Barnes church of Christ

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

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

It is good that this nation stops to observe a time of giving thanks. We have truly been blessed with an abundance, and those who are not thankful are ingrates. However, the true Christian is one who remembers and thanks God, not merely once a year, but continuously. The Christian is to be like his brother Paul who “gave thanks always” (Eph. 5:20) and would “thank God without ceasing” (1 Thes. 2:13). Yes, the Christian is continually thankful to God. The Christian is also aware of, and is thankful for spiritual blessings, as well as the food and other earthly sustenance. To be sure, we thank God for the food which “hath been created to be received with thanksgiving…for every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving” (1 Tim. 4:3-4). But, the Christian, who is aware that every good and perfect gift comes from God (Jam. 1:17), looks beyond the physical blessings and thanks God: for the gift of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 9:15), for the goodness and mercy of God (Psa. 106:1; 107:1; 136:1-3), for the reception and effectual working of the word in others (1 Thes. 2:13), for deliverance from sin through Jesus (Rom. 7:23-25), for victory over death and the grave (1 Cor. 15:57), for the triumph of the Gospel (2 Cor. 2:14), for conversion of others (Rom. 6:17), for faith exhibited by others (Rom. 1:8), for love manifested by others (2 Thes. 1:3), for the zeal beheld in others (2 Cor. 8:16), for all men (1 Tim. 2:1) and for all things (2 Cor. 9:11; Eph. 5:20).
Yes. The Christian is one who has “put on his glasses” to see beyond the physical blessings to see the “total picture” (cf., 2 Pet. 1:9) and thanks God for all good things, all the time.

May we “be thankful unto Him” (Psa. 100:4).

Gary Henson

DENOMOS: Christis, thanks for inviting me to your Sunday Bible class. The members of your church are certainly nice. They remind me of some of the people in my denomination. But you know, I believe that we are all going to the same place, we’re just going by different ways.
CHRISTIS: Denomos, that would be nice to believe — if it were not for Matthew 7:21-23.
DENOMOS: What do you mean? What does it say?
CHRISTIS: Here were some who were trying to get to the “same place by a different way,” but they were rejected by Jesus. Listen, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
DENOMOS: But our pastor says, in our church creed book….”
CHRISTIS: Denomos, neither your creed book nor your pastor is going to be the one who judges you at judgment. Rather, as John 12:48 says, it is Jesus and His Word, that is, the Bible, that will judge you.
DENOMOS: You’re right. It is dangerous to get one’s teachings from any thing other than the Bible.
CHRISTIS: I admire your desire to please God–not man. Denomos, perhaps this will help: Did it matter where the Hebrews crossed the Red Sea? Whether they crossed where Moses and the parted water were? or, at points which they decided, 5, 10, or 15 miles down the shore?
DENOMOS: Yes it mattered. If they wanted to get across, they had to cross where Moses was. That was the pathway which God provided.
CHRISTIS: Correct.
DENOMOS: I see your point. If different ones tried to get across at 5, 10, and 15 miles down the shore, they would all be trying to get to the same place by different ways. But the only way that would get them across was the one way which God provided and specified. All other ways would have failed.
CHRISTIS: Yes. And that is precisely the warning of Matthew 7:21-23. There were those who were trying to get to “the same place by different ways.” Yes, the ways were different all right–different from Jesus’ way! And because of taking the wrong way, Jesus didn’t even know them. That is, by their way, they never even became Christians!
DENOMOS: Christis, thanks for bringing this to my attention. Why don’t you come over and show me the Scriptures which teach the right way?!

Gary Henson

There is no doubt that miracles had been performed in centuries past. Jesus calmed the storm, walked on water, raised the dead. His disciples healed the blind, the deaf and the lame. Yes, miracles have certainly occurred. Yet, there are those today who claim that miracles can still be performed. Is this so? Does God still work miracles through His children? A careful examination of the Scriptures yields a reply of “no.” The miracles were to cease when that which was perfect came (1Cor. 13:8-13). The perfect which came was the completed, twenty- seven books of the New Testament (Rom 12:2; Jas. 1:25). Thus, miracles, which were to confirm the word (Mark 16:20), upon having completed its intention, ceased.
Furthermore, one only needs to compare the miracles as performed by Jesus and the early disciples with the “miracles” which are claimed today in order to see that the “miracles” today are not the miracles then (Acts 8:6-13). (1) The miracles then occurred instantaneous (Mat. 8:3,15; 9:27-30), whereas the “miracles” today take time to work. The sick are told they may not be able to walk, hear or see perfectly just yet, but their condition is improving. (2) With the miracles then, faith was not always required on the part of the one or whom the miracle was performed (John 11:39 [Lazarus was dead]; Acts 13:11-12). Yet, today, if the “miracle” does not work, the “healer” escapes the embarrassment by rebuking the patient for having too little faith. (3) Jesus healed all who came to him (Mat. 4:23-24; 8:16), but “healers” today have men who screen out those who have obvious handicaps (a missing leg) of which an assumed healing cannot be faked. (4) Miracles then healed real organic diseases (Act 3:2), but miracles today will gladly “heal” mere functional disorders. (5) Miracles then were always in the open public for all to behold (Matt 12:9, 13-14; Acts 3:16). Yet, when you talk to those who believe in miracles today, you are told of amazing miracles which always occur elsewhere in some remote area. (6) Miracles of Jesus and the early disciples were even acknowledged by their enemies (Mat. 12:13-14, 24; Acts 4:16), but “miracles” today are denied by even indifferent medical doctors. (7) Miracles then were not used to make money (Acts 3:6), but today the request to send money is the message. (8) Miracles then were used to support the truth (Heb. 2:3-4). Today, the “miracles” are used to support false doctrine.
Truly, when miracles then are compared with “miracles” today, it is easy to see that they are not the same. The miracles of Jesus were truly supernatural events, whereas that which is done today is a conglomeration of smooth talk, cover-up, deception and tricks of magicians.
Miracles then and “miracles” today—there is no comparison.

Gary Henson

The Lord’s church is the greatest institution on earth. It was planned before the beginning of the world (Eph. 3:9), prophesied throughout the Old Testament (Isa. 2:2-4; Dan. 2:44; etc.), and was built by Christ (Matt. 16:18). There was, and always will be only one (Eph. 4:4) that is acceptable to the Lord (Matt. 15:13).

Its creed book is the New Testament and the New Testament only (2 Cor. 3:6-18) which is a pattern (Heb. 8:5) for its members to explicitly follow (Rev. 22:18-19). Its work is to preach the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16; Eph. 3:8-11).

The terms of entrance is baptism (1 Cor. 12:13) following faith, repentance and confession. It is comprised of the saved (Acts 2:41,47), and will never be destroyed (Matt. 16:18).

Truly, the Lord’s church is the greatest institution on earth.

Gary Henson

“THAT SETTLES IT”

Once, in a religious bookstore, I came upon an automobile license plate which read, “God Said It; I Believe It; That Settles It!”

Admittedly, such seems to be words fitly spoken. Yet, wouldn’t a more accurate reading be: “God Said It; THAT Settles It!”

Isn’t it the case that if God said it, it has already been settled? If God said it, does it then depend upon one believing it for it to be settled?

Yes, I understand that if God said it, and one believes it, it is settled in one’s mind; but isn’t it the case that it has already been settled before he believed it? When God said, “This is my beloved Son,” would Christ’s Sonship not have been settled if no one believed it? Of course not!

All mankind needs to understand, if “God Said It; THAT Settles It” and we need to believe it!

Gary Henson

According to Young’s Analytical Concordance, the word “reward” occurs thirty times in the New Testament as it is translated from three different Greek words.

In reading these verses, it becomes easily obvious that the faithful Christian’s reward is heaven. In Mathew 5:10-12, those who are persecuted for doing that which is right shall have their reward in heaven. When Jesus comes in His glory, “then He shall reward every man” (Mat.16:27 cf., Col. 3:24; Mat. 6:1-6, 16-18; Mat. 10:41-42 with 25:35).

Yet, the Bible speaks of a secondary reward. It is the reward of inner pleasure that comes from doing that which is right and helpful to others (1 Cor. 3:8-15; 9:16-18).

May we as Christians (1) seek, (2) be motivated by, and (3) seek to motivate others unto good works by these two authorized rewards (for we are not to go beyond what is authorized, Col. 3:17). May we never act nor urge others to act in order to be seen of and receive the glory of men (Mat. 6:1-6). May we never act nor urge others to act with the expectation of receiving a reward (other than the above two authorized rewards) in return (Luke 6:32-35).

We may give appreciation to the worthy (Rom. 13:7), but such is not solicited by the worker nor an incentive of the appreciator.

May we diligently work in humbleness (Col. 3:12), allowing our works to glorify God (not self) (Mat. 5:16), while looking for the reward as promised by Jesus: “And, behold, I come quickly and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Rev. 22:12.

Gary Henson

Who wrote the second pair of tablets? We all know when God gave Moses the first pair of tablets containing the Commandments, they were “written with the finger of God” (Ex. 31:18; also see: Ex. 24:12; 32:16). However, when Moses went down the mountain to deliver the tablets to the people, he saw the great evil and wickedness in the camp, and his “anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and broke them” (Ex. 32:19). Thus, these were destroyed. Yet, we later see Moses coming down the mount with a second pair (Ex. 34:29). Who wrote the second pair? Moses or God?
I had believed the wrong answer to that question so convincingly for so long, I was astonished to learn the contrary to be true. Yet, did the length of time and the firmness of my erroneous belief give me the right to continue in that error. No! Although this question concerning the tablets of stone may be a trivial question, it is a sad fact that there are precious souls who believe they have the right and that it is harmless to believe a false, soul-damning doctrine. They seem to think, “I believe in God and everything will work out.”
Ask those in Matthew 7:21-23 if one has such a right. These believed in Jesus and were even active in their profession, but, had they been told and subsequently believed wrongly on what to do to be saved? Most definitely. Were they saved? No. Jesus said He never even knew them, which means they never were Christians. Thus, did they have the right to be wrong? No.
Having to change my conviction concerning the physical authorship of the second tablets is admittedly very minor in comparison to what many must go through to make corrections concerning many of their beliefs and practices. Yet, Jesus graphically impressed us with its importance: “And if thy right eye causeth thee to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: For it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body be cast into hell” (Mat. 6:29). Jesus is emphasising, that hell is so horrible, do whatever it takes to miss having to go there! If you have to change a belief–change it! (Acts 19:1-5). If you have to swallow your pride–swallow it! (Gal. 2:20). Just do what ever it takes!
Consider this: If a change is needed, a change will come. However, one will either change his mind now…or in hell. Hell will be too late. Do it now!
[Who wrote the second pair of tablets? The answer is in Exodus 34:1 and Deut. 10:1-4.

Gary Henson

If God does exist, and if the Bible is inspired of God, and if Jesus is the Son of God, and if the Bible teaches that one must believe, repent, confess and be baptized in order to be saved, then one can know what to do to be saved from the wrath of God.
God does exist. Design demands a designer. The world abundantly exhibits design. Therefore, there is a Master Designer of the world (Psa. 19:1-4). Also, morality demands a moral law giver. Mankind has inborn morality. Therefore, there must be a Great Moral Giver (Rom. 1:32; 2:14, 15).
The Bible is inspired of God. It is beyond human ability for forty men who were separated by time (up to 1000 years) to foretell by 400 to 1400 years some 300 predictions all of which were precisely fulfilled (Deut. 18:20- 22).
Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus did many things which proved that He was the Son of God (John 20:30,31).
The Bible does teach that one must believe, repent, confess and be baptized in order to be saved. One must believe (1 Cor. 1:21), repent (Luke 13:3,5), confess (Rom. 10:9,10) and be baptized (Mark 16:16; 1 Pet. 3:21) in order to be saved.
With all the above being proven, one can know what one must do to be saved from the wrath of God.

Gary Henson