A Minute With The Bible Aired during December, 2000 "Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word; that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they may also be in us; that the world may believe that thou didst send me"(John 17:20-21). Jesus expressed his will in this prayer. The shameful condition of our divided religious world makes a mockery of the Lord's prayer. Christ wanted us to be united, as he was united with his father. And...he gave the means by which that unity could be achieved. The way to unity is to respect and obey the words of inspired men. The New Testament contains those words. When we accept the New Testament and reject all the commandments of men, we can be united. What are you willing to do in order to achieve the unity for which the Son of God prayed? Only by following the New Testament can such be achieved. The ways of men will not work.
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth"(Genesis 1:1). In one short sentence, Moses solved the mystery of the origin of our earth. God made it! He took nothing and turned it into something. Jehovah could do it because he is God. Those who continually search for other explanations come up with various theories, all of which lie dead in the sands of time. Man, in all of his wisdom, can cure diseases, make life bearable and enjoyable, and solve many problems, but he cannot, apart from divine revelation, explain the origin of our universe. That belongs to God and he settled the matter by revelation several thousand years ago. Has it not occurred to us that all man does and all man "discovers" is built upon knowledge of the past? Man is always dependent upon what others have found in trying to come up with something "new." Only God can create; man builds on what already exists.
"The Spirit of God hath made me, And the breath of the Almighty giveth me life"(Job 33:4). Elihu knew the origin of man: God made man. He also knew that he was made from the elements of our world: "I also am formed out of the clay"(verse 6). The first book of the Bible does reveal the origin of man. The Lord took the "clay" and molded man and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. Elihu is expressing what was already known. Man may clone animals; man cannot create life--only God can bring life into existence from the elements. The Lord made Adam and Eve, placing them in the garden. Their life came from God; all life has come from the first pair. Note also that God "made man upright." Not a process of millions of years, but a single act performed immediately. The theories of men often contradict what the inspired record revealed. For those who love the truth, let us stand with the men of the Bible.
"Thy hands have made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments"(Psalm 119:73). The Psalmist recognized God as his creator. He did not imagine that in some process of millions of year, he emerged as a man. The Lord made him and that settled the matter for the writer. Knowing that God created him, he asked the Lord to help him to understand and to learn. The Psalmist words constitute a proper prayer for today. As one who believes in Jehovah, it is only right to recognize his power to not only hear what we request, but to grant that request. Of course, what we ask must he in harmony with his will. The one who trusts in the Lord and lives the life of a disciple has the opportunity at the present to approach the Lord and request one's needs be satisfied. The Psalmist knew who created him and who could supply his needs. The writer sought the Lord's will: do I?
"Create in me a new heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me"(Psalm 51:10). David had sinned. He had committed adultery. Now he realizes his transgression and pleads for the Lord to forgive him. He wanted to be a "new" creature. Note that he wanted a right spirit within him. All sin originates in the heart(mind) of man. To change, it takes a renewal of the person, with the determination that he will act properly in the future. God was willing to forgive David of his sin and David was willing to seek the forgiveness. It is no less true today. In the mercy of God, he sent His Son to die on the cross for each and every sinner, including you and I. We can claim that mercy by renouncing our sins and turning in obedience to Christ's gospel. Only God can absolve us of our sins: such is accomplished by the blood of Christ. Are you willing, as David, to seek the forgiveness of God?
"For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity..."(Romans 11:20). Can one look into the heavens and see the stars at night and refuse to believe there is a power greater than men? Did all of this happen by accident? Is our universe a product of some cataclysmic occurrence in ages past? OR...is there a power greater than men that made the stars, the world, and all that is therein? Such questions have been asked through the centuries by many who are masters of knowledge in our world. Yet, for all of the research that has been done; for all of the exploring that has happened; for all of the speculations, the great of this world have not found the answers to these questions. Yet, Paul the apostle is telling us that we only have to see what is "clearly seen" to know that one with everlasting power and divinity made it all.
Why do you call yourselves Christians? is a proper question. The answer to the question comes from the Bible, the word of God. When people obeyed the gospel of Christ in the apostolic age, they were called Christians. "..the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch"(Acts 11:26). The force of the words "were called" designate a divine calling. Hence, the early disciples were called Christians(followers of Christ) because the Lord so identified them. When Agrippa, a ruler of Paul's day, heard the apostle preach the truth, he responded that "with little persuasion thou wouldest fein make me a Christian"(Acts 26:28). Peter would inform the disciples of his day not to be ashamed to "suffer as a Christian"(I Peter 4:16). We are called Christians today because God so identified the early disciples. Members of the Lord's church are Christians, nothing more; nothing less.
Do we know the date of Christ's birth? The Bible does not reveal the exact day on which Jesus was born. We do know that it was the time of year when the shepherds were tending their flocks. There has been much speculation about the time, but most people will accept December 25 as the date. The Bible does not mention the date and there is no command in the New Testament for the observance of such. While men may set aside a day, the God of heaven has not. The emphasis in the New Testament was the remembrance of the resurrection of Christ, not on the birth(which had to take place). Christians remember each first day of the week the Lord's death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christmas can be a family day, a holiday for citizens, a day of gladness, a day of happiness, and a day of feasting, but it is not revealed in the Bible when the birth of Christ occurred and does not command us to observe such.
Who is the head of the church of Christ? Jesus himself answered this question when he said, "...Upon this rock, I will build my church"(Matthew 16:18). The apostle Paul further stated this truth in Colossians 1:18, "And he is the head of the body, the church." Men may teach otherwise, the Bible tells us plainly who IS the head of the church. After all, he shed his blood for the church(which is his body), so it only makes Bible sense to recognize him as the the head of the church. This position belongs to no man, because all men are fallible. To place the church in the hands of men and allow one to sit as a pope, preacher, or committee over the church is violated by the passages that speak of Christ's position. Who would want a man to be over a church when a divine being rules his kingdom, the church? For a man or a group of men to be the head of a church makes that church human, not divine.
Why do you not follow the Law of Moses? The Law of Moses was given to the Israelites and never to the Gentiles. It was intended to be respected and obeyed by the descendants of Abraham. The Bible clearly states, "..and he took it out of the way, nailing it to the cross"(Colossians 2:14). Jesus died for the sins of all mankind and abolished the Law of Moses as the standard for God's people. In fact, Paul plainly stated, "Ye are severed from Christ, ye who would be justified by the law; ye are fallen away from grace"(Galatians 5:4). The law was intended for those who lived under Moses and was taken out of the way when it fulfilled its purpose. Many passages in the New Testament speak to the end of the Law of Moses since it was nailed to the cross. When men seek to justify themselves by the Law, they are rejecting the Gospel of Christ. Christians do not follow the Law of Moses because the Lord took it out of the way.
Why do you assemble on the first day of the week? This question has troubled many people in the religious world. There are those who meet on Saturday(the Sabbath) borrowing the practice from the instructions to the Hebrews of the Old Testament. Others may neglect to assemble at any time. The New Testament clearly states that the disciples of Christ met on Sunday, “the first day of the week” in Acts 20:7. When they came together, they remembered the Lord in the Lord’s Supper, contributed of their funds into a common treasury, sang praises to God, were edified by the preaching of the Word of God, and prayed to the Lord. This pattern in the New Testament is the practice of those who desire to follow the instructions of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Any departure from the pattern is a failure to follow Christ’s will set forth in the New Testament.
Do you tithe as did the Hebrews in the Old Testament? No, since the instruction in the New Testament is to give as one is prospered on the first day of the week(Acts 20:7). The tithe was the contributing of a tenth of one's income into a common treasury in the days of Moses. The instructions for tithing are contained in the Old Testament. The instruction in the law of Christ is to give as one is prospered. All Bible students are aware that the Law of Moses was given to the Hebrews to prepare them for the coming Messiah and His kingdom. Since it was a law of preparation and had fulfilled its purpose in the death of Christ, it is no longer a source of religious authority. Christians respect and follow the commands of the New Testament. The disciple must first dedicate himself to the will of Christ, then he will meet the command to "give as one has prospered."
Do you use instruments of music(as organs and pianos) in your worship services? We do not use such in our services. The New Testament instructs us to sing in our worship. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God”(Colossians 3:16). Other passages also teach this truth. There is no passage or apostolic example that authorizes the use of a mechanical instrument of music in the worship of the church we read about in the New Testament. If we follow the New Testament and respect its authority, we will follow the instructions and examples that are set forth therein. In the absence of authority for the use of choirs, pianos, organs, or similar methods of producing music, we respect the scriptures and avoid the use of such in our service to Jehovah.
Why do you immerse believers in water? When the Lord charged his apostles to go into all the world to preach the gospel of Christ, he commanded that one be baptized(immersed) in water for the remission of sins. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved”(Mark 16:16). While there are many religious teachers who would challenge what Jesus said, he still said it! It is a command in the gospel. When a person believes in the gospel, he repents, confesses, and is baptized in order to have his sins forgiven. There are many passages that speak to this fact. The people on the day of Pentecost were told by Peter to “repent and be baptized every one of you for the remission of sins”(Acts 2:38). Who can dispute what this apostle taught? The persecutor, Paul, was told to “arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins”(Acts 22:16). There was no question in the days of the early church about the necessity of baptism. They all understood what they had to do to be acceptable to God.
How does the church of Christ raise funds to finance her work? The Bible teaches that each Christian is to purpose to give on the first day of each week into a common treasury. “Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he prospered...” (I Corinthians 16:2). The amount is not specified, but should be on the basis of one’s ability to contribute to the greatest work in the world--that of saving souls. After Paul had commended the Corinthians for their liberality, he pointed out that “it is acceptable according as a man hath, not according to what he hath not”(II Corinthians 8:12). He also pointed out that a “readiness”(or willingness) is to be present. When each member of a congregation follows the instructions of God, all the funds needed for the work of the local church will be available. There is no scriptural authority for the church Christ built to engage in money-making schemes.
Why do churches of Christ partake of the Lord’s Supper on the first day of each week? The first day of the week is the Lord’s day and the appropriate time to remember his death, burial, and resurrection. The apostolic example is found in Acts 20:7, “And upon the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread...” Each week has a first day, so as often as the first day arrives, the Lord’s body remembers his crucifixion and resurrection from the dead. The bread is taken to bring remembrance of the body that suffered on the cross and was raised from the dead; the fruit of the vine puts one in memory of the blood shed on the cross for the remission of sins. “For as often as ye eat the bread and drink the cup, ye proclaim the Lord’s death till he come”(I Corinthians 11:26). A simple but impressive memorial of the sacrifice of God’s Son that can be kept in every generation over all the world since the kingdom of Christ was established.
"Who do men say that the Son of Man is?" was asked by Jesus to his disciples(Matthew 16:13). The answer of the disciples varied. Some had said John the Baptist, others that he was Elijah or Jeremiah or one of the prophets. When he further inquired, Peter said, "Thou are the Christ, the Son of the living God"(Matthew 16:16). The answer came from what the Father(God) had revealed. The Son of Man did not come into this world to establish some sort of kingdom where he could sit as king here on earth as envisioned by the pre-millennialist; he did not come to establish several divided kingdoms(or churches); he came into this world to establish his spiritual kingdom, the church. Today he reigns as the head of His church, the one that we read about in the New Testament. "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the pre-eminence"(Colossians 1:18).
"What think ye of Christ?" is the question Jesus asked the Pharisees(Matthew 22:42). It was a most appropriate question for these religious teachers. A major religious force among the Jews, the Pharisees desired to control the minds of the people. They sought the prominent places in their religious assemblies; they desired to influence the religion of the masses; and--they would be upset at anyone who would put their power over the people in jeopardy. They did not think much of Jesus Christ and would not accept his words. These false teachers would do whatever they could to stop the teaching of the Lord. In spite of their opposition, the Lord would continue to teach those who would listen. Hence, what think you of Christ? Do we accept him as the Son of God, the head of His church, and our savior? Or--do we just accept him as some historical character? Just what DO you think?
"Which of you convicteth me of sin?"(John 8:46a). Christ had patiently taught the religious teachers of His day. They ignored his teaching and challenged his authority. They tried to justify their positions and attempted to identify the Lord as some kind of false prophet or teacher. He challenged them to show wherein he had done anything that was sinful. They were unable to meet his demand. He also asked another question. "If I say truth, why do ye not believe me?" (John 8:46b). The Lord had spoken plainly the truth from God. He pointed out their sins and shortcomings; he offered them teaching that would save their souls. But--they rejected him. Why do people of today not believe what Christ has taught in his New Testament? How about you? Are you willing to accept the truths of the New Testament? Be different from the Lord's critics, follow His will in all religious teachings and activities.
"What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?" is a question Jesus asked of a blind man(Luke 18:41). The man's answer: "Lord, that I may receive my sight." The man sought what he needed; he wanted to be like others, able to view the marvels of creation, to walk without assistance, and to be able to function as other humans. The Lord granted his request and immediately the man received his healing: he could see! Why did the Lord grant his question? Luke points out that Jesus told him, "...thy faith hath made thee whole." Without such faith, the man would have remained blind. Faith is the base for all obedience to the Lord's commands. Today, if one desires to have the cleansing Jesus offers, one must have faith. To live a life that is acceptable to God's Son, one must have faith. The Hebrew writer stated it, "...without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him." How strong is your faith?
"Art thou the king of the Jews" is the question that Pilate asked of Jesus Christ(Matthew 27:11). The Lord replied, "Thou sayest." We would state it, "I am what you say." However, he was not to be an earthly king, sitting on some earthly throne in Jerusalem. He was the Son of God, the one who was to be the King of his Kingdom. Not a physical reign, but a spiritual reign. The obedience would be to the gospel, that is, from the heart. Those who accept and follow His will would be His subjects. Christ reigns today, occupying His throne, blessing his subjects, and will someday judge all of mankind. Jesus was on trial during this period. He refused to answer the accusation made against him. He willingly accepted the sentence, along with the mistreatment, and died for all of mankind. He rose from the dead to offer life to all who will obey him. Are you willing to be subject to this King of kings and Lord of Lords?July, 1999 August, 1999 September, 1999 October, 1999 November, 1999 December, 1999 January, 2000 June, 2000 July, 2000 August, 2000 September, 2000 October, 2000 November, 2000 January, 2001 February, 2001 March, 2001 April, 2001 May, 2001 June, 2001 July, 2001 August, 2001 September, 2001 October, 2001 November, 2001 December, 2001 January, 2002 February, 2002 March, 2002 April, 2002 May, 2002