Barnes church of Christ

In PURSUIT, a Christian is a follower of Christ. “Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matt. 16:24). Thus, our ultimate and primary ambition of life is to follow Jesus.
In KNOWLEDGE, a Christian is a disciple or learner. “And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26). We today, must also learn of the Word.
In CHARACTER, a Christian is a saint. “Paul…unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints…” (1 Cor. 1:1,2). Those in the church are expected to live a sanctified, a saintly life. This means that a Christian has been set aside from the rest of the world in that we are to be specially used for God. We are to serve Him, live for Him, and do His will.
In RELATIONSHIP of Him whose name we wear, each Christian is a branch in the vine. “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: For without me, ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). As the branch lives off of the vine, we too, must get our spiritual nourishment from Jesus.
In TRANSFORMATION, a Christian is a new creature. “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor. 5:17). Many miserable and aching lives have been blessed with a new life. Some of which are seen in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.
In ILLUMINATION, a Christian is light. “Ye are the light of the world…Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16). Thus, as Christians, we are a light. One aspect of a light is to show the way to those who are lost. By the way we live, we can show those around us that there is a reason for the hope that is in us (1 Pet. 3:15).
In COMBAT, a Christian is a soldier. “Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Tim. 2:3). Jesus gave us a weapon and a full suit of armor of which He said that we need in our battles with Satan (Eph. 6:11-17). Thus, we are expected to fight.
In ALERTNESS, a Christian is a watchman. “But watch thou in all things” (2 Tim. 4:5). We must be watchful for Satan’s encroachment into all facets of our lives. He probably will not advance in the areas in which we are strongest, but will attack where we are weak, and do just as much damage. “Watch therefore” (Matt. 24:42).
Certainly, there are many other ways in which the Bible answers the question: “Who is a Christian?” But truly, a Christian is one who is a follower of Christ, a learner of the Word, a saint, a branch in the vine, a new creature, a light, a soldier and a watchman. Since these are what describe a Christian, let us constantly examine ourselves to see if we fit the description.

Gary Henson

After Jesus was baptized in the Jordan, declared to be the Son of God, had the Holy Spirit descend upon Him, and was about to begin His public ministry, “Then was Jesus led up of the wilderness to be tempted of the devil” (Matt. 4:1).
The time was Satan’s. He would give it his “best shot.” He tempted Christ in the three classifications of sin (1 John 2:16) as he had done with Eve (Gen. 3). However, the outcome was different; Jesus fell back on the Scripture and responded with “it is written” and turned neither to the left nor to the right. (A lesson in how we must fight Satan’s temptations.)
But what was meant by Jesus’ response to the second temptation? Of a certainty it was correct; Jesus Himself spoke it, and even Satan understood that he had been answered.
The account and the dialogue went as follows:

Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, and he saith unto him, “If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” Jesus said unto him. “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.“

Satan was saying: “Prove that you are the Son of God. It is written in Psalms 91:11-12 that God will so protect you that you will not even have to stump and hurt your foot upon a rock. I do not believe that you are Him. Prove to me and all the world that you are this Great One. [Satan was tempting Jesus’ pride of life.] If you jump off of the pinnacle, the angels will catch you as God promised.”
To this, Jesus responded. “Again it is written. Thou shalt not make trial of the Lord thy God” (from Deut. 6:16). How does this reply apply to and answer Satan’s challenge? It is this: True, God would protect Jesus as He said he would; Satan did not misquote nor misapply it. Rather, Satan misunderstood it!
Jesus pointed out that while God gave Him (and us) protection, we are not to daringly test God! We are not to be reckless and without caution! For example: One would be making trial of God if he prayed for a safe journey and then, with a book in his face, drove down the wrong side of the road.
Yes, God makes promises to us, but we cannot be reckless about it, and we cannot daringly test God. This applies both physically and spiritually.

Gary Henson

It is erroneously advanced by some who are pro-instrument that the Greek word for “making melody” in Ephesians 5:19, inherently means to play an instrument. In other words, they say that psallo is defined as, “to touch the chords of a musical instrument.”
Reply. While it is true that many lexicons give psallo such a definition, it is NOT the case that this is the only definition given, NOR is it the case that this was the definition of this word during the time of the writing of the New Testament! Words change meanings throughout the years. One needs only to look at some of our English words to see that such is the case. For example, in the past “prevent” had meant, “to go before; to precede;” however, that word now means “to hinder.” For one to argue that we can use mechanical instruments because that is what psallo meant numerous years before the New Testament was written, is like a man arguing that he does not have to pay taxes because Americans did not have to pay taxes in 1780.
Psallo has carried five different meanings at five different times. One of those meanings is “to touch the chords of the human heart.” One only needs to look at Ephesians 5:19 to see which definition was in use during the time of the writing of the New Testament. God knew what the word for a stringed instrument was (Rev. 5:8) and would have used it if “touching the chords of a musical instrument” was what He meant.
Furthermore, notice the difficulty involved in that position if psallo means to play an instrument. Ephesians 5:19 is a command, not an option; and, it is a command to each and every individual. Thus, if psallo means to play an instrument, then each and every individual is commanded to play an instrument while they sing!
It should be observed if psallo means (and thus demands) the use of mechanical instruments when singing “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,” then (1) Paul and Silas sinned when they only sung (humneo, not psallo) a hymn without the instrument (Acts 16:25), and (2) the early church never obeyed the teaching for they never sung to the accompaniment of a mechanical instrument.
Conclusion. Those who appeal to the “Psallo Argument” appeal to evidence which is not there. In the first century, psallo meant to sing with your heart. Consider the parallel verse of Colossians 3:16 (which does not use psallo) which puts it this way: “singing with grace in your hearts to God.”
Brethren, no matter who may utilize the instrument, may we never be found offering up “strange fire” (Lev. 10:1,2), but do only what God has authorized (Col. 3:16).
Gary Henson

God has given unto us the words of life—words that give us peace and happiness and a state of blessedness, and heaven in the hereafter. As a thirsty man desires water, so a lover of God yearns for His words. God, for our own good, wants His people to be a Bible reading people: “Give attendance to reading” (I Tim. 4:13; see also: Col. 4:16; I Thes. 5:27). Below is an estimation of the time required to read each book of the New Testament. It would be good to schedule a daily time to read. Yet, if “too busy,” then the next time you “find time on your hands,” pick a book to fill the gap—it could be no more wisely spent.

Matthew  –  1hr., 23 min
Mark  –   46 min.
Luke  –   1hr., 25 min.
John  –   1 hr.
Acts  –   1 hr., 20 min.
Romans  –   35 min.
I Corinthians  –   28 min.
II Corinthians  –   23 min.
Galatians  –   13 min.
Ephesians  –   13 min.
Philippians  –   8 min.
Colossians  –   8 min.
I Thessalonians  –   7 min.
II Thessalonians  –   4 min.

I Timothy  –   10 min.
II Timothy  –   7 min.
Titus  –   3 min.
Philemon  –   1 min.
Hebrews  –   26 min.
James  –   8 min.
I Peter  –   10 min.
II Peter  –   7 min.
I John  –   8 min.
II John  –   1 min.
III John  –   1 min.
Jude  –   2 min.
Revelation  –   41 min.

Gary Henson

Gambling is “the act of risking what is yours in order to get what belongs to another with nothing given in return.” Two men betting $10 on the outcome of a flipped coin illustrates what is meant by the word “gambling”–as does poker, slot-machines, horse-racing, lottery and hundreds of other activities (yes, even pitching pennies).
Gambling is not the Stock Market. In this, one purchases something of value. All buyers, as well as the company, stands to profit. This is economics—not gambling. Gambling is not farming. The farmer does not expect something for nothing. He does not profit at another’s expense. His success benefits everyone and harms no one. This is enterprise—not gambling. Life is not a gamble. The crossing of streets and the driving of cars are not “flips of the coin”—there is control and such is in the effort of work (driving to work/market). The Stock Market, farming, life and other such activities are often appealed to in attempt to “muddy the water,” confuse the unsuspecting and to soothe the conscience of those who want to justify gambling. But all such activities are not gambling—the act of risking what is yours in order to get what belongs to another with nothing given in return.
Others make the incredulous objection by stating: since the word “gamble” in not found in the Bible, then the Bible has nothing to say about it, and thus, gambling in not condemned. Those who make this objection are not aware of even the most simple and foremost principles of Biblical interpretation. Question for the objector: Since his name is not found in the Bible, does that mean that the Bible has nothing to say to him how he may be saved, and thus, he has no means of being saved?! This objection fails to understand that the Bible not only teaches by explicit statements (i.e., a word or sentence in the Bible), but the Bible also teaches by implicit statements (i.e., “whosoever” of John 3:16, “he” of Mark 16:16, etc. applies to everyone). What the Bible teaches implicitly about gambling is abundant and clear.
GAMBLING VIOLATES THE “GOLDEN RULE.” “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matt. 7:12). “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” But, in gambling you are doing something unto another that you do NOT want them to do unto you! Such is a direct contradiction to God’s over all rule of conduct for the Christian (as well as any human being). The gambler’s motto is: “I hope I can do it unto you before you do it unto me.” The gambler’s motto and the Golden Rule are directly opposed. One is of God; the other is of Satan. No Christian can gamble and obey the Golden Rule! The Bible is clear: gambling is sinful!
GAMBLING VIOLATES THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT (in relation to fellow man). “And the second (greatest commandment, v:38) is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matt. 22:39). In the Greatest Commandment (to fellow man) there are TWO loves: (1) yourself and (2) others. But, in gambling there is ONE love—yourself. The Greatest Commandment says “Love others as you love yourself,” but the gamble’s motto says “Love yourself—period.” These two are incompatible. One is of God; the other is of Satan. No human being can gamble and obey the Greatest Commandment! The Bible is abundantly clear: gambling is sinful!
GAMBLING VIOLATES ROMANS 13:10. “Love works no ill to his neighbor” means you do not do anything harmful to others; you do not do anything that is not in their best interest. But, the whole superstructure of gambling is working ill to others—you win at their expense; your good to their ill. No human being can gamble without transgressing Romans 13:10.
There is no question about it—gambling is an act of sin. And sin is that which separates you from God (Isa. 59:1,2) and condemns at Judgment Day.

Gary Henson

Today, man is confused as to what authority he should base his religious views. He asks, “Does the authority lie with the church?…the Pope?…councils of men?…conscience?…tradition? Jesus taught that everything men do in religion, they do either by the authority of God or by the authority of men (Matthew 21:23-25).
Since the Bible is the only written revelation which God gives of Himself, and is that from which all Christianity (in the broad sense of the word) springs (no matter what authority is claimed), one needs to go back to the Bible to see what IT says as to what we must base our authority.
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST. God, in times past spoke through fathers and prophets, but now speaks through Christ (Heb. 1:1,2). Today, we are not to follow the fathers and the prophets, but Christ (Mk. 9:2-8). The Father gave Jesus ALL authority upon heaven and earth (Mt. 28:18).
THE AUTHORITY OF THE APOSTLES. Before Jesus left, He promised the Apostles that He would send the Holy Spirit who would guide them into all truth (Jn. 14:26). Such was fulfilled on the first Pentecost after the crucifixion (Acts 2). The Apostles (and later the prophets, Eph. 3:5) would not speak from their own thoughts or will, but by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 2:6-13; Mt. 10:19,20).
THE AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE. Although Jesus wrote no letters, the Apostles wrote several. These writings are as equally inspired as were their own oral words (I Cor. 14:37; 2 Tim. 3:16). The Gospel is declared to have the authority to save our souls (Jas. 1:21; Rom. 1:16; Lk. 8:5,12). If any man goes beyond this written authority, he acts upon authority other than that of God (Rev. 22:18,19; Deut. 4:2).
What is our authority in religion? It is the Bible. The Bible is the inspired Word of God, written by inspired men, who were given authority by Christ, who has all authority.
Although there are various authorities claimed, there is only one true authority. We must adhere to it, for by it we shall be judged (Jn. 12:48; Rom. 2:16).Gary Henson

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holly conversation and godliness.” – – 2 Peter 3:10-11

Do you remember the Los Angeles earthquake of 1994? It will be a day never to be forgotten by millions. It changed the lives of thousands; it took the lives of several. The earthquake of Los Angeles was a disaster in the truest sense of the word.
As the victims were interviewed, one phrase was common among all: “It came without warning.” Indeed it did. People were going about their lives as they had the day, the week, the month, the years before – – when there was no earthquake. And they expected none that day. But it came. And it came without warning.
It caught them as they were driving the highway, shopping the stores, conducting business and watching television. If they had only known, they would have made ready.
It will be a day never to be forgotten. It will change the condition of billions. No Richter scale can measure the intensity: no monetary figure can measure the damage; no clock can measure the lasting effect; no psychologist can measure the horror – – of the second coming of Jesus.
“When will it be?!” Jesus was asked that question. We can read today what they heard then – – “But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. . . Watch therefore: For you know not what hour your Lord comes” (Mat.24:3,36,42). Yes, it will come without warning. People will be going about their lives as they had the day, the week, the month, the years before. People will be driving the highway, shopping the stores, conducting business and watching television. If they had only known, they would have made ready.
No wonder we are told to: “be therefore ready” (Luke 12:40), and watch (Mat. 24:42), WATCH (Mat. 25:13), WATCH! (Mark 13:35) – – because He will come without warning!

Gary Henson

If you are a disciple of Jesus, then certainly you would want to know the meaning of “take up his cross.” Why? Because these words “said Jesus unto His disciples.”
What does it mean, then, to take up your cross? A glimpse of history during the life and times of Jesus will cast some light on this subject. J.W. McGarvey, in his commentary, mentions that the cross was not only a means of criminal execution, but also a symbol of dishonor. Barnes adds that part of their sentence was to carry the cross to the place of execution. In doing such, it was burdensome, disgraceful and trying to the feelings.
Thus, “to carry the cross” is a figurative expression of which denotes that we must endure whatever is burdensome, or trying, or considered as disgraceful in following Jesus. It consists of simply living the Christian life and doing our Christian duty. No matter what others may think, say or do to us, we must bear these things and continue on.
The context of this passage (vs:24-27) bears this out. Jesus said that if any one will come after Him, he must deny himself. When one falls under the weight of the ridicule of the world, he has not denied himself and, thus, did not bear his cross. The next verse (:25) describes the end result of those who could and those who could not carry the cross or the “shame.“ The one who tries to “save his life” (:25), that is, tries to “save face” in the eyes of the world (:26) by dropping the cross and forsake the following of Jesus, shall lose his life (:25), his soul (:26) and his good reward (:27).
God knows that there is and always will be pressure, ridicule, mockery and tribulation placed upon Christians from the people of the world. When we refuse to take part in some unwholesome activity, they ridicule us. When we preach the resurrected Christ, they mock us (Acts 17:32). When we follow Christ, they inflict tribulations upon us (Acts 14:22). This is one reason why Jesus told us to count the cost of following Him (Luke 14:28). The price of that cost is to forsake all (Luke 24:33) which includes, as our text says, denying ourselves and bearing up under these burdens.
If we wish to overcome this pressure, then let us ever keep on our minds that there is a God (Heb. 11:6), that the Bible is written by His inspiration (2 Tim. 3:16), that the Bible teaches that there is a coming Judgment (Heb. 9:27), that those who believe, love and obey God will be saved (Gal. 5:6) and those who “take up his cross” shall have his reward (Mat. 16:24-27).

Gary Henson

The heart surgeon is an amazing physician. Many benefit from such a one’s knowledge and ability. Jesus, upon one occasion, likened Himself to a physician (Mat. 9:12). Yes, Jesus is a surgeon—not upon the physical heart—but upon the spiritual. Consider some similarities of the two:
The heart surgeon can repair damaged hearts. Hearts, and therefore the body, will die when the arteries which supply blood to the heart become clogged. Years ago, there was no way for repair. But, due to the devotion of the surgeon’s life to study, the method of repair was attained. Now the surgeon can do for us what we cannot do for ourselves; he gives us that which once was not possible—a repaired heart.
Our spiritual heart sins (Rom. 3:23) and therefore dies (Rom. 6:23). Centuries ago, there was no way for repair (Heb. 10:4). But, due to the giving of His life (Rom. 5:8), the means of repair was attained (Rom. 5:9). Now, Jesus can do for us what we cannot do for ourselves (Eph. 2:8-9); He gives us that which once was not possible (Mat. 19:25-26)—a repaired spiritual heart.
It is only the surgeon—not the nurses—who can perform the surgery. Likewise, it is only Jesus who can save the spiritual heart (Acts 4:12), and it is only His Words to which we can go (John 6:68; 12:48). There were those (although they did not recognize they were doing such) who were going to mere men by following what they taught in religion, resulting in an unrepaired heart (Mat. 7:21-23; Gal. 1:6-8). Tragically, the same is happening today when men (although they do not realize they are doing such) go to Luther, Calvin, Smyth, etc. by having church creed-books and manuals.
The patient must receive the proper surgical procedure in order to be repaired. If a portion of the surgery is ignored, the surgery will not be successful. Likewise, when Jesus tells us what one must do to have his spiritual heart repaired, one cannot ignore any portion of what we are to do. What is the “surgery”? We are to believe that Jesus is the Son of God (1 Cor. 1:21), repent of sin (2 Cor. 7:10), confess that Jesus is the Son of God (Rom. 10:9-10), and be baptized (Acts 2:38) —all of which are to be done in order to be saved.
The patient must recuperate according to the surgeon’s instructions. Likewise, Jesus tells His patients how to walk (Rom. 6:4). They are no longer to walk in sin (Rom. 6:6), but rather in the light (1 John 1:7). They are to walk in the Spirit, not in the flesh (Gal. 5:16-26). They are to live faithful to His instructions until death.
Yes, we are grateful for (and must take advantage of) the heart surgeon who can prolong our life. But how much more grateful ought we to be for (and ought to take advantage of) the Heart Surgeon who can save us eternally!

Gary Henson

One day when my youngest daughter was in the third grade, she came home with two activity charts. One chart was from her teacher at school It contained a list of the various parts of a plant: root, stem, leaf, fruit. She was to put a mark in the appropriate column each time she had one of those for a meal. This chart would teach her the different parts of a plant and how each part was an important source of nourishment for her physical body. I am thankful to her teacher for educating my daughter with such information. Her teacher (including the previous and the subsequent teachers) will help my daughter live a better life.
The second chart was from her Bible class teacher. The list of things which she was to mark off (if accomplished) each day for one week were these: (1) Read my Bible, (2) Pray, (3) Obey the rules at home, (4) Obey the rules at school, (5) Be helpful to others, and (6) Be kind and polite. This chart would instill within her basic godly characteristics. Such instructions will make her wise unto salvation (2 Tim. 3:15), will help her to walk correctly so that she may be granted an entrance into the everlasting Kingdom (2 Pet. 1:10,11) and will help her to come to a knowledge of the truth to be saved (1 Tim. 2:3,4).
I am truly most thankful for both teachers. Any person who helps a man’s loved ones will be greatly appreciated. Yet, I will be eternally grateful for the Bible teacher, because, as the Scriptures put it, “For bodily exercise [in general, things not permanent in nature (GH)] profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).
May the Bible Class Teacher be exhorted because of the truly great nature of his/her work and of the profound and everlasting effort which he/she has upon the student’s precious soul.

Gary Henson