Barnes church of Christ

1. …the inspired Word of _ tells us so.
   [Read: 2 Timothy 3:15-16].
2. …His __ manifested it.
   [Read: John 20:30-31].
3. …He fulfilled all the __ about the Son of God on earth.
   [Read: Luke 24:25-27; (Note: Mat. 1:23; Heb. 1:8)].
4. …God the _ declared it.
   [Read: Matthew 3:17].
5. …He existed in the __.
   [Read: John 1:1,14].
6. …He ______ all things.
   [Read: John 1:3; Genesis 1:1].
7. ….He lived perfectly, never once committing _.
   [Read: 1 Peter 2:21-22].
8. …He _ all things.
   [Read: John 16:30].
9. …His __ from the dead declared that He is the Son of God.
   [Read: Romans 1:4].
   Gary Henson

Their Ears are open to the cries for help from a lost and dying world.
Their Eyes are ever searching for a receptive heart in which to plant the word of God.
Their Lips are always ready and willing to proclaim the glory of God.
Their Hands are always turning the pages of God’s word, seeking His will.
Their Feet are on the move to carry out the words of Christ in preaching the gospel to every creature.
Their Hearts are breaking with the urgency to reach the lost before it is too late.
Their Heads are bowed in prayer to the Father in heaven, seeking wisdom.
Their Faces glow with the hope that lives in them.
Their Lives are like the light of a city set upon a hill that cannot be hid.
They are the Light of the world. In Christ they live and move and have their being.

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplication, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men” (1 Tim. 2:1). While this verse sets forth four words to identify the attitude and contents of our prayers, it also reveals the subjects of the prayer: all men. Thus, our prayer is not to be limited only for ourselves, but is to be extended toward: saints and sinners; high and low; countrymen and foreigners. The Golden Rule compels it. (Mat. 7:12). The Great Commandment demands it (Mat. 22:39). Specifically then, for whom are we to pray?
We are to pray for our BRETHREN. James 5:16 admonishes to “pray one for another.” The church prayed for Peter (Acts 12:5), and Paul prayed for others (Col. 1:3; 2 Thes. 1:11) and asked others to pray for him (Eph. 6:19). May we be sure to pray for the spiritual condition and the spiritual work of one another, as well as their health and welfare.
Pray for those in DARKNESS. Jesus taught us to pray for the lost (Mat. 9:36-38). Of all things may we pray that men be saved! Pray for open doors; pray for workers in the work; pray for receptive hearts. While we cannot “pray a person into heaven,” we need to pray for their opportunity to hear the soul saving message.
Pray for the SICK and NEEDY. “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him…” (Jam. 5:14). Let’s pray for the ill; and as we become ill, let’s notify the church so that prayer can be made for us. We ought also to pray for the poor (Gal. 2:10), for their way is full of hardship.
Pray for our ENEMIES (Mat. 5:44)–not that they flourish (Psa. 73) but that they would come to repentance and be saved (Luke 23:34).
Pray for CIVIL LEADERS that they may enact laws which would not be hostile toward Christianity, but would rather permit it to flourish (1 Tim. 2:2).
Truly, as 1 Timothy 2:1 exhorts us, whether in private or in public, let us pray for all men.
Gary Henson

1. Make your visit short. The more ill they are, the shorter the visit. The ill need their rest.
2. Visit at an opportune time. [Not during meals, tests, or therapy].
3. Smile; be cheerful. A cheerful disposition makes another cheerful. Yet this does not mean to be a circus clown. They would think you have no idea of how they are feeling.
4. Speak softly, yet audibly; avoid loud laughing.
5. Usually you will already know what the medical problem is, but if you don’t know, and unless you are very close to the person–don’t ask. It might be something, that to them, is embarrassing If they want you to know, they will tell you.
6. Do not suggest a “sure cure” to the patient. With some problems, there certainly may be other treatments that have helped some people, but you might, outside the room, suggest to a relative about reading up on it.
7. When a person is in pain or very ill, do not expect him to converse. Simply step in, smile, wish him well, and, if any of the family walks out with you, you can then visit with them.
8. In the presence of one apparently sleeping or unconscious, never say what you do not want them to hear. They may not be sleeping.
9. If they are asleep, do not awaken them. Leave a note.
10. Sometimes, other visitors will engage in a long conversation with you. Don’t let this happen. Direct your attention to the one that is ill.
11. Make your visit personal, not professional. You are there because you care about him;–let it be obvious to them.
12. Leave on a cheery and comforting “get well wish.”
    Gary Henson

“Compliment,” as defined by Webster’s is “an expression of esteem, respect, affection, or admiration; esp: a flattering remark.”

The Bible makes clear that the compliments of a flatterer are nothing. In a condemning manner, the Psalmist remarked that the wicked “flatter with their tongue” (Psa. 5:9; Cf. 1 Thess. 2:5).

However, Jesus never issued a vain compliment for He was perfect (1 Jn. 3:5) and He knew what was in man (Jn. 2:25). Thus, we can learn from the compliments which He gave to others (who can be examples to us).

Compliment #1. Jesus complimented Nathaniel for his guilelessness (Jn. 1:47). Although the Jews were God’s chosen people, they had (under the guise of appearing devout) become quite corrupt by “changing” God’s laws to fit how they wanted to serve God (Mt. 15:9). Yet, in the midst of such people, was one who was without deceit, fraud and hypocrisy. Let us dare to be such in our time.

Compliment #2. Jesus complimented the Roman Centurion for his great faith (Matt. 8: 5-10). The stress which the Bible puts upon the role of faith is immense (Heb. 11; Rom. 3:25; etc.). This centurion was not even a Jew, yet, Jesus said that his faith was greater than He had found in Israel. Let it not be said of you that the faith of someone in denominationalism is greater than yours.

Compliment #3. Jesus complimented the poverty stricken widow for her liberality (Mk. 12:41-44). As Jesus “called unto him his disciples” (v.43) to observe her example, so does He call His disciples today to learn about giving of oneself first.

While it is nice to be complimented by others, what a special honor these three had by being complimented by the Lord Himself! However, if you are one without guile, and/or who gives of yourself—would you no less receive the same compliment?

Think on these things.

Gary Henson

Prayer was important to the early Christians (Acts 2:42; 12:5) and so should it be for us. The first verse of 1 Timothy 2 contains four words regarding prayer–each of which helps us to more fully understand what we are to be doing when we pray.

SUPPLICATION is from the Greek word: deesis. This word denotes “a wanting, a need” (Vine’s). Thus it refers to a petition for a benefit; a request for a need. We, then, may make requests of a personal need (as did Zacharias in Luke 1:13) or in behalf of others (Eph. 6:18; Rom 10:1). Thus, making requests of God for our needs regarding health, finances, spiritual matters, etc. on behalf of ourself or others is that which is pleasing to God.

PRAYER (proseuche) is the general term which includes all aspects of praying. This word also carries the sense of reverence and devotion. Such is seen when Jesus used proseuche in saying “My house shall be called the house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves” (Mat. 21:13; also see: Mat 14:23; 26:36f). Thus, our praying, whether public or private, whether leading or being led, is to be entered into with reverence.

THANKSGIVING (euchaistia) expresses gratitude for past blessings. As we make our supplications, we are to also express our thanksgivings. It is as Paul said, “in everything by prayer and supplication WITH thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Phil. 4:6). It would be rather thoughtless, yea selfish, to make numerous requests for help, yet infrequently express gratitude for those blessings. May we then be thankful to our loving heavenly Father.

INTERCESSION (enteuxis) is defined by Thayer’s as “an interview,…a conference, or conversation,” and Vine’s adds, “meet with in order to convince; then, to make petition, especially to make intercession.” Thus, this word helps us to realize that, in prayer, we are meeting with God and making a petition before Him. It is not a mere religious formality; it is not “praying into the air;” rather, it is going before the very throne of God. May we ever keep this upon our minds.

In summary, Thayer’s says this in regard to three of the four words: “thus, in combination, deesis gives prominence to the expression of personal need, proseuche to the element of devotion, enteuxis to that of childlike confidence, by representing prayer as the heart’s converse with God” (page 126). May these words with their different shades of meaning help us understand prayer, and may we so pray in this manner which is “good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior” (1 Tim. 2:3).
Gary Henson

This is the time of the year when people begin to ask one another, “What are your New Year’s Resolutions?” In reply, some say, “My resolution is to not to make any resolutions!” Yet, it is common to find those who make a serious step toward making resolutions.
In Webster’s, the word “resolution” is defined: “the act of determining.” It is in this sense we could say that Jesus made resolutions. As He stood on the edge of heaven, looking down on earth, Jesus made determinations as to what He was going to as He lived the life as a human. In this, we find a similarity with Jesus and ourselves: as Jesus was about to pass from one existence (heaven) to another (earth), so are we passing from one year to another; and as Jesus made determinations as to how He would live on earth, so do we make our determinations (resolutions) for our next year. The point is this: since any “resolution” which Jesus made would obviously be the perfect and ideal resolution, then should we not make our resolutions the same?!
Consider the resolutions of Jesus:
Jesus resolved “to seek and save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Brethren, may each of us put on our list of new year’s resolutions the resolution to do whatever you can do to seek and save the lost.
Jesus resolved “to fulfill” the Law of God (Matt. 5:17). Yes, Jesus fulfilled the prophecies, but He also resolved to live according that which was written (Matt. 4:4). May each of us make the resolution to live faithful to the Scriptures in all things (2 Cor. 2:9).
Jesus made the resolution to “come in my Father’s name” (John 5:43). Jesus came in, and did the authority of the Father. He never did anything presumptuous. He never went beyond the Father’s authority, nor did He cut short that authority. May we resolve to do the same, for as Colossians 3:17 states: “Whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Jesus made the resolution to “come seeking fruit” (Luke 13:7). Jesus expected to find growth in the Jews then as well as in Christians today! We too should make the resolution to expect to find ourselves producing godly growth in the Christian characteristics this year. We expect growth in other endeavors (such as finances, physical growth, etc.). We should expect growth as a child of God as well.
What are your New Year’s Resolutions? Whether you make a paper or mental list, I hope you will make the same resolutions (determinations) as did Jesus before He came to earth—for His resolutions are perfect and ideal.
Gary Henson

Yes, the Bible teaches that there will be a Judgment, heaven and hell and that all are lost because of their sins. However, the Bible also teaches that you can be forgiven of sins because of what Jesus did.
Jesus was Deity–the Son of God. He left heaven and lived upon earth as a man (Philippians 2:5-7) being miraculously born of a virgin (Matthew 1:23). As Jesus lived His life, many did not believe He was the Son of God. Yet, this truth is made abundantly clear. The first verse of John chapter one reveals: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Then, in verse fourteen, the Word is identified as Jesus. Thus, Jesus, Who was God, “was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).
Also, upon two different occasions, God the Father clearly told us: “This is my beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17; 17:5). Jesus Himself acknowledged He was Deity (Matthew 26:63- 64). Even those who were His enemies conceded this truth (Mark 1:24). The New Testament, which is the inspired Word of God, refers to Jesus with the words “Son of God” forty-seven times. When other words which also refer to Him as Deity (such as: “Christ,” “Lord,” “King,” etc.) are considered, the count is greatly increased.
Yes, Jesus is the Son of God, and He came to earth to be the Savior of man. Man is heading toward Judgment lost in sin, but “…Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). His birth was announced to the shepherds in the field with these words: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11), and His parents were to “call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Jesus said that the reason why He came was “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).
Jesus is able to save man because He gave Himself on the cross as the sacrifice for our sins. Several verses make this clear: He came “to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself” (Hebrews 9:26); “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:14); “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh” (1 Peter 3:18); “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world” (Galatians 1:4); “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
Truly, Jesus is the Son of God and Savior of man. It is all summed up in these words: “…the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity” (Titus 2:13-14).
Gary Henson