The same caller that I referred to in the first article actually called to ask me a question. Even though he understood what the Bible taught about baptism, he did not know how to deal with the fact that the thief on the cross was not baptized into Christ. How was it that Jesus said he would be with Him in paradise (Luke 23:42-43)?  

I answered by taking him to Jude 3. This passage stated that there is a “common” salvation, meaning that everyone gets saved the exact same way. Was there ever a time when there was uncommon salvation? Yes. Prior to the death of Jesus, our Lord had the power to forgive sins and make certain demands on people. For example, Christ told a rich man to sell all he had and give it to the poor in order to have treasure in heaven. The man was then supposed to follow Jesus (Luke 18:22). While on the cross, Jesus knew the heart of the thief and granted him salvation.

Because our Savior has died, resurrected and gone back to heaven, there is a common message that needs to be taught for man to be saved (Mark 16:16). To think that we today do not need to be baptized for the remission of our sins because the thief on the cross was not baptized for this reason is incorrect. The gospel message is the same for everyone (Gal. 1:6-9; II Thess. 1:8; Rom. 1:16). To create different plans of salvation today is to remove the common salvation we are to have.

Finally, I mentioned that even if you could have taken the thief down and baptized him, Jesus had not died yet. How can you be baptized into Christ’s death and rise up like Him in His resurrection before He died (Rom. 6:3-7)? We need to see that both the thief and Jesus lived and died under the Old Law. The gospel came into effect after Jesus died (Heb. 8-9; Col. 2:14). The thief could not be expected to access something not yet available.

This week’s bulletin (both articles) illustrate the need to rightly divide the word of God. There are many that want to pervert God’s word, and we all need to be on guard.

                                                                                            Chuck 

Everything has been confirmed! We will have a Bible booth in the Newburgh farmers market July 1^st from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and in the county fair July 17-22. We will have cards for people to sign up for our Bible course, leave a Bible question for our TV and radio program and to set up a face to face Bible study. We will have other free Bible study materials and Bibles for those who need one.

Here is a sample of four questions that will be on one of our quiz boards (we have two boards). When they push the right button the green light will come on.

#1. James 2:24, reveals that man is saved…

1. By faith only
2. Not by faith only
3. Not by faith

#2. We read in I Peter 3:21…

1. Accept Jesus into your heart
2. Pray the sinners prayer and thou shalt be saved
3. Baptism does also now save us

#3. We read in I John 3:4 that sin…

1. Is inherited
2. Is transgression of law
3. Does not bring forth death

#4.  In Matthew 16:16, Jesus said He was going to build…

1. A denominational church
2. Many different religious sects
3. His church

The purpose of these efforts is to promote Bible discussions. We are simply wanting to encourage personal Bible study. We will have cards that lists the times of our TV and radio program and our website for them to check out. We pray that doors in the local community will open as we spread the word.

                                                                                            Chuck 

You may or may not be aware that the Jehovah’s Witnesses organization is holding their annual convention at the Ford Center. Should the church of Christ rent out the Ford Center and do the same? Let’s examine this idea in light of the word of God.

The major problem with this idea directly relates to what we read in Ephesians 1:22-23. This text informs us that Christ is head of the church. Since it His body, it is to be scripturally organized (Phil. 1:1). This means that every individual congregation should function independently on a local level (I Pet. 5:2). Notice how Peter was specific that elders were to shepherd their own flock and no another.

Knowing this, who would organize a convention if churches of Christ opted to hold one (Rom. 16:16? Will a certain local church be in charge? How can that one church coordinate such an event while still respecting church autonomy? This is unworkable. Today’s religious sects hold conventions because they have a central headquarters. Someone or some body holds the authority to make decisions. This conflicts with the design found in the Bible though – only local, independent churches of Christ are God-approved. We cannot add to or change the Christ’s universal church (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 4:4).

What about the gospel meetings that some churches hold – is this just a scaled down version of a convention? Truth be known, the two are simply not alike. When a local church decides to have a gospel meeting, they are fulfilling their duty in spreading the gospel and building up their members (Eph. 4:15-16; I Thess. 1:8).              

Organizing a convention is nothing that our Lord commands, expects or even authorizes. The Bible describes no yearly pilgrimage or special gathering that is required beyond the realm of a local church. To attempt to do so creates a hierarchy system. If you have hundreds of local churches being represented, who does the speaking and on what topic? In the first century, would a speaker from the church at Corinth or Laodicea speak first? Nobody from a local church would be in a position to decide this as it goes beyond what they are called to do.

But what about the day of Pentecost – were there not three thousand people gathered there (Acts 2:41-47)? Yes. The size of the crowd says little about the event though. On Pentecost, over three thousand people became Christians that day – this is not the purpose of most denominational conventions. As you read through the New Testament, it becomes clear that there was no earthly head church nor an effort to create a special gathering for all the saints.

There is a special day designated by the Lord, but this is not an annual event, nor is it intended to physically draw all Christians together. The first day of the week is for saints to gather to worship God. This gathering is not to be forsaken (Acts 20:7; Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:17-18). The last thing a local church would do is encourage brethren to attend some convention rather than assembling as commanded.

The apostle Paul travelled from one city to the next to strengthen churches that were established (Acts 15:36). He did not direct them to gather in a centralized city. The idea of assembling with all the faithful is just what we will enjoy when Jesus comes back. All children of God are added to the one true church (Acts 2:47), but I do not have to literally assemble with all the faithful on earth to value that blessing. Being with the local church family is sufficient, and that is what the Lord intended.

If there is one thing we learn from our Lord’s walk on this earth, we must see that that His faith did not hinge on large crowds of followers. Remember, those on the narrow road are few (Matt. 7:13-14).

                                                                                              Chuck

Does the Bible, in any way, suggest that people should become Monks? The first place to start would be with defining what a Monk is. For the most part a Monk is one who has taken a vow of poverty and celibacy. Being very religious, they cut themselves off from society and engage in communal living. Their goal is to devote themselves to prayer and to become more Christ like.  Although there are different religions that have Monks, with some differences, but this gives us an idea of what a Monk is.

So, does our Lord want people to become Monks? No, He wants people to become Christians (Acts 26:28; Acts 11:26). Jesus wanted people to follow Him and be like Him (I Pet. 2:21). However, creating our own way to be Christ-like is not following Christ. The whole idea of a Monk living in a monastery is creating an idea of being “more” holy than others. As if taking those vows will make one more useful for the Lord. That could not be any farther from the truth.

When you read the first article, you find out that every Christian becomes part of God’s family. They don’t create levels of righteous living. All saints are to walk in the light (I Jn. 1:3-7). Now, just because the apostle Paul chose not to get married, it didn’t make him more spiritual that Peter, who did get married (I Cor. 7:7-8; Matt. 8:14). Also, just because Jesus was not rich (materially on earth), He wasn’t suggesting that the poor are more spiritual.

When it comes to prayer, there isn’t a Monk past, present or future, that would accomplish what the faithful Christian does with their prayers (Jas. 5:16). Man likes to think they know what the Lord wants and what would be best for man. When in truth, the Lord’s way is always right! Remember, whatever we do, we need to do it by the authority of Christ (Col. 3:16), not by what some religious group decides.

It might seem like I am being disrespectful to people who are being selfless. But what I am trying to reveal is true selflessness is to abide in Christ’s teachings (II Jn. 9).

Chuck 

You can’t help but notice in Acts 2, when over 3000 people obeyed the gospel, that there was an instant bond. We are told that, immediately, they made it their aim to be steadfast in the apostles’ teaching, in fellowship, breaking of bread and praying (vr. 42). Then we are told that they sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need (vr. 45). Not only did they do these things, it also states, “they continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking of bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,” (vr. 46).

One can’t help but appreciate the closeness the brethren had with each other. But what caused this? The answers lies within their conversion. When people are converted to Jesus Christ they learn what love and selflessness truly is. They heard about the life of Jesus (vrs. 22-36). They were made aware of His sacrifice for those who didn’t care for Him, and that He willingly went to the cross to provide man with the opportunity to go to heaven.

It’s amazing what a common faith does. This is something that the world will not fully grasp. John the apostle, spoke about the fellowship that saints have due to their common fellowship with the Lord (I Jn. 1:3-7). Because of such, brothers and sisters in Christ are able to provide many things for one another.

Here is a list of the things members can do for each other due to this common faith:

1. Assist brethren through their prayers (Jas. 5:16).

2. Support each other with burdens (Gal. 6:1).
    
3. Share the laughter and the tears (Rom. 12:15).

4. Speaking words of encouragement, knowing we all need to be built up (Rom. 14:19).

5. Genuine love for one another (I Pet. 1:22).

6. Ready and willing to do good for your spiritual family (Gal. 6:10).

7. Looking out for the spiritual wellbeing of all the saints (Jas. 5:19-20).
    
8. Appreciating the value and equality of every member (I Cor. 12:12-14).
    
9. Being with those who promote peace with each other (Rom. 12:18).
    
10. Having a wonderful, supportive family, knowing that every member faces temptations (I Cor. 10:13).
     
11. Walking with those who are longing to spend eternity in heaven with all the faithful (II Tim. 4:8).
     
12. Reminding one another of the benefits of having access to all the spiritual blessings that are only found in Christ (Eph. 1:3-4).

Christians are so blessed to be called children of God (I Jn. 3:1).  As such, they all belong to a spiritual family that is to be appreciated by all. The question is, who wouldn’t want to be part of a family that enjoys all the things listed?

Chuck