A Test to Give a Church

Allen Webster and Luke Griffin

1. Does this church use the Bible as its only authority for rules and practices? (Mark 7:7; John 12:48; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3) Yes _____ No _____

2. Does this church believe and teach the deity of Christ? (John 3:16; 8:24) Yes _____ No _____

3. Does this church believe in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? (Matthew 28:18-20) Yes _____ No _____

4. Does this church have leaders and members who display Christ’s love? (John 13:34-35) Yes _____ No _____

5. Does this church wear a scriptural designation such as church of God, church of Christ, church of the Firstborn? (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Hebrews 12:23) Yes _____ No _____

6. Does this church have an organization like the New Testament church, which has qualified men serving as elders, deacons, and evangelists? (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1) Yes _____ No _____

7. Does this church have the mission of the original church to get the whole gospel to the whole world? (Mark 16:15-16) Yes _____ No _____

8. Does this church use only males to preach and lead in public worship? (1 Timothy 2:9-15) Yes _____ No _____

9. Does this church teach baptism of believers for remission of sins in order to be saved? (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21) Yes _____ No _____

10.Does this church teach Biblical morality? As opposed to endorsing/allowing actions as homosexuality, adultery, fornication, and lasciviousness among members. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-21) Yes _____ No _____

11. Does this church worship according to the New Testament, without adding innovations such as mechanical music, drama, praise teams, or soloists? (John 4:24; Colossians 3:16-17; Revelation 22:18-19) Yes _____ No _____

12. Does this church encourage members to practice pure religion to help widows and orphans and to stay unspotted from the world? (James 1:27) Yes _____ No _____

13. Does this church teach that Jesus now reigns over His kingdom and that He will one day return to take it to heaven, at which time He will destroy the earth? As opposed to the teaching that He will set up His kingdom on earth in the future and rule for a thousand years. (1 Corinthians 15:24-26; Colossians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Peter 3:1-13; Revelation 1:3) Yes _____ No _____

Jesus said we are to observe “all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20).

Practicing the doctrines of men makes worship vain (Mark 7:7-9).

All plants not planted by the Father will be rooted up (Matthew 15:13).

I Will Die On That Hill

David Sproule

This expression, with an obvious military origin, is often used in everyday life to express an absolute willingness to make a strong defense and hold a position (in a particular argument), with no intent to ever consider compromising or backing down (even if presented with information that makes one’s position indefensible).  It is being unmovably committed.

In a surprising and very unfortunate conversation a while ago, someone used that expression about the particular position that they held.  I am not writing this for that person’s benefit but for yours.

In the conversation we were having, one of the main topics of discussion was the relationship of baptism to one’s salvation from sin.  The individual with whom I was conversing was adamant that baptism, while a good and appropriate action, has no connection at all to the forgiveness of sins.  What was interesting, but not unusual, is that no attempt was made in their responses to ever answer the verses in the New Testament that clearly connect baptism with being “saved” from sins (Mark 16:16; 1 Pet. 3:21), obtaining “the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38), washing “away” sins (Acts 22:16), getting “into Christ” (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27) and “into His kingdom” (John 3:5).  Their position was that salvation occurs at faith and baptism is not essential.

When it was apparent that the truth was not moving this person, I asked the individual a question that I have asked many others over the years.  It is not designed as a “gotcha” question, but as an eye-opening, finally-make-the-connection question.  Question: “Which one of these statements do you believe is correct?  (1) The Bible teaches that baptism does not save us.  (2) The Bible teaches that baptism does now save us.”

Here is the answer that I received: “I will answer your question with #1, that baptism does not save, and I will die on that hill.  We will all find out at the judgment.”

Here’s the problem.  In 1 Peter 3:21, God says plainly, “Baptism does now save us.”  This person dismissed that Bible teaching and answered, “Baptism does not save us.”  In a daring response, the individual picked a manmade doctrine over a God-given doctrine, and did not just pick it, but laid down the “I will die on that hill” pledge.

Friends, the Bible says plainly that we are saved through faith (Eph. 2:8) and plainly that baptism saves (1 Pet. 3:21).  Those statements are not contradictory, nor are they designed for individuals to take sides.  “The sum of [God’s] word is truth” (Psa. 119:160), which means BOTH are truth—faith PLUS baptism saves (Mark 16:16).  God expects us to obey the sum of His word before we die and before judgment.

The Best Reading Plan for the Bible

David Sproule

How quickly could you read through the entire Bible?  Depending on your reading speed, it would take most people around 65 to 80 hours.  So, if you did nothing else for three days straight (without sleeping), you could read it.  Or, if you took two 40-hour work weeks, you could read it.

Of course, that is not the way that folks normally read the Bible.  For many people, they follow a one-year plan, which schedules them to read about three chapters per day, to finish the Bible in 365 days.  The number of different reading plans that have been created is impressive.  Some read through the New Testament every month (reading about nine chapters per day).  Some take a slower pace and read through the Bible over a period of three years.  Again, the variety of options is plenteous.

Here’s something to keep in mind: The Bible does not tell us at what pace we need to read the Bible.  There is not a verse that says, “This is too slow” or “This is too fast.”  So, what does the Bible say about a reading schedule?

Consider that the Bible urges us to pray, at the very least, “daily” (Matt. 6:11) or “day by day” (Luke 11:3), and gives us multiple examples of praying three times a day (Dan. 6:10; Psa. 55:17).  If we talk to God one, two, three (or however many) times in a day, would it not also be appropriate and beneficial to let God talk to us (through the Bible) that often?

The Bible likens itself to “milk” and “solid food” (Heb. 5:12-13; 1 Pet. 2:2).  David said that it is like “honey and the honeycomb” (Psa. 19:10), and Jeremiah said that when he “found” God’s “words” that he “ate them,” and found “joy and rejoicing” in them (Jer. 15:16).  How often do you eat any kind of food during the day?  If we are feeding our physical bodies multiple times in a day, how often should we be feeding our souls?  Of course, our physical sustenance varies each day from full meals to light snacks.  So, could not our spiritual sustenance do the same—reading a chapter or more at certain times, but maybe only a verse or two at other times of the day?

The Bible does not place as much emphasis on the amount of reading that we do each day as much as it does on the effort that is involved in it.  We need to be “diligent” in our study (2 Tim. 2:15).  We need to “desire” it (Psa. 19:10), “delight” in it (Psa. 119:47) and “love” it (Psa. 119:97).  We need to see God’s Word as so “sweet” to our “taste” (Psa. 119:103) that we cannot get enough of it.  We need to write it on our hearts (Psa. 119:11) and “meditate” on its wonderfulness (Psa. 1:2).

It doesn’t matter how quickly you can read the Bible!  What matters is how much it transforms you as you read it!

 God’s Solution for Sin (Num. 21:4-9)

Wade Webster

Someone has said that history is His story. That is certainly true of the text that we are examining. As you likely recall, Jesus used the event recorded in our text to speak of His own death (John 3:10-17). Thus, our assigned text not only gives us God’s solution for sin in Moses’ time, but for our time. That fact makes it extremely relevant for us. In the short space that we have, we will consider five comparisons between the two texts.

The solution for sin was Supplied. The children of Israel came to Moses confessing their sin and asking him to intercede for them with God. They wanted Moses to ask God to take the snakes away. The text reveals that Moses did as he was asked (Num. 21:7). Interestingly, the text does not reveal whether or not God. sent the serpents away. Perhaps. He did. Perhaps, He didn’t. What we do know is that God supplied the solution - a brazen serpent on a pole (Num. 21:8-9). The brazen serpent was a gift of God’s grace. They did nothing to earn or deserve it. The solution came by the revelation of God and not by the imagination of man. Probably, the last thing that those who had been bitten wanted to look on was an another fiery serpent. Yet, that was God’s solution. In like manner, Jesus was supplied by God. We read, “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven…For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:13, 16-17; cf. Gal. 4:4). Jesus is the gift of God’s grace (Heb. 2:9).

The solution for sin was Suspended. By suspended, I don’t mean that God’s solution was put on hold. I mean that it was put on a pole (Num. 21:8-9). It was lifted up for all to see. In like manner, Jesus was going to be suspended or lifted up. We read, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up” (John 3:14; cf. 8:28; 12:32-33; Gal. 3:13).

The solution for sin was Singular. God did not instruct Moses to make multiple serpents and display them on multiple poles in multiple locations.. He instructed him to make just one serpent (Num. 21;8-9). Those who wanted to be saved had to look on that one serpent. They were not left to choose the serpent of their choice or to go to the pole closest to their house. There was just one solution. In like manner, God gave His only begotten Son (John 3:16-17). The only way to the Father, salvation, and eternal life is through Him (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

The solution for sin was Shining. The serpent is described as brazen and fiery (Num. 21:8-9). Brazen describes the material from which the serpent was made - brass. Fiery likely describes the poisonous and painful bite of the serpents that God sent among the people. It may also describe the shiny or glorious appearance of the brazen serpent. The brazen serpent must have appeared like fire in the sun. In like manner, Jesus was shining and glorious. We read, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth…No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him” (John 1:14, 18; 2:11; 3:16; Heb. 1:3; 2 Pet. 1:16-17).

The solution for sin was Sufficient. The fiery serpents were deadly. Many died before God’s solution was given (Num. 21:6). After the solution was given, those who looked on the brazen serpent lived. In like manner, those who look to Jesus or believe in Him enjoy eternal life (John 3:15-17; cf. Rom. 6:23). He came that we might have life, and that we might have it more abundantly (John 10:10).

All of us have sinned and been bitten bitten by the Old Serpent (Rom. 3:23; Rev. 12:9; 20:2). We are alive today because God in His grace provided us with the solution (Heb. 2:9). Let’s continue to look to Jesus that we might live (Heb. 12:2; 1 John 5:11).

As Out of Context: “He Who Is Not With Us Is on Our Side”

David Sproule

One of the easiest things to do (it seems) is to quote a Bible verse—out of its original and intended context—in order to prove a point.  However, in so doing, the validity of such argumentation has no foundation at all.  As has long been stated, “A text, out of context, is a pretext.”

While some verses may sound good and make us feel good, the original context must determine its intended meaning.  This applies to Jesus’ statement, “He who is not against us is on our side.”  This is often quoted by individuals today to provide some kind of justification for denominationalism, religious division or doctrinal differences.  However, the immediate context and the complete Biblical context do not support such a conclusion.  Let’s look at it.

Read both Luke 9:49-50 and Mark 9:38-40. Both accounts essentially say the same thing.  John told Jesus that the apostles forbade a certain man, because he was “casting out demons in Your name,” but “he does not follow us.”  Jesus told John to “not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side.”  But that is NOT all that the text says.  Read Mark 9:38.  Jesus says, “No one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me.”  The fact that John was unaware of this man means nothing.  Jesus affirms that this man (and anyone else) could ONLY work a miracle in Jesus’ name IF such power had been given by God.  (That’s the very nature of miraculous deeds.  See John 3:2.)  And, IF the man was working a deed by the power of God, THEN whatever he would “speak” would be the Word of God (and no different).

Jesus was affirming that this other man was teaching the SAME thing that He was, otherwise, God would not have given him the power to do miracles.  Miracles were designed to confirm the message was from God (Mark 16:20; Heb. 2:3-4).  While the man was “not with” the apostles, he was on Jesus’ side from a purity of doctrine and practice standpoint.  This passage cannot be used to justify doctrines or practices that differ from that which is authorized by Scripture.

In the larger context, if this statement of Jesus proves that a doctrine or group that teaches and operates contrary to Scripture is approved of God and “with us,” then it makes scores of passages non-sensical.  (Examples: Matt 7:15-23; 1 Cor. 1:10-13; 1 Tim 1:3; 6:3; Gal. 1:6-9; Rev. 22:18-19; 2 Pet. 2:1-22; etc.).  There is “one faith” (Eph. 4:5), which must be preached accurately (Gal. 1:23), obeyed precisely (Acts 6:7), stood for firmly (1 Cor. 16:13), and contended for earnestly (Jude 3).  There “is not another” (Gal. 1:7).  Anyone who preaches or practices another has departed from that faith (1 Tim. 4:1; 6:21) and is not on God’s side!