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

Yes, it is that time of the year where the winter clothes are put away and the summer clothing comes out (what little there is). It used to be that skimpy clothing was only worn on the beach. This is no longer true as similar attire can be found at the grocery story, on the street and even at school. Sadly, the line between the way saints dress and the way the worldly dress seems increasingly less distinct.

The obvious reason has to do with conformity (Rom. 12:1-2). When the majority of the world approves of immodest apparel, those opposed are viewed as oddballs, weird, strange or out of touch. Christians are viewed this way because they are making a big deal out of that which is not a big deal to the ungodly.

Children of God should not just to familiarize themselves with I Timothy 2:9 but need to actually think about what it means. If someone were to ask you, “What is immodest apparel?” most people would probably name revealing articles of clothing. This response is not wrong, but we should give the issue a little more thought so we can understand what God views as immodest apparel and why He is concerned with it.

Consider the word licentiousness (lasciviousness in some translations) (Gal. 5:19). This term helps explain the concept of “immodest apparel” and is described as a work of the flesh. The word means filthy, unbridled lust, shamelessness, wantonness. Also the idea of exciting disgust. This not only has to do with moving one’s body to incite such feelings but also with what one wears.

Those wearing immodest apparel may argue that they cannot control those lusting after them. There is some truth to this, but those who lust after others are without excuse (Matt. 5:28). It is naïve to think that what we wear or do not wear will not impact how we are viewed. Remember, there is such thing as the attire of a harlot (Prov. 7:10). As the temperatures rise, may we all remember who we are and how we are to let our light shine (Matt. 5:13-16).

Chuck 

Over the years people have posed many hypothetical situations to me to get me to admit there are exceptions to the rule. They argue this on the assumption that if there is an exception to the rule, then the rule is invalid. This logic is simply not Biblical.

For example, the Bible clearly reveals that when people want to become a Christian they ought to be baptized immediately (Acts 2:42; 8:36; 22:16). But what if someone is in prison and there is no place to baptize them right away – does the prisoner invalidate his baptism by making arrangements with the prison officials? Of course not! The individual wants to be baptized right away but cannot, so he is immediately doing what he can to set up the baptism. This exception does not invalidate the rule.

What about the subject of divorce and remarriage? The Lord makes it clear that husbands and wives ought to remain married for life (Rom. 7:2).  This is true even if one is a Christian and the other is not (I Cor. 7:12-14). The only way anyone could remarry, according to the Lord, is if the mate dies or if a spouse is unfaithful. In the case of adultery, the innocent party can put the guilt away. Only the innocent can remarry (Matt. 5:32; 19:9).

When you show people that the only divorce sanctioned by the Lord is caused by adultery, all kinds of hypothetical situations are posed. What if the husband is beats the wife and kids? What if the husband abandons the wife? Is divorce permissible in these cases?

What does the Bible say about the husband that beats the wife? In Romans 13:3-4, the apostle Paul told the brethren that governing authorities are to be a help to those who do right. They are also there to punish those who do evil. If you and your children are being harmed, it is your right to be protected. Being separated from your mate for a period of time is approved by God (I Cor. 7:5). (This text was specifically dealing with a mutual agreement to separate for a time to devote self to fasting and prayer).

What if a mate abandons their spouse or family? Paul wrote that the loyal mate is not under bondage to them (I Cor. 7:15). In other words, they are not obligated to grab the children and chase them from one state to another. If they want to leave, let them leave. But again, the rule of divorce does not change.

Whether we are talking about baptism, marriage or any other law of the Lord, it is easy to come up with unlikely, hypothetical situations. You might even be aware of a few truthful, unusual circumstances. Still, there is no getting around what the Bible teaches. It is good for couples to work out their differences. God’s stance on divorce has not changed even though most people disregard what He has said.

Attempting to be exempted from God’s word is a waste of time. It is like when someone mentions Proverbs 22:6 and tells me that if a child is trained up properly, they will be faithful to the Lord. This is often true, but finding an exception to the rule does not mean the rule should be discarded.

Keep in mind, that there isn’t really any exception to the rule. To train a child up in the way of the Lord, and when they are faithful, the rule is true. When you teach someone incarcerated and they want to be baptized immediately, the rule is still true. When a mate is put out of harms way, yet their mate still hasn’t committed adultery, the rule is still true. Let’s not fall for the vain attempts to justify not doing what we are told in the word of God.

                                                                                          Chuck