Barnes church of Christ

“…make all things according to the pattern….” – – HEBREWS 8:5

By the time Josiah became King of Judah, God’s people (to whom He gave the Law) had drifted step by step until their religious way of life was quite foreign to God’s instructions. A factor which added to the falling away was the misplacement of the book of the Law.
During Josiah’s reign, the Temple was being repaired, and the book of the Law was found. Upon reading the book the King became greatly distressed for they were worshipping and living in contrast to what God had earlier specified (2 Kings 22).
Immediately, Josiah set out to go back–back before the falling away–and do things the way they used to be done as specified (and as pleasing) to God (2 Kings 23). He taught the people the truth (v:2), they agreed “to keep His commandments” (v:3), they eliminated from their religious practices that which was not according to the will of God, (vv:4-20), and they began doing those things in religion which they had not been doing but should have been doing (vv:21-23).
Truly Josiah restored the Jewish religion as God had ordained it to be. As a result, Josiah was spared of Jehovah’s wrath (22:18-20).
Just as there had been a restoration of the Jewish religion during the Old Testament times, there has also been a restoration of the Christian religion within the New Testament times.
As with the Jews, God gave the church a law (Gal. 6:2), a pattern to follow (2 John. 9; 1 Cor. 4:6; Rev. 22:18-19); and , like the Jews, the church drifted away (2 Thes. 2:3). Such resulted in denominationalism and great confusion–something of which God did not ordain (1 Cor. 14:33) nor of which does He approve (Matt. 15:13).
Following the example of Josiah, several men in the 1800’s saw the problem and began to teach this restoring principle, that is, to go back–back before the falling away, back before denominationalism–and do things in religion the way they used to be done as specified (and as pleasing) to God. They sought to build all things according to the pattern (Heb. 8:5), speak only as the oracles of God (1 Pet. 4:11), and whatever was done had to be authorized by the Lord (Col. 3:17).
We at London & Macomb [Barnes] strive to follow the God-given example of Josiah’s restoration, and we beckon all to do the same, for men will not be saved by merely being religious–but by being religiously right (Mt. 7:21-23).

Gary Henson

While the above question is one of which we might have asked ourselves in matters pertaining to religion, it is certainly a question that others have asked of us. How CAN we be sure we are right? Consider the following:
First, there IS that which is right (truth, God’s Word, the Gospel), and there IS that which is wrong (error, falsehood, false doctrine). Acts 13:10 speaks of one who would cease not “to pervert the right ways of the Lord.” Thus, there is that which is right. These “right ways” are the Word of God” (v: 7).
Also, 2 Peter 2:15 speaks of those “which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray.” Thus, there is that which is right, and that which is wrong. That which is right is described in verse 21 as “the holy commandment.”
Second, human beings CAN come to know that which is right. One verse will suffice: “Then said Jesus…If ye continue in my word…ye shall know the truth…” (John 8:31,32. Compare: Eph. 3:3-4). Young’s Concordance lists some 1600 verses which teach about things that can be known. 1 John 2:3 even states that we can “know that we know.” Thus, human beings can come to know what is right (that is: the truth, the commandments, the Word of God).
Third, HOW can we come to know the truth? One can come to know the truth on any Bible question by following the divinely approved example of Acts 15. The brethren had a question, they gathered all the relevant evidence of God’s revelation to them, then they drew only the conclusions which were permitted by the evidence.
This is the inspired principle put forth in Psalms 119:160 “The sum of thy word is truth.” In taking the sum of a census (Num. 1:2), all are to be counted.
Revelation 22:19 teaches the same principle. We are not to take away from the Word. Thus, for example, in studying the topic of prayer, since we cannot take away from God’s Word, we must gather and consider all the relevant verses on prayer, then harmonize their teachings and come to the conclusion of the teaching on prayer. Granted, it is easier said than done, but God makes clear that it can and is to be done (John 8:31-32).
Fourth, there are ways to check our conclusions. (1) If our conclusion is altered by the clear teaching of another verse, then our conclusion is in error (Mt. 4:6,7). (2) If our conclusion is involved in absurdities, then our conclusion is false (eg., The contention that the book of Revelation is literal, Rev. 1:14,20). (3) If our conclusion necessitates the knowing of that which cannot be known, then our conclusion is unsubstantiated (Consider God’s questions to Job). (4) If our conclusion implies that which is false, then our conclusion is in error (1 Cor. 15:12-20). (5) If our conclusion is involved in self-contradictions, then our conclusion is false (1 John 2:21). (6) If our conclusion involves a denial of major undisputed facts, then our conclusion is wrong (Mark 3:22-23).
Conclusion. Yes, we can be sure we are right. God expects us to be right, and He would not have us attempt that which is impossible (1 Cor. 10:13).

Gary Henson

“Blessed are…”
MATTHEW 5:3-11; REVELATION1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 22:14.

1. “Blessed is he that reads” (Rev. 1:3). The one who reads and understands (Mark. 13:14) will gain soul-saving knowledge (John. 8:32). Those in Antioch rejoiced after reading the epistle (Acts 15:31). We walk by faith (2 Cor. 5:7) which comes by hearing the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). So yes, “Blessed is he that reads.”
2. “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord” (Rev. 14:13). We are comforted by the words of 1 Thessalonians. 4:13-18 in which we learn that those “which sleep in Jesus” and are “dead in Christ shall rise first” “to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:52 adds, “the dead shall be raised incorruptible.” Truly “blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.”
3. “Blessed is he that watches and keeps his garments” (Rev. 16:15). Jesus admonishes us to watch for the second coming (Matt. 24:42). Then, in the verses following that warning (:45-51), He speaks the parable of the unwise servant who thinks that his tarrying master delays. Thus, the servant, with spotted and blemished garments, is caught by the master’s quick arrival. Jesus continues (and thereby stresses the point) in chapter 25 with the parable of the Ten Virgins. Five were slack in watching and were unprepared–and were left. The other five were ready–and were taken. “Blessed is he that watches and keeps his garments.”
4. “Blessed are they that wash their robes” (Rev. 22:14). One washes his robes (i.e., washes away his sins) in baptism (Acts 22:16). After this, one continues to wash his robes by walking in the light (truth) (1 John. 1:7) and confessing his sins (1 John. 1:8,9). Since sin separates one from God (Isa. 59:1,2) and will cause one to be cast into hell (Gal. 5:19-21), then “blessed are they that wash their robes.”

Truly, blessed are they who read, who die in the Lord, who wash their robes and who watches and keeps his garments. Are you one who is blessed?

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

“And besides all this, giving all diligence, add to you faith, virtue…knowledge…self control…patience…godliness…brotherly kindness…love…. Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, ye shall never stumble.” 2 PETER 1:5-10.

In order to become saved, one must follow the five steps of salvation: hear, believe, repent, confess and be baptized. In order to remain saved, one must live a life in faithful, loving obedience to the Word of God (Gal. 5:6). It could be said that one must now follow the seven steps to remain saved (2 Pet. 1:5-10).
In 2 Peter 1:5-10, we find seven general principles which, when followed, will “make your calling and election sure.”
1st: VIRTUE. Virtue is moral goodness (Vine’s); It is “conformity to a standard of right” (Webster’s). Thus, virtue is the determination to do that which is right . Our lives are filled with clashes between doing that which is right or wrong. In order to make it to heaven, the Christian must make and keep the resolution that when such conflicts come, he will do that which God wants him to do.
2nd: KNOWLEDGE. After one has made the determination to do that which is right, he then must learn what is right. Thus, the Christian must learn God’s Will; and God’s Will is revealed in the Bible. 1 Timothy 3:14-15 states, “These things I write unto you that ye may know how to behave in the church.” Yes, we are to read and study the Bible so we can know how to live as a Christian.
3rd: SELF CONTROL. After one comes to know the Will of God, he must then exercise self control to follow His Will. When one learns, for example, that it is sinful to lie, then, when he is tempted to lie, he must control himself to refrain from lying. Exercising self control applies to all of God’s Will.
4th: PATIENCE. To control yourself in overcoming temptation is noble, but one must not let down his guard. Rather, the Christian must continue to exercise self control in all the temptations and trials yet to come. Truly, one must add to his life steadfastness/patience– the ability to endure.
5th: GODLINESS. As one patiently overcomes trials with self control, such must be done with the proper motive. Instead of resentfully obeying God, one is to do God’s Will with reverence and respect to God. The Christian is to “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart” (Matt. 22:37). And as we do that, we will lovingly keep His commandments (John 14:15).
6th: BROTHERLY KINDNESS. The Christian is not only to refrain from doing that which is sinful, he is also to do that which is good and kind to others. Remember the “Golden Rule” says: Do unto others…(Matt. 7:12).
7th: LOVE. The Christian is to love God, His Will (the Bible), the church and the lost. Love is the greatest commandment (Matt. 22:37-40), and is that without which, all our deeds are meaningless (1 Cor. 13:1-3).
May each Christian be diligent in growing daily in these general principles which make up the steps on the sure way to heaven.

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. I Thess. 2:5).
However, Jesus never issued a vain compliment for He was perfect (I 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

In the Old Testament days, actually up to one-hundred fifty years ago, the existence of Deity was not questioned. People in general believed in God or in gods, and it was the social outcast who disbelieved. A person may have been disobedient, but he still believed in a deity.
However, the opposite seems to be the case today. With the onslaught of evolution, entire governments reject and forbid worshipping deity. Also, in countries such as our own where there is freedom of belief, (which includes the freedom to believe that there is no God) multitudes reject the notion that there is a God.
This is unfortunate, but even more so is the fact that this is rubbing off on members of the church. Throughout her existence, the church seems to have always absorbed some of the false philosophies, doctrines, and lifestyles of which she lived amongst.
Such is no different today. As afore mentioned, we (the church) exist today within an atmosphere of skepticism of the existence of God. This leads to other doubts. If one disbelieves in God, then one will naturally disbelieve that the Bible is God’s Word. Thus, if they reject the Bible, they will also reject any teachings of the Bible, such as: the Deity of Jesus, the coming Judgment, heaven, hell, truth and error, and the Bible as the standard by which to live.
Thus, it can easily be seen that if people live with a lack of conviction of the above truths, then they will live “freely,” worldly and sinfully.
Now, since the church faces a danger of absorbing the philosophies of her surroundings, then the church is in danger of adapting (1) skeptical views toward the Bible and it’s teachings, and (2) adapting some of the sinful ways of life while thinking that such is not wrong at all.
Brethren, we need, we must, avoid this pitfall. And such can be overcome by simply taking inventory of that which we CAN KNOW. If we know something, and we know that we know it, then no outside influence should be able to move us.
First, (where the trouble all started) we can know there is a God and the Bible is from Him. The feat of the fulfillment of more than one-hundred prophecies concerning Jesus simply demands an act of God. Such an accomplishment is beyond the ability of man.
Thus, since God exists, and the Bible is His Word, then whatever the Bible teaches we can know. The Bible teaches that we can know: Jesus is the Son of God (Jn. 20:30-31), there is a coming Judgment (Mt. 25:31-46), there is a heaven (Jn. 14:1-4) and a hell (Rev. 20:12-15), we will be judged according to our loving obedience to God’s laws (Deut. 8:1,2), and on and on.
All of which the Bible teaches is that which we can know. Let us not be deceived by the great deceiver (2 Cor. 11:3). Rather, let us constantly examine ourselves (2 Cor. 13:5) to determine whether or not we are absorbing the philosophies and standards of the world.

Gary Henson