Barnes church of Christ

The song, Master, The Tempest Is Raging, lyrics the cry of our hearts as tragedies of life overpower us, stripping away all earthly security and hope. Expressed in music seemingly so natural, no other song voices our soul’s anguish so appropriately. This is due to the fact that the song is closely based upon an account (Mark 4:35-41) written and revealed by Him who knows perfectly man’s life and heart. It is this incident in life of some of the disciples from which the song is written. Yet, with the violent storm, the desperate cry and the Master’s deliverance, this incident pictures storms not unlike those which are encountered by His disciples (as well as all mankind) today.

THE STORM
“There arose a great storm of wind” (Mark 4:37). The Sea of Galilee is 600 feet below sea level. The mountains of Lebanon to the north reach over 9000 feet and are covered with snow most of the year due to the frigid high altitude. As the air heats and rises above the sea, the cold and heavier air in the mountains is sucked down to fill the void. This avalanche of air will increase with intensification if it falls in and forces through the gorges leading to the lake. It is as the account in Luke describes it: “there came down a storm of wind on the lake” (Luke 8:23). Thus, due to the features of the land, these storms can be extremely violent and can come very quickly.
This particular storm was unusually violent. In the Greek it is described as a megas storm. Megas is a word that is used “of natural events powerfully affecting the senses, i.e. violent, mighty, strong”. Oklahoma has its wind, and it has its days of stiff wind, but one day in the mid 1980’s, there was the infamous day-long wind of 70 mph. This was an unusual, megas wind! Furthermore, Matthew calls the storm a seismos. From this word, we obtain our English word seismograph–an instrument used to measure earthquakes. Seismos is also used in Acts 16:26 in referring to the earthquake that shook Paul’s prison doors open, and appears in Revelation 11:13 in which it symbolically shook and destroyed one-tenth of a city and killed 7000 people. Still yet, Mark describes the storm as a lailapse, which means: “a hurricane, whirlwind.” Then to this he adds the word, megas.
Due to such violent wind rushing onto the sea from the cold peaks of the mountains, the water became turbulent with mighty waves. Not only was the boat tempestuously tossed, it was filling with water. Mark conveyed the situation with the word, semidzo, meaning: “to fill full.” This is the word which is used in John 2:7 to describe the first miracle in Cana when the water pots were filled to the brim. Matthew described the condition with another word which means “to cover up or over.” The waves were not merely slapping the side of the boat, they were rising above and coming down and over the boat.
This was truly a mega, seismatic, hurricane of a storm. The wind was mercilessly tossing them about, and the water was rising above and pounding into the boat. These men, some who were fishermen, knew what was happening–they were about to die (Luke 8:23-24).
Does not this storm at sea perfectly describe our storms of life? Our storms break upon us just as fast as we: get that certain initial pain; listen to the report from the doctor; answer the phone or the door or open the letter which unleashes the storm. Our tragedies come just as unexpected; just as violent; just as relentless; and just as consuming. Thus we can truly sing: “Master, the tempest is raging! The billows are tossing high! The sky is o’er-shadowed with blackness, No shelter or help is nigh.“
Furthermore, notice that this storm at sea come upon these men even though they were with Jesus and were sailing the course which He directed. While it is true that God’s directions help us to avoid many problems of life (Prov. 3:1-2), the Christian must realize that not all storms of life are averted just because he is a Christian. There are still the accidents, illnesses, deaths and even the additional storms just because one is a Christian (2 Tim. 2:12). If you have ever encountered situations as these, you know that the One who knows man’s life and heart has perfectly presented your storm in the account upon the sea.
Gary Henson

As God was leading the Hebrews through the wilderness, He had Moses take a census of the people (Num. 1). From this seemingly unimportant information, we learn some rather crucial and encouraging lessons.
First, God has an enrollment of His people. In verse two He said, “take ye the sum of the people.” Although God already knew the exact number of the people, this census assured them that God did have such a record. Likewise, we can be assured and “rejoice because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). Yes, God does have an enrollment of His people in our day.
Second, everyone who is enrolled is a soldier. In verse three, those who were to be numbered were “all that are able to go forth to war.” Likewise, we who are enrolled are to “endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ” (2 Tim. 2:3); “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Tim. 6:12); and our armor is that of a soldier (Eph. 6:11-19). Yes, every- one who is enrolled is to be a soldier who fights for God.
Third, God knows exactly those who are His. Due to the census, God made clear that He knew tribe by tribe and person by person those who were His. Likewise, “the Lord knows them who are His” (2 Tim. 2:19). Thus, take courage, do not lose hope, do not be in despair–no matter what happens around you, if YOU live faithfully, God will not make a mistake and overlook you–because God knows exactly who are His.
Indeed. Mighty profound lessons from some old, dry information.
Gary Henson

QUESTION: Is Ezekiel 37:16-17 a prophecy of the Book of Mormon?

ANSWER: Please read Ezekiel 37:16-17. [Mormons claim that the two sticks were scrolls and that Judah’s stick represents the Bible while Ephraim’s is the book of Mormon which was written by some of Joseph’s descendants who made it to America (and translated by Joseph Smith). Thus, they say, the Bible and the Book of Mormon are to be joined (used) together.]

A reply to this is actually very simple due to the fact that God placed a safeguard against such erroneous manipulations of His Word by giving the explanation in subsequent verses! But, before considering those verses, it is interesting to notice the setting in which the verses in question are found. Chapters 33-48 contain words of (1) hope to Israel when they were (to be) carried away into the Babylonian captivity of 586 BC, and (2) promises of return to their homeland. Even the vision in the first part of the chapter (hopeless dry bones of which God restored with flesh and life [37:1-14]) signified that God would “place you in your own land” (37:12,14).

Immediately following this vision is the message of the two sticks of which God explains Himself in verses 21-22. One stick represented the nation of Israel and the other the nation of Judah. Both of these nations (not books) would be united into one kingdom. Thus, a message of hope to Israel (while in Babylon) that they would be returned to their homeland–and not a prophecy of the Book of Mormon.
Gary Henson

The Premillennial doctrine of the 1000 year reign (or, the millennium) [point 8 on chart] teaches that the kingdom of Jesus is to begin when He becomes victorious at the battle of Armageddon and takes His throne in Jerusalem. The nation of Israel is to be supreme over all nations, and the saints are to rule with Jesus at Jerusalem. This situation is to last 1000 years.
The premillennialist doctrine of the 1000 year reign is false because: those who are to reign with Jesus for 1000 years are to reign in heaven—NOT earth. Revelation 20:4-6 are the verses from which this premillennialist doctrine is based. The first and last part of verse 4 reads, “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them…and they reigned with Christ a thousand years.” Notice, those who reigned sat upon thrones. However, every time the word “throne” is used in the book of Revelation (44 times), the throne is located in heaven. The exceptions are the three times it refers to the throne associated with Satan! Thus, those who are reigning are either reigning with Jesus in heaven, or elsewhere with Satan! Furthermore, the verse makes clear that those who reigned with Jesus were those whose entity was their souls, “…and I saw the souls of them….” The scriptures teach that man has a body while on earth and a new body when in eternal heaven (1 Cor. 15:36-54), but the only time man exists as a soul without a body is the duration from the point of death to the beginning of eternity (Jam. 2:26; 2 Cor. 5:1-9). At such a time they are with God (Eccl. 12:7; Phil. 1:23; Luke 16:20-31) and not on earth! Truly then, the Bible teaches that those who reign with Jesus are those souls who reign with Him in heaven–not earth!
The premillennialist doctrine of the 1000 year reign is false because: those who reign with Jesus during this era are those who were martyrs. Those who were to reign with Jesus for 1000 years are those that “were beheaded for the witness of Jesus…” (Rev. 20:4). Thus, all those who have not been beheaded for Jesus will not be reigning with Jesus 1000 years. But, how many of the premillennialists have been beheaded?! Since premillennialism maintains all saints will reign with Jesus, it is obvious they have built a false doctrine upon a misinterpretation of this verse.
The premillennialist doctrine of the 1000 year reign is false because: immediately following the 2nd coming (thus, before this “1000 year reign on earth”) there is no more earth. Regarding the coming of the Lord, 2 Peter 3:10 states, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” Thus, when Jesus comes the second time, He will take all humanity from earth to Judgment (Mat. 25:31-32) and then annihilate the physical creation. Thus, there cannot be a 1000 year reign on earth which begins at His coming because there will not be an earth upon which to reign.
The premillennialist doctrine of the millennium is false. The Bible does not teach it. Rather, the Bible teaches that life will continue as it is now (Mat. 24:36-41) until Jesus returns the second and final time to resurrect and judge all to either eternal damnation or eternal bliss (John 5:25-29).
[Sixth of six in a series of the misinterpretations of Premillennialism] Gary Henson

The premillennialist doctrine of the second coming of Christ claims that (following the rapture and the seven years in heaven) Jesus will come from heaven (with so-called “raptured saints”) to earth [see point 7 on chart] with the intention of raising the so-called “tribulation saints” [see point 6b on chart] and judging and disposing of the non-saints who are alive on earth (the non-saints who have died will be judged following the 1000 year reign).
The premillennialist doctrine of the second coming is false because: premillennialism has too many comings of Jesus. The theory has Jesus coming for His saints at the beginning of the rapture, and it has Jesus coming with His saints at the end of the rapture. However, 2 Peter 3:4-13 has room for only one return of Jesus. The passage is discussing the coming of Jesus (verse 4). When He does come, the earth will be destroyed and dissolved (verses 10-12). Thus, the very next time Jesus comes, (since His departure via the cross [verse 4]) it will be the last time! This cannot be the coming at the “rapture” because they claim the earth is to continue. Nor can this be the coming after the “rapture” for the same reason. Thus, not only does premillennialism have too many comings of Jesus, neither one of them is the Biblical second coming.
The premillennialist doctrine of the second coming is false because: when Jesus comes, everybody will see Him. “Behold, he cometh with the clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him” (Rev. 1:7). However, this cannot be His second coming at the “rapture” because the “rapture” will be a secret coming and the wicked will not see Him. Also, this cannot be His coming following the “rapture” because at that time the wicked dead will not see Him (they will not see Him for another 1000 years). Thus, this theory of the second coming is not the Biblical second coming because in the Biblical second coming everybody will see Him.
The premillennialist doctrine of the second coming is false because: it contradicts 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10. [It would be most helpful to have that passage before you]. This cannot refer to the “rapture coming” because there is to be no vengeance of God upon the wicked at that time. Neither can this refer to the coming after the rapture because Jesus is going to punish the wicked (versus 8-9), and, contrary to premillennialism, this includes the wicked dead because this punishment is going to include those “that trouble you” (:6). But notice, the “you” are those to whom this is being written, that is, the first century church at Thessalonica (:1). Thus, this punishment is not only for the living wicked at the second coming (as per the Premillennial theory), but also for the wicked dead! Thus, while this passage is distinctly describing the second coming, it is not describing the second coming of premillennialism.
The premillennialist doctrine of the second coming is false. The Bible does not teach it. Rather, the Bible teaches that life will continue as it is now (Mat. 24:36-41) until Jesus returns the second and find time to resurrect and judge all to either eternal damnation or eternal bliss (John 5:25- 29).

[Fifth of six in a series of the misinterpretations of Premillennialism] Gary Henson

The premillennialism doctrine of the tribulation is the idea that while the so-called resurrection saints are in heaven for seven years, some of those who remain on earth will be converted to Jesus. During the last three and one half years, all of those new saints will be persecuted severely and killed. These are called the “tribulation saints” who will be resurrected to reign with Jesus on earth when He comes again with the “raptured sai@nts”.
The premillennialism doctrine of the tribulation is false because: those who came out of great tribulation (in Rev. 7:14) went to heaven BEFORE the 1000 years reign. Those which came out of the great tribulation (:14) stood before the throne, the Lamb, the angels and four beasts (Rev 7:9-11), all of which are located in heaven (Rev. 4:2,4,6; 5:11). Also, the scene of the multitude in Revelation 7 occurs before the 1000 year reign (mentioned later in Rev. 20:4-6). Thus, while the Bible teaches that those killed in the tribulation went to heaven before the 1000 years reign, premillennialism teaches that those killed in the tribulation did not go to heaven until after the 1000 years reign. Both cannot be true. The choice is easy. Premillennialism is false.
The premillennialism doctrine of the tribulation is false because: the great tribulation was happening THEN. John wrote Revelation in the 1st century and said, “I John, who am your brother, and companion in tribulation….” (Rev. 1:9). Thus, John was sharing in the tribulation with those to whom he was directly writing. Those to whom John was directly writing were the seven churches of Asia (Rev. 1:11). Most of those seven churches were also in tribulation (Rev. 2:10,13; 3:2,4,10). Of special interest are those who “shall walk with me [Jesus] in white” (3:4), because the same description is given to those of chapter seven who came out of great tribulation. They were clothed in white (7:9,13,14) and walked with Jesus as He “lead them unto living waters” (7:17). Thus, the multitude that died in the great tribulation consisted of the saints who died in the great tribulation THEN. But premillennialism teaches that the great tribulation is still yet to occur. Both cannot be true. The choice is easy. Premillennialism is false.
The premillennialism doctrine of the great tribulation is false because: the great tribulation of Matthew 24:21 has already passed. Premillennialists claim that this passage teaches their concept. It reads, “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” However, since Jesus also said concerning this event, “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled” (verse 34), then this was a tribulation that was going to happen then. If it did not, then one of the three following choices is true: Jesus lied; or there are a multitude of those people who are still living and are nearly 2000 years old; or this passage does not teach premillennialism. The choice is easy. Matthew 24:21 does not teach what premillennialists want it to teach.
The premillennialism doctrine of the great tribulation is false. The Bible does not teach it. Rather, both Biblical accounts of a great tribulation have already passed. Now, life will continue as it is (Mat. 24:36-41) until the Lord returns the second and final time to resurrect and judge all to either eternal damnation or eternal bliss (John 5:25-29).
[Fourth of six in a series of the misinterpretations of Premillennialism]
Gary Henson

The premillenial doctrine of the rapture refers to the supposed time when Jesus comes and receives from earth all the resurrected saints (of both, OT and NT periods) as well as all the saints who are living, and takes them to heaven for seven years. However, this is not the end of time, for the wicked are still living on earth and are bewildered as to the utter disappearance of the “church going” people.
The doctrine of the rapture is false because: the parable of the net teaches that there is no such separation of good and evil until the end of the world. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth” (Mat. 13:47-50).
The doctrine of the rapture is false because: everybody will see Him—not just a portion. Revelation 1:7 declares, “Behold, he cometh with the clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.” But, at the so-called rapture, the wicked living do not see Jesus; and, at His coming after the rapture [point 7 on chart] the wicked dead do not see Him. Thus, the rapture is a false doctrine because when Jesus comes, “every eye shall see him.”
The doctrine of the rapture is false because: ALL nations will be before Jesus at His coming—not just the saints. The Judgment Day of Matthew 25:31-46 begins thusly, “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats:” (vs:31-32), and ends with, “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal” (vs. 46). This account does not fit the rapture because the wicked are there too. It does not fit the coming after the rapture [point 7 on chart] because verse 46 reveals this is concerning the end of earth and the beginning of eternity. Nor does this account fit the end of the 1000 years because verse 31 makes clear that Jesus is just now coming. No, this account does not fit the rapture doctrine because the rapture doctrine is not the Biblical account!
The doctrine of the rapture is false. The Bible does not teach it. Rather, the Bible teaches that life will continue as it is (Mat. 24:36-41) until the Lord returns the second and final time to resurrect and judge all to either eternal damnation or eternal bliss (John 5:25-29).
[Third of six in a series of the misinterpretations of Premillennialism] Gary Henson

In spite of it being so bizarre, the premillennialists’ story of the Second Coming of Jesus, the battle of Armageddon, and the thousand years reign grabs the hearts of multitudes. They maintain it was God’s ageless plan for Jesus to come to earth the first time to set up an earthly, political, worldwide kingdom. However, they maintain, He was thwarted by the Jews and crucified. Yet, before He went to the cross, He quickly made the plans to establish a temporary substitute: the church, and then come back a second time with forceful power in a horrifying battle to set up the kingdom.
In reply, it must be pointed out and stressed that this doctrine implies that the Jews’ rejection of Jesus was totally unexpected and was never foreknown by God up to that point. Thus, not having foreknown it, God never would have written about it in the OT; He never would have prophesied about Jesus’ death, resurrection nor coronation in heaven. No, if premillennialism is true, there would be no mention of such events in the Bible. Therefore, if there IS mention of these events, then God not only DID foreknow about these events, such is ALSO what God INTENDED to occur, AND the entire story of premillennialism is FALSE! Are there, then, such prophecies? Let’s see.
Isaiah 53:7-8 speaks of one who “was lead as a lamb to the slaughter“ [death] and “was cut off from the land of the living“ [death]. While this is admittedly telling of someone’s death, can it be said that it was a prophecy about Jesus Christ? Acts 8:31-35 interprets it for us. Upon reading this very passage (:32-33), the eunuch asked of whom the prophet spoke (:34), “then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus” (:35)! Yes, God foreknew of the rejection and death of Jesus; this was His plan—not a life on earth as a king!
Psalm 16:10 tells of one whose soul would not remain in the abode or place of departed souls, nor would his body be dead long enough to decay. Thus, this is speaking of a resurrection, but, is this a prophecy of the resurrection of Jesus who was rejected and slain? Acts 2:22-32 makes it very clear. In Peter’s sermon, he preached Jesus (:22), Who was rejected and slain (:23), Who God raised up (:24), just as the psalmist prophesied (:25) in Psalm 16:10 (:27). Yes, God foreknew that He would be resurrecting Jesus (:31)—this was His plan.
Psalm 110:1 speaks of one who was to be exalted to sit at the right hand of God—thus, a coronation of a Lord in heaven (not on earth). Is this a prophecy about Jesus? Acts 2:32-36 removes all doubt. The inspired preacher says that Jesus (:32) was “exalted to the right hand of God” (:33), into heaven (:34). He then quotes Psalm 110:1 to prove that such is precisely what God said would happen! Thus, in this, Jesus was coroneted king (:36). Yes, God foreknew Jesus’ coronation in heaven—that was His plan.
Thus, by any one of three simple prophecies, the entire concept of premillennialism is proven false. The death, resurrection and coronation in heaven was not an afterthought—it was God’s plan all along! The church was not a desperately established substitute—it was part of His eternal purpose (Eph. 3:9-11). Jesus was not to be coroneted on earth to rule a physical kingdom from Jerusalem—He was to be coroneted in heaven to reign from there over a spiritual kingdom (John 18:19) which is comprised of the saints (Rev. 1:9; Col. 1:13; Heb. 12:28) who will join Him in heaven’s eternal bliss (1 Pet. 1:11). May our caring God Who would have all men to know the truth, attain such on this matter by means of these three simple prophecies.
[This is the first of 6 in a series on the misinterpretations of the doctrine of Premillennialism.]
Gary Henson