Barnes church of Christ

How do we as Americans determine a “moral standard” for this nation?” America has been debating this question for years! There are two basic thoughts: 1) mankind will make their own moral standard; and 2) “the teaching of Christ” is the only true moral standard! Here we recall the words from the first article: “Consistency—the absence of contradictions—has sometimes been called the hallmark of ethics. Ethics is supposed to provide us with a guide for moral living, and to do so it must be rational, and to be rational it must be free of contradictions.” The truth is, “mankind” is incapable of making such a “moral standard” that is “consistent!”
Let us take up two concurrent subjects of debate: 1) assisted suicide and 2) euthanasia. It is necessary to understand these two words; therefore, let us do so! These have been debated from two standpoints: 1) from the medical field and 2) from the ethical view! In this debate, there are those who assert that: 1) both assisted suicide and euthanasia are morally wrong and should not be provided. Those on the other side: 2) hold that assisted suicide and euthanasia should, and maybe, must be, allowed. This is true, regardless of the circumstances of the case! Then, 3) others hold that assisted suicide or euthanasia are ethically legitimate in rare and exceptional cases; there is the inconsistency of some! Is euthanasia ethically right, or is it ethically wrong; is assisted suicide ethically correct, or is it ethically incorrect? Yet, it is also stated: 4) “but that professional standards and the law should not be changed to authorize either practice.” Speak of inconsistency; here it is in full view! But, the debate does not stop here; 5) “Finally, some advocate that assisted suicide, or both assisted suicide and euthanasia, should be recognized as legally and morally acceptable options in the care of dying or severely ill patients.” (Ethics Education of Military Leaders A Edward Major, Esq).
Early in man’s history, God said through Moses: “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man” (Gen. 9:6). This principle is then clearly stated in “the teaching of Christ,” which makes it the responsibility of civil government: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (2) Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. (3) For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: (4) For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil” (Rom 13:1-4). First, the word “Let,” expresses a command; 2) the words “for he beareth not the sword in vain” is capital punishment; and 3) then notice that these words are followed with: “for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil!” Clearly, the “higher powers” as used here, refer to civil government and it is the God given responsibility of civil government as the “minister of God” to fulfil this responsibility. Here we have “consistency!”
It remains to answer the questions: 1) is assisted suicide, and 2) euthanasia, murder? Here is a good place to recall the words of Theodore Roosevelt: “To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.” First, the laws of this Nation; “West’s Encyclopedia of American Law states that “a ‘mercy killing’ or euthanasia is generally considered to be a criminal homicide” and is normally used as a synonym of homicide committed at a request made by the patient.” Next, it is necessary to understand the word “homicide:” “The judicial sense of the term ‘homicide’ includes any intervention undertaken with the express intention of ending a life, even to relieve intractable suffering.” Without doubt “mercy killing” and “euthanasia” fall within the words “criminal homicide!”
It is a common practice used by those who desire to do something illegal, immoral, to dress it up with nice sounding words: 1) “mercy” and 2) “euthanasia.” Euthanasia means: “the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured individuals (as persons or domestic animals) in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy and comes from the Greek word “euthanatos” which mean: “easy death,” but the use of sweet words do not change the nature of it; it is still murder! Here is a good place to give meaning to the word “murder;” The definition of murder has evolved over several centuries. Under most modern statutes in the United States, murder comes in four varieties: (1) intentional murder; (2) a killing that resulted from the intent to do serious bodily injury; (3) a killing that resulted from a depraved heart or extreme recklessness; and (4) murder committed by an Accomplice during the commission of, attempt of, or flight from certain felonies. (The Free Dictionary)
Therefore, “To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.” This is what happens when “mankind” tries to write his own “moral standard!” It becomes an immoral standard and those who follow it, are “a menace to society,” which falls short of consistency! Consistency being the hallmark of a truly moral standard and this moral standard is “the teaching of Christ!”

Frank R. Williams

There is a great debate taking place about morals! It is not new; neither are the two sides of the debate: 1) the New Testament – the teaching of Christ, and 2) the mind of mankind! The word “mankind” is used, as no one person has the authority to determine a moral standard than does any other! This means “the standard” is constantly changing; thus, there is no real “standard” for all time, for anyone! The real battle here is that no one has any more authority, then, does anyone else! This means there is no “real standard!”
The means that the most qualified, one who is more able to see the long-lasting consequences of certain actions; has no more moral authority, than does the person who see only today! This brings before “mankind” a major problem for which they have no such answer! How is a moral standard determined? There are several ways this problem could be “settled:” 1) a moral standard could be voted on and the “standard” would then be the one that gets the most votes, wins: 2) an authoritative body could be voted in by all who are to be under this moral authority and this body would write a moral code; and 3) there could be a moral standard outside of “mankind!”
First, it must be understood that: ”By the use of the word “standard,” implies” “Consistency—the absence of contradictions—has sometimes been called the hallmark of ethics. Ethics is supposed to provide us with a guide for moral living, and to do so it must be rational, and to be rational it must be free of contradictions.” (Santa Clara University: Jan 1, 1988)
Second, it is good at this point, to recall these words: “To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.” (Theodore Roosevelt). With these thoughts in mind, read the following which addresses “business and morals: “In The Moral Leader course at Harvard Business School, students exchange their business management case studies to discuss some of the great protagonists in literature. Sandra Sucher discusses how we all can find our own definition of moral leadership. (Working Knowledge – Business Research for Business Leaders – 19 NOV. 2007). The key words here are: “how we all can find our own definition of moral leadership.” If businesses are free to “find our own definition of moral leadership;” then, the “moral leadership” is free to defined what is moral! Notice, “leadership” changes; therefore, each “moral leader” is free to set forth what is “moral” and it may be very different from the last “moral leader!” This violates the earlier point: “Consistency—the absence of contradictions—has sometimes been called the hallmark of ethics. Ethics is supposed to provide us with a guide for moral living, and to do so it must be rational, and to be rational it must be free of contradictions.”
The only true, consistent moral standard in the world today, is “the teaching of Christ!” This statement, of course, has been and is debated; and it is the subject of this article! Take for instance in business “a moral leader” faced with the decision: 1) “Do I follow what is best for the company” or 2) “Do I follow what is morally right?” If he is free to “defend his own moral leadership,” then, he more than likely would go with what makes more money for the company, as this is his “definition of moral leadership!” However, to do this he must be dishonest in his business dealings with other companies! Thus, his “moral code” is not consistent and has within it contradictions. Now you ask: does he expect those with whom he does business to be honest in their dealings with him! Here we come face to face with the “heart and soul” of “the teaching of Christ” when dealing with others; Jesus said what is called “the golden rule:” “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Luke 6:31). Jesus’ teaching is superior to that of any other!
The teaching of Christ is all-sufficient; in all areas of life: personal, family, business, national and internationally! As Paul when addressing the inspired word of God; he said: it “is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Frank R. Williams

Was the conviction, conversion, and sanctification of Cornelius-and those with him- the result of “the mystery of the Holy Spirit”: a direct action of the Holy Spirit upon the heart/mind? If so, the text is silent on the subject! Yet, to hear some talk, you would think the case of conviction, conversion, and sanctification of Cornelius and those with him is written all through the text!
As in the last article, it must be pointed out and understood, “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit,” which is the “method of procedure; especially: the distinct pattern or method of operation” of the Holy Spirit in the cases of conviction, conversion, and sanctification. Here let us recall the words of one writer: “The world is a sinful place, and one of the Holy Spirit’s tasks is to convict the world of its sin. No amount of preaching, pleading, or pointing of fingers will bring about the conviction of sin, unless the Holy Spirit is at work in the sinner’s heart. It is the Spirit’s job to convict.” However the angel who appeared to Cornelius, stands before this man and to his face says, send to Joppa for one Simon Peter: “Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved” (Acts 11:14). Does this not make preaching/teaching the word necessary to the conviction, conversion, and sanctification, of Cornelius and those with him dependent upon the gospel, God’s power unto salvation (Rom. 1:16)?
Turning our attention to the Holy Spirit coming upon Cornelius and those with him; we need to notice Peter’s report: “And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us at the beginning” (Acts 11:15). Yes, yes indeed, the Holy Spirit “fell on them,” but for what purpose? It was not for the purpose of conviction, conversion, and sanctification! The very thing the writer quoted above is looking for! No, the purpose of the Holy Spirit falling on them was to convince the six brethren who came with Peter that the gospel was for the Gentiles, as well as the Jews! Here is what Luke wrote: “And they of the circumcision (the six Hebrews, frw) which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 10:45). But, what were they convinced of? Hear Luke’s words: “For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God” (Acts 10:46). Here is God’s proof, to these Hebrew followers of Christ, that the gospel was to Gentles, also!
If there is any doubt as to the conclusion just reached; let Peter speak for himself: “Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Spirit as well as we? (Acts 10:46-47). Peter had absolutely no doubts in his mind, the coming of the Holy Spirit upon Cornelius and those at his house, were to hear and obey the gospel! Oh, did you see any “mystery of the Holy Spirit” in the conviction, conversion, and sanctification of these people? No, not one word! They were to hear the gospel, “worketh righteousness” and be saved in the same manner as the Hebrews! What is revealed here is the same as in the first, conviction, conversion, and sanctification; recall now what took place: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, 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 2:37-38).
There you have “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit,” and there is no “mystery of the Holy Spirit” in it at all. It is necessary that the student, who desires to know the truth, keeps in mind; once a truth is ascertained in one case of salvation, it is true is all cases of salvation! There is no need to repeat the same words over and over, as God expects us to have the ability to learn truth, for it shall make us free; once it is learned, believed, and obeyed! Hear Luke once more on the subject: “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7).
Therefore, we have reached the conclusion of the subject: “the method of procedure; especially: the distinct pattern or method of operation” of the Holy Spirit in the cases of conviction, conversion, and sanctification and it is through the word of truth. It is my plea, that all who may read these articles, will give themselves to the gospel of Christ, which is God’s power unto salvation and in so doing, will be working righteousness!

Frank R. Williams

In this sixth article on the subject: “The Mystery of the Holy Spirit,” we shall examine one of the more popular cases of conversion; as it appears to many folks to have all the “mystery” elements within it. It is the case of the conversion of the household of Cornelius which is covered by the inspired Luke in Acts chapters ten and eleven.
We are looking for “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit” in conviction, conversion, and sanctification. In order words, is there a method of procedure; especially: the distinct pattern or method of operation of the Holy Spirit in these three areas revealed in the New Testament? So far, we have learned, and here is a good place to recall, that once a truth has been discovered, then, it is always true in all such cases! As in, if we learn that one must believe, have faith, to be saved, then, it is always the case that in all reports of people being saved; their having faith is understood, stated or not! Therefore, recall the words of Hebrews: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb. 11:6). Then, Jesus said: “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24). The text does not have say, though it generally does, that people believed who were being saved. The same is true of repentance; Paul said: “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30). Can anyone be saved without repenting? No! The inspired writer may say nothing about the person being saved, that he repented; but if he is saved, then, he repented! So, it is with “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit” in the cases of conviction, conversion, and sanctification; if he worked one way, then, this is the way he works in all cases! Truth is always truth!
Now, turning our attention to the conversion of the household of Cornelius and it is most important to keep in mind, it was not just Cornelius but he “had called together his kinsmen and near friends” (Acts 10:24). When Peter arrived at the house of Cornelius, Cornelius said: “Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God” (Acts 10:33). They were not looking for “the mystery of the Holy Spirit” but they were ready to hear words from the inspired Peter! It is here that Peter said: “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him” (Acts 10:34-35). The salvation of Cornelius and his household depended on their being able to “worketh righteousness!” Here recall the power of God unto salvation: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Rom. 1:16-17). God’s “righteousness,” which is the same as “justification,” is revealed in the gospel; therefore, it was necessary for Cornelius to hear the gospel, if he was to “worketh righteousness” and this is what Peter was going to teach! The gospel is necessary but Peter said nothing about any “mystery of the Holy Spirit” at the household of Cornelius!
Yes, the Holy Spirit did come up on Cornelius and all that were with him, but he did not come to convict, convert, and sanctify not directly, but indirectly, through the words of Peter! In chapter eleven of Acts, Luke reports that Cornelius was told by an angel to send to Joppa for one Simon Peter; and now read with care these words: “Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved” (Acts 11:14). The “words, whereby thou … shall be saved” is the gospel, which is God’s power unto salvation!
My friends, please do not belittle the gospel of Christ, God’s power unto salvation! This is, though it may not be stated or even understood, what is being done when he depends on “the mystery of the Holy Spirit” in conviction, conversion, and sanctification. Here is a question to ponder: “If the gospel does not have the power to bring one to conviction, conversion, and sanctification, just what it the purpose of the gospel?”

Frank R. Williams

What is the “The modus operandi of the Holy Spirit,” or what is “the method of procedure; especially: the distinct pattern or method of operation” of the Holy Spirit in the cases of conviction and conversion in the New Testament? Many in the world of “Christendom” (those who claim to be Christians) regard the work of the Holy Spirit as a mystery. By the word “mystery” is meant: a religious truth that can be known only by revelation but cannot be fully understood; an experience which baffles the mind or that cannot be fully understood by reason and less strictly, to whatever resists or defies explanation. At least this expresses some of what many believe about how the Holy Spirit works in conviction, conversion, and sanctification. It is believed that the Holy Spirit must work directly upon the heart in each of these three areas and that the experience may be different to some degree in each case!
As stated by one writer: “The world is a sinful place, and one of the Holy Spirit’s tasks is to convict the world of its sin. No amount of preaching, pleading, or pointing of fingers will bring about the conviction of sin, unless the Holy Spirit is at work in the sinner’s heart. It is the Spirit’s job to convict.” (Not sure just who wrote these words, but they were taken from: “S. Michael Houdmann, President, GotQuestions.org). Yet, when reading “The Acts of the Apostles” the first thing that is noticed, is the preaching of the gospel, which the Holy Spirit guided the apostle Paul to write: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Rom. 1:16-17). Question, “Is the gospel God’s power unto salvation, or is it not God’s power unto salvation?” The words of Peter, which the Holy Spirit guided him into writing are important here: “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you” (1 Pet. 1:23-25). Did you notice, that it is by the incorruptible seed that we are “born again?” Did you notice, that it is “by the word of God,” that we are “born again?” Did you notice, that it is “the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever?” Did you notice, that “this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you?” The “incorruptible seed,” “the word of God,” and “the gospel” are one and the same “which liveth and abideth forever!”
Now, let us read right into chapter two: “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Pet. 2:1-2). You may not have ever read these words, the end of chapter one and the beginning of chapter two, together before. But the Holy Spirit put them together and there they should stay! The new birth is accomplished, “born again,” by means of the “incorruptible,” by mean of “the word of God;” and our spiritual growth is continued by the same word of God! Is the Holy Spirit at work here? Yes, it was by means of the Holy Spirit guiding the apostles into “all truth” that we have the “incorruptible” word by which we are “born again” and by which we grow! The word of God is “The modus operandi of the Holy Spirit” in conviction, conversion, and sanctification!
Let us take the case of when “the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem.” Luke is very brief in recording the event and writes: “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7). There is not one word about the Holy Spirit, but we would be amiss to conclude that the Holy Spirit was not at work in these convictions and conversions! That there were convictions and conversions, is simply understood in the words, “the number of the disciples multiplied;” for this cannot take place without conviction and conversion! Was the Holy Spirit at work in these convictions and conversion? Yes! For Luke wrote: “the word of God increased;” and it was the work of the Holy Spirit to guide the apostles, and in this case it appears it includes those upon whom the apostles had laid their hands and imparted spiritual gifts, for the seven were required to be “full of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:3). Then, Luke continued to report: “and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, the other six names are then given; therefore, there can be no doubt that these men who were engaged in the word being “increased” were guided by the Holy Spirit and convictions, conversion, and sanctification, followed: “the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly!” Therefore, “The modus operandi of the Holy Spirit” in conviction, conversion, sanctification, stands in the truth preached!
My friends, if you are waiting for a direct work of the Holy Spirit upon your heart/mind, then, you are waiting on the wrong thing! Hear the gospel, God’s power unto salvation, believe it, and obey it!

— Frank R. Williams

The articles, which this is the fourth, is where we are pre-supposing that the Holy Spirit is a mystery. This is not to say that it is true! It is in fact, an accommodating term, as so many believe it to be true! In the last article, “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit” was set forth in one example. It was also pointed out, that once a truth is obtained, it is always true as it relates to the same subject.
It is necessary, at least in the mind of some, to prove a truth more than once; therefore, in the case of the so-called “mystery of the Holy Spirit” we are more than glad to accommodate. In the third article, it was pointed out that the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles in Acts chapter two, verses one through four. In so doing, he started his role of guiding them into “all truth” (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit acted upon the lost, but he did so through the words spoken by the apostles; as the conclusion is reached in the first part of Peter’s sermon, Luke wrote that Peter said: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). It is the next words of Luke that he gives us “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit” as he works through the apostles of Christ: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (verse 37). Let us here notice the words, ‘pricked in their heart.” The Greek word is “katanussō” and it means: “to pierce thoroughly,” and “metaphorically to pain the mind sharply.” Now, just what was it that “pained their minds sharply?” It was the words spoken by the apostles, given to them by the Holy Spirit! Therefore, the Holy Spirit worked through the words preached by the apostles! It was the words, “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart.” Here is “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit” in conversion!
It would be a total mistake to think, or to conclude, that the Holy Spirit was not at work in the above case of conversion! The Holy Spirit was doing just as Jesus said he would do: “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin” (John 16:8). Remember from article number three, the word “reprove” is the Greek “elegchō” and means: “to convict,” and “generally with a suggestion of shame of the person convicted,” then, “by conviction to bring to the light, to expose.” Therefore, Luke recorded their reaction: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (verse 37). There is “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit” and the so-called “mystery of the Holy Spirit” is removed!
But, let us take up another case of “conviction” – conversion! When Peter reached the conclusion of what is called his second sermon; he said: “And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers” (Acts 3:17). These words are very much like those of Act 2:36; but there is no cry from those who heard here. Therefore, Peter continued: “But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled” (verse 18). It is important to notice what we have here. We have the gospel preacher, we have the gospel being preached; therefore, we have the Holy Spirit guiding the preacher (Peter) into truth! Thus, we are witnessing “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit,” but, do we have “conviction?” Peter followed with these words: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” (verse 19). Luke does not report any “convictions;” therefore, no conversion! However, the Holy Spirit was at work, but he was working through preached gospel; which is God’s power unto salvation (Rom. 1:16).
There is no direct operation upon the heart of the sinner by the Holy Spirit, as this is not “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit!” Is there a “THE MYSTERY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT” in these two cases? No, not at all. To have the power of salvation in the Holy Spirit directly, would make the words of Paul to the Romans worthless: “So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:15-16).
Friends, it is a reproach upon the gospel of Christ, to teach that one must have a direct action of the Holy Spirit upon the heart of the sinner in conversion! It is to say the gospel is powerless, where the Holy Spirit through Paul said, “the gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” It was the Holy Spirit who guided Paul as he wrote these words; so, why stand ye against the Holy Spirit?

Frank R. Williams

Breathe easy, as the “New Year” is to start today; that the first article of the year is calling upon you to make no New Year’s resolutions; that few, very few, ever keep anyway! So, why not make a “New Year’s Resolution” for losing weight during the year 2017? Yes, these words were written just to prove that we never keep those resolutions that we make! So, I have told you I will not call upon you to make any “New Year’s Resolutions,” then, the first thing I did was to call upon you to do this that!
Seriously now, the person who has no desire to get better, to make himself a better person, to improve himself, may not be much of a person! This is based upon the fact, that we have no “perfect,” no flawless people walking among us today! Yet, we hear say: “Accept me just the way I am, for this is who I am!” Such a person is revealing that they have no desire to improve! How sad! But think about this, once there was a person who walked upon this earth, who was “perfect,” who was without flaw, and who was without sin! Peter wrote of him: “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Pet. 2:22-23). Yet, few honored him, as he should have been honored and should be honored today! In fact, listen to their cry when Pilate asked them: “What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?” (Matt. 27:22). Are you listening? “They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.” Yes, Pilate even set a man of “murder” before them, as Luke wrote: “I will therefore chastise him (Jesus, frw), and release him. (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.) And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.) Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him” (Luke 23:16-21). There was no honor for him who was “perfect,” “without flaw,” and who had no sin!
So, shall we be honored who are far less than “perfect,” who have our flaws, and who commit sin? First, in our thinking, let us remember Paul’s words to those in Athens: “For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device” (Acts 17:28-29). No, we do not look for our God to be made out of “gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device;” a god that can and was destroyed by invading armies; a god neglected by the hands of man. One of the things I noticed while preaching the gospel in India, was that I would come upon area full of “their gods” and they were totally neglected and abandoned, as the grass and the weeds grew up about them! What a difference between the ideas of man and his gods and God and his idea of man! Those who follow the world, think they can make their own gods; while God created man! Thanks,be to God, who provided us with a means to handle and forgiveness of our imperfections, our flaws, and our sins! John wrote: “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 1:9 – 2:2). There is our God and his plans for our imperfections, our flaws, and our sins! It is from the creator to the created!
Did you notice John’s words: “that ye sin not?” Even though God has an answer for our sins; this is not to create within a desire to sin! No, this is a loving Father, through his beloved Son, providing a way of forgiveness, not creating a desire to sin! Remember the cost of our redemption from sin: “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Pet. 1:18-19).
So, did I hear anyone say, “I have no desire to improve myself in the year 2017?” My friend, my brothers and sisters in Christ, is this what you think of the “precious blood of Christ?”

Frank R. Williams

The year 2017 AD is upon us; therefore, it seems good that we take advantage of the time to look at something that has taken place, which has largely gone unnoticed by the majority of us. If you have not noticed, you should notice that a change has taken place without much “fanfare,” but it identifies a major change in the way the world is thinking! The change of which I write is at the heart of time and the way it is identified! Here is what the “Wise GEEK” – clear answers for common questions”– says about this subject:
“The term BC is short for “Before Christ.” Historical dates before the birth of Christ become smaller as they approach the theoretical but non-existent Year Zero. Historical dates after the birth of Christ are classified as AD, short for the Latin phrase Anno Domini, or “in the year of our Lord.” Contrary to popular belief, AD does not stand for “After Death.” The BC/AD system for identifying historical dates has been in continuous use ever since the earliest part of the Middle Ages, at least.” (The Middle Ages or medieval period lasted from the 5th to the 15th century.)
Then, this important information is given to aid our understanding as it relates to the subject:
“Several centuries after the AD/BC identification of historical dates became popular, a new movement developed among scientists, historians and some religious leaders. The time following the birth of Christ was now referred to as the “Vulgar Era” in some circles. The meaning of the word vulgar actually meant ‘common’ at that time, not distasteful or obscene. Eventually many areas of the Western world adopted the less Christ-centered term “Common Era.” Historical dates occurring before the year 1 CE would be considered BCE, short for “Before Common Era.”
So, what is the point? The point is that the change from “BC” and “AD” to the modern terms “BCE” and “CE” is an effort to remove the birth of Jesus as the turning point in time! Once more a quote from “Wise GEEK” will help our understanding:
“The relatively new BCE/CE reference for historical dates has had its share of supporters and critics. Critics view the new system as an attempt to remove the religious significance inherent in the BC/AD system. The BCE/CE method of assigning historical dates also fails to fix the BC/AD system’s lack of a practical Year Zero. Modern scholars believe the actual birth of Christ would fall around 7 to 4 BC, which renders the actual year of 1  AD relatively meaningless historically.”
“Supporters of the BCE/CE method of identifying historical dates say the removal of Christian references works as a bridge between different religions and cultures. The BC/AD system appears to endorse Jesus Christ as the superior world religious figure, which could be viewed as disrespectful of other religions and belief structures. Although the birth of Christ is still used as a reference in the BCE/CE system, the Christian influence is not as apparent.”
This is given for your consideration, to help you understand how the world we live in is changing before our eyes, and many of us have failed to notice it!
The “world” will not miss any opportunity, nor will it miss any area, to remove Christ from the minds of the peoples of the world. One such effort is to change the terms by which time is identified! The funny thing here, is that those who are promoting this effort, are still recognizing the same “point” in time, “the birth of Jesus,” as the point time changed! The BC and the AD was before the birth of Jesus and the after the birth of Jesus. The modern terms, BCE and CE still use the birth of Jesus at the point that time changed! From the birth of Jesus, the arrow points backwards and the years get larger the more one moves away from it; while on the other hand, the arrow points forward and the years get larger the more one moves away from the birth of Jesus.
It is a change without change, but nevertheless, it is an effort to change the thinking of the peoples of the world! It is an effort to remove Jesus from the center, the point at which time changes! The use of CE in Jewish scholarship was historically motivated by the desire to avoid the implicit “Our Lord” in the abbreviation AD. “Our Lord,” of course, refers to Jesus, the Christ. A point which is not hard to understand as the Jews deny that Jesus of Nazareth is “Jehovah’s” Lord (Psa. 110:1)!

Frank R. Williams

(Editor’s note: We will return to the subject: “THE MYSTERY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT” in the first or second article of 2017, the Lord willing.)

The title under which these articles are written pre-supposes that the Holy Spirit is a mystery. Here are two questions that might help with the subject: Is the Holy Spirit more of a mystery than God the Father; or, Is the Holy Spirit more of a mystery than “the Word” which became flesh? It is surprising that some, maybe many, would answer these two questions with a ‘yes’! Therefore, another question comes to mind; why is this the case in the mind of so many?
One of the major considerations of the mystery about the Holy Spirit is a failure to understand what can rightly be called: “The modus operandi of the Holy Spirit.” There you have the only “big” words in the vocabulary of this writer! Just what do they mean: “a method of procedure; especially: a distinct pattern or method of operation that indicates how the Holy Spirit works.” Once this is determined, most of the “mystery” is removed! Keep in mind, once a truth is learned, it is always truth.
Just what does that last statement mean? It means, once you learn that repentance is necessary to be saved; it is understood that every time a person is saved in the age of Christ; the age when the authority of Christ is the law, then it should never be taught that anyone is saved without repentance. This is the case even when the word repent(ance) is not in the text! Luke wrote of some: “Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand” (Acts 4:4). The word, saved does not even appear in this text, but it is understood that those who “heard the word” and “believed” were saved! So, is it necessary to repent before one is saved? Peter 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” (Acts 2:38). Two things are clearly established here: 1) repent and 2) baptized, both come before “the remission of sins!” If this is true one time, and it is, then, it is true every time! Therefore, once a truth is learned, it is always truth and must be understood in every context of salvation! It is true that many do not like this; in fact, some deny it and will go to their graves unwilling to accept it!
With this in mind, let us turn our attention to the “modus operandi” of the Holy Spirit. Once we learn “the method of procedure; especially: a distinct pattern or method of operation that indicates how the Holy Spirit works” in one case of conversion; this truth must then be understood in each case of conversion! When this is done, the so-called mystery is removed in regard to the Holy Spirit and his work in conversion. Jesus said: “And when he (Holy Spirit, frw) is come, he will reprove the world of sin, …” (John 16:8). The word “reprove” is the Greek “elegchō” and means: “to convict …; 1a) generally with a suggestion of shame of the person convicted 1b) by conviction to bring to the light, to expose.” Therefore, the work of the Holy Spirit is to convict, while bringing to shame the person so convicted. The question, how does the Holy Spirit do this; what is “the modus operandi” of the Holy Spirit in conviction? Here is what one writer said: “No amount of preaching, pleading, or pointing of fingers will bring about the conviction of sin, unless the Holy Spirit is at work in the sinner’s heart. It is the Spirit’s job to convict.” However, this is not what we learn by studying what Luke wrote! Notice in the case of the first convictions: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:36-37). Did you notice the words: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart?” The “pricked in their heart” is equal to “conviction of sin” and repressing “shame!” The Holy Spirit was speaking through the apostles and it was to the apostles that their question was addressed: “and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
Finally, Peter answers their “conviction” in these words: “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). There is the Holy Spirit’s modus operandi in conviction!
Frank R. Williams
The title under which these articles are written pre-supposes that the Holy Spirit is a mystery. Here are two questions that might help with the subject: Is the Holy Spirit more of a mystery than God the Father; or, Is the Holy Spirit more of a mystery than “the Word” which became flesh? It is surprising that some, maybe many, would answer these two questions with a ‘yes’! Therefore, another question comes to mind; why is this the case in the mind of so many?
One of the major considerations of the mystery about the Holy Spirit is a failure to understand what can rightly be called: “The modus operandi of the Holy Spirit.” There you have the only “big” words in the vocabulary of this writer! Just what do they mean: “a method of procedure; especially: a distinct pattern or method of operation that indicates how the Holy Spirit works.” Once this is determined, most of the “mystery” is removed! Keep in mind, once a truth is learned, it is always truth.
Just what does that last statement mean? It means, once you learn that repentance is necessary to be saved; it is understood that every time a person is saved in the age of Christ; the age when the authority of Christ is the law, then it should never be taught that anyone is saved without repentance. This is the case even when the word repent(ance) is not in the text! Luke wrote of some: “Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand” (Acts 4:4). The word, saved does not even appear in this text, but it is understood that those who “heard the word” and “believed” were saved! So, is it necessary to repent before one is saved? Peter 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” (Acts 2:38). Two things are clearly established here: 1) repent and 2) baptized, both come before “the remission of sins!” If this is true one time, and it is, then, it is true every time! Therefore, once a truth is learned, it is always truth and must be understood in every context of salvation! It is true that many do not like this; in fact, some deny it and will go to their graves unwilling to accept it!
With this in mind, let us turn our attention to the “modus operandi” of the Holy Spirit. Once we learn “the method of procedure; especially: a distinct pattern or method of operation that indicates how the Holy Spirit works” in one case of conversion; this truth must then be understood in each case of conversion! When this is done, the so-called mystery is removed in regard to the Holy Spirit and his work in conversion. Jesus said: “And when he (Holy Spirit, frw) is come, he will reprove the world of sin, …” (John 16:8). The word “reprove” is the Greek “elegchō” and means: “to convict …; 1a) generally with a suggestion of shame of the person convicted 1b) by conviction to bring to the light, to expose.” Therefore, the work of the Holy Spirit is to convict, while bringing to shame the person so convicted. The question, how does the Holy Spirit do this; what is “the modus operandi” of the Holy Spirit in conviction? Here is what one writer said: “No amount of preaching, pleading, or pointing of fingers will bring about the conviction of sin, unless the Holy Spirit is at work in the sinner’s heart. It is the Spirit’s job to convict.” However, this is not what we learn by studying what Luke wrote! Notice in the case of the first convictions: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:36-37). Did you notice the words: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart?” The “pricked in their heart” is equal to “conviction of sin” and repressing “shame!” The Holy Spirit was speaking through the apostles and it was to the apostles that their question was addressed: “and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
Finally, Peter answers their “conviction” in these words: “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). There is the Holy Spirit’s modus operandi in conviction!

Frank R. Williams

One of the failures of the readers of the Old Testament is not knowing that the word “God,” more often than not, is the Hebrew word “el-o-heem’” which appears over 2,500 times in the Old Testament. This is a plural word which is translated into the singular and is used in the opening statement of the Bible: “In the beginning God (el-o-heem’) created the heaven and the earth.” If this word had been translated into the English, “Godhead,” no harm would have been done to the text and would have in fact made it more clear! For it is not one member of the “Godhead” who created “the heavens and the earth,” but all three members!
John, the apostle, in his opening statement in “The Gospel According to John” wrote: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:1-3). Thus, the “Word,” which was “made flesh” as stated in verse fourteen; which we commonly refer to as the second member of the Godhead, was active in the creation of Genesis one, verse one. Also, in the second verse of Genesis, Moses wrote: “And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” There is no doubt that the “Godhead,” known in the New Testament as: 1) the Father, 2) the Son, and 3) the Holy Spirit, were active in creation; but not only in creation. The Godhead was active in most of the activity throughout the Old Testament when the word “God” is used. While in the New Testament, the action is more individual action. This is not to say, that the three of the Godhead did not have different activities, even in creation, but the word used is “el-o-heem” which identifies the three: the Godhead!
As noted in the first article, the word “Godhead” appears three times in the New Testament. A few words about the three different words used by Paul, as he is the one who used the word, “Godhead.” First, Acts 17:29: “Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead (theios) is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.” This Greek word was used in two ways; first among the Greeks: “a general name of deities or divinities as used by the Greeks; and second, as Paul used it: “spoken of the only and true God, trinity.” The Greeks, those in Athens to whom Paul was speaking, made their “theios” out of gold, silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device, but Paul was teaching that THE Godhead was no such! For he had just said: “For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring” (verse 28). Did any of their gods give them life and being? No! But the “Godhead” of which Paul spoke did!
The second Greek word used in Paul is letter to the church at Rome, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead (theiotēs) ; so that they are without excuse” (Rom. 1:20). Here the apostle is writing about the eternal power and Godhead; and the word is nowhere else used in the New Testament. The word he used means: “divinity, divine nature.” It is the divine nature, or essence of all that is God and it is revealed “by the things that are made,” which are seen; and get this, it is important here to notice Paul’s next words: “so that they are without excuse!” The things that shout out to all that will hear, God exists!
The third Greek word is used by Paul in his letter to the Colossians: “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead (theotēs) bodily (Col 2:9). The Greek used here means: “Deity 1a) the state of being God.” It might help, to say Christ “the infinite attributes essential to such a nature” (Adam Clarke). This word also appears nowhere else in the New Testament!
So, what do we learn from this? We learn that each of the three, better known in the New Testament, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, are all that is God; and when viewed as one, they are the “Godhead.” This prepares us for a more fuller study of our subject: “THE MYSTERY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!”

Frank R. Williams