Barnes church of Christ

Since Jesus stated, “But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Mat. 15:9), it is clear that (1) it is possible for men to worship God in a means which is following a teaching of mere men [in contrast to that which God has instructed], and (2) such worship is sinful. Thus, worshiping God in song as He instructed is truly a crucial matter. What saith the Scriptures?
One may attempt to worship God by (1) making music; (2) singing only; (3) playing an instrument only; (4) whistling only; (5) humming only; (6) a combination of any of 2 through 5. Notice: number one (making music) is a general term, but numbers 2 through 5 are each specific. Thus, if God tells us to “make music,” then we may freely choose whatever method of making music we wish. However, if He has only told us to hum, then we must hum and only hum. We would not be able to sing because He has not told us to sing. Nor would we be able to play an instrument or whistle for the same reason. It is as Colossians 3:17 tells us, “And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Since “in the name of” means “by the authority of” (Acts 4:7; John 10:25 + Mat. 21:23), then everything a Christian teaches in doctrine and does in practice must be authorized by God (so instructed by means of His Scriptures). What then, does God authorize? He tells us to “sing” (Eph. 5:19), “sing” (Col. 3:16), “sing” (Mat. 26:30), “sing” (Mark 14:26), “sing” (Acts 16:25), “sing” (Rom. 15:9), “sing” (1 Cor. 14:15), “sing” (Heb. 2:12) and “sing” (Jam. 5:13). These are all the New Testament instructions or examples for the Christian in regard to worship in song. What is it then that God authorizes? Singing, and only singing.
OBJECTION: “David used mechanical instruments” Yes, but David was a Jew living under the Old Testament Law which is no longer in effect (Col. 2:14).
OBJECTION: “They have harps in heaven (Rev. 5:8).” Yes, but they are in heaven, we are on earth.
OBJECTION: “The NIV says ‘make music’ in Eph. 5:19, and making music includes playing instruments.” The NIV, although popular, is an unreliable translation with numerous crucial verses mistranslated, of which Ephesians 5:19 is one. The NIV is a “thought translation”–it gives us what the translators think God meant. It does not attempt to make a direct translation of the Greek (as did the KJV). In its preface it is admitted that the translators “have striven for more than a word-for-word translation.” Thus, with the NIV you have no assurance that what you read is what God said or what the translators think!
Tell us plainly, what do the Scriptures authorize in worship in song? We are to sing, period. All else is vain worship as the worshipers are acting upon the teachings of mere men.

Gary Henson
Series on: “Tell us plainly” (John 10:24)

This question certainly cannot be answered by looking at the denominations today. They are organized in so many different ways (presidents, pastor systems, popes, synods, general assemblies, presbyteries, councils, conferences, etc.) we would find no definite answer. Thus, we must look to God and His Word to find out what He has said.
The HEAD of the church is Jesus. “And he is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence” (Col. 1:18). Again, “And he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body” (Eph. 1:22-23). Who is it that is the head of the church? It is Jesus. How many heads does one body have? One. Then, is there any room for any one (or any one group) to exist and function as a head on earth? No. Both verses also mention that this headship extends to what extent? All things. Is there, then, need for another head? No.
Serving under the head, and leading over each local congregation of the church, God ordained ELDERS. On Paul’s missionary trip, as he and Barnabus established churches in various cities “they had ordained them elders in every church” (Acts 14:23). Titus, while on the island of Crete, was to “ordain elders in every city” (Titus 1:5). When a major relief effort was sent from the western churches to the churches in Jerusalem and all Judea, they “sent it to the elders” (Acts 11:30). When a crucial problem arose posing a serious doctrinal threat to the church “the apostles and elders came together for to consider this matter” (Acts 15:6; see also verses 2,4,22,23). 1 Timothy 5:17 makes clear that elders were men who ruled. Thus, in the preceding verses, we learn there is a position in the church which is referred to as “elders;” that there is always to be a plurality of men who serve as elders of a congregation [Note the “s” in the verses]; that the elders do have a ruling authority; and that the elders of a local congregation ruled only over that congregation and had no authority over any other congregation.
It is also important to understand that these elders were called by other terms. When Paul “sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church” he also called them “overseers” [or “bishop”] (Acts 20:17,28). Furthermore, in verse 28, he told these elders/overseers “to shepherd the church of God.” Thus, they were to be “shepherds” or “pastors.” Thus, just as Christians may also be referred to as “saints,” “children of God” and “disciples,” the elders are also referred to in the Bible as those who are “overseers/bishops,” “shepherds/pastors” or “presbyters” (which is another English word for elders). Thus, from Acts 20, the careful student learns that God, by means of the three pairs of words, did not establish three different positions; rather He ordained one position but calls them by three (six in English) different terms.
At this point, it must be made very clear that “pastor” is not another term for “preacher.” First, as has been shown, “pastor” is a term for the eldership of a congregation–not the preacher(s). Second, pastors are listed separate from the evangelists (Eph. 4:11) which means that they are not the same. Third, Paul was a preacher (1 Tim. 2:7), but he was not a pastor because the qualifications of a pastor/bishop/elder is to have a wife and children (1 Tim. 3:2,4; Titus 1:5-6) of which Paul had neither. Thus, with but a little study, anyone can see that the “pastor system” (in which the preacher is in charge of the church) is not how Jesus organizes His church.
Then serving the church under the oversight of the elders are the DEACONS. Paul wrote to the church “in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons” (Phil. 1:1). The qualifications of these men are listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-12. As the elders make decisions regarding the work of the church, the deacons are to serve and help the members of the church fulfill these projects (compare Acts 6:1-6).
Tell us plainly, how did Jesus organize the church? Jesus is the sole head; then within each congregation are elders and deacons.

Gary Henson
Series on: “Tell Us Plainly” (John 10:24)

Notice very carefully what is and what is not meant by saying there is but one, undenominational church. It is not being said that there is one big, all-inclusive church which is made up of all the denominations. Neither is it being said that there is only one denomination (out of all the hundreds) which is accepted of God. Nor is it being said that the church is non-denominational (a church which accepts all denominations). Rather, the statement does mean: there was and is still yet one church which Jesus purchased with His blood (Acts 20:28); was established on the first Pentecost following Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 2) long before the invention of divisive man-made denominations; and which itself is not a denomination, does not consist of any or all denominations, and is separate from the concept of a denomination.
What then, saith the Scriptures concerning a single, undenominational church?
Ephesians 1:22-23 states, “And he put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body.” Here we see that the church is also called what? His body. Thus, the church is His body, and His body is the church. Then we come to this statement in chapter 4 verse 4, “there is one body.” “One” is singular. This means that just as there is but one Father (V:6), one Jesus (v:5), and one Holy Spirit (v:4), there is also but one body. Thus, since there is but one body, and since the body is the church, what does that tell us regarding the number of churches? There is but one church.
But, although this proves that there is only one church, could this not mean that this is referring to one big universal church that is made up of many different denominations? To answer this crucial question, consider what the figure of the head/body is illustrating. Whenever God uses a figure to illustrate a spiritual truth, He always makes use of real-life objects (lilies, birds, door, salt, etc.). Likewise, with the head/body, there is only one body attached to one head. However, since each denomination is a separate and distinct body of people with each claiming to have Jesus as its head, then denominationalism is implying the existence of a creature of a single human head with 100’s of human bodies attached to it! But such does not exist; and thus, denominations is not what makes up the body of Christ.
The truth regarding the body is revealed in 1 Corinthians 12. Again, it is made clear that there is but one body (v:12-13,20). It is also stated that there are many members which make up this body (v:12,14,20). Although the attempt is made to claim that “many members” is referring to “many denominations,” God is very clear in telling us who the “many members” are. Verse 11 states, “But all these work that one and selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” Then, in the next verse, He explains how all these men work together in the church with the “body” illustration: “For as the body is one and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.” Thus, the members of the body are none other than individual Christians in the one church! This point is repeated in verses 27-29 in which the members are declared to be individual Christians (apostles, prophets, teachers and various workers). Furthermore, since verse 25 declares “that there should be no schism (division) in the body,” and since denominations are sharply divided over 100’s of beliefs and practices, then “members” is not denominations!
Tell us plainly, is there but one, undenominational church? Yes, there is but one, undenominational church.
What then, is to become of man-made denominations? From the words of Jesus we read, “Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up” (Mat. 15:13).
Our plea to you is to come out of man-made denominations, reject man-made creed books, and use the Bible and the Bible only to become a member of the one church you read about in the Scriptures.

Gary Henson
Series on: “Tell Us Plainly” (John 10:24)

Many people have been baptized, but unfortunately, for the wrong reason. It usually goes like this: the person is taught only to believe in Jesus in order to be saved. Thus, the person believed, and he thinks that he was saved at that moment. He is then told to be baptized–not in order to be saved–but to manifest his previous salvation. Years later, the person finally hears the truth (that one is saved at baptism). However, the person thinks that since he had been baptized, then his sins were forgiven and thus he was saved.
But is/was he? Look again at Acts 2:38, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” What is a person to be baptized for? For remission of sins. Was a person who was baptized for “the purpose of manifesting his previous salvation” baptized for the purpose of remission of sin? No. Did he receive remission of sins? No; since he was not baptized for the remission of sins then he did not receive remission of sins. Also, can a person who believes that his sins were already forgiven at the moment he believed, be baptized for the purpose of obtaining the remission of sins? Of course not.
Tell us plainly, must a person, upon being baptized, be baptized for the purpose of obtaining salvation? Yes. [Thus, a person who was baptized for any other reason other than for the purpose of obtaining remission of sins has never had his sins forgiven, and thus needs to be baptized for the correct reason.]

Gary Henson
Series on: “Tell Us Plainly” (John 10:24)

Many are they who answer “no.” Many are they who answer “yes.” However, it is not man who will be the judge on that great day; rather, the Judge is God and His Word (John 12:48). Thus, what saith He who will judge?
(1) “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). Is this verse a verse that teaches what a person must do to obtain salvation? Yes. Must a person believe in order to obtain salvation? Yes. What is meant by the word “and”? It means: “Together with or along with; also; in addition; as well as” (American Heritage Dictionary). What is it that must be done together with, in addition to, as well as, believing? Baptism. Is baptism necessary in order to obtain salvation? Yes.
(2) “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). This verse teaches that a person must do something in order to obtain what? Remission (forgiveness) of sins. Must a person repent in order to obtain remission of sins? Yes. Does “and” occur directly after “repent”? Yes. What is it that must be done “together with, along with, also, in addition, as well as” repentance? Baptism. Is baptism essential to obtaining remission of sins? Yes.
(3) To Saul it was said, “Why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16). What was Saul told to do? Be baptized. What was baptism going to do? Wash away his sins.
(4) “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27). True or false: All people are either in Christ or out of Christ. True. True or false: Those out of Christ are lost, and those in Christ are saved. True. According to God’s Word in the above verse, how does a person get into Christ wherein is salvation? By being baptized.
(5) “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us” (1 Pet. 3:21). What is it that saves us? Baptism.
Tell us plainly, must a person be baptized in order to obtain salvation? Yes, a person must be baptized in order to obtain salvation.

Gary Henson
Series on: “Tell Us Plainly” (John 10:24)

At first glance, it might seem as though there is no difference in the question which is presented in the title. However, to say that a person is saved by faith only is to say that one is saved only by having faith–the moment you believe, you are saved. But to say that a person is saved by faith is to say that faith is needed for salvation, but it is not the only need–by faith a person does whatever else is needed to obtain salvation. The difference, then, is crucial to a person obtaining (or having obtained) a true conversion in God’s sight. What saith the Word of God?
(1) “Thy faith hath saved thee” (Luke 7:50). Did Jesus say “faith only hath saved thee,” or “Thy faith hath saved thee”? Answer: faith. “Through faith in his blood…for the remission of sins” (Rom. 3:25). Does the verse say “through faith only,” or “through faith”? Through faith. “Being justified by faith” (Rom. 5:1). Is it “faith only,” or “faith”? Faith. “Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish” (John 3:16). “Believeth only,” or “believeth”? Believeth. There is not one single verse in the Word of God which contains the words “saved by faith only.” The word “only” is not in these verses. Yet, legion are the verses which declared it is by faith, and the difference does make a difference.
(2) “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only?” (Jam. 2:24). Is a man justified by faith only? No.
(3) “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love” (Gal. 5:6). What is it that avails (benefits): “faith only,” or “faith which works”? Faith which works.
(4) Jesus said, “except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Is repentance necessary for salvation from perishing? Yes. Yet, if a person is saved by “faith only,” then nothing else is needed for salvation. However, since something else is needed for salvation (repentance), then a person is not saved by faith only.
(5) “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thy heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Rom. 10:9). If a person is saved by “faith only,” is anything else other than faith needed for salvation? No. Is confessing Jesus necessary for salvation? Yes. Since something else is needed for salvation (confession), is a person saved by faith only? No.
(6) Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). If a person is saved by “faith only,” is anything else other than faith needed for salvation? No. Is baptism necessary for salvation? Yes. Since something else is needed for salvation (baptism), is a person saved by faith only? No.
(7) “Then Jesus said to those Jews which believed on him…Ye are of your father the devil” (John 8:31,44). Did these people believe on Jesus? Yes. Since they had faith, then according to the doctrine: “a person is saved by faith only,” are these people saved? Yes. Yet, how did Jesus identify these people: “children of God,” or “children of the devil”? Answer: the children of the devil. Are children of the devil saved? No. Thus, did faith only save them? No.
Tell us plainly, is a person saved by faith only? A person is not saved by faith only.

Gary Henson

Although their members are usually unaware of it, most all denominations are governed in doctrine and practice by a church or manual written by a group of men of their own religious beliefs. Yet, what saith the Scriptures: are creed books accepted or condemned by God?
(1) “[6] I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: [7] Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. [8] But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. [9] As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:6-9). To say that there is “another gospel” (v:6) is to say that there was only one being taught, or that there were two? There were two. Who produced the “other gospel”? Men (V:9). What effect was this other gospel producing? It was removing these people from God (v:6); it was a perversion of God’s gospel (v:7); it was causing its proclaimers to be accursed of God (v:8). Was this additional, man-made, religious creed book accepted of God? No.
(2) “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city” (Rev. 22:18-19). Is “this book” the Bible? Yes. Are church creed books exactly the same in contents as the Bible? No. Since no creed book is exactly the same as the Bible, why is there the difference? Creed books either leave out some of the Bible, or/and add other doctrines. What does God do to those who “take away” or “add unto” the Bible? He will take away their part out of the book of life and the holy city (loss of salvation), and add unto them horrible plagues (eternal punishment). Are creed books accepted of God? No.
(3) “But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Mat. 15:9). Are church creed books authored by men? Yes. Do church creed books set forth the denomination’s doctrines? Yes. Are these man-made doctrinal books vain? Yes.
(4) “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Do the Scriptures provide us with everything we need so that we may be perfect? Yes. Do the Scriptures provide us with everything we need that we may be completely furnished unto all good works? Yes. Is not the use of creed books saying: (a) “I do not have faith in what you are saying, God; I do not believe it. The Scriptures do not supply us with everything we need;” (b) “You are fallible, God, because You did not give us everything we need to function;” (c) “We’re smarter than You, God, because we had to improve upon Your work;” (d) “We are God, because we are making religious laws by which man is to live”? Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Is this blasphemy? Yes. Does God accept blasphemy? No.
Tell us plainly, are creed books accepted or condemned by God? They are condemned by God.

Gary Henson
Series on: “Tell Us Plainly” (John 10:24)

“And besides all this, giving all diligence, add to you faith, virtue…knowledge…self control…patience…godliness…brotherly kindness…love…. Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, ye shall never stumble.” 2 PETER 1:5-10.

In order to become saved, one must follow the five steps of salvation: hear, believe, repent, confess and be baptized. In order to remain saved, one must live a life in faithful, loving obedience to the Word of God (Gal. 5:6). It could be said that one must now follow the seven steps to remain saved (2 Pet. 1:5-10).
In 2 Peter 1:5-10, we find seven general principles which, when followed, will “make your calling and election sure.”
1st: VIRTUE. Virtue is moral goodness (Vine’s); It is “conformity to a standard of right” (Webster’s). Thus, virtue is the determination to do that which is right . Our lives are filled with clashes between doing that which is right or wrong. In order to make it to heaven, the Christian must make and keep the resolution that when such conflicts come, he will do that which God wants him to do.
2nd: KNOWLEDGE. After one has made the determination to do that which is right, he then must learn what is right. Thus, the Christian must learn God’s Will; and God’s Will is revealed in the Bible. 1 Timothy 3:14-15 states, “These things I write unto you that ye may know how to behave in the church.” Yes, we are to read and study the Bible so we can know how to live as a Christian.
3rd: SELF CONTROL. After one comes to know the Will of God, he must then exercise self control to follow His Will. When one learns, for example, that it is sinful to lie, then, when he is tempted to lie, he must control himself to refrain from lying. Exercising self control applies to all of God’s Will.
4th: PATIENCE. To control yourself in overcoming temptation is noble, but one must not let down his guard. Rather, the Christian must continue to exercise self control in all the temptations and trials yet to come. Truly, one must add to his life steadfastness/patience– the ability to endure.
5th: GODLINESS. As one patiently overcomes trials with self control, such must be done with the proper motive. Instead of resentfully obeying God, one is to do God’s Will with reverence and respect to God. The Christian is to “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart” (Matt. 22:37). And as we do that, we will lovingly keep His commandments (John 14:15).
6th: BROTHERLY KINDNESS. The Christian is not only to refrain from doing that which is sinful, he is also to do that which is good and kind to others. Remember the “Golden Rule” says: Do unto others…(Matt. 7:12).
7th: LOVE. The Christian is to love God, His Will (the Bible), the church and the lost. Love is the greatest commandment (Matt. 22:37-40), and is that without which, all our deeds are meaningless (1 Cor. 13:1-3).
May each Christian be diligent in growing daily in these general principles which make up the steps on the sure way to heaven.

Gary Henson

“Compliment,” as defined by Webster’s is “an expression of esteem, respect, affection, or admiration; esp: a flattering remark.”
The Bible makes clear that the compliments of a flatterer are nothing. In a condemning manner, the Psalmist remarked that the wicked “flatter with their tongue” (Psa. 5:9; Cf. I Thess. 2:5).
However, Jesus never issued a vain compliment for He was perfect (I Jn. 3:5) and He knew what was in man (Jn. 2:25). Thus, we can learn from the compliments which He gave to others (who can be examples to us).
Compliment #1. Jesus complimented Nathaniel for his guilelessness (Jn. 1:47). Although the Jews were God’s chosen people, they had (under the guise of appearing devout) become quite corrupt by “changing” God’s laws to fit how they wanted to serve God (Mt. 15:9). Yet, in the midst of such people, was one who was without deceit, fraud and hypocrisy. Let us dare to be such in our time.
Compliment #2. Jesus complimented the Roman Centurion for his great faith (Matt. 8: 5-10). The stress which the Bible puts upon the role of faith is immense (Heb. 11; Rom. 3:25; etc.). This centurion was not even a Jew, yet, Jesus said that his faith was greater than He had found in Israel. Let it not be said of you that the faith of someone in denominationalism is greater than yours.
Compliment #3. Jesus complimented the poverty stricken widow for her liberality (Mk. 12:41-44). As Jesus “called unto him his disciples” (v.43) to observe her example, so does He call His disciples today to learn about giving of oneself first.
While it is nice to be complimented by others, what a special honor these three had by being complimented by the Lord Himself! However, if you are one without guile, and/or who gives of yourself–would you no less receive the same compliment?

Think on these things.

Gary Henson

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). This was spoken of Him when He was 12, but Jesus kept advancing in those four realms of life, even until we next read of Him at the age of 30. Since Jesus is our perfect example (1 Pet. 2:21), then we need to examine how He increased so that we may grow to the full potential that God would have us to achieve.
Jesus increased in WISDOM. “Wisdom” is putting to use what you know. A person can learn about all the material for building a house (concrete, lumber, etc.), but if he does not know how to use those things then his knowledge does not do him much good. Likewise, a person can know a great deal of what the Bible teaches, but if he does not know how to apply it to everyday situations of life, it is not going to be of much benefit. But Jesus knew the Scriptures and He knew how to apply it to life. Such is exhibited in His duel with Satan (Mat. 4), the woman caught in adultery (John 8), the confrontations with the Sadducees and Pharisees (Mat. 22), and in many other occasions You have learned Bible stories and lessons for years. Now you must be wise in using what you have learned!
Jesus also increased in STATURE. Such implies that He ate and took care of His health. We too need to increase in stature We need to take care of our bodies by eating good nutritional food (Dan. 1:8-16). We are not to harm our bodies (1 Cor. 6:19-20). We need to seek medical help when we become ill (Mat. 9:12). We also ought to do some exercising (1 Tim. 4:8). However, do not over emphasize this! Do not make “being healthy” your major quest in life. Rather, serving both God and man is the purpose of life (Mat. 22:36-40).
Jesus increased in FAVOR WITH GOD. At His baptism (Mat.3) He said He was to be baptized “to fulfill all righteousness” (i.e., God’s Will), and Jesus was so pure, John said, “I need to be baptized of you.” The Father then said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” The point is, Jesus grew in favor with the Father because He followed and obeyed the Father’s will. You, likewise, grow in favor with God by following and obeying Him. Colossians 1:10 states “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Thus, you are pleasing to God by knowing what He says and then doing it.
Jesus kept advancing in FAVOR WITH MEN. To gain favor of men means to gain approval as a good fellow human being. How is this to be accomplished? It is done in the same way you gain favor with God–you live the godly life as is taught in the Bible. This is precisely what is seen in Acts 2:47. On the other hand, the evildoers loose favor with man (Prov. 21:10). Yes, you gain favor with men by living the godly, Christian life.
Jesus is the great example for us. He kept advancing in wisdom, stature, favor with God and with men – – and so can you, if you follow in His footsteps.

Gary Henson