Barnes church of Christ

Winter is here again. It’s the season with the cold temperatures and cutting frigid wind. To most (if not all) it is quite discomforting. To some it is even frustrating. Just why then, did God make earth with such a cold season?! Is it not true that He loves man? Wasn’t He smart enough and powerful enough to make a dwelling place without the cold? Then why the cold?
Actually, as we recall, God did not create the earth with a cold season. In the beginning, God created for man a very beautiful dwelling place (Gen. 1 & 2). This paradise also had a water canopy (Gen. 1:6-8) which would have provided a global “greenhouse” allowing for very comfortable temperatures and a tropical climate world-wide! This is what God created for man, and this is what God wanted for man. It is crucial for men living today to realize this. Thus, it is true that God loves us, and it is true that He was smart enough and powerful enough to make a dwelling place without the cold. Then, why the cold?
This water canopy continued its marvelous effects for several centuries. However, there came the time when mankind became so corrupt with sin that God used the water canopy as one of the means to destroy sinful man with a flood (Gen. 6-8). With the water canopy gone, the greenhouse climate was lost, and seasons now had extremes of hot and cold–all because of what man did!
The next time you are discomforted by the cold, do not question nor criticize God. Rather, blame man. The next time you despair the heat, the illnesses, the dangerous animals and natural calamities (most of which, if not all, are a result of a changed world due to the flood) don’t blame God, blame man.
Also, the next time you suffer from these difficulties, if you remember they are a result of sin, it may help you to realize how horrible and serious sin is to God, and how certain and dreadful the consequences are to you.
Today, these difficulties are used as a means to test our hearts. Just as the difficulties encountered by the Hebrews during their forty years of travel tested them to see whether or not they would keep His commandments (Deut. 8:1-6), so do they today. May we not fail the test.

Gary Henson

As in the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:1 (although he spoke of his admirable spiritual accomplishments, while I speak of but mere, meaningless physical accomplishments), bear with me a little in my folly:
I played the game of football for nine seasons; started at the positions of halfback, fullback, quarterback, middle linebacker, defensive safety, punter and place kicker for extra-points and field goals and kickoffs; was one of the first in the nation and probably the first in Oklahoma to kick “soccer-style”; had the position of place kicker on a semi-pro team; had an agent and was in contact with the Houston Oilers (but missed the tryouts due to a schedule misunderstanding).
To mention such is truly folly, but I do so that no one will think that the things which are about to be said are made by some ignorant, uninvolved preacher who’s never been there and doesn’t know what it’s like nor what he’s talking about.
The collegiate season with all its bowl games has ended. The professional season is coming to a close. I, of course, have thoroughly enjoyed watching some of the games. Now the ultimate is here—The Super Bowl! This is the single, most anticipated and watched athletic event in the history of man. Statistics concerning it dazzle the mind: cost of tickets, number of spectators worldwide, and, sadly, amount of money bet. This is certainly an event that cannot be missed!
But, afternoon worship occurs at the same time of pre-game specials! Both cannot be attended. What is one to do?
From one who has earnestly lived a life in both pursuits—“choose worship; football is nothing.” From Paul (who excelled in and compared a previous endeavor)—“count [football] as rubbish” (Phil. 3:8). From the One who knows—“forsake not the assembling of ourselves together” (Heb. 10:25).
Brethren, having an interest in football to the extent that you choose it over God is not what life is all about. For awhile, Solomon not only lived such a life of pursuing all realms of human quests (pleasure, riches, power, fame), he also achieved the ultimate in each realm. However, after each road was lived to its fullest, he returned and said, That is not what life is all about; rather, fear God and keep His commandments (Eccl. 12:13-14).
Jesus gave us the principle in Matthew 6:19-21 with which we make application: An interest [treasure] in football that takes priority over God is an interest that declares one’s heart. And such a heart cannot enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 16:24-26; 22:37).
Brethren, this sport is no mere innocent interest. Rather, it is a test of heart. So choose wisely.
Now, if you are not a football fan, and you have been thinking, “Tell ‘em like it is,” remember: football is just one of many different possible treasures that a person may have. Does your hobby, sport, television show, home, yard, garden, work, car, computer, boat, friends take priority over God? If so, these words are for you, too.
May our God help us put any interest in its proper, distant backseat place.

Gary Henson

“Whereunto I am appointed a preacher“—2 TIMOTHY 1:11
Several years ago I was asked to word a prayer before the start of a high school football game. In the press box, as the stadium announcer was explaining the procedure to me, he said, “…at this point I’ll introduce you as Reverend Henson.” Knowing he meant well, yet, also knowing that I certainly was not due the lofty title, I kindly explained, “’Preacher’ will do.” Then, he wanted to call me “Pastor.” Although he did finally introduce me as a preacher, by his contrary insistence, you’d think I had asked him to introduce me as “Australopithecus africanus.”
Several times before and since that event, I have been addressed by mail, phone or in person with titles which are not to be bestowed upon individuals such as myself—or, in some cases, upon any human at all. I deeply appreciate those who are likewise religiously minded, yea, those who are desirous of expressing their gratitude to those who study and teach the Word. Yet, a consideration of some of that studying and teaching might prove helpful concerning this practice.
In Christianity, the religious title, “Father,” was brought into practice by human beings long after the completion of God’s instructions—the Bible (Catholic Dictionary, page 342). Indeed, the term is properly applied to our physical fathers (Mat. 15:4-6), but to apply it spiritually to another human being is precisely what Jesus prohibited when He said, “And call no man your father upon the earth, for one is your Father, which is in heaven” (Mat. 23:9). So please, just call me “preacher.”
To esteem certain ones as priests in distinction form the laity (“common” man) was also a later invention of man (Catholic Dictionary, pages 189, 692). The truth is, all Christians are priests (Rev. 1:6) who make up the “holy priesthood…offer[ing] up spiritual sacrifice acceptable to God” (1 Pet. 2:5,9). No, God did not ordain such a distinction. So please, just call me “preacher.”
The title “Reverend” is most common, but it would no doubt embarrass the godly heart to learn (in its only occurrence in the Bible) it is restricted to addressing God: “Holy and reverend is His name” (Psa. 111:9 [emp. added]). God is reverend–not man. We should feel no more comfortable in addressing a man as “Reverend,” as we would in addressing him as “God,” “Lord,” or “Master.” So please, just call me “preacher.”
The position of pastors certainly has a place in the church, but it must be asked, “What place does it occupy?” Pastors are also indentified as “elders” or “bishops” (Acts 20:17,28) who are a group of men (the terms are always in the plural) who have been selected out of their own congregation (Titus 1:5) having met numerous qualifications (including: married and with children [Titus 1:5-9]) and whose responsibilities are to guard, tend and oversee that local church (Acts 20:28-31; 1 Pet. 5:2; Heb. 13:17). The only occurrence of the term “pastors” is found in distinction to “evangelists” (Eph. 4:11)—meaning, they are two different positions.
So, if the one who preaches the sermons and is financially sustained by the members of the church (1 Cor. 9) is not to be addressed as “father,” “priest,” “reverend” nor “pastor,” what, then, is he to be called? Timothy was such an individual and God called him: evangelist (2 Tim. 4:5), minister (1 Tim. 4:6) and preacher (2 Tim. 4:2). Those terms please me; I’m sure they’ll also please those who wish to please God.

Gary Henson

“Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.“—1 CORINTHIANS 16:2

As Christians, we need to keep ever before us that our giving is to be preferred, plentiful and profitable.
The Bible makes clear that our giving is to be PREFERRED. God has always demanded first place—He logically deserves it. In Exodus 20:1-6, we read, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me…. Thou shalt not make unto thee a graven image….Thou shalt not bow down thyself before them.” The NT reinstated this law: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21); “Flee from idolatry” (1 Cor. 10:14); “Ye cannot serve two masters…ye cannot serve God and mammon [riches]” (Mat. 6:24). Money, or the material things that money can buy, can become our gods today. Suppose a man purchased a $150 suit for himself and, at the Goodwill, bought a $5 dress for his wife. Decked out in his new suit, and handing her the old worn out dress, “Here honey. I love you. You are first in my life.” Do you think she was fooled? Yet, does not one do the same thing when he surrounds himself with “me first” things, and then gives a token to the Lord on Sunday? Surely we can see, the giving of each one of us is to be preferred.
Our giving is also to be PLENTIFUL. Concerning giving, we are instructed: “See that ye abound in this grace also” (2 Cor. 8:7); “Abound unto every good work” (2 Cor. 9:11). With the account of the widow and the two pennies, Jesus let us know that He takes note of liberal giving—as well as lean giving. God was so pleased with the liberal giving of the poor Macedonians that He recorded their action as an example for all (2 Cor. 8:1-5). Truly, the giving of those who have first given themselves will be plentiful (2 Cor. 8:5).
The Bible also teaches that our giving is PROFITABLE. Within the context of giving we read, “he which soweth bountifully, shall reap bountifully” (2 Cor. 9:6). Proverbs 11:25 states, “the liberal soul shall be made fat.” This does not mean God will give us $100 for every $10 we contribute. Rather, our profit will be in benefits of character, blessedness, inner peace and the thrill of knowing that our contribution furthers the cause of Christ. We must remember, when God instructs us to give, He is not trying to make us poor. Rather, He is trying to make us rich. Yes, our giving is profitable.
As we each evaluate our own contribution, may we be guided by the truth: It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Gary Henson

With a name like “Fair Havens,” the captain of a ship would think it to be a good harbor in which to dock in order to take shelter from the difficulties of the sea. However, as it turned out, Fair Havens was not fair at all! Even the captain of the ship which carried Apostle Paul refused to take dock because “the haven was not commodious to winter in” (Acts 27:12). Thus, the name was misleading to those who were not informed.
In like manner, as each man and woman travels the rough seas of life, we need an harbor in which to dock. Unfortunately, many uninformed people take to harbors which only fail.
Just as the sailors in Acts 27:12-13 sought a worthless harbor of refuge in their own wisdom and ingenuity, so do men today. Try as we may, we cannot devise a plan or philosophy of life that will ensure happiness. Man’s best, such as Kant, Bentham, Hume and Kiekegaard, have tried—and failed. Yes, “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool” (Prov. 28:26).
Also, the sailors of Paul’s ship, by their own muscle at the oars, were not a successful harbor in a storm. Today, even Mr. Olympia and all MVP’s are not immune to unexpected injuries, accidents nor age. Even powerful nations fail its people. Of a truth, “Woe unto them that go down to Egypt for help; and rely on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many” because “the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong” (Isa. 31:1; Eccl. 9:11).
Wealth was another inadequate harbor in which to trust. In the storm, all the goods were thrown overboard (Acts 27:18-19). Unfortunately, uninformed people today also attempt to find harbor in wealth. But, money comes and money goes. Thus, we are warned “to not…trust in the uncertainty of riches” (1 Tim. 6:17). Job denied “making gold his hope,” or saying to wealth, “Thou art my confidence” (Job 31:24).
Luck was also a treacherous harbor of which Paul’s sailors tried (Acts 27:20). In life, man cannot rely upon luck for a good marriage, the raising of children nor the obtaining of heaven.
All of these “harbors” were unreliable, untrustworthy—yea, worthless. They all have appealing names: “Fair Haven,” but they are misleading. Yet, Paul told of the harbor in which they (and we) should trust (Acts 27:22-25). A harbor which is always fair. Always sustains. Always secure. That harbor is God, who is our “hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest: as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land” (Isa. 32:1-2).

Gary Henson

C —-Crucified with Christ in baptism in order to be made free from sin (Rom. 6:6,7).
H —-Hoping For the glory (Col. 1:27) of salvation (I Thes. 5:8) in heaven (Col. 1:5).
R —Resurrected to live a new spiritual life here on earth (Rom. 6:4,5; Gal. 2:20).
I —-Influencing those about him so they may see his good works which results in their glorifying God (Mt. 5:16).
S —Serving God as a loving bond-servant with a kind, helpful and caring master (Lk. `2:37-48).
T —Trusting in the living God (I Tim. 4:10). Trusting what God has said is that which God can do (Rom. 4:21).
I —In the Image of His Son (Rom. 8:29). The Christian is following the example of Christ (I Pet. 2:21).
A —Adopted as the child of God who can call God “Father” and be his heirs (Rom. 8:15-17).
N —Nourished by the words of faith and good doctrine (I Tim. 4:6) which he loves (II Thes. 2:10) and by which he will be saved (Rom. 1:16).

–Such is the Christian.

Gary Henson

“I saw my whole life pass before me” are often the words of individuals who had a close call with death. Such a “life in review” is an amazing phenomena of the human mind (although, no doubt, only the major aspects of one’s life spring forth).
As you stand, not at the end of your life, but at the end of another year, it would be good to take a self-examination to “see your whole year pass before you.” What is it that you did this year? What are your accomplishments? Did you do well financially? …health-wise? …make improve-ments on your house? …enjoy a good vacation? It is hoped that you were able to accomplish all these.
Yet, what about your spiritual accomplishments? If you were to make a year end’s list of your spiritual accomplishments, what would you have to list?
Furthermore, is that spiritual list the same as the list for the previous year? And the one before that? And the five, and the ten before that? If so, and if it is a list that is lacking, and unless you take it upon yourself to make a big change, then at the end of your life you will see the same spiritual inventory as you now see for this year. So, is your list full (like the oil of the five wise maidens [Mat. 25]) or lacking (like the five foolish)?
Is your list like Paul’s, who, near the end of his life, summarized: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7)?
Is your list like that of Dorcas, of whom, at her death, God said: “This woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did” (Act 9:36)?
Or, is your list like those in Matthew 25, who, due to an empty list at the day of judgment, heard ”Depart from Me you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Rev. 6:16)?
Yes, this is a good time to honestly examine your past year, making a list of spiritual accomplishments. And if it be full and not lacking in any aspect, then keep it up and “be not weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap” (Gal. 6:9). But if it be empty or lacking – – as it had been the previous years, then make up your mind to make and follow through with a change.
If, at the end of your life, “your whole life were to pass before you,” may it abound with spiritual accomplishments – – for that will be the only thing that will matter.

Gary Henson

Does the young child, having learned to walk without the assisting hands of Mother and Father, begin to doubt that his parents exist? It is sad that many adults have taken such a view in regard to their spiritual Father.
How does one, who is a believer in God and the Judgment to come, persuade another to such conviction? One cannot say, “Just believe,” or “There are so many who believe,” for such are not grounds for the truth to a matter.
Rather, the claims of Christianity MUST be established by indisputable proof. If such cannot be proven, then it should not be accepted; yet, if such can be proven, then one must not ignore it.

DOES GOD EXIST?
It is impossible for God not to exist! Mankind exists. We are an undeniable fact in this world. How did we get here? We are here only by one of two ways: (1) by evolution (natural means), or (2) by creation (supernatural means).
Evolution is based upon the idea of the survival of the fittest. Thus, when something happens to an animal’s habitat demanding the animal to either evolve (say, add or change an organ) or die, then, unless it does make a change it will die.
Now when the need occurred for the supposed evolution of the lung, there had to be a cause for the need (say, the drying up of a lake). Now the question is: how long can a fish survive while laying on the bottom of a dried up lake waiting for a lung to evolve?! Evolutionist themselves admit that a change may take one million years!
If you were to tape your mouth and nose, could you evolve a new breathing organ before you suffocated? Neither could those water-breathing creatures have done the same.
This point was presented in a debate to one of the world’s most renown atheists. [See: The Warren Flew Debate.] Yet, he was unable to make reply–not because he was not intelligent enough–but because it cannot be answered.
Since we are here by only one of two ways, and since it is not by evolution, then, it is by creation–which necessitates the existence of God.

IS THE BIBLE INSPIRED BY GOD?
Could a five year old be the author of Webster’s Dictionary?…the painter of the Mona Lisa?…the mind behind the Space Shuttle? Neither could mere man be the author of the Bible which contains characteristics which are far beyond our capabilities.
Amazingly fulfilled prophecies, uncanny unity and astounding scientific foreknowledge (among others) are such characteristics which establish the case for the inspiration of the Bible.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ?
(1) Jesus is the Son of God (John 20:30-31).
(2) There will be a judgment, and heaven or hell are the two rewards (Matt. 25:31- 46).
(3) In order to go to heaven, one must: believe that Jesus is the Christ (John 3:16), repent of his sins (Luke 13:3), confess faith in Jesus (Rom. 10:9,10), be baptized for remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16), and live a faithful life (Rev. 2:10).

CONCLUSION:
Much more can be said, yet this evidence establishes the case for the claims of Christianity. It must not be ignored.

Gary Henson

The Bible teaches that the Lord’s one true church (Eph. 4:4) was built by Jesus Christ (Mat. 16:18), at Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:2-4; Acts 2:1-42), on the first Pentecost following Jesus’ crucifixion (Acts 2:1). It was established with divine power (Mark 9:1; Acts 2:1-6) for the explicit purpose of preaching the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16; Eph. 3:9-11) for the salvation of souls (Acts 2:38, 41, 47).
Any “church” which was organized by any other person, and/or at any other place, and/or at any other time, and/or without divine power, and/or for any other purpose–cannot possibly be the Lord’s one true church.
We encourage you to investigate these identification marks with (1) where you attend, and (2) with the church of Christ.

Gary Henson

GOD WOULD HAVE US TO BE A BIBLE READING PEOPLE

The beginning of the year is approaching. It is a time in which many people make a resolution to daily read their Bible. Of course, this would be a good resolution for everybody. Actually, Bible reading is commanded: “Give attendance to reading” and “read the epistle” (1 Tim. 4:13; Col. 4:16).
God assures us, as we read the Bible, great blessings await us. “Blessed is he that readeth…” (Rev. 1:3). “When they had read, they rejoiced…” (Acts 15:31). Thus, God wants us to read the Bible for our own good.
We need to read the Bible so we can obey its contents and be acceptable before God. “Read this law…that they [we] may… observe to do all the words of the law” (Deut. 31:11-13). In Deuteronomy 17:18-20, the result of the reading of the word of God is to be that we turn not either to the right or to the left.
Truly, there are great and extend benefits in reading the Bible. Should not you be one who reads the “Words of life?”
May we at Barnes be a Bible reading people as God would have us to be, for there are truly great benefits (both, here and in the hereafter) awaiting us.

Gary Henson