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 ConsiderMagazine ----- Hard Copy Published Periodically ----- Editor/Publisher: Garreth L. Clair 2977 Carlsbad Drive Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone: (614) 850-7252 Email: glclair@sbcglobal.net FAX - 6148507252 =================================== Volume 50 Number 1 January 2011 ====================================== Subject: Christianity before Alexander Campbell Christianity before Alexander Campbell In 1818 a church in New York sent a letter to “the churches of Christ, scattered over the earth,” asking them for a statement of their views and practices. These letters were later printed in The Christian Baptist, a paper edited by Alexander Campbell (1788-1866). Since denominational preachers often claim that Campbell was the founder of the “church of Christ,” I thought it would be interesting to examine some of these letters. Before printing the circular from New York, Campbell explained the importance of the correspondence between these churches: “The faults and blemishes of those who have attempted a better order of things, are not without benefit to us who inquire after the ancient order of things. Many of these societies have progressed well, all things considered: and their attempts and efforts, however they may be disapprobated, are of more real importance to be known that the doings of Luther and Calvin, and other reformers from ancient popery.” The Church in New York In the letter sent out by the church in New York, it was stated they would bind only those things“ which can be clearly adduced from the New Testament.” Following the pattern of the early Christians they met together every Lord’s day. The services started with a public prayer, after which the congregation sang a hymn, led by one of the elders. Then they would have a scripture reading, observe the Lord’s Supper and give of their means (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Acts 20:7). One of the elders or brethren would then give “exhortation from the word of God.” After a period of praise, a prayer would be offered and the congregation dismissed. In accordance with the law of Christ they required “that all whom we receive into fellowship should believe in their heart, and confess with their mouth, that Jesus is the Christ; that he died for our sins, according to the scriptures; and that upon such confession, and such alone, they should be baptized” (cf. Acts 8:35-39). The letter was signed on March 1, 1818 by the congregation’s two elders and three deacons. Glasgow, Scotland “The Church of Christ meeting in Morrison’s Court, Glasgow” was established somewhere between 1772 and 1782. They had 180 members in 1818. This group also worshipped each Lord’s day. As to the order of services, they followed the pattern of Acts 2 where “they continued in the apostle’s doctrine, and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). Realizing the importance of doctrinal purity, they explained, “It is necessary to guard both against too much and too little forbearance; and especially in respect to the external order of the society.” Edinburgh, Scotland “The Church of Christ assembling in Leith Walk, Edinburgh” was planted around 1798. In 1818 they numbered 250, including three elders and four deacons. At one time they only observed the Lord’s Supper once a month. After careful examination of the New Testament, they returned to the “apostolic tradition” of a weekly observance (cf. Acts 20:7). During the services on Sunday morning “the names of those who had applied for fellowship are also read, and the result of the conversation which the elders and two or more of the brethren have had with them, is stated. If the church be satisfied, they are baptized in the course of a week, and received next Lord’s Day.” This delay was longer than was practiced by the New Testament church (cf. Acts 16:33). They also met each Wednesday and Friday evening for prayer and public teaching. Modern churches could learn a lesson from this congregation. “From comparing the various passages on this subject, we learn that in partaking of the Lord’s supper, we are not to satisfy our hunger, and that the place for doing so is our own houses, where we may exercise hospitality to our brethren, but that the church ought not to come together to eat and drink.” Paul said, “But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home” (1 Corinthians 11:34). Tubermore, Scotland “The Church of Christ at Tubermore” first met in May, 1807. Their 250 members met together every Lord’s day to worship. Concerning fellowship they said, “We do not plead for forbearance as a useful scheme left to our own discretion, or justify it, as some have done, fromthat pleasing variety found among the works of God. Such language we hold in utter abhorrence. Variety in the works of creation is a beauty; but God is the author of that variety. Difference of sentiment upon every thing revealed by God is an evil, because it is the sinful ignorance of men. Can God command all his people to know his will, and shall it be a perfection to be variously ignorant of this?” Manchester, England This small congregation was established in 1810 with only three members. Elders and deacons were appointed in 1817. The next year they numbered 33. Aside from three meetings each Lord’s day, they also met twice during the week for prayer, scripture reading, and teaching. They attended to the observance of the Lord’s Supper every Sunday afternoon. Dublin, Ireland The Stephen Street congregation in Dublin was established in 1810 and consisted of 100 members in 1818. Their order of services was almost identical with the church in New York. They had not yet appointed elders because they could not agree upon the necessary qualifications. While explaining why they were more tolerant of differing opinions on Bible themes, they said, “that all blindness, as to apostolic precepts, is chargeable on the folly and slowness of our hearts. The same folly and slowness of heart prevented the apostles from receiving many truths at the mouth of Jesus; but as their folly and slowness of heart was not indicative of a rejection of Christ, so neither in these days do we apprehend that in the folly and slowness of professors to receive many truths in the apostolic records, is in all cases indicative of a rejection of their authority; and as the Lord bore with the apostles, we see not but his example was recorded for our imitation.” -- Morris Bowers This study is important for church members today because of the modernist and liberal sentiment that is in vogue today among most religious people in America (i.e. today’s date: 1-3-2011). Since this is a problem we must teach a new generation the facts about the origin and doctrine of the New Testament Church (i.e. the one found upon the pages of the Bible) … RESTORATION PATTERNISM Garreth L. Clair -- 2977 Carlsbad -- Hilliard, OH 43026 The title of this article is taken from a book by Leroy Garrett, titled "The Stone Campbell Movement". This book, I have purchased and read. The book is called a history of the reformation movement. From the documented cases within the book of statements attributed to both Stone and the Campbells it would seem that the author hoped to tone down the concept of restoration patternism as he considers it divisive and exclusive. I desire to address the concept of Leroy Garrett and others who consider the concept of restoration and patternism to be divisive and unacceptable to the promoters of unity. Unity is surely desirable among all saints because of the prayer of our Lord (John 17:20-21 - see also HILLIARD BULLETIN, Vol. 5, Number 11, 12), and for peace and happy disposition that it could bring to all religious people. Unity is not impossibility; it may be attained on the basis of what God has said about its attainment. Unity cannot be attained on the basis of feelings, what the reformers have said, or formulas worked out in unity meetings at Nashville, Tulsa or Joplin, etc. Men may have no effect upon the attainment of unity any further than they may deviate from the revealed truth; indeed, they may form some kind of union but to attain unity they must not proceed any less, any further, or suggest anything else than that which the Lord has authorized to accomplish that aim. While unity seekers may find an acceptable formula to everyone concerned in that most desirable aspiration, the only formula acceptable to God is to unify upon that which he has already revealed via the Written Word (Jude 3). Those that seek unity must recognize that those of us who are considered patternists (i.e., the Bible being that pattern) are also interested in unity on that basis, the Divine pattern. RESTORATION PATTERNISM To accuse those of us that make up the church of Christ of being by nature exclusivists is, I believe an accurate description. Indeed, we are convinced that the Written Word of God reveals a pattern for the salvation of the lost. That pattern contains a list of five items. The five items is God's pattern for the salvation of the alien are: (1) hearing -- Romans 10:17 (2) believing -- Mark 16:15-16 (3) repenting -- Acts 2:38 (4) Confession of Jesus Christ as God's Son -- Romans 10:9-10 (5) baptism "for remission of sin" -- Acts 2:38, etc. We are convinced that only those that comply with these conditions from God's Written Word will have their sins remitted. If this concept is divisive who has made it divisive? We did not. It is our sincere desire to see everyone follow this pattern to the saving of his or her soul from sin. Is that divisive? This concept of salvation from sin is only divisive to that one who refuses to comply with the conditions that God has set forth in His book of authority. No doubt there are a number of abstract and unsound concepts that may deprive one of reason and contribute to an outright refusal to come to God's pattern and be saved, yet if one will consider and accept the conditions of pardon, then unity on this point exists between him and me. I am willing to accept anyone in fellowship who can show from the Divine pattern another way to be saved from sin. I have searched the Written Word for nearly 45 years for another way; there is only the one pattern that has been shown. The pattern for salvation from sin is so clear to one who will search the cases of conversion in the book of Acts, rightly divide them (cf., 2 Timothy 2:15), and apply the conditions to self and be saved. Then fellowship may exist between that one and all others who have done likewise. Because many refuse to follow the biblical pattern in order to be saved from sin, should we loosen the concept contained in God's Word to include them in the group that God considers saved? Absolutely not. Because I insist upon compliance with the commands of God's Written Word for all, does that make we divisive? If that is to be deducted from my action, I plead that it is totally unreasonable from a scriptural point of view. I plead that it is unreasonable based upon past evidence from the occurrences revealed to us regarding God's attitude toward those that failed to comply with His instruction. Please notice the following: IN THE OLD TESTAMENT: Ø Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:9, 17; 3:1-24). Adam and Eve knew that God has required obedience. They disobeyed, brought death upon the whole family of mankind, and were cast out of paradise (i.e., Eden). Ø Cain offered an unacceptable sacrifice and then kills his brother Abel (Genesis 4:3-16). Cain knew that God required a blood sacrifice and ignored it, bringing himself then to kill his brother and cause God to curse him. Ø Sodom, Gomorrah and the cities of the plain (Genesis 19:23-30). God again dealt with sin. God did not approve homosexuality and the sinners were destroyed. Ø Aaron's golden calf (Exodus 32:1-32:35). The people knew that they were to worship Jehovah alone. They refused to recognize Jehovah as God, thereby many were destroyed. Ø Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-5). Ø The two sons of Aaron knew that God had given instructions for every facet of the worship service, they rejected God's instruction and were struck dead instantly.\ From these Old Testament examples and many others, we are made aware of God's attitude toward following His pattern. It is apparent that long before Leroy Garret and his friends were born God required that man follow the Divine pattern. This insistence of God that men follow His pattern predated the American restoration movement by several thousand years. IN THE NEW TESTAMENT: Ø Christ tempted by the Devil (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus referred the Devil to the Divine pattern in each of the temptations thusly saying, "It is written." Ø Peter and John's position (Acts 4:18-20). Peter and John were threatened by the authorities and told not to teach any further about Christ. They presented to the rulers the fact that they had no choice but to reject their order and continue to serve God according to the pattern. Ø Ananias and Sapphira his wife (Acts 5:1-11). Apparently, these two considered lying. an acceptable substitute for truth, thereby bringing condemnation upon themselves. Ø Stephen (Acts 6:9-7:60). Stephen knew and taught God's pattern to his death. Ø Cornelius (Acts 10:1-48). Cornelius was one of the pious unimmersed; yet, he was not saved from sin. He had not complied with the pattern. After he had complied with the pattern, he was saved and accepted into the fellowship of God. Ø God's rejection of all who sought to follow the Law of Moses for salvation after the law of Christ had replaced it (Romans). God has no regard for those that follow a law (even though He at one time approved it) that has been abrogated or one that conflicts with the Divine pattern now binding. Ø Man cannot reject the Divine pattern on any issue and expect to be accepted by God (Hebrews 2:1-4). Ø How can we expect to escape condemnation, having testimony of so many who did comply with the Divine pattern and were thereby made acceptable to God (Hebrews 11:1-40; 12:1-2). God required that all mankind comply with His conditions as far back as the early New Testament era as seen from the documented evidence thus far shown. Can the concept of compliance today be accurately described as divisive and those of us who insist upon that compliance be justly condemned as pattern followers, etc.? In the scheme of revelation may be found the Divine pattern for salvation of the alien. Those of us who desire to please God have no other choice but to teach, insist, and defend that proposition. If our religious neighbors castigate us for this and call us all manner of adverse names, that still does not change the truth of God's instruction to them. To suggest that by absolutely abiding within the pattern there can be no unity with denominations and that position itself is divisive we admit, yet is that really such a great obstacle to unity? Surely our religious neighbors that teach differently have no greater desire for unity than we do, but our insistence on following the Divine pattern is none the less divisive and God intended it to be so to all who will not conform thereto. We are concerned, we desire unity, and we will fellowship everyone that abides within the confines of the Divine pattern. A good beginning place might be the surrender of the denominational form of faith only and a compliance with the Divine pattern on salvation from sin. When in the previous paragraph we suggested that compliance with the Divine pattern on the plan of salvation might be a starting point, we did not imply that the accepted ideas found in denomination's circles regarding faith, repentance, confession, and baptism are acceptable to us or to God. I simply imply that the Divine pattern gives the formula for salvation from sin with the right understanding of each item, as baptism (according to the Divine pattern) is for the "remission of sin" (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21), a burial in and a coming out of the water (Romans 6:1-4; Acts 2:36-39), places one in a covenant relationship with Christ (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27), and that there is only "one baptism" (Ephesians 4:5). Any person who is not thusly baptized is not in fellowship with God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit and consequently may have no fellowship with me. Since, in reality my fellowship is with the Godhead conditioned upon my faithful obedience to the divine pattern, any fellowship I may have with others is incidental to that fellowship I have with the Godhead. As we have defined baptism, so must we insist upon the proper attitudes, motives, mode for baptism, etc., with regard to all other facets contained in God's pattern for the salvation of the alien. CONCLUSION: To the charge that evangelists for churches of Christ (at least this one) teaches patternism, that the compliance to the Divine pattern causes division (i.e., causes some to reject us), I readily admit. To the charge that Stone and the Campbells with others of the restoration period began the concept, that there can be no unity where patternism (an appeal to the Divine pattern) exist, that those of us who insist upon following the pattern are divisive, this I deny. The BIBLE is the Divine Pattern CONSIDER MAGAZINE November 2010 EXEGESIS OF COLOSSIANS 2:6-15 In this short study my effort will be to show that the Law of Moses that existed for the Jews ended, abolished, or fulfilled {i.e. abolished} when Jesus Christ died on the cross, was resurrected from the dead and established His Church on the first Pentecost after the resurrection viz. Acts 2:1-47. This event; the establishment of the church Jesus promised to build fulfilled the promise to the Jews and also instituted the establishment of the Kingdom of God {i.e. the church}. The hope of salvation from that time {i.e. Acts 2} until the coming judgment is promised to all mankind {i.e. Gentiles and Jews} conditional upon God’s plan of salvation. Yes; God has revealed a plan of salvation for Jews and for Gentiles that both can comply with. That plan is to obey the Lord Jesus Christ through faith and obedience. To those that will comply with God’s Plan through Jesus Christ salvation may be acquired – NOTE THE FOLLOWING … TEXT: Colossians 2:6-15 6 as ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk you in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11 in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are raised with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. KJV --- GOD’S PLAN OF SALVATION --- Hear the gospel message – Rom. 10:11-16 Believe the gospel – Rom. 10:17; Heb. 11:6 Repent – Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38 Confess – Jesus as God’s Son Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 8:37 Be baptized – For remission of sins Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21 ONE IS THEN ADDED TO THE CHURCH BY JESUS CHRIST Acts 2:47 - "And the Lord added to the church daily those that were being saved from sin." Continue to live faithful to Divine instruction throughout life ... Heb. 10:35-39; 1 Peter 1:6-8; Rev. 2:10
This plan that God has authored for man’s salvation is available to all humankind today. This plan is God’s only authorized plan that will ensure that the individual’s sins are remitted through compliance by faith and obedience. This plan of God is not for any one group or race of people but is for the sins of all humankind. The Jews and the Gentiles both may be saved from their sins today by complying with the Divine conditions; cf. Rom. 1:16-17 - 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first , and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith. KJV Rom. 2:9-11 - 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 For there is no respect of persons with God. KJV Both Jews and Gentiles saved by the shed blood of Jesus Christ through faith and obedience – cf. Gal. 3:23-29 - 23 But before faith came; we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 but after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. KJV glclair@aol.com - November 18, 2010 CONSIDER MAGAZINE Beginning our 12th Year January 1, 2010 IS IT A GOOD IDEA TO DO YOUR OWN THING?
THE CONDITION OF HUMANITY TODAY
The concept inherent in the subject heading at the top; is the theme of the vast majority of people today on earth. When we look at the statistics of crimes such as murder, adultery, theft, breaking and entering the homes of others for criminal purposes, politicians buying votes or selling the position to the highest bidder, the causes of bank failures in America (i.e. failure of banking officials and overseers of banking in America); you have an idea where the “do your own thing” has led us in today’s society. Indeed, our prisons are full of law-breakers, our hospitals are overloaded with people with alcoholic problems, drug related problems, emotional problems, and race hatred problems, and this is just a sampling of the conditions that exist in our country and also in other countries.
IS THERE A SOLUTION?
Yes, there is a solution but the population of the world will not accept it and adjust their life (i.e. wants, emotions, morals, self-control, disposition, and general approach as defined in the guidelines of sanity and real hope in this world). The solution to all man’s problems is still contained in one source; that source is the perfect truth (cf. John 8:32 – John 17:17) that is contained in the Bible (i.e. the written Word of God). There can be no earthly solution to man’s problems that we have revealed in the previous paragraph unless they are ready to abandon the worldly life and aspiration apparent in the majority of people currently residing in this world.
The real solution is not a new concept or a new fad of some kind; but is a solution instituted for our original parents, Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden some 6,000 years ago. Adam and Eve were placed in a perfect environment in every respect and were instructed to care for the garden and all of the Creator’s paradise that they had for home cf. Genesis 1-2. They choose to listen and follow the advice of the evil one and were dismissed from paradise with all the goodness and benevolence of their Creator (cf. Genesis 3).
MAN HAS BEEN HIS OWN WORST ENEMY FROM HIS ORIGIN
From man’s creation there have been continued rejection of God’s instructions that are (i.e. have been) best for his existence here in the world and for eternity. Yet, today we see man’s desires rejecting from God and the vast majority pursuing worldliness, sensuality, immoral behavior, and insanely dangerous uses of all forms of drugs (i.e. prescription and illegal).
It is possible to trace man’s origins and his habits throughout his history from the only accurate and reliable written history. From the beginning (Genesis 1-3) we see that the very first husband and wife rejected the good that God had intended for them by choosing to follow evil rather than God’s way. It was not very long till man had so degraded himself in mind and body that God sent a great flood upon the earth to destroy all of the human family except Noah, his wife, three sons and their wives cf. Genesis 6:5-9:1).
Again man began to turn away from god after a short while and fell into idolatry and many form of evil, also rejecting God’s instructions. God determined to work out His plan to make it possible for mankind to restore their relationship with their Creator. God selected a man (i.e. Abram) to be the beginning of a national religion through which the Messiah would eventually come – Reference: Gen. 12:1-5 - 1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shall be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. 4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. 5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran ; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.
The seed of Abraham were the Israelites (i.e. Jews). The arrangement with Abraham and his family (i.e. both immediate and future) included [1] the coming of Messiah through the lineage, [2] the fulfilling of God’s Plan {including the Law of Moses}, and [3] the establishment of a new kingdom (i.e. [4] the church of Christ with [5] Jesus as its head and [6] as King of Kings).
References:[1] Acts 3:18-20
[2] Matt 5:17-18 - 17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Rom. 2:27-29 - 27 and shall not un-circumcision which is by nature, if it fulfill the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? 28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. KJV
[3] Matt. 16:18-20 - 18 And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. KJVMatt. 18:18 - Verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. KJV
[4] Matthew 16:18 - And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. KJV
[5] Acts 4:10-12 - 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at naught of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. KJVEph. 1:22-23 - 22 and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all. KJV Eph. 5:23 - for the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. KJV Col. 1:18-19 - 18 and he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell; KJV
[6] Jesus is reigning now as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Jesus will continue to reign as King until He delivers up the kingdom to the Father at the judgment.1 Tim. 6:14-16 - 14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15 Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen. KJV Rev 17:14 - These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. 1 Cor 15:19-28 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ raised from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 for since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 for as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 for he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him; it is manifest that he is accepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. KJV
CONCLUSION:The facts about man’s relationship to God in this present world and the importance of understanding God’s plan is paramount. Without understanding mankind will surely fail to turn to God and seek his good but with wisdom and understanding man may be able to find his/her place in the scheme of all things.
May God bless our study of His dealings with us so that we may understand and seek His Way (i.e. the Bible shows us the way). Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009 CONSIDER MAGAZINE Beginning our 5th year on the Web! January 1, 2009 A note from Garreth and Barbara – 2009 …
The wonderful time of the year is surely the beginning of each New Year. The beginning of each New Year is a time to reflect on the past and a time to hope and expect good things to come in the New Year. 2009 is just beginning and there are many things that we all hope for during this coming year. Yet, the old year of 2008 is not out of our memory yet, so I want to remind everyone that Barbara and I are happy to be here and look forward to the coming year with hope and expectation of good things.
We want to thank all of you who visit and encourage us for your kindness, your support and patience you have shown us. We have been her and availabe for the past four years, we will continue as long as we are here.
We often reflect on the large number of brothers and sisters who have passed on to await the resurrection of all. We miss them. Even as we continue to reside here in Hilliard, Ohio; we know that our time may come anytime regardless of our age, sex, or role in this life. I recently ran across a poem read at the services of one of our former friends who have passed on; I want to again share it with you to illustrate the unknown:
Who Names The Day?
We would ask for more time, we say Lord, give us yet another day, we pray There is much to do, we must stay But, alas, it is not we, but HE who names the day James McFadden As we enter the New Year of 2009 let us each look to the good of one another as a strong and able people serving God both day and night. While we are here in the world may we exercise patience, kindness, and forgiveness, seasoned with love toward one another and toward all – cf. Galatians 6:10, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (KJV)
“Work for the night cometh when none can work …” January 1, 2009 The Congregation and its Work
There are a number of organizational errors associated with most established churches throughout the world today. Many of the organizational arrangements and works that many churches are involved in are without Biblical support. The church that the Lord established as recorded in Acts 2 and named in Romans 16:16 has a unique organizational structure as well as a unique assignment of work.
FIRST THINGS FIRST:
The nature of the congregation in the local sense is not to be confused with the organization of the universal church; variously referred to as the Body of Christ (i.e. and the Kingdom of God … Rom 7:4, Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. … 1 Cor 10:16-17, 16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. … 1 Cor 12:27, Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. … Eph 4:12, For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: …
NOTE: In the following two verses the words church and kingdom of God are both used to identify the great family of God both in the graves and on earth (i.e. the UNIVERSAL CHURCH). Matt 16:18-19, 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (KJV)
FURTHER: The organizational structure of the UNIVERSAL CHURCH is Christ as head and all the saved of all ages the body. There is no Biblically approved head, or operational structure other than this. To attempt to activate the Universal Church one must invent a structural arrangement for such and to go onward with an invented organization structure is to act without Divine authority and all such action is condemned by Almighty God via the Holy Scripture – cf. 2 John 9-11, 9 Whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (KJV)
THE CONGREGATIONAL ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE:
Whereas the Universal Church (i.e. the Body of Christ) possesses no organizational structure to activate it; the congregation (i.e. church in a local/located sense) may organize according to Biblical instruction. The church in its local sense beginning with the church at Jerusalem (i.e. the first congregation) possessed organization structure as indicated in the following Scriptural references:
THE CHURCH ORGANIZED TO CARE FOR WIDOWS: Acts 6:1-5, 1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, it is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
THE CHURCH AT JERUSALEM SENDS OUT TEACHERS: Acts 16:4, and as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
PAUL GIVES INSTRUCTIONS TO THE ELDERS OF THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS: Acts 20:28-29, “28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves.”
THE LEADERS OF THE JERUSALEM CHURCH SEND A LETTER TO THE CHURCH AT ANTIOCH MENTIONING THE ELDERSHIP: Acts 15:22-23, 22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: 23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:”
PAUL INSTRUCTS TITUS TO APPOINT ELEDRS ( Bishops, shepherds, etc.) TO OVERSEE THE CHURCHES: Titus 1:5, For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: (KJV)
THE ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE CONGREGATION IN PHILIPPI; Phil 1:1. Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: (KJV)
QUALIFICATIONS OF THE ELDERS and DEACONS: Titus 1:5-9, 5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: 6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (KJV) SEE ALSO – 1 Timothy 3:1-12 THE ASSIGNED WORK OF THE CONGREGATION (i.e. LOCATED BODY OF CHRISTIANS): Ephesians 4:12, For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (KJV) Matthew 28:18-20, 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (KJV)
1. For the perfecting of the saints 2. For the work of the ministry (i.e. preaching/teaching the gospel to everyone) 3. For the edifying of the congregation
THE EXTENT OF THE CONGREGATION’S RESPONSIBILITY: Each congregation under the oversight of its eldership is to perform the three works to the extent of their ability. No congregation is required by God to do more or less than their resources will allow them to do. January 2, 2009 FUTURE GOSPEL MEETINGS At 4840 Cemetery Road Hilliard, Ohio 43026
FALL September 20-23, 2009 – Billy Ray Ford (Marion, AR) - confirmed
SPRING April 22-25, 2010 – Arthur Adams (Plymouth, IN) - confirmed
FALL September 19-24, 2010 - Aaron Veyon (Fredericktown OH) confirmed
SPRING 2011 - April 17-22 - Trevor Brailey (Utica, OH) - confirmed
FALL 2011– Sept. 18-23 - Todd Rogers (Columbus, OH) Confirmed SPRING 2012 - Lecture series - different speakers List of speakers & Subjects listed later ... Posted August 1, 2009
Consider Magazine is an independent work by Garreth L. Clair Garreth has over 50 years experience as a preacher, and is currently the preacher for the church that meets at 4840 Cemetery Road, in Hilliard OH. http://www.cemeteryroadchurchofchrist.org/ Copyright 2005, All Rights Reserved. (Please contact us for permission to reprint.) Please help us show up on search engines, by putting a link to http://www.considermagazine.com on your website!
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