Barnes church of Christ

Have you ever thought there is one God, one Christ, one Holy Spirit, one Bible and one hope, but the same folks who will agree with these five great truths; stop and balk like old Charley’s mule when someone says: there is one faith, one church, and one baptism! Just what is it that happened after the first five truths?
The “precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” purchases the church. Have you not read, “…to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28)? Can you be saved without the blood of Christ? Just where are those saved by the by “precious blood of Christ?” If not in the blood purchased church, then, where?
It is true, there are hundreds of churches today; they have different names, faiths many, which teach that baptism is necessary, but not necessary to salvation. There is even no agreement about just what baptism is; is it pouring, sprinklings, or it is emersion in water? Just how did the church purchased by the blood of Christ ever get into such a state? Well, now hear this! She never did! No, the church purchased by “the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” never had any of this confusion! When the apostles Paul wrote about the one church, he wrote this; “the churches of Christ salute you” (Rom. 16:16), no confusion here! Of course, these words need understanding!
Yes, it is true there were false teachers and teachers who taught false doctrine in church in the first century; but the apostles stood like a rock, with the word of truth to correct all such! When some in the churches of Galatia were removing themselves from the “the grace of Christ,” the apostle wrote: “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another (the Greek, heteros, which means: of a different kind) gospel: Which is not another (the Greek, allos, which means: another of the same kind) but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:6-8). It is easy to see that some had come among the “the churches of Galatia” and were teaching them “another gospel,” another of a different kind; but there stood the apostle with these words: “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed!” The false teachers and the teachers who taught false doctrine would have destroyed the church, but there stood the apostle with the truth! Clearly saying, another gospel, a gospel of a different kind, as in faiths many, will always produce a different church; but never “the churches of Christ!”
Yet, even the above words do not make the point desired. The “churches of Christ” lives in the seed, which is the word of God. So long as we have the “seed,” we have “the churches of Christ,” or the one church of Christ made up of all “the churches of Christ” worldwide. Thus, Paul wrote, “one body,” and he identified the “one body” as he wrote: “the body, the church” in Colossians chapter one, verse eighteen. Therefore, the “one body” is the one church which is produced by the “seed,” the truth! It is in the truth; “the seed” in which there never was any confusion! Therefore, in the above as we wrote, “Well, now hear this! She never did! No, the church purchased by “the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” never had any of this confusion,” it was to church in the “seed;” to the truth we had reference and the church in it!
There have always been and there will always be “men” who desire to make the “one body, the church” into their image and not the image of Christ! Therefore, we have “faiths” many, “churches” many, “baptisms” many, and ways of salvation many; but these many are not of God! They are churches without “the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot!”
The question before each person, am I honest? Can I look at the words: “one Lord” and say yes, but at the words, “one faith” and say no? Can I look at the words: “one God” and say yes, but at the words, “one church” and say no? You see, it is a question of being honest!

— Frank R. Williams

It is understood when writing about “prayer,” that it is dangerous, as this is a most personal subject. It is a subject that is in most cases very dear to the heart; it is a subject that is not measured by perfection, as each word comes from the soul that is pouring out the deepest thoughts and expression of his/her being. Yet, it remains a truth that we all need to learn how to pray better! Therefore, in writing on the subject of prayer we are going where only the brave and humble dare to go.
One of the most misunderstood texts on the subject of prayer are Paul’s words: “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Rom. 8:26). If I may, please notice the first word, “Likewise;” as it will be most helpful in understanding Paul’s words, if we question, in “likewise” of what? It requires that we back up, and learn what “the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities,” is like. It is necessary to back up at least two verses: “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it” (Rom. 8:24-25). Paul’s point in these two verses is that “hope” is that which is not yet realized and it helps us; “then do we with patience (endurance, frw) wait for it.” It is here that he writes, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities.” Keep in mind; it is our “hope” that helps us!
Here we must also learn a very important lesson. The word “Spirit” has a capital “S,” but in fact, this means very little. Why does it mean very little? Because the Greek text was written in all capital letters; therefore, when translating the Greek text into English, the translator, or the publisher, determines to capitalize the “S” or not to. It is a matter of his opinion and nothing more! It is the context that must determine, if the writer is referring to the Holy Spirit, or the human spirit. In the case before us, the word “Holy” does not appear in the text, and the reader is remained that it is our “hope” that helps us and Paul wrote, “Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities.” It is our “hope” and it is our “spirit” that helps us. So, why does our spirit help us? Notice that Paul continued: “for (the Greek “gar,” which expresses the reason) we know not what we should pray for as we ought.” Ever wonder why we have so much trouble, as we search for the right words as we pray? Now we know! So, are we, therefore, helpless, and should not pray at all?
Hear Paul, “but the spirit (Once more, it is not the Holy Spirit, but our spirit) itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” The Greek word translated, “intercession” is “huperentugchano” and means to intercede for one. Our “spirit” intercedes for us, with groanings. But what are these “groanings?” The Greek word (stenagmos) means, sighs, and here refers to sighs “which cannot be uttered.” Right when we are having trouble, searching our minds for the right words, but we just cannot find them, our spirit sighs, with our inabilities; therefore, with words which we cannot utter.
Now, with this understanding, verse 27 answers our needs: “And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” The “he” that “searcheth the hearts,” is Christ, the one who is our great high priest (Heb. 4:14); for he “knowth what is the mind (what one has in the mind, the thoughts and purposes, frw) of the spirit,” then, he maketh intercession and he does so “according to the will of God!” So, even when we stumble, or say the wrong words, Christ our intercessor knows what is in our heart, and our spirit “makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
Yes, even when we say wrong words, or when we express ourselves in a wrong way, we need to know that he who sits at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Heb. 1:3); knows what we are trying to say! At the same time, we as brethren must give room for wrong words and expressions; for we too at times stand in the same need. Have you stood over the bed of a dear loved who was dying; praying while searching your mind for just the right words, but the words were not there?
In closing, there is still the need to work on leading prayer in the assembly of the saints. We must be open to learning and improvement; as it is a grave responsibility to come to the throne of God in behalf of our brothers and sisters in Christ! Let us be thankful that we have men who are willing to lead our minds in prayer!

— Frank R. Williams

This third article on prayer will deal with words we use while praying. Therefore, it is necessary to say to the readers, there is no personal offence intended as we make this study. Remember, a study on any subject is to help us better understand the subject, and to help improve our personal efforts as they relate to the subject. As I have pointed out before, and keep telling my class, if you can learn a better way of saying something, learned it and use it. With these words to introduce this third article, let us begin.
As the person chosen to lead the congregation in prayer, we have the responsibility to express ourselves in the best possible manner. Remember, at the end of the prayer, the leader desires all to be able to say, “Amen,” to the words we have prayed. First, think about the words you used as you pray!
Many of the words used are words we have heard from those who have gone before us. So, we think they must be right! It is necessary just here to ask a question. Do we believe that God directly works on the mind of men today? Keeping in mind, the Holy Spirit did put into the mind of the apostles what they were to say, and to write; but the Holy Spirit no longer does this. It must be remembered, God (the Holy Spirit) does not circumvent the faculties of man, neither in words nor in skills. In other words, God does not put words in the mind of man, nor does he manipulate our skills. So stop for a moment and think about the words we use when praying. Do we at times ask God to do just this; to circumvent the faculties of man, by giving him words, or aiding him in his skills? If so, just how do we do so?
Once more, please keep in mind, this is not to offend anyone, nor to discourage any man from leading us in prayer, but to help us improve our praying, personally and publicly! Sometimes we pray, “God give the preacher the words that he needs as he preaches.” Or, “God give him a ready recollection of the things he has studied.” Are we asking God, the Holy Spirit, to directly give the preacher words, or directly bring to the mind of the preacher the things he has studied? Would this be a miraculous action? Would this be a circumventing of the preacher’s personal faculties, in this case his mind? Of course, we do not believe in a direct action of the Holy Spirit; so, no this is not what we are really praying for, is it?
Would it not be better, if we prayed that the preacher have a remembrance of the things he has studied, the things he has prepared? In doing this, we are not asking for a direct, miraculous action of the Holy Spirit upon the mind of the preacher. If the preacher has not studied, he is not going to remember; even if he has studied, there are going to be times, he just cannot recall a word he desires at the moment the wants to use it. The Holy Spirit is not going to help me, and we know this! Therefore, let the words of our prayers be according to our knowledge on the subject.
When praying for the sick, we sometimes ask God to guide the hands of the surgeon. Our we praying that the Holy Spirit miraculously circumvent the skills of the doctor? Or to give the surgeon skills he may not have? Not likely! We know God does not work miraculously today! So, would it not be best to pray that the doctor have skills and that he use them to the best of his ability as he operates on our love ones?
As we deal with this, let us pray that the preacher be bold in preaching the gospel. This expresses our desire, and tells the preacher that we expect of him to be bold; and it will help him be bold. There is no calling upon the Holy Spirit to do what he is not going to do; as the Holy Spirit no longer works directly upon the mind, and does not miraculously give boldness. Boldness comes from within; it comes from our convictions. The apostles stated it so well, when commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus, they replied: “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:19). This is what we desire of the one who preaches! Therefore, we should pray: “Lord may our preacher be bold in proclaiming the gospel!”
There are any number of phrases we use when praying that appear to be asking God to act miraculously, but it is not our intent, even as we utter the words, to ask God to act miraculously! We just have not given enough thought to the words we use. It is not the easiest thing to do, to step forward and lead the congregation in prayer. As we lead the congregation in prayer, it is our desire that we do so in such a manner that all may be able to say with us, “Amen!”
It is understood when writing about prayer and leading prayer, it is so easy to be discouraging and to offend; but these words are not written to discourage, nor to offend; but to encourage those who are willing to lead us in prayer! We are so glad for every man willing to step forward, to express his thoughts, trusting that they will be acceptable to our minds that we can say, “Amen!” At the same time, we can all improve whatever we do, in whatever field or endeavor we may engage in. Remember, the challenge keeps coming to us: “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18).

— Frank R. Williams

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