Truth Magazine

By Paul C. Keller

There is continuing need for a study of Christianity as it was in the first century. What Christianity was in the first century it needs to be in the twentieth century  and in the twenty-first. The religion of Christ has been so long perverted that many have no true conception of genuine Christianity. Men are prone to use the wrong standards for judging the correctness of our faith and practice. As individuals we tend to measure our responsibilities as Christians, not by what the Bible teaches, but by the conduct of other church members. Congregations overlook the Bible as a standard for its activities and allow the practices of other congregations to be their guide. Unconsciously, many allow the denominations to set the standard for them and adopt sectarian patterns for their religious practices. In other instances the church is influenced by the pattern established by former generations. We are prone to accept the teachings and practices that have developed through the years without questioning their scriptural authority. We almost assume that our brethren have never erred and that we can safely adopt all that has been handed down to us. Nevertheless, a failure to follow the Bible as our only guide in matters of religious faith and practice will ultimately lead to apostasies! History gives abundant testimony to the truthfulness of this statement. The apostasy of the New Testament church did not arise overnight. Instead, it came gradually, over a period of centuries. The gradual departures introduced in one generation paved the way for further departures in succeeding generations. This continued until the pattern of the New Testament church was lost and was replaced by the traditions and doctrines of men. The apostasy came because men failed to follow the Scriptures as their guide.

Today, the “Christian Church” (or “Disciples”) stands as a monument to the folly of substituting human judgment in the place of divine authority. While leaders in the “Restoration Movement” were united in their plea for a complete return to New Testament Christianity, the denominational world was put to flight. So long as these men were willing to abide by the slogan, “Where the Bible speaks, we speak; and where the Bible is silent, we are silent” (a principle which is taught in I Peter 4:11), the sectarian world was powerless to resist the onslaught of truth. It was when some of them abandoned this ground of safety that the devilgained an advantage. When some sought to “improve” on the Lord’s arrangement by introducing practices not authorized in the Scriptures, division resulted. These first departures were but introductions of the many that were to follow. The wide scale apostasy of the “Christian Church” in less than a century of time was so rapid as to be almost unbelievable. It could not have developed without a “beginning.” Its “beginning” was the substitution of human wisdom for Bible authority. Thereafter, men in this sect judged their teaching and practice in the light of what had been handed down to them rather than in the light of Bible teaching. And it is with deep concern that, during these recent years, we have observed the spectacle of many churches of Christ pursuing the same sad, inevitable course. When we adopt the wrong standard of measurement for Christianity we will “miss the mark” every time.

With people who want the truth the question is not “What are others doing?” nor “What do preachers think about this?” nor should it be “What do I want?” These are not questions to be raised by the honest truth-seeker. His question is: “What does the Bible teach?” In 2 Timothy 3:16,17 Paul teaches that the Scriptures are an all-sufficient guide. This being true, we need nothing more. Opinions expressed orally are as useless as the written creeds of men. Each generation needs to reexamine its teaching and practice in the light of the Scriptures rather than accepting that which has been handed down by former generations. Likewise, in the light of Bible teaching it should examine the proposals of con-temporaries.

If we would know what Christianity should be in the twentieth century, we must learn what it was in the first century. Let us first observe what it was:

Undenominational In Its Nature

This is evident from a number of considerations. First, the church of Christ is not a denomination. A denomination is a sect. It professes to be merely a “part” or a “section.” This does not describe the church of God. It is, itself, the whole of God’s people. All who are saved are added by the Lord to the church (Acts 2:41,47). Hence, the church contains all the saved. Furthermore, the Lord’s people in the first century believe the same, taught the same, practiced the same, and all wore the same name. There was nothing to distinguish them one from another. All were members of the “one body,” the church (Eph.1:22,23; 4:4).

Second, a denomination is not the church of Christ. The church is referred to in the New Testament in two senses: (1) Universally, with reference to all the saved  all the church, everywhere. Jesus spoke of it in this sense in Mat-thew 16:18. (2) The church is referred to in its congregational or local sense  speaking of the church in a given locality. Paul used it in this sense in 1 Corinthians 1:2. But, what is a denomination? It has been defined as “a religious organization smaller than the whole church and larger than the local church.” One Methodist Church is not the Methodist denomination. It is made up of local Methodist churches tied into the General Conference. Likewise the Baptist de-nomination is composed of all such churches of like faith and order having affiliation with the Association. Thus a denomination is larger than the local church and smaller than the whole church; and since the New Testament presents the church only in the whole sense or the local sense, and a denomination is not the church in either sense, it necessarily follows that a denomination is not the church in any sense. The church is a divine organization founded by Christ. Denominations are human organizations founded by men.

Next, let us note that the gospel does not create de-nominations. The gospel is God’s power to save (Rom. 1:16). It is the mission of the church to preach the gospel (Mark 16:15; 2 Tim. 2:2; 1 Tim. 3:15). The gospel was preached in the first century  and thousands obeyed it. But while thousands obeyed the gospel then, such obedience did not make a Roman Catholic, Mormon, Methodist, Baptist, Seventh Day Adventist, Episcopalian, Lutheran, or Presbyterian of a single one of them! It follows that if obedience to the gospel in the first century did not make denominationalists then it will not do so now. When the gospel is preached today as it was preached then and people obey it today just as they did then, it will make of people now what it did then  Christians. Only when something other than the gospel of Christ is preached and obeyed do men become denominationalists. Baptist doctrine must be preached and obeyed to make Baptists. Methodists are made by the preaching of Methodist doctrine and obedience thereto. The same is true for all denominations. But the gospel of Christ will not make a Baptist, Methodist, or any other denominationalist. It did not do it in the first century! It will not do it in the twentieth century! The gospel does not create denominations.

Furthermore, the gospel requirements in the first century were undenominational. The same conditions of salvation required of the Gentile were required of the Jew. Rich and poor, strong and weak, were called upon to do the same things in order to have the remission of sins. Alien sinners in the first century were taught to believe, to repent of sins, and to be baptized for the remission of sins (Matt. 28:19, 20; Luke 24:46, 47; Mark 16:15, 16; Acts 2:38). None was exempt from these conditions. All were required to meet all of these conditions. No exceptions were made.

Finally, the results of gospel obedience were undenominational. This has already been noted. Let us notice further, however, that all penitent believers who were baptized obtained salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38), entered Christ (Gal. 3:26,27), and became members of the body of Christ, the church (1 Cor. 12:13 Acts 2:41, 47). Since the Lord has “but one body” (1 Cor. 12:20; Eph. 4:4), which is the church they were all members of the same church. Being “in Christ” they were “new creatures” (2 Cor. 5:17) and hence they had all been “born again” (John 3:3-7). Gospel obedience obtained the same results for all.

These facts show conclusively that Christianity in the first century was undenominational. This being true, it follows that genuine Christianity in the twentieth century and every century, must be undenominational. Let us put forth every effort to keep it undenominational. To this end may God bless us.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 21, p. 18-19
November 2, 1995

By Luke Chandler

One of the popular concepts gouging its way through society today is the notion of “tolerance.” While our nation was founded upon such principles as religious and political tolerance, it is moving rapidly toward labeling many formerly taboo subjects as “tolerable.”

We needn’t look far to find examples of this. If we read a newspaper or watch television, we are constantly deluged with evil ideas. We are told that fornication (a word we don’t hear much any more) is okay. We’re also told that abortion is a proper and necessary thing in family planning and population control. Many people are also informing us that homosexuality is a natural thing and should be labeled as merely an alternate lifestyle. If anyone stands up and opposes these things, that person is labeled as intolerant, close-minded, and a hate-monger. Add to this the ever-growing diet of profanity, nudity, violence, and immorality in our entertainment, and we see ourselves nearly overwhelmed by worldly concepts. Even our own government has allied itself with these forces, so that high-ranking officials tell us we must learn to tolerate and accept these.

What is the danger for us? Will we suddenly decide that we really have been close minded and immediately accept these behaviors and practices? Most likely not. The vast majority of Christians will not turn away from godliness overnight. There is a very real and present danger for us, though. Our principles can begin to erode from the constant, steady pressure of society. We run a high risk of becoming desensitized to evil things, to the point that we are not bothered by them as much as we should be.

Are we already desensitized to worldly things? Have the sharp edges of our conscience been blunted by the flood of godlessness we are exposed to? Do we find ourselves increasingly tolerant of worldly things in our movies, TV, or music? Does profanity set us on edge, or does it flow through our ears with no resistance on our part? Do we try to avoid scenes of fornication and nudity, or do we calmly sit and allow them to fill our mind? Have our views on divorce, abortion, or other “social issues” been diluted with elements of modern thought? Most importantly, if we see ourselves as slowly drifting one way or the other, which way would it be?

God has given us some principles on how to fight the erosion of our conscience, as well as how to sharpen its worn edges.

First, we can guard our minds against the flood of worldly thoughts, ideas, and images that swirl around us. In Proverbs 4:23, Solomon writes “Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” We can protect ourselves against much of the evil flood by simply refusing to watch and listen to things which would fill our minds with worldly ideas. If we do not give sin a chance to enter our heart, it will not be able to dull our conscience. There are many movies and TV programs that Christians simply shouldn’t see. Proverbs 14:16 warns us about letting our guard down when it says, “A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident.” It is foolish to feel confident in our own strength and allow evil its place in us, but we are wise if we realize its power and stay away from it.

Second, we can learn to have the same mind as Christ did. This basic principle, given in Philippians 2:5, tells us to think in the same way as our Lord did. We have no better role model than he, so we must study his attitude toward worldliness and imitate it. We can see the principles he lived by in passages such as Matthew 15:18-20. Jesus says there that our deeds originate from the heart. Evil things are done because the ideas were in the heart to begin with. We must choose which master we shall serve (Matt. 6:24) and keep out the other. Which movies would Jesus watch? Which movies would he avoid watching? Would the Lord allow society to influence his convictions in any possible way? If he lived in our time, would there be any differences in what he would tolerate? We must have the same mind as he.

Finally, we must fill our minds with things that will sharpen our conscience. Philippians 4:8 describes the kinds of things we should fill our minds with (things that are true, noble, just, pure, praiseworthy, etc.). If we fill our minds with godly things, we will develop a conscience that can discriminate properly toward what is tolerable and intolerable. Unfortunately, conscience-honing thoughts and images are increasingly rare. Nevertheless, they exist and can be found if we make any real effort. The richest source is obviously God’s Word. But if we do not actively fill our minds with it, we shall fail against the erosive storms.

By following these principles, we can fight the moral rot that exists in our society. We can remain sensitive toward that which is evil, and avoid the noxious cloud of the “new tolerance” which threatens our souls.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 21, p. 9
November 2, 1995

By Kenneth D. Sils

The night before Jesus gave his life on the cross, he prayed fervently to his heavenly Father for spiritual strength. As Jesus was praying for his apostles he said, “As You have sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth” (Jn. 17:18-19). The apostles of Jesus were referred to as “ambassadors of Christ” (2 Cor. 5:20) with the mission of telling the world about his truth, the good news which sets men free. Knowing this, it should not surprise us that Jesus would continue his prayer saying, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all be one, as You, Father are in Me, and I in you; that they all may be one with Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me” (Jn. 17:20-21).

In the first century, there was no such thing as the cur-rent “unity in diversity” doctrine. The church of Christ was a unified body of believers. They accomplished this by “continuing steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42). This unity is even seen in the way they worshiped God, knowing they must follow the pattern God gave them through the apostles. In John 4:24, Jesus told us, “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” Christians worship God in spirit and in truth.

Man is not at liberty to worship God in just any old way that feels good and still be pleasing to God. Consider the story of Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10: 1-3, “Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.” While these religious men were carrying out an activity of worship, they sinned and died before the Lord. Why? Because they were not fully following God’s instructions concerning worship. If one truly adores God, he will praise him just as he has been instructed according to God’s law with a heart of reverence.

When we peer into God’s divine record, it is easy to see just how the church in the first century worshiped. There are many commands and examples available in the New Testament to know exactly what the church did when they” came together as a church” (I Cor. 11: 18). They didn’t come together to “do their own thing”; they came together to express homage to God and the only way to do that was to be “subject to Christ” (Eph. 5:24).

In 1 Corinthians 14, we learn a couple of important principles about the worship of the church of Christ. In verse 26, we see that they were to “let all things be done for edification.” The worship of the church was designed not only to praise God, but to build up the faith of the saints. The only way this could be accomplished was for the church to “let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40). If proper worship is ever to take place, then there must be order among the church. The members of the church are to maintain their composure so all can be edified in their worship. This truth strikes at the heart of many of the modem “charismatic” denominational churches which allow and encourage their members to run around their auditoriums, shout whatever comes to their minds, fall down with a pseudo-slain spirit and jump around in primeval dancing when the mood hits them. Worship to God was never de-signed to have today’s “carnival” atmosphere, but was a serious reflection of homage to God with members participating in authorized actions from the doctrine of Christ.

The church, the called out, came together “as a church” for the express purpose to worship God. If we desire to be a part of the church of Christ, we must worship God just as Christians did in the Bible. They worshiped God observing five different activities which God ordained in the New Testament. All other ways of congregational worship must be forsaken in order for the church’s worship to be accepted by God. Here are the activities of assemblies of God found in the doctrine of Christ (2 Jn. 9):

1. The church of Christ worships God by singing praises to him. In Hebrews 2:12, the writer tells us that congregational singing is encouraged by God when he says, “I will declare your name to my brethren; in the midst of the congregation I will sing praises to You.” The apostle Paul tells the Christians in Ephesus to be “speaking to one an-other in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord.” The church which our Lord built never used instruments, other than their hearts, to sing praises to God. They sang in a congregational fashion. Any other way is foreign to the pattern which Christ established through his apostles in the New Testament. Those who refuse to accept his plan balk at the authority of God and will find that their worship is a “vain” worship.

2. The church of Christ worships God by praying to our Father. As Paul was instructing the Corinthians about their behavior when assembled, he said in 1 Corinthians 14:15, “I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding.” In the first century, men offered up prayers to the Father in words that could be understood and “Amened.” Jesus instructed men to pray to their Heavenly Father in Matthew 6, yet prayer was to be offered in the name of Jesus (Jn. 14:6; Col. 3:17). A period of worship without sincere, heartfelt prayer is like a river bed without water. God desires for us to come before his throne with singing and praying as often as we can.

3. The church of Christ worships God by giving of their means. The apostle Paul told Christians in 1 Corinthians 16: 1-2, “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also; on the first day of the week, let each of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper.” The church of Christ gave back a portion of their income in a common treasury (collection) on the first day of the week. Notice that they gave on the first day of the week and there is no mention of the Old Testament command of “tithing.” One is to give as he purposes in his heart (2 Cor. 9:7), exposing his spirit of worship. Also, one is to give when God told him to, exposing his allegiance to the truth. Any ministry or church which takes upon itself to collect money just any day or demand a tenth or more is speaking beyond the boundaries of Christ’s doctrine. Modem day denominationalism shows its true lack of respect for God’s pattern here.

4. The church of Christ worships God by eating the Lord’s Supper. In Acts 20:7, Christians at Troas came together on the first day of the week to break bread. This action, done on the first day of the week, was eating the Supper instituted by our Lord to proclaim his death to the world. Paul told the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 1:26-27, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till he comes. Therefore, who-ever eats this bread and drinks this cup in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.” Again, this passage demonstrates that we must worship in spirit and truth. The Lord’s supper is to be done just the way God demanded. Any deviation of time or manner is a perversion of worship which causes one to be guilty of sinful rebellion.

5. The church of Christ worships God through preaching the gospel. Acts 20:7 also tells us that Paul spoke to these Christians until midnight. There can be no doubt, only the gospel of Jesus was being preached. Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the Word.” The only acceptable preaching was the preaching of God’s holy Word, the gospel or doctrine of Christ. Evangelists never preached about politics, philosophies or theologies of men, secular education or a “social” gospel. When one honestly examines the majority of pulpits today, one finds everything except “the truth that makes one free” (Jn. 8:32). Paul describes the church of Christ as, “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15). Friend, when is the last time you have heard a lesson beginning and ending in Scripture?

The church of Christ responds to God’s plea for unity. They are unified in the apostle’s doctrine. They worship God just as first century Christians did, making them a part of the same body, the church. Satan has many ministers who appear righteous, but they abhor the authority of God by worshiping as they feel, rather than by the truth. Today, you are shaping your eternity. Are you worshiping God in spirit and in truth? Investigate the church that Jesus built and you will find reverence, homage and worship which is acceptable to God.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 21, p.6-7
November 2, 1995

By Dennis C. Abernathy

“Sacrifice” is defined: “To forgo something valued or deemed desirable for the sake of something (or someone) having a more pressing claim.”

The Christian’s life is to be one of sacrifice. The Christian should be willing to give up or forego everything for the Lord who died for him.

“What! Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price. There-fore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. And be not fashioned according to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:1-2).

Christians are said to be “priests of God” (or a holy priest-hood) to offer up spiritual sacrifices (1 Pet. 2:5).

Jesus our Lord died for us on a Roman cross at Golgotha’s hill. He gave his life that we may live. Thus, I must be willing to give my all for him. I must be willing to give myself to him (2 Cor. 8:5).

It is difficult for us to fully comprehend the magnitude of the Lord’s sacrifice and the great blessing it holds forth to those who will appropriate it. “. . . that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Cor. 8:9).

Many Christians Have the Wrong

Idea About Sacrifice

Many Christians exhibit sacrifice in reverse order. They consider valuable and more desirable, things which in reality are less valuable. Hence they sacrifice the greater andmore valuable for the lesser and least valuable! Notice some examples:

1. Many sacrifice the church assemblies for hunting, fishing, golfing, school events, ball games, social activities, company, job, etc. (see Heb.10:21f). Brethren, if you are sacrificing your soul and the souls of your children for any of these things (and others like them), you had better re-evaluate your priorities!

I especially plead with Christian parents. You must see the importance of setting the proper example before your children. The wise man in Proverbs said, “My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes keep to my ways” (Prov. 23:26). It is sad, but true that too many children’s eyes are keeping to their parents’ ways and they are ways that lead away from the Lord into the paths of indifference and neglect!

What has a more pressing claim on you than serving God? Name one thing. I’m afraid that these things we have already mentioned are more desirable and of more value to many Christians than is their standing with God!

2. Many sacrifice Bible study for TV, radio, secular reading, and countless other hobbies and activities. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to show thyself approved.” 1 Timothy 4:13 says “give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” Acts 17:11 says, “. . . they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day.”

Are these other things of more value to you and do you desire them more than the Word of God?

“Direct me in the paths of your commands, for there I find delight” (Psa. 119:35).

“I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands” (Psa. 119:131).

“I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly” (Psa.119:167).

For one to neglect studying the Bible for these other trivial things is to choose the lesser over the greater. Once a young man gave his sweetheart a beautiful and precious ring with a valuable stone. The ring was wrapped in a pretty box. The girl opened the box, threw away the ring, and kept the box. Many do this with the precious and valuable Word of God.

3. Many sacrifice teaching others, visiting the sick, and hospitality for cars, boats, houses, and making money. What good will cars, boats, houses, and money be if you lose your soul? “For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Matt. 16:26) The Christian has duties to attend to. He must teach the word of God to others (Matt. 28:19; 2 Tim. 2:2). The sick and needy are to be cared for (Matt. 25:34-46; Jas. 1:27; Gal. 6:10). We are to be a hospitable people (Heb. 13:2).

If one’s heart is in the right place he will attend to these various duties toward his fellow man. He will be willing to sacrifice “treasures on this earth,” which are transient any-way, for the treasures which endure forever (Matt. 6:19-21).

I think many Christians believe that these works under discussion are for preachers, deacons, and elders, and they are not obligated in the least. Wrong! These things involve the practice of Christianity. They are the avenues through which one’s faith is exhibited (see Jas. 2:14-18).

4. Many sacrifice the truth for friendship, family, fellowship, the opinions, regulations, and commandments of men. The truth is such a priceless commodity that it should be bought and never sold (Prov. 23:23). One cannot be savedwithout obedience to the truth (1 Pet. 1:22). We must “walk in truth” (2 Jn. 3,4; 3 Jn. 4). God’s indignation and wrath awaits those who do not “obey the truth” (Rom. 2:8).

It is sad that some will allow friends and family to hinder them in obeying the truth. Many will cling to the “doctrines and commandments of men” and give up the truth in order to court the fellowship and praise of men (John 12:42-43; Matt. 15:8-9).

5. Many sacrifice purity and holiness in life for a moment of passion, for a week-end of drinking with friends, or for some enslaving habit. Christians are to live holy and pure lives, saying “No!” to ungodliness and worldly passions (Tit. 2:11-12). We must realize that these are “passing” pleasures. They do not last long, and when they end, the consequences come crashing in.

Today the church is plagued with impurity. Christians are enslaved with the same worldly habits as the world. Sexual immorality is prevalent even among Christians. Drinking is getting worse and the church is not immune to such ungodliness. Immorality abounds among preachers and elders. Thankfully, some repent, but some just “get caught,” usually all continue to preach and serve in local churches, and our Lord must shake his head in disgust.

Conclusion

Brethren, don’t sacrifice the best for the less. Don’t seek the second above the first. The Lord is good and his will is good for us. Look to Jesus and learn what true sacrifice really is (Phil. 2:5-8). Whatever you may sacrifice for the Lord and his cause in this life, it will be well rewarded (Mark 10:28-30).

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: No. 21, p.4-5
November 2, 1995