Barnes church of Christ

With a mighty hand, God freed the Hebrews from Egyptian slavery. A multitude was to travel through a wilderness and leave their crop of food behind; but they trusted Him. God lead them by a pillar of clouds during the day, and a pillar of fire in the night. They followed it because they trusted Him.
When splitting the Red Sea with His mighty power, they trusted Him and followed Moses safely to the other side. No, they may not have understood why they were led south instead of north; they may not have understood why God was leading them through the sea instead of around it. Yet, by faith and trust in God, they followed the instructions.
John the baptizer did not understand why he should baptize Jesus. Yet, when Jesus told him it was to fulfill righteousness [that is, to do God’s commandments (Psalms 119:172)], John obeyed.
One approaching baptism may not understand why God chose water to be the element into which one is to be baptized for the forgiveness of sin (1 Peter 3:20-21), but like the Hebrews and like the baptizer, in faith and trust he gladly follows instructions.
One may not understand the divine wisdom in limiting our singing to acappella (Ephesians 5:16), but in faith and trust we gladly follow.
One may not understand the divine wisdom in having the members submit to the decisions of the elders (Hebrews 13:17), but in faith and trust we gladly follow.
One may not understand the divine wisdom in having the Gospel to be, not only the saving power (Romans 1:16) but also the drawing power (John 6:44-45), but in faith and trust we gladly follow.
One may not understand the divine wisdom in His arrangement of roles in the home (Ephesians 5:21-33), but in faith and trust we gladly follow.
One may not understand the divine wisdom in a number of things, but we must have faith and trust in Him and gladly follow His Word (Galatians 5:6).

Gary Henson

How could anyone teach that we are to rejoice in our tribulations? Isn’t is 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, as the verse continues, he who is approved is he who 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

In review of last week’s article, the invitation invites two classes of people: (1) those who are not Christians, and (2) those Christians who have sinned publically. I. To those who are not Christians, God explains that the following are required: 1st, Hear the Gospel (Rom. 10:14; John. 6:44,45). 2nd, Believe the Gospel (Mark. 16:16; John. 1:12). 3rd, Repentance (Acts 2:38). Now we continue….
4th, Confession. A second work of faith (Jas. 2:26) is confession. Jesus said “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my father which is in heaven” (Matt. 10:32). Upon the confession of the Ethiopian (“I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God “Acts 8:37), Philip proceeded to baptize him. (Acts 8:38). It was upon this confession that Christ said He would build His church (Matt. 16:13-17). Romans 10:9,10 states, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,…thou shalt be saved. For…with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.“ Thus, if a non-Christian wishes to become a Christian, one of the works of righteousness (Acts 10:35) that he must do is to confess that Jesus is the Son of God.
5th, Baptism. Baptism is an immersion (Rom. 6:4) in water (Acts 8:38) for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). The water itself does not save anymore than did the water itself cleanse Naaman of his leprosy (2 Kings 5). Rather it is the act of obedience to the command of God (Luke 7:30) which saves us (1 Pet. 3:21).
Baptism stands in between the non-Christian and: (1) being saved (Mark 16:16); (2) having his sins washed away (Acts 22:16); (3) becoming a child of God (Gal. 3:27); (4) being added to the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13); (5) being freed from sin (Rom. 6:3-7); and (6) entering into the kingdom (John. 3:3,5).
Conclusion. What does God require of a non-Christian? Hear, believe, repent, confess, and baptism.
II. To those who are Christians but have publically sinned, God explains the following are required:
1. Repentance. Simon was a Christian (Acts 8:13) who committed a sin (Acts 8:19-23). God’s response through Peter was “Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven” (Acts 8:22). To an entire congregation which had fallen, Jesus told them to repent, or else he would remove the candlestick (Rev. 2:5). Since the Bible makes it clear that there will be Christians who will be found in the lost state (Gal. 5:4; 2 Pet. 2:15, 20-22) due to sin (Isa. 59:1-2), then repentance is a must if the Christian wishes to be forgiven (Acts 8:22; Rev. 2:5).
2. Confession. In James 5:15-16, due to the Christian’s committing of sin, “they shall be forgiven him,” and he “may be healed,” but such is conditioned upon, “confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another….” When Jesus taught concerning the lost son’s return, confession of sin was included in his restoration (Luke. 15:18,21).
Thus, confession of sin is a must if the Christian wishes to be forgiven of sin.
3. Pray for forgiveness. Included in the verses for the above two conditions is the necessity of prayer. Peter told Simon to repent and pray (Acts 8:22) and James instructed to confess and pray one for another (Jas. 5:16).
Conclusion. What does God require of the Christian who has sinned? He must repent, confess, and pray. The invitation is always open. Heaven is too wonderful, and hell is too horrible to reject the Lord’s invitation.

Gary Henson

At the conclusion of the sermon is offered what we call the invitation. The invitation invites two classes of people: (1) those who are not Christians, and (2) those who are Christians but have publically sinned.
Although God’s required response of such an individual is not elaborated upon at the end of each sermon, such responses are clearly described within the new covenant.
I. To those who are not Christians, God explains the following is required:
1. Hear the Gospel. Obviously, if any person is going to have any chance of becoming a Christian, he will first have to hear it. “How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?” (Rom. 10:14). John 6:44,45 also makes clear that no one will be able to come to God, unless they have been taught. Those who teach that one learns of God by a direct operation of the Holy Spirit are not in harmony with the Scriptures on this point.
2. Believe the Gospel. After hearing the account of Jesus, one will either believe or disbelieve. If one disbelieves, his condition has not changed; “but he that disbelieves shall be condemned” (Mk. 16:16). However, if one does believe, “to them gave he the power [the privilege, GRH] to become the sons of God” (Jn. 1:12). Like hearing, if one stops at the point of believing and proceeds no further, his lost condition does not change, for “faith without works is dead also” (Jas. 2:26).
3. Repentance. One work of faith is repentance. What is repentance? Jesus said that “the men of Ninevah…repented at the preaching of Jonah” (Matt. 12:41). If we can learn what the Ninevites did, then we can learn what repentance is. We find the answer in Jonah 3:10, “God saw their works, that they turned from their evil ways.” Thus, repentance is turning from the sinful ways in which one has been engaged, and of which the change of attitude is evidenced by his works. The same truth is also taught in Matthew 21:28-29 with the two sons. John the Baptist also taught the need of the change of attitude being evidenced by works (Matt. 3:8). Zaccheus was one who understood this matter, and whose works of repentance proved to, and prompted Jesus to say, “this day is salvation come to this house” (Luke 19:8,9).

That repentance is necessary to the non-Christian is made evident in Acts 2:38: “And Peter said unto them, Repent ye…unto the remission of your sins.” Thus, since sin separates a person from God (Isa. 59:1,2), one of the works of faith which (with the other works of faith) must occur is genuine, unfeigned repentance. (see: Jer. 3:10). (Continued next week)

Gary Henson

I. Christ solves the problem of GUIDANCE.
Man always has, and always will need guidance. Jeremiah stated, “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: It is not in man that walks to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23). But Jesus stepped forth and said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), “follow me” (Matt. 8:22). Christ solves our problem of guidance.

II. Christ solves the problem of HUMAN RELATIONS.
Trouble between people often arise due to selfishness, lack of love and a failure to respect the rights of others. To solve these problems, Jesus instructs, “Therefore all things whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them” (Matt. 7:12).

III. Christ solves the problem of LABOR and CAPITAL.
Laborers are expected to work. “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters…with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men” (Eph. 6:5-7). On the other hand, capital is expected to be kind (Eph. 6:9) and to pay: “The laborer is worthy of his reward” (I Tim. 5:18).

IV. Christ solves the problem of ECONOMICS.
Waste brings want. Jesus taught the principle of thrift in John 6:12 when, after feeding the five thousand, “said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.”

V. Christ solves the problem of SIN.
All have sinned (Rom. 3:23) and the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). Sin separates one from God (1 Sam. 59:1,2) and will cause one to be cast into hell (Gal. 5:19-21).
Thus, after one commits his first sin, he would be hopelessly lost if it were not for Jesus who came to “save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21).
Christ did His part by being our sacrifice (Heb. 9:26,28), but we, too, have a part in our salvation. One must believe, love and obey God (Gal. 5:6).

Conclusion
Christ is truly the answer to human problems.

Gary Henson

If, before the Earth had been created, God asked you how it should be designed, would you have not suggested some (or all) of the following?

1. It should not have death nor pain.
2. It should not have sorrow.
3. It should not contain any wickedness.
4. There should not be any darkness.
5. It should be a glorious place.
6. It should be a place of joy.
7. It should be a place of rest.

If these would have been your suggestions, then God would have been creating, not earth, but heaven. [Notice these verses which correspond to the above seven “suggestions: 1). Rev. 21:4; 2). Rev. 21:14; 3). Rev. 22:15; 4). Rev. 22:5; 5). Col. 3;4; 6). Mt. 25:21; 7). Rev. 14:13.]

We can see two points in this. First, God did not intend for the earth to be heaven. It was not designed to be a “bed of roses.” Rather, it was designed to be a place of testing souls. (Deut. 8:1,2; Rev. 2:10). Thus, we must not look for heaven on earth, but we must look for heaven while on earth!

Second, the above suggestions of the “perfect earth” indicate man’s longing for such a place. Such longings indicate that any who go there will thoroughly enjoy it.

Anyone can attain his “perfect earth” if he but only obey God while on this earth. (Heb. 5:9).

Gary Henson

26. Get rid of soul endangering books. Acts 19:18-20.
27. Get rid of soul endangering TV programs. Acts 19:18-20.
28. Visit the widows. Jam. 1:27.
29. Visit the orphans. Jam.1.27.
30. Visit the sick. Matt. 25:36.
31. Send a card to the sick. Matt. 25:36.
32. Call the sick. Matt. 25:36.
33. Call the widows. Jam. 1:27.
34. Pray for the sick. Jam. 5:13,14.
35. Pray for the orphans. Jam. 1:17.
36. Pray for the rulers. I Tim. 2:1,2.
37. Pray for the evangelists. Eph. 6:19.
38. Pray for one another. Jam. 5:16.
39. Pray for open doors for the church. Col. 4:3.
40. Use care one to another. I Cor. 12:25.
41. Be kind one to another. Eph. 4:32.
42. Invite members into your home. I Pet. 4:9.
43. Serve one another. Gal. 5:13.
44. Bear one another’s burdens. Gal. 6:2.
45. Forbear one another. Eph. 4:2.
46. Forgive one another. Eph. 4:32.
47. Submit yourselves one to another. Eph. 5:21.
48. Comfort one another. I Thes. 4:18.
49. Love one another. Rom. 13;8.
50. Seek the other’s good. I Cor. 10:24.

Gary Henson

1. Teach the gospel to a lost soul. Acts 8:1,4.
2. Teach a brother out of an error. Jas. 5:18, 19.
3. Set up a Bible study with a friend and a teacher. John 1:41-49.
4. Contend for the faith when spoken against. Jude 3.
5. Admonish a heretic. Titus 3:10.
6. Charge false teachers to stop their teaching. I Tim. 1:3.
7. Read the Bible. I Tim. 4:13.
8. Study the Bible. 2 Tim. 2:15.
9. Teach what you know to other members. 2 Tim. 2:2.
10. Study what was preached to see if it is true. I Thes. 5:21.
11. Teach a Bible class.Eph. 4:11.
12. Prepare yourself to be an elder. I Tim. 3:1-7.
13. Prepare yourself to be a deacon. I Tim. 3:7-12.
14. Prepare yourself to be a wife of an elder or deacon. I Tim. 3:11.
15. Visit to restore a brother. Gal. 6:1.
16. Prepare yourself to be a preacher.Eph. 4:11.
17. Do your part to edify the body. Eph. 4:16, 9.
18. Reprove unfruitful works of darkness. Eph. 5:11.
19. Teach your children the Bible. Eph. 6:4.
20. Provoke a weakening brother unto good works. Heb. 10:26, 27.
21. Give someone a tract. Mark 16:15.
22. Invite someone to worship &/or Bible Class. John 4:27,29.
23. Encourage a friend to tune into a church sponsored TV/radio program. John 4.
24. Give an audio recording of a sermon to a friend. John 4:27-29.
Give a DVD of a sermon to a friend. John 4:27-29.

Gary Henson

Christis: Hello, Denomos. I came by to invite you to our Sunday Bible class. We’re beginning a new class today in which we will study about the church.
Denomos: I appreciate the invitation, but I have my denomination where I attend. And you know, it doesn’t matter which church you are in. One church is as good as another, and you can join the church of your choice.
Christis: Denomos, did it matter if the people in Noah’s day went into Noah’s boat or some other boat?
Denomos: Indeed it did matter. Noah’s boat was the only boat that made it through the flood.
Christis: Right. Since there was only one acceptable boat, then it did matter into which boat they were in. One boat was not as good as another. They could not get into the boat of their choice.
Denomos: Okay. But what does that have to do with going to church?
Christis: You see, just as God designated one boat for their physical salvation, and thereby nullifying the notion that one boat was as good as another, God likewise designated one church for man’s soul salvation, and thereby nullifying the notion that one church is as good as another.
Denomos: My old friend, I think you’ve gone too far. How can you possibly say that there is only one church? And furthermore, that salvation is only in it?
Christis: Denomos, it is not I who says that, rather this is the teaching of the Bible. Listen, “There is one body,” Ephesians 4:4.
Denomos: It says there is one body–not one church.
Christis: Denomos, the body is the church. Listen again, God “gave him [Jesus] to be the head over all things to the church which is his body” Ephesians 1:22-23. Thus, since the church is the body, and there is only one body, then there is but one church–just as there was one ark. Furthermore, when Jesus made that monumental statement, “Upon this rock I will build my church,” Matthew 16:18, Jesus, although He knew the future, and, therefore, the coming of numerous denominations, He still said He would build His church–not churches. Jesus used the singular, and Galatians 3:16 makes clear that this is a point of crucial significance. Denomos, in 1 Corinthians 1:10, God condemned religious division. It wasn’t God who gave us this religious confusion (1 Cor. 14:33), rather it was Satan. To say that one church is as good as another, is to be working against Jesus who prayed for oneness (John 17:21).
Denomos: I did not know that those verses were even there. And that is what they say. Perhaps I need to study this more. I certainly want to be sure I’m in the right “boat.” Christos, I will be coming to your Sunday Bible class. Let’s go!

Gary Henson