Truth Magazine

By Walton Weaver

The word “fool” appears 56 times in the King James Version of the Bible. Of these, 48 of them are in the Old Testament and eight in the New Testament. Most of the Old Testament references are in the wisdom books of Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes, but primarily in the book of Proverbs (32 occurrences). The most familiar in the book of Psalms is the passage which says that the one who says in his heart there is no God is a fool (Ps. 14:1). My own favorites from the book of Proverbs are the following:

He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool (10:18).

It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom (10:23).

He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart (11:29).

The way of the fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise (12:15).

A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth and is confident (14:16).

A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent (15:5).

Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool (19:1)

It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling (20:3).

Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words (23:9).
As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool (26:1).

As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly (26:11).

A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards (29:11).

Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him (29:20).

In the New Testament, Jesus called the rich farmer of Luke 12:13-21 a “fool” because he worked simply to store up more and more of the fruits of his labors while ignoring God in his life. Paul also used the word to identify people in various situations (1 Cor. 3:18; 15:36). When he found it necessary in 2 Corinthians to glory somewhat in his own sufferings in order to defend his apostleship, he conceded that he was using the language of a fool (2 Cor. 11:23; 12:6, 11).

Who Is A Fool?

So what does it mean for one to be a fool? Basically the word “fool” means “without reason, senseless, foolish” (Arndt-Gingrich, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament 72). The word “foolish” appears almost 50 times in Scripture, so the two words, “fool” and “foolish,” when added together are used about 100 times in the King James Version of the Bible.

When looking for self-acclaimed fools in the Bible we probably should not count the times Paul admits to acting as a fool in speaking of his sufferings as an apostle. Paul was not really acting foolishly, but he certainly was made to feel like a fool, and others no doubt would consider him to be acting foolishly by using his own sufferings in his defense. It made him appear to be glorying in himself. If we omit Paul, as I am convinced we should, then the only time we have a frank admission from anyone in the Bible that he had been a fool is when Saul, the first king of Israel, said, “I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly” (1 Sam. 26:21, emphasis mine, ww). 

Saul is a clear case of one who truly played the fool. There is no room for doubt here. He is one who had acted without reason both before God and in his treatment of David, and Saul was honest enough to see it and admit it. This is not usually true of those who act this way. But notice, first, before Saul began to play the fool . . .

Saul Had Much Going For Him

Like others who had gone before, and many who have came after him, there were many things that were true of Saul that, if used as intended, they would have made him do better.

1. He was from a prominent and wealthy family. Saul’s father is described as “a mighty man of valor” (1 Sam. 9:1). His father being of great wealth and substance shows that his family was of high consideration in the tribe of Benjamin, even though Saul himself, “adopting the common forms of affected humility which Oriental people are wont to use” (Jamieson, I, Part 2:154), describes it as “the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin” (v. 21).

2. He was a choice young man and handsome. The word “goodly” in 1 Samuel 9:2 is rendered “handsome” in the NASB. The verse goes on to say that “there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he,” i.e., a more handsome man. In addition to this, he was a head higher than any of the people. When we put it all together we have a man with the strength and looks of youth, and a very good-looking young man at that! As one person put it, “a gigantic stature and an athletic frame must have been a popular recommendation at that time in that country.” But has there ever been a time and a country where such a young man did not receive a “popular recommendation”? Such a person, at least from the physical side of his makeup, was surely very well suited to serve as king over Israel.

3. He had a changed heart. After Saul had been chosen by God as the first king of Israel, according to 1 Samuel 10:9, “God gave him another heart.” This appears to be a way of informing that God was instrumental in leading Saul in another direction and enabling him to now give himself wholly to the administration of his kingdom. With his new heart Saul was no longer burdened with other matters such as being concerned about his livelihood. Instead he now had the heart of a statesman, a general, a prince. Matthew Henry describes this change in the following way: “A new fire was kindled in his breast, such as he had never before been acquainted with: seeking the asses is quite out of his mind, and he thinks of nothing but fighting the Philistines, redressing the grievances of Israel, making laws, administering justice, and providing for the public safety; these are the things that now fill his head” (Commentary on the Whole Bible 2:260).

4. He was a humble man. First, notice Saul’s response when he is first informed by Samuel of God’s plan to appoint him as king over Israel. Even though Samuel does not say he is God’s choice in these words, his question to Saul, “And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on thee, and on all thy father’s house?” implies as much. Saul clearly understood what he meant, and with this understanding, he asked Samuel, “Am not I a Benjaminite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? And my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Wherefore then speakest thou so to me?” (1 Sam. 9:21). In other words, “I’m not important enough to be king over Israel, am I?”

Second, when they were looking for Saul to present him to the people he was hard to find. He was not seeking the attention of the people, even after he had been told what God had planned for him. Where was he found? The Bible says “he was hid among the stuff” (1 Sam. 10:22). His humility is apparent in this statement. He was not seeking a place of prominence in God’s kingdom. This is one of the most important qualities for success in God’s work.

5. He was numbered among the prophets. Saul was told that he would meet a company of prophets who would prophesy, and that he also would receive the Spirit of God, “and . . . prophesy with them, and . . . be turned into another man” (1 Sam. 10:5-6). It was after this promise that God gave him another heart and the signs promised to him were fulfilled. After Saul prophesied as promised, the people began to say one to another, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” (1 Sam. 10:10-11).

We might think that in light of all these advantages, surely such a man would not fail, would he? But in spite of all of these things in his favor,

He Still Played The Fool

It is sad to hear from Saul himself, “God is departed from me, and answereth me no more” (1 Sam. 28:15). What had Saul done to lead him to this sad conclusion, “I have played the fool”? Several things may be noted.

1. He disobeyed God. The fact that he disobeyed God belongs at the top of the list. And he did so more than once. The first example of Saul’s disregard  for God’s word is when he went up to Gilgal ahead of Samuel and offered a burnt offering unto God. Samuel had told him to go ahead of him, “and, behold, I will come down to thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and show thee what thou shalt do” (1 Sam. 10:8). But Saul got impatient while waiting for Samuel. The Bible says that he waited for the seven days as instructed, but when Samuel did not arrive in the specified time Saul took it on himself to offer up the burnt offering (1 Sam. 13:8-10). When Samuel arrived he rebuked Saul for his misdeed and said he had acted foolishly: “Thou has acted foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee” (1 Sam. 13:13). Because of his disobedience Samuel told him that God would take his kingdom away from him and give it to another, even to David, “a man after his own heart” (vv. 13-14).

Saul also disobeyed God when he failed to slay Agag and he “spared . . . the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them” (1 Sam. 15:9). God had told him that he was to “smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass” (v. 3). Samuel described Saul’s sin as “rebellion” against God (v. 23). As in the former case, so in this instance as well, Saul’s attempts to justify his actions were rejected. He finally admitted, “I have sinned” (v. 30), but it seems to have been an empty confession, and it was too late.

2. He became envious of David’s successes. We are impressed with the unselfishness that seemed to characterize him before when he refused to destroy the sons of Belial for not bringing gifts to the new king (1 Sam. 10:27). Evidently it was expected that they bring such gifts. But Saul “held his peace.” Yet after Saul had disobeyed God and he had been told that the kingdom would be taken from him, we see a different man. When Saul returned from the slaughter of the Philistines, “the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick. And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands” (1 Sam. 18:6-7). Upon hearing this, we are told, “And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him. . . . And Saul eyed David from that day and forward” (vv. 8-9). A wise man tells us that envy “is the rottenness of the bones” (Prov.14:30). Saul had developed this terrible disease.

3. He imagined troubles that were not there. It is easy to become delusionary when we are jealous of others. We begin to imagine things that are not true. Saul simply would not believe that David would do him no harm and that he actually sought what was good for him. Jonathan told Saul to stop sinning against David, “because his works have been to theeward very good” (1 Sam. 19:4). But Saul would not believe him. When one reaches this state of mind he gives meaning to words that are not there, and he begins to interpret things that people do in the opposite way in which they were meant. He begins to fear the worst and becomes afraid of troubles that will never happen. Saul had become like that.

4. He was unfair to David. Saul was telling David he loved him while trying to kill him. He told his servants to go and tell David “secretly,” “Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king’s son in law” (1 Sam. 18:22). It’s hard for us to imagine that Saul would give David a wife (his younger daughter, Michal, who loved David, v. 20) only to take her back. But that’s what he planned. It was only a pretense of love on Saul’s part to provide him with an opportunity to kill him. David was the greatest asset to Saul’s kingdom, but Saul did not have the good sense to see it. David had respect for Saul and loved Jonathan, Saul’s son, as if he were his own soul. He had opportunities to kill Saul but always spared his life.

Big men like David do great things in the kingdom of God. Little men like Saul are envious of those who are able to do more than they can — or else do it better, and they get on the wrong track by majoring in trifles and do everything they can to destroy them. When they do, like Saul, they do no more than “play the fool.”

1820 Hairston Ave., Conway, Arkansas 72032

By Larry Ray Hafley

Humans have six basic facial expressions to show fear, anger, sadness, disgust, surprise, and happiness. Though there is no specific facial expression for love, everyone knows it when he sees it! 

The successful person is the one who can smile when he would rather express disgust or anger. Some say they are happy and insist they are not angry or disgusted. Since they forget to tell their face about their happiness, we are unaware of it. Be reluctant to suppress a smile, but do not hesitate to keep most frowns from reaching the surface. A forced smile is better than a sincere glare. 

The best way for a man to show himself to be friendly is through a smile. A smile is the language of greeting, acceptance, warmth, favor, and fellowship. A frown is its opposite (Mark 3:5). 

Yes, more often than I like to admit, I need “a facial,” a “complete makeover,” a change of countenance. The most rewarding ones are those that begin in the heart, for if a smile is superficial and has no depth, it quickly fades and loses its luster (Prov. 15:13). How about you? Do you need a facial?  

By Jonathan L. Perz

Medical doctors know that there are some diseases that cannot be healed by treating their symptoms. Likewise, there are some spiritual maladies that cannot be overcome by merely treating symptoms. Forsaking the assembling of the saints is one such malady.

Without a doubt, forsaking the assembling of the saints is a sin in and of itself (Heb. 10:24-25). However, it often proves to be a symptom of some other sin — one more deeply imbedded within the heart of an individual. When one begins to miss assemblies, loving and caring brethren begin to be concerned. They express their concern by begging and pleading with the erring one to attend services. The preacher might be asked to preach on forsaking the assembly. Some situations might even be pressed to the point where the withdrawal of fellowship is necessary. Yet, this may prove futile and will not solve the deeper problems unless the cause of one’s absence is revealed.

Therefore, to effectively combat this sin, which afflicts many saints in many areas, we must understand some of the UN-derlying problems to this malicious spiritual malady.

UN-faithfulness

Obviously, a Christian’s absence from assembling is in itself a direct manifestation of unfaithfulness. Faith comes by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17) and God’s word commands Christians to “consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some” (read Heb. 10:23-27 carefully). When one is willfully absent from services, the problem is unfaithfulness.

In its deepest sense, to forsake is an attitude of the heart. It is not a matter of time or frequency. Just prior to giving us the command not to forsake, the Hebrew writer reminds us, “Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Heb. 10:23). We need to hold fast our confession and be faithful like our Lord. Regular attendance is one way we do that. On the other hand, immediately following the Hebrew writer’s command, he admonishes, “For if we sin willfully …” (v. 27). This is how we must understand “forsaking the assembling.” It is a willful sin!

Whenever one consciously and willfully chooses to do something other than assemble with the saints, he is forsaking the assemblies. If one rolls over to catch another hour of sleep on the Lord’s day, he has willfully chosen to do so. If one decides to watch a football game or play in a baseball game when the saints are gathered, he sins willfully. Beneath each instance of “forsaking the assemblies” lies the sin of UN-faithfulness.

UN-reliable

In Matthew 25, we find the Lord declaring some as “good and faithful” servants (v. 21). Can this be said of us when we forsake the assembling of ourselves together? Faithful here means, “faithful, to be trusted, reliable” (Vine’s, 223). Christians should be reliable in every realm of their life. Would our boss think us reliable if we missed two out of every five days of work? Would our family think us reliable if we stayed away from home for days at a time? What happens when we cannot be relied upon in the church?

Not only do some forsake two out of every three assemblies, when they do attend, they are UN-prepared for Bible study, UN-fit to lead in worship, and UN-able to contribute to the edification process. The Bible says our stewardship depends upon our reliability (1 Cor. 4:2). If one is unreliable in the kingdom, as it exists on earth, will God grant him entrance into the kingdom, as it exists in heaven?

UN-committed

Christianity, these days, seems to be less a matter of commitment and more a matter of convenience. We tend to seek things that are easy and convenient. This might be fine for carnal matters, but it wreaks havoc in our spiritual lives. For many, attending each assembly of the church is inconvenient. They feel strapped by the obligation. Rather than anticipate, they come to dread such sweet fellowship (cf. Ps. 122:1). Such horrible words and attitudes should not accompany the assembling of the saints.

When one becomes a Christian, he makes a commitment to God. He is “yoked together” with him (Matt. 11:28-30). When one forsakes the assembling, he is manifesting his unfaithfulness to that commitment. Unlike Felix, who sought what was convenient, but did not commit, many have committed and then call for convenience (cf. Acts 24:24-25). It is like the illustration of a young man who was “desperately in love.” He wrote the pearl of his life and said he would be “willing to endure frigid cold, cross burning sands, climb the highest of mountains, or swim the ocean just to be in her charming presence.” He then closed that letter saying, “And I will see you Wednesday night if it does not rain.”

For the committed Christian, there is never a question about whether he will be found assembled with the saints. It is automatic. If the doors of the meetinghouse are open, he is there. This is commitment! 

UN-grateful

Are we like the nine lepers who were healed, but did not return to give thanks to God (Luke 17:12-19)? Or are we like the one Samaritan leper who did?

Beneath every case of forsaking the assembly is an ungrateful heart. There is a soul who has sought out the Lord’s healing, and having obtained it, cannot take time out of his busy life to glorify God. Indeed, such a condition is deplorable, even by the world’s standards.

What if God manifested the same attitude towards us that we do towards his saints? What if God met our needs the way we give him our lives? What if God took away each blessing we do not manifest true thanksgiving for? Are we grateful for the blessing of our assemblies, his fellowship, and his kingdom?

UN-fruitfulness

In many places, the word of God is likened unto a seed that is planted in our hearts. God intends for that seed to grow, mature, and produce fruit in our lives (Gal. 5:22-25; 2 Pet. 1:5-11; Matt. 13:18-23). One underlying problem with forsaking the assembling is like that of the fig tree (Luke 13:6-9).

Many become children of God, but never reach maturity in Christ. Brethren, elders, and gospel preachers fertilize and water this tree, yet it produces no fruit. Jesus revealed the fateful doom of such a one, when he said, “Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this tree and find none, Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?” (Luke 13:7). He also taught, “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away . . . By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit” (John 15:2, 8). When the Lord seeks fruit in your life, will he find any?

UN-concerned

If none of the aforementioned applies, perhaps one is simply unconcerned. Many who profess Christianity are unconcerned about spiritual matters: the brethren, the church, the Lord, fulfilling the commands of the Lord, and believe it or not, heaven. One might say he is concerned about these things, but what do his actions say when he forsakes assemblies?

The Bible says Paul had a “deep concern” for the churches (2 Cor. 11:28). Titus had an “earnest care” for the saints (2 Cor. 8:16-17). Paul tells us of Timothy that he had “no one like-minded, who (would) sincerely care for” the state of the saints in Philippi (Phil. 2:19-22). The Lord cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7). Are we concerned enough to attend the assembling of the saints at every opportunity?

Conclusion

Does the church you labor with have a problem with forsaking the assembly? If there are less at Sunday PM worship than there are at Sunday AM worship, then there are problems! If your Sunday PM and mid-week Bible study look like skeleton crews, then there are problems! Let us not throw in the towel and capitulate on forsaking the assembly. Let us continue to fight and focus our efforts where the problem really exists, just beneath the surface of the heart.

1621 Hillcrest Dr., Green Bay, Wisconsin 54313, jperz@new.rr.com

By Mike Willis

A previous article (March 15, 2001) emphasized that one who is saved are added to the Lord’s church and obligated to join himself to other saints in a local church for collective worship and service to God. This poses the need for a person to find a group of saints with whom to labor and work. How does one find the Lord’s church in today’s world?

In order to find the Lord’s church, one must know what that church is like. In this article, we shall look at the identifying characteristics of the Lord’s church as revealed in the New Testament. By learning these marks, one will recognize the Lord’s church when he sees it. Let’s consider the following identifying marks of the Lord’s church.

1. The Lord’s church was established in the city of Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost following the resurrection of Jesus. The Lord’s church was established in fulfillment of divine prophecy. In approximately 700 B.C., the prophet Isaiah (2:1-4; with parallel prophecy in Micah 4:1-3) foretells the establishment of the Lord’s house. In contrast to its desolate condition at his time, the prophet foresaw a time “in the last days” when the Lord’s house would be exalted above the mountains. At that time (a) “all nations” (in contrast to Jews only) would flow into it; (b) the word of the Lord would go forth from Jerusalem; (c) the kingdom would not be expanded by military force, for it is a peaceable kingdom.

Daniel also foretold the establishment of the kingdom. In chapter two he saw a vision of four coming kingdoms — Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Grecian, and Roman. As his vision described the events to transpire during the fourth kingdom, the Roman kings, 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 for ever” (2:44). The Lord’s kingdom was (a) to be established in the days of the Roman kings, (b) to be an eternal kingdom, and (c) to be a kingdom that included men from all nations. Later, he had another vision in which the establishment of the kingdom was foreseen: “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” (7:13-14). In this vision, Daniel sees the kingdom established when “one like the Son of man” comes “with the clouds of heaven” “to the Ancient of days.”

Moving forward in history to the time of Christ, we should not be surprised to see divine prophecy fulfilled in the establishment of the kingdom. After that John was put in prison, Jesus preached “the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:14-15). This was the right time. It was in the days of Tiberius Caesar, the Roman king (Luke 3:1). The gospels speak of the imminent establishment of the kingdom throughout their pages: the kingdom is “at hand” (Matt. 3:2; 4:17); but, it is to be established during the lifetime of those who then lived. Jesus said, “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” (Mark 9:1). After his resurrection, Jesus told the apostles that they would receive “power” when the Holy Spirit was come upon them (Acts 1:8) and that they were to tarry in Jerusalem until that “power” (Spirit) came (Luke 24:49). 

When Jesus died, the kingdom had not yet been established. Shortly before he ascended to heaven, the apostles asked, “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). Jesus then ascended into heaven — one like the son of man came in the clouds to the Ancient of Days and was given dominion, in the language of Daniel (7:13-14). The disciples had been instructed to return to Jerusalem to await the coming of the power when they would receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 2 relates the fulfillment of the promise: the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles, they were endued with power from on high (the Holy Spirit) to preach the first gospel sermon announcing salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ. In his sermon, Peter announced that the last days had come (Acts 2:17; cf. Isa. 2:2 — “it shall come to pass in the last days”). The time for the kingdom to be established had arrived. For the first time the Apostles preached salvation through the blood of Christ. Three thousand obeyed the gospel that day and, significantly, Luke adds, “the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47).

From that time on, when the kingdom was spoken of, it was spoken of as in existence (Acts 8:12-13; 28:23, 31; Col. 1:13-14; Rev. 1:9). It is variously known as the church (Matt. 16:18), the house of God (1 Tim. 3:15) and other terms. The word “kingdom” is also used to describe heaven as the final abode of these in God’s kingdom on earth (2 Pet.  1:11).
The first cardinal point about the church is to know that it was established in the city of Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost following the resurrection of Christ. Any religious group that traces its origin to any other place and date is not the Lord’s church.

2. The names by which the church is called. There is no one exclusive name by which the Lord’s church is called in the Scriptures. It is described by a number of terms, any and all of which are scriptural names by which to call the church. Here are some names (the list is not complete) by which the Lord’s church is called in the New Testament;

    Churches of Christ (Rom. 16:16)
    Church of God (1 Cor. 1:2)
    Kingdom of God (Acts 8:12)
    House of God (1 Tim. 3:15)
    Church of the Living God (1 Tim. 3:15)
    Kingdom of God’s Dear Son (Col. 1:13)

However, the Scriptures condemn calling the church by names that are unauthorized. The church at Corinth suffered fragmentation because groups rallied around men, calling themselves after men’s names. Paul wrote, “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Cor. 1:12-13). The point is this: One should not be called by the name of one who did not die for him and into whose name one was not baptized! There is no difference in the people at Corinth who were condemned for calling themselves after men (“I am of Cephas,” “I am of Apollos,” etc.) and the modern practice of calling oneself Lutheran, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, or Episcopalian. Both are equally wrong. If the name of the  church of which you are a member is not found in the Bible, it is not the Lord’s church. Check to see if the name of your church is in the Bible!

3. The worship of the church. God has legislated how the church is to worship, otherwise there would be no condemnation of idolatry and other forms of illicit worship. The Lord requires that his saints assemble on the Lord’s day, the first day of the week, to offer its worship (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Rev. 1:10). This marks a change from the worship practice of the Jews who assemble on the Sabbath (Saturday) for their worship (see Exod. 20:8). The items to be performed in worship are the following: (a) Teaching apostolic doctrine (Acts 2:42; 20:7); (b) Prayer in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:42; John 16:23-24); (c) Breaking of bread, or the weekly observance of the Lord’s supper (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:17-34); (d) Congregational singing (1 Cor. 14:15; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16); and (e) Taking a contribution (1 Cor. 16:1-2). 

The worship of the church has been changed in numerous ways. Unauthorized items of worship have been introduced including such things as burning incense, lighting candles, baptizing babies, and using the rosary. The music of the church has been changed from congregational singing to a choir or using a semi-professional band; prayer is offered in the name of Mary rather than Jesus; the Lord’s supper is observed once a year instead of weekly; apostolic doctrine has been replaced with anecdotes and stories; free-will offerings taken on the first day of the week are replaced by tithing and several contributions being taken at every assembly of the church. If the church you attend does not practice the five items of worship each Sunday, it is not the church of the New Testament.

4. The organization of the church. The church is organized according to a pattern revealed in the Scriptures. First of all, one notices that there is no inter-congregational organization that ties local churches together under some denominational organization, such as is done in the Southern Baptist Convention, and the organizational structures of most Catholic and Protestant denominations. Each local church is autonomous and independent.

The church is organized under elders and deacons (Phil. 1:1). God reveals the qualifications of the officers in the local church in great detail (1 Tim. 3:1-13; Tit. 1:5-11). A plurality of elders also called bishops, overseers, and pastors who meet the qualifications revealed in Scripture are to oversee or govern the local church (Acts 14:23; 1 Pet. 5:1-3). Deacons are special servants of the church, whose qualifications also are revealed in Scripture, who implement the tasks the elders decide need to be done. The absence of any reference to officers in the universal church and any listing of their qualifications is strong evidence that these things did not exist in the first century church.

There is no earthly, universal head of the church, such as a pope, for Christ is the only head of the church (Eph. 1:22-23). There are no cardinals, arch-bishops, or bishops in the denominational sense in which one man oversees a diocese of churches. The local preacher, called the “pastor” in some fellowships, does not oversee the local church. Women do not serve in leadership roles in such official capacities as pastor, deacon, Sunday school superintendent, and such like offices (1 Tim. 2:14-15). If the church you attend is not organized like the one you read about in the Bible, it is not the church of the New Testament.

5. The conditions for membership in the church. On what conditions can one hold membership in the local church? The same act that saves one’s soul is what adds him to the universal church (Acts 2:47). In many cases, a person who is converted in a local area is rather automatically considered a member of a local church. This may blur the distinction between the local church and the universal church to some people. Truthfully, one joins the local church by agreeing to work together with a group of saints, to submit to common oversight, and to pool one’s resources to do a collective work. When Paul came to Jerusalem, he joined the local church (Acts 9:26); when Phoebe moved to Rome, Paul commended her to the saints in Rome (Rom. 16:1-2). Hence, one becomes a member of the local church when he expresses his desire to be a member and the local church accepts him based on its judgment that he has obeyed the gospel to be saved from his sin, is living a life of moral purity, and is loyal to the commandments of the Lord.

When churches impose allegiance to a creed book as a condition for membership or require that one tell his “better felt than told” experience, they are requiring more than and other than what the Bible requires for church membership. When a church receives into its fellowship and allows to maintain in its fellowship those who are living immoral lives, they are no longer the fellowship that Christ identifies with (1 Cor. 5:1-11).

6. The mission of the church. The mission of the church can be divided into the following categories: (a) evangelism (1 Tim. 3:15); (b) edification (Acts 20:32); and (c) benevolence for its own members (Acts 6:1-6; 11:27-30). These are the only works God has given to the church. When churches become involved in building hospitals, colleges, orphan homes, old folks homes, family counseling programs, entertainment activities (Valentine’s Day party, New Year’s Eve celebration, July 4th fireworks display, etc.), aerobics, CPR training, and such like programs, it has departed from the mission God gave his church to perform, and is no longer like the Lord’s church as revealed in the Scriptures.

Conclusion

There are other things that could be said about the Lord’s church, but these should help one to find the church that Jesus established in the community in which you live. If there is no church like the one found in the Bible, a person should start one. Remember that God has established and built only one church and that you need to be a member of it in order to be saved. May God bless your quest to find the Lord’s church or to start the Lord’s church in your community. 

6567 Kings Ct., Avon, Indiana 46123 mikewillis1@compuserve.com