Barnes church of Christ

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

Gary Henson

I always strive to protect my Saturdays. No lawn-mowing. No trips. No workouts. No staying up late. Do nothing that would make me tired for Sunday morning.
However, in Trissi’s senior year in high school, my daughter’s school was in the girl’s basketball state championship game on a Saturday night. How could I deny her such a rare and memorable event of her high school life?! You are right, I couldn’t. But that Saturday was a day it snowed heavily. The roads were quite bad. So, unless she was riding in the snowplow and sand truck, I was going to take her myself!
The game was the late game. It was to begin at 9:00. Our team was there, but the opponents had not left early enough to compensate for the slow travel in the snow (which I claim was a tactic to make our girls tired). Finally they arrived, at 10:00. The game began at 10:30—the time it should have ended! and the time I should have been in bed!!
To our credit, we did leave at half-time. It had been snowing again and with the roads getting worse, it would have taken much longer than usual to get home. With only one close call of sliding into the ditch, we made it home at 12:07, tired and wearied by the excitement of the game and the tense stress of dangerous driving—all of which was done when I normally would have been resting peacefully in bed. Yes, this presents a most appropriate scenario for me to write about the motto: Sunday Mornings Are Made Or Lost On Saturday Nights—for, on Sunday morning, I was worn out.
Brethren, we need to protect our Saturday nights. When one frequently, or “without a second thought” takes part in activities or keeps late hours which results in him being tired and groggy on Sunday morning, is he really putting God first? (Ex. 20:3; Mat. 6:33; 22:37-38). Isn’t he acting like the Israelites who esteemed God lightly and went and “served other gods, and worshipped them”? (1 Kings 9:6; Jer. 25:6; 2 Chron. 7:19). Since worship is an act of reverence, is it not a lack of reverence if we habitually exhibit disrespect for the Lord’s Day by infringing upon it by what is done on Saturday night? If we intentionally make adequate preparations for company, work or other activities, what are we saying to God if we fail to do the same for Him? The Israelites made extensive preparations when they were to go before God (Ex. 19:10-15); do we possibly think we can do any less?
May we all take great care to be at worship, not only in presence (Heb. 10:25), but also in mental alertness (John 4:24). For truly, Sunday mornings are made or lost on Saturday nights.
Gary Henson

Philoxenia is the word which God chose to use when referring to the concept of, what we call, hospitality. The Greek lexicons define it as “love of strangers” (Vine; Thayer). The word is made up of two words, philos meaning “loving,” and xenos, “a stranger.” A verse which defines this word is Hebrews 13:2, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” The allusion of this verse would include the incident in Genesis 18:2-8 in which Abraham took in three strangers and washed their feet, gave them rest and served a meal. Thus, the Bible explains: to “entertain strangers” involves such acts of kindness.
Hospitality is an important trait. Such is obvious because this is an action which is commanded by God. 1 Peter 4:9 states, “Use hospitality one to another,” and Hebrews 13:2 declares, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers.” Also, hospitality is a condition of salvation. In the judgment scene in Matthew 25, one of the deciding factors which lead to the separating of the sheep and the goats was whether or not they had taken in strangers. Yes, hospitality is crucially important.
To whom, then, is hospitality to be extended? Hospitality should be shown to members of the church. When Peter wrote, “use hospitality one to another,” he was writing to the church. Thus, the church is to show hospitality to each other. Also, it is to be extended to missionaries and such workers for the church. Gaius is an example of this (Rom. 16:23) as well as Laban (Gen. 24:31-33). Hospitality is to be extended to even strangers (Heb. 13:2). Those who have lost their homes to storm, fire and evacuation need some place to stay. Those who have been stranded due to car problems or accidents need meals to eat and rooms in which to sleep. Of course, discrepancy is in order. There are those who simply go about living off of individuals and churches. To those, “if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2 Thes. 3:10). Nevertheless, those who are truly in need deserve the hospitality of the child of God.
The attitude involved in extending hospitality is the attitude disclosed in the definition: “lover of strangers.” We help, not because we have to, but because we want to. We are concerned about their welfare. Also, the extending of hospitality is to be ungrudgingly (1 Pet. 4:9). Actually, we are to pursue the use of hospitality, for that is the indication of Romans 12:13 (margin note in A.S.V., and definition given by Vine). In 2 Kings 4:8-11, we see the example of a woman, whom God called great, in extending hospitality in a constraining and a continuous manner. Summing it up, our attitude is to be that as implied in Leviticus 19:34–you should treat them as you would want to be treated.
Why extend hospitality? First, it makes you feel good about yourself, for “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Second, it is very helpful to the recipient (Lev. 19:34). Third, it is a command of God (Rom. 12:13). Last, it is a condition of salvation (Mat. 25:34-43).
Yes, hospitality is to be a trait of the child of God. By meditating upon these things, we will find ourselves being such a person (Psa. 1:1-3).
Gary Henson

Episkeptomai is the original word in the Greek New Testament from which our English translators have rendered “visit.” The Greek lexicons reveal a meaning of this word which is usually not considered in the English. Vine says it means “[primarily] to inspect…[signifies] to visit with help.” Thayer concurs, “to look upon in order to help.” This meaning is also made clear in the Scriptures. Luke 1:68 states, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people.” By this, since God gave us Jesus in order to redeem man, we learn that NT visiting has to do with looking upon and coming to help. The same sentiment is expressed in Acts 15:36 when Paul was desirous to make a return visit to every city in which he had established a church to see how they fared. Thus, as we read about visiting in the New Testament, it needs to be understood that mere social visits are not necessarily that which is enjoined, but rather a visit with the intention of rendering help in some way. As we meditate day and night upon this thought and those thoughts that follow, we will help ourselves to be the kind of visitor God would have us to be.
Visiting is indeed important. Actually, it’s a matter of heaven or hell. In Matthew 25 the great judgment scene is portrayed. There are to be those who are rewarded and those who are punished. One of the reasons why those who went to eternal bliss were so rewarded was because “I was sick and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me” (v: 36). Yet, those who went to everlasting punishment were so judged because “ye visited me not” (v:43). Furthermore, if we want to stand “undefiled before God” at this judgment scene, we must “visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction” (James 1:27). Yes, visiting to render help is important!
Who, then, are we to visit? We are to visit those who are in physical need. At that judgment scene, we see that visits were expected to be made to the sick. Also, James 1:27 specified the orphans and widows (who had lost their source of physical support) were to be visited with aid. Thus, the Christian today has the responsibility (and the privilege) to visit with the intention of helping those who are in physical needs.
People in spiritual need are also to be visited in order to minister help. Alluding again to Luke 1:68, we see how God looked upon man in great spiritual need and visited with help by means of Jesus. In like manner, as we are to be like God (Col. 3:10), we too are to visit with the purpose of helping those in spiritual need.
Christians are also to make these helpful visits to those who are in emotional need. Turning to Matthew 25 once more, the sheep and the goats were separated on the basis of whether or not visits were made to those in prison. It is most likely that these were Christians who had been imprisoned because they were Christians (cf., Rev. 2:10). Surely such a person would be disturbed and at an emotional low. Thus, God would have us visit them, and, in principle, anyone who is hurting emotionally.
Our attitude in visiting must be that of tender mercy. This was the attitude of our heavenly Father as He helpfully visited us with Jesus (Luke 1:78), and, as His children who are to bear the image of our Father, so should be our attitude.
Yes, the Bible teaches that we are to visit with the purpose of helping physically, spiritually and emotionally from a tender caring heart. May we meditate upon these things so that we may be a helpful visitor.

Gary Henson

By meditating upon the Word of God, we enable ourselves to grow in the godly life. Such is an implication of Proverbs 23:7, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Thus, by pondering upon the Bible’s teachings of exhortation, we will find ourselves growing in this most beneficial trait.
Parakaleo is one of the original words chosen by God to express this thought. The Greek lexicons render its meaning as: admonish, encourage, to urge one to pursue some course of conduct. Acts 2:40 uses this word to describe Peter’s urging of the people to be saved. It is much like a rescue crew encouraging a frightened man to reach out for the rescue rope.
Paraklesis is another NT word which is translated in our English versions as exhort and is defined as: encouragement, exhortation. This is the word which the apostles surnamed Barnabas “the son of encouragement” [NKJV] because he excelled in exhorting others to faithfully live the Christian life (Acts 11:23).
As we take the time in the quietness of the day to think seriously about the meaning of this word and (as we shall see) what it entails, we will be able to find ourselves increasing in this trait.
How are we to exhort? First, exhorting is a command. God wants us to encourage one another. We are told, “exhort one another daily” (Heb. 3:13), and “give attendance to….exhortation” (1Tim. 4:13). Thus, we must not neglect this. Also, we ought to give much exhortation (Acts 20:2). That is, whenever a situation presents itself in which exhortation is in order, we should not withhold our encouragement.
Our exhorting is to include the use of Scripture. Of the thirty-five verses in the NT which contain the word “exhort,” there is more teaching on this aspect than any other. The baptizer exhorted in his preaching (Luke 3:18); the prophets exhorted by words which were confirmed by miracles (i.e., they were inspired Words [Mk. 16:20]) (Acts 15:32); the use of “the faithful word” exhorted (Titus 1:9); an OT passage was called an exhortation (Heb. 12:5; Prov. 3:11-12); etc. Thus, as we urge others to pursue a certain course of conduct, let us be sure to include the best words of exhortation—the Scriptures.
Our exhortations will also include our thoughts put in our own words. In writing, “these things teach and exhort” (1 Tim. 6:2), “teach” would refer to the use of Scripture, but “exhort” would be something different than the use of Scripture—it would be the use of our own chosen words of encouragement. Also, in spite of the fact that Paul did much teaching with Scripture, it was Barnabas, not Paul, who was called “the son of encouragement.” Yes, our words of encouragement will consist of our own thoughts put into our own words.
The motive of our exhortation is to be propelled by our great concern. It is to be as Paul said, “As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children” (1 Thes. 2:11). As a father is greatly concerned about his children, it is with intense interest that he urges them in various aspects of life to make good. So then is the motivation behind our every exhortation that helps others along their way.
Yes, whenever the situation presents itself, we are commanded to exhort by use of Scripture and our own words out of a motive of great concern.
In what aspects are we to exhort? We are to exhort one another to faithfulness. This is what Barnabas did (Acts 11:23). Acts 14:22 adds, “…exhorting them to continue in the faith.” We are also to exhort those who are in trying times of tribulations (Acts 14:22). Exhortation is to be spoken to encourage into good works (1 Thes. 4:1; 5:14; 2 Cor. 9:5). Not to be forgotten is the exhortation given to urge others out of error (2 Thes. 3:12).
Exhortation is beneficial and necessary—otherwise God would not have commanded it. May each of us be a person who strengthens individual Christians and the church as a whole by means of exhortation. And this you can be by proper meditation.
Gary Henson

Since meditating upon the Word of God is a crucial factor which helps us in our growth as a Christian and in personal happiness, then, with meditation, we can increase in the characteristic of gentleness (Psa. 1:1-3; Jos. 1:8). Epieikes is one of the Greek words which is translated in our English versions as gentleness, and the lexicons define it as “considerate, mild, kind.” 1 Peter 2:18 makes use of this word when contrasting harsh and gentle masters–a picture easily grasped. Another of the Greek words is epios. It is defined as “mild, gentle,” and is illustrated in 1 Thessalonians 2:7 with a mother who tenderly handles her baby.
So, gentleness is a characteristic of which the Christian is to attain. We are to deal with others as though we were handling a fragile egg shell. By daily meditating upon these thoughts and those that follow, you will enable yourself to grow in this godly virtue.
We need to be gentle in our choice of words. In Titus 3:2, instead of speaking evil of others (which includes the use of harsh words), we are to be gentle. Even toward his antagonists, Paul selected gentle words (2 Cor. 10:1,2; 12:19). To call others by names or to run people down is directly contrary to God’s Will.
We need to be gentle in our tone of voice. How very true it is, “It’s not always what you say, but how you say it.” Upon one occasion, Solomon told a woman her hair was like goats coming down a hill! (S.S. 4:1). However, the woman took it as a compliment instead of a complaint because of how he said it. 2 Timothy 2:24 is within the context of teaching (speaking to) others, and it says to be gentle. Yes, our tone of voice is to be gentle.
We need to be gentle in our actions. In 1 Timothy 3:3, gentleness is put in contrast to one who is violent and conducts himself as if he were drunk. Our gentleness is to be so extended and shown, that it is known by all (Phil. 4:5). Indeed, we are to be like God Who extended acts of gentleness (2 Sam. 22:36).
Yes, we are to handle others like an egg shell in our choice of words, our tone of voice and our actions. As we meditate upon these things, we will find ourselves doing just that.
We are to extend gentleness to our family. This is how David dealt with his son, Absalom. Even though his son rebelled against him, David commanded the posse to “deal gently for my sake with the young man” (2 Sam. 18:5). Likewise, we should so treat those who are most dear to us.
We need to be gentle to our church family. Paul reminded the church in Thessalonica that, when he was with them, he was gentle among them (1 Thes. 2:7). The benefits of such is revealed in 2 Samuel 22:36 in which God’s gentleness made David great. In principle, as we deal gently with one another, we build up instead of tear down, strengthen instead of run off and make great instead of weaken.
We need to be gentle to our fellowman. While it is easy to understand that we must be gentle to our families, must we really be gentle to strangers? Indeed, for we are told to be gentle unto “all men” (Titus 3:2; Phil. 4:5; 2 Tim. 2:24).
We need to be gentle to those in religious error. Of course, this applies to those in or out of the church. Paul, when writing to brethren in error, extended kindness (2 Cor. 10:1). In all things we do, we are trying to save souls–not offend and run off.*
May you think seriously upon these things. May you become the gentle person God would have you to be. May you become one who is blessed, like a tree planted by the water (Psa. 1:1-3).
Gary Henson

*It is to be the truth—not our personality—that might offend in some cases (Mark 10:17-22; John 6:60-66).

When we read in the New Testament the words “happy,” “joy” and “glad,” these are the English translations from one of thirteen Greek words which God chose to convey certain thoughts to us. One of those words is euthomeo which means “to be joyful; to be cheerful; to be of good courage” (Thayer; Vine). This is illustrated by the use of this word in Acts 27:22, 25 when Paul, who was upon a storm-tossed sea, was informed of God that there would be no loss of life through this ordeal, so: “be of good cheer.” Likewise, we today, although tossed about by our own life’s difficulties, can be of good cheer because of that which lays ahead for the faithful Christian.
Another of these words is tharseo, meaning, “be cheerful; be courageous” (Thayer; Vine). The aspect of this word is portrayed in the joy of the oppressed when “the cavalry comes.” That is, in the midst of a hopeless situation, the one who can easily overcome the problem arrives, resulting in great joy. Sinful man, who is unable to free himself from hell-sending sin, finds this kind of joy in God Who has provided the way of freedom.
Chara is yet another word describing “joy; gladness” (Thayer; Vine). This word is used to describe the “great joy” of the disciples who had witnessed the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Today, this is likewise the kind of joy that any person can have.
Yes, this is the kind of joy God is talking about throughout the NT. This is the kind of joy He offers to you, and by seriously meditating upon these definitions and the following reasons for which to be joyful, you are helping yourself achieve it.
First, you can be joyful because you know there is life after death. You are assured, in 1 Peter 1:3-6, that even in the midst of heavy and various trials, you can greatly rejoice because the faithful Christian knows that at the end of the road he has an inheritance incorruptible reserved in heaven.
Second, you can rejoice if you are a Christian because you know you are saved. The African and the jailor experienced this joy of relief and thrill (Acts 8:39; 16:34). This is truly a cause of rejoicing, and if you continue to meditate upon this, the joy will not fade away.
Third, you can rejoice if you are a Christian because you know your name is written in heaven (Luke 10:20). Having been told, “whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Rev 20:15), one whose name is written thereon has great cause for rejoicing!
Fourth, you can rejoice if you are a Christian because Jesus rose from the dead, and thus, the faithful Christian will rise from the dead (Mat. 28:5-8; 1 Cor. 15:20-21).
Last, you can rejoice because you have the Law of God (Rom. 7:22; John 17:13) which directs your steps to a much more pleasant and peaceable life (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Psa. 119:105).
Any ONE of these is indeed cause enough for great rejoicing, but you have all five! May you in the quietness of the day, think seriously about these things. Then, as these truths become the persistent thoughts of your very being, you will be the joyous person (whether in trials or at ease) that God promises you can be.
Gary Henson

“Joan of Arc” is a classic example of how a television program is able to get viewers to believe in something that just isn’t so. The program continually portrays Joan’s claim that God was leading her by means of the appearing of a saint Catherine. Since this was based upon a “true” story, such no doubt deepened the conviction of those who already believe in visions, and opened the door for many others.
But, we should not be so quick to believe something just because the TV said so. Did you see or hear about, the movie, “Noah’s Ark”? The reviews tore to shreds the director’s gross misrepresentation of what actually occurred. Another special feature was not exempt from the whims and discretion of the director’s desires. He said “this new Cleopatra differs from its predecessors (the 1917, 1934 and 1963 versions)….In the past Cleopatra has always been defined as a scheming, conniving woman. I think that’s a very old-fashioned notion. Our Cleopatra is….” and then goes on to explain how he had decided to present her. Is it not obvious then? Since there are no regulations to control them, directors can define and present true stories however they want. Thus, just because you saw saint Catherine appear to Joan on TV, don’t be so quick to accept it.
The truth of the matter is, even if the real Joan thought she saw this vision, she didn’t. God was not continuing to appear to her to lead her to do His will because neither Joan nor Catherine were Christians! Rather, both were members of the apostate group which fell away from the true church. No, there was no vision from God between these two.
Furthermore, if God (or His messengers) appeared to Joan (or any one else since the completion of the NT), then 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:3, Jude 3 and many other such verses are lies! These passages of Scripture teach that God has given to man his finalized revelations in which we have everything we need for our lives and the working of His will. Thus, if God has to subsequently give another revelation to reveal His will, then the NT was not the final revelation, nor does it have everything God said it had. Thus, God (Who knows all), lied! (Titus 1:2).
So, who are you going to believe? God, or Joan and the TV?
Gary Henson