Barnes church of Christ

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

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

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

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

Gary Henson

“THAT SETTLES IT”

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

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

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

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

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

Gary Henson

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gary Henson

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

Gary Henson

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

Gary Henson

“And God said, Let there be…” and it was so (Genesis 1:3,6,9,11,14,20,24, 26). With such words, our world was created. With such words, matter came into existence. God simply spoke things into being out of nothing–ex nihilo. Hebrews 11:3 states, “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the WORD OF GOD, so that the things which are seen were NOT made of things which do appear” (emphasis, mine).
What awesome power —- to speak matter, billions of tons of matter, into existence. Does this not tell us something about the power of God’s Word–in the Scriptures? The Scriptures are the Word of God (1 Pet. 1:25). Thus, the same Word that spoke the universe into existence, is the same Word that speaks in the Scriptures. Thus, the same power that was displayed in creation, is also contained in the Scriptures. Romans 1:16 states, “the gospel of Christ…is the POWER OF God unto salvation” (emp. mine).
Isaiah 55:11 assures us that God’s Word SHALL accomplish that which it is designed to do. Yes, God’s Word–whether at creation, or in Matthew through Revelation–is powerful.
May we be strengthened and take courage in this truth, as we have the obligation, and privilege, to seek and save the lost.

Gary Henson

God wants His people to be a Bible reading people. To the Thessalonians, the inspired writer wrote, “I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren” (1 Thes. 5:27). In 1 Timothy 4:13, He commanded, “Give attendance to reading.” To the Colossians, He admonished, “Read the epistle” (Col. 4:16). Yes, God wants His people to be a Bible reading people.
God makes clear that there are great cursings and woes that come to those who neglect the reading and the studying of the Bible. The lack of knowledge of the Word of God: (1) robs one of the true “good life” on earth (Eph. 4:17-18); (2) leads one to forbidden lusts and desires [thus, sin] (1 Pet. 1:14); (3) causes one to be blind to God’s laws, and leads to the establishing of his own laws (Rom. 10:2-3); (4) causes one to err (Mat. 22:29); (5) causes one to twist the Scriptures (2 Pet. 3:16); and (6) will cause one to be eternally lost (Hos. 4:6). It is so sad, but so simple–all of these tragedies can be avoided by a reading, studying and heeding of the Bible. Truly, what a great motivation to read the Bible!
Likewise, God makes clear that there are great blessings that await those who read His Word. As one learns the Bible, he: (1) is able to be made free (John 8:32); (2) learns what is right and wrong in God’s sight (Heb. 5:14); (3) grows in peace (2 Pet. 1:2); 4) makes his calling and election sure (2 Pet 1:5-11); and 5) obtains help in overcoming temptation (1 Cor. 15:34; 1 John 3:9; Mat. 4:1-11). Surely, this is a motivation that compels God’s people to read the Bible.
Furthermore, one will read the Bible if he loves Jesus. Jesus said, “If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments” (John 14:14). Yet, in order to keep the commandments, one must know the commandments. Thus, one will read the Bible if he loves Jesus.
Spiritually, our longing for the Word of God is to match a baby’s desire for milk (1 Pet. 2:2). Truly an illustration of which all parents are aware.
Yes, God wants us to be a Bible reading people and we must not allow anything to hinder us. We must not permit business, possessions nor social matters to keep this blessing from us (Luke 14:18-20). May our loving God help us to better ourselves as we read our Bible.

Gary Henson

“And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” –Colossians 3:17
The Bible prohibits actions by one of two ways. One of which is by simply telling us not to do it [e.g., “Thou shalt not….”]. The other is by not giving us the authority to do it in the first place.
Suppose you go to a restaurant and order dinner number three. However, along with dinner number three, the waiter also brings you dinners number one, two and four through ten, and presents you with the bill of $80! You correctly object, “I said I wanted dinner number three. That is all you were to bring me. I did not have to tell you, ‘I do not want dinner one, two, nor four through ten.’ When I told you what I wanted, I did not have to tell you what I did not want.”
So it is with the Bible. When God tells us what He wants, He does not have to tell us what He does not want—in order for it to be prohibited. God made this point abundantly clear in many verses. One such verse is Hebrews 1:13, “But of which of the angels hath he said at any time, ‘Sit thou on my right hand…?’” The Father said this only to Jesus [like our ordering dinner #3]. By the virtue of the fact that He did not say those words to any of the angels [like our non-order of dinners 1, 2, 4-10], no angel had the authority to sit on the right side of the Father. Furthermore, God did not have to say to each angel, “Don’t you sit here” [just as we did not have to say, “I don’t want #1. I don’t want #2. Etc.”]. Of a truth, when God tells us what He wants, He does not have to tell us what He does not want—in order for it to be prohibited.1
Why do we not have hot-dogs and pop for the Lord’s Supper? Because God told us to use unleavened bread and the juice of the grape, and when God told us what He wants, He does not have to tell us what He does not want—in order for it to be prohibited. Why do we (the New Testament church) not use mechanical instruments with our singing in worship? Because God told the New Testament church what to do, and that is sing (Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16; et. al).
How we wish that all who seek after God would recognize and abide by this crucial Bible truth. May each consider his every practice and ask, “Does the Bible tell us to do this?”

Gary Henson

1 This truth is also taught in: Acts 15:24; Heb. 7:14; Jer. 19:5; Jos. 6:10; etc.

“The Lord is a man of war” –Exodus 15:3

This question can be easily solved by answering another question: “Does God ever tell man to do that which is sinful?” In other words, would God ever command you to sin?
Anyone who knows anything about the God of the Bible would answer in the negative. If God commanded a man to do that which is sinful, then either: (1) the man will do that sinful thing (and is therefore guilty of sin); or he will not do the sinful thing (and therefore is sinning by disobedience). Thus, to answer in the affirmative would have God placing man in a situation in which he sinned no matter what he did!
However, God does not do that to man. He assures us that He “will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (I Cor. 10:13). In other words, God will not put a man in a situation in which he cannot but sin. God never puts man in “checkmate.”
Thus, the answer to the question (Does God ever tell man to do that which is sinful?) is “No.”
With this established, turn to and read Deuteronomy 20:16-19. Here, God commanded (v.17) His people to go up against the (evil) inhabitants of Canaan. He commanded them to destroy them (v:17), besiege them (v: 19) and, yes, make war (v:19).
Since God does not tell man to do that which is sinful, and since God is telling His people (i.e., children of God) to go to war, then it is not sinful for God’s children today (i.e., Christians) to go to war.
May we pray and hope for peace. But if war comes, our children and our brethren who go to war are not committing that which is sinful in God’s sight.

Gary Henson

Note: Not all war is pleasing to God. There are evil, aggressive nations as well as individuals. God was not pleased with the war which the Ninevites involved themselves. (Nahum 1:15; 2:1,3; 3:1). Those who engage in such are sinning (Nahum 1:3; 3:5).

Under the Mosaical Law those who accidentally caused the death of another could flee for safety to one of six cities of refuge. Today, the sinner has his “city of refuge” in Christ. The analogy is distinct. Furthermore, even the very names of those cities teach valuable truths Consider:
KEDESH. This city’s name meant, “separate; set apart.” This describes Jesus (who is the soul’s city of refuge) as one who was fully set apart for the work of the Father. Jesus Himself stated, “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38). Such unselfishness of His own will and welfare (to our benefit) ought to compel our appreciation and loyalty.
SHECHEM. This name meant, “shoulder.” “Shoulder” indicates the bearing of another’s burden; to prop one up; to sustain. Such aptly describes Jesus. In the teaching of the lost sheep, when it was found, “he layeth it on his shoulders” (Luke 15:5)—away from the thorns, wolves and dangerous waters. Thanks be to God for the world’s wonderful shoulder.
HEBRON. The southwestern city meant, “friendly association; fellowship” We all need friends. Man is a social being. God created us that way. Unfortunately, many have (or will) encounter circumstances in which they become lonely. Who, then, is our friend? “Hebron” indicates that Jesus is our friend. He will always be there. He will never leave. It is Jesus who told us, “I say unto you my friends” (Luke 12:4; cf. John 15:12-15). Furthermore, Jesus gives us friends through Christian fellowship (Mark 10:29-30). Truly, Jesus is our friend—our true friend.
BEZER. This means, “fortified.” Likewise, Jesus is a strong defense. He is called Mighty God (Isa. 9:6). No one, not even Satan, can snatch us out of the hand of God (John 10:28). Truly, “if God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31).
RAMOTH. Its meaning is, “exalted, eminence.” If we exalt a worthy man, how much more ought we exalt the prince and savior of our souls?! (Acts 5:31).
GOLAN. This northeast city’s name meant, “passage, transmigration.” Such aptly describes Jesus, who said, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved” (John 10:9). Yes, Jesus is the passage (John 14:6).
The six cities of refuge—an amazing description of the relation of Jesus and ourselves. May these six terms help us better our appreciation and loyalty to Jesus.

Gary Henson

“These were the appointed cities for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person unwittingly might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood” —JOSHUA 20:9

The twentieth chapter of the book of Joshua consists of only nine verses, yet it contains a most valuable analogy for men living today. It is the account of the cities of refuge.
There were six cities chosen by God which were evenly located within the nation of Israel. These cities were designated as a place of safety for anyone who accidentally caused the death of another. As long as he remained within the city, the avenger of blood of the one who died could not harm him. Consider some of the analogies for men living today.
First: Just as God provided a city of refuge in Moses’ day, He also has provided “a city of refuge” for man today. That place is in Christ. Man has sinned (Rom. 3:23) and punishment is certain (Rom. 6:23). However, to escape, we can go to Jesus. Second Timothy 2:10 tells us of “the salvation which is in Christ Jesus.” Thus, just as the man had to be in the city for protection, man today must, must be in Christ.
Second: The way to the cities were clearly marked. The cities were upon hills to be easily seen, and there were signs posted for direction. The way to safety was plain. Likewise, directions to the salvation of the soul are made clear in the Bible. Paul stated, “When ye read, ye may understand” (Eph. 3:4). Jesus said, “If ye abide in my word, ye shall know the truth” (John 8:32). Yes, God’s instructions to safety is made clear to all.
Third: The manslayer himself had to go to the city. He could not send a representative. So it is with salvation in Christ. It is personal. One cannot be saved simply because his relative is a Christian. We are told, “Repent and be baptized every one of you for the forgiveness of sin” (Acts 2:38). Salvation is strictly personal.
Fourth: After the slayer entered the city, he had to remain in the city for safety. If he ever stepped out, the avenger could kill him. Likewise, the one who has entered into Christ must continue to abide in Him by faithful obedience to His Word. We are warned, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Rev. 2:10), and “If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned” (John 15:6). Yes, one must remain in Christ by faithfully obeying His Word—the New Testament.
The circumstances and conditions concerning the slayer and the cities of refuge are so easy for us today to understand. We would think for a man under this law to fail to comply with these instructions to be wholly without excuse. What then, can be said of those of us today who do the same with Jesus?

Gary Henson