SPECIAL STUDIES

GOD'S PERFECT REVELATION

(i.e. BOOK)

TEXT -- Romans 12:2,

And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and

ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. ASV

INTRODUCTION:

The objective of this study is to understand why God's revelation (Bible) is called perfect, and exactly what it means to be perfect.

In the original Greek language the word is teleios NT: 5049 signifies "having reached its end" (telos), "finished, complete perfect."

It is used of persons, primarily of physical development, then, with ethical import, fully grown, mature… of things, complete, perfect, referring to the completed revelation of God's will and ways, W. E., VINE.

I. GOD'S PERFECT REVELATION:

1. It comes from a sinless God -- Matthew 5:48, "Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." ASV

2. It provides everything for mankind's need:

All that pertains to life and godliness -- 2 Peter 1:3, "seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue;"

God's word provides light -- Psalms 119:105, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and light unto my path." ASV

The complete knowledge of God and His will for mankind --

1 Corinthians 13:10, "but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away." ASV

Jude 3,"Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our commonsalvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints." ASV

The means whereby mankind may be in harmony with God

Colossians 1:27-28, -- 27 to whom God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ;" ASV

Colossians 4:12, "Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, saluteth you, always striving for you in his prayers, that ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. ASV

Maturity -- Ephesians 4:12-15, "12 for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ:

13 till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a full-grown (mature ) man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness (mature ) of Christ: 14 that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every

wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;15 but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, (even) Christ;" ASV

1 Corinthians 14:20, "Brethren, be not children in mind: yet in malice be ye babes, but in mind be men." ASV

II. PURPOSE OF GOD'S REVELATION:

1. God does not want anyone to perish -- 2 Peter 3:9, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." ASV

2. God desires mankind's eternal salvation

Romans 10:8-15,

8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach: 9 because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus (as) Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved: 10 for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be put to shame. 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek: for the same (Lord) is Lord of all, and is rich unto all that call upon him: 13 for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 and how shall they preach, except they be sent? even as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings of good things! ASV

1 Timothy 2:4-7,

4 who would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, (himself) man, Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself a ransom for all; the testimony (to be borne) in its own times; 7 whereunto I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I speak the truth, I lie not), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. ASV

3. God desires that our lives be filled with His goodness:

Romans 10:14-15,

14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 and how shall they preach, except they be sent? even as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings of good things!" ASV

Ephesians 3:17-21,

17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be strong to apprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye may be filled unto all the fulness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 unto him (be) the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus unto all generations for ever and ever. Amen." ASV

Colossians 1:5,

"because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel," ASV

Colossians 1:9-10,

9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard (it), do not cease to pray and make request for you, that ye may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 to walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;" ASV

CONCLUSION:

God's perfect revelation gives mankind all that we need to know to please Him and to be united with Him throughout eternity. God teaches us how to live and how to please and glorify Him while on the earth, through His perfect revelation (i.e. BOOK).

glclair@aol.com --- Sunday, December 22, 2002 --- 2nd. Revision: February 10, 2012

GUARANTEED

Salvation from sin is guaranteed by the Lord conditioned on God's grace and man's obedience. God's system for salvation from sin is clearly revealed to mankind upon the pages of the written word (i.e., the Bible), please observe the following plan that God has devised for man's salvation:

1. Hear the gospel: Romans 10:17, "So belief (cometh) of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." (ASV)

2. Believe the gospel: Mark 16:16, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieves shall be condemned."

3. Repent of sins: Acts 2:38, "And Peter (said) unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

4. Confess Christ as Lord: Romans 10:10, "for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (ASV)

5. Be baptized for the remission of sin: Acts 2:38, "And Peter (said) unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (ASV)

The Lord then adds you to the church: Acts 2:47, "praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved." (ASV)

glclair@aol.com - January 9, 2012

Can Man Understand God's Word Today?

Some Bible scholars and teachers tell us that the Bible is a good book but that it cannot be understood. If the Bible cannot be understood by man, consequently man's hope of salvation is in jeopardy, please observe the following facts:

1. The apostle Peter said of some of Paul's writings that they were "hard to be understood…"

2 Pet 3:15-16 - 15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote unto you; as also in all (his) epistles, speaking in them of these things; wherein are some things hard to be understood, which the ignorant and unstadfast wrest, as (they do) also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. (ASV)

CONSIDER THIS:

There is nothing in this context that indicates Paul's writings cannot be understood. The passage does teach that the unlearned (i.e., insufficiently taught) and unstable may misunderstand some of Paul's writing, that they may require further teaching.

2. Through a continuing study of the Holy Scriptures man may understand the truth, even that truth that Paul received from God and taught to the people of his day.

Eph. 3:2-5,

2 if so be that ye have heard of the dispensation of that grace of God which was given me to you-ward; 3 how that by revelation was made known unto me the mystery, as I wrote before in few words, 4 whereby, when ye read, ye can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ; which in other generation was not made known unto the sons of men, as it hath now been revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; (ASV)

CONSIDER THIS:

The thought contained in the above passage is; man can know God's will as the apostles and prophets knew it by reading their words received from God during the infancy of the church through the guidance of the Holy Spirit (i.e., the Written Word as we have it today).

Man can know what it is that God expects from him by reading, under- standing, and obeying the teaching of the Written Word on all matters necessary for his salvation

CONCLUSION:

The very idea that God would give humankind a book that he could not understand, then make his salvation from sin depend upon his understanding that book is ridiculous. God is not willing that anyone should perish, John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

{Answer to two questions, "Can everyone understand the Bible today?" "Does the Bible need to be updated so that people today can understand it?"} If you have further questions please feel free to submit them to us -- glclair@aol.com - 9-26-2011

Evolution verses Creationism

In the scheme of life we come into this world as the result of a miracle {i.e. whether we acknowledge it or not}. Yes; the very concept of conceiving a child by a man and a woman is of itself a remarkable event. I have often wondered how a person can verbally confess to being an atheist in view of the events in life that have been on-going in time that has brought him/her into existence.

In the current article I will attempt to establish that the concept of evolution is ridiculous in view of established and existing facts about real factual matters that require nothing but reasonable rationality to grasp as true.

First of all; there is but two choices one can accept; either God exist or evolutionary concepts are true.

In this article I am taking the position that God exist and everything that has ever existed is the result of intelligent design {i.e. GOD}. I reject the hypothesis that the universe came into existence through a “big bang” explosion billions of years ago. I reject the evolutionary hypothesis because in order for there to have been a big bang there of necessity had to be something to explode - “some explosive matter. If that explosive matter was gases or matter it had to come from somewhere so there is where the “big Bang” theory falls apart – “How or from where did the material or gasses come into being?” The proponents of the atheistic hypothesis must produce a rational explanation for components of the “big bang” or their theory falls apart.

The argument that eons of time passed before these explosive elements came together is also without rational intelligence. To begin their chain of billions of years in the creation process is surely beyond the rational expectations of the intelligence of man as he exists today. Even though my current argument is a rational choice between acceptance and rejection of evolutionary concepts; the origin of such manipulation of man’s mind is without corruption whenever he looks realistically at the alternative. I have now been on the earth about 76 years; I know this because evidence of my existence is a historical record that can attest to my birth and my past existence to this point in my earthly sojourn.

At this point in the article it will serve no purpose to pursue other evolutionary concepts because there can be no rational acceptance of ongoing change without a foundation on which to build – the “big bang” being shown to be a farce we must pursue rational standards regarding origins from a more realistic perspective – “don’t you agree?”

GOD IS AN ALTERNATIVE TO EVOLUTIONARY {I.E. ATHIESTIC PHILOSOPHY}.

To subscribe to the current held creationists concepts one has a point to begin - Genesis 1:1-2 - 1 in the beginning God created the Heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. {KJV}

The rational person with normal intelligence will weigh the evidence that is presented in the Book {i.e. he Bible} that God has made to be placed in the hands of man for his own good throughout his existence. God has also given mankind a record of events since through His own devices he has created the universe by the spoken word. Notice that God has not only created the universe and all humanity but He has provided for man’s survival - {air, water, food sources, agricultural, and etc}. These incidentals have been available to mankind since the creation event - cf. Genesis 1-2. There are no believable events in the supposed evolutionary processes; all the processes of evolution are irrational to a thoughtful person.

The Bible {i.e. the history of God, mankind, and the universe as well as survival instructions beyond this physical life}: as God’s medium to instruct man while he abides on the earth and how to prepare for expectations after-life – cf. Jeremiah 10:23 - O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. {KJV} – The first man and the first woman were created by Almighty God – they were full grown; they were male and female; they were instructed by God to have children – cf. Genesis 1:27 - So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. 29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. 30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. 31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Genesis 2:1 thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.

2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

ORIGINS:

Indeed; all things were created and arranged by God in 6 days {i.e. 24 hour days}. From the time of God’s Creation activities until today all the created things have maintained their place in the world and in the actions that God prepared them to perform – {i.e. rain, sunshine, seasons, seed planting and harvest, procreation of man via the union of man and woman, God’s continued care of man and the resources that make it possible for man to continue to survive on earth as he did on the day that God created him.

BIBLE REFERENCES:

Read Genesis 1 and 2 for the processes that God utilized to create – you will note that God spoke and it was so {i.e. it OCCURRED OR CAME INTO EXISTENCE IMMEDIATELY}!

The creation period of six days were 24 hour days; after which God has continued to maintain those created things to this day as the apostle Peter affirms – cf. 2 Peter 3:4-8 - 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8 but, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. {KJV} …

THE AGE OF THE EARTH AND MAN FROM THE BIBLE:

The age of the universe is approximately 6,000 years; the age is easily determined by looking at the genealogies recorded from Adam to the time of Christ and the time of Christ until today {i.e. 2011).

THE STRUCTURE OF EARTH:

The age of the earth is determined by the Creator whenever we consider that the earth is 6,000 years old it dictates that the Creator made it that way when He created it. Whenever man questions the timeline and the structure of the earth by his own standards; he corrupts the purity of God’s revealed record {i.e. the Bible – Genesis through Revelation}.

REFERENCE:

Jeremiah 10:23 - O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. {KJV}

2 Peter 1:2-3 - 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness , through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: {KJV}

WHY CONSIDER CREATIONISM rather than evolution?

Whenever a person reaches accountable age {i.e. attain sufficient age and knowledge to determine reasonable alternative conclusions between two or more choices} they must make decide between life choices; they must choose to accept God’s way of live or the life style and choices dictated by an evolutionary lifestyle; there is actually no other than these two lifestyle choices available to mankind.

The choice to follow God’s lifestyle is based upon that which is offered by living according to God’s Book of life {i.e. the Bible – Example KJV edition}.

Whenever a person makes a decision to pursue God’s directions in life {i.e. follow the Bible} they will abandon the standards of this worlds and the instruction and wisdom of mere men and will cling to the lifestyle of the Christian; that which is described in the New Testament.

BUT WHAT INDUCEMENT COULD SWAY MAN’S DECISION TO ABIDE WITHIN GOD’S WAY?

1. Living and accepting evolution’s lifestyle:

1-No restraints except civil law

2-Freedom to live like an animal – go naked, live like a brute beast, become a fornicator, sell you body to those that want to pay your price {i.e. become a female or male prostitute} – it is all your choice with no restraints.

3-Depend upon others to care for your need – become a beggar or a derelict.

4-Marry and divorce as many times as you please without consideration of others.

5-Defraud and steal from other people fearing only the civil law.

6-Kill or murder anyone that offends you or crosses your path understanding that the punishment may be exacted by civil law only once.

7-Abuse and mistreat the children in your relationships on earth knowing that when you die you have finished your existence.

8-Be a serial murderer, rapist, thief, abuses of others, is dishonesty through lies and deceptions with only death as an ending for you.

9-Become an illegal drug abuser – destroy your body, your mind, your family, your life.

10-Develop no respect for the rights, religious beliefs, etc. of other people.

11-Consume all the tobacco, beer, wine, and liquor that you want – use these drugs to destroy your kidneys, liver, etc. --- soon you will die and that is all …

AND whenever you die you will soon go back to dust and eventually you will be forgotten.

2. Living and abiding by God’s standard

1-God’s lifestyle requires that one obey the civil authorities {i.e. law} - Romans 13:1-5

1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shall have praise of the same: 4 for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. {KJV}

2-God’s standard aids mankind in living morally and socially benevolent, kind, and considerate of every person - Romans 13:7-10 - 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shall not commit adultery, Thou shall not kill, Thou shall not steal, Thou shall not bear false witness, Thou shall not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. [KJV]

3-God’s lifestyle enables and encourages each man and each woman to have their own mate and to treat each other with love, honor and respect - Matthew 19:4-6 - 4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, 5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife and they twain shall be one flesh? 6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

1 Corinthians 7:2-4 - 2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. 3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. 4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife {KJV}

Ephesians 5:33 - 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. {KJV}

4- Living according to God’s lifestyle encourages a healthy as well as reverent lifestyle – a person …

{A} develops resistance - 1 Peter 5:8-9 - 8 be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 but resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. {NASU}

James 4:7 - Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. {NASU}

{B} patience, Romans 5:3-4 - 3 and not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 and patience, experience; and experience, hope: {KJV}

Romans 15:4 - 4 for whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. {KJV}

Hebrews 6:12 - That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. {KJV}

{C} bear all things, Romans 15:1 - We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. KJV1 Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. {KJV}

Galatians 6:5 - For every man shall bear his own burden. {KJV}

Revelation 2:2 - I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: {KJV}

{D} kindness, Colossians 3:12 - Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness , humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

{E} consideration for others, Colossians 3:12-13 - 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness , humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. {KJV}

{F} longsuffering, Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,, gentleness, goodness, faith, {KJV}

{G} love for other people, 2 John 5 - And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. {KJV}

1 John 4:21 - And this commandment have we from him, that he who loves God love his brother also. {KJV}

Matthew 19:19 - Honor thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. {KJV}

{H} is faithful to God, Proverbs 28:20 - A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that makes haste to be rich shall not be innocent. {KJV}

Luke 16:10 - He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. {KJV}

1 Corinthians 4:2 - 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

Titus 1:9 - 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}

{I} family, Proverbs 28:20 - A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that makes’ haste to be rich shall not be innocent. {KJV}

Luke 16:10 - He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. {KJV}

1 Corinthians 4:2 - Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. {KJV}

Titus 1:9 - 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.

1 Timothy 3:11 - Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all

things. {KJV}

Titus 1:6 - If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. {KJV}

{J} family, Ephesians 5:22 - Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. {KJV}

Ephesians 5:24-25 - 24 therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; {KJV}

Colossians 3:18-20 - Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. {KJV}

1 Peter 3:1 - Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

1 Peter 3:7 - Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. {KJV}

Colossians 3:21 – Father, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

Ephesians 6:4 - and, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. {KJV}

2 Corinthians 12:14 - Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children . {KJV}

SUMMATION:

It is a fact; people who live according to the influences and are receptive to evolutionary thought {i.e. the philosophy}; are prone to live a lifestyle governed by the modern concept that a person “ought to do their own thing” – “get all the gusto out of life possible” because you only live once. This is the concept of evolution from beginning to ending. Indeed; to the evolutionist there is no after life consequence or reward – there is only nothingness after physical death.

To people who subscribe to God’s directions there is a great difference in their conduct, hopes, and expectations of their life here on the earth and hope of eternal life at the predicted return and judgment of the Son of God; Jesus Christ.

THE GREAT DIFFERENCE …

2 Peter 3 - 1 Purpose of This Letter --- This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder,

2 that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles.

3 The Coming Day of the Lord Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts,

4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation."

5 For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water,

6 through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water.

7 but by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the Day of Judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

8 but do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.

9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

10 a New Heaven and Earth but the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.

11 since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,

12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat!

13 but according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

14 Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless,

THE INSTRUCTION TO THE WEAK ...

TO HEED PAUL’S WARNING

15 and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, 16 as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness,

18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. {NASU}

glclair@aol.com --- Friday, July 26, 2011

FROM THE PREACHER’S DESK …

Today I will encourage all to be vigilant in view of the evil work that Satan is doing in the world and in our very own community. Christians must be steadfast in these times because of the rampant wickedness that seems to be increasing day by day.

You know the Bible teaches that wicked people will grow worse and worse as time continues – cf. Matthew 24:12 - And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

2 Timothy 3:12-13 - 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 but evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. {KJV}

NOTE:

Don’t forget our Bible Study at 9:30 AM and our 10:30 AM assembly service; we will gather strength from one another as we assemble to study and worship Almighty God; brethren: “Stand faithful day by day”

See you Sunday morning! May God continue to bless us and aid us in our continued work – cf. John 9:4 - I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. {KJV}

glclair@aol.com -

Saturday, June 04, 2011

“ONE ANOTHER” CHRISTIANITY

[Word Definitions – by Garreth Clair]

Love

From Notes on Thessalonians, by Hogg and Vine, p. 32.

Notes: (1) Associated words are adelphotes, primarily, "a brotherly relation," and so, the community possessed of this relation, "a brotherhood," 1 Peter 2:17 (see 5:9, marg.).; philadelphos, (phileo, "to love," and adelphos), "fond of one's brethren," 1 Peter 3:8; "loving as brethren," RV.; philadelphia, "brotherly love," Rom 12:10; 1 Thess 4:9; Heb 13:1; "love of the brethren," 1 Peter 1:22 and 2 Peter 1:7, R

GREET, GREETING

The verb is used as a technical term for conveying "greetings" at the close of a letter, often by an amanuensis, e. g., Rom 16:22, the only instance of the use of the first person in this respect in the NT; see also 1 Cor 16:19,20; 2 Cor 13:13; Phil 4:22; Col 4:10-15; 1 Thess 5:26; 2 Tim 4:21; Titus 3:15; Phil 23; Heb 13:24; 1 Peter 5:13,14; 2 John 13. This special use is largely illustrated in the papyri, one example of this showing how keenly the absence of the greeting was felt. The papyri also illustrate the use of the addition "by name," when several persons are included in the greeting, as in 3 John 14 (Moulton and Milligan, Vocab). See EMBRACE, LEAVE, SALUTE.

2. chairo NT:5463, "to rejoice," is thrice used as a formula of salutation in Acts 15:23, KJV, "send greeting," RV, "greeting"; so 23:26; 1:1. In 2 John 10,11, the RV substitutes the phrase (to give) "greeting," for the KJV (to bid) "God speed." See FAREWELL, GLAD, HAIL, JOY, REJOICE.

B. Noun.

aspamos NT:783, a salutation, is always so rendered in the RV; KJV, "greetings" in Matt 23:7; Luke 11:43; 20:46, it is used (a) orally in those instances and in Mark 12:38; Luke 1:29,41,44; (b) in written salutations, 1 Cor 16:21 (cf. A, No. 1, in v. 20); Col 4:18; 2 Thess 3:17.

Be kind KIND (ADJECTIVE), KIND (BE), KINDLY, KINDNESS

A. Adjectives.

1. chrestos NT:5543, "serviceable, good, pleasant" (of things), "good, gracious, kind" (of persons), is translated "kind" in Luke 6:35, of God; in Eph 4:32, enjoined upon believers. See BETTER, EASY, GOOD, GOODNESS, GRACIOUS.

2. agathos NT:18, "good," is translated "kind" in Titus 2:5, RV. See GOOD.

chresteuomai NT:5541, akin to A, No. 1, "to be kind," is said of love, 1 Cor 13:4.

C. Nouns.

1. chrestotes NT:5544, akin to A, No. 1, and B, used of "goodness of heart, kindness," is translated "kindness" in 2 Cor 6:6; Gal 5:22, RV (KJV, "gentleness"); Eph 2:7; Col 3:12; Titus 3:4. See GOODNESS.

2. philanthropia NT:5363, from philos, "loving," anthropos, "man" (Eng., "philanthropy"), denotes "kindness," and is so translated in Acts 28:2, of that which was shown by the inhabitants of Melita to the shipwrecked voyagers; in Titus 3:4, of the "kindness" of God, translated "(His) love toward man." See LOVE.

D. Adverb.

philanthropos NT:5364, akin to C, No. 2, "humanely, kindly," is translated "kindly" in Acts 27:3 (KJV, "courteously"). See COURTEOUSLY.

ENCOURAGE, ENCOURAGEMENT

A. Verbs.

1. protrepo NT:4389, "to urge forward, persuade," is used in Acts 18:27 in the middle voice, RV, "encouraged," indicating their particular interest in giving Apollos the "encouragement" mentioned; the KJV, "exhorting," wrongly connects the verb.

2. paramutheomai NT:3888, from para, "with," and muthos, "counsel, advice," is translated "encouraging" in 1 Thess 2:11, RV, and "encourage" in 5:14, RV, there signifying to stimulate to the discharge of the ordinary duties of life. In John 11:19,31, it means "to comfort." See COMFORT.

Cf. the nouns paramuthia, 1 Cor 14:3, and paramuthion, Phil 2:1, "comfort."

B. Noun.

paraklesis NT:3874, "a calling to one's aid" (para, "by the side," kaleo, "to call"), then, "an exhortation, encouragement," is translated "encouragement" in Heb 6:18, RV, for KJV, "consolation"; it is akin to parakaleo, "to beseech or exhort, encourage, comfort," and parakletos, "a paraclete or advocate." See COMFORT, CONSOLATION, EXHORTATION, INTREATY.

FORGIVE, FORGAVE, FORGIVENESS

A. Verbs.

2. charizomai NT:5483, "to bestow a favor unconditionally," is used of the act of "forgiveness," whether divine, Eph 4:32; Col 2:13; 3:13; or human, Luke 7:42,43 (debt); 2 Cor 2:7,10; 12:13; Eph 4:32 (1 st mention). Paul uses this word frequently, but No. 1 only, in Rom 4:7, in this sense of the word. See DELIVER.

PREFER, PREFERRING

proegeomai NT:4285, "to go before and lead," is used in Rom 12:10, in the sense of taking the lead in showing deference one to another, "(in honor) preferring one another."

LIKE MINDED

1. isopsuchos NT:2473, lit., "of equal soul" (isos, "equal," psuche, "the soul"), is rendered "like minded" in Phil 2:20. In the Sept., Ps 55:13.

2. homophron NT:3675, (homos, "the same," phren, "the mind"), occurs in 1 Peter 3:8, RV, "like minded" (KJV, "of one mind").

Note: In Rom 15:5; Phil 2:2, phroneo to auto, "to think the same thing," is translated, KJV, "be likeminded" (RV, "be of the same, mind").

RECEIVE

Romans 15:7

Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

[Therefore receive ye one another] Proslambanesthe Have the most affectionate regard for each other, and acknowledge each other as the servants and children of God Almighty.

[As Christ also received us] Kathoos kai ho Christos proselabeto heemas In the same manner, and with the same cordial affection, as Christ has received us into communion with himself, and has made us partakers of such inestimable blessings, condescending to be present in all our assemblies. And as Christ has received us thus to the glory of God, so should we, Jews and Gentiles, cordially receive each other, that God's glory may be promoted by our harmony and brotherly love.

BEAR [Forbearing one another] Ephesians 4:2

[Forbearing one another] Anechomenoi alleeloon. Sustaining one another-helping to support each other in all the miseries and trials of life: or, if the word be taken in the sense of bearing with each other, it may mean that, through the love of God working in our hearts, we should bear with each other's infirmities, ignorance, etc., knowing how much others have been or are still obliged to bear with us.

SUBMIT

hupeiko NT:5226, "to retire, withdraw" (hupo, under, eiko, "to yield"), hence, "to yield, submit," is used metaphorically in Heb 13:17, of "submitting" to spiritual guides in the churches.

COMFORT

1. paraklesis NT:3874, means "a calling to one's side" (para, "beside," kaleo, "to call"); hence, either "an exhortation, or consolation, comfort," e. g., Luke 2:25 (here "looking for the consolation of Israel" is equivalent to waiting for the coming of the Messiah); 6:24; 9:31; 15:4,5; 14:3, "exhortation"; 2 Cor 1:3,4-7; 7:4,7,13; 2 Thess 2:16; Phil 7. In 2 Thess 2:16 it combines encouragement with alleviation of grief. The RV changes "consolation" into "comfort," except in Luke 2:25; 6:24; Acts 15:31; in Heb 6:18, "encouragement"; in Acts 4:36, "exhortation." RV (KJV, consolation"). See CONSOLATION, ENCOURAGEMENT, EXHORTATION, INTREATY.

CONSIDER

5. katanoeo NT:2657, "to perceive clearly" (kata, intensive, and No. 4), "to understand fully, consider closely," is used of not "considering" thoroughly the beam in one's own eye, Matt 7:3 and Luke 6:41 (KJV, "perceivest"); of carefully "considering" the ravens, Luke 12:24; the lilies, v. 27; of Peter's full "consideration" of his vision, Acts 11:6; of Abraham's careful "consideration" of his own body, and Sarah's womb, as dead, and yet accepting by faith God's promise, Rom 4:19 (RV); of "considering" fully the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Heb 3:1; of thoughtfully "considering" one another to provoke unto love and good works, Heb 10:24. It is translated by the verbs "behold," Acts 7:31-32; James 1:23-24; "perceive," Luke 20:23; "discover," Acts 27:39. See BEHOLD, DISCOVER, PERCEIVE.

CONFESS

A. Verbs.

2. exomologeo NT:1843, ek, "out," intensive, and No. 1, and accordingly stronger than No. 1, "to confess forth," i. e., "freely, openly," is used (a) "of a public acknowledgment or confession of sins," Matt 3:6; Mark 1:5; Acts 19:18; James 5:16; (b) "to profess or acknowledge openly," Matt 11:25 (translated "thank," but indicating the fuller idea); Phil 2:11 (some mss. have it in Rev 3:5: see No. 1); (c) "to confess by way of celebrating, giving praise," Rom 14:11; 15:9. In Luke 10:21, it is translated "I thank," the true meaning being "I gladly acknowledge." In Luke 22:6 it signifies to consent (RV), for KJV, "promised." See CONSENT, PROMISE, THANK.

PRAY

A. Verbs.

1. euchomai NT:2172, "to pray (to God)," is used with this meaning in 2 Cor 13:7; v. 9, RV, "pray" (KJV, "wish"); James 5:16; 3 John 2, RV, "pray" (KJV, wish). Even when the RV and KJV translate by "I would," Acts 26:29, or "wished for," Acts 27:29 (RV, marg., "prayed"), or "could wish," Rom 9:3 (RV, marg., "could pray"), the indication is that "prayer" is involved.

Posted - 3-5-2011

BY LOVE SERVE ONE ANOTHER

Galatians 5:13

When you come to worship God do you consciously think of all that has been and is being done to make the meeting and worship a good experience for you and others.

Let me just mention some things that help us all.

Do you ever think of the fact that when you come to worship, you enter a building made comfortable because someone has prior to the time of gathering come and turned on the heat or AC as the weather necessitates?

Or what about its having been cleaned, made more difficult because of all the stuff some leave piled in their places?

Or take care of the flower fund, sending flowers to those in the hospital or when a death has occurred in the family of one of the members?

Or what about those who have through diligent study made preparation for the class you or your children are going to benefit from?

Or what about the song leaders who put in careful forethought into the songs they plan to lead in assisting us all in that avenue of praise?

Or what about those who have prepared the communion so that “all things are ready” for our undistracted observance of the Lord’s

Supper? And in that same venue, those who “officiate” and have

planned beforehand what they want to say to say to help us in our commemoration? And even those who assist in “passing the emblems.”

Or what about those who take care of the contribution, counting it, seeing to it that it is safely deposited in the bank, and then keeping the books and paying for goods and services?

Or what about those who see to it that our parking lot and walkways are cleared of snow so that we can come and go safely?

Or what about those who present lessons from the pulpit from time to time so that you “get a break” from hearing the same speaker all the time, and thus get good lessons from those who might use a different approach?

Do you know all those who thus serve the congregation as Paul encouraged, “…by love serve one another.” (Gal. 5:13) Thanks to all who so unselfishly serve. –Norman Fultz

“Redeeming The Time”

The phrase “redeeming the time” is found two times in the New Testament. Notice them now:

Ephesians 5:16 - “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

Colossians 4:5 – “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.”

The word “redeem” in these passages was translated from the Greek word exagorazo (ex-ag-or-ad-zo). This word, according to Strong’s Dictionary of Bible Words means: “To buy up, i.e. ransom; figuratively to rescue from loss (improve opportunity).”

These verses are teaching us that we ought to use our time wisely. We ought to take advantage of every opportunity given us to do what God would have us to do. Many can look back over the span of their life and see periods of wasted time. Time that was not used to the good of anything. We must use our time in service to God, for the next second is not promised. James penned: “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:12).

Let’s not grow wearing in God’s service. Paul admonished those of Galatia by saying, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9). Read the writing of Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

If you took inventory of your time, where is it being spent? Are you spending your time fulfilling your desires or are you redeeming your time in service to God? Be honest with yourself and step up if you are lacking. Now is the time for faithfulness!

Donnie Oliver ... Hazard, KY

INSPIRATION:

The Importance of it

No subject I am familiar with is more important to the welfare of civilization than an acceptance of the Bible {i.e., the 66 Books of the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures} as a completely inspired Book. The attitude of persons in all nations toward a Divine origin of the contents of the Bible, to a large degree is reflected in their actions, and treatment of others. Mankind in general is motivated in their treatment of other people by a standard of morality and ethics that they have acquired from others, from environmental circumstance, through social intercourse, or through religious training. The only acquired conduct, moral, and ethical disposition that is beneficial to all humankind is the acquired conduct that comes from the submission of ones will to the various virtues that are taught via the Scriptures.

The Holy Scriptures encourage a change from worldly conduct {i.e., self made standards void of Divine guidance}, to conduct encouraged by God via His instruction found only in the Bible. Some of the virtues that God suggest via the Bible for good character are:

Gal. 5:22-23

22 but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 Meekness, self-control; against such there is no law. ASV

The Virtues here:

1. Love - unrestricted love toward everyone.

2. Joy - happiness relating to our converted state.

3. Peace - at peace with self and others through our confidence in hope.

4. Longsuffering - bearing with all things and consistently serving faithfully.

5. Kindness - performing deeds that aid others in difficulty -- whether physical or mental in nature.

6. Goodness - consistently serving others and God faithfully.

7. Faithfulness - being unmovable from our anchor (i.e., relationship with God).

8. Meekness - of a quite spirit -- always reserved in thought and action.

9. Self-control - controlling our person -- internally and externally.

2 Peter 1:5-7,

5 Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in (your) virtue knowledge;

6 and in (your) knowledge self-control; and in (your) self-control patience; and in (your) patience godliness;

7 and in (your) godliness brotherly kindness; and in (your) brotherly kindness love. ASV

The virtues here:

1. Virtue - manliness, maintaining manly characteristics, and actions.

2. Knowledge - to know that which is correct (i.e., "right").

3. Self-control - see previous definition.

4. Patience - see previous definition.

5. Godliness - being reverent toward God and God's things always.

6. Brotherly kindness - seeking the best for our brethren in the Body of Christ, always.

7. Love - see previous definition.

The Bible is "INSPIRED" of God!

THE CHRISTIAN'S HOPE, AND STANDARD OF CONDUCT IN ALL THINGS DEPENDS UPON THE ABSOLUTE PERFECTION OF THE WRITTEN WORD.

The true Christian puts all his/her confidence in the Bible as an absolutely perfect guide. Those that do not put their confidence in the Bible as an absolutely perfect guide or "STANDARD OF AUTHORITY" will {all references from the ASV}:

1. Be like a branch that will "not abide in the vine" {John 15:3-7}.

2. "… Be rejected” {1 Cor. 9:27}.

3. "… Fall." {1 Cor. 10:12}.

4. "… Believe in vain." {1 Cor. 15:1, 2}.

5. “… Prove myself a transgressor." {Gal. 2:17-19}.

6. “… Severed from Christ." {Gal. 5:4}.

7. “… Ye are fallen away from grace." {Gal. 5:4}.

8. “… alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil works." {Col. 1:21-23}.

9. Not stand fast in the Lord {1 Thess. 3:7, 8}.

10. "… Lest haply we drift away (from them)." {Heb. 2:1-3}.

The hope of heaven is made sure as a result of the Christian's confidence in the Written Word, for without that confidence he/she will not be able to stand for very long as a faithful one.

The Christian's defense of his/her position and beliefs in the teachings found in the Written Word depends upon their unwavering confidence in the absolute truthfulness of every word contained in the Written Word {see Jude 3}.

To question or misinterpret anything found within the pages of the Written Word therefore is damaging to a person's personal faith and will ultimately undermine the faith of others whenever he/she begins to discuss the points of personal doubt. For this reason the faithful ones must continually guard against the possibility of being led away from their confidence in the Written Word by others; whether church member or others, cf., Matt 15:14, "Let them alone: they are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both shall fall into a pit."

THESE THINGS WE HAVE CONFIDENCE IN BECAUSE WE KNOW FOR SURE THAT THE BIBLE IS INSPIRED OF GOD.

THEREFORE, OUR HOPE OF HEAVEN, ETERNAL LIFE, AND ALL GOD'S PROMISES ARE

GUARANTEED.

1 Peter 5:8-11

8. Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour,

9. whom withstand steadfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.

10. And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you.

11. To him (be) the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

ASV (1901)

GOD CAN BE DEPENDED ON TO EXECUTE ALL THINGS THAT HE HAS PROMISED!

glclair@aol.com

THE SEPTUAGINT

(First Old Testament Translation)

The Septuagint. - The tradition of the Septuagint is told by Josephus (Ant, XII, ii, 13). Aristeas and Aristobulus, a Jewish priest in the reign of Ptolemy Philometor (2 Macc 1:10), are also quoted in support of it by Clement of Alexandria and by Eusebius. See SEPTUAGINT . The truth of the matter is most probably that this great translation of the Old Testament Scriptures was begun at the instance of Ptolemy Philadelphus 285 BC - 247 BC, under the direction of Demetrius Phalereus, and was completed somewhere about the middle of the 2nd century B.C.. Internal evidence abounds that the translation was made by different hands and at different times. If the translation was in any way literal, the text of the Septuagint raises various interesting questions in regard to the Hebrew text that was used in the translation, as compared with the one we now possess. The Septuagint was of the utmost missionary value and contributed perhaps more than any other thing to prepare the world for the "fullness of time." More relevant history of the Bible - In the form in which it has been handed down among the Jewish people, the Old Testament, or Hebrew Bible, contains three divisions: the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings. The Law consists of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy; this section of the Old Testament is also known as the PENTATEUCH. The Prophets fall into two subdivisions: the former prophets (Joshua, Judges, First and Second Samuel, and First and Second Kings) and the latter prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Book of the Twelve Prophets-Hosea through Malachi). The rest of the books are gathered together in the Writings: Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra/Nehemiah (counted as one book), and

First and Second Chronicles.

The arrangement of the Old Testament with which readers today are most familiar has been inherited from the pre-Christian Greek translation of the Old Testament (the SEPTUAGINT) - an arrangement which was also followed by the later Latin Bible (the Vulgate). This arrangement has four divisions: the Pentateuch, the historical books, poetry, and prophecy. (From Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

NOAH

Facts about the Genesis Flood

One of the remarkable men of the early history of mankind is surely Noah. Noah’s story begins – Gen. 5:28-32 - 28 And Lamech lived an hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son: 29 And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed. 30 And Lamech lived after he begat Noah five hundred ninety and five years, and begat sons and daughters: 31 And all the days of Lamech were seven hundred seventy and seven years: and he died. 32 And Noah was five hundred years old: and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth. KJV

God found that mankind was rebellious and wicked and the decision to destroy all mankind was made by God; but God found Noah to be a perfect specimen of {i.e. the text says “perfect in his generation”} Gen. 6:5-11, 5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. 9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. 10 And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. KJV

God plans to destroy mankind because of their wickedness but God finds that Noah is righteous and God walked with Noah and told him to build a ship {i.e. ark} wherein the family of Noah would be saved from the great flood {i.e. commonly known today as the Genesis flood]. Gen 6:13-22 - 13 And God said unto Noah , The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. 14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shall thou make in the ark, and shall pitch it within and without with pitch.

15 And this is the fashion which thou shall make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.

16 A window shall thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shall thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shall thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shall thou make it. 17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die. 18 But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shall come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee. 19 And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shall thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female.

20 Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive.

21 And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shall gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them. 22 Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he. KJV

Noah in his obedience built the ark and entered into it with his three sons and their wives. These that escaped the great flood were eight souls of all earth’s people. Gen. 7:5-9 - 5 And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him. 6 And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth. 7 And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood. 8 Of clean beasts, and of beasts that are not clean, and of fowls, and of every thing that creepeth upon the earth, 9 There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark, the male and the female, as God had commanded Noah. KJV

Gen. 7:13-17 - 13 In the selfsame day entered Noah , and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah , and Noah's wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark; 14 They, and every beast after his kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind, and every fowl after his kind, every bird of every sort. 15 And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life. 16 And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in. 17 And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above the earth. KJV

The extent and time line of the Genesis Flood is discussed in the 7th and 8th chapters.

Gen. 7:23-8:1 - 23 And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark. 24 And the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and fifty days.

Gen. 8:1 And God remembered Noah , and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged;

The Time Sequence of the Flood

First the rain fell for 40 days (during this time the waters reached their great depth). See Genesis 7:4.

Then the waters prevailed upon the earth (that is, the waters maintained their great depth) for 110 days (Genesis 7:24).

Next, the waters were "going and decreasing" for 74 days (Genesis 8:5).

After 40 more days Noah sent out the raven (Genesis 8:6-7).

After 7 more days Noah sent out the dove for the first time (Genesis 8:8 and compare 8:10).

After 7 more days he sent the dove for the second time (Genesis 8:10).

After 7 more days Noah sent out the dove for the third time (Genesis 8:12).

After 86 more days the earth had dried to the point where they could depart from the ark and settle elsewhere (Genesis 8:13-14).

TOTAL DAYS IN THE ARK: 371

Thus, Noah and his family spent more than a year in the ark!

Note: For a more detailed analysis of these calculations, see The Genesis Flood, by John Whitcomb and Henry Morris, p. 3.

NOTE: For more info about the period and extent of the flood please refer to the following material

Apologetics Press – Reason & Revelation – Sept. 1998 – 18[9]: 65-71

In Defense of …the Genesis Flood [Part II] – by Bert Thompson, Ph.D.

The settlement of mankind after the great flood with those that had been saved from in the ark that Noah and his sons had built – Gen. 8:13-18 - 13 And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry. 14 And in the second month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, was the earth dried. 15 And God spoke unto Noah , saying, 16 Go forth of the ark, thou, and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons' wives with thee. 17 Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee, of all flesh, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth.18 And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him: KJV

Noah lived some years after the flood and was instructed by God to spread out upon the earth in numbers. This is the second beginning of the world population through the family of Noah - Gen. 9:28-29 - 28 and Noah lived after the flood three hundred and fifty years. 29 And all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years: and he died.

God will destroy this universe the 2nd time because of man’s wickedness; the earth and the universe will be no more - 2 Peter 3:9-14 - 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

glclair@aol.com --- November 12, 2010

REMEMBER THESE FACTS

AS YOU OFFER SPIRITUAL ADVICE

TO OTHER PEOPLE

God has no voice but your voice, 2 Timothy 2:2

God expects you to teach, Matthew 28:18-20

God expects you to pray, Colossians 1:9

God expects you to love Him, Luke 10:27

God expects you to love the brethren, 1 Peter 1:22

God expects you to love the world {i.e., people}, James 2:8

God wants you to work now, Titus 3:1

God wants everyone to come to repentance, 2 Peter 3:9

God wants us to exhibit our love for Him, John 14:15

“UNDERSTANDING GOD”

SOME QUALITIES OF GOD

Regarding man and sin from the beginning until today …

God is Good …

God always keeps His Promises regardless of the time in this world’s existence.

John 8:32 – Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free {i.e. from sin}

Psalms 107:8-9 - 8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! 9 for he satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness. NKJV

From Keil and Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament - Proverbs 6:12-19

Verse 12, A worthless man, a wicked man,

Is he who practices falsehood with his mouth;

Verse 13, Who winked with his eyes, scrapes with his foot, Pointiest with his fingers.

Verse 14, Malice is in his heart,

He devises evil at all times, He spreads strife.

Verse15, therefore suddenly his destruction shall come, suddenly shall he be destroyed, and there is no remedy.

SIX THINGS GOD HATES

Proverbs 6:16-19 - 16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that sows discord among brethren. KJV

Six Things God Hates

1)A proud look

2)A lying tongue

3)Hands that shed innocent blood

4)A heart that devises wickedness …

5)Feet that be swift running to mischief

6)A false witness that speaks lies

7)Sowers of discord among brethren

The case of substitution by Nadab and Abihu and God’s attitude toward their action - Lev. 10:1-2 - 1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. 2 And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. KJV

God’s attitude toward sin has never changed through three dispensations

1) The Patriarchal

2) Law of Moses

3) Christian

THE PATRIARCHAL PERIOD …

Cain – Sodom & Gomorrah – etc.

Gen. 6:5-8 - 5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

UNDER THE LAW OF MOSES …

Leviticus 4:2-3

2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them: 3 If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering. KJV

UNDER THE LAW OF CHRIST …

1 John 3:4 - Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

Heb. 2:2-3 - 2 For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; KJV

TO SIMON THE SORCERIER ...

Acts 8:22 - Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. KJV

CONCLUSION

From the creation by Almighty God there has always been Divine Law for the created beings {i.e. From Adam & Eve – To the present}.

This sermon is also available in Power Point ...

glclair@aol.com --- November 29, 2010

Facts about Man;

God; and Creation

There are many kinds of law that exist in our world today; but the greatest of all law is the Law of God. The Law of God may be found in the Book that God has authored {i.e. through Inspiration}. Now; inspiration is the method whereby Almighty God reveals to man His Desire {i.e. Laws} and has man write them down in a way that man may read it, understand it, and apply it in his/her life and relationship to God and to other people.

Consider the following Biblical references to the first paragraph …

Mark 7:14 - and when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand; (KJV)

John 12:38-41 - 38 that the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke, Lord, who hath believed our report? And to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? 39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, 40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. 41 These things said Esaias, (KJV)

Eph. 3:2-6 - 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: (KJV)

Heb. 11:3 - through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (KJV)

The question often raised by skeptics is; how do we know that there is a God and since we do not know for sure the HE exist; why should we accept a Law that is supposed to have been revealed by HIM? Let us examine the concept advanced by such people: Since people are the objects of God’s revealed Law they must somehow be able to understand it and accept it or reject it by whatever mental capacity that they possess. Since they must be capable of choosing to accept it or reject it where does this ability come from? The ability to choose between good and evil has been built into every person – that in itself indicates that something other than accident has provided man with the capacity to understand and apply the Law of God self and to other people. If man were unable to understand and apply God’s Instructions {i.e. the Bible} the Law would be without merit but that is an important point in finding ground on which to establish the reality and greatness of Almighty God and the Revelation He has made available to mankind.

The only hope for an animal {i.e. dog, mouse, snake, lion, alligator, etc} is their ability

to experience hunger and fear. These qualities were built into them when God created them. Without these faculties animals could not survive but unto the animals God created; He did not give them the abilities that He gave to mankind. From as far back in history as is possible for man to go {i.e. approximately 6,000 years}; the human being has had ability to reason. In reality evolution tells us that there is a missing link or links in the evolutionary chain yet there has never been a man or woman born through God’s original process that was born without the senses that all men are born with except through accidents in the birth or development process {i.e. accident, ingestion of some poison, abortion, etc}.

God made mankind as perfect specimens for this universe as well as equipped with senses that has enabled him to function successfully throughout the earth and to develop the wealth of resources that God has provided from the beginning within the earth and its environment {i.e. oil, coal, gas, grain, fruits, vegetables of all kinds, animal life. etc.}.

Without God man is of no worth or no significance if he evolved over 1,000,000,000 of years from invisible specs of protoplasm or some similar origin. If this hypothesis by evolutionists were true there would be continuous evolving of matter and material from all know sources; which cannot be established or proven except by speculative theories which are provided without evidence. Indeed; if man is just a species of evolutionary accident; he will eventually die physically and that will be the end. But; if the hypothesis of evolutionists is wrong if the Bible is correct then that is cause for shouting and great rejoicing. I suggest that Since the Bible as God’s revelation to man is true; mankind {ALL} should seek him therein for life after death is promised to everyone.

The afterlife is especially appealing because the Bible suggest that it will be a place of everlasting happiness, and bliss; where there will never be a minute of unhappiness, sorrow, grief, suffering, death, or any malady of any kind that may be distressing – cf. Rom. 2:7-11 - 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life: 8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 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 works good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 For there is no respect of persons with God. KJV

Conclusion:

What shall we believe then? Are we no more than a dog or a rat? I am convinced as years have educated me; that man is truly a created being by Almighty God just as the Scriptures reveal in – Gen. 1:26-28 - 26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth. KJV

Gen. 2:7 - 7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Gen. 2:21-22 - 21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. KJV

glclair@aol.com --- Monday, November 29, 2010

3 CHOICES

In the study today I am considering the choices that people make in living their life. The nature of each person is similar in many ways; one of those similarities is our ability to make choices in almost in situation. This gift from God to all people is one of His greatest gifts to man for with his own mind a person can choose to do almost anything. The gift of choice bestowed on man enables him to do good or bad, to buy or not to buy, to love or not to love, to argue or be silent, to be a criminal or a policemen, and etc.

The great value in choice that we all possess enables us to choose a lifestyle of whatever sort we desire without serious or laborious effort. Indeed, we can be whatever we want to be; the choice is included in our genetic makeup from our birth. Because we posses this great ability as God’s created beings – cf. Acts 17:29,

“Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.” KJV

we are never programmed to be good or to be evil; our choice to be either is within our own ability to choose – cf. - Josh 24:15, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” KJV

One of the important considerations that our ability to choose provides is mental searching of the benefits and draw backs of serving God or the Devil as is discussed adequately in The Bible so that we might make the most helpful and acceptable to God a choice. This is the greatest consideration of life; the making of a choice to serve God or to serve Stan. You see the choice to serve Satan is easy; a person has to do nothing else in life but live out a certain number of years and expire {i.e. physically die}. This is perhaps; too many people the easy way through life - do whatever one wants to do without consideration of God or the things contained in a pursuit of godly living here on earth. It has been statistically determined by experts that the vast majority of the human family today {i.e. numbering some 1 and ½ billion people}; are pursuing the worldly lifestyle without considering God and His Way.

Most of the people today who are pursuing a lifestyle without consideration of God are pursuing a “broad way” that is discussed in Matt. 7:13-14 – “13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way , that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it”. {KJV} This broad way is deceptive as those that live and travel on it are often deceived by the Devil – cf. 2 Tim. 3:13 – “while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” {NIV} --- 2 Cor. 11:3 – “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” {NIV}

Some years ago I wrote a statement regarding my choice in the scheme of life; I will insert it here as an encouragement to others to make the decision early in life to believe and obey the Lord.

How We View the Bible

By Garreth Clair

If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, all people in the world are personally responsible for the way they respond to it.

If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, someday everyone in the world will be judged by its contents.

If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, all people in the world should look at its contents and make life choices about how they will react to it.

If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, everyone will one day bow to Jesus Christ who is "King of Kings and Lord of Lords."

If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, all of humanity must follow whatever God has said about any subject named in it, unless there are exclusions contained within the instruction.

If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, every statement and every thing in it is absolutely true and cannot be contested by any man or group of men.

If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, the first two verses in the Book of Genesis are true. Therefore, mankind is composed of simply created beings whom God has blessed beyond expression.

If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, I will obey, live accordingly, love God, love my neighbor, and do as He instructs me. I will thank Him continually for my life; for my mind and body health; for Jesus Christ, His great gift for my sins; indeed, for everything.

I will be a Christian because I believe in God, the Bible, and everything about God's Book:

If the Bible is not from God, I will live out my life as a Christian not knowing it. I will eventually die and be buried somewhere, and my memory will finally subside so that one-thousand years from today, no one will ever know that I have lived.

If the Bible is from God, because I made a personal choice in my life to believe and obey Him, someday all the promises He has made to me will become reality. I will gain victory, the thought of which encourages me to continue faithfully day by day seeking to do God’s will.

“For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:54-58)

glclair@aol.com --- glclair@sbcglobal.net

October 27, 2010

2 Mistakes [sins]

Understanding why we make mistakes is a study of some major importance – cf. If we do not know why we err we cannot refrain from error; but we know that error is something that we do because of a choice we have consciously made …

Consider this:

James 1:12-16, 12 blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.” (KJV)

There is a difference between a mistake and a conscious error. The person who consciously intends to err for the purpose of advantage or to create enmity is guilty of sinning - There is no respectable method of committing an offence against God’s instruction. All who sin are transgressors of Divine Law – cf. 1 John 3:4 – “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” (KJV) When a person sins against God or through enmity toward another person they have done so willingly; a person who finds that they have sinned due to influences from another person are not innocent therefore repentance is necessary – cf. 1 John 1:5-2:2, 5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us … 1 John 2:1-2, 1 my little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (KJV)

Correcting errors in judgment or errors in conversation or writings -

Where there is no sinful intentions in errors of judgment, even so; there are times when our judgment is flawed to such an extent that our actions based upon judgment alone may be sinful. If we sin through an act of personal judgment we need to repent of such actions; cf. See conclusion …

Correcting errors of the mind –

These are acts of mental confusion and mental lapses that often occur because of temptations outside the body. A person may be tempted to mental sinful actions in the mind toward the opposite sex regarding fleshly desires and sinful lusts. This too is sinfulness that must be repented of by the offender – cf. 1 John 2:15-17, “15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” (KJV) --- Matt. 5:28-29, “28 But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. 29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.” (KJV)

If we sin through actions of ours precipitated through jealousy or envy toward a brother or sister in the church we are guilty of sin and ought to repent of that sin …

Prov. 6:14-19, “14 Forwardness is in his heart, he devises mischief continually; he soweth discord. 15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy. 16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” (KJV)

Concluding thoughts:

In my experience most of the Christians I have met and have worked with through the years have been honorable, dedicated, and humble servants of God. Indeed, there have been a few persons that have proven themselves to be sinners and many of them have understood their sin and have repented of it and were restored to faithfulness as they should have – cf. Rev. 2:4-5, “4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent , and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” (KJV)

Luke 17:3-4, “3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. 4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shall forgive him.” (KJV)

May God always be with us as we live faithfully in His Service and may we always be aware of the wiles of the Devil as he walks about like a raring lion; seeking who he may devour – cf. 1 Peter 5:8-9, “8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion , walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”

glclair@aol.com -- October 27, 2010

[1] A STUDY OF CHURCH HISTORY

{A continuing need today}

The study of church History in recent years has lost its interest among denominational leaders and has also had some effect on churches of Christ. Possibly the reason for this lull in teaching on church history is caused by the softening of most religious leaders and church member attends toward Biblical fellowship. You see; many people in current religious circles have positioned themselves in the place of accepting differences in doctrine and intentionally overlooking glaring doctrinal differences. This philosophy by its very nature discourages the pursuit of church history because of the actual historical facts that point to the emergence and dating of the many existing religions on earth today.

Why then is a study of church history such a problem area for today’s church leaders and members of repute? When was the last time you were involved in a study of church history? Perhaps I am over critical about this situation and need to reexamine my opinions but in reality the truth is obvious whenever we began to discuss the origin of any particular religious movement today. The remainder of this study will examine the facts about Church History.

The First Church:

The first church on earth was the church Jesus built;

1-Jesus promised to build it – Matthew 16:13-18; In this reading the words church and the work kingdom of Heaven are used interchangeably

2-Jesus said some that lived the same time that He was on earth would be alive to see the church established - Luke 9:27 - But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God. KJV

3-Jesus purchased the church with His Blood - Acts 20:28 –

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. KJV

4-Jesus told His disciples to tarry (i.e. wait) in the upper room until they were endued with the power of the Holy Spirit - Luke 24:46-53 - 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. 50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: 53 and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen. KJV

5-According to Acts 2:1-47 the promise of the Holy Spirit fell upon the Apostles; the Apostles of Christ preached the first Gospel sermon; 3,000 people became obedient to the teaching and were saved from sins –

READ ACTS 2:39.

6-This event on Pentecost Day [Acts 2] marked the beginning of the church Jesus Built {i.e. the Kingdom of God}.

7-From Acts 2:47 we find that Jesus Christ adds all the saved people to that same church until He returns –

8-Church history shows that after the first Century AD the church digressed into many different institutions with many new innovations not authorized by Christ or by His apostles. The remaining part of this study may be considered church history after the first Century AD.

INTRODUCTION:

The material contained in this edition of "Church History" has been prepared from existing material by the editor. The editor has taught this material many times at several different locations. The material has been revised again for this edition; this is the seventh revision. - August, 2010

SOME OF THE REFERENCES THAT I HAVE USED

1. Fox's Christian Martyrs of the World, Moody Press

2. Restoration Roots by Lynn A. Macmillan

3. Church History by John D. Cox

4. Church History for busy people by George A. Klingman

5. Other magazine articles, unpublished papers, and articles from a number of sources

INFORMATION:

1. Reference material referred to in this study is available from the private library of the editor.

2. This edition has been prepared at 4840 Cemetery Road in Hilliard, Ohio 43026

3. Read APPENDIX 1 first, there is information that is valuable to a proper understanding of the Reformation and Restoration - If you do not know the difference you will not fully understand the two terms.

CHURCH HISTORY

Lesson 1

Part one - the New Testament Church

INTRODUCTION:

I. Purpose: "To trace the facts of history with reference to the church of Christ: its establishment; its doctrine and practice in the beginning; the steps which cumulated in a great falling away from the truth; the many attempts to return to the New Testament Pattern, and the success of many of these efforts."

[John D. Cox, Church History]

Benefits of such a study:

A. A greater appreciation for Christ's Church.

B. Warnings against innovations and error [no matter how small they seem to be].

C. To learn from the mistakes that past disciples have made.

D. To know how and when various denominations came into existence.

E. An excellent faith building exercise.

DISCUSSION:

I. Marks of the New Testament Church [i.e., how we may identify it]"

[To wear humanly devised names is sinful, 1 Pet 4:11; 1 Cor 1:10-13; 3:3-4]

A. Jesus Christ is its builder, Matt 16:18

1. Of Divine origin and pattern.

2. Any other, unacceptable -

Psalms 127:1,

Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Matt 15:13,

But he answered and said, every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. KJV

B. Christ is the foundation, Matt 16:18; 1 Cor. 3:11

C. Christ's Word is authoritative, Matt. 28:18; Rom 1:16; Heb. 5:8, 9.

D. Only God-given names acceptable:

EXAMPLE:

Individuals Collectively

Christians, Acts 11:26 Church of God, 1 Cor 1:2

Saints, Rom 1:7 Churches of Christ, Rom 16:16

Brethren, Gal 6:1 the church, Matt 16:18

Children, Gal 3:26 body of Christ, Col 1:24

Disciples, John 15:8 church of the firstborn, Heb 12:23

Priests, 1 Peter 2:5

E. God-appointed worship:

In spirit and in truth, John 4:24

On the first day of the week, Acts 20:7

Activities:

Study/preach word, Acts 20:7

Lord's Supper, Acts 20:7

Prayer, Acts 2:42

Giving, 1 Cor 16:1, 2

Singing, Eph 5:19

F. Organization on a local level only:

Phil 1:1; Acts 14:23

G. Terms of membership:

Hear the gospel Romans 10:17

Believe the gospel Mark 16:15-16

Repent of sins Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38

Confess Christ Romans 10:9-10

Be Baptized Acts 2:38

a) For ""remission of sin" Acts 2:38

b) A burial in water Romans 6:3-5

c) The concluding action in God's plan, 1 Peter 3:21

H. Character: "Unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace"

Ephesians 4:1-6,

1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit- just as you were called to one hope when you were called- 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

II. The church at the close of the New Testament period:

A. Characterized by: "unity of doctrine, worship, name, organization and work."

B. Warnings of an apostasy to come,

[Acts 20:29-30; 1 Tim 4:1-3; 2 Tim 4:2-4]

CONCLUSION:

This study gives us picture of the church as God established it in the beginning. From these facts we are capable of observing just how far mankind has gone away from the Divine Pattern

CHURCH HISTORY

Lesson 2

Part two - The church during the Anti-Nicene period:

INTRODUCTION:

I. By "Anti-Nicene Period" is meant the period between the close of the New Testament and the Council of Nicene (i.e., 325 AD) at which the Nicene Creed was adopted.

DISCUSSION:

I. The Conditions of the Roman World in the First Century:

A. Three social classes:

[The wealthy, the slaves, Middle-class of free citizens]

B. Most emperors were cruel, wicked, and extravagant.

Persecutions Against the Early Church:

Jews, Acts 8 …

Romans, Acts 19 …

Nero, [AD 65-68] Paul's death was during his reign

Domitian, [AD 89-96]

Persecutions after the First Century:

Trajan [98-117]

Marcius Aurelius [161-180]

Gallineus [260-268]

Diocletin [284-316]

Reasons for Persecutions:

A. Heathenism welcomed many God's - Christians-only one.

B. Idol worship interwoven with all lifestyles.

C. All were required to worship Caesar.

D. Secret meetings of Christians aroused wild speculations.

E. Jewish fanaticism.

F. Christianity lessened distinctions between master and slave.

G. Business interest, superstition, pagan philosophies have always been enemies of Christianity.

Behavior of Christians under persecution:

A. Many hastened to deny the faith.

B. Thousands stood firm in the faith.

C. Some were faithful up to a point.

Changes and Departures that Occurred In the Church:

In Organization:

"Bishop" - presiding elder over meetings as president.

"Diocese" - territory ruled over by "city" bishop.

"Country Bishop" - aided bishop over large diocese.

"Synods-Councils" - religious conventions of bishops and elders.

"Metropolitans" - Bishops presiding over Synods.

"Patriarchs" - Rulers of large districts; five in all:

[Rome, Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, Constantinople]

Distinction between clergy and laity.

NOTE:

By the close of the 2nd Century the idea of the priesthood had developed.

Council of Nicene:

Constantine's edict of Toleration - 313 AD

NOTE:

This document brought to an end the persecution of Christians.

Controversy over Doctrinal Issues Arise:

Arian Controversy - the relation of the Father to the Son - Trinity.

Appolinarian - The nature of Jesus Christ.

Pelagian - Questions relating to sin and salvation.

Council of Nicene in Bithynia Called - 325 AD:

1. To settle Arian Controversy.

2. 318 Bishops attended.

3. Emperor Constantine presides.

4. "The "Nicene Creed" is adopted - formal statement of faith.

5. Civil and ecclesiastical governments were joining hands.

CHURCH HISTORY

Lesson 3

Part three: The Church during the Dark Ages [400-1400 AD]

Union of Church and State

I. The Union of Church and State:

A. Bible teaches against this philosophy - Matt 22:21.

1. Christians to be subject to government, Rom 13:1;

1 Tim 2:1, 2

2. Obey God rather than man, Acts 5:29.

B. onstantine - The First so-called "Christian" emperor:

1. Church enters into alliance with the state.

C. Imperial persecutions ceased.

D. Effects of Constantine's Reign:

Good:

a. Church buildings were rebuilt.

b. Heathenism discouraged.

c. Better social conditions; less cruelty.

Evil:

Many were Christian in name only.

a. Pagan forms and ceremonies entered in.

b. Worship of images (crosses and statuettes).

c. Meaning of the Lord's Supper changed from a memorial to a sacrifice.

d. The world dominating the church.

II. The rise of Monasticism (i.e., living in seclusion):

A. Caused by worldliness in the church.

B. Anthony of Thebes [320 AD].

1. He retired to a cave; pious contemplation and struggle to overcome personal evils

C. The numbers grew, monasteries followed.

1. Men and women - became "monks and nuns"

D. The Bible is opposed to solitary living,

Matt 5:13-16,

13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do (men) light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. 16 even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. ASV

III. Development of Papal Power:

FIRST - Review previous study for changes in church organization.

A. Five Bishops or Patriarchs:

Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, Constantinople, Rome.

The Bishop at Rome was called "Papa" or "Pope"

B. A power struggle among the five left only the Bishops of Rome and Constantinople.

1. John Faster of Constantinople assumed the title of "Universal Bishop of the Church" [588 AD].

2. The Emperor of Rome took away the title and gave it upon Boniface III [606 AD].

C. Boniface III therefore became the first Universal Head of the Church at Rome in 606 AD. This event was essentially the beginning of the Roman Catholic Church.

IV. Roman Catholic Claims:

A. Peter was the first Pope (i.e. no evidence in all the contemporary writings), supreme ruler, Vicar of Christ.

B. Popes are Christ's successors (i.e. No scriptural references for this concept).

C. Bible teaching:

1. Jesus Christ is the rock not Peter, Matt 16:18; 1 Cor 3:11; 1 Peter 2:5-7.

2. Peter was a fallible man, Acts 10:25, 26; Gal 2:11-14.

V. Other False Doctrines emanating from the Roman Catholic Church:

A. Holy Water proclaimed 120 AD

B. Latin Mass established 349 AD

C. Worship of Mary, mother of Jesus 431 AD

D. Extreme Unction proclaimed 588 AD

E. Purgatory established 593 AD

F. The Papacy instituted {Universal Authority Assumed by the Pope} 610 AD

G. Kissing the Popes' feet 709 AD

H. Transubstantiation claimed 1000 AD

I. Celibacy established 1015 AD

J. Sprinkling proclaimed 1311 AD

K. Purgatory proclaimed 1438 AD

L. Apocryphal books added to the Bible 1546 AD

M. Immaculate Conception of Mary proclaimed 1845 AD

N. Infallibility of the Pope 1870 AD

CHURCH HISTORY

Lesson 4

Part four: The Reformation

{See APPENDIX 1 ...

{Additional help with the concept}

I. Cause of the Reformation - The Corrupt Church in Rome.

The Pope's Authority was complete and oppressive in everything

[Secular and religious affairs]

Religion and politics

Used carnal warfare to increase power

No method too low [i.e., the end justifies the means Philosophy]

The masses were very ignorant of the Bible's teaching.

Simony [the selling of church offices to the highest bidder]

Many money making schemes made the church wealthy -

The selling of indulgences

The confession

Purgatory

Some Reformers before the Reformation:

Albigenses in Southern France [1170 AD] Characteristics of:

Opposed human tradition

Image-worship

Doctrine of Purgatory

Recognized the authority of the New Testament

Were destroyed by the "great slaughter" in crusade (i.e., war) by Pope Innocent III.

Waldensians in France and Italy [1170 AD]

Founded by merchant of Lyons, Peter Waldo.

Characteristics of:

Opposed Roman Catholic practices

Zeal and purity of life

Under severe persecution they left France to find hiding places in the valleys of Northern Italy

Other Individuals:

John Wycliffe [1324-1384]

[Translated the Bible into English]

John Huss [1369-1415]

[Roman Catholic Priest, a disciple of Wycliffe] - [Was burned at the stake]

John Wessel [1420-1498]

[Teachings were similar to Luther's]

[More information about Martin Luther and his teaching in Point IV of this lesson]

Jerome Savonarola [1452-1498]

[Priest in Florence, denounced Papal authority, and the immorality of the clergy]

[Burned to death in Florence]

Forces that prepared the way for the Reformation:

The "Great Awakening" in literature, art, science, religion

The invention of the printing press, availability of the Bible

Growing nationalism, patriotism, and opposition to foreign influence in national and religious affairs.

The Reformation Begins:

A. Martin Luther [1483-1546]

1. "Hero of the Reformation"

2. Monk, preacher, and teacher at Wittenberg [1508].

3. Sale of indulgences by John Tetzel to complete St Peter's Cathedral in Rome.

[Luther objected and nailed 95 theses to Wittenberg church door condemning indulgences and challenged anyone to debate him]

4. Pope Leo X's papal bull ordered Luther to change his course.

[Luther publicly burned the orders from Pope Leo X thereby rejecting Papal authority].

5. Published pamphlets [1520]

[Opposed priesthood, pope, and sacramental system]

[Called on nobles to take over lands and wealth of the Roman Catholic Church]

[Published his personal views on salvation]

6. Diet of Worms [1521].

5. [Luther's trial,

Makes appeal to the Scriptures, [Hidden for a year at Wartburg Castle by friends]

6. Died in Eislenhen, Germany - February 18, 1546.

B. William Tyndale [1484-1536]

Born in Worcester, England

Chief desire was to give the Bible to the common man

Many struggles and persecutions in completing his mission

Was strangled to death at the stake, then his body was burned on October 6, 1536

C. Ulrich Zwingli [1484-1564]

Noted reformer [See any good encyclopedia]

Difference between Luther and Zwingli:

a. Luther would retain in religion all not expressly forbidden by Scripture.

b. Zwingli would abolish all that could not be proven by Scripture.

D. John Calvin [1509-1564].

1. Succeeded Zwingli as reformer in Switzerland.

2. Teachings of Calvin:

a. Total depravity

b. Unconditional election

c. Limited atonement

d. Irresistible grace

e. Perseverance of the Saints

The Rise of Denominationalism:

NOTE: For a list of denominations and religious movements that have had their beginning after Acts 2, the beginning of the church contact the editor at glclair@aol.com or considermagazine.com

A. The Lutheran Church [1521]

Founder was Martin Luther.

Doctrine:

Faith only

Denominations are branches in the true vine.

Ten Commandments binding

Various "modes" of baptism

Baptism in room of Old Testament Circumcision

A. The Presbyterian Church [1560]

Outgrowth of Calvinism under the leadership of John Knox.

Became the established religion of Scotland in 1592

Doctrine:

Predestination

Direct operation of the Holy Spirit

Infant baptism

Westminster Confession of Faith - London, July 1643.

Became the Dutch Reform Church in Holland

B. Church of England:

King Henry VIII

Political controversy with the Roman Catholic

Church in Rome

Refused to divorce Catherine to marry Ann Boleyn

Henry separated the English congregations from Rome.

Henry declared himself head of the English church

Doctrine:

Leadership functions similar to Roman Catholic Church.

39 articles of faith; Book of Common Prayer

Ruled by Bishops, rather than local rule

C. The Baptist Church:

16th Century controversy over baptism

"Anabaptists" - rebaptism; renouncing of Roman

Catholic baptism

These became known as "Baptists".

John Smyth was one of the early, prominent leaders Founded the Baptist church in Holland [1608]

Smyth's disciples founded the General Baptist Church in England [1611].

Many different divisions and doctrines today

D. The Methodist Church [1739 & In America in 1766]:

Founder, John Wesley

Priest in the Church of England

Founded "The Holy Club" - [1729]

a. Desire for holiness and methodical life

Desired only to reform the Anglican Church - The Church of England looked upon their efforts as divisive

First Methodist Society formed at Kingswood, England [1739]

Methodist first planted in America [1766]

Methodist Discipline as their creed book

a. Many changes have occurred since their beginning.

CHURCH HISTORY

Lesson 5

Part five: The Restoration Movement:

See Appendix 1

INTRODUCTION:

1. The primary effort of the Reformation was to reform the existing church.

2. The primary effort of the Restoration is to restore the New Testament Church.

3. Refer to article by the editor (i.e. Reformation or Restoration)

DISCUSSION:

I. Causes of the Restoration Movement:

A. Increased circulation and knowledge of God's Word (i.e., the Bible).

The Reformation was not restoring New Testament Christianity.

A recognition of the sin of division

Ignorance and arrogance of the professional clergy

Calvinistic doctrine of inherited sin

The general dissatisfaction with all existing religious movement in Europe and Asia

The possibility hope of religious freedom in America.

II. Principles of the Restoration Movement:

Christ as supreme authority; The New Testament as the only rule of faith and practice.

A proper distinction between the Old and the New Testaments

Recognition of the New Testament pattern for the church

Autonomy of each local congregation

The unity of all Christians

III. Some leaders of the Restoration:

A. James O'Kelly [1794] Methodist, North Carolina and Virginia.

1. Opposed Episcopal form of Methodist government.

2. Insisted upon local autonomy.

3. Withdrew from the Methodist at Surry County, Virginia [1794].

4. He and associates adopted the following points:

Call themselves Christians only

Christ as the only head of the Church

Bible, the only creed

Right of private judgment

B.Dr. Abner Jones [1800] Baptist, Vermont.

1. Distressed over sectarianism

2. Broke away from Baptist [1800]

3. Established a new church patterned after the New Testament pattern:

a. Name "Christian"

b. Bible as the only rule of faith

4. Abner Jones had not heard of James O'Kelly

C.Barton W. Stone [1801] Presbyterian - Kentucky.

1. Failed to obtain "religious experience" as "elect".

2. Urged to preach though he had received no Divine "call" and would not wholly accept Westminster Confession of Faith.

3. Preached God's love for all men and the Great Commission.

4. Withdrew from the Presbyterian Church [1803]

5. He and associates formed short-lived Springfield Presbytery.

6. "Last will and testament of Springfield Presbytery"

[June 28, 1804]. --- QUOTE:

"We will that this body die, be dissolved, and sink into union with the body of Christ at large; for there is but one body and one Spirit, even as we are called in one hope of our calling." [article 1].

7. Barton Stone's group later merged with Campbell and his associates.

D. Thomas Campbell [1763-1854] Presbyterian, Ireland, Virginia.

1. Highly educated.

2. Loved peace and hated religious division.

3. Came to America [1807] because of ill health.

4. Communed with Presbyterians outside own group and was censured.

5. Washington association formed and the writing of the "Declaration and Address".

a. Unity of the church.

b. Christian fellowship.

c. Terms of communion (only what the Bible teaches).

d. New Testament as supreme authority.

E. These great and honorable men were all striving in the same direction, yet often unaware of the efforts of one another.

1. They had forsaken the creeds and false doctrines of the existing religious movements.

2. They were appealing to their Bible's only.

3. They were seeking the truth.

IV. Alexander Campbell [1788-1866], Presbyterian, Ireland, Virginia.

A. The most influential leader of the Restoration Movement.

B. Campbell was not the founder of the church of Christ.

1. Campbell was still a schoolboy when the above named

restorers were diligently at work.

C. Campbell family joined their father in America after two years [1809}.

D. His father showed the "Declaration and Address" to son.

E. Brush Run Church was began [1811], membership 30.

1. Many requested immersion.

2. Alexander's study and conclusion favors immersion.

3. The entire group was soon immersed.

F. Associated with Baptist [1813].

1. On condition that they be allowed to teach only the Scriptures.

2. Later severed all connections.

G. Merged with Barton Stone's association [1831-1835].

V. The American Christian Missionary Society:

A. Convention held in Cincinnati, Ohio, October 1849.

B. Missionary society formed - "A general church organization for the Furtherance of the work of the church collectively."

Campbell instrumental; appointed first president

C. Bitter opposition.

D. A departure from the original intent of the restorers of New Testament Christianity.

VI. Instrumental Music Controversy:

A. First used in a church at Midway, Kentucky [1858 or 1859].

B. Division began to spread over these two [i.e., the missionary society and the musical instrument] innovations.

C. The movement split into three groups:

1. Churches of Christ

2. Christian Churches

3. Disciples of Christ

D. In the census of 1908, the three groups were listed separately.

E. Many differences exist between these three groups today.

F. Difference in attitude toward Scriptural authority the real issue.

NOTE:

The primary difference between the three groups that broke apart over the Missionary Society and Instrumental music was:

The churches of Christ continued to insist on the "we speak where the Bible speaks and are silent where the Bible Is silent" The other two groups abandoned the restoration slogan and insisted upon doing anything that the Bible did not expressly forbid. These differences were the cause of the division during the last half of the eighteen century and the early part of the nineteenth.

CONCLUSION:

I. A word of warning today, and for the future:

1. The purity of the church depends upon our attitude toward the Bible.

2. There is never any justification for man-made schemes.

3. The church must be kept free from any corruption in work, worship, or organizational structure.

4. The cause of division in the late eighteenth century has again been the cause of a major division in churches of Christ that began about 1938.

5. The division that began about 1938 was over the Herald of Truth radio and TV ministry of the Highland Avenue Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas and the institutional orphan homes.

6. The first major debate over these issues took place in Indianapolis, IN. in 1954

7. Later, the churches that quarantined those that they called anti's began to support other institutions to do the work that God has assigned each autonomous congregation to do {i.e., homes for unwed mothers, sponsoring churches, church kitchens, etc.}.

8. These attitudes continued to dominate a large portion of the brotherhood until a division became evident nation wide in the work and organizational structure of the church -- the division was complete by 1965.

9. Many large churches used the congregations treasure to support human institutions and humanly devised schemes until many brethren could no longer work together with them -- many went out from them and established new congregations with the old slogan, "we speak where the Bible speaks and are silent where the Bible is silent."

10. Today, there is complete division existing between these two philosophies -- the same attitude toward the authority of the Scriptures that divided the church over the mechanical instrument and the American Missionary Society has divided the church again.

11. Let us take heed, lest we again see this ugly philosophy rise up.

"Let it be overshadowed by nothing; let nothing be tied to it, nor suffer it to be tied to man-made organizations of any kind for any purpose. In short, let us keep our eyes on the New Testament Patter

--- APPENDIX 1 ---

REFORMATION VERSUS RESTORATION DEFINED

There is a distinction in reformation and restoration concepts. There are some who would use the two terms to describe the same idea; it is my understanding that this is error in defining terms. For unity of thought we must understand the differences in terms used in any approach to church history. In the following few lines, I will give my understanding of the two terms at the top of this study. First, let us examine the thoughts of Dictionaries and Scholars as to their meaning of the two terms.

REFORMATION DEFINED:

"Religious revolution and renewal, from the fourteenth to the seventeenth centuries, affecting all Christendom. Beginning with the Lollards and such men as John Huss and John Wycliff, the Reformation is most clearly identified with the revolt of Martin Luther in Germany but was also brought about by John Calvin and Ulrich Swingli in Switzerland, John Knox in Scotland, the Puritans in England, the Huguenots in France and many others…" {Dictionary of Religious Terms by Donald T. Kauffman, p. 370}.

The concept of Reformation is clearly defined by Kenneth Scott Latourette in a History of Christianity, pp. 689-899 in one volume published by Harper and Row, 1953.

Again in History of the Christian Church by Philip Schaff in eight volumes particularly Volume 6, pp. 302-391 and all of Volume 7 can be found the nature of Reformation as used in Religion.

DEFINITION:

Reformation, (Webster's Third New International Dictionary - unabridged).

1) The act of reforming or being reformed:

a. Not: restoration, reestablishment

b. Use: improvement in form or condition,

c. amendment of moral behavior,

d. correction or improvement of what is faulty, defective, inefficient, or objectionable,

2) A 16th century religious movement aimed at correcting real or assumed abuses in the Roman Catholic Church and marked ultimately by the rejection of the supremacy of the Pope, rejection or modification of much of Roman Catholic doctrine, and establishment of the Protestant churches," p. 1902

Reformation then, is the concept of reforming, making better, changing abuses, and remaining a part of that which one seeks to reform. This concept is consistent with all reliable church history documents and the individuals who took leading roles in trying to reform existing religious institutions as well. We may correctly refer to Martin Luther, John Knox, John Calvin and others of that period as true reformers, they set about to reform an existing religious institution; the Roman Catholic church. From documents of that period it is clear that the leaders of that movement did not seek to restore the Roman Catholic church to the New Testament pattern but simply sought reform of some abuses that were truly unbearable to the common religious people of the day {Luther's Ninety-five Theses, Concordia Publishing House, St Louis, MO.}. Yet, regardless of their objective, they failed and as a result of their efforts new religions were born into the world. The new religions were not based upon a return to the New Testament pattern but were based upon the concept of the leading men and their theology. Since the days of Luther and Calvin men have attempted to reform existing institutions but have been unwilling to use the Divine pattern in their attempts. If the leaders of the Reformation had been willing to return to the New Testament in their attempts at reformation the entire structure of the Roman Catholic church would have been unacceptable to them, they would have been known as attempted restorers of the New Testament church not reformers of the existing Roman Catholic church. Consequently, the proper usage of the term "Reformation" is evident; it is an attempt to reform an existing entity.

RESTORATION DEFINED (i.e., the concept):

… Restoration is in no way synonymous with the term reformation. The concepts are as different as night is from day; in the first part of this appendix we have defined the term "reformation" in some detail. In the remaining portion of this study I want to show that "restoration" is an attempt to restore that, which has been lost. With the reformers the concept was to reform the existing religious institutions, with the restorers the concept was to restore the original institution using the Scriptures (i.e., God's Written Word) as the only pattern for the restoration. Following are some prominent restoration advocates and their plea:

Thomas Campbell, a Presbyterian minister who came to the U.S. in 1807 from Ireland, stated a year later, "Where the Scriptures speak, we speak; and where the Scriptures are silent, we are silent."

Alexander Campbell, that same year broke with the Secedes Presbyterian Church in Glasgow and came to America. He endorsed the same principles of his father's address and began to advocate them publicly in 1811.

Walter Scott, his "plan of salvation" was put into the simple form of five-finger exercise"

(A) Faith, upon proof;

(B) Repentance, motivated by promise;

(C) Baptism, in obedience to command;

(D) Remission of sins; and

(E) The gift of the Holy Spirit.

While Campbell, Scott and others worked in the East to restore the New Testament church, Barton Stone and others taught in Kentucky and in states South and West of Kentucky, "Instead of reforming, let's restore the church and its faith and practice exactly as they were in the days of the Apostles."

In 1832, these two groups united in what is called the "Restoration Movement." For approximately 55 years, tremendous progress was made through their united efforts to restore an apostolic form of Biblical Christianity. --- End of study …

glclair@aol.com

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.

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