Barnes church of Christ

This is a continuation of article number seven, which was dealing with the charge made by Dr. Keith W. Schweitzer (Pastor, Immanuel Lutheran Church 505 NE Dodge Street, Greenfield, Iowa 50849) and his so-called: “Campbellite Church of Christ Position” as it related to the teaching that baptism is unto remission of past sins. He believes this is a totally ridiculous teaching.
The reason he believes it is ridiculous, is because he believes in the doctrine of “original sin.” Here is what he writes: “As the Campbellite Church of Christ stresses the absolute necessity of being baptized, rejects the biblical doctrine of original sin, and yet affirms an “age of accountability,’ baptism in the Church of Christ, by definition, must cover only a very small portion of a person’s sins during his lifetime.” He has a real problem with the “age of accountability,” and writes in another place, dealing with the same subject: “The doctrine of an “age of accountability” is a doctrine of subterfuge within the Campbellite Church of Christ. It is a doctrine which was created out of necessity to reconcile the paradox the Campbellites created for themselves between the doctrine of the essentiality of baptism in order to be saved and their denial of the doctrine of original sin.” The reason he has this problem is because he believes in the doctrine of “original sin.” This doctrine does not allow for such; for according to the doctrine of “original sin,” a baby is conceived in “original sin” that must be forgiven! Thus, the so-called baptism of babies!
Therefore, let us deal with the subject of the doctrine of “original sin.” First, this is not a biblical teaching, but a necessary subject to study as much of the denominational world believes in such! The “Pastor” then makes this statement: “This doctrine states that a child is only held accountable by God for his sins once he reaches the age of his being cognitively aware of his sins. The Scripture passage held out to support this doctrinal position is Isaiah 7:16: “For before the Child shall know to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land that you dread will be forsaken by both her kings.” May I say here, in my forty-eight years of preaching, I have never used this verse, nor have I heard it used, as Dr. Schweitzer so charges! This does not mean, that some preacher has never done so, however.
So, how do you go about to prove the doctrine of “original sin” is not a biblical teaching? First, the words never appear in the inspired text! It is always best to use biblical words when addressing biblical subjects; though it is understood at times it is necessary to use words not found in the Bible. Before addressing the subject, let us notice another statement made by the “Pastor:” “There is no point in a person’s lifetime here on earth when he is not accountable to God for that life and the conduct of his life.” Just how would you go about to defend such a teaching? Just how is a baby, who has no ability of understanding, no ability to believe, and no ability to repent, held “accountable to God” for anything that he might do? But, keep in mind, the doctrine of “original sin” does not involve any sin personally committed. No, it is an inherited sin! This doctrine teaches that a baby is conceived a sinner through the flesh from Adam onward. Here is a major problem in such a teaching; Luke wrote what the angel said unto Mary: “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS” (Luke 1:31). Add to this the words of John: “And the Word was made flesh ,…” (John 1:14). It should be clear that Jesus was conceived in a fleshly womb, and was “made flesh,” therefore, he was “flesh” when conceived just as are all babies! Yes, the “original sin” folks have an elaborate doctrine in an effort to get around this conclusion. But, was Jesus a flesh baby through the lineage of Adam, or not? Was Jesus born of a woman, just as all other babies? Therefore, whatever all other babies born of the flesh are, so was Jesus! However, this is just an inconvenient problem for the “original sin” folks to deal with! Don’t forget that the inspired Luke gave the fleshly genealogy of Jesus back to Adam (Luke 3:23-38), which would make Jesus guilty of “original sin,” if there was such!
Is there one case of a baby being baptized in the New Testament? No not one! However, our “original sin” folks have an answer to this question. They just point to the case of Lydia where Luke wrote: “And when she was baptized, and her household, …” (Act 16:15). So, what is this supposed to prove? According to the “original sin” folks, a “household” has a baby within it! In order to make their case, it would have to be, that all households have babies, for if one household did not have a baby, then, it just might be that the household of Lydia did not have a baby within it and their proof case is lost! The preacher who taught me, once in debating such folks, stated that Lydia had two red headed daughters! His “original sin” opponent questioned him: “Where did you did the two red headed daughters?” To which Clint Lovelady replied: “The same place you got the babies!”
Yes, of course, they have much more to say on the subject, but this will show their “proof” text is no proof text at all. It is the case that baptism is in order to have your past sins, sins actually committed, forgiven (Acts 2:38)!

Frank R. Williams

In continuing our response to “The Lutheran Response” of Dr. Keith W. Schweitzer (Pastor, Immanuel Lutheran Church 505 NE Dodge Street, Greenfield, Iowa 50849) to his so-called: “Campbellite Church of Christ Position.” This article will deal with his response, “The Campbellte Church of Christ: ‘We teach that baptism is for the remission of sins. But only for a person’s past sins.”
Before continuing this article, let it be known to all, there is no one on this earth who has the authority to speak for the churches of Christ (Rom. 16:16)! The churches of Christ have but one head and this one head is Christ, who is sitting at “the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Heb. 1:3). These churches have no organization on earth larger or smaller than each local congregation. It is true, that there is general fellowship among these churches based upon “the teaching of Christ” (2 John 9). Any member, elder, deacon, or preacher, may state or write what is generally believed and taught by these local churches, but no one has the authority to speak for them. The New Testament knows of no organization larger or smaller than the local church/congregation! With this in mind, let us continue with the position: The churches of Christ “teach that baptism is for the remission of sins. But only for a person’s past sins.”
Here is the “Lutheran Response: This is a doctrinal position not well know(n) even among members of the Campbellite Church of Christ.” Before continuing, let me deny one point, that it is not well known among members of the churches of Christ that one is baptized in order to have his past sins forgiven! Just think about it for a moment! If a person were baptized for past and future sins, would such a person not be free to continue in sin knowing that they had already been forgiven? It is more than a “get out of jail free card,” it is a “never go to jail free card!” Yet, the apostle questioned: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” (Rom. 6:1). Now hear the Paul’s answer: “God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:2-4). We are not baptized in order to be forgiven of sins not yet committed! Those who are members of the churches of Christ, who have been taught what the New Testament teaches, know that they are not baptized to have future sins forgiven, but past sins!
It is here that Dr. Schweitzer quotes two writers: first, Alan Highers: ““Churches of Christ have stood almost alone in the religious world on the subject of water baptism. We have insisted that immersion of a penitent believer is essential to salvation from past sins.” (The Spiritual Sword, no. 2 (January 1994); and second, C. R. Nichol: ““Though in becoming a child of God, one is commanded to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, it is, and can be, only for the sins committed before becoming a child of God, for he is guilty of no other sins before that time.” (Sound Doctrine, vol. 5, Clifton, Tex.: Nichol Publishing Company, 1920). Once more, just for the sake of truth and understanding, neither of these men speak with authority for the churches of Christ! However, both men have done nothing more than state what the authority of Christ teaches! But, let us look a little deeper into the subject as taught by Dr. Schweitzer and the Lutheran Church. As he writes: “As the Campbellite Church of Christ stresses the absolute necessity of being baptized, rejects the biblical doctrine of original sin, and yet affirms an “age of accountability,’ baptism in the Church of Christ, by definition, must cover only a very small portion of a person’s sins during his lifetime.” You can see that the subject is much larger than “baptism.” As he brings up “the absolute necessity of being baptized,” and what he calls “the biblical doctrine of original sin.” A third point would be what he would call the “mode” of baptism.
As we conclude this article, as space forces it, give thought to some questions: “If a person believes in “original sin,” and Dr. Schweitzer does, and baptism is for the forgiveness of original sin; does it not stand true, that baptism is necessary in order to have original sin forgiven? So, how does he and others deny the necessity of baptism? Another question, why do some “baptize” babies? It is because they believe that babies are born spiritually dead; guilty of their so-called “original sin!” Thus, making “baptism” absolutely necessary!

Frank R. Williams

The dishonesty of Dr. Keith W. Schweitzer, Pastor, Immanuel Lutheran Church 505 NE Dodge Street, Greenfield, Iowa 50849, is the subject in this sixth article addressing some of the charges made in his thirty pages. Here is the quote which will serve as the main subject of this article: “The writings, sermons, and lectures of such men as Foy Wallace, Austin McGary, Thomas Warren, Guy Woods, and Grover Cleveland Brewer are also highly regarded within the Church of Christ and were all significant contributors to the “oral tradition” of doctrinal formulation which was handed down throughout the 20th century.” His subject is that of formulating doctrines which he likes to call “catechisms, creeds, or other ‘man-made’ writings to formulate doctrines.”
It is highly possible that many young, and some older, members of the churches of Christ have never heard of some these men, and those who have, may not have read any of their books, which our good “Pastor” names above! Each of them are all dead; Austin McGary, June 15, 1928; Grover Cleveland (better known as G.C.) Brewer: June 9, 1956; Foy E. Wallace, Jr.: December 18, 1979; Guy N, Woods: December 8, 1993; and the last of which he writes was Thomas B. Warren: August 8, 2000. Let it here be said that no knowledgeable person, preacher or elder, in the churches of Christ would ever cite the writings of these men as authority for the churches of Christ! This is not to say, that some unknowing member, or even a preacher, has not, used some writing in such a manner, but if so, he was wrong! The churches of Christ have but one book of authority and this one book is the Bible, the inspired word of God! The churches of Christ serve under one head, which is Christ (Eph. 1:22-23) and operate under the authority of Christ (Matt. 28:18). Each local church is autonomous and is served by her self-appointed overseers (Acts 20:28)! She answers to no one else, nor to any other congregation! Yes, she may be questioned for her actions and the teaching she does, as are within “the teaching of Christ” (2 John 9). Dr. Schweitzer knows full well that no person, who ever came forward during an invitation in an assembly of a local church of Christ, has ever been asked does he/she believe the teaching in any of the books written by any of these men! There are many church of Christ buildings in which not one these books written by these men are to be found! Of course, this is not the case with the Lutheran Church and their “catechisms!”
For the sake of honesty, a search was made to the following question: “What is a Lutheran?” Here are the results: “While there are a variety of ways one could answer this question, one very important answer is simply this, ‘A Lutheran is a person who believes, teaches and confesses the truths of God’s Word as they are summarized and confessed in the Book of Concord.’ The Book of Concord contains the Lutheran confessions of faith. Perhaps you have attended a ordination of a pastor and heard him promise that he will perform the duties of his office in accord with the Lutheran Confessions. When people are received into membership into the Lutheran congregation through confirmation they are asked if they confess the doctrine of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, as they have learned to know it from the Small Catechism, to be faithful and true. These solemn promises indicate to us just how important the Lutheran Confessions are for our church. Let’s take a look at the various items contained in the Book of Concord and then we will talk about why the Lutheran Confessions are so important for being a Lutheran.” Of course, we will not look into the Book of Concord, as we are only making the point, that Dr. Schweitzer, who charges the churches of Christ as being a cult; in his own words: “The position of this writer is one that claims the Campbellite Church of Christ to be a cult” Why does he do so? Let him answer: “It has throughout its history lied and distorted the facts concerning its origins and many of its aberrant doctrines” The churches of Christ make no claims to believe any teaching that is not found in the Bible! No man, or group of men, has ever written a Catechism or Confession of Faith, to which anyone has ever been required, or even asked, “that he will perform the duties, nor are asked “if they confess the doctrine” of any book!
It appears to THIS WRITER that Dr. Schweitzer has just indicted the Lutheran Church as a cult! The Lutheran Church freely confesses to having and requiring a person, before becoming a member; and here we quote: “When people are received into membership into the Lutheran congregation through confirmation they are asked if they confess the doctrine of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, as they have learned to know it from the Small Catechism, to be faithful and true.” Not one word about believing the Bible!
Thus, the readers of this article can make their own conclusion as which church is a cult; the churches of Christ who confess to taking what they believe from the Bible, or the Lutheran Church who confesses to requiring confession to “the doctrine of the Evangelical Lutheran Church” written by uninspired men!

Frank R. Williams

The boldness of some writers is seen in their own words! In this series of articles, we are answering a thirty page, that’s right, a thirty-page article entitled: “Various Doctrinal Positions of The Campbellite Church of Christ And a Lutheran Response to Those Positions” written by, Dr. Keith W. Schweitzer Pastor, Immanuel Lutheran Church, 505 NE Dodge Street, Greenfield, Iowa 50849. This is our fifth response to his charges!
In this article we take up another charge made by “Pastor” Schweitzer: “Campbellite Church of Christ Position: ‘We believe a person must complete five steps in order to be saved. A person must: a. Hear the Word; b. Believe the Word; c. Repent of his sins; d. Confess his sins publicly; e. Be baptized by immersion only.” For all those who might happen to read this article, here is a question: “If you believe that Jesus followed through on his promise to build his church (Matt. 16:18), just where would you read of such building activity?” Would it be in the book which is the history of the activities of his ambassadors, the apostles of Christ? This book is “The Acts of the Apostles” and is the inspired historical record of the establishment and the building of the church to which the Lord added those who were saved (Acts 2:41, 27). Luke the inspired historian records for the truth seeker, case after case, of those who were converted to Christ. It is noticed by the careful reader that different answers were given to the same question; this fact should compel any honest reader to ask why? The simple answer lies in the fact that those who asked the same question, “What must I do?” Were in different places in their learning and understanding. Thus, the answer was given accordingly! However, it will be noted that all five of the points given by the doctor are correct, but one, which he incorrectly states!
On the day of Pentecost, the text says, “Now when they heard this” (Acts 2:37)! Peter answered the question of these believing Hebrews, who had been looking for the coming of the Christ; their question was: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Please notice in his answer, Peter does not tell them to believe for it is understood they already believed; as he said: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (verse 38). So, to this point what do we have: 1) they heard the gospel; 2) they believed the gospel; 3) they were told to repent; and 4) they were commanded to be baptized for “unto” the remission of their sins! Charge or not, in the first case of converts in the gospel age that we have four of the five steps which Dr. Schweitzer is making fun of? But, this is not all! As we keep reading, the inspired Luke wrote: “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Verse 41).
Now, as an honest seeker of truth, we read in the eighth chapter of Acts and notice that Philip went down to “the city of Samaria and preached Christ unto them” (verse 5). Please notice what happens! In verse six Luke wrote, “hearing,” and in verse twelve he wrote: “they believed,” then he says, “they were baptized.” However, let us read on in chapter eight and we come to “a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure” (27). The amazing thing, at least in the eyes of some, is what takes place here. After Phillip “preached unto him Jesus” (verse 35) unto this honorable man, he asked Phillip: “See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? (verse 36). Now, don’t allow this next point to get away from you, as it addresses point “d” of the doctor’s charge; though he is willfully incorrect in his words: “Confess his sins publicly!” Here is what Philip said: “If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (verse 37). Now get this as the eunuch replies: “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” There is the “confession!” In my forty-eight years of preaching, I have never asked more and have never heard of any church of Christ preacher asking for any more. Not only have we proved the five points required in being saved for past sins, but we have also proved Dr. Schweitzer is willfully wrong in his charge against his so-called “Campbellite Church of Christ Position!” Never have I seen, or heard of anyone doing what Dr. Schweitzer writes in his point “d. Confess his sins publicly,” in the churches of Christ before being baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:27)!
Honesty requires that a person get the whole truth on any subject being studied, and the answer to the question: “What must I do to be saved?” is no different! There is no other book, under heaven, where the inspired answer to this question is given in its fullness, than in “The Acts of the Apostles;” our good “Pastor” Dr. Schweitzer not withstanding!

Frank R. Williams

In this fourth article written under the above title, there is a need to raise the question: “Just what are confessions, catechisms, and creeds?” This need arises because Dr. Keith W. Schweitzer Pastor, of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Greenfield, Iowa, writes in his “A Lutheran Response to Those Positions” to what he calls “Various Doctrinal Positions of The Campbellite Church of Christ,” in which he charges the churches of Christ with having such!
Of course, as noted in the earlier articles, he maliciously calls the churches of Christ, “The Campbellite Church of Christ.”
First, what is a “confession?” The Encyclopaedia Britannica gives the following under “Confession of faith:” “formal statement of doctrinal belief ordinarily intended for public avowal by an individual, a group, a congregation, synod, or a church; confessions are similar to creeds, although usually more extensive. They are especially associated with the churches of the Protestant Reformation.”
Second, what is a “catechism?” Catechism derives from the Greek word “katekhismos,” which is defined as instruction conducted in a question-and-answer format. The root of katekhismos, “katekhein,” means “to resound” or “to echo,” which describes the nature of a catechism. A catechism presents a set of questions, which when read prompt an accompanying set of answers. “A catechism is a teaching tool and encourages memorization through repetition.”
Third, what is a “creed?” A creed is “an authoritative formulation of the beliefs of a religious community (or, by transference, of individuals). The terms “creed” and “confession of faith” are sometimes used interchangeably, but when distinguished “creed” refers to a brief affirmation of faith employed in public worship or initiation rites, while “confession of faith” is generally used to refer to a longer, more detailed, and systematic doctrinal declaration. (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
Let it be understood in spite of Dr. Keith W. Schweitzer malicious words, the churches of Christ have no “Confession of faith,” no “Catechism,” and no “Creed,” but the word of God! The only question anyone is asked before being baptized is: “Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God?” Generally, just before the believing, repentant, confessing person is baptized, the person doing the baptizing will say something like: “I now baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in order to have your sins forgiven.” However, it is not necessary that anything be said. The words are said, so all present will understand what is taking place!
Now we turn our attention to the question: “Do some churches of Christ use books written by members of the churches of Christ in Bible classes?” Yes! Some churches of Christ through the years have used the book written by Leroy Brownlow, “Why I Am a Member of the Church of Christ.” It is a good book! However, there are members of the churches of Christ who have never studied this book and some who have never even heard of this book! The same thing is true of the five volume set of books entitled “Sound Doctrine” by written by C. R. Nichol and the three volume set of books entitled “Hardeman’s Tabernacle Sermons” by N. B. Hardeman! The charges made by Dr. Keith W. Schweitzer are false, and what is more, he knows they are false!
Here is a question for Dr. Keith W. Schweitzer Pastor, of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Greenfield, Iowa, who appears so brave as he writes; is he brave enough to back up his written words in public debate?
In fact, Dr. Schweitzer writes: “The position of this writer is one that claims the Campbellite Church of Christ to be a cult. It has throughout its history lied and distorted the facts concerning its origins and many of its aberrant doctrines.”

Frank R. Williams

This week we will continue to look at the writings of Dr. Keith W. Schweitzer, Pastor, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Greenfield, Iowa (the first two have appeared in “Frank’s Corner); who is writing under what he calls: “Various Doctrinal Positions of The Campbellite Church of Christ And a Lutheran Response to Those Positions.” The first thing to notice about what he writes is that he is making up the “Various Doctrinal Positions” of the so-called “Campbellite Church of Christ!”
It should be of interest to notice this little point. The Campbells, Thomas and Alexander, nor any of those associated with them ever called themselves “Campbellites!” Martin Luther, also desired that no one call themselves Lutherans. Nevertheless Dr. Schweitzer is a member of a church that does just this! Even if he were right, it would be the “pot calling the kettle black,” as the old saying goes! In other words, he does what he is charging others of doing!
He appears to be very concerned with what he calls the: “Position: ‘We (The so-called Campbellite Church of Christ.) use only the Bible to formulate doctrines. We do not have confessions, catechisms, creeds, or other ‘man-made’ writings to formulate doctrines.” Which we have looked at and given some answers to his charges, but now we will look at another.
Here he refers to Leroy Brownlow and his book, Why I Am a Member of the Church of Christ (Fort Worth: Brownlow Publishing, 1945) and gives his “Lutheran Response: This is an oft-cited claim made by the Campbellite Church of Christ. The reality is quite different. The Church of Christ, in fact, has many confessions, catechisms, and other “man-made” writings that have been used to formulate doctrines” It only needs to be pointed out, as in earlier articles, that this book is much too late, been written in 1945, to serve as “confessions, catechisms, creeds, or other ‘man-made’ writings to formulate doctrines” for his so-called Campbellite Church of Christ! As the Campbell’s did their work in the first half of the 1800’s and the Brownlow book was written nearly ninety-five years later!
Another charge is: “Campbellite Church of Christ Position: “Ours is the church you read about in the Bible particularly in Acts 2. Ours is the only true, visible church on earth. Our church began in A.D. 33. A person must be a member of our church if he hopes to go to heaven.” Personally, I do not refer to the Lord’s church as “our church,” though there may be a way the words could be correctly used. Paul wrote: “unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 1:1). This is written in the Greek genitive; to the best of my ability in Greek. However, it is most uncommon for me to hear members of the churches of Christ to use the words, “our church.” We would more than likely say, “The church of Christ started in A.D. 33, as recorded in Acts two.”
Now, let us deal with the second point, “A person must be a member of our church if he hopes to go to heaven.” Taking the words, “our church,” to mean the church of which Jesus said, “I will build my church” (Matt. 16:18), and the church to which Luke wrote: “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47). Would anyone deny that the Lord adds those who are being saved to his church; the church of Christ?
Would the Lord, for instance, add the saved to the Lutheran Church, of which the Lord knew nothing; for which the Lord did not shed his blood (Acts 20:28)? I think not!
Just what does it take to be the church, the church which Jesus said, “I will build,” the church for which he shed his blood? It takes “the teaching of Christ,” nothing more and nothing else but “the teaching of Christ” and humble souls/spirits who are obedient to it! Dare we today preach the same thing the apostles preached on that great Pentecost day in A.D. 33: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38)? A better question, dare we preach something else?

Frank R. Williams

The world searches for answers to the problems we are now being flooded with. Truly, not only are there “rumors of wars,” but there are actual wars taking place in many nations; and now in America, it appears we have a “war” on Police Officers! Police Officers are no longer safe stopping to have a coffee and a donut, or going to investigate a reported crime. No, they cannot even go and do their duty of protecting those who are marching in protest, without fear of being shot! America is not used to this kind of thing!
As the “worldly wise” search in vain for answers, the “television talking heads” speak worthless words, and those holding elected offices, the leaders of our land, tell us it should not be this way; they have no real answers! The truth is, the answer has been in “The Book” in the books shelves and on coffee tables, but it has long left our hearts. Solomon wrote in such simple words: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Pro. 4:23). Yes, in these fourteen words, Solomon laid before all of us the answer to the problems of today.
First, he identified the place of supreme importance: “thy heart.” Individually we each have one, but Solomon is not speaking of the pump in the chest, through which the blood is pumped through our body. No, the “heart” as used in the scripture refers more often than not to the mind. Notice with me how we can determine this truth. In Hebrews, the writer quotes Jeremiah 31:33 two times, but he interchanges the two words, “hearts” and “minds.” Here are the quotes of the part of the verses we are interested in: “I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts” (Heb. 8:10) and “I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them” (Heb. 10:16). If you will read with care, you will notice that the words in verse 10 “their minds” while verse 16 has “their hearts” in the first part and in the second part, verse 10 has “in their hearts” and verse 16 reads “in their minds.” Therefore, the inspired writer uses the words interchangeably and this means, the “heart” is the “mind” and the “mind” is the “heart!” So, Solomon is saying: “Keep thy mind with all diligence!”
Second, the word “keep,” (Hebrew naw-tsar) means: to guard, to protect, maintain. Third, this naturally brings us to the manner of doing so and Solomon used the word “mish-mawr” (diligence): as a guard on duty! One dare not fall asleep, for it is a twenty-four hour day duty! The danger is always present! In this regard Peter wrote: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). Peter gives to more words to put within Solomon’s word “diligence;” they are: 1) “sober” (nēphō) which means: “watch; and 2) “vigilant” (grēgoreuō) which means: “to keep awake.” Thus, the urgency is expressed in Solomon’s words, “keep thy heart with all diligence!”
Fourth, Solomon now takes us to the reason for this urgency, as he wrote: “for out of it (heart,mind, frw) are the issues of life.” Note that he started this phrase with the word “for” (kee), meaning “seeing, since.” In others words, this is a fact! But, what is a fact? “out of it (the heart, the mind, frw) are the issues of life.” What about this fact is so hard for the highly educated of our land to understand? What we put into the heart/mind is what we are! This is a simple fact! Truth is, it is a known fact, and the liberals of our nation has been very busy for years putting liberalism into the minds of our young; while they have taken away every effort by others to put into these same minds sound and proven truth!
Jesus said it this way: “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matt. 15;19). Thus, the conclusion is easy to reach; “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he!” (Pro. 23:7). Friends, the heart/mind controls the outward actions and this is not a mystery!
Our young have been fed with “evil” for the last sixty years and with an ever increasing amount of evil! God has been semantically removed from the minds/hearts of our young and good has been called evil and evil has been called good! This will not change until we put truth before this nation as it is in truth, the word of God!

Frank R. Williams

Just why are you a member of some church? Do you read the New Testament? Does Jesus and his death mean anything to you? Just how important is the salvation of your soul to you? Yes, you are right, this a lot of questions to start an article with, but each question should be of interest to you! You see, we are living in a world that is changing faster than most of us can keep up with; and to say that our heads may be spinning round and round, may be an understatement.
So, let us take the above questions one at a time and slowly think about each one. First, “Just why are you a member of some church?” This really requires a second question: Why are you a member of the church you are a member of? Do you think it makes any difference which church you are a member? Many times people are a member of a church because their parents are members, or a good friend is a member. Here is a good question to think about: Did you become a member of this church because of something you read in the New Testament? Maybe you read where Jesus said: “I will build my church” (Matt. 16:18) and you believe you are a member of this church. It sure would be the right reason to be a member of this church; and if Jesus did not build this church, it sure would be a good reason not be a member! Therefore, here is a another question: Does truth matter to you?
The second question was: “Do you read the New Testament?” If so, why do you read it? Just what are you looking for when you read it, or are you looking for anything? As you read the New Testament, did you ever read where Jesus said: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Then, as you read more, maybe you read these words of Peter: “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth …” (1 Pet. 1:22). If you have both of these passages, did you add the two thoughts together, “free” and “purified?” Just to help your thoughts, the word “purified” (the Greek hagnizo) means: to make pure, to cleanse. To be “pure” and “cleanse” is to be “free” from sin and Jesus said: “the truth shall make you free.” However, is it clear that he meant as truth obeyed will make one free from sin! Did the thought ever enter your mind as you read the words: “the truth shall make you free,” that it required your obedience to the truth?
The third question was: “Does Jesus and his death mean anything to you?” It is hard to think of some reading the New Testament while the death of Jesus means nothing to them. So, as you read the New Testament, did you read that Jesus purchased the church with his own blood? Paul wrote these words when speaking to the elders of the church located in Ephesus: “to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). Does this make the church as important as Jesus’ blood? In other words, is the church worth the price Jesus paid for it? Here is a good place to give some thought to another question: Does this make one church just as good as another, or does it make the church Jesus purchased with his own blood better, worth more, than any other church? Before concluding this thought, give a moment to these words: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for her” (Eph. 5:25). If you are going to be a member of any church, why not desire to be a member of the church Jesus loves and gave himself for? Keep in mind, Jesus said, “I will build my church!” Would Jesus’ church wear his name or just any name people may come up with?
The fourth question was: “Just how important is the salvation of your soul to you?” Allow me to point out, that these questions are all related. First, they are all related to truth; therefore, our subject: “IF IT IS NOT TRUTH!” I have never understood how anyone can relate to Christianity, and not be interested in truth. In fact, I have never been able to understand why anyone would settle for anything less than truth! “If it is not truth,” just what do you have? Isn’t the salvation of your soul/spirit worth more than the whole world? Remember the words of Jesus: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Mark 8:36-37). Just how important is the salvation of your soul?
Is the salvation of your soul/spirit worth knowing the truth? Not what someone may have said to you, be it friend, family member, or preacher! Paul expressed the desire of God for you: “(God) Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4). Truth and saved go together!

— Frank R. Williams

In this fifth and final article in this series, we will focus our attention on the subject of “grace.” By way of recalling what has brought us to write these articles, we quote: “A second minority group has moved away from legalism to a more orthodox position consistent with other Protestants. This second group emphasizes, like most other Christians, that salvation is by grace.” These words come from a webepage called “Faith Fact” (No name was found on this page, but for your information, there is more than one such page.). The writer, when he says, “A second minority group,” and by “This second group,” he is referring to a group within the churches of Christ. It is these words that has caused this series of articles.
The subject of “grace” is so misunderstood, it is hard to start an article addressing the subject. One of the first things in studying the subject of grace is to know beforehand that the word is not always used to refer to the same thing. This is true both of the Greek and English word! Here are a few: 1) “If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward” (Eph. 3:2). First, notice the word “dispensation” (oikonomia) which is best understood by the word stewardship; and second, this helps us understand the word “grace” that it refers to Paul’s apostleship. Thus, the word “grace” is used in connection with Paul receiving the gospel to preach to the Ephesians! 2) “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality” (2 Cor. 8:1-2). Here the word “grace” refers to the opportunity which the churches of Macedonia, Gentiles, had in sending physical relief to the Hebrew brethren in Judea. And 3) “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11-12). Clearly here the words “the grace of God” teaches and refers to “the teaching of Christ,” or the gospel of Christ. This naturally brings us to Paul’s words: “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:32). “The word of his (God’s, frw) grace” the gospel of Christ, which is “the power of God unto salvation” (Rom. 1:16). The conclusion here is simply, the person who believes that he can separate the grace of God from “the word of his grace” is sadly mistaken!
Just what is grace? It is the favor of God! Of course, our subject is that of salvation and grace; if we are saved, it will be by the grace of God! However, within the word “grace” is everything related to our being saved. Yes, every “little” part necessary to our salvation is included in the word “grace.” Keep in mind, it is God who put all the parts within “grace!” Is the blood of Jesus necessary to our being saved? Yes, then it is included in the word “grace.” Is Jesus’ death upon the cross necessary to our being saved? Yes, then it is included in the word “grace.” Is faith that God exist and that he will reward us necessary to our being saved? Yes, then personal faith is included in the word “grace.” Is repentance necessary to our being saved? Yes, then repentance is included in the word “grace.” This helps us understand Paul’s words: “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” The “word of his grace” teaches us “that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Tit. 2:12-14). There is grace as revealed in “the word of his grace!” If not, just what is it? Therefore, when one preaches “the word of grace” he is preaching “grace!”
You see, God did not owe any of us the opportunity to “repent,” but he gave us out of his love, which produced his grace, the opportunity to “repent!” How beautiful are the words: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). Is this “grace?” Yes, but it is all that is included in the word “grace,” when Paul wrote: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8). Please notice that being “saved” is not by grace only, for Paul wrote: “through faith,” and here it is “the faith!”
Therefore, our salvation is made possible by God’s grace, appropriated by means of “the faith” which is “the word of grace” and being saved is not of ourselves, but neither is it without obeying “the word of his grace” and to emphasize one over the other is only to fail the charge to: “Preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2).
With these words we bring to a conclusion this series of articles which have been written in trust that eyes may be opened to see some of the dangers facing the churches of Christ; that those who love the truth may “having done all, to stand. Stand therefore!”

Frank R. Williams