses attached to her door, and black cats hung from her doorknob in paper bags. She “broke down in tears when she testified about finding a black kitten suffocated in a paper bag. The bag had been stapled and attached to her door” (ibid.). She claimed severe harassment caused her to enter the psychiatric unit at Vanderbilt Hospital, where she was notified of Jaynes’ warrant. After more than two hours of testimony, in which “several bookstore patrons and church members testified they believe in demonology and the exorcism of demons,” Judge Earl Porter dismissed the charges against Miss Locke (Nashville Banner, 16 Sept., 1978; p. 28).

When Steve Wolfgang, Raymond Harris, and myself spoke on Satanism, demonology, and witchcraft, we agreed that vie found almost nothing of value on the subjects in reviewing dozens of denominational books and articles (cf. Chaps. 1-3, Biblical Authority, 1974 Florida College Lectures). Belmont is blighted by the superstition and ignorance of our age. During the period when the Lord allowed Satan a miraculous manifestation, He equipped His people with gifts and powers to triumph over it (Mk. 16:17-20; Heb. 2:1-4). This confirmed the Divine origin of the new, gospel revelation. Once the revelation was completed and confirmed, the period of miraculous conflict was ended (1 Cor. 13:8-13). The spurious claims of later centuries, including the power in black crosses and cats, resulted from the spirit of apostasy and the blight of ignorance which apostasy breeds.

We trust that though the bats in the Belmont belfry were disturbed by a witch’s appearance, they will not be distraught. Doubtless some other sensation will soon engage their attention. Ephraim is joined to idols; let him alone.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 16, pp. 267-268
April 19, 1979

By Larry Ray Hafley

Too much of a good thing can be harmful. It is sunshine that created deserts. Excess equals abuse. Truly, “one can make a sin out of anything.” The exhortations to temperance include “over much” indulgence in items that are good.

Reactionary Writing

The transition is not clear, but a comment or two may be in order with regard to reactionary writing. Did I say writing? Why not reactionary teaching? Alright, then, reactionary teaching. One needs to react to negative events in a positive, constructive manner. Gospel preachers must necessarily respond and react to events that cross the path of their work (2 Cor. 10:3-5). Criticism may arise at this point. “He is a `reactionary.’ Every time he sees a movement in the bushes, he fires from the lip-or the typewriter.” Yes, one can abuse a necessary thing such as reaction to people, places and events that concern the purity of the gospel.

Do not forget, though, that much of the New Testament is reactionary. See the letters to Corinth, Galatians, Colossians, and Hebrews. Much of the material in these epistles is in reply to teachings, response to questions and reaction to actions. Jude is another example, as an examination of verses three and four will clearly show. Reaction is often better than inaction. Therefore, let each one listen and read with caution and candor, even when we feel that someone is “over-reacting.”

This article, you say, is an example of “reactionary writing”? Well, watch what you say about it. You might be guilty of reacting!

Truth Magazine XXIII: 16, p. 267
April 19, 1979