Barnes church of Christ

Yes, the word of our title is one of the more hated words among those who say they believe the Bible. Why is this? One replies, “It is not in the Bible; therefore, why should I know anything about it?” Another says, “One interpretation is just as good as another!”
Merriam-Webster gives this as the meaning of the word, Hermeneutics: ”the study of the methodological principles of interpretation (as of the Bible); a method or principle of interpretation.” Phil Sanders, in his course at the Nashville School of Preaching and Biblical Studies, wrote this: “Hermeneutics is the skill and art of interpretation and is especially applied to the Bible.” Bernard Ramm gives us this: “The science and art of Biblical interpretation. It is science because it is guided by rules within a system; and it is art because the application of the rules is by skill and not by mechanical imitation.” (Protestant Biblical interpretation, p.1). Finally, notice what D. R. Dungan wrote: “Sacred hermeneutics is the science of interpreting the Scriptures.” (Dungan,1). So, now you are less interested than ever! Well, be it understood or not, like the word “hermeneutics” or not, if you read the Bible and make any effort at all to understand it, you are using hermeneutics; even if you know what you are or not!
Now that you know you use “hermeneutics,” why not understand a little about how to correctly use it? Years ago, in fact, one of the first things I learned about studying the Bible was to ask four questions: 1) Who said it; 2) When was it said; 3) To whom was it said; and 4) Why was it said? These four questions in my mind are the beginning of any understanding of “hermeneutics!” Now, if we approach our Bible study, by first answering these four questions, many misunderstood teachings will be avoided!
First case, is a command: “And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it” (Gen. 2:15). Now, how do we learn who was responsible for obeying this command? We can learn the answer by asking our four questions:
1) Who said it: “And the LORD God” (Gen. 2:15);
2) When was it said: it was said after the first man was created from “the dust of the ground (Gen. 2:7);
3) To whom was it said: “And the LORD God took the man” (Gen. 2:15) and we learn as we keep on reading that “the man” was Adam (verse 19);
4) Why was it said: “And the LORD God took man and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it” (verse 15).
From these four simple questions and their answers, we have learned that God held Adam responsible “to dress it (the garden of Eden) and to keep it;” therefore, Adam is the one who was commanded. No one today is responsible for dressing and keeping the garden of Eden! However, we also learn that if the earth is to produce good plants, it must be dressed and kept!
The second case, is a command: “Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch” (Gen. 6:14). Now, how do we learn that the command is not for us today? We can learn this by asking and answering our four questions:
1) Who said it: “And God said” (Gen. 6:13);
2) When was it said: “And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth” (verse 12), thus, we learn that the command given by God was before the flood;
3) To whom was it said: “And God said unto Noah (verse 13);
4) Why was it said: “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD” (verse 8).

Now we know that the command was given to Noah and no one else!
We have used these two simple cases as examples as to how we may learn to answer more difficult cases! We will get into the more complicated cases in the second article. In the meantime, why not try to use these four questions to better understand?

Frank R. Williams

Another view of “Looking out the window!” In the first article on this subject our attention was on the positive; the beauty of God’s physical world and what so many fail to see. The God-rejecter sees it all, but has no one to give thanks for it; while the believer knows from who all blessings come! In this article, it is our aim to see the other side of “Looking out the window!”
This article does not mean to forget the beauty of God’s natural order of things! In fact, it is by seeing the beauty of God’s natural order, that allows the one who is “Looking out window” to endure what is also seen! If your health is so bad, your physical abilities so limited, that you cannot go out and do what you know needs to be done! Here we are talking about the many things, which are seen as you look out the window!
So, just what is seen, as you are “Looking out the window?” You see all things that need to be done; 1) you see the areas that need to be cleaned up; 2) you see unfinished work that requires a lot of work; 3) you see the ground that needs to be prepared for Spring; 4) you see your plans that are never going to come to reality; and 5) you see outdoors that you would really like to just go out and enjoy, but cannot!
These things and others, all need our attention, but it is not to be! At least and at last, you realize you will have very little physical involvement! This brings us to the mental part of “Looking out the window” and seeing the negatives! In years, now past, it was with joy that you looked forward to engaging in such physical activities but the reality is ever on your mind now, it will not be! You will not be able to “look out the window” at the work just completed, and enjoy that feeling that you did it! Such as a little thing of looking back and seeing a straight row just cut as you mowed the yard! Here the mind goes way back to my step-grandfather, who following a horse and plow, as he picked an object at the other end of the field; and following that object, now a straight furrow is completed. A great sense of satisfaction is enjoyed just looking at a straight row, and the same is true with the mowed straight row in the back yard! Just a few days ago, a fellow preacher wrote that his yard was the “envy” of the neighborhood! Well truth be told, my yard has never been the “envy” of the neighborhood, but it has been nice to look at!
Now there is a porch that needs stain put on it; a ceiling that needs to be put up on it; dirt that needs to be moved and put where it is needed for the wife’s rose garden; the porch needs to be sealed to keep the creatures out; the driveway needs to have the sealer put on it, in order to make it last longer; a walk way that needs to be put in, from the porch to the driveway; a gutter that needs to be put up on the north side of the house to keep the rain water from running under the house; and last but not least, a metal covered gateway needs to be installed. Yes, some of these were only dreams, but now even the “dreams” are lost. These realities come before me as I “look out the window!”
You can see what, “Looking out the window,” may mean; not only seeing the beauties that God has given us, which brighten and lifts our spirits, but there is the other side of “Looking out the window!” In the same view, there is the positive and the negative! Here is a proper view of Paul’s words, so often quoted out of context: “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:12-13). The beauties of nature show God’s kindness, generosity, and love; as they remind us of our Heavenly Father taking care of those made in his image, as he sends forth the sun shine and the rain upon all equally.
On the other hand, whatever our physical state, nothing can remove us from the love of God; hear Paul just here: “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31). No, nothing seen as I am “Looking out the window” can take me from the love of God in Christ, from whom I get my strength; thus, I can endure “all things” and remain faithful!
In conclusion, I recall these words: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? … Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” (Rom. 8:35, 37)).

— Frank R. Williams

Life gives us many opportunities and some of them come upon us before we are ready! God’s blessings are not limited to age, however; as there is not one who has been born who is not blessed by God’s love, kindness, and generosity. Of course, there are some, and this number is growing, who have no idea that they enjoy these blessings from God.
As in the time we now are living, more and more people are rejecting God’s existence! Even though the same sun shines upon the rejecter as it does upon the believer. It is that the believer knows whom to give thanks to! Looking out the window, the words of Moses come to mind: “And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good” (Gen. 1:14 – 18). Of course, the non-believer looks at the same sun, moon, and stars that the believer does, knows there are four seasons: 1) Winter, 2) Spring, 3) Summer, and 4) Fall. He just does not know from whom the blessings of these seasons come; how sad it must be, to enjoy such blessings and having no way of give thanks for them!
Just as surely as winter changes to Spring, those beautiful little yellow flowers stand up for all to see; no one tells them to come up and brighten the early Spring days; but the Creator put it within them to come up! So, it is with the budding of the green that shows up on the trees and the brown land begins to turn green. All these are announcing that it is the season of Spring! The unbeliever and the believer see all these and enjoys them, but the non-believer has no one to give thanks; but this is never the case with the believer, as he knows from whom such blessings come. Thus, the believer looks up, as the heavens are higher than the earth; so is the Creator higher than the blessings he gives!
These are but the kindness and generosity of God! As Jesus said: “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matt. 5:45). But, Jesus spoke these words in a context of love. For he had just spoken these words: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” and follow the words about the sun rising and the rain coming, upon both “the evil and on the good” and “on the just and on the unjust!” Now notice the verse which follows: “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?” (verse 46). Therefore, one is to conclude that God’s generosity is evidence of his love; but the non-believer has no idea that he is receiving such blessings from God. On the other hand, the believer knows that as he looks upon and enjoys the rain, that he is the subject of God’s love. In such knowledge, the believer understands these are more than, just kindness and generosity, but the love of God; therefore, the believer gives thanks to God for such blessings and love.
These things are seen just by “Looking out the window!” As one who spends more time than I like in a chair located next a window, “Looking out the window,” I have learned such lovely things! A non-believer may be in another house, “Looking out the window,” but he sees not even one of these blessings as coming from God! Oh, he sees the little yellow flowers as they brighten up the first days of Spring, he sees the sun shining, the moon giving the lesser light as the sun lowers itself in the west, the brown earth and the trees turning green; but he has no one to thank! Such loneliness in the mist of God’s kindness, generosity, and love!
Yet, the non-believer is missing even more, as he sits in his chair “Looking out the window,” for he is missing the greatness of God’s love! You see, he has failed to have God’s greatest love: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8). Yes, the sadness in failing to see and to enjoy God’s love in its fullness, the salvation of one’s soul/spirit!
The next time you look out the window, stop and think of the things you can see, just by “Looking out the widow!”

Frank R. Williams

How do we as Americans determine a “moral standard” for this nation?” America has been debating this question for years! There are two basic thoughts: 1) mankind will make their own moral standard; and 2) “the teaching of Christ” is the only true moral standard! Here we recall the words from the first article: “Consistency—the absence of contradictions—has sometimes been called the hallmark of ethics. Ethics is supposed to provide us with a guide for moral living, and to do so it must be rational, and to be rational it must be free of contradictions.” The truth is, “mankind” is incapable of making such a “moral standard” that is “consistent!”
Let us take up two concurrent subjects of debate: 1) assisted suicide and 2) euthanasia. It is necessary to understand these two words; therefore, let us do so! These have been debated from two standpoints: 1) from the medical field and 2) from the ethical view! In this debate, there are those who assert that: 1) both assisted suicide and euthanasia are morally wrong and should not be provided. Those on the other side: 2) hold that assisted suicide and euthanasia should, and maybe, must be, allowed. This is true, regardless of the circumstances of the case! Then, 3) others hold that assisted suicide or euthanasia are ethically legitimate in rare and exceptional cases; there is the inconsistency of some! Is euthanasia ethically right, or is it ethically wrong; is assisted suicide ethically correct, or is it ethically incorrect? Yet, it is also stated: 4) “but that professional standards and the law should not be changed to authorize either practice.” Speak of inconsistency; here it is in full view! But, the debate does not stop here; 5) “Finally, some advocate that assisted suicide, or both assisted suicide and euthanasia, should be recognized as legally and morally acceptable options in the care of dying or severely ill patients.” (Ethics Education of Military Leaders A Edward Major, Esq).
Early in man’s history, God said through Moses: “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man” (Gen. 9:6). This principle is then clearly stated in “the teaching of Christ,” which makes it the responsibility of civil government: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (2) Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. (3) For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: (4) For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil” (Rom 13:1-4). First, the word “Let,” expresses a command; 2) the words “for he beareth not the sword in vain” is capital punishment; and 3) then notice that these words are followed with: “for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil!” Clearly, the “higher powers” as used here, refer to civil government and it is the God given responsibility of civil government as the “minister of God” to fulfil this responsibility. Here we have “consistency!”
It remains to answer the questions: 1) is assisted suicide, and 2) euthanasia, murder? Here is a good place to recall the words of Theodore Roosevelt: “To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.” First, the laws of this Nation; “West’s Encyclopedia of American Law states that “a ‘mercy killing’ or euthanasia is generally considered to be a criminal homicide” and is normally used as a synonym of homicide committed at a request made by the patient.” Next, it is necessary to understand the word “homicide:” “The judicial sense of the term ‘homicide’ includes any intervention undertaken with the express intention of ending a life, even to relieve intractable suffering.” Without doubt “mercy killing” and “euthanasia” fall within the words “criminal homicide!”
It is a common practice used by those who desire to do something illegal, immoral, to dress it up with nice sounding words: 1) “mercy” and 2) “euthanasia.” Euthanasia means: “the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured individuals (as persons or domestic animals) in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy and comes from the Greek word “euthanatos” which mean: “easy death,” but the use of sweet words do not change the nature of it; it is still murder! Here is a good place to give meaning to the word “murder;” The definition of murder has evolved over several centuries. Under most modern statutes in the United States, murder comes in four varieties: (1) intentional murder; (2) a killing that resulted from the intent to do serious bodily injury; (3) a killing that resulted from a depraved heart or extreme recklessness; and (4) murder committed by an Accomplice during the commission of, attempt of, or flight from certain felonies. (The Free Dictionary)
Therefore, “To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.” This is what happens when “mankind” tries to write his own “moral standard!” It becomes an immoral standard and those who follow it, are “a menace to society,” which falls short of consistency! Consistency being the hallmark of a truly moral standard and this moral standard is “the teaching of Christ!”

Frank R. Williams

There is a great debate taking place about morals! It is not new; neither are the two sides of the debate: 1) the New Testament – the teaching of Christ, and 2) the mind of mankind! The word “mankind” is used, as no one person has the authority to determine a moral standard than does any other! This means “the standard” is constantly changing; thus, there is no real “standard” for all time, for anyone! The real battle here is that no one has any more authority, then, does anyone else! This means there is no “real standard!”
The means that the most qualified, one who is more able to see the long-lasting consequences of certain actions; has no more moral authority, than does the person who see only today! This brings before “mankind” a major problem for which they have no such answer! How is a moral standard determined? There are several ways this problem could be “settled:” 1) a moral standard could be voted on and the “standard” would then be the one that gets the most votes, wins: 2) an authoritative body could be voted in by all who are to be under this moral authority and this body would write a moral code; and 3) there could be a moral standard outside of “mankind!”
First, it must be understood that: ”By the use of the word “standard,” implies” “Consistency—the absence of contradictions—has sometimes been called the hallmark of ethics. Ethics is supposed to provide us with a guide for moral living, and to do so it must be rational, and to be rational it must be free of contradictions.” (Santa Clara University: Jan 1, 1988)
Second, it is good at this point, to recall these words: “To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.” (Theodore Roosevelt). With these thoughts in mind, read the following which addresses “business and morals: “In The Moral Leader course at Harvard Business School, students exchange their business management case studies to discuss some of the great protagonists in literature. Sandra Sucher discusses how we all can find our own definition of moral leadership. (Working Knowledge – Business Research for Business Leaders – 19 NOV. 2007). The key words here are: “how we all can find our own definition of moral leadership.” If businesses are free to “find our own definition of moral leadership;” then, the “moral leadership” is free to defined what is moral! Notice, “leadership” changes; therefore, each “moral leader” is free to set forth what is “moral” and it may be very different from the last “moral leader!” This violates the earlier point: “Consistency—the absence of contradictions—has sometimes been called the hallmark of ethics. Ethics is supposed to provide us with a guide for moral living, and to do so it must be rational, and to be rational it must be free of contradictions.”
The only true, consistent moral standard in the world today, is “the teaching of Christ!” This statement, of course, has been and is debated; and it is the subject of this article! Take for instance in business “a moral leader” faced with the decision: 1) “Do I follow what is best for the company” or 2) “Do I follow what is morally right?” If he is free to “defend his own moral leadership,” then, he more than likely would go with what makes more money for the company, as this is his “definition of moral leadership!” However, to do this he must be dishonest in his business dealings with other companies! Thus, his “moral code” is not consistent and has within it contradictions. Now you ask: does he expect those with whom he does business to be honest in their dealings with him! Here we come face to face with the “heart and soul” of “the teaching of Christ” when dealing with others; Jesus said what is called “the golden rule:” “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Luke 6:31). Jesus’ teaching is superior to that of any other!
The teaching of Christ is all-sufficient; in all areas of life: personal, family, business, national and internationally! As Paul when addressing the inspired word of God; he said: it “is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Frank R. Williams

Was the conviction, conversion, and sanctification of Cornelius-and those with him- the result of “the mystery of the Holy Spirit”: a direct action of the Holy Spirit upon the heart/mind? If so, the text is silent on the subject! Yet, to hear some talk, you would think the case of conviction, conversion, and sanctification of Cornelius and those with him is written all through the text!
As in the last article, it must be pointed out and understood, “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit,” which is the “method of procedure; especially: the distinct pattern or method of operation” of the Holy Spirit in the cases of conviction, conversion, and sanctification. Here let us recall the words of one writer: “The world is a sinful place, and one of the Holy Spirit’s tasks is to convict the world of its sin. No amount of preaching, pleading, or pointing of fingers will bring about the conviction of sin, unless the Holy Spirit is at work in the sinner’s heart. It is the Spirit’s job to convict.” However the angel who appeared to Cornelius, stands before this man and to his face says, send to Joppa for one Simon Peter: “Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved” (Acts 11:14). Does this not make preaching/teaching the word necessary to the conviction, conversion, and sanctification, of Cornelius and those with him dependent upon the gospel, God’s power unto salvation (Rom. 1:16)?
Turning our attention to the Holy Spirit coming upon Cornelius and those with him; we need to notice Peter’s report: “And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us at the beginning” (Acts 11:15). Yes, yes indeed, the Holy Spirit “fell on them,” but for what purpose? It was not for the purpose of conviction, conversion, and sanctification! The very thing the writer quoted above is looking for! No, the purpose of the Holy Spirit falling on them was to convince the six brethren who came with Peter that the gospel was for the Gentiles, as well as the Jews! Here is what Luke wrote: “And they of the circumcision (the six Hebrews, frw) which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 10:45). But, what were they convinced of? Hear Luke’s words: “For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God” (Acts 10:46). Here is God’s proof, to these Hebrew followers of Christ, that the gospel was to Gentles, also!
If there is any doubt as to the conclusion just reached; let Peter speak for himself: “Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Spirit as well as we? (Acts 10:46-47). Peter had absolutely no doubts in his mind, the coming of the Holy Spirit upon Cornelius and those at his house, were to hear and obey the gospel! Oh, did you see any “mystery of the Holy Spirit” in the conviction, conversion, and sanctification of these people? No, not one word! They were to hear the gospel, “worketh righteousness” and be saved in the same manner as the Hebrews! What is revealed here is the same as in the first, conviction, conversion, and sanctification; recall now what took place: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:37-38).
There you have “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit,” and there is no “mystery of the Holy Spirit” in it at all. It is necessary that the student, who desires to know the truth, keeps in mind; once a truth is ascertained in one case of salvation, it is true is all cases of salvation! There is no need to repeat the same words over and over, as God expects us to have the ability to learn truth, for it shall make us free; once it is learned, believed, and obeyed! Hear Luke once more on the subject: “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7).
Therefore, we have reached the conclusion of the subject: “the method of procedure; especially: the distinct pattern or method of operation” of the Holy Spirit in the cases of conviction, conversion, and sanctification and it is through the word of truth. It is my plea, that all who may read these articles, will give themselves to the gospel of Christ, which is God’s power unto salvation and in so doing, will be working righteousness!

Frank R. Williams

In this sixth article on the subject: “The Mystery of the Holy Spirit,” we shall examine one of the more popular cases of conversion; as it appears to many folks to have all the “mystery” elements within it. It is the case of the conversion of the household of Cornelius which is covered by the inspired Luke in Acts chapters ten and eleven.
We are looking for “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit” in conviction, conversion, and sanctification. In order words, is there a method of procedure; especially: the distinct pattern or method of operation of the Holy Spirit in these three areas revealed in the New Testament? So far, we have learned, and here is a good place to recall, that once a truth has been discovered, then, it is always true in all such cases! As in, if we learn that one must believe, have faith, to be saved, then, it is always the case that in all reports of people being saved; their having faith is understood, stated or not! Therefore, recall the words of Hebrews: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb. 11:6). Then, Jesus said: “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24). The text does not have say, though it generally does, that people believed who were being saved. The same is true of repentance; Paul said: “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30). Can anyone be saved without repenting? No! The inspired writer may say nothing about the person being saved, that he repented; but if he is saved, then, he repented! So, it is with “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit” in the cases of conviction, conversion, and sanctification; if he worked one way, then, this is the way he works in all cases! Truth is always truth!
Now, turning our attention to the conversion of the household of Cornelius and it is most important to keep in mind, it was not just Cornelius but he “had called together his kinsmen and near friends” (Acts 10:24). When Peter arrived at the house of Cornelius, Cornelius said: “Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God” (Acts 10:33). They were not looking for “the mystery of the Holy Spirit” but they were ready to hear words from the inspired Peter! It is here that Peter said: “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him” (Acts 10:34-35). The salvation of Cornelius and his household depended on their being able to “worketh righteousness!” Here recall the power of God unto salvation: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Rom. 1:16-17). God’s “righteousness,” which is the same as “justification,” is revealed in the gospel; therefore, it was necessary for Cornelius to hear the gospel, if he was to “worketh righteousness” and this is what Peter was going to teach! The gospel is necessary but Peter said nothing about any “mystery of the Holy Spirit” at the household of Cornelius!
Yes, the Holy Spirit did come up on Cornelius and all that were with him, but he did not come to convict, convert, and sanctify not directly, but indirectly, through the words of Peter! In chapter eleven of Acts, Luke reports that Cornelius was told by an angel to send to Joppa for one Simon Peter; and now read with care these words: “Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved” (Acts 11:14). The “words, whereby thou … shall be saved” is the gospel, which is God’s power unto salvation!
My friends, please do not belittle the gospel of Christ, God’s power unto salvation! This is, though it may not be stated or even understood, what is being done when he depends on “the mystery of the Holy Spirit” in conviction, conversion, and sanctification. Here is a question to ponder: “If the gospel does not have the power to bring one to conviction, conversion, and sanctification, just what it the purpose of the gospel?”

Frank R. Williams

What is the “The modus operandi of the Holy Spirit,” or what is “the method of procedure; especially: the distinct pattern or method of operation” of the Holy Spirit in the cases of conviction and conversion in the New Testament? Many in the world of “Christendom” (those who claim to be Christians) regard the work of the Holy Spirit as a mystery. By the word “mystery” is meant: a religious truth that can be known only by revelation but cannot be fully understood; an experience which baffles the mind or that cannot be fully understood by reason and less strictly, to whatever resists or defies explanation. At least this expresses some of what many believe about how the Holy Spirit works in conviction, conversion, and sanctification. It is believed that the Holy Spirit must work directly upon the heart in each of these three areas and that the experience may be different to some degree in each case!
As stated by one writer: “The world is a sinful place, and one of the Holy Spirit’s tasks is to convict the world of its sin. No amount of preaching, pleading, or pointing of fingers will bring about the conviction of sin, unless the Holy Spirit is at work in the sinner’s heart. It is the Spirit’s job to convict.” (Not sure just who wrote these words, but they were taken from: “S. Michael Houdmann, President, GotQuestions.org). Yet, when reading “The Acts of the Apostles” the first thing that is noticed, is the preaching of the gospel, which the Holy Spirit guided the apostle Paul to write: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Rom. 1:16-17). Question, “Is the gospel God’s power unto salvation, or is it not God’s power unto salvation?” The words of Peter, which the Holy Spirit guided him into writing are important here: “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you” (1 Pet. 1:23-25). Did you notice, that it is by the incorruptible seed that we are “born again?” Did you notice, that it is “by the word of God,” that we are “born again?” Did you notice, that it is “the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever?” Did you notice, that “this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you?” The “incorruptible seed,” “the word of God,” and “the gospel” are one and the same “which liveth and abideth forever!”
Now, let us read right into chapter two: “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Pet. 2:1-2). You may not have ever read these words, the end of chapter one and the beginning of chapter two, together before. But the Holy Spirit put them together and there they should stay! The new birth is accomplished, “born again,” by means of the “incorruptible,” by mean of “the word of God;” and our spiritual growth is continued by the same word of God! Is the Holy Spirit at work here? Yes, it was by means of the Holy Spirit guiding the apostles into “all truth” that we have the “incorruptible” word by which we are “born again” and by which we grow! The word of God is “The modus operandi of the Holy Spirit” in conviction, conversion, and sanctification!
Let us take the case of when “the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem.” Luke is very brief in recording the event and writes: “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7). There is not one word about the Holy Spirit, but we would be amiss to conclude that the Holy Spirit was not at work in these convictions and conversions! That there were convictions and conversions, is simply understood in the words, “the number of the disciples multiplied;” for this cannot take place without conviction and conversion! Was the Holy Spirit at work in these convictions and conversion? Yes! For Luke wrote: “the word of God increased;” and it was the work of the Holy Spirit to guide the apostles, and in this case it appears it includes those upon whom the apostles had laid their hands and imparted spiritual gifts, for the seven were required to be “full of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:3). Then, Luke continued to report: “and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, the other six names are then given; therefore, there can be no doubt that these men who were engaged in the word being “increased” were guided by the Holy Spirit and convictions, conversion, and sanctification, followed: “the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly!” Therefore, “The modus operandi of the Holy Spirit” in conviction, conversion, sanctification, stands in the truth preached!
My friends, if you are waiting for a direct work of the Holy Spirit upon your heart/mind, then, you are waiting on the wrong thing! Hear the gospel, God’s power unto salvation, believe it, and obey it!

— Frank R. Williams

The articles, which this is the fourth, is where we are pre-supposing that the Holy Spirit is a mystery. This is not to say that it is true! It is in fact, an accommodating term, as so many believe it to be true! In the last article, “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit” was set forth in one example. It was also pointed out, that once a truth is obtained, it is always true as it relates to the same subject.
It is necessary, at least in the mind of some, to prove a truth more than once; therefore, in the case of the so-called “mystery of the Holy Spirit” we are more than glad to accommodate. In the third article, it was pointed out that the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles in Acts chapter two, verses one through four. In so doing, he started his role of guiding them into “all truth” (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit acted upon the lost, but he did so through the words spoken by the apostles; as the conclusion is reached in the first part of Peter’s sermon, Luke wrote that Peter said: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). It is the next words of Luke that he gives us “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit” as he works through the apostles of Christ: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (verse 37). Let us here notice the words, ‘pricked in their heart.” The Greek word is “katanussō” and it means: “to pierce thoroughly,” and “metaphorically to pain the mind sharply.” Now, just what was it that “pained their minds sharply?” It was the words spoken by the apostles, given to them by the Holy Spirit! Therefore, the Holy Spirit worked through the words preached by the apostles! It was the words, “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart.” Here is “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit” in conversion!
It would be a total mistake to think, or to conclude, that the Holy Spirit was not at work in the above case of conversion! The Holy Spirit was doing just as Jesus said he would do: “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin” (John 16:8). Remember from article number three, the word “reprove” is the Greek “elegchō” and means: “to convict,” and “generally with a suggestion of shame of the person convicted,” then, “by conviction to bring to the light, to expose.” Therefore, Luke recorded their reaction: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (verse 37). There is “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit” and the so-called “mystery of the Holy Spirit” is removed!
But, let us take up another case of “conviction” – conversion! When Peter reached the conclusion of what is called his second sermon; he said: “And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers” (Acts 3:17). These words are very much like those of Act 2:36; but there is no cry from those who heard here. Therefore, Peter continued: “But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled” (verse 18). It is important to notice what we have here. We have the gospel preacher, we have the gospel being preached; therefore, we have the Holy Spirit guiding the preacher (Peter) into truth! Thus, we are witnessing “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit,” but, do we have “conviction?” Peter followed with these words: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” (verse 19). Luke does not report any “convictions;” therefore, no conversion! However, the Holy Spirit was at work, but he was working through preached gospel; which is God’s power unto salvation (Rom. 1:16).
There is no direct operation upon the heart of the sinner by the Holy Spirit, as this is not “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit!” Is there a “THE MYSTERY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT” in these two cases? No, not at all. To have the power of salvation in the Holy Spirit directly, would make the words of Paul to the Romans worthless: “So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:15-16).
Friends, it is a reproach upon the gospel of Christ, to teach that one must have a direct action of the Holy Spirit upon the heart of the sinner in conversion! It is to say the gospel is powerless, where the Holy Spirit through Paul said, “the gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” It was the Holy Spirit who guided Paul as he wrote these words; so, why stand ye against the Holy Spirit?

Frank R. Williams

Breathe easy, as the “New Year” is to start today; that the first article of the year is calling upon you to make no New Year’s resolutions; that few, very few, ever keep anyway! So, why not make a “New Year’s Resolution” for losing weight during the year 2017? Yes, these words were written just to prove that we never keep those resolutions that we make! So, I have told you I will not call upon you to make any “New Year’s Resolutions,” then, the first thing I did was to call upon you to do this that!
Seriously now, the person who has no desire to get better, to make himself a better person, to improve himself, may not be much of a person! This is based upon the fact, that we have no “perfect,” no flawless people walking among us today! Yet, we hear say: “Accept me just the way I am, for this is who I am!” Such a person is revealing that they have no desire to improve! How sad! But think about this, once there was a person who walked upon this earth, who was “perfect,” who was without flaw, and who was without sin! Peter wrote of him: “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Pet. 2:22-23). Yet, few honored him, as he should have been honored and should be honored today! In fact, listen to their cry when Pilate asked them: “What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?” (Matt. 27:22). Are you listening? “They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.” Yes, Pilate even set a man of “murder” before them, as Luke wrote: “I will therefore chastise him (Jesus, frw), and release him. (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.) And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.) Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him” (Luke 23:16-21). There was no honor for him who was “perfect,” “without flaw,” and who had no sin!
So, shall we be honored who are far less than “perfect,” who have our flaws, and who commit sin? First, in our thinking, let us remember Paul’s words to those in Athens: “For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device” (Acts 17:28-29). No, we do not look for our God to be made out of “gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device;” a god that can and was destroyed by invading armies; a god neglected by the hands of man. One of the things I noticed while preaching the gospel in India, was that I would come upon area full of “their gods” and they were totally neglected and abandoned, as the grass and the weeds grew up about them! What a difference between the ideas of man and his gods and God and his idea of man! Those who follow the world, think they can make their own gods; while God created man! Thanks,be to God, who provided us with a means to handle and forgiveness of our imperfections, our flaws, and our sins! John wrote: “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 1:9 – 2:2). There is our God and his plans for our imperfections, our flaws, and our sins! It is from the creator to the created!
Did you notice John’s words: “that ye sin not?” Even though God has an answer for our sins; this is not to create within a desire to sin! No, this is a loving Father, through his beloved Son, providing a way of forgiveness, not creating a desire to sin! Remember the cost of our redemption from sin: “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Pet. 1:18-19).
So, did I hear anyone say, “I have no desire to improve myself in the year 2017?” My friend, my brothers and sisters in Christ, is this what you think of the “precious blood of Christ?”

Frank R. Williams