Jan 26

“’Preacher’ Will Do”

“Whereunto I am appointed a preacher“—2 TIMOTHY 1:11
Several years ago I was asked to word a prayer before the start of a high school football game. In the press box, as the stadium announcer was explaining the procedure to me, he said, “…at this point I’ll introduce you as Reverend Henson.” Knowing he meant well, yet, also knowing that I certainly was not due the lofty title, I kindly explained, “’Preacher’ will do.” Then, he wanted to call me “Pastor.” Although he did finally introduce me as a preacher, by his contrary insistence, you’d think I had asked him to introduce me as “Australopithecus africanus.”
Several times before and since that event, I have been addressed by mail, phone or in person with titles which are not to be bestowed upon individuals such as myself—or, in some cases, upon any human at all. I deeply appreciate those who are likewise religiously minded, yea, those who are desirous of expressing their gratitude to those who study and teach the Word. Yet, a consideration of some of that studying and teaching might prove helpful concerning this practice.
In Christianity, the religious title, “Father,” was brought into practice by human beings long after the completion of God’s instructions—the Bible (Catholic Dictionary, page 342). Indeed, the term is properly applied to our physical fathers (Mat. 15:4-6), but to apply it spiritually to another human being is precisely what Jesus prohibited when He said, “And call no man your father upon the earth, for one is your Father, which is in heaven” (Mat. 23:9). So please, just call me “preacher.”
To esteem certain ones as priests in distinction form the laity (“common” man) was also a later invention of man (Catholic Dictionary, pages 189, 692). The truth is, all Christians are priests (Rev. 1:6) who make up the “holy priesthood…offer[ing] up spiritual sacrifice acceptable to God” (1 Pet. 2:5,9). No, God did not ordain such a distinction. So please, just call me “preacher.”
The title “Reverend” is most common, but it would no doubt embarrass the godly heart to learn (in its only occurrence in the Bible) it is restricted to addressing God: “Holy and reverend is His name” (Psa. 111:9 [emp. added]). God is reverend–not man. We should feel no more comfortable in addressing a man as “Reverend,” as we would in addressing him as “God,” “Lord,” or “Master.” So please, just call me “preacher.”
The position of pastors certainly has a place in the church, but it must be asked, “What place does it occupy?” Pastors are also indentified as “elders” or “bishops” (Acts 20:17,28) who are a group of men (the terms are always in the plural) who have been selected out of their own congregation (Titus 1:5) having met numerous qualifications (including: married and with children [Titus 1:5-9]) and whose responsibilities are to guard, tend and oversee that local church (Acts 20:28-31; 1 Pet. 5:2; Heb. 13:17). The only occurrence of the term “pastors” is found in distinction to “evangelists” (Eph. 4:11)—meaning, they are two different positions.
So, if the one who preaches the sermons and is financially sustained by the members of the church (1 Cor. 9) is not to be addressed as “father,” “priest,” “reverend” nor “pastor,” what, then, is he to be called? Timothy was such an individual and God called him: evangelist (2 Tim. 4:5), minister (1 Tim. 4:6) and preacher (2 Tim. 4:2). Those terms please me; I’m sure they’ll also please those who wish to please God.

Gary Henson

Permanent link to this article: https://okcsbs.com/preacher-will-do/

Jan 19

IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE

“Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.“—1 CORINTHIANS 16:2

As Christians, we need to keep ever before us that our giving is to be preferred, plentiful and profitable.
The Bible makes clear that our giving is to be PREFERRED. God has always demanded first place—He logically deserves it. In Exodus 20:1-6, we read, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me…. Thou shalt not make unto thee a graven image….Thou shalt not bow down thyself before them.” The NT reinstated this law: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21); “Flee from idolatry” (1 Cor. 10:14); “Ye cannot serve two masters…ye cannot serve God and mammon [riches]” (Mat. 6:24). Money, or the material things that money can buy, can become our gods today. Suppose a man purchased a $150 suit for himself and, at the Goodwill, bought a $5 dress for his wife. Decked out in his new suit, and handing her the old worn out dress, “Here honey. I love you. You are first in my life.” Do you think she was fooled? Yet, does not one do the same thing when he surrounds himself with “me first” things, and then gives a token to the Lord on Sunday? Surely we can see, the giving of each one of us is to be preferred.
Our giving is also to be PLENTIFUL. Concerning giving, we are instructed: “See that ye abound in this grace also” (2 Cor. 8:7); “Abound unto every good work” (2 Cor. 9:11). With the account of the widow and the two pennies, Jesus let us know that He takes note of liberal giving—as well as lean giving. God was so pleased with the liberal giving of the poor Macedonians that He recorded their action as an example for all (2 Cor. 8:1-5). Truly, the giving of those who have first given themselves will be plentiful (2 Cor. 8:5).
The Bible also teaches that our giving is PROFITABLE. Within the context of giving we read, “he which soweth bountifully, shall reap bountifully” (2 Cor. 9:6). Proverbs 11:25 states, “the liberal soul shall be made fat.” This does not mean God will give us $100 for every $10 we contribute. Rather, our profit will be in benefits of character, blessedness, inner peace and the thrill of knowing that our contribution furthers the cause of Christ. We must remember, when God instructs us to give, He is not trying to make us poor. Rather, He is trying to make us rich. Yes, our giving is profitable.
As we each evaluate our own contribution, may we be guided by the truth: It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Gary Henson

Permanent link to this article: https://okcsbs.com/it-is-more-blessed-to-give-than-to-receive/

Jan 13

INADEQUATE HARBORS

With a name like “Fair Havens,” the captain of a ship would think it to be a good harbor in which to dock in order to take shelter from the difficulties of the sea. However, as it turned out, Fair Havens was not fair at all! Even the captain of the ship which carried Apostle Paul refused to take dock because “the haven was not commodious to winter in” (Acts 27:12). Thus, the name was misleading to those who were not informed.
In like manner, as each man and woman travels the rough seas of life, we need an harbor in which to dock. Unfortunately, many uninformed people take to harbors which only fail.
Just as the sailors in Acts 27:12-13 sought a worthless harbor of refuge in their own wisdom and ingenuity, so do men today. Try as we may, we cannot devise a plan or philosophy of life that will ensure happiness. Man’s best, such as Kant, Bentham, Hume and Kiekegaard, have tried—and failed. Yes, “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool” (Prov. 28:26).
Also, the sailors of Paul’s ship, by their own muscle at the oars, were not a successful harbor in a storm. Today, even Mr. Olympia and all MVP’s are not immune to unexpected injuries, accidents nor age. Even powerful nations fail its people. Of a truth, “Woe unto them that go down to Egypt for help; and rely on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many” because “the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong” (Isa. 31:1; Eccl. 9:11).
Wealth was another inadequate harbor in which to trust. In the storm, all the goods were thrown overboard (Acts 27:18-19). Unfortunately, uninformed people today also attempt to find harbor in wealth. But, money comes and money goes. Thus, we are warned “to not…trust in the uncertainty of riches” (1 Tim. 6:17). Job denied “making gold his hope,” or saying to wealth, “Thou art my confidence” (Job 31:24).
Luck was also a treacherous harbor of which Paul’s sailors tried (Acts 27:20). In life, man cannot rely upon luck for a good marriage, the raising of children nor the obtaining of heaven.
All of these “harbors” were unreliable, untrustworthy—yea, worthless. They all have appealing names: “Fair Haven,” but they are misleading. Yet, Paul told of the harbor in which they (and we) should trust (Acts 27:22-25). A harbor which is always fair. Always sustains. Always secure. That harbor is God, who is our “hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest: as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land” (Isa. 32:1-2).

Gary Henson

Permanent link to this article: https://okcsbs.com/inadequate-harbors/

Jan 04

THE CHRISTIAN IS:

C —-Crucified with Christ in baptism in order to be made free from sin (Rom. 6:6,7).
H —-Hoping For the glory (Col. 1:27) of salvation (I Thes. 5:8) in heaven (Col. 1:5).
R —Resurrected to live a new spiritual life here on earth (Rom. 6:4,5; Gal. 2:20).
I —-Influencing those about him so they may see his good works which results in their glorifying God (Mt. 5:16).
S —Serving God as a loving bond-servant with a kind, helpful and caring master (Lk. `2:37-48).
T —Trusting in the living God (I Tim. 4:10). Trusting what God has said is that which God can do (Rom. 4:21).
I —In the Image of His Son (Rom. 8:29). The Christian is following the example of Christ (I Pet. 2:21).
A —Adopted as the child of God who can call God “Father” and be his heirs (Rom. 8:15-17).
N —Nourished by the words of faith and good doctrine (I Tim. 4:6) which he loves (II Thes. 2:10) and by which he will be saved (Rom. 1:16).

–Such is the Christian.

Gary Henson

Permanent link to this article: https://okcsbs.com/the-christian-is/

Dec 28

Your Year In Review

“I saw my whole life pass before me” are often the words of individuals who had a close call with death. Such a “life in review” is an amazing phenomena of the human mind (although, no doubt, only the major aspects of one’s life spring forth).
As you stand, not at the end of your life, but at the end of another year, it would be good to take a self-examination to “see your whole year pass before you.” What is it that you did this year? What are your accomplishments? Did you do well financially? …health-wise? …make improve-ments on your house? …enjoy a good vacation? It is hoped that you were able to accomplish all these.
Yet, what about your spiritual accomplishments? If you were to make a year end’s list of your spiritual accomplishments, what would you have to list?
Furthermore, is that spiritual list the same as the list for the previous year? And the one before that? And the five, and the ten before that? If so, and if it is a list that is lacking, and unless you take it upon yourself to make a big change, then at the end of your life you will see the same spiritual inventory as you now see for this year. So, is your list full (like the oil of the five wise maidens [Mat. 25]) or lacking (like the five foolish)?
Is your list like Paul’s, who, near the end of his life, summarized: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7)?
Is your list like that of Dorcas, of whom, at her death, God said: “This woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did” (Act 9:36)?
Or, is your list like those in Matthew 25, who, due to an empty list at the day of judgment, heard ”Depart from Me you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Rev. 6:16)?
Yes, this is a good time to honestly examine your past year, making a list of spiritual accomplishments. And if it be full and not lacking in any aspect, then keep it up and “be not weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap” (Gal. 6:9). But if it be empty or lacking – – as it had been the previous years, then make up your mind to make and follow through with a change.
If, at the end of your life, “your whole life were to pass before you,” may it abound with spiritual accomplishments – – for that will be the only thing that will matter.

Gary Henson

Permanent link to this article: https://okcsbs.com/your-year-in-review/

Dec 22

The Path to the Christian Faith

Does the young child, having learned to walk without the assisting hands of Mother and Father, begin to doubt that his parents exist? It is sad that many adults have taken such a view in regard to their spiritual Father.
How does one, who is a believer in God and the Judgment to come, persuade another to such conviction? One cannot say, “Just believe,” or “There are so many who believe,” for such are not grounds for the truth to a matter.
Rather, the claims of Christianity MUST be established by indisputable proof. If such cannot be proven, then it should not be accepted; yet, if such can be proven, then one must not ignore it.

DOES GOD EXIST?
It is impossible for God not to exist! Mankind exists. We are an undeniable fact in this world. How did we get here? We are here only by one of two ways: (1) by evolution (natural means), or (2) by creation (supernatural means).
Evolution is based upon the idea of the survival of the fittest. Thus, when something happens to an animal’s habitat demanding the animal to either evolve (say, add or change an organ) or die, then, unless it does make a change it will die.
Now when the need occurred for the supposed evolution of the lung, there had to be a cause for the need (say, the drying up of a lake). Now the question is: how long can a fish survive while laying on the bottom of a dried up lake waiting for a lung to evolve?! Evolutionist themselves admit that a change may take one million years!
If you were to tape your mouth and nose, could you evolve a new breathing organ before you suffocated? Neither could those water-breathing creatures have done the same.
This point was presented in a debate to one of the world’s most renown atheists. [See: The Warren Flew Debate.] Yet, he was unable to make reply–not because he was not intelligent enough–but because it cannot be answered.
Since we are here by only one of two ways, and since it is not by evolution, then, it is by creation–which necessitates the existence of God.

IS THE BIBLE INSPIRED BY GOD?
Could a five year old be the author of Webster’s Dictionary?…the painter of the Mona Lisa?…the mind behind the Space Shuttle? Neither could mere man be the author of the Bible which contains characteristics which are far beyond our capabilities.
Amazingly fulfilled prophecies, uncanny unity and astounding scientific foreknowledge (among others) are such characteristics which establish the case for the inspiration of the Bible.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ?
(1) Jesus is the Son of God (John 20:30-31).
(2) There will be a judgment, and heaven or hell are the two rewards (Matt. 25:31- 46).
(3) In order to go to heaven, one must: believe that Jesus is the Christ (John 3:16), repent of his sins (Luke 13:3), confess faith in Jesus (Rom. 10:9,10), be baptized for remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16), and live a faithful life (Rev. 2:10).

CONCLUSION:
Much more can be said, yet this evidence establishes the case for the claims of Christianity. It must not be ignored.

Gary Henson

Permanent link to this article: https://okcsbs.com/the-path-to-the-christian-faith/

Dec 14

The Lord’s One True Church

The Bible teaches that the Lord’s one true church (Eph. 4:4) was built by Jesus Christ (Mat. 16:18), at Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:2-4; Acts 2:1-42), on the first Pentecost following Jesus’ crucifixion (Acts 2:1). It was established with divine power (Mark 9:1; Acts 2:1-6) for the explicit purpose of preaching the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16; Eph. 3:9-11) for the salvation of souls (Acts 2:38, 41, 47).
Any “church” which was organized by any other person, and/or at any other place, and/or at any other time, and/or without divine power, and/or for any other purpose–cannot possibly be the Lord’s one true church.
We encourage you to investigate these identification marks with (1) where you attend, and (2) with the church of Christ.

Gary Henson

GOD WOULD HAVE US TO BE A BIBLE READING PEOPLE

The beginning of the year is approaching. It is a time in which many people make a resolution to daily read their Bible. Of course, this would be a good resolution for everybody. Actually, Bible reading is commanded: “Give attendance to reading” and “read the epistle” (1 Tim. 4:13; Col. 4:16).
God assures us, as we read the Bible, great blessings await us. “Blessed is he that readeth…” (Rev. 1:3). “When they had read, they rejoiced…” (Acts 15:31). Thus, God wants us to read the Bible for our own good.
We need to read the Bible so we can obey its contents and be acceptable before God. “Read this law…that they [we] may… observe to do all the words of the law” (Deut. 31:11-13). In Deuteronomy 17:18-20, the result of the reading of the word of God is to be that we turn not either to the right or to the left.
Truly, there are great and extend benefits in reading the Bible. Should not you be one who reads the “Words of life?”
May we at Barnes be a Bible reading people as God would have us to be, for there are truly great benefits (both, here and in the hereafter) awaiting us.

Gary Henson

Permanent link to this article: https://okcsbs.com/the-lords-one-true-church/

Dec 08

WHY ATTEND BIBLE CLASS?

1. We are commanded to study the Bible: “Study to show thyself approved…” (2 Tim 2:15); “Give heed to the reading, to exhortation, to teaching” (1 Tim. 4:13); “Add to your faith…knowledge” (2 Pet. 1:5). The Bible class fulfills (in part) this very command.

2. The Bible class presents the opportunity for us to see ourselves as God sees us. The Bible is a true mirror for the soul (Jas. 1:23-25).

3. God wants us to be teachers. Christianity is a teaching religion: “For when by reason of time ye ought to be teachers…” (Heb. 5:12). Bible class will help us gain the knowledge and wisdom to fulfill this.

4. We need to know our Bible so we can be “ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you” (1 Pet. 3:15). But how can we do this unless we study?

5. We are charged to defend the faith (Jude 3), and our weapon of defense is the sword of the Gospel (Eph.6:17). A weapon is only as good as is the knowledge to use it. The Bible class helps to give us that knowledge.

6. The Bible class helps us to fulfill our individual obligation to “desire the milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Pet. 2:2).

7. Since we are going to be judged by the Word (John 12:48; Rev. 20:12), then we certainly need to know what is in it.

These are only seven, but they are all good reasons to attend every class possible. Why not make all classes possible–not for others (although your presence does influence them for good)- -but for yourself, so “that ye might grow thereby.”

Gary Henson

Permanent link to this article: https://okcsbs.com/why-attend-bible-class/

Nov 30

“God moves in mysterious ways his wonders to perform”

It was forty-eight years ago that I first heard of Jude chapter two. It was in a Bible class in the Linda church of Christ in Marysville, CA. The preacher/teacher was Clint Lovelady and someone had asked him where something was in the Bible. He answered, “It is in Jude chapter two.” Being a very young Christian of only a few months, I started looking for Jude, then, chapter two. Of course, I finally found Jude, but not chapter two. This was his way of saying; it is not in the Bible. Through the years I have adopted this fun way of answering such questions.
I have been amazed through the years to see folks who have been Christians for many years, once I have told them something is in Jude chapter two, to see them start thumbing through the New Testament looking for Jude chapter two. You should see their faces when finally they realize what has just happened to them. How many times have you heard, “God moves in mysterious ways and has wonders to perform” or something like it? Do you know where these words appear in the Bible? Yes, they are found in Jude chapter two. Just “Google” the words and see what you find. You will find something, but no book, chapter, and verse.
In fact, I found these words as the heading of a page: “God moves in a mysterious ways his wonders to perform.” Of course, the page never gave book, chapter and verse for the words! Yet, they were put forth as though they were as sure as God himself! How does something become so strongly believed, that it becomes the basic thought of a religion? The implication behind the words appears to be, that God’s plans (whatever is happening at the present time) are beyond human understanding, but God has a reason for everything that happens, however strange they may appear to man. These words also take us beyond the Bible, thus, the events themselves become the authority! But don’t forget, the “mysterious” and “wonders” are beyond the human mind’s ability to comprehend.
Here is a good point to unveil the origin of the words, “God moves in mysterious ways and has wonders to perform.” Well, the words have undergone change through the years as many phrases do. The nearest words to those heard today come from a hymn written by William Cowper in 1774. He wrote: “God moves in mysterious ways / His wonders to perform. / He plants his footsteps in the sea / And rides upon the storm.” Cowper struggled with depression and doubt through the years. The story goes that he decided to commit suicide by drowning himself, so one night he called a cab telling the driver to take him to the Thames River. There is two versions to the story, one is that as they drove toward the Thames a heavy fog came in and the cab driver got lost and could not find the river, while the other says the driver deliberately drove around; at last, which ever the case, Cowper was most surprised to find himself at the steps of his own house when the cab stopped to let him out. Surely God had sent the fog, or at least the cab driver to keep him from killing himself. The conclusion was reached: “Even in our blackest moments, God watches over us!”
It must be asked, what is wrong with this story? First, what do you say to the father and mother whose son or daughter just committed suicide? Where was God? Did God have no plan for him/her? Was God not watching over him/her? Have you not read that God: “… maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matt. 5:45). What arrogance to think that I am better than others, that God has a better plan for me than others, or that God has a special plan for me, but not for you! What book, chapter, and verse, do I give for such? Oh, I forgot, we are not talking about the inspired word of God: “God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform” is our authority!
Before concluding, do not get the wrong idea, the Christian has blessings the lost do not have, but they are spiritual not physical. Paul wrote: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). Then, when it comes to salvation, God is no respect of person: “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: (35) But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him” (Acts 10:34-35).
Finally, let these words settle into your mind, as Paul wrote of God: “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4). It is not mysterious, but it is so wonderful!

— Frank R. Williams
Archived Article from November 30, 2014

Permanent link to this article: https://okcsbs.com/god-moves-in-mysterious-ways-his-wonders-to-perform-3/

Nov 25

THREE STEPS TO HEAVEN

If the elevator were out of order inside a tall building, you would have to walk up numerous steps in order to get to the top. However, in reaching heaven, it can be said that there are only three steps.
FIRST, ONE MUST STEP OUT OF SELF. To do this, one must deny self: “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” (Mat. 16:24). Furthermore, in order to deny self, one must also give up self (2 Cor. 8:5), put off the old man (Col. 3:9,10), and forsake all else (Mat. 19:27).
The one who steps out of self no longer trusts in self: “Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, and lean not upon thine own understanding” (Prov. 3:5). Furthermore, one no longer looks to self [“It is not in man that walketh to direct his own steps” (Jer. 10:23)]; wishes to glorify himself (Mat. 5:16), nor seeks first the welfare of self [“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Mat. 6:33)].
One cannot get up the stairway if he does not take the first step. There are those who, knowing about the first step, failed to take it. Such are: the rich young ruler who would not deny self of love for worldly goods (Mat. 19:22); the chief rulers who would not deny peer pressure (John 12:42), and position (John 11:48).
THE SECOND STEP IS STEPPING INTO CHRIST. Those that are in Christ are: new creatures (2 Cor. 5:17); triumphant (2 Cor. 2:14); and without condemnation (Rom. 8:1). In order to take this second step of getting into Christ, one must be +baptized: “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” (Rom. 6:3), and, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ, did put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27). Yet, one is not able to take this second step of being baptized into Christ until he has been taught (Mat. 28:19, 20), has believed (Mark 16:16), has repented (Acts 2:38), and has confessed Christ (Rom. 10:9,10).
THE THIRD AND LAST STEP IS THE STEP INTO GLORY. Those who have taken the first and second step [and continue thereon without going back down (2 Pet. 2:21,22)], are taken upon the third step by the Lord, “Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body” (Phil. 3:21). After our body has been “raised in glory” (1 Cor. 15:43) we shall “Partake of the glory that shall be revealed” (1 Pet. 5:1) which is his eternal glory by Christ Jesus (1 Pet. 5:10) which will be so wonderful “that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18).
We are fortunate that the stairway to heaven only has three steps (and the last one is given to us), and not hundreds as there are in a tall building. Of all the stairways that you may have climbed in your life-time, do not miss going up the most important one.

Gary Henson

Permanent link to this article: https://okcsbs.com/three-steps-to-heaven/

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