Barnes Blog

Aug 12 2008

Fearless - A Young Adult Bible Study

Attend our next young adult Bible study.

August 22 & 29 , 7:00 PM

Aug 12 2008

Back Up & Running!

For reasons that still are not entirely clear (though suspicions abound), the blog had a serious problem this summer. I recreated the blog using a different theme in hopes that the problem disappears. We are back up and running for the time being!

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Jun 13 2008

Frog Road Bible Camp 2008

This coming week will be our session of Frog Road Bible Camp! The session is now titled “Faith Week” and is hosted by individual members of the Barnes church of Christ among others. For more information, visit the website. (www.frogroad.com)

Also, Selene and I will be moving into our new house the week after camp, so the Blog will probably be taking a vacation for a week or two!

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Jun 03 2008

Graffiti On The Frog

Each year we sponsor a camp session at Frog Road Bible Camp. This year, in anticipation of our session (June 15-21), we’ve made a few trips to work on the camp. In May, we visited and saw some storm damage. That sort of thing is sad, but not unexpected. The damage we saw last night was a little different.

The camp and the road it’s on get their names from the giant roadside boulder painted to look like a frog. It is painted green on top with a white underbelly. Now, it also has neon orange graffiti on its underbelly. Also, we noticed that three windows in the dining hall had been shot out with a pellet gun or some such thing. No one was trying to break in or take anything. They just shot out the windows for kicks. This is nothing new of course. We see it on the sides of churches or on buildings in our neighborhood. Vandalism is an everyday sight.

What fun do people get spray painting senseless words on a landmark or shooting out windows? We always assume that kids pull pranks like these. That is sad, since the camp (just for example) is designed to help kids in the first place. But what about their parents?

A preacher friend of mine told me that every child should learn to respect the three P’s. Person, Privacy, and Property. The Lord taught us that to love our neighbors as ourselves is the second greatest commandment (Matthew 22:39). Simple as it may sound, teaching children not to shoot out windows and spray paint frogs is important stuff. It shows respect to others, to self, and ultimately to God. Have you had a talk with your children about respecting the person, privacy, and property of others? Do you show your children how important it is to respect the person, privacy, and property of others?

Of course, it could be adults doing this sort of thing. Shame, shame …

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May 21 2008

Unity Through Humility

{Having a humble character is essential to being a Christian and to restoring the unity of New Testament Christianity. Below is an article by the late brother Hugo McCord on that theme. I found it interesting and hope that you will as well.}

“A Little Child Will Lead Them”

By Hugo McCord

If only fathers qualify to become “elders in every church” (Titus 1:5-6; Acts 14:23), how could Isaiah predict that “a little child will lead” men of beastly nature, men like wolves, leopards and lions? (11:6; 65:25)? Why did Jesus say that “the greatest” person in the “kingdom,” the “church” (Matthew 16:18-19; 18:1), is like “a little child” (Matthew 18:4)?

A “dispute arose among” the twelve apostle (Luke 9:46). Jesus asked them, “â€˜What were you discussing along the road?â€™ They remained silent, for in the way they had discussed among themselves who was the greatest” (Mark 9:33-34).

In an object lesson, the Master Teacher “sat down, called the twelve,” and “took a little child, placed him in their midst, took him into his arms” and said, “Indeed I assure you that, unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mark (9:35-36; Matthew 18:3). Are there baptized people who have never entered the kingdom? Yes, said Jesus, if they have not “become like little children” (Matthew 18:3).

Jesus explained, “Therefore, he who humble himself (tapeinosei heauton) like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4). Baptism is the door of admission into the “one body” (1 Corinthians 12:13), which is “the church” (Ephesians 1:22), which is “the kingdom” (John 3:5), but one of the prerequisites to baptism is a child-like humility (Matthew 18:3-4).

What is child-like humanity? When a person of any age, male or female, of any skin color, “humbles himself” (Matthew 18:4), he rises “not far from the ground” in “lowliness of mind” with “a deep sense of” his moral “littleness” (Thayer, 614). He has a”a modest opinion” of himself, bringing down his “pride” (Ibid.)

Humble people, far from bragging on themselves, always say, “We are unworthy servants” (Luke 17:10). They never take credit for anything they do, but simply say, “We have done what we ought to do” (Luke 17:10).

Jesus gave an example of a man so humble he “would not even look up to heaven” as he prayed, “but beat his breast and said, “God, be merciful to me, a sinnerâ€™” (Luke 18:13). One can say of that man, as Jesus said of another, “You are not far from the kingdom of God” (Mark 12:34).

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May 14 2008

What Is Faith?

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

The word “substance” (Ï…Ì”Ï€Î¿ÌÏƒÏ„Î±ÏƒÎ¹Ï‚, hupostasis, translated “assurance” in other versions) is translated from a Greek term used for a foundation (literally, a thing “standing under”). The word “evidence” (ÎµÌ“ÌÎ»ÎµÎ³Ï‡Î¿Ï‚, elegchos, translated “conviction” in other versions) is translated from a Greek term meaning a proof or that by which a thing is proven. The text is telling us that faith is the result of proof in which we can be very confident.

When people talk about faith, they often treat it as a “better felt than told” kind of hunch that flies in the face of reason or evidence. However, faith (Ï€Î¹ÌÏƒÏ„Î¹Ï‚, pistis) as defined by the New Testament is a very sure kind of knowledge. It is a firm conviction of something not seen, but don’t confuse “not seen” with “not knowable.”

For example, how do you know that George Washington ever lived? You have never seen him or experienced any evidence by means of any of your physical senses. Everything you know about George Washington is second hand (or third or fourth!). You can read written accounts of his life by people who claimed to know him. You can read letters and documents that claim to be written by him. You can consider the results of his life that are hard to explain any other way. Are you sure George Washington lived? Most rational people would say, “Yes.”

The Christian’s faith in Jesus is very similarly obtained. While Jesus remains unseen to 21st century eyes, we can read in the New Testament written accounts of people who claimed that Jesus was a person that “we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled” (I John 1:1). They were willing to suffer great persecution and even die rather than deny that Jesus was real or that he proved himself to be the Son of God. From that evidence we can be assured that Jesus lived.

Faith in God works the same way. While no man has seen God at anytime (John 1:18), we must consider the evidence we do have in the form of that which the Creator created.

Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Don’t let anyone tell you that faith is an inferior way or knowing things or that it is contrary to reason. Don’t allow yourself to confuse a mere hunch with true faith. Weigh the evidence. Reason with the proof for God and Christ. Then you can have real, New Testament faith.

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May 06 2008

A Voluntary Return to the Dark Ages

{This interesting article was passed along to us by John Bellah. It was written by brother Jerrold Ludwig. Give it some thought before you go buy your next Bible!}

Several centuries ago ignorance prevailed largely because the dominant â€Christianâ€ organization of the day limited access to Godâ€™s word. Itâ€™s hierarchy insisted that the common man was either incapable or could not be trusted to read and understand the word correctly. They kept it under lock and key, and shared only portions of it at specified times.

Todayâ€™s bible â€œtranslatorsâ€ seem to have the exact same attitude, and the effect of their approach is strikingly similar.

Like the ancient hierarchy, todayâ€™s bible â€œtranslatorsâ€ also think that Godâ€™s word is too hard to read and understand, so they reword it in order to dumb it down for us common folk. Of course they no longer distinguish between a paraphrase (as it was called years ago) and a translation. They say simply that they are trying to convey the thoughts of the biblical writers themselves…as if theyâ€™ve known them all along.

And the result is the same as before: Godâ€™s word is effectively under lock and key, re-creating a class system of those who know what the biblical writers actually said and those who are told what the biblical writers meant. Again, not much different than the ancient hierarchy approach.

But there is at least one very notable difference: This ignorance is mostly voluntary— we make our own selections at they bookstore. I say â€œmostlyâ€ because Iâ€™m not sure you can find a true translation in 21st century English at the bookstore.* {See note below} Lots of pretenders to be sure. But are there any? If not, and all we have are paraphrases , havenâ€™t we already returned, in effect, to the Dark Ages?

{*Just to be clear, we are not claiming that the King James Version or any of the old versions are the ONLY good versions or even that they are the standard of a good translation.Â We simply have concerns about the philosophy of the translators of most of the new versions.Â The Bible student needs to be aware of what they are reading when using some of the new versions.Â Buyer beware!Â Interpreting the Bible is your job as a Bible student.Â Don’t let any translating committee, whether they are in the year 1611 or 2008, do your job for you!}

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Apr 29 2008

Help for New or Expecting Fathers

There will be no deep, meaningful article this week. Just something fun and thought provoking. Since I know several of these poor guys who are plodding the path to fatherhood, I thought this would be a fun thing to post for you. I don’t know where it comes from, but I took all the images and put them on a one page pdf. You may want to zoom in to see them all.

View the file here.

Pray for new fathers and mothers. The whole process of raising children is a wonder to me. God gave us a tremendous task with children. Much as I enjoy making light of it, we shouldn’t take it lightly.

Just something to think about …

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Apr 22 2008

Unity Through Proper Worship, Part 3: More About The Lord’s Supper

{We had a little discussion on this topic recently in the comments section under the last article. So, I here present the late brother Hugo McCord’s article for consideration (I am taking it from this site). He has a good sense of what I have been presenting in this series. If we want unity as believers in Christ, we need to eliminate causes of division by simply doing what Christ said to do.}

SINGING DURING THE LORD’S SUPPER

Hugo McCord

A Christian brother writes:

Our preacher says that singing during the observance of the Lordâ€™s Supper is a matter of opinion, and, since some members like to sing at that time and others donâ€™t, he leads singing while partaking of one emblem and we have quiet while partaking the other, is he right on this? Do we have biblical authority to sing while partaking? Is it simply a matter of personal preference?

No one who lets the New Testament be his complete guide in religion will sing during the observance of the Lordâ€™s Supper, for at the first observance of the Lordâ€™s Supper singing was done after the Supper was finished; â€œAnd when they had sung a hymn they went out to the mount of Olivesâ€ (Matthew 26:30; Mark 14:26).

Those adhering strictly to the New Testament are disturbed and offended if they are forced to hear singing while they are in worshipful meditation, â€œdiscerning the Lordâ€™s bodyâ€ (I Corinthians 11:29).

But if singing during the Lordâ€™s Supper may be safely placed in the realm of â€œpersonal preference,â€ comparable to eating meats versus vegetables only, and since no one contends that singing during the Lordâ€™s Supper must be done, Paul has taught how we should behave:

If your brother is pained because of food [singing during the Lordâ€™s Supper], you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food [singing during the Lordâ€™s Supper] that one for whom Christ died. DO not let your good be condemned; for Godâ€™s kingdom is not food and drink [singing during the Lordâ€™s Supper], but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. He who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God, and respected among men.

Let us therefore pursue peaceful things, and things that build up one another. Do not tear down Godâ€™s work because of food [singing during the Lordâ€™s Supper] (Romans 14:15-20).

Even if singing during the Lordâ€™s Supper is among the things that â€œare allowed,â€ it becomes â€œwrong to the person who eats [meat],â€ who sings during the Lordâ€™s Supper, if it â€œcauses someone to stumbleâ€ (Romans 14:20).

It is honorable not to eat flesh [to sing during the Lordâ€™ Supper], or to drink wine, or to do anything that causes someone to stumble. Hold to yourself the conviction you have before God. Blessed is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. The one who doubts is condemned if he eats [if he sings during the Lordâ€™s Supper], because he lacks conviction; and everything which is not of conviction is sin (Romans 14:21-23).

Reviewed 2/5/99

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Apr 15 2008

Unity Through Proper Worship, Part 2: The Lord’s Supper

{Note: The article below is a taken from a lecture written for our lectureship book by Marion Fox. This summary of the historical changes of the Lord’s Supper is saddening. When men change what God commanded, division results. Let us be unified by worshiping God as He wishes to be worshiped - as revealed in the New Testament.}

Changing the Frequency of the Lord’s SupperÂ

The frequency of the Lordâ€™s supper was changed from weekly to special occasions.Â The Lordâ€™s supper was eaten on a first day of the week between Passover (Easter) and Pentecost (Acts 20:6 and 16).

Acts 20:6-7 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we tarried seven days. 7 And upon the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul discoursed with them, intending to depart on the morrow; and prolonged his speech until midnight.

Acts 20:16 For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening, if it was possible for him, to be at Jerusalem on Pentecost.

Some churches partake of the Lordâ€™s supper for weddings, funerals, and only at special times. They have no scriptural authority for this.

Prohibiting People From Taking the Lord’s Supper

The laity (common people) were prohibited from partaking of the fruit of the vine.Â Robert Pulleyn was probably the first to teach this doctrine (Sent. P. viii. c. 3)Â Alexander Hales, Bonaventura, and Thomas Acquinas also taught this doctrine. Â The doctrine of concomitance was advanced (concomitance = doctrine that Jesus exists wholly in both elements of the Lordâ€™s supper; therefore it is not necessary to partake of both elements.)

Transubstantiation

The doctrine of transubstantiation was made an article of faith by Pope Innocent III (Conc. Lat. iv. c. i. and de Mysteriis Missae. 1. iv. c. 7.)Â The first reference to this doctrine was by Ignatius in his epistle to the Smyrnaeans 6 (I. Sm. 6). He affirmed that the bread became the literal body of Christ in order to combat the false doctrine that Jesus was not flesh. This was written in about AD 160.Â The doctrine of transubstantiation became official at the council of Trent: â€œ… in the Eucharist, that which before consecration was bread and wine, becomes, after consecration really and substantially the body and blood of our Lord.â€ (Catechism of the Council of Trent, pages 148-149) [1545-1563]Â Several religious groups teach this doctrine.

Gifts Offered to Priests During Lord’s Supper

The second century church often brought gifts with the elements of the Lordâ€™s supper for the bishop. They gave thanks for what Jesus had done for them, hence the word Eucharist from the Greek wordÂ ÎµÏ…Ì“Ï‡Î±ÏÎ¹ÏƒÏ„Î¹ÌÎ± (pronounced eucharistia). Â This was understood to be a sacrifice (contribution) made by the Christian. Â Clement of Rome [AD 95] (chapters 40 44) and the Epistle of Barnabas (chapter 2) discuss this practice. Justin Martyr in his Dialogue with Trypho (chapter 117) discusses this as well. [AD 103 165]Â Cyprian is the first recorded person to advance the idea that the priest made the sacrifice and that it was an imitation of the sacrifice of the Christ. He does not advance that it was a repetition of the Lordâ€™s sacrifice. [AD 195-268]Â Later the doctrine of transubstantiation was taught and linked with this and it was claimed that the blood and body of Jesus was sacrificed each time the bishop blessed the bread and wine. Gregory the Great (Moral. Lib. xxii. 26)Â This brought on a fear of spilling the wine, and hence the blood of Jesus.Â From this fear came the idea that the common people should not partake of the wine, for fear that they might spill it. Â One superstition led to another, along with pragmatic reasoning. Â It was argued that the body and blood were in the bread and they did not need both elements.

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Fearless - A Young Adult Bible Study

Back Up & Running!

Frog Road Bible Camp 2008

Graffiti On The Frog

Unity Through Humility

What Is Faith?

A Voluntary Return to the Dark Ages

Help for New or Expecting Fathers

Unity Through Proper Worship, Part 3: More About The Lord’s Supper

Unity Through Proper Worship, Part 2: The Lord’s Supper

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