Barnes church of Christ

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 need 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 need 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

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

“The Gospel’s” means that it is of, and comes from the Gospel. Not from a man. Not from a council of men. Not from our “feelings.” It is from the Gospel as delivered by inspired men (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20,21). Thus, it is the Divine message given by Deity; and it does make a difference as to whether we follow the real Gospel or a perverted gospel (Gal. 1:8,9; John 8:30,31).
“Plan” is that which God has required men to do in order to come into contact with the cleansing blood of Christ. It is the answer to the question, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 2:37).
“Of salvation” means being saved, having one’s sins forgiven, getting into Christ, entering into the Kingdom, being reconciled to God, being born again, becoming a child of God and entering into the church which is composed of the saved.
What, then, is the Gospel’s plan of salvation?
First, one must HEAR the Gospel. “How shall they believe on him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Rom. 10:14).
Second, after hearing the Gospel, one will either BELIEVE it or disbelieve it. If one wishes to follow God’s plan, he must believe. “It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Cor. 1:21).
Third, there must be a REPENTING. “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Repentance is a godly sorrow for having done sin, which leads to a change of mind from disobedience to obedience (2 Cor. 7:10; Mat. 21:28-32).
Fourth, one must make the good CONFESSION. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus…thou shalt be saved” (Rom. 10:9).
Fifth, if one seeks to follows The Gospel’s Plan Of Salvation, he then must be BAPTIZED in order to be saved. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). “Even baptism doth also now save us” (1 Pet. 3:21). “Repent and be baptized…for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). “Be baptized, and wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16).
Since Jesus foretold of those who thought they were saved when in actuality they were not, (Mat. 7:21-23), it is obvious that there are false and unavailing plans which are being taught and believed which do not save. The following of any other plan in any other order does not do anything other than deceive a person into thinking that he is saved when in actuality he is still lost.
It is our earnest plea that all people follow the GOSPEL’S plan of salvation.

Gary Henson

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phi. 3:14).
In the verse’s context, the Scriptures picture us as being in a race. In our race, as in a foot-race, we do not pause to dwell upon the ground behind us (which we have already covered) in a manner which would cause us to slack up and stumble.
True, we can properly contemplate our past “performance” (Eph. 2:11) which can encourage us to continue in good works and to assure us that we are capable of such; but, we should not glory in them in such a way that would cause us to trust in our past endeavors to take us to the end of our race (without doing any future works) (Phi. 3:13).
Rather, we are to be “stretching forward to the things that are before.” The one in the foot-race still has ground to cover; and so do we! He is not finished until he crosses the finish line; nor are we! No matter how good he has run the race thus far, he must continue to run the race and continue to run good if he hopes to win the prize; and so must we!
As we enter into another year (as man reckons time), may we dwell upon our past accomplishments only to the extent that (1) we may be encouraged to continue in good works, and (2) that we may be assured that we are capable of accomplishing such works (and more!) in the future.
Let us not glory and rest upon past accomplishments; rather, let us stretch to that which we are capable, and earnestly “press toward the goal unto the prize.”
The prize of the ancient runner was a crown or garland of branches and leaves, but the prize of the faithful Christian is an incorruptible crown of life in heaven (1 Cor. 9:25; Jas. 1:12).
As we begin another “lap” in our race, let’s keep the prize clearly affixed in our mind. Heaven is a place of rest (Rev. 14:13), of joy (Luke. 15:7, 10) and of righteousness (2 Pet. 3:13). It is a better place (Heb. 10:34), and a glorious place (Rom. 8:18) where there is no death nor even any pain (Rev. 21:4) nor any cause for sorrow (Rev. 7:17; 21:4). We will be free from wickedness (Rev. 22:15), darkness (Rev. 22:5) and mortality (1 Cor. 15:42, 50). It is our reward (Mat. 5:11-12)—our prize.
Thus, this year (and every year thereafter) let us “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Gary Henson

Our loving God would not have us live in such a way that is harmful or unbeneficial to us. And seeing how worry harms us physically (Dr. S.L. Mc Millian, None of these Diseases, pp. 20-93) and mentally, robs us of happiness and peace, hinders our prayer (Jas. 1:5,6) and makes us unworthy stewards of time (Eph. 5:15,16) God clearly tells us, “do not worry” [NKJV] (Matt. 6:25,31,34; Phil.4:6,7). Even if God had not told us to refrain from worrying, realizing what worry does to us, we would want to refrain from worrying anyway.
From the premiere text of the Bible on worrying (Matt. 6:24-34) the Master of human life tells us that worry is: cruel (:26), worthless (:27), faithless (:30), unnecessary (:32), like that of unbelievers (:32) and therefore, prohibited (:25,31,34).
Since worry is harmful and destructive, and neither God nor we ourselves want to be its victim, how then, does one overcome the sin of worry?
Like any other sin, you must first make the self determination to conquer it. No one can do it for you. It is up to you. You must make the decision. You must follow through. You must fight it. As a Christian, you must add virtue — the determination to do that which is right (2 Pet. 1:5).
Count your blessings. How easy it is to let a few troubles (or even one) consume the whole of our thoughts. By thinking upon our troubles all the time, we nudge out the thoughts (and realization) of the truly great blessing which God abundantly gives to us (Jas. 1:17). Take time to count and meditate upon your blessings!
Live one day at a time. Did not Jesus teach us to pray “Give us this day….” (Matt. 6:11)? And did He not say, “Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matt. 6:34)?
Pray, do what you can do and turn the rest over to God. In order to take care of a trouble (in Matt. 17:14-21), the disciples were to pray and take action and God would have blessed them in their efforts. [But take note: Not all of our difficulties are something of which God deems best for us to be relieved (2 Cor. 12:7-10), and there are some difficulties which cannot be avoided (Matt. 26:39; 2 Tim 3:12; Heb. 9:27).]
Involve yourself in the work of the church. for almost 2000 years, Matthew 6:33 has been telling us for our own good, “Seek ye first the Kingdom if God” and our needs shall be supplied unto us. It is amazing how our troubles are suppressed when we become busy for God.
Anchor your faith in our great God. Remember, “Thou [O God] will keep him [man] in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed with thee; because he trusteth in Thee” (Isa. 26:3).
By these things, may our loving God help us overcome agonizing worry, and be at peace.

Gary Henson

After twelve years of tedious labor, one of the most dramatic restorations in artistic history—the paintings by Michelangelo on the ceilings of the Sistine Chapel—is finished. Although the Frescoes were finished in 1512, it was not long until they became grimy from the charcoal braziers used in the chapel. Uncertain as to how to remove the dark smoky coating, and perhaps fearful of harming the paintings, restorers of earlier centuries used varnish and animal glues, which gave only a temporary sheen. In time, this coating also became dark, thus making the paintings even darker. More varnish would be applied, and the cycle would continue. The soot and the varnish took its toll through the decades in covering up the details, the color, and the true genius of Michelangelo.
Only recently has modern science reached a point where a restoration process could be utilized in cleaning the Frescoes. As soon as the first attempts were completed, the restorers saw that they would not only be uncovering history, but they would also be revealing the true method and technique of Michelangelo which had long been concealed. As it stood, all that could be seen were ocher, black maroon, and olive—but, after being cleansed from years of grime, there glowed lemon yellows, lime greens, neon shades of purple and pink. This discovery called into question the long-standing theories concerning his technique as a Fresco artist. Gianlurgi Colaucci, the chief restorer, said “Remember that our knowledge of Michelangelo as a painter is based solely on these paintings. People have only been able to judge these pictures in this state. There was even one theory that the lunettes represented Michelangelo’s dark, despairing view of sinful humanity. Now we see it’s not that at all!”
It appears that what we knew or at least much of what we knew of this great artist is wrong. The style and philosophy of what was attributed to him is gone, and the discovery of the real Michelangelo has been made. While this may be exciting to most artists and historians, there are those according to Colaucci, who are resentful and suspicious. Thus, with proof glaring before their eyes, they doubt that which has been proven.
Is this not an illustration of many people in regard to religion? During the time of Jesus there were those who read the scriptures through “soot and varnish.” Through the ages, the Jews had grown to expect an earthly king to come and lead them in revolt against Rome and become a great military and political power as they had once been under David and Solomon. Thus, when Jesus came claiming to be The King, they would not accept Him since He claimed to be a spiritual king ruling a spiritual kingdom. Yet, by many infallible proofs did Jesus clearly manifest Himself as the Son of God, and at the trial, so innocent was He, that the Jews could not prove their accusation and were forced to bring in false witnesses. Thus, with proof glaring before their eyes, they disbelieved that which could not be denied, and held fast to that which could not be proven.
There are those today in Christianity (in the broad sense of the word) who read the Scriptures through “soot and varnish.” There are old and erroneous doctrines such as : salvation by faith only, once saved always saved, premillennialism, present day tongue speaking, miracles and such like. These have been believed for so long, or have been believed by so many, or have been believed by some great person(s) that no matter how clearly one may disprove them, these people still disbelieve that which cannot be denied, and hold fast to that which cannot be proven.
God is not pleased with such actions. If one has had a truth obscured from his eyes due to earlier teachings, when he then learns the truth, God expects him to be, not like Michelangelo’s doubtful sceptics, rather, out of his love and respect for God and the truth, to make the corrections. Proverbs 23:23 states “Buy the truth and sell it not.” This means that truth is so valuable that one should give up everything necessary in order to obtain it. If one finds himself in contradiction to a Biblical truth, he should give up his falsehood no matter what it costs. One striving for the prize of heaven will not let tradition, pride, job, hobby, peer-pressure, and the such like keep him from “buying the truth.” Why is truth so valuable? It is the truth and only the truth that will set men free from sin.
Jesus said that the truth (which we are to buy at all costs) is the Word of God (John 17:17). However, many seem to think that just because one comes quoting verses and “sounding” Biblical in his reasoning that he is preaching the unaltered truth. Satan did this and Jesus had to correct him (Mt. 4:6-7). There were those who would use the Scriptures, but they would twist their meaning into falsehood (2 Pet. 3:16).
Brethren we MUST beware, for many false teachers are active (1 John 4:1), who are disguised as teachers of the truth (Acts 20:29-30), who, being evil, appear to be ministers of righteousness (2 Cor. 11:15), who give all indications of being Godly (2 Tim. 3:5), who secretly bring in false teachings (2 Pet. 2:1; Jude 4) and false doctrines (1 Tim. 4:1), which are made to sound true to the Bible (Rom. 16:18) yet carries away unsuspecting souls away to destruction (2 Pet. 2:1).
We beg those in denominations to see through the “soot and varnish” and “buy the truth and sell it not.” Also, since Satan is so craftily active, we, too, need to constantly beware lest we should find ourselves looking at the Bible through “soot and varnish” (2 Pet. 3:17).

Gary Henson

To me, Christmas is one of the most enjoyable times of the year. Fond memories of yesteryears are kindled while today’s activities are making tomorrow’s memoirs. I watch again the television specials we had watched when my children were little – – as well as when I was little. I like going through the decorated streets and the decorated malls with the cheery music as gifts for my loved ones are sought. Then, the highlight of it all: being with my family to exchange gifts and enjoy sensational seasonal snacks. Yes, I thoroughly enjoy Christmas. But let me mention, I enjoy and observe Christmas as simply a holiday (like Thanksgiving)—not as a religious observance of the birth of Jesus. Why? Let me explain.
I, as well as a multitude of earnest Bible-believing people, participate in Christmas as a normal holiday and not as a religious observance of the birth of Christ simply because: it is an invention of man. Nowhere in the Bible did Jesus teach it, nor did the apostles inaugurate it, nor did the church practice it. Furthermore, “There is no historical evidence that our Lord’s birthday was celebrated during the apostolic or early postapostolic times.” “According to authentic records, no church festival was held in celebration of Christ’s birth until the first half of the 4th century.” “The Christmas festival was probably the Christian transformation or regeneration of a series of kindred heathen festivals…” “The celebration of this day as Jesus’ birth date was probably influenced by pagan (unchristian) festivals held at that time [mid 4th century].” Thus, Christmas (as a religious observance of the birth of Jesus) is not from God but from man, 300 years later, and probably originated from paganism.
Now, since Christmas is not from God but from man, the words of Jesus in Matthew 21:25 are most crucial: “The baptism of John [the baptizer], whence was it? from heaven, or of men?” Jesus was making it clear: everything that men do in religion, they do so either by the authority of God or by the authority of man. In other words, did God tell John to do what he was doing, or did some men tell him to do it? If God told him to do it, then, in order to be pleasing to God, he must do it (Heb. 5:9). However, if man told him to do it (as a religious practice), then, if John did it, he and all those who took part with him “hath not God” (2 John 9; cf., Mat.15:9;5 Rev. 22:186).
Now, as in the words of Jesus, the question: “Christmas (as a religious observance of the birth of Christ), whence is it? from God, or man?” – – and we have already seen the answer.
Although I used to observe Christmas as a religious holiday, I do so no more. Has my enjoyment been dampened? Not at all. While I thoroughly enjoy the season, I am also following and pleasing God – – which makes me the happiest of all.
I am going to have a happy, enjoyable and merry Christmas. I sincerely hope you do too!

Gary Henson

I watched as a television news station interviewed a man regarding his views on the death penalty. The man, attempting to base his view upon the Bible, replied that capital punishment is wrong.
Let us see if he is right. In Genesis 9:6, we see that it was God who decreed capital punishment as the penalty for murder— “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: For in the image of God made he man.”
God continued the death penalty for murder under the Law of Moses, “Moreover, ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: But he shall surely be put to death” (Numbers 35:31, 33). As a matter of fact, the death penalty was decreed for at least five other crimes (Lev. 20; Deut. 17, 22; Ex. 22).
Finally (although this is not exhaustive), Romans 13:1-6, in discussing the God-given power of the governments, states that it “beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” The sword was an instrument which inflicted death, not a spanking. That Paul recognized this right is expressed in Acts 25:11.
Thus, it is incorrect to say, as did the interviewed man, that the Bible teaches that capital punishment is wrong. To deny the right, yea, this duty of government to assess and inflict the death penalty is to stand at odds with God.

Gary Henson