November 1, 2007

Individual and Church Action

Regarding the performing of spiritual works, some brethren speak of individual action and church action. That is, the spiritual works of evangelism and edification are either done through the local church or as individuals. While this idea may seem completely harmless, if we move past the sophistry, we find that the acceptance of this idea opens the door for various errors, some of which even the proponents of this idea would not want to allow.

When one uses the language of individual action and church action, it is implied that these are the two possible types of action. Meaning, if a work is not done by the local church, it falls into the realm of individual action. This has been a convenient way for brethren to defend the practice of using their human organizations to preach the gospel (such as the Guardian of Truth Foundation sponsoring their annual lectureship). Since a local church is not involved, it is alleged that this is individual action even though a human institution is the mechanism through which the gospel is being preached. I questioned one brother about this and he described a situation like this as “a human organization acting in the realm of individual responsibility.” So it is admitted that an organization is being used, but claimed that this falls in the realm of individual responsibility.
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October 3, 2007

Emphasizing Jesus Christ

Crosses

Paul told the saints in Corinth, “For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). Why did Paul place such an emphasis on teaching Jesus? He explained: “So that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:5).

The Corinthians had a problem of following after men. This resulted in division as some were saying, “‘I am of Paul,’ and ‘I of Apollos,’ and ‘I of Cephas,’ and ‘I of Christ’” (1 Corinthians 1:12). Paul later explained that when they claimed loyalty to these men, they were carnally minded and immature (1 Corinthians 3:1-4).

The inspired apostle sought to correct this thinking so that they would focus on following Christ and not men. This is the first problem he addressed in his letter (1 Corinthians 1:10-17). But notice how he subtly made this point before he explicitly stated it.
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September 1, 2007

The “Creed in the Deed”

[This article was written by Larry R. DeVore.]

Over many decades, (perhaps since the division between Christian Churches and Churches of Christ) there have been brethren who have put clauses in the deeds to their meeting houses to try to stop any innovations in worship being introduced in the future in their place of worship. In most cases, these have not worked. Here is an example:
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September 1, 2007

The Source of Authority

Bible

It is important that we have the proper source of authority in religion. If we do not, the result is apostasy. Disobedience is when we do not do everything “in word or deed…in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17) but by other standards of authority as well. Division comes when we do not “all speak the same thing” (1 Corinthians 1:10).

We see this problem when we look at “church history.” When I use this term (church history), I am not referring to the history of the Lord’s church from its establishment on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) to the present day. I am using it as most use it – as the history of denominations that claim or have claimed to follow Christ. Throughout this history, apostasy came as the result of people not following the proper source of authority.
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July 1, 2007

Non-Church Religious Collectives: Are They Authorized?

Man reading the Bible

“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father” (Colossians 3:17).

This verse is often cited to show the need for us to do only those things that have been authorized in God’s word. To do something “in the name of the Lord” is to do what He has authorized us to do. This principle needs to govern all that we do in our lives.

When the Bible is silent on a particular practice, are we to conclude that it is authorized or prohibited? Some look for a specific prohibition before they will say that a thing is wrong. But the principle in Hebrews 7:14 shows that God’s silence is prohibitive. Jesus could not be a priest under the old law because He was “descended from Judah.” Men from this tribe were prohibited from serving as priests because “Moses spoke nothing concerning priests.” Men from Judah were excluded from becoming priests simply because the Law said nothing about it.

We also need to understand the difference between generic and specific authority. When God specifies something (such as the tribe of Levi for priests), everything else is excluded (Judah and others). When God’s word does not specify something (such as the type of location in which a congregation ought to assemble), we are at liberty to use various options or expedients, provided those options do not violate another instruction or principle (1 Corinthians 10:23).
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July 1, 2007

Instruments in Heaven

Harp

Many attempts have been made to justify the use of instruments of music in worship to God. Though we do not see any mention of instruments being used in the first century church or instructions regarding their use, some will turn to the book of Revelation and point out the instruments in heaven. The argument is that since there will be instruments in heaven, we can use instruments today in the church.
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June 18, 2007

The Silence of the Scriptures

Bible Text

Does God’s silence authorize or prohibit? This question has been discussed for centuries. Some believe that a thing is wrong only if there is a specific prohibition against it. This reasoning is used to defend such practices as the use of instrumental music in worship and taking money the church has collected and using it for recreational purposes.
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