Barnes church of Christ

Jesus made it clear in Matthew 21:25 that everything that men do in religion is done either by the authority of God or by the authority of men. He said, “The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men?” Jesus was referring to the well known religious practice and teaching of John the Baptist’s baptism. John came teaching and practicing a religious work, and Jesus asked by what authority did he do this. There were only two possible sources of authority: (1) God told him to teach and practice the baptism; or (2) man (either John himself, or some other man or men) told him to teach and practice the baptism.
However, when Jesus was teaching that everything that men do in religion is done either by the authority of God or by the authority of men, He was not giving us some meaningless information which was empty of any significance. Rather, the implications of His statement are immensely crucial to a man’s acceptance before God in regard to his religious practices and teachings. Jesus was pressing the fact [which his opponents correctly understood (see v:25b, 26)] that man must obey the laws of God, and, man must not obey (in religion) the laws of man. Further implications of this are: (1) Man must not dismiss any law of God (as not needing to be obeyed); and, (2) Man must not make laws of religion. [Note: Expediencies, as decided by the elders, are not of this category (Acts 20:28; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 5:2,3).]
There are other verses which enforce the point that Jesus (in Matthew 21:25) was not giving us meaningless information. Notice: those who teach and engage in religious practices which are based upon the authority of man, are those who transgress the commandment of God (Matt. 15:3), practice such in vain (Matt. 15:9), shall be rooted up (Matt. 15:13), and shall fall into the ditch (Matt. 15:14). Yet, those who teach and engage in religious practices which are based upon the authority of God, are those who shall be given eternal salvation (Heb. 5:9).
Truly, everything that men do in religion is done either by the authority of God or by the authority of men. There is no middle ground! Everything is done by the authority of one or the other. To do a practice by the authority of man is to be condemned and lost. To achieve salvation and to maintain salvation, one must apply the question of Jesus to his practices–”This practice, whence is it ? from heaven, or of men?”

Gary Henson

God is the Being who has always existed (Psa. 90:2), created all things (Col. 1:16), gave man a spirit (Eccl. 12:4), and, thus, is sovereign over all (Deut. 10:14, 17). There is nothing that God does not know (Psa. 147:4), and there is nothing that He cannot do [which is subject to accomplishment and is according to His nature] (Gen. 18:14). God knows about events before they happen (Isa. 46:10), and there is no place where He is not (Psa. 139). God is perfect (Deut 32:4) in His attributes of goodness (Psa. 118:29), mercy (Psa. 119:64), righteousness (Psa. 97:2), holiness (Lev. 19:2) and love (1 John 4:9-10).

He never makes a mistake in judgment (Psa. 19:9), and always does what He says He will do (1 Thes. 5:24).

With such a God as this, surely all men should be compelled to honor and worship God without even being told—and those who do worship and serve God, surely do so, not out of necessity, but desirously.

Gary Henson

Upon one occasion, I received a letter challenging my belief concerning the possibility that a Christian can fall from grace. He was asking how it could be that I could read John 3:36a and still claim that a Christian does not presently and actually possess eternal life while living on earth. The following is my response. I hope it may be of help in your discussions.

Dear ___________,
John 3:36a reads, “He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life.” That is what it says. Now, the crucial question is: Does this mean that the Christian has actual, literal possession of eternal life right now while on earth–or –does it mean that the Christian has the promise to be given eternal life at the second coming of Christ?
These are the only two alternatives that can possibly be the meaning of this verse. Only one can be correct. Both cannot be true. If the first is correct, then a Christian cannot fall from grace. If the second is correct, then a Christian can fall from grace and lose his promise of eternal life, and thus, lose eternal life.
The Bible is its own best commentary. What does it say elsewhere about eternal life? Does one have it as an actual present possession, or does one have it as a promise?
I John 2:25 states, “And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.” First, notice that He is talking to Christians (I John 2:12). Thus, it was a promise made to Christians. Second, notice that he is talking about eternal life. Last, notice he tells us that it is a promise.
A promise is something that we do not actually and presently possess, but we are assured to get it at a future date.
An example of this found in the Bible is in Exodus 12:25. Here, as in I John 2:25, it is God making a promise (to give the land of Canaan) to His people. Did they have actual possession of the land right then and there? Were they actually in Canaan the moment He made the promise? No. Another 40 years passed until the promise was realized. In like manner, God made a promise to us (eternal life) which will not be obtained until some future date.
Another thing to notice is that while all those in Exodus 12:25 received the promise, not all received the fulfillment of the promise. Why? The answer is found in Numbers 14:20-25. It was because they had not followed His commands. Likewise, if Christians (who have received the promise of eternal life) do not obey God, they too will not receive actual possession of eternal life. “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: On them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, If thou continue in His goodness: Otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” (Rom. 11:22).
In John 3:36, we find that we have eternal life; in I John 2:25, we find that we have the promise of eternal life; when these two verses are harmonized (for they cannot contradict), we find that we have eternal life in promise–a promise which the fulfillment of is dependent upon our obedience to God’s Word.
I hope that this has been of help

Sincerely, Gary Henson

Our enemy is Satan (Eph. 6:12), his weapon is temptation (Mat. 4:3; Jas. 1:14) and his chain is sin (Rom. 6:23). Since a priority of man is to abstain from sin (Mat. 5:27-30), then all who know about God and the Judgment Day would want to have all the help, hints and information available to overcome sin.
However, there really is no secret. God, who is very desirous for all to overcome temptation (2 Pet. 3:9) has revealed the means of overcoming temptation. It has to do with upon what we think. Proverbs 23:7 tells us “as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Thus, when a person thinks upon things, it effects him. Proverbs 4:23 tells us that out of the heart comes forth the issues of life. Thus, if a person contemplates evil things in his heart, then the issue of life which comes from such a heart will be evil (sin). James 1:14-15 words it this way, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed. Then, when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin.” Thus, the way to overcome sin is to refrain from entertaining temptation in your mind; that is, “Don’t even think about it.”
Compare the difference between Eve and Jesus during the time of temptation. They were tempted in the same way, but Eve (upon being tempted) contemplated, and thought how it would be if she did take of the fruit (Gen. 3:6), whereas Jesus did not entertain the thought. He knew it was wrong, and responded with “It is written,” and even Satan knew he had been defeated. Again, the difference was that Jesus “Didn’t even think of how it would be.”
For sake of illustration, let us say that the Bible still teaches that is sinful to eat pork. However, you like pork very much and have a great weakness for pork. So how do you refrain from falling into the temptation and sin of eating pork? You help yourself by avoiding situations which would get you thinking about it. If a television program was airing pork, you’d change the channel. If there were a cookbook on pork, you’d avoid reading it. If a store had pork on its shelf, you’d look the other way. If you went to an establishment where the smell of pork was strong, you’d leave and go elsewhere. If, despite your efforts to avoid all contact with pork, an incident involving pork still “pops up,” then have your course of action predetermined-turn away (Job 31:1, “I made a covenant with mine eyes; how then should I look upon a virgin?”) Yes, the help to overcome temptation is to refrain from thinking about it. (Of course, one should apply the above illustration by substituting the pork with any weakness one may have.)
Instead of thinking upon the things of the world, God tells us to seek and set our minds on the things that are above (Col. 3:1-3). “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, THINK ON THESE THINGS” (Phil. 4:8). It is by this that we will overcome Satan, his weapon and his chain.
Gary Henson

A parent, after making it clear that a certain action was not to be done, fails to discipline when the child transgresses that parental law. “It must not really be wrong, nor of any consequence,” learns the child. The child then continues such action with ease of conscience. A policeman fails to stop a speeder. “It must not really be wrong, nor of any consequence,” he is lead to think. A boss does not correct an employee for breaking company rules. “It must not really be wrong, nor of any consequence,” he concludes.
Has this thought rubbed-off on Christians? Indeed. The book of Romans speaks of those who had passed the point of their first sin and were now continuing to practice their sin (Rom. 2:1,2). Why? Because they “despise[d]…the riches of his [God’s] goodness, and forbearance and longsuffering…” (v:2). They had obviously thought, since God had not punished them for their sin, “It must not really be wrong, nor of any consequence.”
They had missed the point! True, no harm had come to them from the hand of God. But it was not because they were not sinning. Rather, they were sinning, but due to God’s goodness and patience, He was holding back His wrath in hopes that they would repent.
One act that is in transgression of God’s Will is sin (1 John 3:4). Sin is sin. It does not matter if the act was done one time or ten-thousand times. That one act by Adam and Eve brought them death (Gen. 2:17). That one transgression of Moses kept him out of the promised land (Num. 20:12). That one act of Nadab and Abihu brought upon them a consuming fire from heaven (Lev. 10:1,2). That one act of Achan brought death by stoning (Jos. 7:25). That one act by Ananias and Sapphira cost them their lives (Acts 5:1-11). That one act of Simon made him lost again (Acts 8:20).
Brethren, it does not take a “build-up” of actions to finally make you or I guilty of sin. One murder (Rom. 1:29), one thief (Eph. 5:28), one lie (Rev. 21:8), one evil word (Eph. 4:29), one breaking of civil law (Rom. 13:1-7), one false teaching (Gal. 1:8), one lust (Mat. 5:28), one word of gossip (Rom. 1:29), one act of adding to or taking away from God’s Word (Rev. 22:18,19), one act not authorized by God’s Word (Col. 3:17), one act of omitting what ought to be done (Mat. 25:41-46) and, yes, one willful absence of the assembling of the saints (Heb. 10:25) – – is sin.
Brother or sister, if you have transgressed the Will of God once or numerous times and have not encountered the punishment of God, it is not because “It must not really be wrong, nor of any consequence,” rather, it is due to God’s goodness and patience which holds back His wrath, hoping you will repent.

Gary Henson

How could anyone teach that we are to rejoice in our tribulations? Isn’t it the case that “rejoice” means to be overly happy, to exult? Doesn’t “tribulations” denote the various afflictions of life, yea, all the afflictions one may encounter during his lifetime? One might understand the rejoicing at the birth of a child, a wedding announcement or one’s achievement; but it goes beyond the wisdom of the world (1 Cor. 1:19, 20) to claim rejoicement in illness, accidents financial stresses and heartaches. What, then, could this possibly mean?
Does it mean that pain itself should be enjoyable? No, it could not mean this because Paul fled from the afflicting aggressors (Acts 9:23-25). Does it mean that we are not to take tribulations seriously; that we are to laugh off these situations? No, for Jesus prayed fervently that His crucifixion would pass from Him (Mat. 26:39), and He gave us approval and an example to weep with those that weep (John 11:35). What, then, does “rejoice in our tribulations”: mean?
The explanation is found in the words which follows that statement. We are to rejoice in tribulations because we know that tribulations can work patience. Thus, when we are going through the path of life and we encounter a tribulation which tries our faith, we, at that point, have the option of taking the way of righteousness or the way of unrighteousness. For example: If one is traveling down the road and the tire goes flat, then he may do, say or think that which is contrary to God’s Will, or he may handle the situation in a sober, mature and godly manner. If he chooses the latter, then his tribulation has worked patience or steadfastness to God’s Will.
If one was steadfast, he is then considered approved. God is all-knowing. He knows the result of every trial. If, during the tribulation, one chooses the way of unrighteousness, then he is not approved. Yet, if one chooses the way of righteousness, he is approved. Then, the verse continues, he who is approved, has hope. We have the hope of finally escaping the toils of this life, the hope of avoiding hell, and the hope of eternal life (Titus 1:2; 3:7).
Thus, we are to rejoice in our tribulations, not because the pain and heartaches are desirable, but because we have the opportunity to prove to our Maker that we are faithful, that we will stand approved and that we are worthy of entering into heaven.
Rejoice in our tribulations?–how could anyone teach otherwise? “We also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulations worketh steadfastness; and steadfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope” – – Romans 5:3,4.

Gary Henson

Upon returning from an out-of-state job assignment, a member of the church (of another congregation) showed me a brochure from a congregation which he had attended. It was a program of the church’s drama which they were presenting. It rivaled a commercial production, complete with seven full scenes and a lengthy acknowledgment list of actors, stage crew, construction workers, lighting, sound, scenery, make-up, costume, printing, etc. However, I wasn’t surprised at this (and neither was my brother who gave me the brochure)—because many in the church have been doing things without Biblical authority for a long time.
It must be remembered, in matters of religion, one can only do that which has been authorized! (Col. 3:17). We cannot add to nor take away from what God has said! (Rev. 22:18-19).
What, then, is it that God has specifically told us to do regarding the proclamation of His Word?
He told us to “preach” (kerusso) meaning, “to be a herald; to officiate as a herald; to proclaim after the manner of a herald” (Thayer’s Lexicon, p. 364). Matthew 10:7 states, “And as ye go, preach, saying…” –not dramatizing.
He told us to “preach” (dialeg-omai) meaning, “to converse, discourse with one, argue, discuss” (Thayer’s, p. 139). “Paul preached unto them… and continued his speech…” –not drama (Acts 20:7).
He told us to “preach” (euange-lidzo) meaning, “to proclaim glad tidings; specifically to instruct (men) concerning the things that pertain to Christian salvation” (Thayer’s, p. 256). “…when they were come unto Antioch, spake [not dramatized] unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus” (Acts 11:20).
He told us to “preach” (kata-gello) meaning, “to announce, declare, promulgate, make known; to proclaim publicly, publish” (Thayer’s, p. 330) — as was done in Acts 4:1-2. Also, carefully notice the preaching of Peter (Acts 2:14-40; 3:19-26; 10:34-43), Stephen (Acts 7:2-53), and Paul (Acts 13:16-42; 17:22-31).
The conclusion is obviously obvious, God has specifically authorized preaching by oral discourses. The addition of dramas in our worship is going beyond the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9); it is a forbidden addition (Rev. 22:18); it is that of which those who both know and love the truth will not do. May we always only do that which God has authorized.

Gary Henson

“I saw it all! I floated up and saw my body upon the operating table. The machines and lights filled the room. The doctors huddled around me, and I saw the surgery. Then I came back down into my body.” Such stories as this are being heard from sincere and honest people (although it would be no surprise if some told such stories to merely gain attention). What about such claims? Does this actually happen? Without being a medical doctor, scientist nor psychologist, anyone can learn the truth of the matter–from the Bible.
To the one who has recognized that the Bible is the inspired Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21) and that God does not lie (Titus 1:2), he will approach the Bible realizing that no matter what may appear to be the case, if God has said such is not the case, then it is not the case. Or, as Romans 3:4 puts it: “let God be true, but every man a liar.” Yes, when there is a conflict between what God says and what man says, then we must believe God. The man is either mistaken or is deliberately lying.
So, what does the Bible say about “spirit floating?” It says it does not occur. Notice Hebrews 9:27, “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Thus, each human physically dies but one time, because after death comes judgment—not reincarnation into one’s own body.
“But,” someone objects, “Maybe the person wasn’t really dead, but his spirit simply left his body and floated around.” God, who is the one who really knows what happens, makes clear that such is not the case: “The body without the spirit is dead” (Jam. 2:26). And, if the body is dead [which, remember, happens only once (Heb. 9:27)], then the spirit will not re-enter the body—because after death comes the judgment.
So, does “spirit floating” actually occur? God answers this question which puzzles the wisest of men with but only two simple verses: “No.”
What, then, is to be said about those honest individuals who have related such experiences? It very well may be (and probably is) intensified dreams due to the anesthesia, drugs or trauma. My college room-mate woke up and related how he was dreaming about ordering pizza. All who were present realized that his vivid dream was triggered by another fellow who had just hung up the phone—from ordering pizza. Others dream about running from lightening, when sleeping during a storm; mowing the grass, as a neighbor mows his; shooting a dog, when a dog is barking. When such occurs in normal sleep, who knows what vivid dreams one might have while under drugs or trauma?!
What should you do if you experience “spirit floating”? If Possible, enjoy it – – as a dream.

Gary Henson

In order to arrive at the correct answer from a number of possibilities, one may falsify the choices which are erroneous in order to ascertain the truth. Such is called the process of elimination. My father would frequently make use of this method with my sister and myself. If we were the only two who could have possibly eaten all the cookies, and if he were able to establish that the culprit wasn’t my sister, then it was me.
Likewise, one can come to know who it was that did write the Bible when it has been shown that all other possibilities did not write It. Who then did not write the Bible?
ATHEISTS did not write the Bible. They would not have proclaimed, “The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God” (Psa. 14:1). The atheist would not have referred to an existing Being named “God” 4,325 times. They would not have condemned themselves to eternal punishment by a Being in whom they do not believe (2 Thes. 1:8-9). No, atheists did not write the Bible.
UNIVERSALISTS did not write the Bible. They who believe that all mankind will be saved would not have written that which is recorded about the rich man (Luke 16:19-31), the broad way (Matt. 7:13), and the judgment scene (Matt. 25:46).
LIBERALS did not write the Bible. They who allow more than what is written would not have placed condemnation upon those who take away from God’s Word (Rev. 22:19), or go onward beyond the Scriptures (2 John 9).
MODERNISTS did not write the Bible. They who do not believe in miracles would not have written of Moses’ actions in Egypt, Jesus’ feeding the multitude, nor Peter’s walking upon water.
SECTARIANS did not write the Bible. Promoters of denominationalism and division would not have written what is recorded in 1 Corinthians 1:10.
MORALISTS did not write the Bible. Those who teach that one can be saved by his good morals would not have taught that good Cornelius was lost (Acts 10:1-2, 22; 11:14).
ANTI-BRETHREN did not write the Bible. Those who make laws in addition to God’s laws would not have written that they who add to the Scriptures will be punished (Rev.22:18).
The WORLDLY did not write the Bible. They who take pleasure in this world would not have condemned themselves (1 John 2:15-17).
CHRISTIANS did not write the Bible. If they did, many verses (such as Heb. 10:25; Rev. 3:15-16; Titus 2:11; etc.) would have been left out.
Truly, no group of humans wrote the Bible, otherwise it would not read as it does. Thus, since humans did not write the Bible, then, by the process of elimination, we can come to the conclusion that its author is God. May we accept the Bible “as it is in truth—the Word of God” (1 Thes. 2:13).

Gary Henson