The Kingdom of God

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

— Mark 1:15

A kingdom is not just a plot of land or a real estate with borders. A kingdom is a place under the authority of a ruler, a King. John D Grassmick in The Bible Knowledge Commentary pointed out that the “Kingdom of God” is a dynamic concept, rather than static. This refers to God’s activity as the sovereign ruler.

God’s rule, his authority was said to be “at hand”, or in other terms “being established”. But, established over what? What is the “plot of land” under the King’s authority? If you are a Christian, it is your heart.

According to Jesus, when your heart is under God’s reign there are two equally vital responses, to believe and repent. Maybe another time we can discuss the full meaning or “repent” and “believe”, but 200 words or less isn’t enough space in that endeavor.

Right now, here is what we have to grapple with as Christians in our modern world, does God reign in our hearts or is he merely a voice among many?

“So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.” (Romans 6:11–12, ESV)

Let your light shine!

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST (Part 5)

The Order of the Church

When answering the question, “What is the church of Christ,” one must consider her identity in all that she does. The church of Christ has as her “creed book” the Bible and the Bible only. She believes the Bible to be the Inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The church of Christ believes that through this Inspired Word God gives man “all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3). She does not base what she does or does not do on a “creed book” written by man that has rendered the denominational world helpless.

The church of Christ worships God by the authority that is found in the Scriptures. Paul wrote, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17). The inspired writer is saying whatever you teach and whatever you practice do it according the authority of the scriptures. Paul knew that there would be some that would stand before the Lord in judgment thinking they did what the Lord required (Matthew 7:21-23). God is seeking true worshipers that will worship Him “…in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). The worship of the church is regulated by what God has commanded. She will pray (1 Thessalonians 5:17). She will sing praises to God without the accompaniment of mechanical instruments (Ephesians 5:19; cf. Colossians 3:16). She will give has she has prospered (1 Corinthians 16:2). She will partake of the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week and hear God’s Word proclaimed (Acts 20:7). All these things must be “…done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40).

The doctrine of the church of Christ is the same doctrine the apostles preached, “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8-9). This doctrine has the power to save (Romans 1:16). It includes faith that comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17); repenting of sins (Luke 13:3, 5); confessing belief that Jesus is the Son of God (Romans 10:10; cf. Acts 8:37); and being baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), to have sins washed away (Acts 22:16), and to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3-4). This is the plan of salvation that must be obeyed in order to be added to the church of Christ (Acts 2).

If one is truly looking for the church that Jesus promised to build he will look for these qualifying marks of identity. What is the church of Christ? The church of Christ is the divine institution that had her beginnings in Jerusalem in A.D. 33. She is owned by the One that bought her with His own blood. Her order is to use the Bible and the Bible only as her creed, and she worships according to the commandments of God. The church of Christ will preach the Gospel, the doctrine of the apostles. This doctrine will include God’s plan of salvation. Any other religious institution that does not identify with the description that Bible has given is not the church of Christ.

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST (Part 4)

The Ownership of the Church

When considering the question, what is the church of Christ, one should study the following; what is the church, and to whom does the church belong? It has already been discussed that Jesus promised to build the church (Matthew 16:18). The word “church” in this passage comes from the Greek word “ekklesia.” This is a compound word composed of “ek” meaning, “out or out of,” and “kaleo” meaning “to call” (Thayer 189). Thus, the church our Savior promised to build is the “called out.” Jesus used this word to describe His followers that have been called out of the world and into fellowship with Himself, the Father, and the Holy Spirit. Peter wrote, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9; cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:14).

The “called out” under consideration belong to Jesus. He said “…I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18) [emp. TB]. Here, Jesus refers to the church in the possessive case. He does so because he knew what would be required of Him to establish His church. When the apostle Paul wrote to the Christians at Ephesus he pointed out what was given for the church, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25). Jesus was willing to die for His church. Paul also addressed the elders at Ephesus to remind them of the importance of them overseeing the church because of what it took to purchase her, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). The blood of Christ was the price that was paid in order to redeem every soul that is added to the church that belongs to Christ (Ephesians 1:7). When Christ died on the cross He paid to God what man owed. Therefore, the church belongs to Jesus. The church of Christ is blood-bought and paid for by the ultimate selfless sacrifice of Jesus.

(Lord willing, continued next week)

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST (Part 3)

The Origin of the Church (Continued)  

There are many today that believe the church of Christ was not part of God’s plan at first. They believe that Jesus came to this earth to set up an earthly kingdom, but when His own people rejected him, He decided to set up the church instead. Those who believe such a lie make the church and the kingdom two separate institutions. This way of thinking makes the church an afterthought. But, the Bible teaches that the church of Christ was in the mind of God from all eternity (Ephesians 3:8-12). The word “intent” in verse 10 shows a definite purpose in establishing the church of Christ. That purpose was to show the world, through the church of Christ, “the manifold wisdom of God.” His wisdom is demonstrated in the plan devised for the church of Christ. Her foundation and head is the Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 5:23). Her work is spreading the soul-saving message of the Gospel (Matthew 28:18-20; Rom. 1:16). Her organization is divine (Ephesians. 4:11), and her worship brings glory and honor to God (John 4:23-24). The establishment of the church of Christ was not accidental. She was in the eternal purpose of God.

The church of Christ was established on the first Pentecost following the resurrection of Jesus in A.D. 33. Before He ascended back to Heaven, Jesus told His disciples, “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” (Luke 24:49). They are told they would receive this power when the Holy Ghost would come upon them, and with this power, the Gospel would be preached starting in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and into the uttermost part of the world (Acts 1:8). In Acts 2:1-4 the disciples received the Holy Ghost while at Jerusalem. They began to speak so that all the nations could understand them in their own language (Acts 2:5-15). The message the apostles preached that day was the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (Acts 2:16-36). When one reads the end of the chapter he sees that the saved are being added to the “church” (v. 47).

The question is which church were the saved being added too? They were being added to the church that Jesus promised to build. They were being added to the church that was in the eternal mind of God. They were being added to the church that was established in Jerusalem, on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Jesus. If one studies the history and establishment of each of the denominational churches in existence today, he will see that none of them are the church Jesus promised to build. None of them were in the eternal mind of God. None of them had their beginnings in Jerusalem, and all of them were established hundreds of years after A.D. 33. The saved were being added to the only church in existence, the church of Christ.

Neo-Paganism

“…because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.”

— (Romans 1:25, ESV)

I use to scoff at individuals in the Old Testament who were guilty of idolatry. I mean seriously, who would be so ignorant as to worship an image they literally just made? As Isaiah described the phenomenon in Isaiah 44:16-17 with a man who takes one part of a cedar and burns it for warmth and cooking and the other part he falls down and worships, after he carves it into an image.

Here’s the lunacy, he is worshipping a created image. Why not worhsip the one who created it? Wouldn’t he be more powerful?

What about in your life? Who do you worship? Paul tells us in Romans 1:21 and 25 that many of us do the same thing. We may not worship a “graven image” but we do worship a created image, The Almighty Me.

The point is simple, when we elevate ourselves above God (whether that be by the deciding our wisdom is greater than His, or that our hobbies are more important than Him, or even that our family needs are more urgent than His) we are worshipping the created, rather than the created.

Let us all say, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15b) 

Let your light shine!

THE CHURCH OF CHRSIT (Part 2)

The Origin of the Church:

Be sure to read Part 1 HERE

The salvation of man has always been at the forefront of the eternal mind of God. After man sinned in the Garden of Eden, God put His plan of salvation into motion, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). This is the first prophecy of the coming of Jesus to save the world. After commanding Abraham to leave his country and his kindred, God promised Abraham, “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). The blessing of salvation would come through the seed-line of Abraham. When one opens his New Testament he finds the genealogy of Abraham to Christ (Matthew 1:1-17). The purpose of this is to show the fulfillment of the coming of Jesus. Verse 21 tells the reader why, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

While Jesus walked upon the earth, His entire ministry centered upon the words, “the kingdom is at hand” (Matthew 3:1-2; 4:17; 10:5-7). The term “at hand” simply tells of a divine institution that was coming soon. The kingdom that was “at hand” was none other than the church of Christ. After Jesus promised to build His church he said to Peter, “I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom…” (Matthew 16:19). Here, Jesus calls His church the kingdom. Why would Jesus promise to build one divine institution and then give Peter the keys to an entirely different institution? As proof that His church and the kingdom are one and the same, Jesus taught that some who were alive in His day would not die until they see the kingdom (church) come with power (Mark 9:1). Either the kingdom (church) has come, or there are people scattered throughout the world that are at least Two Thousand years old!

(Lord willing, continued next week)

The Sin of "Making a Point"

“And afterward David’s heart struck him, because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe” –1 Samuel 24:5

Seems like no big deal doesn’t it? What did David do, cut off a piece of his potential assassin’s robe? I mean, in the grand scheme of things isn’t that not as bad as what he could have done or what his comrades thought he should have done?

The fact that this simple act of defiance, against God’s anointed king of Israel, brought pain to David’ heart is exactly why he is referred to as being “a man after God’s own heart.” 

While many of us take it upon ourselves to “make a point” or to show others the kind of “power” we posses, let us pause for a moment and consider the power we actually do hold in our grasp. We have the power to choose righteousness over darkness (Ephesians 5:8). We have the power to bless rather than curse (Luke 6:28). We have the power to serve instead of dominate (John 13:13-14).

Let your light shine!

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST (Part 1)

The church of Christ is the body of baptized believers that have been called out of the darkness of the world by the Gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Thess. 2:14). The Gospel is the good news. It contains the account of the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:1-4). Because of the selfless sacrifice of Jesus, one has the hope of eternal life. God commands all men to obey the Gospel (2 Thess. 1:6-9). Upon obedience to this Gospel (Acts 2:38), his soul is added to the divine institution, the church of Christ. Luke wrote, “Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47).

The church of Christ is not a denomination. The word denomination, in and of itself, promotes division. Division goes against the very teaching of God’s Word. Jesus instructed His disciples to be “one.” Like He and the Father are one (John 17:21-22). The apostle Paul taught this same doctrine to the Christians at Corinth, “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). How can so many denominations be “one” if they are “divided by the doctrine they claim as truth? Each denomination has a different origin, different teachings, different entrance requirements, and different expectations of self and God.

The church of Christ is not multi-denominational. That is, she does not accept the teachings of the many different denominations as truth in order to promote unity. How can there be unity in accepting all the different standards that have been created by man for the purpose of his own self-will? This movement has become popular in the religious world over the years as the denominations have seen a decrease in numbers, both physically and monetarily. These religious organizations have begun to believe if there is not a denominational name attached to “their church,” they will attract more members of the denominational world who have grown tired of “the traditional denominational churches.” Therefore, they accept whatever one believes as long as there is no condemnation of what others believe. One could say this constitutes an “anything goes” religious organization.

With so many denominational churches existing today, is it possible to find the church that our Lord built? Can one identify the church he reads about in the New Testament? What is the church of Christ?

(Lord willing, continued next week).

Paul's Spiritual Relationship to the Church

The final element of Paul's relationship to the local church is the most important. It is the sum of all matters. Paul focused on the spiritual attribute of his relationship with the Christians in Thessalonica. 1 Thessalonians 3:11-12 displays the epitome of what a Christian's prayer for his brethren should look like.

Paul requested that the Father and the Son would direct the brethren. He also desired that they increase and abound in love for one another so as to establish their hearts blameless in holiness before God. Paul prayed for them always (1Th 1.2) and no doubt desired the same thing to be done for him, because he was a fellow laborer with them (1Th 2.9). Paul was genuinely concerned with the brethren's faith (1Th 3.5) and remembered their importance in the sight of God (1Th 1.4-5a) and no doubt was proud of their righteousness (1Th 2.19).

We as members of the body of Christ must also be concerned with more than the temporal well-being of our brethren but should desire for their faith to grow and be proud when it does. In the end Paul reaffirmed his ultimate role as an evangelist (1Th 2.1-4) and reaffirmed his ultimate goal as an evangelist (1Th 2.5-8). By preaching the Word (1Th 2.13), strengthening the brethren in the traditions (2Th 2.15) and supplying what was lacking in their faith (1Th 3.10) he was able to prepare them for trials that were sure to come (2Th 2.1-5).

Let your light shine!

I Was Blind but Now I See

After Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple, He passed by a man that had been blind from birth (John 8:59-9:1). The disciples of Christ asked the question, “Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he be born blind?” (John 9:2). The mindset of these disciples seemed to be concentrated on the association of sin to suffering. They thought that if one was afflicted in this way it must have been because of his sin, or the sin of his parents. Jesus responded by saying, “Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him” (John 9:3). The manifestation would confirm that if Jesus could bring physical light to one born blind, He could bring spiritual light to those who are blinded by the world.  The Son of God worked this miracle as proof of Who He was and from Whom He was sent.

The healing of the blind man caused a stir. When he was presented to the Pharisees they immediately began to discredit this miraculous healing by insisting the man was not born blind (John 9:18). After the man’s parents confirmed their son’s disability from birth (John 9:20), the Pharisees responded by saying, “Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner” (John 9:24). The Pharisees were blind to what Jesus was truly offering. They were not concerned that Jesus worked a miracle that caused the blind man to see, but that He healed him on the Sabbath day.

While we do not live in the miraculous age anymore (1 Cor. 13), there still seems to be this same blindness in the world today. Many give God all the praise for their salvation by faith alone, but are blind to the fact that Jesus commanded obedience to His Word in order to obtain salvation. Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). To think salvation comes by only putting one’s faith in God is suffering from blindness. It was James who wrote, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17).

Those who have obeyed the Gospel of Christ (2 Thess. 1:6-9) were blind but now they see how true salvation comes to those who obey the commands of God (Heb. 5:8-9).

Paul's Public Relationship with the Church

Paul not only cultivated a personal relationship with the brethren but also developed a public one as well. This Public relationship had various elements at work. Because of Paul's position as a church leader, he was afforded more attention in the public forum than the typical Christian. He used this stage to encourage the brethren. Paul exhorted and encouraged them as a father would his own children (1Th 2.11-12). A father figure has the ability to lift up the countenance of a child in a way that few others could, and Paul's status as the "father in the faith" to many of the Thessalonian Christians allowed for that. Paul made a habit of reminding them of the fruits of their labors and the providential care of the Lord (1Th 2.14-16), and he did this in a public setting (1Th 1.3). Paul was also concerned with about the local brethren while he was away (1Th 1.8) and being mindful of them would boast about their good works (2Th 1.4). His encouraging words were not only his own but also would be encouragement that he would relay from other congregations within the brotherhood (1Th 1.9-10). One of Paul's primary tasks was to be a pure example to the brethren (2Th 3.7) as well as protect the local church from poor examples (2Th 3.6). While being a pure example, it is no doubt that some would begin to follow Paul rather than God but Paul made it clear that the focus of the Local church was to be on God and not on mere men (2Th 3.5).

You don’t have to be an apostle or a former Pharisee to be a modern day Paul, all that is required is a commitment to Jesus and His Church.

Let your light shine!

HOW IMPORTANT IS SUNDAY SCHOOL TO PARENTS (Part 2)

Editor's Note: This is the second in a 2-Part series, to read Part 1 follow this link

The Sunday School program at North Main is under the oversight of the elders and is being developed in such a way that a child can study through the Bible. Every book of the Bible will eventually be investigated as well as topics that will help prepare young people for the future. The consistency of being present and on time is what is most important. Parents who study Deuteronomy 6:3-9 see the most important responsibility for them as parents is to teach their children how to know God and His ways. This is done on an every-day basis. From this passage one does not see parents given the liberty to allow their children to miss an opportunity to learn the will of God. If that is the case, why would parents today allow their children to miss an activity that promotes what the Bible says is their responsibility to teach? Parents do not allow their children to miss their secular school for just any reason. He or she will only miss due to some unforeseen circumstance because he or she will fall behind in what they need to know. When a child misses his or her Sunday School class he or she misses the vital teaching the teacher has spent hours preparing in hopes of helping the students to get to Heaven. He or she misses the friends that looked forward to him or her being there. Will the child be able to catch up? Parents know that is usually not the case

The elders of this congregation have seen to it that children, as well as adults, have the opportunity to study God’s Word. They have called the saints together at 9:30am every Sunday and 7pm on every Wednesday for this purpose. Are we obligated to see that our children, and we are here? The inspired writer of Hebrews says yes: “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17).

The question is: “How important is Sunday School to Parents?” Only the parents can answer this question. Remember, the children cannot make this decision for themselves. They are relying on you to lead them in what is right (Eph. 6:1).

Paul's Personal Relationship to the Church

The personal relationship Paul had with the brethren in Thessalonica was much more than just a superficial job description. He had a genuine personal relationship that was exhibited both outwardly as well as inwardly. First, Paul had an affection for the brethren like a "nursing mother" (1Th 2.7-8). Except for rare circumstances, there is not a stronger bond than a mother and child nor is there a more fearsome foe than the mother of a threatened child. Paul was bound to the brethren in heart (1Th 2.17-18) and was concerned for them so much that he thought of himself as being "torn away" from the brethren. This deep inward personal relationship was one that had to be cultivated. Paul found comfort and joy in the brethren (1Th 3.7-9). In his second letter he also couldn't help but to notice their growth (2Th 1.3) and was confident in the brethren because of this (2Th 3.4). Paul was confident enough in them to ask for their prayers (2Th 3.1). This personal relationship takes more than simple statements of fact or inward thoughts to be cultivated, but it also requires outward signs. Paul was an example to the local congregation (1Th 1.5b-7). Paul was an example first by being a fellow laborer with them (1Th 2.9), secondly by being righteous and blameless before them (1Th 2.10) and finally by recognizing their efforts on a personal (1Th 1.3).

Let us all strive to have a personal relationship with our local congregation as Paul had. 

Let your light shine!

HOW IMPORTANT SHOULD SUNDAY SCHOOL BE TO PARENTS? (Part 1)

Parents have a tremendous responsibility in rearing their children. Because of the struggles with the evils of the world, parents sometimes, find themselves scrambling to get their children involved in activities that they believe promote wholesomeness and purity. These activities involve sports, music, art, etc. What parents sometimes forget is the time these activities cost them and their children. Most of the activities mentioned above involve the parents and the children spending hours upon hours practicing and performing their skills. With all the hours spent on such activities, very little time is left for anything important. Unfortunately some Christian parents forget the important things as well. They will pull out all the stops in making sure that their child is involved in all that one can be involved, but will forget about their children being involved in the Sunday School of the congregation of which they are members. This is a place where they will study the Bible with those who are of the same age and have the same goals as all that are involved. They will develop relationships with others that will last into eternity. No other activity in life can offer this type of reward.

The spiritual education that a child receives in Sunday School will be the most important education he or she will receive in this life time. The elders of the church make sure that the material studied is that of the Word of God. This activity will help them get to Heaven. This is the goal that every Christian parent should have for his or her children. Every Christian parent has the responsibility to teach his or her children the way of the Lord (Eph. 6:1-4). The church can help in this if the parent will see the importance of Sunday School and encourage their children to be involved.

(Lord willing, continued next week)

Unauthorized

“Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them.” (Leviticus 10:1, ESV)

Nadab and Abihu teach us a valuable lesson. After spending the first 8 chapters of Leviticus detailing the laws of sacrifice and then in chapter 9 the implementation of these criteria, we discover the ramifications of disobedience. There is no indication of intended revolt, Nadab and Abihu simply did not follow the Law of God. Their fire was “unauthorized” meaning God said “use this fire” and they used that fire.

Unfortunately, some today consider God’s authoritative Word to be nothing more than a suggestion. However, we are told time and time again the same warning shown in the death of Nadab and Abihu. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, ESV)

For the sake of your soul, do not take the Word of God lightly, but study it and obey it as though your life depends on it, because it does.

Let your light shine!

Can People Change?

In Ecclesiastes 1:15 the Preacher states, “What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be counted.” At first glance one might be puzzled. Much of the New Testament is centered on our need for repentance, a change of heart leading to a change of actions.

Does this statement from the Preacher contradict the New Testament? No it does not, in fact it further confirms man’s need to repent. The Preacher searched all throughout the regions under the heaven to gain knowledge and he discovered everything under the sun is vanity. What is clear from this statement is the heavens were not included in his search. Man has continually tried to glorify the wicked while vilifying the righteous. But regardless of effort and time, what is crooked cannot be made straight.

The Preacher does not claim man cannot change. Men change, culture changes, science changes, even wisdom changes; but God does not. In an almost identical statement in Ecclesiastes 7:13 it says, “Consider the work of God: who can make straight what he has made crooked?” God is our ultimate standard. His Word is unchanging (Hebrews 6:17) and is truth (John 17:17). And possibly the greatest thing about the gospel is that it facilitates a change in people. Because of that change and continued obedience to God’s word we can have a hope for eternal life. (Acts 2:38)