IS IT ALL RELATIVE?

by Morne Stephanus

What is 1+1? One does not need a degree in mathematics to answer this question. From a young age we are made aware of this rudimentary concept: if you have one apple and you add another then you have two apples. No matter where you are in the world the answer to this question will always be two; not three or four, but two. This is the case because there is a universal mathematical truth: one plus one is always two regardless of circumstance or location.  Can the same be said for the Bible? Many would unequivocally deny that the Bible can be universally understood the same.  There are those who would argue that truth is relative, dependant on the individuals and groups holding them. Thus, one person might believe the Bible to say one thing and another person reading the same Bible might interpret it completely different and both persons would still be right.  This view would appear to advance tolerance and consideration if it were not for the fact that it promotes confusion and ungodliness.  Is this what God had in mind when He inspired men to write His Word?  Does God approve of a view that suggests there is no absolute truth or that you can interpret what you read in His Word any way you like and still be on the right path?  The answer to these questions is a resounding, NO!  “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints” (1Cor. 14:33). God made it distinctly clear that everyone, regardless of culture, race or location can understand His word alike. Notice this remarkable account recorded for us in Nehemiah 8:4-8:

And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up: And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground. Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place. So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.

Is it not interesting that all these men read from the same book, gave the people the meaning and caused them to understand it? Israel did not walk away from that gathering with everyone having a different view on what was read.  In 1Corinthians 1:10 God, through the apostle Paul, admonishes the church to “speak the same things” and to “be of the same mind and in the same judgment”. Therefore, speaking different and conflicting things is diametrically opposed to the command of God to speak the same things. On another occasion the apostle Paul instructed Timothy to admonish the brethren to “teach no other doctrine” (1Tim.1:3).  The same was said to the church in Ephesus, “be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Eph 4:14).  The Galatians caused Paul to be negatively amazed because they were so soon removed from the gospel of Christ to another gospel (Gal.1:6-9). Paul said he taught the same thing in every church (1Cor.4:17).  Recorded in John 17:20-21 is Jesus’ prayer for unity: Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.  The evidence for a universal understanding of Scripture is overwhelming. This tells us that it is not only possible but imperative to understand the Bible alike. All believers in Christ can be united. However, in order to achieve this holy unity all must adhere to God’s Word, speaking the same things and being of the same mind. The idea of being unified is a great one; it is a godly one. Unity has been and still is God’s plan for His Believers. Therefore, just like Christ prayed for unity and the apostles preached unity we must practice unity.  We must be a people guided by “thus saith the Lord” speaking only where the Bible speaks and being silent where the Bible is silent.

Bio:

Born and raised in Cape Town South Africa, Married to the lovely Amanda Suzette for 3 years. I Graduated from MSOP in 2008. Since then I have worked with two congregations in South Africa, in 2012 I started working with the Capital City Church of Christ in Baton Rouge. LA until present. 

Websites : http://www.capcitychurchofchrist.com

UNITY

by Steven Ford

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3).  

With it we can glorify God and do much good in the world.  Yet, without it our progress is stymied and our overall effectiveness is hampered.  Of course, I am referring to unity. Unity is fundamental in realizing the great potential for all true believers in Christ.  Its importance is such that the apostle Paul, in some way, mentioned UNITY in nearly every one of his inspired letters.  In one such letter he wrote. “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10).

In an effort to highlight its significance, three questions need to be answered.  The first question is, “Why should one seek unity?”  To begin, it follows a divine pattern.  As recorded by John, our Lord prayed that we might be one.  “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;  That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:20-21).  There is no division within the Godhead.  Thus in seeking to be shaped into the image of our Lord (Romans 8:29), we follow the divine pattern of being “one” or unified.

We should also seek unity because it is a blessing to all involved.  “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion...” (Psalm 133).  In this Psalm, unity is referred to as being both good and pleasant.  There are some things in life that are good, but not pleasant.  Still others may be pleasant, but not good.  Unity meets both criteria.  Not only is unity good and pleasant, but it is “precious.”  Its quality is compared to the anointing oils running down onto the beard of Aaron and the life giving waters that descended from the peaks of Mt. Hermon.  True unity is precious and should be sought after diligently.

Finally, we should seek unity because it allows for focus and stability. “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3).  The answer quite obviously is, no. Yet, to the contrary when the two are agreed, they can walk hand in hand to accomplish the goal that is set before them.

Further where there is NO UNITY, there is NO STABILITY.  “But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth” (Luke 11:17).  Now knowing its benefits, HOW is unity ACCOMPLISHED?  First, by all men walking the same godly “walk.”  “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye WALK worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called” (Ephesians 4:1).  The apostle Paul encourages us to walk a “WORTHY” walk and NOT a “WORLDLY” walk. “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world...” (Ephesians 2:1-2).  One must also “walk” in good works according to the eternal plan of God.  “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

The second question to be answered is, “how is unity achieved?” We achieve unity by having the right attitude.  “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2). There must exhibit an attitude of lowliness.  That means we should be humble; recognizing that it is not about us, but our Lord.  Further, we should have an attitude of meekness.  We should be gentle, kind, and under control.  This would make us like Christ himself.  For it was He that said, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart...” (Matthew 11:28-29).

In achieving unity Paul says we should be longsuffering.  We should be patient with each other.  To compliment the longsuffering, he says we should “forbear one another in love,”  [literally to hold up, endure, and tolerate each other].  We should not be so quick to write someone off just because they don’t act like we would hope they would.  Consider the ways of God, “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 Peter 3:9).

Finally, unity can be achieved by making the effort to do so.  “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).  Unity will not be achieved by sitting idly by and wishing for it.  By use of the word “endeavoring,” Paul indicates that we should exert ourselves, strive for, and make an earnest effort to be one through Christ.

Having noted the benefits and methods for attaining unity, the final question to answer is, “in which we are to be unified?”  Brother Winston Temple noted that Paul knew that on the divine side (the Godhead), there was perfect unity.  However, he also knew that to bring such a great number of people with different backgrounds into one body, the Church, could cause divisions. Therefore to curb these potential divisions he presented the perfect standard of unity as recorded in Ephesians 4:4-6.

1. There is “one BODY” - Therefore we have unity in ORGANIZATION.
2. There is “one SPIRIT” - Therefore we have unity in GUIDANCE.
3. There is “one HOPE” - Therefore we have unity in ASPIRATION.
4. There is “one LORD” - Therefore we have unity in AUTHORITY.
5. There is “one FAITH” - Therefore we have unity in DOCTRINE.
6. There is “one BAPTISM” - Therefore we have unity in OBEDIENCE.
7. There is “one GOD” - Therefore we have unity in WORSHIP.

We do not strive to accomplish “uniformity” wherein we all dress alike, have the same hobbies or interests, or even think alike on trivial matters. Yet, as it relates to all things spiritual, believers must be “perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement” (1 Corinthians 1:10).  

We should seek unity because it follows a divine pattern, blesses those involved, and gives us focus toward our spiritual goals.  Unity is accomplished by walking the right “walk,” having the proper attitude, and exerting oneself.  Finally, we are unified by appealing to the sacred standard as presented in Ephesians 4:4-6.  

When Christians stand as one, arm in arm, upholding the truth, and contending for the faith without any divisions, we can do exactly what the church should to do: Bring glory to God through faithful service in the name of Jesus the Christ.  “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen (Ephesians 3:21).

Steven's Bio: Steven Ford is the local evangelist for the Highway church of Christ in Benton, Arkansas. Benton is located in Central Arkansas just minutes from the capitol city of Little Rock. Steven is also a 2013 graduate of the Memphis School of Preaching. He, along with his wife Carlisa, and two daughters Savannah and Summer are originally from Detroit, Michigan. While in Michigan Steven was blessed to serve with two faithful congregations both both in the pulpit and with their youth.

Links:
http://www.highwaycoc.com

HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER OF JESUS' CHURCH?

by Neil Richey

In one of the unsung chapters of the Bible, Romans 16, are these words, "Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you" (Rom. 16:16).

When writing on the duty of church leaders, Luke wrote, "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28).

As the Hebrews writer spoke to the living saints about their deceased brethren, he said, "To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect" (Heb. 12:23).

On the day of Pentecost, when Peter preached his first gospel sermon, we read that three thousand souls repented of their sins and were baptized for the forgiveness of those sins. Then, at the end of this same chapter are these words, "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved" (Acts 2:47). "Churches of Christ," "church of God," "church of the firstborn," and "the church" are all references to the same thing--the church that we read about in the Bible.

One would think that the religious world’s desire is to be part of that church. However, a cursory perusal of our own communities shows that there are many who are religious, and nearly as many whose religion is in vain. How do I know? Drive down the street, write down the name of every church you see on those church signs, and then ask yourself, “is that the name of the church I read about in the Bible?” If it’s not, then red flags should be going up in your mind. Perhaps, to you, the name is not all that important. I think the Lord would disagree. So, is there really anything in a name?

Following the end of one of the deadliest wars ever fought, the Civil War, Robert E. Lee was asked by the Louisiana Lottery if he would be willing to allow his name to be used to advertise their commission. They told him that if he agreed, he would become incredibly wealthy.

Lee couldn't believe the proposition. Standing up, buttoning his gray coat, and then with a loud voice Lee said, "Gentlemen, I lost my home in war. I lost my fortune in the war. I lost everything except my name. My name is not for sale, and if you fellows don't get out of here, I'll break this crutch over your heads!"

He would have had my attention. How about you? In the Bible, God warns us not to let the great schemer of the universe manipulate us into allowing our name to be misused and abused. Add to that he warns us not to take the most sacred names for His church, and then change them to fit our own personal designs for His church.

To illustrate that there really is something in a name, can you think of any Bible characters whose names became synonymous with something less than admirable? Two immediately come to my mind--Jezebel and Judas.

The Old Testament character, Jezebel, was a horrible creature. A read through the book of 1 Kings tells us of the atrocities that she was behind. She killed the prophets of God. She manipulated her husband. She killed Naboth, by proxy, so that her husband could have Naboth's vineyard. Her name is so synonymous with wickedness that no one would think of naming his or her newborn girl, Jezebel. Why? There is something in a name.

The New Testament character, Judas died by his own hands and the Bible says that he "went to his own place" (Acts 1:25). Judas, or "the son of perdition" as he is also called, is the one who betrayed the Lord Jesus for money (Jn. 17:12). He turned his back on God for momentary pleasure and that, which brings material happiness.

So, today, how many parents expecting baby boys to be born have picked out the name "Judas" as their name of choice for their new little bundle of joy? I’m not aware of any. Why? There is something in a name.

Though rather lengthy, this illustrates the fact that names are important. There is something in a name. There is something in a name when it comes to what people call you. Then also, there is something in a name when it’s applied to what one calls the collective body of Christians.

If the name of the church you belong to cannot be found in the Bible, then doesn’t it stand to reason that you should find a church that does wear the right name, and then become a member of it?

By way of this study, we will only make three observations. First, we’ll observe why one should want to be a member of the church we read about in the Bible. Second, we’ll learn how one becomes a member of the church we read about in the Bible. Third, we’ll close our study with three observations on how one is saved, therefore privileged to enjoy the benefit of being part of the church we read about in the Bible.

I want to be a member of the church of the Lord because . . .

To be a member of the Lord's church is to have access to all "spiritual blessings." "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" (Eph. 1:3). The expression "heavenly places" in this context is a reference to the church, which is located "in Christ." What are some of those blessings?

•     Acceptance is a blessing that comes to those in His church. "To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved" (Eph. 1:6). The Lord never accepts anyone on their own terms, but the Lord's. 

•  Redemption and forgiveness are blessings that come to those in His church. "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace" (Eph. 1:7). Redeem means to be bought back. Sin is a costly thing in deed. It costs us more than we could ever pay. So, for that debt to be forgiven, it took something more valuable than money. It cost Jesus his life's blood. "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins" (Mt. 26:28).

•    An eternal inheritance is a blessing that comes to those in His church. "In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will" (Eph. 1:11). Paul, through the eyes of faith, was looking at that inheritance when he wrote down these words, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Tm. 4:8). 

•   The seal of the Holy Spirit is a blessing that comes to those in His church. "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise" (Eph. 1:13). A seal is something that is true and binding. A seal proves one’s authenticity. So, when one is a member of the church of the Lord, God has put his seal on that person showing His recognition of the fact that he or she is an authentic Christian, and member of God’s church. Now, how does one become a member of the Lord's church, thereby receiving His approval? 

I become a member of the church of the Lord by . . .

Doing it the Lord's way. So many try to invent ways for man to gain membership into the church of the Lord. Some man-made churches will vote on an individual, and if he or she receives enough votes they become members. 

Many denominations who teach salvation via the "sinner's prayer" are then to be baptized to join a particular denomination. Then, there are others who say, "just join the church of your choice."

Never in the Bible do we read about people being voted into the church of the Lord, nor do we read about their joining the church of the Lord. What we do read is this, "And the Lord added to them [the church KJV] day by day those that were saved" (Acts 2:47 ASV). Those who are truly saved are added to the church, because the saved are the church. So, the answer to the questions "How do I become a member of the Lord's church," and "What must I do to be saved," will be the same.

We want to conclude this essay with three salvation questions:

1.  Will there be few saved? Luke wrote, "Then said one unto him Lord, are there few that be saved?" (Lk. 13:23). Throughout history, God's people have always been in the minority. For instance, when God destroyed the world with a flood, only eight souls were saved--Noah, his wife, their three sons, and their wives. When God destroyed the city of Sodom, only three souls were saved--Lot, and his two daughters. In answer to the question, the Bible teaches that on the Judgment day, few will be saved. Jesus said, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it" (Mt. 7:13-14).

2. Who then will be saved? The Universalist would answer the question, "Everyone will be saved." The moralist would answer the question, "All moral people will be saved." The denominationalist would answer the question, "All 'faith only' people will be saved." Our concern should be about whom God says will be saved. Jesus said, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" (Mt. 7:21). In answer to the question, the only people who will be saved are those who obey God's word. 

3.  What must I do to be saved? This is clearly the most important question that a man could ever ask. This question was asked three times in the book of Acts. The jailer asked it, and received the answer "believe" (Acts 16:30-34). The people on the day of Pentecost asked it and received the answer "repent and be baptized" (Acts 2:37-41). Saul of Tarsus asked it, and received the answer "be baptized" (Acts 9:1-22; 22:1-16; 26:1-21). Who could question that these, having done what they were told, were saved? I dare say that no one could. 

   In answer to the question, "What must I do to be saved?" I must do the same as those in the book of Acts in order to be saved. I must believe in Jesus as God’s Son, just as these did. I must repent of my sins, just as these did. I must be baptized for the forgiveness of my sins, just as these did. When I do this, then I know that I am saved because I have done what they did to be saved. Then, the added benefit is knowing that upon my salvation, the Lord adds me to His church (Acts 2:47).       

   It is our prayer that you’ll take to heart these simple biblical truths, and then become a member of the church that we read about in the Bible. 

~Neil Richey

Neil’s bio: Neil Richey is a native of Tennessee. He has preached full-time in Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia, where he now preaches for the Piedmont Road church of Christ in Marietta, GA.

In 1995 Neil met Emily (Martin) and in 1997 they were married while attending Freed-Hardeman University. They have two children: a son named Peyton, and a little girl named Rebekah. 

Neil's formal education includes a B.S. in Communication with an Emphasis in Broadcasting. He holds a M.A. in Church Growth and a D.Min. in New Testament Theology. 

He has been blessed to preach in several states and in a number of other countries including Brazil, New Zealand, and Tanzania, where he has taught multiple short courses for the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. He holds numerous Gospel Meetings and speaks on lectureships and youth rallies each year and makes annual mission trips outside of the United States.

In addition to his full-time work with the Piedmont Road church of Christ, Neil is one of the instructors for the Georgia School of Preaching and Biblical Studies. Also, Neil is the President of the Board of Directors at West Cobb Christian Academy. He is a regular writer for journals, periodicals, blogs, and he hosts multiple video devotionals on-line. He writes a short devotional sent out via email every Monday - Friday called, Neil's Daily Devotional Nugget which can be subscribed to at www.NeilRichey.com. 

Neil has authored and edited books including Growing the Church God Loves, Thinking Out Loud, and What Wilt Thou Have Me To Do. All of these are available at www.NeilRichey.com. 

When asked, Neil wants people to know that, "I'm a husband, father of two, and most of all, a Christian that's been saved by grace through faith. I'm trying everyday to live life with purpose for Him."

My Purpose In Life

Occasionally, I receive from a dear sister one of her calendar devotionals that she reads each day. This one had to do with our purpose in life: “To know and love God, and everything else will fall into place if I make this my priority.”

How fitting and timely these often are for us.  Seeing the need always to work on me, I pray this will help us all develop into the type of people that God wants us to be.

Finding real purpose in life begins at the source: God and His Word.

While there are many psychologists and philosophers proclaiming through “self-helps” and “espoused doctrines” how to find purpose in life, the source of all life is God; therefore, it is imperative that we begin with Him.  John, the apostle, wrote of how we should view God and explains why we were created: “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:11). 

In most all philosophies and doctrines taught throughout history, there was a goal to reach such as self-worth, knowledge, etc., but we are reminded by the wise man, Solomon, that “in the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death” (Proverbs 12:28).  Solomon thus reminds us that there is a path to be chosen, and that will also determine our eternal destiny.  So, as sure as I need to realize my purpose in life, the choice I make will determine where I will spend eternity.  My eternal purpose in life is very important to consider!

The Psalmist wrote:

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.  In all that he does, he prospers.  The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish” (Psalm 1:1-6, ESV). 

If we truly want to find our purpose, we must acknowledge that God has “a way” of life that is pleasing to Him.  As John wrote, “for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Therefore, we must consider that God’s way is “the” way, and it is a “better” way.  Consider what Isaiah wrote from God: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways may ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9, KJV).  

If our purpose is to bring honor, glory, and power according to John, then the way to do it will bring about blessings and prosperity according to the Psalmist. We honor Him when we obey (Hebrews 5:8-9). We glorify Him in the church (Ephesians 3:20-21). We are to submit to his power (authority) who is Christ, the head of the church (Ephesians 1:21-22).