This Issue...
UNDERSTANDING GRACE #1
(A WORD STUDY)
Bill Boyd
At the graveside service of a godly woman, I heard a man say
that his departed grandmother had “grown up in the churches of
Christ before we discovered grace.” The way he said it you
would think “the churches of Christ” were a denomination.
He could not have been talking about the churches of Christ we read
about in the New Testament. The apostles taught the truth about
grace from the beginning. They also refuted false ideas about grace
that were in circulation in their day.
Perhaps this man in the
graveyard was talking about the time before change-agents in the
church discovered Baptist doctrines.
I have heard a lot of strange things about grace. Here are
some things old and new I have either heard or read (not in any
particular order): “You must keep the old law to enjoy
grace,” “grace is for the circumcised,” “grace must
be earned,” “there is insufficient grace for me,”
“grace means you do not have to obey the gospel,”
“salvation is by grace only,” “grace is
unconditional,” “grace is only for the elect,”
“grace is irresistible,” “you cannot fall from
grace,” “grace means you are not under ANY law,”
“there is no grace in the Old Testament,” “let us sin
that grace may abound,” “because of grace, it does not
matter what we do in worship (instrumental music and women
preachers),” “because of grace, it does not matter what we
believe about salvation (salvation without baptism),”
“because of grace, it does not matter what church we are a
member of (denominations),” “because of grace, it does not
matter who we marry (fornication),” “grace excuses
lasciviousness,” “I can only reach so high and grace
reaches the rest of the way,” “you never talk about
grace.” You have likely heard some of these things yourself;
and, you could probably add statements to the list. But, this is
enough to demonstrate the confusion believed and taught about
grace.
It is not true to say that we “never talk about
grace.” However, if you hear Gospel preachers talk about
obedience more than they talk about grace, then remember that is
what Jesus did. When the apostles preached grace they did so in the
context of obedience. Grace is God’s part, and what God does by
grace is not changed by what we preach. Obedience is man’s
part, and “we persuade men” (1 Cor. 5:11). Preaching
the truth about grace can motivate men to obey the Gospel, but I do
not think confusion about grace is because “the churches of
Christ have been slow to discover grace.” I think it is more
likely that some have not been listening, or they have dismissed
what they heard because it did not suit them.
Thomas Warren used to teach that if we wanted to understand
the whole truth about what the Bible teaches about a topic, then we
need to find everything the Bible says about that topic and put it
together. That is a big task when it comes to a subject like grace.
Nevertheless, that is what I tried to do in preparing for this
series of articles. The King James Version remains the translation
of my choice, and the numbers that follow are in reference to that
grand old book, but for most other translations these numbers will
not be far off.
In the King James Version of the New Testament, the word
“grace” is found 130 times (129 of these times the word
“grace” is a translation of the Greek word charis).
The one time the English word “grace” is used where the
word charis does not appear in the Greek text is in James
1:11, where in reference to the flower it is said, “the
grace of the fashion of it.” Here the word “grace”
is used for the word euprepeia. It is referring to its
beauty.
In the Greek text the word charis is found 150 times.
This means that twenty-one times the word charis is not
translated “grace.” Here is a breakdown of how
charis is translated in the New Testament: grace (129);
thank, thanks, or thankworthy (8); favor (6); pleasure (2);
gracious (1); benefit (1); liberality (1); joy (1); acceptable (1).
The common Sunday School definition of the word
“grace” is “unmerited favor” —but it’s
never translated that way. The basic meaning of the word
charis is simply “favor.” The idea of
“favor” is in the word charis itself. When the
“unmerited” idea is coupled with it, it comes from the
context. If we would focus our attention on the inherent
“favor” idea in the word “grace,” rather than the
often-implied “unmerited” nature of it, we would get a
better appreciation of the word itself. “Grace” is not so
much about our own unworthiness as it is about the nature of God,
His love, His good will toward men, and the pleasure He has in
favoring us.
“If I have found grace in thy sight” is a
common expression in the Old Testament. Substitute the word
“favor” for “grace” in your mind when you read
these passages. In Genesis 19:18-19 Lot said, “Oh, not so,
my Lord: Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy
sight...” when he plead with the angels to let him escape
to Zoar rather than fleeing to the mountains. In Genesis 32:5 Jacob
said, “I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in
thy sight” when he was sending word to his brother Esau. He
was wanting his brother to look favorably upon him. In Genesis 39:4
it is said of Potiphar that “Joseph found grace in his
sight,” when he looked upon him favorably. In Exodus 33:13
Moses prayed saying, “If I have found grace in thy
sight,” when asking God to go with him. In Ruth 2:10, Ruth
ask Boaz, “Why have I found grace in thine eyes?”
And Boaz answered by telling her of the good report he had heard of
her.
The first time the Greek word usually translated
“grace” is used in the New Testament is Luke 1:30 where the
angel said to Mary, “thou hast found favour with God.”
It is the word “favour.” It is used again in Luke 2:52
where the text says, “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature,
and in favour with God and man.” There were reasons that
people liked Jesus, and God was pleased with him. In Acts 2:46-47
it says of those in the early church that they had “favour
with all the people” —they were making a good
impression. In Acts 7:9-10 it is said of Joseph that God was with
him and “gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh
king of Egypt.” He was an impressive young man, and so also
it says of David in Acts 7:46 that David, “found favour
before God.” In these passages the word repeatedly
translated “favour” is the word usually translated
“grace” (charis). Thinking of the word
“favour” when we read the word “grace” helps us
better understand and appreciate Paul’s salutation at the
beginning of all his epistles when he says “Grace be unto
you,” and his benedictions at the end of every one of them
when he says, “The grace of the Lord be with you.”
He wanted the Lord to continue to look favorably upon them, to be
pleased with them, and to continue to bless them.
This kind of good will is often demonstrated by a gift. In
1 Corinthians 16:1-3 Paul wrote, “Now concerning the
collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of
Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every
one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that
there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, whomsoever ye
shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your
liberality unto Jerusalem.” The word translated
“liberality” is the word usually translated “grace”
(charis). In 2 Corinthians 8:1-4 he wrote, “Moreover,
brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the
churches of Macedonia; 2How that in a great trial of affliction the
abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the
riches of their liberality. 3For to their power, I bear record,
yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
4Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the
gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to
the saints.” Here the word usually translated
“grace” is translated “gift” in verse 4.
In all these examples, the word “grace” is more of
a compliment to the character of the giver, than a commentary on
the worthiness of the receiver. This should help us better
understand and appreciate passages like Ephesians 2:4-8: “By
grace are ye saved through faith...it is the gift of God.”
It is out of God’s good will toward man that he extends
salvation to man.
647 Finger Bluff Rd.
Morrison, TN 37357
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Editorial...
LESSONS LEARNED FROM SILAS #1
Garland M. Robinson
Silas is mentioned by name 17 times in the New Testament. His
name appears 13 times as “Silas” (Acts 15:22,27,32,34,40;
16:19,25,29; 17:4,10,14,15; 18:5) and 4 times as “Silvanus”
(2 Cor. 1:19; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1; 1 Peter 5:12).
It is not known whether he was married or had children.
Nothing is known of his parents or background. It is supposed he
was a Hellenistic Jew because his name is derived from the Latin
silva, “wood.” It is also implied that he was a
Roman citizen. When the magistrates at Philippi sought to release
Paul and Silas privately from prison, Paul said, “They have
beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into
prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let
them come themselves and fetch us out” (Acts 16:37).
The first mention of him is found in Acts 15:22 where he and
Judas (surnamed Barsabas) are described as “chief men among
the brethren.” Thayer describes the word “chief”
as: “to lead, to go before, to be a leader, to rule, command,
to have authority over, leading as respects influence” (p.276).
The idea of “chief men” is “leading men” —-
“chosen men” (Acts 15:25).
Silas was one who was a leader. He was one upon whom much
could be intrusted. There are many great lessons to be learned by
this simple yet powerful commendation of Silas. This lesson draws
from the statement that he was one of the “chief
men” in the first century church. He is an example worthy
of imitation.
Silas was a team player —a cooperative
individual. He saw the value in coordinated efforts. He
wasn’t too good to take the back seat while others took the
lead. He could work with others such as Judas surnamed
Barsabas (Acts 15:22), Paul (Acts 15:40), and Timothy
(Acts 15:22; 17:14). He was part of the team. Every player worked
together. He was a supporter of good men and good works. Are you a
team player? How sad it is when brethren can’t get along and
work with one another.
Silas was a man interested in UNITY (the right kind of
UNITY) founded on the Scriptures. We know this is so based on
the fact that he carried the inspired letter from Jerusalem to
Antioch. This was an effort toward unifying churches in dealing
with the Gentile problem of circumcision. By carrying the letter
(along with Barsabas) the Scripture was confirmed, “...that
in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be
established” (Matt. 18:16; 2 Cor. 13:1). He also endorsed
Paul by traveling with him.
Much has been said and done in recent years regarding unity
among certain religious groups. The various “summits” held
in different places testify to this fact. There is a movement among
some in the Lord’s church today to join with denominations. But
it is not unity —not the kind of unity supported by Silas.
Silas was a supporter of unity based upon Scripture. The
letter he carried was an inspired document from the Holy Spirit.
“For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay
upon you no greater burden than these necessary things”
(Acts 15:28). Not only did he carry this inspired letter, but he
himself was an inspired prophet. “And Judas and Silas, being
prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words,
and confirmed them” (Acts 15:32).
There can be no unity that is not based upon Scripture.
Whatever joint participation (union) there may be among some
religious groups is not Biblical unity. Let those who have strayed
from the truth and care nothing for the truth, leave their
innovations and additions — REPENT and come back to the truth.
The word of God demands it! “And have no fellowship with the
unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them”
(Eph. 5:11). Jesus said, “And this is the condemnation, that
light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than
light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil
hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds
should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light,
that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in
God” (John 3:19-21). Paul wrote, “Be ye not
unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath
righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light
with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what
part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement
hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the
living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in
them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the
Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And
will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters,
saith the Lord Almighty” (2 Cor. 6:14-18).
Silas was a man who was a supporter of inspiration.
He was chosen by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem to accompany
Paul and Barnabas and give witness to the letter which they
carried. He would not be the kind of man that would not support it.
“It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to
send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men
that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell
you the same things by mouth” (Acts 15:25-27).
He was a supporter of the apostle Paul regarding those who
questioned his apostleship. It was the Lord that appointed Paul an
apostle and inspiration that revealed it. Silas was witness to his
apostleship by the simple fact of traveling with him. Had Paul been
an imposter, Silas would not have gone along.
In regards to the present day ecumenical movements and unity
meetings, how would Silas act? Place him in today’s environment
of the so-called unity meetings and there’s one thing he would
keep coming back to: “What about inspiration? What about the
sacred Scriptures? What about this letter I’m carrying? What
about the inspired apostle Paul? What about the other apostles?
Does it not matter what they say?”
There’s no way Silas would say and do what many are
saying and doing today. There’s no way Silas would say:
“Now I realize what the Scriptures say about the Gentiles and
this is what they are to do...but let’s see if we can’t
find some way for you Jews to force your idea of circumcision
(something that is unscriptural) on the Gentiles and we’ll try
to get along with you and have fellowship with you...there’s
got to be some way we can get together.” Silas can’t be
placed into that kind of setting! He was not that kind of man!
Silas was a man willing to obey the great commission.
He was mission minded and traveled extensively in his support of
the Gospel. He traveled with Paul on his return to Antioch carrying
the letter from the elders and apostles (Acts 15:30-32). He
traveled with Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 15:36).
In Berea, Silas remained behind with Timothy while Paul was sent
away by the brethren for fear of his life (Acts 17:14). Arriving in
Athens, Paul sends for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all
speed (Acts 17:15-16) but apparently they did not rejoin Paul until
after he had left Athens and gone to Corinth (Acts 18:1,5). There
is no further mention of him by name in Paul’s second
missionary journey.
The great commission commands every child of God to be
evangelistic — sow the seed of the kingdom. Before Jesus
ascended into heaven he said, “...All power is given unto me
in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I
have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end
of the world. Amen” (Matt. 28:18-20). “Then saith he
unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the
labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that
he will send forth labourers into his harvest” (Matt. 9:37-
38).
Silas was a man willing to suffer for the cause of
Christ. He was aware that Paul and Barnabas had
“...hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ” on the first journey (Acts 15:26), yet he was still
willing to go and do the same. He learned exactly what suffering
meant when he found himself thrust into the inner prison at
Philippi and his feet made fast in the stocks (Acts 16:24). In
spite of it all, he still went on preaching and teaching the
blessed Gospel of freedom in Christ Jesus the Lord. They continued
their journey passing through Amphipolis, Apollonia, Thessalonica,
Berea, Athens and Corinth (Acts 17:1,10,16; 18:5). He was still
involved in the work. He was willing to pay the price. Moses also
chose “rather to suffer affliction with the people of God,
than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season” (Heb.
11:25).
Inspiration says, “Yea, and all that will live godly
in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). We
are told it will come. Jesus told his disciples, “If ye were
of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not
of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the
world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The
servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me,
they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they
will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you
for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent
me” (John 15:19-21). This is the way it has always been.
Jesus says to rejoice in it. “Blessed are they which are
persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom
of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute
you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my
sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in
heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before
you” (Matt. 5:10-12).
The Bible’s hall of faith is filled with men and women
who suffered for the cause of righteousness. “...Others were
tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a
better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and
scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were
stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the
sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being
destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not
worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens
and caves of the earth” (Heb. 11:35-38).
Jesus teaches to count the cost of discipleship. “If
any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife,
and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life
also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his
cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you,
intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth
the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply,
after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it,
all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to
build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war
against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth
whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh
against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet
a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions
of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not
all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke
14:26-33). “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me
ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be
of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
“...Your reward [is] great in heaven” (Luke 6:22-
23). “Jesus said...There is no man that hath left house, or
brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children,
or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive
an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters,
and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the
world to come eternal life” (Mark 10:29-31).
Many other passages speak of suffering and the great reward
to be obtained: Matt. 10:22-25; 23:34; John 16:1-3; Acts 14:22;
2 Cor. 6:4-10; 1 Thess. 3:4-5; 1 Peter 2:20-21; 3:14; 4:12-16;
5:10; Rev. 1:9; 7:14).
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COURAGE
The courageous person has been admired throughout history
because he is willing to stand up for something. Joshua was told,
“Be strong and of a good courage” (Josh. 1:6-7). In
the New Testament, the word “bold” is used as a word for
courage. Paul asked for prayers to God on his behalf that he might
be bold (Eph. 6:19-20). Boldness will help overcome fear (Heb.
13:6).
God gave us examples of courage that we may lean how to
live. David went against the odds to defeat Goliath (1 Sam.
17:23,32,57). Joseph was strong enough to overcome sexual
temptation (Gen. 39:1-13). Elijah was bold enough to stand alone
against the 450 prophets of Baal, Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 18:1-
40). Jesus had the courage to speak the things that needed to be
said even though it upset his audience (Matt. 23:1-39).
God needs and wants men to preach the whole truth today
(Acts 20:27; 2 Tim. 4:2). God wants preachers and teachers that are
not afraid to speak against sin. The Bible is filled with great
lessons, both positive and negative. Positive lessons are needed,
but the negative are also needed (2 Tim. 4:2). God wants members of
his church to study to see if their preachers and teachers are
giving them the pure word of God (Acts 17:11; 2 Tim. 2:25). Far too
many seek to find preachers that will make them feel good while
living in sin (2 Tim. 4:3-4). God wants people with the courage to
obey Him even when they learn the church in which they are members
is not teaching the whole truth (Acts 19:1-18; Gal. 1:16). When
preachers preach the truth some may get upset and go somewhere else
to worship, but this should not prevent the truth from being
preached (2 Tim. 4:2).
May God give us more courageous truth-loving people (Acts
17:11).
Earl B. Claud
106 Bradley Hill Dr.
Dover, TN 37058
Table of Contents
WE NEED TO STOP JUDGING OTHER PEOPLE
Roger D. Campbell
As humans, we all have flaws (Rom. 3:23).
Jesus is the Judge through whom the Father will judge the
world (Acts 17:30).
Jesus’ word will judge those who reject Him and do not
receive His words (John 12:48).
It was Jesus Himself Who gave the command, “Judge
not” (Matt. 7:1).
How am I doing so far? Do I have the facts straight? In the
preceding four paragraphs, I made a total of four statements. Each
of them is true from beginning to end. Why are they true? Because
they either are direct quotations from the Bible or declare what
the Bible teaches.
Some take the truths set forth in those first four
paragraphs and arrive at this conclusion: “No person ever
should judge another person or group. If Jesus said not to judge,
then we never should judge, period.”
We certainly never should judge in a hypocritical
fashion. After Jesus said, “Judge not, that you be not
judged” (Matt. 7:1), He went on to say, “hypocrite,
first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou
see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s
eye” (v.5). Harping on the faults of another person who
fails to live up to a standard to which we ourselves are unwilling
to submit, is hypocritical judgment. Jesus said not to do it.
We should never hold ourselves up as being equal in
knowledge or authority with Jesus. Dealing with others as if we
were the Judge who will have the final say on the Day of Judgment
about their eternal destiny is presumptuous arrogance. Such an
attitude must be an insult to Him Who has preeminence (Col. 1:18).
We should not judge suspiciously, supposing that we
know all of the thoughts of another person’s heart. It is not
appropriate for us to have minds filled with suspicions,
“thinking the worst” of others. Genuine love “thinks
no evil” (1 Cor. 13:5).
We should not judge rashly. There is a need to think
things through and draw conclusions only after the needed
information is available. “He that answereth a matter before
he heareth [it], it [is] folly and shame unto him” (Prov.
18:13).
One who eats only veggies should not judge a brother who
chooses not to be a veggies-only disciple, and vice versa (Rom.
14:2,3). In that context, Paul was writing about not judging in
matters that are acceptable to God —matters that He receives
(14:3).
So, are you convinced? Are you convinced that Jesus’
followers should not judge? I am. The Bible evidence is clear:
Christians should not judge. But, wait, there is more. Is there any
indication that at least some form of judging is appropriate in
God’s sight?
After our Lord said, “Judge not,” in that
same context we read that He went on to tell His followers,
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s
clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matt.
7:15). If we are to beware of false prophets, does not that
instruction include the thought that we must be able to tell if
someone is teaching a false message? Surely it does.
The Holy Spirit charges Christians, “Abhor that which
is evil; cleave to that which is good” (Rom. 12:9). If I am
going to abhor and cling to the correct stuff, does that not mean
that I need to be able to distinguish between what God counts as
evil and good? Is that not a form of judgment on my part?
When giving instructions from the Lord about how to deal
with a fornicating brother in the church, Paul asked the saints in
Corinth, “Do not ye judge them that are within” (1
Cor. 5:12)? Yes, they did judge internal matters of the
church, and doing so was not simply permissible: it was much needed
and commanded.
When God charges His children to expose the unfruitful works
of darkness (Eph. 5:11), warn the unruly (1 Thess. 5:14), have no
company with disorderly members (2 Thess. 3:14), and reject a
divisive person (Titus 3:10,11), each of those charges requires
that you and I observe, analyze, and compare what we see or hear
with God’s truth, and then draw a conclusion. We could refer to
that as making a “judgment call.” Just go ahead and say it:
it means to “judge.”
Jesus wants us to be humble, kind, and gentle. But He does
not want us to cringe in fear and allow those who disregard His
will to run roughshod over us. Some of those who are the most vocal
in stating that no judging of any kind is ever allowed actually
judge those who point out their wrong actions or teachings. In
essence, it-is-never-right-to-judge-others people, judge the
judgers. Does anyone see a contradiction in that?
Our Lord once told frail, uninspired humans, “Judge
not according to the appearance, but judge righteous
judgment” (John 7:24). If Jesus said that it is right to
judge righteous judgment, then right it is. Think about it.
120 Fawn Dr.
Chattanooga, TN 37412
Table of Contents
PETER WAS NOT THE FIRST POPE!
Ivie Powell
The oldest church in the world is the church of Christ.
If asked to name the oldest church in the world, many would
instantly reply, “The Catholic Church.” Three possible
reasons for this response are: 1) Lack of diligently searching the
Scriptures, 2) Constant bombardment of Catholicism by mass-media
and/or 3) They are members of the Catholic Church. Another factor
that enters into this equation is a lack of militancy in exposing
the errors of Catholicism.
Since the late 1960s and early 1970s, very little has been
written exposing the fallacies of Catholicism. Unfortunately, the
prevailing attitude of many members of the church is to ignore;
i.e. not expose, any and all false doctrines. This has resulted in
a weak, compromising mind-set throughout the Lord’s church.
Brethren need to be reminded we are “to stand against the
wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:11) [and to] “earnestly
contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the
saints” (Jude 3).
Toleration of error weakens the body of Christ. Weak
brethren soon, if not careful, compromise truth, adjust and
eventually accept that which they once opposed!
It might be very surprising for many to learn that the
oldest church in the world is NOT the Catholic Church or any other
denomination! The oldest church in the world is the church of
Christ (Rom. 16:16)! This is the one and only church Jesus said He
would build (Matt. 16:18). It was established on the first
Pentecost following His resurrection (Acts 2:4,41,47)!
The heart and core of Catholicism is the supposed primacy of
Peter. According to Catholicism, Peter is considered superior to
the other apostles and the first Pope. Note the following quote:
“The Catholic Church teaches also, that our Lord
conferred on St. Peter the first place of honor and
jurisdiction in the government of His whole church,
and that the same spiritual supremacy has always
resided in the Popes, or Bishops of Rome, as being
the successors of St. Peter. Consequently, to be true
followers of Christ all Christians, both among the
clergy and the laity, must be in communion with the
See of Rome, where Peter rules in the person of his
successor.” (Faith of Our Fathers, James
Cardinal Gibbons, one hundred and tenth edition,
p.78).
Catholics insist that Peter was the rock/foundation of the
church. Their so-called proof is Matthew 16:18, “And I say
unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my
church: and the gates of hell shall not prevail against
it.” A close examination of this verse destroys the false
doctrine that Peter was the “rock” upon which Christ
promised to build His church. The word translated “rock” is
petra which means a huge ledge, massive, rock. Whereas the
word “Peter” is petros which means a small stone or
pebble. Thus, our Lord was telling Peter: Thou art petros (a
small pebble) and upon this petra (massive rock) I will
build my church. This petra upon which Christ built His
church was His authority and divinity. “Thou are the Christ
the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16).
Catholic scholars often state Peter’s supremacy is
verified in the first twelve chapters of Acts where his name occurs
53 times. The absurdity of this argument is quickly seen in the
last 16 chapters of Acts where Paul’s name is mentioned
approximately 130 times and Peter’s name is referred to only
twice. Does this mean Peter relinquished his supremacy to Paul?
The fact is, Peter was just one of the apostles. Simply
because his name heads various lists and events in the first 12
chapters of Acts does not make Peter superior to the other apostles
any more than it makes Paul superior to the other apostles since he
is the leading character in Acts chapters 13-28 and penman of the
majority of the New Testament. Furthermore, one can search in vain
and never find one instance where Peter was ever called Pope or
spoken of above the other apostles! As pointed out by brother Ben
Vick, “If Peter were the first Pope, why did he refuse to let
Cornelius worship him (Acts 10:25-26)? However, the Pope today does
not prohibit individuals from bowing to him. Evidently, Paul did
not know Peter was the first Pope because he rebuked Peter before
all because he was to be blamed (Gal. 2:11-14).” (The Informer,
Is The Catholic Church The True Church of Christ? Ben F.
Vick, July 15, 2007).
Furthermore, the Pope is not holy, nor is he my father! The
Lord said, “And call no man your father upon the earth: for
one is your Father, which is in heaven” (Matt. 23:9). There
is no doubt that Paul is referring to the Pope when he wrote,
“Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called
God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple
of God, shewing himself that he is God” (2 Thess. 2:4)!
The Catholic doctrine of Peter being the first Pope is
without biblical support! Christ and Christ alone is the only head
of the church both in heaven and on earth (Eph. 1:22-23)! He alone
stands between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5)!
PO Box 92
West Plains, MO 65775
Table of Contents
GRIEVE NOT THE HOLY SPIRIT
Marvin L. Weir
It is indeed possible to grieve the Holy Spirit as He is not a
mere influence, but a gracious and loving personality. The brethren
at Ephesus were warned, “And grieve not the holy Spirit of
God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption”
(Eph. 4:30). All of the attributes of Deity are attributed to
the Holy Spirit.
The works of the Holy Spirit attest to His personality.
First, the Spirit speaks: “Now the Spirit speaketh
expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the
faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of
devils” (1 Tim. 4:1; cf. Acts 8:29; 10:19). Second, the
Spirit witnesses or testifies: “But when the
Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father,
[even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he
shall testify of me” (John 15:26). Third, the Spirit
teaches and quickens the mind: “But the
Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in
my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to
your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John
14:26). Fourth, the Spirit guides: “Howbeit when he,
the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for
he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that]
shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come” (John
16:13). We do not live in the miraculous age today, but these
Scriptures clearly depict the Holy Spirit as a personality.
Not only can the Holy Spirit be grieved, but He can
be lied to and resisted (Acts 5:3; 7:51),
blasphemed (Mark 12:31-32), and despised (Heb.
10:29). Such cannot be affirmed of a mere influence or principle!
One can grieve the Holy Spirit today by:
Unholy And Profitless Speech! The apostle Paul
admonished, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of
your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it
may minister grace unto the hearers. ... Let all bitterness, and
wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from
you, with all malice” (Eph. 4:29,31). Communication that in
no way edifies but rather has a “corrupting” influence upon
the hearer must indeed grieve the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of Truth
can have no fellowship with frivolous and lighthearted talk
regarding sacred matters.
A brochure describes one preacher as bringing “a
lighthearted perspective to the gospel.” It is true that one
definition of “lighthearted” can be “happy and relaxed;
not weighed down with worries or troubles.” Another definition,
however, and the troublesome one, is “entertaining in an
amusing carefree way.” Brethren, the way the word
“lighthearted” is generally understood, I take exception
that one can have a “lighthearted” perspective regarding
the Gospel. It would not be a compliment for one to say that I have
a “lighthearted perspective” regarding sacred matters!
Lighthearted about what, the church, the blood of Christ, the plan
of salvation, Christian living, singing, or the Lord’s Supper?
I think not!
Ignoring His Presence! It is not meant by this that
the Holy Spirit is exerting some miraculous presence upon folks
today. It is meant that the Holy Spirit exists, and is the giver
and sustainer of Divine Revelation. One should not grieve the
Spirit by ignoring or choosing to forget the revealed Word.
Rejecting His Teaching! It was by rebellion against
His leading that Israel “rebelled and grieved his Holy
Spirit” (Isa. 63:10). In this chapter you have God,
“the angel of his presence” (Isa. 63:9, seemingly the
second person of the Godhead, Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.
Israel had chosen to rebel against the entire Godhead!
The Spirit reveals to us the Word of God and thus when we
obey and follow the Word, we are being led by the Spirit. The
Spirit is grieved when one through prejudice or unbelief refuses to
accept His revelation. A question, are we grieving the Holy Spirit
if we are not growing in the knowledge of God’s Word (2 Peter
3:18) and following in the Lord’s steps (1 Peter 2:21)?
Conniving at the Things God Hates! The Holy Spirit is
opposed to sin in any form or fashion. All worldliness and self-
seeking glory is antagonistic to the Spirit’s nature and
mission. Can we be more sensitive than the Holy Spirit? If we are
ashamed or afraid to rebuke what He rebukes and exalt what He
exalts, then we are not in fellowship with the Spirit. One
must never grieve the Spirit by encouraging or supporting the
ungodly in their sins! A faithful child of God will “have no
fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather
[will] reprove them” (Eph. 5:11).
Mistreatment of the Children of God! Spiteful, mean-
spirited, and hurtful thinking leads to spiteful, mean-spirited,
and hurtful speaking! Such action grieves the Holy Spirit who is
concerned with love and unity. Christ prayed for “oneness”
(John 17:21), and whatever is done to hinder such, grieves the
Spirit by marring the precious unity of the body of Christ. One
must never allow standing firm for the truth to become an excuse
for being mean, sarcastic, and spiteful. May we always be motivated
to speak the “truth in love” (Eph. 4:15)!
Trusting In Self! How it must grieve the Spirit to
see people trusting in themselves and their wisdom instead of the
powerful and wise Word of God that He has revealed! It would serve
many people well today to remember these words: “Trust in
Jehovah with all thy heart, And lean not upon thine own
understanding” (Prov. 3:5).
484 CR 44700
Blossom, TX 75416
Table of Contents
OH LORD WE NEED A FRIEND
Several years ago we sang a song where I was preaching. I do
not have a copy of the song book nor the words to the song but here
is a portion as I remember it:
This life is filled with sorrow and trouble here below. We
oft are made to wonder just why it should be so. In every situation
our life would come to view. Oh Lord we need a friend like you.
Chorus: Oh Lord we need a friend on this weary road. We need
someone to guide and share our heavy load. We need someone to love
and tell us what to do. Oh Lord we need a friend like you.
That song has been on my mind for days.
In Colorado a man goes into a school and kills a teenager.
In Wisconsin a teenager shoots and kills a school principal. In
Pennsylvania a gunman kills five precious little girls and wounds
five others. In Washington DC a congressman resigns because of
immoral behavior. The words of the song, “This life is filled
with sorrow and trouble here below” keep flooding my mind.
Folks, we need the Lord. We have always needed the Lord.
There has always been murder (Gen. 4) and sexual immorality (Gen.
34; Rom. 1). However, it seems to me in recent years it has
accelerated. Why?
Could it be because our nation has made a concerted effort
to remove God from our society? If there is no God, what difference
does it make? Remember the days of Noah? The Bible describes those
people by saying, “And God saw that the wickedness of man
was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts
of his heart was only evil continually” (Gen. 6:5). When
you teach people they come from animals and that there is no
superior being as God, then they’ll act like what they came
from. Is it any wonder that people will randomly kill —cut a
baby from its mother’s womb?
There have always been and will always be wild teenagers.
Could it be that their acts are more violent because they have been
catered to by parents who thought it was their job to make their
kids happy rather than “bring them up in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4)? I spoke with a father
recently who was telling me of his daughter’s feats in sports.
Every day, every week end, they are traveling to different places.
She is only ten years old. How much spiritual instruction does she
receive? Have we taught our children selfishness by giving them
every conceivable gadget?
“Oh Lord we need a friend like you.” We need the Lord.
We must turn our hearts and lives to God (2 Chron. 7:14).
Larry Acuff
4135 Coursey Lake Rd.
Douglasville, GA 30135
Table of Contents
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