Barnes church of Christ

Prayer is a very important part of our life as a child of God; therefore, Paul wrote: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). A child of God should always be prepared and in a state of mind to pray. It should be one of the most natural things in the life of a Christian! But, what do we pray for; do we pray for things we know are going to take place, or do we pray for things that we know are not going to happen? Is there a third possibility as we look at things for which we should pray? Here recall the words of Jesus: “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10). Did Jesus really believe, even as he taught his disciples how to pray, that one day God’s will would “be done in earth, as it is in heaven?”
God, who had looked upon his creation and said: “And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. (6) And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart” (Gen. 6:5-6). Here is a good place to address the “repented” as some have misunderstood it. It is the Hebrew “naw-kham’” and means: to sigh, that is, breathe strongly; by implication to be sorry. Starting with the sinless two, Adam and Eve, whom God created had not only sinned themselves, but from them, had grown a world “that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Sad, is a word that does not express the mind of God, so Moses wrote: “it repented the LORD that he had made man” and “it grieved him at his heart.” Throughout history, man has been better, but not worse as a people. Jesus knowing this and knowing that “few there be” that find the “strait gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life” (Matt. 7:14). Jesus knowing this truth, how could he teach his disciples to pray: “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven?”
Could the answer be that Jesus is teaching us to pray according to God’s desires? Therefore, we ask, just what is God’s desire for mankind? Let us here read Paul’s words which express the desire of God our Saviour: “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4). Do the desires of “God our Saviour” express reality? Will all men be saved?” No, God knows that like in the case Noah’s time, that only few will in reality be saved; but this reality does not change his desire as expressed by Paul. Therefore, let us pray in a manner that expresses our desires; not necessarily the reality of things, not even the expectation of things; but our desires for the way we would like for things to be: “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven?” Then, work toward our desires that our prayers may be in harmony with our work. This is what “God our Saviour” did as Jesus died upon the cross for this very purpose; that all mankind could be saved! When Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, notice his words: “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matt. 26:39). First, this was the humanity of Jesus surrendering to the will of Deity; second, it was the will of the God the Father that Jesus died upon the cross, that all mankind could be saved; and third, at the very moment Jesus was praying, God knew that most people would never believe and obey the truth and be saved.
So, when we pray, just what is it that we expect to happen? Do we expect that God will move “heaven and earth” in order that our prayer becomes reality? Well, let us keep this in mind as we pray; when Jesus prayed, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt;” just what did he then do? He surrendered himself to the will of God! If we never learn anything else about prayer, let us learn that it starts with a surrendered will, our will, to the will of God! Then, we live to the best of our abilities, a surrendered life, to the will of God. The more this is done, the more “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” will become a reality! No wonder Paul wrote: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17).
Prayer is more about us changing, then the world changing! On the other hand, if we pray for our leaders, as Paul wrote: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; (2) For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Tim. 2:1-2); we must work toward this objective! The will of God, “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” becomes a little closer to becoming reality!

— Frank R. Williams

How many articles or sermons have you read and heard on the subject of prayer? More than likely, not many! One of the reasons is that it is not an easy subject to write on, or to preach about. Yes, we all know that Paul wrote: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). We also know that Jesus taught about prayer; first he taught how not to pray: “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. (6) But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly” (Matt. 6:5-6). Then, we also know what Jesus said next, as he continued to teach about praying, using both the positive and the negative: “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. (8) Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him” (Matt. 6:7-8). Finally, we know what is incorrectly called by so many “The Lord’s Prayer;” Jesus taught how to correctly pray: “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. (10) Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (11) Give us this day our daily bread. (12) And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. (13) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” (Matt. 6:9-13).
Yet, many do not even understand the context of time, in Jesus’ teaching on prayer. Jesus lived and died under the Law of Moses! His life in the flesh was lived entirely under the Law of Moses, so he taught about some things related to this law; on the other hand, he lived looking forward to the blessed age of Christ when his law would be in force. This can be seen as he taught on the subject of prayer in the verses above. In the three major ages of the Bible: 1) the Patriarchal Age, 2) the Law of Moses age, and 3) the age of Christ; certain things were/are true! Therefore, Jesus’ first words: “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” It has always and will always be correct for man, who was created by God, to give honor to his Creator: “Hallowed be thy name.” The word “hallowed, (the Greek hagiazo) means: to render or acknowledge, God as holy. Therefore, a reverential acknowledgment of God, the “I am that I am;” and profound veneration for His Being and which may be carried on to God’s attributes, ordinances, and his word!
However, Jesus’ next words: “Thy kingdom come,” must be understood in the context of time. Jesus was speaking before the kingdom had come, as he lived under the Law of Moses; therefore, he prayed: “They kingdom come.” We today would not use such words, as the kingdom has come, for Paul wrote that he and the Colossians had been translated by God “into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Col. 1:13). John wrote: “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom …” (Rev. 1:9). Clearly, we need not pray for the kingdom to come, when it has already come. Nevertheless, it is right to pray for the kingdom and her wellbeing, as we are praying for each member of the kingdom. We should pray that every member of the kingdom would live as Christians, that each would be the living and walking gospel of Christ. That each of us would understand, we are the now having-come kingdom over which Christ is King, and that we are the only “voice” God has to teach the lost the saving gospel of Christ.
Jesus’ next words are very thought provoking: “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Ever think just how these words could ever be a reality? God’s will in heaven is absolute and could never be any other way! So, how could this ever be true “in earth?” Each person on earth being free moral agents, are free to determine if he will obey God or not! We being made a little lower than the angels, being made of flesh and blood, having the ability to be tempted and sin; must freely yield ourselves to the will of God. Jesus taught, when speaking of the strait gate, “and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life” that “few there be that find it.” It is clearly taught in the New Testament that few will be saved; so is Jesus teaching us to pray for the impossible? Or, is he teaching us to pray for the greatest possibility, yet, not the most likely? One thing for sure, it is the most natural thing for God’s children to desire, thus, to pray for, that God’s will be done on earth as in heaven! What could be greater? This is the will of God himself; Peter wrote: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). Does God not know that most will never come to repentance? Of course, he has such knowledge! Nevertheless, he is “longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish.”
So, what can we conclude about Jesus’ words? Among other things, we are to pray expressing our desires, not necessarily the reality of things! However, we must work in harmony with our prayers! It is folly to pray for the lost, then, make no effort to teach them the gospel and fail to live according to the gospel.

— Frank R. Williams

The point of these three articles on “Luther’s Shoes,” a figurative expression representing the view of Luther on biblical authority, is to call attention to the fact that history repeats itself, if we fail to learn from it. About every other generation “Luther’s Shoes” are pulled out of the closet, dusted off, shined up, and put forth as truth rediscovered.
As one who grew up in two denominations and attended a third, both having teachings that differed in a number of major points, I had to come face to face with the truth, believe it, and then, obey it. In other words, I had to change! This is exactly what we expect those we teach to do. However, it is not what we expect to happen to our brethren, but it does! Generally speaking, the change deals with the subject of biblical authority and how you ascertain it. If I may, though it is not a point of fellowship, but when it comes to authority, God has established it and we from God’s established authority ascertain what we are commanded, authorized and allowed to do. The point here, some use the expression, how do we establish biblical authority, while I use the phrase, how do we ascertain biblical authority from God’s established authority.
This gives us the opportunity to look at these three words: 1) command, which means: to give (someone) an order; to tell (someone) to do something; to direct authoritatively; 2) authorized, which means: given or endowed with authority; to give authority, to give authority for; and formally sanction; and 3) allow, which means: to permit, which means to allow the doing of (something); consent to. In God’s established authority we have all three of these. Just here, allow me to point out, these three words do not fit into “Luther’s Shoes: “What is not against Scripture is for Scripture, and Scripture for it.” It is my humble opinion that elders should have a file for everything the church does under their oversight, and with each file, the first page should list the Bible authority which authorizes it. With book, chapter, and verse, clearly stated so every member can understand it. If the church under the oversight of the apostles of Christ did not do it, then, there is no command, it is not authorized, and it is not allowed for the church of the 21st century to do it! No, we are not talking about method(s) by which something is done where there is authority for it, but things for which there is no command, things not authorized, and things not allowed.
The scripture which comes to mind just here: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and 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 works” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Calling attention once more to the words “thoroughly furnished,” (exartizo) which Barnes in his notes on the Bible says: “to bring to an end; to make complete. The idea is, that whatever good work the man of God desires to perform (This would include worship, frw), or however perfect he aims to be, he will find no deficiency in the Scriptures, but will find there the most ample instructions that he needs. He can never advance so far, as to become forsaken of his guide.” Everything commanded, authorized, and allowed in God’s established authority is given in the inspired scripture!
“Luther’s Shoes” pulled out of the closet, dusted off and shined with the newest shoe polish, has no power to add one thing to God’s “thoroughly furnished” inspired scripture! Some of the saddest words one may hear are these: “I have changed,” when they come from one who has been taught to “rightly divide word of the truth;” when they come from one who has been taught how to ascertain authority from God’s established authority. One who even knows that Paul’s statement: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; … (Col. 3:16) is not a suggestion, but is in the Greek, the present active imperative, which means: “The imperative mood is a command or instruction given to the hearer, charging the hearer to carry out or perform a certain action.” The command here is: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.” The “word of Christ,” the authoritative word, must have a home in the Christian! God’s authority is found in: 1) explicit commands, or statements; 2) implications contained within these commands or statements; and 3) approved account of actions – examples – done by the church under the watchful eyes of the apostles of Christ.
Brethren, “Luther’s Shoes” must be left in the closet! If the church under the watchful eyes of the “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Cor. 5:20) did not do it; there is no authority for it! What man living today has more wisdom, than did the apostles who were guided into all truth by the Holy Spirit? (John 16:13).

— Frank R. Williams

The effort to restore Christianity as revealed in the New Testament, and which is limited to “the teaching of Christ;” was such an effort as found in the early “searchers for the ancient order of things,” struggling with every step forward. Denominationalism was on every hand; each having different doctrines, and identifying themselves with different names. Religious division was a plague on young America.
There were more Presbyterian congregations, 55 compared to the next highest number, the Quakers with 39 congregations. With Presbyterians came Calvinism and its teaching of “total depravity,” or inherited sin, and its “Limited Atonement.” Samuel Rogers of the 1800’s had two sons, and believed in Calvinism. Being a humble man, he could not believe that he would be so blessed that both his sons would be among the “elect” of the “Limited Atonement.” So his thought was, if only he could know which one of the two would be saved, then he would give the other all of this world’s goods he could. As this would be the only “good” he would ever know! This is just one of the problems facing the religious people of the new land!
Then, there was, as now, the prevailing thought that governed the religious thinking of Martin Luther: “What is not against Scripture is for Scripture, and Scripture for it.” It was a very negative view of “the teaching of Christ,” but it gave liberties to church leaders as they wrote their various “Creeds” in Europe which came with the settlers of the new land. It was in fact, a license to go beyond “the teaching of Christ;” the very thing which John so strongly warned against: “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son” (2 John 9). Readers of the New Testament have read Jesus’ words the night in which he was betrayed: “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (Matt. 26:26-28). Within Jesus’ words there is a command, but it was personal to the disciples who were with him; as Matthew wrote speaking of the bread: “and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat.” The question facing the churches of early America, who followed in “Luther’s Shoes,” is there scripture against taking the Lord’s Supper on Friday night (Or any other time.)? If not, then, it would not be “against scripture,” thus, it “is for scripture and scripture is for it.” So churches were free to take the Lord’s Supper on Friday night! They had dusted off “Luther’s Shoes” and put a new shine on them.
It was true that these early Americans had read Luke’s words: “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, …” (Acts 20:7). But they were fast to notice, this is not a command, as Luke was only reporting what the church did! Therefore, they were free to take the Lord’s Supper on Friday night, or any other time they so choose! Yet, for the truth seeker, the one who desires to abide in “the teaching of Christ,” he understood, taking the Lord’s Supper on Friday is not within “the teaching of Christ; therefore, he cannot abide in “the teaching of Christ” and take the Lord’s Supper on any other day than “the first day of the week.” You see, there is no scripture for taking the Lord’s Supper on any day, but “the first day of the week.” So, the question: How can there be scripture for it? What verse would you read which would convince another that he is free to take the Lord’s Supper on another day? “Luther’s Shoes,” dusted off and shined to look so bright do not help! There just is no scripture for it!
Those who were “searching for the ancient order of things,” were looking for things which would allow them to abide in “the teaching of Christ;” as they desired to have fellowship with God and his Son. It was salvation they were seeking, in this life and that which is to come and they understood, it is in “the teaching of Christ!”
“Luther’s Shoes,” dusted off, spit shined, to use an Army term, will never equal the gospel of Christ, which is God’s power unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). My friends, when you have the truth, don’t settle for “Luther’s Shoes,” as they have been worn out a long time ago!

— Frank R. Williams

It was the intent for this to be a series of three articles, but after thinking a little more, the need was seen for a fourth article. The intent of these articles is to get the reader to think about the question: “How do you ascertain truth?” Of course, the question relates to what the local church of Christ must do in order to truly be one of those “churches of Christ” of which Paul wrote of in Romans the sixteenth chapter, verse sixteen: “The churches of Christ salute you.”
Not long ago it appeared in an article that the early church, meaning in the days of the apostles of Christ, did not assembly on Sunday night. (One might study Acts 20:7, and see that the worship included Sunday night.) This was in a context of congregation having trouble getting brethren to come to worship on Sunday night. This is not a new problem. More than thirty years ago, I did a study of bulletins I received, and the numbers of those who were in the assembly on Sunday morning and night. It was about half who came back to worship on Sunday night. The numbers may be somewhat worse these days, but the problem is the same. It is largely a spiritual problem! Having said this, let us go back to our subject! Is there a commandment for the local churches of Christ to assemble for worship on the first day of the week?
The phrase, “the first day of the week,” appears eight times in the New Testament, six of these relate to Jesus’ resurrection and his appearances after being resurrected (Matt. 28:1; Mark 16:2 and 9; Luke 24:1; and John 20:1 and 19. The seventh time is in Acts 20:7, where Luke records this historical event: “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.” This clearly is an assembly of worship, but there is no commandment anywhere in the context. The final place the phrase appears in First Corinthians, where Paul is writing about “the collection for the saints,” and he does give a commandment: “as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye” (1 Cor. 16:1), but the commandment is about the collection and not about the assembly of worship. It might be argued, and correctly so, that the “collection” is an act of worship; thus, part of the assembly of worship. It should be noticed that the “collection” was to be done, “Upon the first day of the week.” There is evidence that the Greek should read: “every first day of the week.” Do you realize that this is the closest we can get to a commandment for “first day of the week” assembly of worship?
Yet, the churches of Christ in America, indeed, most denominational churches, assemble for worship on the first day of the week! Have you ever thought, before reading this article, that there is no commandment for the churches of Christ to assemble to worship upon the first day of the week? The same thing is true when it comes to the Lord’s Supper, as has been pointed out in earlier articles in this series. So many times brethren quote these words: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:25). But read these words as many times as you want to, but you will never find the words, assemble on the first day of the week! We know the churches of Christ assembled to worship during the days of the apostles; we know the saints assembled to worship upon “the first day of the week;” and we know that as part of this worship they came together to “break bread,” upon the first of the week;” but we also know there is no commandment for these actions!
It is for these reasons that we must understand “How we ascertain truth!” When we read that the local churches did certain things under the watchful eyes of the apostles of Christ, “the ambassadors for Christ,” (2 Cor. 5:20), those who spoke with the authority of Christ; they were abiding “in the teaching of Christ” (2 John 9). If not, the apostles rebuked them; just as they did when these churches stepped outside “the teaching of Christ!”
When the local church of Christ assembles to worship God “in spirit and in truth” upon “the first day of the week,” she is abiding within “the teaching of Christ,” just as those early local churches of Christ did under the oversight of the apostles of Christ.
There are yet other questions which have not been addressed in this series of articles, but if these have caused you to think, and to study, then the effort has been worthwhile. A final word of caution as we conclude, there have always been some who assert that “silence” authorizes. How do you abide in silence? Does silence go to the left, or to the right? Or, does it stand still? One thing for sure, those who advocate for the authority of “silence,” never intend to stand still! No, they intend to do things the churches of Christ under the oversight of the “ambassadors for Christ” never did! Nevertheless, let us remember John wrote: “Whosoever transgresseth (to overstep, frw), and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God….”

— Frank R. Williams

If it is not a command, how do you know the church of the 21st century must do it? Another thought, just here, is there a true relationship between the church of the 1st century and the 21st century? Is it one church in two different centuries, or two churches in two different centuries? When the apostle Paul wrote there is “one body,” in Ephesians chapter four, verse four, then wrote: “the church, which is his body” (Eph. 1:22-23); which teaches the “one body” is the one church. So, here is the question: “Does this “one body” which is “the church” exist today?
As we look at ascertaining truth, how does this subject relate to the “one body” “which is the church?” What are the identifying marks of the 1st century church which Jesus said, “I will build” (Matt. 16:18) and which he purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:28)? We learn that the church in Jerusalem had elders in Acts 11:30 as the church in Antioch sent relief to them due to the “great dearth.” However, is this a necessary mark of identity, as we ascertain truth, or just something written by Luke as history? Paul wrote Titus these words: “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee” (Titus 1:5). Though this appears to be a command to Titus, it is not an order to the church. However, in First Timothy chapter three, Paul gives the qualifications for elders and those who are to serve as “overseers” “must” have these qualifications! Yet, there is no command for the local church that she must have elders! So, is having elders an identifying mark of the 1st century church, is it necessary; or is it just incidental? Is it a necessary identifying mark for the church of the 21st century, if she is to be like the church of the 1st century; as there is no command for the church to have elders? Only if the church of the 21st century is to be like the church of the 1st century! We have ascertained a truth about the church of the 1st century, but is it necessary for the church of the 21st century?
What about deacons? Paul gave the qualifications for deacons in First Timothy chapter three (8-11), then, he wrote to the church in Philippi, “with the bishops and deacons” (Phil. 1:1). Therefore, we know the church of the 1st century had deacons, but the questions remains; must the church of the 21st century have deacons? There is no command for such? So the question, is having deacons a necessary mark of identification of the church of the 1st century, which must also be of the church in the 21st century? Noticing there is no commandment for the church to have deacons, is it necessary for the church of the 21st century to have deacons? We have ascertained truth, but what does it mean to the church of the 21st century? Does truth give us any answers?
Reading through the New Testament it is seen the church of the 1st century never used instrumental music in worship, but there is no commandment not to use such! We are given information on worship in a number of places in the letters to the churches, and we have the historical record of what the church did in “The Acts of the Apostles” in a number of congregations; and all without instrumental music! Yet, it remains there is no commandment not to use such! So, it is said, “If there is no law against it, therefore, there is no violation when doing it.” Just by way of reminder, there is no law against using “cornbread and buttermilk” in the Lord’s Supper either!
True, we know what the church of the 1st century used and did, but this is our question: “Are these necessary identifying marks which must be identifying marks of the church of the 21st century?” Must we, the church of the 21st century have elders, or may be have one elder, or no elders at all? Must we, the church of the 21st century have deacons, or one deacon, or no deacons at all? May we, the church of the 21st century use instrumental music, even though the church of the 1st century did not and still claim to be the same church?
You see, in ascertaining truth, it is not just looking for commands, but searching out what the church of the 1st century did, under the watchful eyes of the apostles, “the ambassadors for Christ,” (2 Cor. 5:21) with their approval! There are three churches upon the pages of the New Testament: 1) the perfect church designed by God; 2) the imperfect church as Christians tried to live up into that perfect design; and 3) the deliberate efforts of false teachers to lead the church out of the teaching of Christ. It is from these that the truth seekers must ascertain the truth; he must identify the marks of the 1st century church as designed by God and implement them into the church of the 21st century! It has been said, and correctly so, “If the church of the 1st century did not do it, there is no authority for it!” If so, where do you find it!

—Frank R. Williams

It is the obligation of every person to ascertain truth as revealed in the Bible! In the time of Moses, God said through him: “And ye shall teach them (words of God, frw) your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up”(Deut. 11:19). The old law being the lesser law, It should go without saying, but it shall be said anyway; how much more do you suppose the need to study and learn the New Testament? Speaking of Jesus it is said: “he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises” (Heb. 8:6). So it should go without saying, but it shall be said anyway; if the lesser law demanded that it be taught, when the children “sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up,” how much more so the better law?
But, the question remains, how do we ascertain truth? Do we just look for commandments? After all Jesus did say: “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:16). John also wrote: “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3). The importance of keeping; to continue to keep on keeping on, as obeying the commandments is a demonstration, the proof, of our love for God. This cannot be over stated! Yet, it does not answer our question, in ascertaining truth; do we just look for commandments? The answer is no! Think about the words of Jesus to the Samaritan woman: “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). These words are not in a command form, yet, the word “must” expresses a definite requirement in worship acceptable to God. No worship is acceptable to God that is not “in spirit and in truth!” Thus, we have ascertained part of the truth on the subject of worship!
John 4:24 does not reveal all there is in worshipping God “in spirit and in truth,” however; therefore, we have not ascertained all truth on the subject as revealed in the New Testament. A complete reading and study of the New Testament is required to ascertain all truth on the subject of worship acceptable to God. Yet, we must keep in mind; it may not be in the form of commandments! Jesus introduced us to what Paul calls “Lord’s Supper” in First Corinthians chapter eleven, on the night he was betrayed (Matt. 26:26-28). The Corinthians had so corrupted it that Paul had to rebuke them in the following words: “When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s Supper” (1 Cor. 11:20). Paul then wrote what he had received, which is the Lord’s Supper: “that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come” (1 Cor. 11:24-26). Here we have the Lord’s Supper, the only two physical elements in it are “bread” and what here Paul calls the “cup.” Have we ascertained any truth? Yes, but it was not by means of a commandment! It still remains that we have not ascertained all truth on the subject of the Lord’s Supper!
The questions remain: 1) what kind of “bread”; and 2) to what does the word “cup” refer? My friends, in all honesty, we all know you cannot drink a cup, but you can drink what is in the cup; therefore, let us look at what Jesus did on the night he was betrayed. It was the Jewish Passover, as it is said: “And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine,…” (Luke 22:17-28). Did you notice it? Jesus said as he gave them the “cup,” “and divide it among yourselves?” Just how do you divide a cup? You do not, but you can divide “the fruit of the vine” which was in the cup. In order to ascertain truth about the “bread,” as to what kind it was, a brief study of the Passover is required, but space will not allow it just here. However, it would be learned that it was unleavened bread; therefore, in the Lord’s Supper we have learned, without a commandment, all the physical items, and the kind of items which are authorized, and may be rightfully called the Lord’s Supper!
It must be understood that truth is ascertained by a study of all the New Testament has to say on the subject. Of course, this cannot be done in one article; thus, a series is needed, even then it is confessed by this humble writer, that more will need to be written. However, as you read these articles, it is hoped that the reader will learn more about how to ascertain truth.

— Frank R. Williams

Jesus said: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Then, he prayed: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). And Peter wrote: “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth …” (1 Pet. 1:22). It does not take a “rocket scientist” to determine that “truth” is a most important subject in the New Testament.
The Greek word translated “truth” is “Aletheia” and is found at least ninety-nine times in the New Testament. It is understood that the New Testament does not reveal all of a subject in one place; therefore, the student must get a little of the subject here, there, and elsewhere, as he studies the inspired writings. This requires a little understanding in itself! Paul wrote: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Just what do the words “rightly dividing” mean? These two English words come from one Greek word, which is “orthotomeo.” This word means: “to cut straight;” but it also means: “to make straight and smooth, to handle aright, to teach the truth directly and correctly.” Here is a good place to give the meaning of the word, “ascertain;” it means: “to find out or learn with certainty.” There is one other word that needs attention just here; the word “interpret”, which means: “to bring out the meaning.” All three of these words are very closely related and mean that it is the reader’s obligation to learn with certainty, to bring out the meaning, by handling aright the word of truth!
There are some who believe that the way people read the Bible in 1st century Judea, 5th century Rome, 10th century France, or 18th century China, would not speak to contemporary Americans as to our interpretation of the word of truth. On the other hand, if our souls are “purified” by “obeying the truth,” and they are, then ascertaining truth as it is revealed in the New Testament is vital to our eternal salvation! Culture and time do not change God’s truth! Jesus promised the apostles, the Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth (John 16:13). Truth by its nature is unchangeable! There is a major difference between the works of men and God; what men have regarded as truth at one time, has been learned years later not to be true; however, God’s revealed truth has never been proven to be untrue. Yes, it is true, some men have taught certain things about some subjects in the Bible, which have been proven at a later date to be untrue. But it was man who was in error as to what he thought the Bible taught and not what the inspired word when correctly interpreted taught! This just points out how important it is to ascertain the truth!
In order to ascertain the truth on any Bible subject, we must gather up all it says on the subject. Sometimes when this is done, we are forced to change our minds about what we believe; therefore, ascertaining truth becomes a real challenge to our personal integrity! Many people, who would not cheat you out of a penny in a business deal, will read one verse and put their eternal salvation on it. For instance, some read: “And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women” (Acts 5:14), and conclude that all a person has to do in order to be saved is believe. However, one verse does not negate another verse which addresses the same subject. When those on Pentecost asked the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:27); Peter answered: “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). Was Peter wrong in his answer? Should he have said to these already believing Jews, there is nothing you have to do, as you are already saved? What about Philip as he and the eunuch were traveling along in the chariot and the eunuch ask, “See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” (Acts 8:36). Why didn’t Philip just say to him, you are already saved and there is no need for you to be baptized? Or was Philip wrong when he said: “If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest” (verse 37). Doesn’t this sound just like the words of Jesus, when he said: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16)?
Here is the way we ascertain truth! We must get the whole of what the inspired writers said on the subject! Yes, it may challenge our honesty, our integrity, but isn’t the salvation of soul worth such the challenge? Then, obeying the truth we have learned?

— Frank R. Williams

In this last article under the heading, “For God so loved,” the first words of the “golden text” of the Bible, we will look at the ultimate evidence of God’s love. Of course, the text reads: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
When the text says, God “gave his only begotten Son,” it is pointing directly to one event, which is both the lowest and the highest event in human history. In the rejection of Jesus, when the Jews cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him” (Luke 23:21), and Pilate uttered the words, “see ye to it.” (Matt. 27:24), the voice of man had reached its lowest point in history. When the nails were finally driven into the hands and feet of Jesus, humanity had reached its lowest act. Yet, in the blood that was shed from this body of Jesus, the Son which God gave, we have the greatest act of love in the history of mankind! So, look at the cross and see Jesus nailed upon it and understand the event; in one act, the lowest act in human history and the greatest love mankind has ever witnessed.
How many sermons, how many articles, how many books, yet, even though we look upon it with love, we fail to understand it fully. If only we could visit heaven and hear as the Godhead formulated the plan of sending one of their own to be clothed in humanity; flesh and blood and all the desires as he would be tempted in all points as we; but even at its beginning, how do we mere humans fathom the thought, of God dwelling among us? Nevertheless, John wrote: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Yes, there it is, God began to dwell in flesh and among us! Join to this the thoughts expressed in Paul’s words: “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Phil. 2:6-8). Do we really understand the words, “thought it not robbery to be equal with God?” The Greek word is “harpagmos” and means: “to be held fast, retained.” So, just what was this member of the Godhead giving up? But, let us keep in mind, the context of Philippians chapter two is about “unreserved self-sacrifice,” “unselfish giving.” Just what did the second member of the Godhead give up in making “himself of no reputation,” and taking “upon him the form of a servant,” and being “made in the likeness of men?” We know the final result, the context of Philippians chapter two is about “unreserved self-sacrifice,” “unselfish giving,” and this is something Deity could not do as flesh and blood were required! As this would end as he: “became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross!” Whatever parts we do not understand; we do understand, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Look at the cross, as this is where Philippians chapter two takes us: “became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” There is the greatest act of love! But, what does this love awaken in us, what does it produce in us? If God’s love does not create love in us for God, then, we have failed. Get this now, God has not failed, we have failed! John wrote these words: “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3). Keeping of the commandments of God is the evidence of our love of God! Just how else would a person show his love for God? Love, like faith, is an invisible thing; it is an internal quality that can only be evidenced that it exists by external action! Hear James on this: “Even so faith (love, frw), if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith (love, frw), and I have works: shew me thy faith (love, frw) without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith (love, frw) by my works” (James 2:17-18).
So, as we conclude this series of articles, at least for now; a sense of failure hovers over this humble writer. How can an uninspired writer ever do justice to such a subject? Maybe the woman taken in adultery will help us just here. Do you remember what Jesus said to her? Hear his words and think of yourself: “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). Do you think this woman ever forgot these words? Do you think these words changed her life? Well, this is what the words: “For God so loved” says to each of us, “Go and sin no more!” Go and keep my commandments! If we don’t get this, we just do not understand: “For God so loved!”

— Frank R. Williams