Barnes church of Christ

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

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