biblical-insights.com VOLUME 8, NUMBER 7 JULY 2008 BIBLICALBI INSIGHTS Spiritual Truths for Everyday Living

July Special Issue

Attitudes and Consequences of the Reckless Restorers Managing Editor Editorial

Wilson Adams t’s hard to know when and which you were taught, whether 1110 Cason Lane how—when to take a stand and by word of mouth or by letter from exactly how to do it. And while us” (2 Thess. 2:15). The admonition Murfreesboro, TN 37128 II have no intention of using to respect apostolic authority is [email protected] Biblical Insights to tell anyone binding on every church that is of they have to follow my conscience Christ. about anything, I do plan on using The argument that “we just do a (800) 626-5348 any medium available to teach bib- few things differently” is a smoke- lical truth when and where I see screen. It’s not about things done Regular Writers the need. differently (from man’s tradition) I am concerned about young but a disrespectful attitude for people. I am concerned that some, apostolic teaching. C. G. “Colly” Caldwell at the most impressionable age For example, when women Jim Deason of life, are taken in by those feed- address the assembled church at ing on a natural youthful disdain the Lord’s Supper, I believe that is Bill Feist for authority—and segway that sinful. To argue that it is the same into an environment of disre- as a Bible class is a misnomer. First, Bubba Garner spect for biblical authority—from the Supper is to be taken when the instrumental music (“swallow- church has come together (1 Cor. Sewell Hall ing camels”) to abuses with the 11:20, 33–34). Second, when the Harold Hancock Supper (“they eat bread, drink a church is together, the women are bit, eat more bread, drink a bit not to speak (lead the assembly). Bob Hutto more . . .”), to very loose blogs Paul was plain. The idea of divid- about drinking (“only drinking in ing into groups and discussing the Ferrell Jenkins excess is forbidden” in Scripture). Memorial and then appointing Rickie Jenkins Over the past few months I have spokesman/woman to address the read blog after blog on pleonast (an church mimics the meanderings Greg Litmer Internet blog site for young Chris- of John Mark Hicks (Come to the tians) and have been amazed at the Table) more than anything else. Tony Mauck lack of respect for God’s authority. It centers on one thing: respect And that’s what it’s all about. Do for authority. The disdain expressed Jeff May we do things out of man-tradition by some toward CENI (command, Earl Robertson (“c of C tradition”) or out of respect example, necessary inference) is for biblical teaching? amazing. I have asked for an alter- Roger Shouse Some things are man-traditional. native to understanding biblical Just because a group does some- authority, but none has been forth- Terry Slack thing different does not make it coming. Nor will it be. If CENI is to L. A. Stauffer wrong. Much of what occurs when be rejected, how do you determine God’s people assemble involves the following practices are wrong: R. J. Stevens human judgment and tradition. Let 1) praying to Mary, 2) sprinkling us not be so bound by man-tradi- for baptism, 3) dancing in the tion that we fail to see it for what it assembly, 4) pizza on the Lord’s Page Design Layout is. On the other hand, it is impera- Table, etc.? If there is a better way & tive that we recognize and respect to determine what God wants us to Marc Hinds God’s tradition (“patternism”—as do, what is it? one blog writer described it sarcas- I’ve asked these writers to help www.hindsdesign.com tically). When Paul wrote the Thes- us see what the real problems are. salonians he reminded them of the They have done their work well. necessity of adhering to Heaven’s Please read carefully and with an “patternism”—“Brethren, stand open mind. Thanks . . . firm and hold to the traditions Wilson July 2008 Has the Second Coming BI of Jesus Already Occurred? Tony Mauck

CENI—Command, Example, Recognizing Reckless Necessary Inference Restorers—There Is Edwin Crozier Usually a Pattern Greg Litmer...... 18 Emotional12 Religion— “If It Feels Good, Do It!” Stale and Dead Churches— Jason Longstreth What’s the Biblical Solution? 4 The Faith of Toleration Wilson Adams...... 20 Todd Chandler Is Mowing My Grass Worship? Feminism at the Table—13 Jim Deason...... 22 Can Women Instrumental Music— Lead the Swallowing Camels? Assembly? David Lanphear Bill Robinson 6

Can14 We Be That Dogmatic About Baptism? Profaning the Lord’s Supper Sow What? Ron Mosby Dan Petty 7 Bubba Garner...... 24 10 17 A 28-page periodical published monthly by Biblical Insights, Inc., a non-profit organization devoted to the propagation of Bible truths. BI All contributions are tax deductible. Subscriptions: Subscription Information: Advertising Information: B i b l i c a l In s i g h t s One Year ...... $21.00 Church Ads— Business Office One Year (Gift Subscription). . . . $19.50 One Year ...... $100 4001 Preston Hwy. One Year Outside U. S...... $27.00 One Year with the Purchase of a Bundle of 25...... $75 Louisville, KY 40213 Single Issue...... $2.00 Bundle Rate . . . . . 15 or more $1.50 each Contact the Business Office (800) 626-5348 For Other Ads and Rates [email protected] 60 days required for change of address

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3 Everything Rises or Falls on Authority CENI—Command, Example, Necessary Inference by Edwin Crozier

As children we learned the Checking Our Foundation sion of petition. While I am not most fundamental picture of wis- Sadly, many who have upheld completely comfortable with this dom in the song based on Matthew proper principles of biblical posture (as others are not comfort- 7:24–27. Wise men don’t just build authority are quick to condemn able praying publicly while kneel- houses. They first dig foundations. “those radical change agents,” ing), I must admit Paul’s direct Wouldn’t it be silly for a builder to pointing the accusing finger of statement of approval authorizes walk onto a plot of grass and start heresy without considering how we it. To rebuke a brother for heeding erecting studs, hanging rafters and may have paved the way for some a Direct Statement will cause logi- attaching sheetrock? Yet, too often, of their dissonance. Ben Stein, in cally thinking brethren to conclude this is how we conduct spiritual his recent documentary Expelled, our foundation is faulty. discussions, arguing about the said, “Questions not answered well Finally, some have seen prin- house’s frame, exterior and décor will not go away.” Too often, we ciples of Biblical authority used to without looking at its foundation. have not answered questions well. discuss matters of congregational The house is appealing, attractive Offering a curt and disapproving, importance while ignoring those and aesthetically pleasing. The “That’s not authorized,” those ques- affecting our personal lives. When problem is it simply won’t last. tioning learn to keep their mouths Paul said we must do all things in I have had many discussions shut in Bible class. Their questions, Jesus’ name (Col. 3:17), he wasn’t regarding the Lord’s Supper, clap- however, do not go away and even- referring directly to the church’s ping in the assembly, instrumental tually, they begin to think we must work but to how we live individu- music as worship, churches own- not have solid answers. If we do ally. Thus, if we argue vehemently ing buildings, etc. It took me a not answer the questions of think- about the authorized works of the long time to realize we were often ing brethren well, we can expect church, but do so in a way that discussing the wrong thing. Most disagreement to grow. ignores the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. of the time, we were building on Some brethren have seen us 5:22–26), we can expect breth- different foundations. No wonder bicker in the name of biblical ren to discount what we teach on our houses looked so different. authority over things without bibli- the basis of our own fruit (Matt. As we examine “new” and “dif- cal authority. Consider the specific 7:15–20). ferent” teachings that arise every dress codes some churches have It’s easy to point fingers at oth- few years we must not be satis- developed for the assembly—as ers. Before doing so, we need to fied if we agree that a particular if such is a Biblical injunction. make sure our own house is prop- action is lawful. We need to also James 2 clearly states such postur- erly founded and that we live by ask why these actions are being ing over dress can actually demon- the principles we teach—and not taken. When I ask this question, strate partiality. If we are going to just by “doing what we’ve always I often hear things like, “All that fight tooth and toenail in defense of done.” Whatever we do or teach, matters is loving God . . .” “How biblical authority on specifics about it must square from Jesus our cor- can it be wrong if I am expressing which God has not expressed Him- nerstone and rest on the Spirit’s what is in my heart . . .” “If it flows self, we might as well expect breth- revelation through the apostles and from my love for God, that’s all ren not to listen to us on the issues prophets (Eph. 2:20). that counts . . .” These feeling-based about which He clearly has. Building on Our Cornerstone foundations are deadly (Prov. Some brethren have seen what 14:12). I am concerned some are appears to be inconsistency. For In John 8:28, Jesus said, “I do comforted when they shouldn’t instance, some have heard a blan- nothing on My own authority, but be, because they don’t look past ket rebuke against a brother for speak just as the Father taught the décor to the foundation. Even lifting holy hands in prayer as Paul Me.” In John 5:30, He said, “I can though the frame of the house may said men should do (1 Tim. 2:8). do nothing on my own. As I hear, “feel” right, if the foundation is off, If done respectfully, this prayer I judge, and my judgment is just, the frame will eventually crumble. posture can be a reverent expres- because I seek not my own will

4 J u l y 2008 but the will of him who sent me.” He appeal to an Approved Exam- authority and passed them on as Jesus demanded authority from ple. Rather, He noted a Necessary the “Church of Christ” way to read God before He acted. What makes Inference (conclusion) based upon the Bible. That is not true. Alexan- us think we can take any other Exod. 23:4–5 and Deut. 22:4, which der Campbell did not develop this course? We must not act as if we both commanded the Israelites to doctrine, Christ did. Barton W. are our own authority. save a brother’s fallen animal. Jesus Stone did not found this formula, In John 12:49, our Corner- stone said, “For I have not spoken on My own authority, If we argue in a way . . . that but the Father who sent Me has himself given Me a commandment—what ignores the fruit of the Spirit to say and what to speak.” When our foundation (Gal. 5:22–26), we can expect was trying to figure out if it had authority to baptize Gentiles in Acts 15, James brethren to discount appealed to a Direct State- ment in Amos 9:11–12. Our what we teach. foundation and Cornerstone refused to do anything unless they had authority from Heaven. In these cases, they had authority inferred that command applied the Spirit because of a Command or Direct on the Sabbath as well as any did. When Statement of authorization. If we other day. Further, He inferred that we let Jesus be our will build on them, we will do the if He was authorized to rescue an cornerstone and His apostles same. ox on the Sabbath, He was neces- and prophets our foundation, In John 5:19, our Cornerstone sarily authorized to rescue a man. we will build the house based on said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the In Acts 15:7–11, Peter recognized what God has authorized through Son can do nothing of His own authority to baptize Gentiles with Commands or Direct Statements, accord, but only what He sees the water by inferring if they could be Approved Examples and Neces- Father doing. For whatever the baptized in the Holy Spirit, they sary Inferences. Like Jesus in John Father does, that the Son does like- had authority to be baptized in 14:10, we must refuse to speak or wise.” In Acts 15:12, Paul appealed water. Our foundation and Corner- act on our own authority. Instead, to the Holy Spirit-approved exam- stone refused to do anything unless we must allow Him to dwell in us ples of baptized Gentiles to show they had authority from God. In and work through us. This is not authorization for Gentile baptism. these cases, they found authority outdated “Church of Christ tradi- Our foundation and Cornerstone through Logical and Necessary tion.” It is living like Jesus. refused to do anything unless they Inferences. If we will build on Let us never be so busy arguing had authority from God. In these them, we will do the same. over the house that we forget to cases, they found authority through examine the foundation. If we get If Living Like Jesus Approved Examples. If we will the foundation wrong, the house Matters, So Does This build on them, we will do the same. will fall . . . every time. If we get the In Matthew 12:9–13, Jesus was Sadly, I get the feeling some foundation right, the house will asked about authority to heal on disgruntled Christians believe a follow . . . every time. the Sabbath. He did not demon- Restorationist somewhere devel- Franklin, TN strate a Direct Statement nor did oped these principles of biblical [email protected]

B i b l i c a l In s i g h t s 5 Caving In to Culture The Faith of Toleration by Todd Chandler

Right and wrong . . . Less and that we expose it. And exposure lege. They have heard often that less people like to think in those demands a clear identification of truth is elusive and individual, terms, or listen to those who do. wrong things as wrong. If I claim rather than objective and know- The business of drawing lines is to stand for truth, I must expose able (John 8:32), and to tell them a risky and a quick way to get labeled what is wrong. God leaves no alter- worship practice is wrong is almost judgmental, self-righteous, or hate- native. unthinkable. So, leaders cower and ful. So, a more peaceful option Often we have the bad habit take the peaceful path to destruc- becomes popular. The faith of right of referring to sin as “weakness,” tion; they may refuse to do it, but and wrong becomes the faith of “poor judgment,” or “a mistake.” they will not condemn it. It only is toleration—don’t do it, but don’t Those qualities may be involved, a matter of time until that church condemn it. but works of darkness are more; or home accepts the sin. In a culture in love with toler- they are sin. And sin carries the Second, we fail to expose sin ance, Christians had best make a horrific consequence of death (Isa. because we simply do not know periodic evaluation of their own 59:2; Rom. 6:23). When it comes to what is right or wrong in the first faith. This test can begin with sin we must call it what it is, and place. Years of neglectful Bible two foundation questions: 1) Do I speak with enough volume that study make frail weaklings who know what is right? 2) Am I willing others hear the message (Ezek. get pushed around by every new to stand against things that are not 3:18–19). We know what God idea that comes through an Inter- right? thinks of those who refuse to stand net post, book or fad. The Holy Can we know right and wrong? against sin (Rev. 2:13–14, 20–21). Spirit describes such people as, “And you shall do what is right in It is wise to consider that expos- “unskilled in the word . . . a babe.” the sight of the Lord” (Deut. 6:18). ing sin does not justify boor- (Heb. 5:13). When Christians “He who rejects Me, and does not ish arrogance. Truth is abrasive are too infantile to recognize sin, receive My words, has that which enough without putting my own churches and homes are in great judges him—the word that I have bad attitude or personality into the danger indeed. spoken” (John 12:48). “You shall mix. Too often, sinful words have So sin runs amuck. Maybe not know the truth” (8:32a). It is God been justified by claiming to stand in the grotesque, offensive ways who dictates right and wrong, for truth. Paul instructed Timothy of a brothel or pagan temple, but period. And God clearly believes to be, “gentle to all . . . patient, in in its polite progression sin seeps His revelation is sufficient for us to humility correcting those who are into churches and homes. Failure know His will. This article assumes in opposition” (2 Tim. 2:24–25). to identify sin as sin leaves God’s the answer to, “Can we understand And, there are such things as fool- kingdom undefended, and both the God’s will?” is a firm, “Absolutely!” ish disputes to avoid (2 Tim. 2:23). watchmen and the citizens will be My personal discernment of right, It is the mature, wise Christian consumed (Ezek. 33:6). Before long, then, is not a question of what is who can balance these two princi- Christians not only refuse to con- possible to know, but of my per- ples without compromising a firm demn sin, they begin to condemn sonal knowledge of God’s truth; stand for truth. those who do oppose sin. Christians “those who by reason of use have Knowing the effects of sin, why will fall, souls will perish, the light their senses exercised to discern ever would we fail to expose it? of the world will dim, families will both good and evil” (Heb. 5:14). First, we know other people do not be broken, churches will depart the Am I willing to stand for God’s want us to say things are wrong. faith, God will be forsaken . . . all truth? Now, that is an entirely Our culture is more tolerant of because someone fell for Satan’s different question. There only is evil every week, and less accepting great compromise, “You don’t have one option: “And have no fellow- of censure. The effect within the to do it, but don’t tell others they ship with the unfruitful works of church is predictable, especially are wrong.” Enough! darkness, but rather expose them” among younger Christians. They If God has a will, and if God (Eph. 5:11). God requires more have been fed a diet of toleration has made that will knowable, and than a refrain from sin; He requires from Sesame Street through col- if things opposed to His will are

6 J u l y 2008 rightly called sin, we must say daughters, your wives, and � Stand perfect and fully assured so. Let us refuse to sin, and then your houses” (Neh. 4:14). in all the will of God (Col. 4:12). expose it for what it is! Remember � Be on the alert, stand firm � Stand firm and hold to the tradi- what is at stake and, in the faith, act like men, tions you were taught, whether � “Do not be afraid of them. be strong (1 Cor. 16:13). by word of mouth or by let- Remember the Lord, great � “Be strong for our people ter from us (2 Thess. 2:15). and awesome, and fight for and for the cities of our Bowling Green, KY your brethren, your sons, your God” (2 Sam 10:12). [email protected]

Who is Swallowing the Camel? Instrumental Music—Swallowing Camels? by Bill Robinson

Faithful disciples in every preserved for us today in the same worst and proves nothing at best. generation are on a quest for con- New Testament. It is this kind of false comparison tinuity with their heritage. It is not that is at the very heart of sin and Have We Made Too Much of This? a heritage to be discovered in trac- Satan himself as he tempts us with ing their faith through our physical The question about the use of sin. We sin because we rational- descendants (or family traditions), mechanical instruments of music ize to ourselves “this isn’t as bad as much less the “rattling of a chain (MIM) in worship is a fair question doing that.” We act sometimes as through the ages” to prove its right for every person to ask. However, if some sins are just some minor to exist. To the contrary, much in at the present, there is a resurgence vehicle infraction (tail light out, every way, it is a spiritual continu- of an old idea that we who oppose turn signal indicator out, improper ity that they seek. They seek only to MIM in congregational worship display of license plate, etc.). The identify faithfully with the teaching as being sinful have made too ugly truth for the guilty is that all and practice of the inspired apos- much out of the issue—we have sin is disobedience to God’s Will tles of the first century. swallowed a camel. Rubel Shelley, and whatever form it takes it is an For us today, removed only by claiming he is opposed to MIM in act of unbelief (1 John 3:4; Heb. time and geography, our quest is congregational worship, nonethe- 3:12). In our guilt, we have all tried identical to those in the second less, expresses the sentiment of to hide this ugly truth from our- century. They stood in that noble the resurgence of this old attitude selves and sometimes from others. tradition of seeking a continuity when he said in an interview with Clear Historical Insight for their faith and practice with The Christian Chronicle, Septem- the “new creation” established in ber 2003, “Instrumental music and From a biblical historical per- Christ Jesus and revealed by the atonement are not of the same sta- spective, though space forbids a Holy Spirit through the apostles. tus or consequence to the human complete quotation of the text, a Those disciples in the second cen- soul and its eternal welfare.” careful examination of 2 Chron- tury who desired to be faithful I don’t know of anything that is icles 29 provides us with some to God did so only through care- comparable in consequence for the key insight as to why we don’t use ful study and application of the human soul and its eternal welfare MIM in congregational worship apostolic teaching contained in that even comes close to the sig- today. Hezekiah, deeply devoted to the primary source documents of nificance of the atonement. Such a continued on page 8 the first century. Those have been comparison seems disingenuous at

B i b l i c a l In s i g h t s 7 Instrumental Music . . . continued from page 7

God, like no other king before or Then Hezekiah commanded them going to war against their enemies. after him (2 Kings 18:5), instituted to offer the burnt offering on the (v. 9). Of particular interest to the reforms abolishing idol worship, altar. And when the burnt offer- use of MIM is verse 10: cleansed the temple and restored ing began, the song of the Lord “Also, in the day of your gladness, true temple worship as proscribed also began, with the trumpets and in your appointed feasts, and at by God which was to be carried with the instruments of David the beginning of your months, out under the direction of the king of Israel. So all the assembly you shall blow the trumpets over Priests and the Levites (2 Chron. worshiped, the singers sang, your burnt offerings and over 29:5–6). In verse 25 we read, and the trumpeters sounded, all this continued until the the sacrifices of your And he stationed the Levites in burnt offering was finished” the house of the Lord with cym- (2 Chron. 29:28–29). bals, with stringed instruments, and with harps, according to the MIM were used in commandment of David, of Gad temple worship but their the king’s seer, and of Nathan the use began and ended prophet; for this was the com- with the sacrificing mandment of the Lord by his of the burnt offer- (emphasis added). prophets ings! Throughout all of Israel’s history, There can be no their return to God from apostasy doubt that the use of was only met with Divine approval MIM throughout when this simple restoration prin- Israel’s history, ciple was employed from the heart; from its earli- i.e., when they went back to the rev- est beginnings, bore elation of God to learn God’s will on a direct connection to the matter and then began to prac- the sacrificial system. In Numbers peace offerings; and they shall be tice it (2 Kings 22:11ff; Neh. 8:8–18). the tenth chapter, the Lord spoke a memorial for you before your MIM were used in temple wor- through Moses giving the charge God, I am the Lord your God” ship—there is no question about to make two trumpets out of silver (emphasis added). that. What is significant in Heze- (vv. 1–2). He then gave instruc- kiah’s reform of temple worship, as tions how they were to be used by A further note in connection per the commandment of God, was the Levites, “for calling the congre- with Hezekiah (2 Chron. 29) is to observe what occurred after they had sacrificed their burnt offerings The use of mechanical instruments for sin and the MIM ended (v. 28). We read, of music (MIM) in worship And when they had finished offering, the king and all who were present with him bowed is no longer warranted. and worshipped. Moreover King Hezekiah and the leaders com- manded the Levites to sing praise to the Lord with the words of how the MIM were used in their gation and for directing the move- David and of Asaph the seer. So worship. After stationing the Lev- ment of the camps.” (vv. 2–3, 4–8). they sang praises with gladness, ites and their MIM in the temple He also commanded that they and they bowed their heads and read carefully the following verses: be used to sound an alarm when worshipped (vv. 29–30).

8 J u l y 2008 On Our Website . . .

Thus, after they made atone- God we can offer is with the fruit ment for sin and MIM ended, they of our lips. Nowhere in all of scrip- sang praise with gladness and tures is thanksgiving with the fruit The News and Notes section worshiped. Clearly, MIM were a of our lips more clearly defined for of our website includes cur- part of the sacrificial system under us than in praying and singing: rent announcements from the Old Testament. However, they churches all over the country. . . . but be filled with the Spirit, were only played over the sacrifices speaking to one another in psalms in the temple. Once the sacrifice Click on the News tab of the and hymns making melody in your for their sins was made the MIM Biblical In s i g h t s webpage. hearts to the Lord, giving thanks ceased and they sang praises and always for all things to God the worshiped God. Specifically, they www.biblical-insights.com Father in the name of our Lord sang praises of thanksgiving with Jesus Christ (Eph. 5:18–20; Col. Submit your local informa- the words of David and Asaph. 3:16–17). tion by sending an email The New Testament makes it to Larry DeVore at— clear that Christ was our sin offer- If God could express Himself ing—the atonement for our sins well enough in the Old Testament [email protected] (Heb. 9:26; 10:11–18; 1 Pet. 2:24). for Hezekiah to understand that As the perfect sacrifice, the sin MIM were commanded, are we to Be sure to include “BI NEWS” offering for the world, He brought suppose that God finds it more in the subject line, please. to an end forever the sacrificial difficult to express Himself in the system of animals (Heb. 10:1–4, New Testament? Where is the New 8–10). Can there be any doubt Testament example or command that Christ has “once for all” made of MIM being used in worship? atonement for our sins? Just who is swallowing the camel? In Hebrews 13, the writer dis- Perhaps, swallowing the camel cusses the sacrificial system for has more to do with treating the sin under the Levitical priesthood silence of God in our hubris with (v. 11), and assures his readers that indifference or as a license to do Jesus’ blood sanctifies God’s people what we want to do rather than Subscribe To Bi b l i c a l In s i g h t s today as the final atoning sacrifice what God has commanded (Matt. For 12 for sin. With that in mind he then 15:9). Rubel Shelley, as quoted gives the exhortation, “Therefore above, ironically says more than Monthly let us continually offer the sacrifice he realized about the connection Issues of praise to God, that is, the fruit between the atonement and MIM $21 of our lips, giving thanks to His as we have pointed out in this arti- (800) 626-5348 name” (v. 15). cle. Namely, to use MIM in worship today, whether intended or not, is Our Response to tantamount to rejecting the aton- His Atoning Work ing sacrifice of Christ. Subscribe To Bi b l i c a l In s i g h t s Again we are reminded that Finally, it is the keen wit of For a Friend or Family Member there remains no more sacrifice Chesterton who reminds us, “It for sins (Heb. 10:26); Christ’s aton- is not bigotry to be certain we are ing sacrifice was “once and for all.” right; but it is bigotry to be unable .50 Thus, the use of MIM in worship to imagine how we might possibly For an Annual $19Gift Subscription is no longer warranted. If we are have gone wrong.” going to trust in Christ, as our atoning sacrifice, then the only Gardendale, AL (800) 626-5348 appropriate sacrifice of praise to [email protected]

B i b l i c a l In s i g h t s 9 Is the Lord’s Supper a Common Meal? Profaning the Lord’s Supper by Ron Mosby

When does the holy become per as a robust family type meal instituted the Passover feast the profane and the clean become (including children), eaten with night He passed over Egypt and unclean? When does the Memorial the bread of a common meal, while destroyed the firstborn in every Supper degenerate into just a com- alleging that any evidence for using house that did not have the blood mon ordinary meal? Why did God unleavened bread is “wafer thin” of the Passover lamb sprinkled on take no pleasure in burnt offerings (Radical Restoration, pp. 279–282). the lintels and door posts (Exod. and sacrifices and what did He do Smith also uses such speculative 12:21–28). The blood of the Pass- to replace them? phrases as: “It is possible . . . may over lamb became a commemora- One of the surest indications of have . . . it may well be . . . appar- tive symbol of deliverance from degeneracy among God’s people is ently . . . you can almost see,” etc. Egyptian bondage about which their failure to distinguish between He further states: “The clincher, parents were encouraged to teach the clean and the unclean and really, is the fact that the Sanhe- their children (12:26–27). Yet, God between the holy and the profane. drin would never have met during could see the end of the Passover A thing is holy or sacred because it the Passover night to put Jesus on feast in His great scheme of things. comes from God; a thing is profane trial.” Yet, the evidence shows that God Prepared a Body if it originates from some common, the Sanhedrin did convene in the ordinary, or human source. Ezekiel house of Caiaphas, the high priest, God no longer could take plea- vividly describes this condition of on the first day of Unleavened sure in the Passover feast after the God’s people when he wrote: “Her Bread, on the eve of the Passover fullness of time had come. Since priests have done violence to My (Matt. 26:3, 57, 59). judicial wrath demanded that the law and have profaned My holy This same tendency is also found punishment must be equal to the things; they have made no distinc- in some of the recent house groups crime; and since no earthly sacri- tion between the holy and the where both men and women have fice could atone for a sin against profane, and they have not taught turned the Lord’s Supper into a heaven; God prepared a heavenly the difference between the unclean time when they give their personal body to answer these demands and the clean; and they hide their testimonies about how they feel. Is (Heb. 10:4–6; Ps. 40:6–8). But, eyes from My sabbaths, and I am this not disruptive for those who make no mistake, dear reader, this profaned among them” (Ezek. are trying to observe the Supper was not just a fleshly body. The 22:26). It was toward the end of the in a worthy manner so as not to be angel made it clear to Joseph when captivity before the people finally guilty of the body and blood of the he said, “Do not be afraid to take got it right again (44:23). Lord? Some also give their small Mary as your wife; for the child The word “profane” means: “To children a piece of the bread and who has been conceived in her is of treat holy things with contempt tell them to think about God. Chil- the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 1:20). Also, or disregard; to put to wrong or dren cannot even share in the body Christ did not give up the form of unworthy use; to show contempt and blood of Christ since they have God when He came to earth (as or disregard for God or holy not been baptized into Him (1 Cor. some affirm), but with the form things.” The Greek word is bebēlos. 10:16). Is this not a profaning of the of God He took on the form of a Vine states: “Accordingly, bebēlos Lord’s Supper? bond-servant, and was made in is that which lacks all relationship the likeness of men (Phil. 2:6–7; The Passover and the or affinity to God. . . . primarily, to John 1:14). The body God made Lord’s Supper cross the threshold” (p. 490). was both God and man. Christ was What then is the relationship God incarnate! A Radical Restoration (?) between the ancient Passover feast God Established Three One of the more recent exam- and the Lord’s Supper? There is a Commemorative Memorials ples of failing to make a distinction beautiful type and anti-type cor- between the holy and profane is relation between the Passover So that man would not forget the attempt by our brother, LaGard feast and the Supper, but there are the body He had prepared, God Smith, to portray the Lord’s Sup- also vast differences. God Himself established three memorials to

10 J u l y 2008 commemorate the death, burial, tinue that remembrance until He spirit and truth as a new lump that and resurrection of that body. First, comes again (1 Cor. 11:26). we may be pleasing to Him. Paul God changed the day of worship said: “But a man must examine Unleavened Bread from the Sabbath day to the first himself, and in so doing he is to eat day of the week. Hence, every first One of the characteristics of the of the bread and drink of the cup” day of the week now is a memorial Passover feast was the removal of (1 Cor. 11:28). day when Christians universally all leaven from the house (Exod. It Was After Supper celebrate the victory of that body 12:14–21). Hence, that would over death after God raised Christ be part of the preparation when There should be no argument from the dead. Secondly, God Jesus sent Peter and John ahead to that the last meal Jesus ate with established baptism as a memo- prepare the Passover so He could the disciples before His crucifix- rial form we must obey in order eat it together with His disciples ion was the Passover Feast. But, to enter into the death of that (Luke 22:8). Leaven, in the New it was after they had finished the body where we contact the pre- Testament, (except in the parable Passover meal that Jesus instituted cious blood of Christ (Rom. 6:3–4, of Jesus) takes on the meaning of the Memorial Feast which is called 17–18). Thirdly, God established evil influences. It is in the context the Lord’s Supper in 1 Corinthians of 1 Cor- 11:20. Jesus made no connection inthians between the Passover meal and the Let’s get back to the Scriptures 5:6–8 that institution of the Memorial Supper. Christ is Both Luke and Paul confirm this and to a “Thus saith the Lord!” called our “after they had eaten” (Luke 22:20) Passover. and “after supper” (1 Cor. 11:25). Here Paul Profaning the Memorial Supper the Memorial Supper by which we uses the term, “old leaven,” to is a “radical” action for sure, but show forth the Lord’s death until indicate the removal of the man in the wrong direction! It is not a He comes again. Jesus said, “This from among them who was living “radical restoration” in the direc- do in remembrance of Me.” with his father’s wife. The arrogant tion of the gospel of Jesus Christ, boasting of the Corinthians was but a radical movement toward The Passover Pointed To Christ not good and thus it became nec- the social gospel. Let us remember The Passover itself, which essary to remove the evil influence the words of Paul when he wrote recalled to the Jewish mind their from among them that they might to Timothy: “O Timothy, keep that national deliverance from Egyptian become a new lump. which is committed to thy trust, bondage, pointed forward to the Another example is in the avoiding profane and vain bab- greater deliverance of man from upper room, where Jesus, before blings” (1 Tim. 6:20–21). the spiritual bondage of sin, which He instituted the Memorial Sup- Brethren, to eat the Lord’s Sup- deliverance was effected by the per, removed the evil influence of per in any way as a common meal death of Christ. Now, the Lord’s betrayal from the room when He is to cross the threshold—it is to Supper points backward to the invited Judas to leave. After giv- transgress the doctrine of Christ. great redemption Christ achieved ing Judas the morsel, Jesus said to The next stop is eternity and then by His atoning death on the cross him, “What you do, do quickly” it will be too late if we persist in as the Lamb of God Who takes (John 13:26–27). John indicates profaning the Memorial Supper away the sin of the world. This that Judas was dismissed from the and God’s holy things. Let’s get was the way John the Baptist first gathering when they had finished back to the Scriptures and to a introduced Christ to the world eating the Passover meal (13:30). “Thus saith the Lord!” Let us exalt (John 1:29). The Lord’s Supper also Note: This is a good lesson for the only true and living God and points to the future, to the fuller us all. While undergoing self- quit profaning Him in the presence redemption which Christ will examination to discern properly of His own people. accomplish at His second coming. the Lord’s body, we must clear out Franklin, TN This is why Christians show forth all the old leaven and every pos- [email protected] the death of Christ while eating sible evil influence from our hearts the Memorial Supper and will con- so we may indeed worship God in

B i b l i c a l In s i g h t s 11 There’s a Great Day Coming! Has the Second Coming of Jesus Already Occurred? by Tony Mauck

2008 is already half over and let us rejoice and be glad in it” in Revelation 2:5, 16, and 3:5, 11. “all continues just as it was from (Ps. 118:23–24). A final great day How would the destruction of the beginning of creation” (2 Pet. comes as well! Jerusalem or the end described in 3:4). From the mere standpoint of Every man faces an inevitable 2 Peter 3 relate to those comings of human observation, “A generation appointment with God (Heb. 9:27). the Lord? A majority of the com- goes and a generation comes, but Just as man dies once, Jesus’ sacri- ings of the Lord described in Scrip- the earth remains forever” (Eccl. fice for sin was a one-time offering ture involved a limited geographi- 1:4). Day after day, it’s the same coinciding with his first appearance cal area such as a single nation and thing over and again. The sun rises. (9:28). Yet, He “ . . . shall appear a a limited number of people. What The sun sets. The people walking second time for salvation without the Hebrew writer describes is uni- this globe come and go. But do not reference to sin, to those who versal in scope! be fooled! This seemingly endless eagerly await Him.” The Climax of History cycle will not continue indefinitely. Temporal Judgment Comings Perhaps part of the misunder- Your Inevitable Appointment Verses the Final Coming standing about the portrait of the God has appointed a final day The Hebrew writer addresses Jerusalem destruction in a.d. 70 of judgment. The resurrection a first and unique coming of our stems from the nature of the cata- of Jesus confirms that such a day Lord, a most obvious reference to strophic figures used to describe will occur (Acts 17:31). Because the incarnation of Jesus. While in it. But such figures are not new. many years have passed since that one sense, the Lord came or visited Similar imagery, world-shaking announcement, Peter said some many times in the Old Testament judgment (Isa. 24), is found amidst questioned God’s promise (2 Pet. for the blessing of His people and the writings of Old Testament 3:3ff). Perhaps for the same rea- judgment upon His enemies (cf. prophets. And all of these inter- son, others wrongly believe now Zephaniah 1:4, 7, 14, 15), only once mediate judgments point forward that God has already fulfilled that did God become flesh and walk to a much larger and ultimate promise. Both extremes scoff at among men (John 1:14, 18). fulfillment. When the climax of Scripture. We should not confuse the all history comes, when the final While more time has passed “great day of the Lord” in Zepha- judgment comes—all men will be since the initial calls unto readiness niah with the second coming of included, the Lord will be literally for first century disciples, you must Hebrews 9:28. Neither should we visible in the sky and the dead in “ . . . not let one fact escape your confuse the “the Son of Man com- Christ will literally be raised. notice, beloved, that with the Lord ing in clouds with great power and While various visible signs pre- one day is as a thousand years, and glory” (Mark 13:26) or its “great ceded the day of the Lord in Mat- a thousand years as one day” (3:8). trumpet” (Matt. 24:31) with the thew 24, the Lord’s final coming Why would such a statement be unique and final coming signaled will approach in stealth “as a thief” recorded unless the “promise of by “the last trumpet” (1 Cor. 15:52). (1 Thess. 5:2–3). His coming” could potentially be While the Lord has come many The Bible clearly describes future down the road in time? times in temporal judgments upon events that did not occur in a.d. 70 God has no more forgotten this the ungodly (1 Pet. 4:17), we must and have yet to occur . . . promise than any other that He not confuse those events with the Μ has ever made. The working out of final and irrevocable end of every- Μ We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed . . . for the trumpet the promise to Abraham did not thing material (2 Pet. 3:10–11). will sound, and the dead will be happen in a short period of time, Biblical evidence confirms that raised imperishable, and we shall but what an amazing fulfillment we should not equate His coming be changed (1 Cor. 15:51–52). unfolded! Because of His marvel- in Matthew 24:30 with His second ous doings throughout hundreds of appearance in Hebrews 9:28. And ΜΜ For the Lord Himself will descend years, we can now exclaim, “This is we should not equate either of from heaven with a shout, with the day which the Lord has made; those with His proposed comings the voice of the archangel, and

12 J u l y 2008 with the trumpet of God, and ΜΜ The Lord Jesus shall be revealed like Him, because we shall see the dead in Christ shall rise first, from heaven . . . when He comes Him just as He is (1 John 3:2). then we who are alive and remain to be glorified in His saints on shall be caught up together with Stay ready for that day! that day (2 Thess. 1:7–10). them in the clouds to meet the Auburn, AL Μ Lord in the air (1 Thess. 4:16–17). Μ When He appears, we shall be [email protected]

Worship—It’s Not About Me Emotional Religion—”If It Feels Good, Do It!” by Jason Longstreth

worship (that certainly would allow you to put the most into worship— In those days there was no king in Israel; and get the most out of it). What gets overlooked in these every man did what was right in his pursuits is the fact that worship own eyes. is not designed for the worshiper. —Judges 17:6 By definition, worship is a way for the worshiper to show rever- ence or pay homage to the One It is a recognizable passage God. Instead of doing whatever being worshiped. It is not about and long used to describe a society people wanted to do, the empha- getting something out of it! Can in which there is no absolute stan- sis was placed on doing what God you imagine any Old Testament dard of right and wrong—a society wanted us to do. Instead of the ser- Jew returning home from offering in which the individual has become vices being focused on the parish- worship to God and commenting the ultimate authority and choice ioners, they were directed toward on how much they got out of their has become a god. I imagine there God. It was refreshing to find indi- sacrifice? Or how encouraging it is not a single reader of this article viduals who were more concerned was when they burned an animal who cannot identify the similari- about God’s instructions than they carcass on the altar? Simply stated, ties between Israel as described in were their own enjoyment. But as their service was directed toward the book of Judges and the modern I have grown older, it seems this God, not man. world in which we live. There are longing to serve rather than be However, those who want to get also none who can deny that this served has grown far too rare. more out of worship have turned philosophy has long influenced the their attention toward anything religious world of today. “But I want to get more that can generate greater emotion. As a young boy, I remember out of worship!” They have become disappointed seeing advertisements that encour- with “traditional” worship and seek aged individuals to “Attend the Today, even among those who to spice it up. They are not unlike church of your choice!” And I claim to be New Testament Chris- those in Malachi’s day who com- did. As an infant, I was “baptized” tians, there appears to be a grow- plained, “How tiresome it is!” (Mal. (sprinkled) in the Methodist ing desire to “get more” out of 1:13). The problem with worship Church. As I grew older, I attended worship. There are calls by preach- in the prophet’s day was not that it the services of an “Evangelical ers and authors to make worship had lost its energy or appeal; but it Free” Church. Finally, I was taught more relevant, to revitalize it, to had lost its meaning. They no lon- the Gospel and became a Chris- modernize it, and to make it more ger cared about serving God. tian. When I was finally exposed effective. In an effort to get more I fear that we are closer to that to the Lord’s church, I noticed a out of worship, they are putting situation than many want to admit. remarkable difference between the more into it. In fact, some are now churches of men and the church of suggesting that everything we do is continued on page 14

B i b l i c a l In s i g h t s 13 Emotional Religion . . . continued from page 13

Worshiping the Creator or But Jehovah is not served in such doing chores around the house a way. In fact, the Israelites had that I may not particularly enjoy. the Created? to be taught that lesson the hard However, those chores are not a Paul warns us about those who way at Sinai (Exod. 32; 1 Cor. 10). burden to me because of my love “exchanged the truth of God for a Remember, these things happened (cf. Gen. 29:20). lie, and worshiped and served the as an example and were written for Thankfully, the commandments creature rather than the Creator” our instruction (1 Cor. 10:11). Let’s that God has given to us are not (Rom. 1:25). When we attempt to learn from them. burdensome and the worship He design everything we do in a way has described for us is not tire- that will be pleasurable or enjoy- They Have It Backwards some. I’m glad I don’t live under able for ourselves, how are we any In truth, there is a relationship the old covenant, where the wor- different? Could it be that some between emotion (feelings) and ship of God involved animal sacri- are worshiping worship instead worship. However, this relationship fice. I enjoy singing songs of praise of the One who deserves it? They is the opposite of what many think. to my Creator. I am encouraged are more concerned about how Instead of worship causing us to and strengthened by the time we they feel at the end of the assembly have certain feelings or emotions, spend together remembering our than they are about whether or not worship is an activity in which we Lord, praying to the Father and God has been glorified. In fact, the engage ourselves because of our studying His word. I appreciate the assumption is made that the better emotions. In other words, emotion opportunity to show my thankful- they feel, the more God is pleased. is the motivation behind worship, ness to God for all He has given This is similar reasoning to what not the result of worship. We wor- me by giving back a small portion has been used for years to defend ship God because of what He has of those blessings. But, having said all sorts of activities in the name done for us. We love God because all this, I do not engage in these of religion or worship. Among He first loved us (1 John 4:19). As a activities because I enjoy them. If the pagan religions, worshipers result of this love, we seek to wor- that were the case, I would only be engaged in gluttony, drunken- ship and serve Him. Whether or serving self. True worship is direct- ness, drug abuse, and even temple not we enjoy the particular acts of ed toward God and is directed by prostitution—all in the name of service or worship is irrelevant. God. And it is motivated by our their gods. They epitomized the Consider an example. I love my love for Him. “if it feels good, do it” approach to family. Because I love my family, religion and believed their gods I try to provide a nice home for Temple Terrace, FL were honored by this behavior. them. As a result, I may end up [email protected]

Revisioning the Supper or Changing It? Feminisim at the Table— Can Women Lead the Assembly? by David Lanphear

s in all the congre- If they want to inquire about A woman should learn in quiet- gations of the saints, something, they should ask their ness and full submission. women should keep own husbands at home; for it is I do not permit a woman to teach silent in the churches. disgraceful for a woman to speak in or to have authority over a man; They are not allowed to the church. she must be silent. speak, but must be in submis- sion, as the Law says. —1 Corinthians 14:33–35 —1 Timothy 2:11–12

14 J u l y 2008 For centuries, Christians have describe the discussion at his/ Women Must Be Silent collectively understood these pas- her respective table. Regardless of Moreover, Paul commands sages as clear, unequivocal prohibi- where their idea for such “worship” that in worship, in the assembly, tions against women leading any originated, just such an observance women are not to speak. In 1 Cor- part of our worship assemblies. is encouraged and promoted by inthians 14:34–35, he emphatically How, after all, can we disagree Lipscomb University’s John Mark reiterates “let the women keep over words so straightforward and Hicks in his book entitled Come silence in the churches (ekklēsia): direct? Who questions that it is to the Table: Revisioning the Lord’s for it is not permitted unto them God’s prerogative to set the order Supper (Abilene, TX: Leafwood to speak” and “for it is shameful for of authority in the universe? (1 Cor. Publishers, 2002). Others may do a woman to speak in the church 11:3)? New Testament Christians so, as well. (ekklēsia).” Indeed, the entire con- have long agreed that if we wish to What’s wrong with this picture? text for the discussion is disclosed be the same church that Jesus estab- How can Christians defend women earlier in that chapter when Paul lished in the first century, we will addressing the assembly? Surpris- imposes certain restrictions on learn and follow the principles and ingly, they suggest that it is no dif- the use of spiritual gifts when “the precepts that guided its practice. ferent than a Despite history’s long record woman speak- of division in the religious world, ing in Bible there has typically been little dis- class. Is that Fortunately, the church has agreement over the application so? Respect- of these passages to our worship fully, the resisted the trend—until now. assemblies. Nonetheless, in the answer is no. relatively recent past—in the last The Lord’s Supper is Observed century, and even more recently, During Worship, When the whole church comes together in during our lifetimes—we have seen Church is Assembled one place” (v. 23) and “whenever some of our religious friends aban- you come together” (v. 26). How don these age-old directives with In 1 Cor. 11:17–34, Paul discuss- can I lightly ignore what Paul seri- the “enlightenment” of feminism, es details about the Supper that ously forbids? gender neutrality, gender equality are unmatched in any other collec- The Apostle elaborates in 1 Tim- and new age freedom. As a result, tion of scripture, save the Gospel othy 2:11–12 when he writes, it is not uncommon now to see accounts of the original event. women take prominent roles as Five times in eighteen verses (17, Let a woman quietly receive preachers and even elders in some 18, 20, 33 and 34), Paul identifies instruction with entire submis- religious circles. Fortunately, the that it occurs during the assembly, siveness. But I do not allow a church has resisted the trend— using various forms of the Greek woman to teach or exercise until now. word sunerchomai, which the nkjv authority over a man, but to translates “you come together” or remain quiet. Current Trends “when you come together.” Verse If Paul’s plain instruction does not Eyewitnesses have described 18 even says, “when you come prohibit a woman from taking a to me that they have observed together as a church (ekklēsia).” speaking role before the church, some Christians not only permit, Christians were not to observe then what in the world does his let- but encourage, women to speak the Supper in some informal set- ter to Timothy mean? to the assembly as they take the ting, or at a time when only a few It is not my purpose or inten- Lord’s Supper! The church gath- were present—not according to tion to insult or denigrate others’ ers around several tables and each Paul in 1 Corinthians 11—but at a practice, but rather, to humbly table discusses a Bible theme as special time when all of the Chris- and gently plead that we all— they consume a quantity of bread tians came together as the church, men and women alike—keep and grape juice. At the conclusion, assembled as His body. How can our minds open to consider someone—including a woman— I call it or label it something less what simple scripture says on from each table may address the than that, like a Bible class? If I do, entire group (the church) to briefly then it is my label, not God’s. continued on page 16

B i b l i c a l In s i g h t s 15 Feminism at the Table . . . continued from page 16 this subject (2 Tim. 2:24–25). Uzzah, and in a way that we should in anger against us. We did not This is not a small matter. imitate, he accepted personal inquire of Him about how to do it Three thousand years ago, Uzzah in the prescribed way” (1 Chron. reached out to steady the Ark of 15:13). the Covenant as the oxen pulling It is not my What an insightful declaration. its cart stumbled on the thresh- How appropriate that I apply it in ing floor of Kidron. Although his purpose to my life. motive appears to have been good, The Lord’s Supper is not an God’s anger burned against him informal Bible class event, nor is it when his hand touched the ark, denigrate or an occasion of the assembly dur- and He struck him dead on the ing which women may instruct spot (1 Chron. 13:9–10). David insult others’ or otherwise exercise any type of became angry because of what role over men. Scripture nowhere happened to Uzzah, but as we describes it that way. Instead, the know, it all happened because the practice. Lord’s Supper is worship in its Israelites were not carrying the ark highest form, and God’s word has on its poles as God had prescribed, responsibility for obeying God’s firmly fixed the role of women in and death was the penalty for commands: worship. Let Him have the last touching the holy things (1 Chron. “It was because you, the Levites, word. 13:11; Exod. 25:14; Num. 4:15) did not bring it up the first time Eventually, David came to his Bowling Green, KY that the Lord our God broke out senses about what happened to [email protected]

16 J u l y 2008 Baptism Essential? It’s Not a Hard Question . . . Can We Be That Dogmatic About Baptism? by Dan Petty

Is baptism essential for the have a broader basis of unity with the name of the Father and the remission of sins? Is the line of the larger religious community. So Son and the Holy Spirit. . . .” (Matt. demarcation between saved or they seek ways to accept into fel- 28:18–20). The command to bap- unsaved drawn clearly at the point lowship more “believers” as saved tize rests on Jesus’ divine authority. of one’s baptism? Can we really be people. It is given as a condition of being that dogmatic about it? When we examine the conver- saved and is connected with faith Sometimes there are those (even sions in Acts, we are impressed in Christ (Mark 16:15–16). in the church) who are unable to with the urgency with which So baptism is “in the name of give clear, certain answers to these believers submitted to baptism. Jesus Christ” (Acts 2:38; 8:16). It is questions. Several factors contrib- In each case there is a consistent how one calls on the name of the ute to this mindset of uncertainty. connection of baptism with the Lord (Acts 22:16). It is an act of First, there is a sacramental reception of the word of the Lord faith in Jesus. A believer confesses concept of baptism that is funda- and the promise of salvation. The his faith, both with the mouth and mentally opposed to biblical teach- 3,000 on Pentecost (2:41), the in the act of baptism. Phillip told ing. A sacrament has been viewed Ethiopian (8:36–38), Saul of Tarsus the Ethiopian that he could be bap- historically as “an outward sign of (9:17–19), Cornelius (10:44–48), tized if he believed. His response— an inward grace.” Roman Catholics Lydia (16:14–15), or the jailor “I believe that Jesus Christ is the have traditionally emphasized the (16:31–33)—they all followed the Son of God” (Acts 8:37). inward grace aspect of this con- same pattern. Why were these Baptism in relation to repen- cept. On this view the benefits of believers so urgent about being tance and forgiveness of sins the sacrament are applied to the baptized? What did the early dis- recipient by the rite itself, apart ciples teach and understand about Repentance is the decision to from the person performing it, and the significance of baptism? turn from sin and turn to God. Repentance and baptism were even apart from the personal faith Baptism in relation to faith in clearly associated in John’s baptism of the recipient. This doctrine led Christ and His authority to the practice of infants receiving (Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; Acts 19:4) and baptism as a sacrament, their faith After the cross and resurrection that association continued after the being replaced by the faith of the Jesus gave the command to his cross. Those conscience-smitten Church or the parents. Protestants, disciples that included the teach- people on Pentecost were instruct- on the other hand, have empha- ing and administration of baptism: ed to “Repent, and each of you sized the outward sign aspect. On “All authority has been given to be baptized in the name of Jesus this view, baptism is only an out- Me in heaven and on earth. Go Christ for the forgiveness of your ward sign of forgiveness that God therefore and make disciples of sins” (Acts 2:37–38). Baptism is gives to believers, and therefore is all the nations, baptizing them in both a result of repentance and an ultimately unnecessary. expression of it. Baptism outwardly Also, confusion over the relation expresses the believer’s decision to of faith and works leads some to turn to God. reason that if baptism is essential, There is a richness The result and purpose of then salvation is by works, rather repentance and baptism is “for the than a gift received by faith. The and beauty in forgiveness of sins,” as Peter’s com- issue to be confronted is whether mand in Acts 2:38 clearly shows. an act of faith (such as baptism) The object and purpose of baptism can properly be viewed as a meri- God’s plan of redemption is the forgiveness of sins, as was torious work that gives anyone “ the shedding of Jesus’ blood on the reason to boast. This thinking sup- that we cannot overlook. cross (Matt. 26:28). This teaching ports the ecumenical spirit preva- is consistently reinforced through- lent today. Some in the church out the New Testament. Ananias have been influenced by a desire to continued on page 18

” B i b l i c a l In s i g h t s 17 Dogmatic About Baptism? . . . continued from page 17

directed Saul: “Get up and be bap- (1 Pet. 1:3, 23). Jesus included a to say it is only symbolic? No, tized, and wash away your sins” reference to baptism in his teach- because the meaning and symbol- (Acts 22:16). Peter wrote: ing on this new birth. “Truly, truly, ism are destroyed without the act. I say to you, unless one is born Anything but immersion takes Corresponding to that [Noah’s of water and the Spirit he cannot away the symbolism; and likewise, deliverance], baptism now saves enter into the kingdom of God” if there is no act at all then there is you—not the removal of dirt from (John 3:3–5). Paul captures the no symbolism at all. the flesh, but an appeal to God same idea with the phrase “wash- for a good conscience—through Baptism in relation ing of regeneration and renewing the resurrection of Jesus Christ” to the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:3–7). (1 Pet. 3:21). Each of these passages refers to the As a result of baptism, God adds These passages make clear that the new spiritual life God imparts as a a believer to His church; we were believer is saved by the power of result of baptism. “baptized into one body” (1 Cor. the cross rather than the water or Another image by which this 12:13). “For all of you who were the act of washing itself. Baptism is new life is pictured is death and baptized into Christ have clothed a divinely appointed condition for resurrection. yourselves with Christ” (Gal. 3:27). salvation. God offers forgiveness Through baptism God incorpo- Therefore we have been buried to the sinner through the blood of rates believers into the body of with Him through baptism into the cross; the believer appropriates Christ. It has a corporate, not just death, so that as Christ was raised that forgiveness through baptism. individual, significance. Through from the dead through the glory baptism a person becomes part of Baptism in relation of the Father, so we too might God’s people. to our new life walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12). There is a richness and beauty in Becoming a disciple is described God’s plan of redemption that we as entering a new life. This new life In baptism there is both a likeness cannot overlook. In our evangelism is pictured by the image of rebirth, of and participation in the death, let us help people understand the a change of status and relationship. burial, and resurrection of Christ. significance and urgency of obedi- God imparts this new life by caus- His atonement becomes meaning- ence to God’s commands and how ing us to be “born again to a living ful and operative for the believer they fit into His plan. hope”—a new birth initiated by only through baptism. This makes God through the preaching of “the baptism a very meaningful, sym- Temple Terrace, FL living and enduring word of God” bolic act. But do we have the right [email protected]

Most of These Groups Begin the Same Way Recognizing Reckless Restorers— There Is Usually a Pattern by Greg Litmer

As the Apostle Paul was bring- preach the word; be ready in sea- accumulate for themselves teachers ing his second letter to Timothy son and out of season, reprove, in accordance to their own desires; to a close, he wrote, “I solemnly rebuke, exhort, with great patience and will turn away their ears from charge you in the presence of God and instruction. For the time will the truth” (2 Tim. 4:1–4). and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge come when they will not endure From the early days of its exis- the living and the dead, and by sound doctrine; but wanting to tence and until the Lord returns, His appearing and His kingdom: have their ears tickled, they will the church will face the danger

18 J u l y 2008 of false teachers. Paul certainly needs of the individual. This should Now I urge you, brethren, keep seems to indicate that some times come as no surprise, for Jesus said your eye on those who cause will be worse than others, as more in Matthew 7:15, “Beware of the dissensions and hindrances con- and more brethren chaff under false prophets, who come to you in trary to the teaching which you what they perceive to be undue sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are learned, and turn away from restraints found in sound, whole- ravenous wolves.” them. For such men are slaves, some teaching concerning doc- No false teachers come in not of our Lord Christ but of trine. As has always been the case, announcing that that is what they their own appetites; and by their once a person steps outside of the are. As Paul Earnhart wrote, “They smooth and flattering speech they doctrine of Christ it is easy to find are the sort of people who would deceive the hearts of the unsus- those who will say and teach exact- move shallow-minded observers pecting (Rom. 16:17–18, empha- ly what they wish to hear. to ask how these good, earnest and sis added). We are in the midst of such a knowledgeable teachers could be The elders in every congrega- time as the advocates of change wrong” (Invitation to a Spiritual tion must be constantly alert and speak of “Church of Christ” tradi- Revolution, p. 135). Like the wolf, vigilant. Generally the advocates tions and “Church of Christ” teach- they go after those who are weak of change will seek to create ill will ings in a derisive manner. This and those lacking in knowledge toward the preacher who stands indicates at least two things. One and spiritual discernment. For for the truth and the elders who is that such individuals have a mis- these agents of change, a disgrun- stand solidly on the word of God. guided and erroneous view of the tled member is like a lamb left all Failing to accomplish this, they will very nature of the Lord’s church, by itself, ripe for the picking. seek to find the most vulnerable and second, if you hear such “red Having identified those whom link in the eldership and use that flag” statements made by members they believe they can influence, to promote their program, seek- of the congregation you attend, it is home Bible studies begin with ing to divide, conquer, and stymie possible that you now have change these particular individuals invited the work of the eldership. This agents or reckless restorers in your and others excluded. The focus of also should come as no surprise, midst. There is usually a pattern these studies always seems to be for Paul told the Ephesians elders, in the work that they attempt to “different ways of looking at wor- “I know that after my departure accomplish. This should come as ship” or “how to make the wor- savage wolves will come in among no surprise, for the techniques ship more spiritual and personally you, not sparing the flock; and that Satan uses to corrupt the pure meaningful.” On the surface this from among your own selves men teaching that characterizes the may appear to be a good thing, will arise, speaking perverse things, Lord’s church have not changed. even admirable, until it is under- to draw away the disciples after These purveyors of a perverted stood that the basis for these them” (Acts 20:29–30). gospel always appear, initially, as “different ways of looking at wor- If the change agents fail in their some of the friendliest brethren ship” and of making the worship attempt to turn the entire congre- a person could ever meet. They “more spiritual and personally gation to their way of thinking, shake every hand, engage every meaningful” is “their own desires” they will generally leave with their member in conversation and (2 Tim. 4:3), and not the revealed recruits and start a more “spiritu- appear sympathetic and empa- truth. Every action of worship ally centered” church which they thetic. This is how all Christians will be called into question, and will proclaim to be much more like should be, but with the agents of through their continued “study of the church of the first century. No change, their motives are often the issues,” it will be discovered scriptural proof will be forthcom- very different. They seek like- that the primary reason the Lord’s ing to support such claims, but minded brethren who wouldn’t church engages in five acts of wor- mere assertions of “we believe” or mind a “little change.” They are ship is because that is what has “it certainly seems reasonable” or searching for brethren who can be been “traditionally” done. “surely it must be.” swayed to their way of thinking— The basis for such a charge by Florence, KY brethren who can be convinced the advocates of change is no dif- [email protected] that the worship needs to be more ferent now than it was in the first “spiritual” and better serve the century. Paul wrote,

B i b l i c a l In s i g h t s 19 I Have This Against You . . . Stale and Dead Churches— What’s the Biblical Solution? by Wilson Adams

It’s not like it is a new subject. ourselves—both individuals and we may resist criticism, it is time One reason for the seven letters to congregations. It is absolutely we looked at it long and hard. Crit- the seven churches was to circulate imperative that each looks into icism is not always without merit. and preserve a stern warning from God’s mirror and confronts the In the November 2007 issue of Heaven that some congregations changes that must be made. It Biblical Insights, I wrote about were dangerously close to losing takes effort and courage to change the House-Church Movement their light. The Head of the and . . . a humble heart to admit that and made this observation about Church communicated clearly to I don’t know everything. brethren on the opposite end of the the Ephesians— spectrum, Are You Teachable? “I have this against you, that you Are some assemblies too man- If I learn anything from a study have left your first love. Remem- traditional? Are some elders of The Book it is this: I have a lot ber therefore from where you overbearing? Are some Chris- to learn. I believe one of the great- have fallen, and repent and do the tians rushing through the Lord’s est obstacles to spiritual growth deeds you did at first; or else . . .” Supper with an attitude of “let’s is the illusion of all knowledge. get it over with so we can go on Had they become content with Once you reach the place where to more important things” (i.e., the status quo of traditional medi- you begin thinking that you have the sermon)? Are some songs and ocrity? It appears. Or consider the “arrived,” you’re done. Individu- prayers more rote than from the King’s warning to Sardis— als and churches that believe they heart? Are some more concerned have arrived, end up settling for “Wake up, and strengthen the about maintaining property (and things that remain, which were the comfort zone (“the way we’ve saving money) than they are about to die . . .” always done it”) that only leads to about saving souls? The answers the coasting zone (“I don’t even try are obvious. He challenges this local house anymore”). They haven’t the energy of God to remember, repent, and nor the faith to engage in Scripture Oddly enough, those critical return. He also notes that He has examination and return again to of my criticism of going too far a few there who “have not soiled the challenge zone of enthusiastic to the left of Scripture, seemed their garments” (3:4). In spite of conviction with hearts afire for the to miss the paragraph of admis- the majority living in the past (“you things of God. sion of equality of wrong-doing. have a name that you are alive, and It’s easier to coast. Just ask Ephe- This controversy is not always you are dead . . .”), God finds a “few” sus, Sardis, and Laodicea. a question of right and wrong, unwilling to accept lukewarmness. Criticism as in—“we are right and you are And wasn’t that His message to wrong.” In fact, both extremes Laodicea, too? Here was a church Criticism is a great teacher. are wrong! Whether 1) one des- whose diagnosis of their strengths While it may not teach us every- erts the narrow path of Scriptural did not square with that of the thing, it will teach us some things. authority for the broad plains of Great Physician. His rebuke was And those especially stern—“I will spit you who have out of my mouth.” been criti- He isn’t the God of mediocrity These letters stand for all time cal of some as a mirror for every congregation. churches but of excellence. It is easy to measure ourselves by for being ourselves (and comforting, too). It too rigid is the precise measurement of the and rote, stuffy and stale—are ecumenicalism, or 2) one becomes Word by which we must examine exactly right! Brethren, as much as smug in an attitude that “the way

20 J u l y 2008 we’ve always done it” (in areas of ing your heart out only to stand maintaining property? I will argue expediency and judgment) raises at the door and endure a closing that a church has a right to meet man-tradition to a higher eleva- rendition of “Abide With Me” that under a tree, in a home, rent a tion than biblical instruction— gets slower (and more off-key) with school, rent a storefront or buy both are wrong and equally so. each passing verse. Or my favor- a building. Authority for a build- It was Jesus who said, “Beware ite—“We’re Crawling to Zion!” At ing is inherent in the command to of false prophets who come to you least that’s the way it is sung in assemble. You cannot do it without in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly some places. a place! That said, some go over- are ravenous wolves” (Matt. 7:15). We can do better and God board and focus more on the facil- Shall we look the other way when expects it! He isn’t the God of ity than on its purpose—facilitating wolves are picking off sheep? No. mediocrity but of excellence. And gatherings for worship and study. “Beware.” However, the same Jesus don’t be afraid of learning/sing- Ask some shepherds what takes the used the same word to expose ing new songs. Some of the newer most of their time—with some it’s those who would elevate tradition songs loved by the young are not souls but buildings. That has to above the teachings of Heaven wonderful expressions of praise change. (Matt. 16:6). “Beware!” with words of deep meaning. The Solution “Throwing the baby out with the Some aren’t. But that’s true of all bath water” goes both ways. The spiritual songs. I recall the ’60s and Employ much prayer, patience Lord has no inclination of leniency ’70s when brethren wore out the and wisdom. Do the first and in either direction. One is just as Stamps-Baxter hymns and . . . wore God will give you the next two. wrong as the other. out churches by singing them over There are many churches follow- and over. Many of the psalms refer ing the writings of John Mark (not God’s Message to to singing “new songs” (Pss. 40:3; John Mark Hicks) and Paul and Lifeless Churches 33:3a; 98:1). Peter and the Lord Jesus and do “Repent and return!” “Wake up!” Taste is different and generation- so with much energy and enthu- “Be zealous and repent!” His mes- al and that has always been. And siasm. Churches can begin and sage in Revelation 2–3 is exactly wise leaders seek a balance. And flourish doing things God’s way. the message needed by many to Christians writing music—keep We must not compromise with churches today. It is often stale and writing! Like the wife who doesn’t culture—whether it is feminism lifeless worship that provides the like the same anniversary card year or emotionalism or anything else. fodder for discontent among the after year, so it is with our creative Christians can work and wor- young. We seek to worship Him God who gives mankind the ability ship together (young and old) in spirit and truth—or at least the to compose new songs. By the way, and do so within the parameters truth part. But 50% is not what the they sing in heaven a “new” song of what God has divinely autho- Lord seeks. He seeks my passion- (Rev. 5:9). rized. Some, however, have gone ate involvement when I worship. About the Supper . . . Yes, some too far and abandoned Bibli- “Come before Him with joyful have misappropriated the solemn cal instruction. That’s tragic. singing . . . enter His gates with memorial and have abandoned the Getting excited and going too thanksgiving” (Ps. 100). teachings of Scripture. Other writ- far or getting tired and stopping About singing . . . Some ers can deal with that. But since too short . . . One is just as wrong as churches show little interest in when is the Memorial of the Lord the other. The letters to the seven improving. As R.J. Stevens said a footrace? It hurts no one to linger churches prove that. Perhaps we with a smile, “The best argument in at the Table. When people fail to should read their mail and heed favor of instrumental music is the see solemn reverence for the death their warning. Murfreesboro, TN poor singing in many places!” R.J. memorial, it provides fertile soil for [email protected] is not compromising truth with man’s reasoning to take over. error; he is pointing out the fact About evangelism . . . Are we and flaw with brethren that will keeping the main thing the main not work to improve their singing. thing? Have we replaced a love There is nothing quite like preach- for souls with a love for building/

B i b l i c a l In s i g h t s 21 When is Worship, Worship? Is Mowing My Grass Worship? by Jim Deason

Within the heart of every word “worship” translates the His Supper (Matt. 26:26–29), to be Christian is a holy hunger for a Greek very well and means “rev- taken by his disciples when they closer relationship with God. Jesus erence or devotion for a deity; came together each first day of the pronounced His blessing on those religious homage or veneration.” week (Acts 20:7). In their assem- who “hunger and thirst for righ- ­Etymologically, it comes from an blies, the disciples prayed together teousness” (Matt. 5:8) and that Old English term meaning “to (Acts 2:42; 12:5, 12). When they hunger stems from a deep desire show the worth of.” came together, they sang praises to to see God—to enter into His pres- Defining some of the terms God and songs of admonition to ence. Reading the throne scene within these definitions may be one another (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; of Revelation 4–5 is exciting. It is helpful. Homage is a public avowal Heb. 13:15). Teaching took place a worship scene and pictures the of allegiance by a vassal to his when they gathered (Acts 2:42; creatures of heaven bowing before lord; an act done or thing given 20:7). Finally, Christians sacrificial- God’s holy throne. What an honor to show the relationship between ly gave into a common treasury to to be literally in His presence and the lord or vassal; anything given sustain their common work (1 Cor. worshiping Him face to face! It or done to show reverence, honor, 16:1–2). God expects local church- is our desire to be a part of that or respect. Veneration is a feeling es today to follow this same simple throng one day that motivates us to of deep respect and reverence; an pattern of worship. To teach or worship and serve Him on this side act of showing this. Obeisance is practice the doctrines of men is to of eternity. a gesture of respect or reverence, worship Him in vain (Matt. 15:9). Worship is of fundamental such as a bow. Worship, therefore, It also needs to be remembered importance to you and me. Jesus is a conscious act that begins with that not all worship is public said, “But an hour is coming, and an attitude. It is from an attitude of assembly worship. Christians can now is, when the true worshipers reverence and respect that one acts and should worship in other places will worship the Father in spirit (in doing or giving) to show honor, and at other times (Acts 16:25; and truth; for such people the submission, and reverence to God. Heb. 13:15). Father seeks to be His worshipers” John 4:20–24 is a banner passage A Change That Isn’t So Subtle (John 4:23). God seeks worship on the subject. From it we learn and He seeks worshipers. three very important things. One, Some today, wanting to change God is the focus of our worship. the nature of our assemblies, are What Does It Really Mean? Two, our worship must be heart telling us that all of life is worship. The word “worship” deep. Three, our worship must fol- Mike Root writes, “Worship is a in the New Testament low the pattern revealed in divine life given in obedience to God. God means “to make obei- truth. This latter point, particu- told us to meet together to encour- sance, do reverence larly in the context of this article, age, edify, and equip one another; to . . . is used of an deserves amplification. so when we do that, God is obeyed act of homage or Paul wrote, “Brethren, join in and therefore worshiped, but no reverence to following my example, and observe more than when we obey Him God” (W. E. those who walk according to the anywhere else at any other time. Vine). Our pattern you have in us” (Phil. 3:17). The Christian assembly is not the English The Scriptures, therefore, serve worship” (Empty Baskets, p. 25). In as a pattern for us to follow in all another book Root wrote, things—including our worship. Worship is a life given in obedi- How did the New Testament ence to God. It’s not a when or churches show their reverence where proposition, but a what. and homage to It’s what we are. You can’t go to God? How did it or leave it, dress for it or from they worship? it, and you can’t start it or stop Jesus instituted it. . . . It doesn’t open and close

22 J u l y 2008 Two More Articles . . . Lessons from John 4:20-24 1. God is the focus of our worship. Two additional theme articles 2. Our worship must be heart deep. could not be included in this month’s issue of Biblical In s i g h t s . 3. Our worship must follow the pattern revealed in divine truth. Pitching the Tent Toward Sodom Mark White with a prayer, and it doesn’t inherently constitutes worship. have a human leader or a special Buying groceries is not worship. Drinking and Dancing— day (Unbroken Bread, p. 115). The Simple Truth About Worship That Big of a Deal? Root, and others like him, “hang Terry Francis their hat” on Romans 12:1— Worship is a conscious act which has a beginning and ending. Look for them in the August Therefore I urge you, brethren, iblical n s i g h t s After Abraham had been told to issue of B I . by the mercies of God, to present offer Isaac the text says that “Abra- your bodies a living and holy sac- But you can read them ham said to his young men, ‘Stay rifice, acceptable to God, which now on our website— here with the donkey, and I and the is your spiritual service of wor- lad will go over there; and we will ship. www.biblical-insights.com worship and return to you’” (Gen. The American Standard Version, 22:5). Abraham went, worshiped more accurately, I think, renders by offering the substitute sacrifice the last part of this verse to read, that God provided (22:13), and “which is your spiritual service.” returned. His worship was a con- The point being—that our lives are scious act that had a beginning and to be filled with acts of service to an ending. John fell at the feet of an God, not that all of life is worship. angel in a conscious act of worship Paul warned Timothy; “No sol- (Rev. 19:10) and was halted. His act dier in active service entangles of worship had a beginning and an himself in the affairs of everyday ending. Worship then, in order to life, so that he may please the one be worship, must be a conscious who enlisted him as a soldier” act of homage to God. (2 Tim. 2:4). There are “affairs of Last Monday I mowed my lawn. everyday life”—we must all engage I enjoy mowing. More than that, it in them—that are not acts of wor- is one of those affairs of everyday ship, e.g., earning a living, buying life that must be done. If I didn’t groceries, developing relation- mow, after a couple of weeks one ships, etc. The challenge to you of my neighbors would leave an and me is that we not become anonymous note in my mailbox “entangled” in these affairs and reminding me of my subdivision forget who called us into service covenants. I reflect a lot on spiri- in the first place. The challenge tual things as I mow—it’s a good of living in the world without the time for meditation—but mowing world living in us is an everyday does not fit the Bible definition of struggle. So, while we must go worship. about the affairs of everyday life, Cullman, AL there is nothing about them that [email protected]

B i b l i c a l In s i g h t s 23 You Reap What You Sow Sow What? by Bubba Garner

The prophets were special now bearing fruit. We can see the like they’re still in their pajamas. spokesmen of God. They could see whirlwind; but oh, that we had first Even some businesses that experi- into the future and forecast things seen the wind. mented with “casual Fridays” have that were to come. Sometimes, We have sown abandoned the practice due to a their predictions were pleasant, as noticeable decrease in employee entertaining worship, when they told of the coming Mes- productivity. siah, the Savior of the world. Other We are reaping But that hasn’t stopped us from times, their prophecies warned of contemporary Christians. casual Sundays. This “come as you something more devastating that are” philosophy can rob us of a rev- God would send from heaven. It is not uncommon to drive by erent, dignified worship service. Hosea was charged with the a church building and see a sign The person who argues otherwise responsibility of telling God’s peo- advertising one assembly with would never dress down to go to a ple of His displeasure with them. “traditional worship” and one with funeral. Why do so when com- He spoke for the Lord when he “contemporary worship.” I wonder memorating the death of the Lord? said, “They have transgressed My which service the Lord attends? God sees the heart; He is interest- covenant and rebelled against My How can both be acceptable? This ed in what is on the inside (Matt. law” (Hos. 8:1). Israel had appoint- is nothing more than a dangerous 15:8; 23:27). But when you make ed her own rulers and princes sign that we are taking a man-cen- no distinction between worship without consulting the King in tered approach to a God-centered clothes and casual clothes, you are heaven. They had taken God’s gifts activity. Worship must now give less likely to address the impor- of silver and gold and fashioned to me instead of me giving to God tance of the Lord’s Day over every them into false idols for worship. (Ps. 96:7–10). other day of the week. Because of their sins, Hosea fore- Entertainment is chosen accord- We have sown told the Lord’s pending punish- ing to what fits my tastes and pref- ment and destruction upon them. erences. If one television show lack of discipline, In short, “they sow the wind, and doesn’t keep my interest, I’ll keep We are reaping they reap the whirlwind” (8:7). pressing the button on the remote irresponsibility. It is a simple law of nature that until I find another one that does. when you place certain seed in the Once you convert a man with Many children are treated ground, there is only one kind of entertainment, you’re going to with kid gloves in our day. They crop you will reap. You don’t sow have to keep him entertained with are often found innocent in the corn and look to harvest potatoes. brighter lights and louder music. parent-teacher conferences. If the You don’t plant an acorn and wait Otherwise, he’ll just go a little fur- preacher calls them down in ser- for a palm tree to sprout up. You ther down the road until he finds a vices, he gets in trouble. And even reap what you sow. Israel had sown church that will. Israel was pun- when they are brought to justice, the wind: vain, futile and worthless ished for worshiping idols. How the judgment rendered is a mere worship. They reaped the whirl- shall we escape the sin of worship- slap on the wrist. wind: an agent of violence and des- ing ourselves? This has produced a generation olation. They received back what who thinks they can do whatever they had planted. We have sown casual dress, they want to do. If they see some- Before we are too quick to com- We are reaping an informal thing they’d like to have, they just plain about how far things have attitude toward God. take it. No one has stopped them strayed in the religious world, we before. If they know something must see that much of it is the It is amazing to me what people is wrong, they do it anyway and result of seeds we have sown in the wear in public. They eat in restau- wait for mom and dad to swoop ground. These choices, sometimes rants sporting attire that leaves down and rescue them—again. small and with good intentions, little to the imagination. They What they need are parents who have grown and flourished and are arrive to board an airplane looking love them enough to discipline

24 J u l y 2008 them. That is the purpose behind the same responsibility in this seed you put in the ground, you the spiritual correction from our regard. will have to face what comes up. heavenly Father (Heb. 12:4–11). “Do not be deceived, God is not He directs our paths away from mocked; for whatever a man sows, LaPorte, TX the wind to avoid the destruction this he will also reap” (Gal. 6:7). [email protected] of the whirlwind. Let parents show Harvest time is coming. Whatever RELIGIOUS SUPPLY CENTER 4001 Preston Hwy. • Louisville, KY 40213 • (800) 626-5348 • www.religioussupply.org

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B i b l i c a l In s i g h t s 25 CHURCH ADS Advertising Information: One year: $100.00 • One year with purchase of a bundle of 25: $75.00 Religious Supply Center • 4001 Preston Highway, Louisville, KY 40213 • (800) 626-5348 • [email protected] ALABAMA Julington Creek Sardis Springs 1630 State Road 13, North Phone: (812) 824-3793 251 at Mooresville Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32259 Contact: Mike Holsapple Athens, AL 35612 Contact: Jim Bell Phone: (812) 825-4010 Contact: Eddie Littrell Phone: (904) 230-3332 WSidecoc.org Phone: (256) 374-9315 Email: [email protected] (256) 233-1050 jccofc.com Belleville 5635 S. County Rd. 200 E. South Baldwin South Jacksonville P. O. Box 159 P. O. Box 278 2209 Parental Home Rd. Clayton, IN 46118 517 N. McKenzie St. Jacksonville, FL 32216 Preacher: James Hahn Foley, AL 36536 Contact: Robert Hardage Phone: (317) 539-5258 Hughes Road at Gooch Ln. Phone: (904) 721-2075 (904) 725-5903 Danville 1550 Hughes Rd. 2846 East Main St. Madison, AL 35758 Key Largo Danville, IN 46122 Phone: (256) 830-1654 100695 Overseas Hwy. Preacher: J. R. Bronger TeachingTruth.org Key Largo, FL 33037 Phone: (317) 293-4436 Perry Hill Road Preacher: William LeDent (317) 745-4708 800 Perry Hill Rd. Phone: (305) 451-1194 DanvilleChurchOfChrist.org Email: [email protected] Montgomery, AL 36109 KANSAS Contact: John Burch Lutz Lenexa Phone: (334) 244-1675 311 Lutz Lake Fern Rd. 7845 Cottonwood (334) 271-4679 P. O. Box 246 Lenexa, KS 66216 ARIZONA (Just north of Tampa) Preacher: Jim Stauffer Country Club Lutz, FL 33549-0246 Phone: (913) 631-6519 145 N. Country Club Rd. Preacher: Dan Petty (913) 764-9170 Phone: (813) 949-6831 Tucson, AZ 85716 KENTUCKY Preacher: Hugh DeLong LutzChurchOfChrist.org Northern Kentucky Phone: (520) 326-3634 Big Lake 18 Scott Dr. CALIFORNIA 1115 S. W. 3rd Ave. Florence, KY 41042 Okeechobee, FL 34974 El Cajon Preacher: Greg Litmer Contact: Charles Key 523 S. Johnson Ave. Phone: (859) 371-2095 El Cajon, CA 92020 Cell: (813) 546-0389 Phone: (859) 647-2342 Contact: John Mulligan Home: (863) 467-4729 nkcofc.com Phone: (619) 444-6106 South Bumby Sycamore COLORADO 3940 S. Bumby Ave. 16163 Forkland Rd. Orlando, FL 32806 Gravel Switch, KY 40328 South Suburban (in South Denver) Contact: Josh Creel 5870 South Dallas Way Phone: (859) 236-5080 Phone: (407) 851-8031 Greenwood Village, CO 80112 Bearwallow Contact: David Harkrider East Bay 7030 S. Jackson Hwy. Phone: (303) 290-6766 301 Sumner Rd. Horse Cave, KY 42749 KnowTheBibleTruth.com (2½ mi. south of Big Bend Rd.) Preacher: Earl Robertson P. O. Box 5084 Phone: (270) 678-3508 FLORIDA Sun City Center, FL 33570 Palm Springs Drive Preacher: Earl Kimbrough Lilac Road 620 Palm Springs Dr. Phone: (813) 689-0213 1687 Lilac Rd. Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 Leitchfield, KY 42754 Preacher: Bill Feist GEORGIA Preacher: Dale Robins Phone: (407) 831-3230 Roswell Phone: (270) 287-0212 (407) 834-7738 11670 King Rd. Roswell, GA 30075 Taylorsville Road Brandon Preacher: David Tant 3741 Taylorsville Rd. 529 Coulter Rd. Phone: (770) 992-2097 Louisville, KY 40272 Brandon, FL 33511 Contact: John Humphries Contact: Tommy Peeler INDIANA Phone: (502) 499-9942 Phone: (813) 689-9143 West Side Contact: Paul Ayres 1301 N. Enterprise Dr. Phone: (502) 261-9844 Bloomington, IN 47404 Contact: Neil Tremblett Valley Station Phone: (812) 876-1230 1803 Dixie Garden Dr. P. O. Box 72380 Contact: Ken Horrocks Louisville, KY 40272

26 July 2008 Road Creek Northside Guntown 12121 Regina-Belcher Hwy. 25 Greenfield Pike 185 Clarksdale Cir. P. O. Box 59 Hillsboro, OH 45133 Rogersville, TN 37857 Regina, KY 41559 Preacher: Bill Pierce Preacher: Marshall Stubblefield Contact: Clifford Coen Phone: (937) 205-0530 Phone: (473) 272-2404 Phone: (606) 754-9175 Lisbon FindTheChurch.com Phone: (812) 824-3793 Northside 202 Pritchard Ave. TEXAS Contact: Mike Holsapple 689 North Main St. Lisbon, OH 44432 Eastside Phone: (812) 825-4010 Russellville, KY 42276 Phone: (330) 424-2327 3107 Hwy. 146 WSidecoc.org Contact: Keith Burnett (330) 424-5551 Baytown, TX 77520 Phone: (270) 726-3472 Belleville Medina Preacher: Kris Emerson 5635 S. County Rd. 200 E. Gallatin Road 4730 Sharon-Copley Rd. Phone: (281) 422-8800 P. O. Box 159 1147 Gallatin Rd. State Route 162 EastsideBaytown.org Clayton, IN 46118 Scottsville, KY 42164 Medina, OH 44258 South Main Street Preacher: James Hahn Phone: (270) 237-9514 Preacher: Larry DeVore P. O. Box 2433 Phone: (317) 539-5258 MARYLAND Phone: (330) 345-9030 Lindale, TX 75771 (330) 725-2201 Danville Southwest (just south of Baltimore) Preacher: Ira Lynn 2846 East Main St. 805 Meadow Rd. Norwalk Phone: (903) 882-7045 386 North Edgewood Dr. Danville, IN 46122 Severn, MD 21144 Stallings Drive Preacher: J. R. Bronger Contact: Brandon Trout (Right off U. S. 250 North) Norwalk, OH 44857 3831 Stallings Dr. Phone: (317) 293-4436 Phone: (410) 969-1420 Phone: (419) 541-6254 Nacogdoches, TX 75961 (317) 745-4708 Phone: (410) 570-1885 NorwalkChurch.org Preacher: Randy Harshbarger DanvilleChurchOfChrist.org Email: [email protected] Phone: (936) 564-7286 KANSAS swcofchrist.com Westview (936) 564-8666 800 S. Canfield Niles Rd. (Route 46) Lenexa MISSISSIPPI Youngstown, OH 44515 Southside 7845 Cottonwood Northeast Preacher: Bobby Schrimsher 4110 Preston Ave. Lenexa, KS 66216 1558 Hamm St. Phone: (330) 792-9807 Pasadena, TX 77505 Preacher: Jim Stauffer Tupelo, MS 38804 (330) 270-3706 Preacher: Dee Bowman Phone: (913) 631-6519 Phone: (662) 842-8277 Westview-Church.com Preacher: Bubba Garner (913) 764-9170 MISSOURI Phone: (281) 998-8184 Zanesville SouthsideOnline.org KENTUCKY Kirkwood 4900 West Pike (Route 40 W.) Northern Kentucky 948 S. Geyer Rd. Zanesville, OH 43701 Borden Street 18 Scott Dr. Kirkwood, MO 63122 Preacher: Jonathan Brown 301 W. Borden St. Florence, KY 41042 Preacher: L. A. Stauffer Phone: (740) 454-2212 P. O. Box 715 Sinton, TX 78387 Preacher: Greg Litmer Phone: (314) 821-4910 (740) 452-2261 Phone: (859) 371-2095 Preacher: Tim Rogers Elm Street Phone: (859) 647-2342 OKLAHOMA Phone: (361) 364-4734 2039 Elm St. Phone: (361) 364-2013 nkcofc.com St. Charles, MO 63301 Seminole Pointe P. O. Box 720738 Sycamore Contact: David Behle 16300 N. May Ave. VIRGINIA 16163 Forkland Rd. Phone: (636) 723-6314 Oklahoma City, OK 73013 East Main Street Gravel Switch, KY 40328 Contact: Jack Behle Preachers: John Duvall P. O. Box 746 Phone: (859) 236-5080 Phone: (314) 832-4012 Matt King Clintwood, VA 24228 Bearwallow Contact: Kerry McDaniel SeminolePointecofc.org Preachers: Shirley Mullins 7030 S. Jackson Hwy. Phone: (636) 397-3091 Gary Mullins Horse Cave, KY 42749 Contact: Jack Meier SOUTH DAKOTA Phone: (276) 835-9467 Preacher: Earl Robertson Phone: (636) 447-4668 Southside ClintwoodChurchOfChrist.com Phone: (270) 678-3508 ElmStreetChurchOfChrist.org 1302 E. Fairmont Blvd. Rapid City, SD 57701 Colonial Lilac Road NORTH CAROLINA P. O. Box 2064 Phone: (605) 348-7990 Williamsburg, VA 23187 1687 Lilac Rd. Shooting Creek TENNESSEE Preacher: Steve Walker Leitchfield, KY 42754 48 Jackie Cove Rd. Preacher: Dale Robins Hayesville, NC 28904-5343 Campbell Road Phone: (757) 865-5669 Phone: (270) 287-0212 Phone: (828) 389-9840 320 E. Campbell Rd. Phone: (804) 642-6401 Madison, TN 37115 ColonialChurchOfChrist.com Taylorsville Road OHIO Preacher: Robert Jackson 3741 Taylorsville Rd. WASHINGTON Lockland Phone: (615) 868-7153 Louisville, KY 40272 Samish Way 419 W. Wyoming Ave. (615) 227-1515 Contact: John Humphries Cincinnati, OH 45215 801 Samish Way Phone: (502) 499-9942 Exit I-75 at 12A; West 3 blks. Cason Lane Bellingham, WA 98229 Contact: Paul Ayres Phone: (513) 821-0410 110 Cason Ln. Preacher: Ted Miller Phone: (502) 261-9844 (513) 554-0746 Murfreesboro, TN 37128 Phone: (360) 671-8833 Preacher: Wilson Adams SamishWayChurch.com Valley Station Phone: (615) 896-0090 1803 Dixie Garden Dr. P. O. Box 72380 (615) 895-3438 Louisville, KY 40272 CasonLaneChurch.org

B i b l i c a l In s i g h t s 27 Paul Preached at Pisidian Antioch by Ferrell Jenkins

Paul and his companions left the Pamphylia plain as it related to the Messianic promise (Acts 13:14-41). and moved through the Western Taurus Mountains to The message was so well received that within a week Pisidian Antioch. Three routes have been suggested by the “whole city” assembled to hear the word of God. various scholars: Eastern, Central, and Western. The When the Jews rejected the word, Paul and Barnabas distance from Perga to Antioch on the ancient route is announced that they would turn to the Gentiles. The more than 300 miles before the day of modern roads Jews instigated a persecution against the preachers and and automobiles. drove them out of the district (Acts 13:44-52). Some intrepid hikers have traced out a possible route The tell, a few kilometers northwest of Yalvac, was exca- taken by Paul. See St Paul Trail by Kate Clow. A por- vated by Ramsay and Robinson from 1914 to 1924. New tion of the trail follows the Via Sebaste, a famous road excavations have been conducted for the past two decades built in the days of the emperor Augustus. It may well by Dr. Mehmet Taslialan. Several scholars claim to have have been in terri- found ruins of a first tory like this that century synagogue Paul faced “dangers under the floor of a from rivers, dan- Byzantine church. gers from robbers” Others say this (2 Cor. 11:26). claim is unsubstan- tiated. Yalvac, the small town nearest The well-preserved ancient Antioch, Roman aqueduct is located on a pla- which brought teau at an elevation water from the of about 3,600 feet Sultan Dag to the above sea level; city is perhaps the the temperature is most impressive more bearable than ruin to be seen. at Perga. There is a There are also ruins small museum that of a theater, a bath, exhibits evidence of an early civilization in this region, a triple gate, a fountain, and a fourth century Byzantine as well as a Roman presence. church. I was impressed with the ruins of the temple of Augustus. Antioch was founded about 350 B.C. by either Seleucus Nicator or his son Antiochus I on territory which had Pisidian Antioch was part of the Roman province of been devoted to the Phrygian god Men. The city was Galatia. If the South Galatian theory is correct, then the actually in Phrygia, near Pisidia. About two thousand epistle to the Galatians included the churches of Anti- Jewish families were brought to Phrygia from Babylon och, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe. about 200 B.C. (Josephus Ant. XII.3.4). Our photo shows one of the main streets with some Paul visited the Synagogue and presented a lesson which seats of the theater visible on the left. summarized the history of the Jewish nation, especially Photo © Ferrell Jenkins 2008.

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