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Entry for October 26, 2007 - Church History: If they are going to close 360 soon, I want to make sure that you get this message if no other. I posted a little on the subject right after I joined 360, but most of you are newer to the study group than that.

Below is another question I received through AllExperts.com. The name is again withheld for privacy purposes. Those of you who are among my reviewers of AllExperts have already received this within the past few days. Please forgive the redundancy, but this is a subject that should be known by all.

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Hi,

Are the Churches of Christ part of the Restoration movement? What is Restorationism? Who started it and what is its history? Was it started in the USA? Is it similar to the Congregationalist Church, or the Baptist Church? Tell me whatever you can. Thanks.

-(Name Withheld)

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Hi!

(Name Withheld), thank you for the chance to answer this for you. I love the subject of church history, even though it is one of my weakest subjects in my opinion (at least during the era of pre-1793). I will do my best to research this for you. You actually asked several questions. Please allow me to answer these for you separately. However, to be logical, I must rearrange the order.

1. Is (the church of Christ) similar to the Congregationalist Church?

The congregationalists appear similar to the church in some respects. They claim to follow the same God, claim the same savior, and are part of the worldwide delusion that Christ built many churches (contrary to Matthew 16:18 and Ephesians 4:4 in conjunction with Colossians 1:18). Even catholicism has bent to this position in recent years: it is called the “Ecumenical Movement.”

Nevertheless, I submit to you that we are not similar. It is merely an illusion (2nd Corinthians 11:4). I submit to you that congregationalists are not part of a church at all, but are imposters. They pay lip service to God and Christ out of one side of their collective mouths, and call Them liars out of the other. There are many differences, almost too numerous to list. The biggest difference is on how to become a Christian. The church of Christ insists that we are saved by all the things the Bible says save us. The congregationalists either eliminate or change most of them.

2. Is (the church of Christ) similar to the Baptist Church?

Everything I previously said about the congregationalists can be said of the baptists. Even so, while the baptists disagree with the Bible on how to become a Christian, they also disagree with the congregationalists on the same issue.

As a course of provable fact, every denomination disagrees with the Bible on how to become a Christian. Many of them even disagree with one another on this most important issue. With all the arguments, it is no wonder that a lost and dying world is confused. If one will disregard the various teachings and creeds written by men, and return to the Bible, such confusion dissipates. This brings us to the next logical question.

3. What is Restorationism?

Most people believe that the Restoration was a restoring of the church. Restorationism is nothing more than a return to the Bible; a restoring of man to the original and contiguous (Romans 16:16) church of Christ. The church itself needed no restoring, contrary to much opinion even within the church. I will explain this further in answer to another question. The Restoration differs greatly from the Reformation. The Reformation began with Luther. Rather than going back to the church (he knew catholicism was in apostasy), he simply tried to change catholicism (if you can say that changing such a monstrous system is simple).

Since Luther, like every other founder of a denomination, retained many of the apostate teachings of catholicism, every denomination teaches some of the same falsehoods as if they were truth. In effect, they call God, Jesus, and the Spirit liars. It is far better to accept the religion founded by Christ, rather than join one created by man out of thin air. I phrase it this way (instead of “whole cloth”) as cloth is at least a visible substance. These people had no substance from which they could found a religion and claim that it is Christian.

4. What is (Restorationism’s) history?

This question is quite broad. I presume, like most of the modern world that even acknowledges a Restoration, that you heard it began in America with Stone and the Campbells. In America, it actually started earlier than that, and even with other men. The Campbells are just the most prominent. I will get to that. That is a recent development in the history of the church; and in Restorationism.

The church and catholicism did not completely part ways until 533 A.D. It was during this year when Justinian renamed himself John II, and declared himself to be “Lord of the church” in place of Jesus. Nevertheless, the split actually began before the end of Scripture. In 1st Corinthians 1:12, we find Paul’s condemnation of the church of Cephas (Peter) which continues today as catholicism. Until this time (533) the church and the apostates were still loosely connected and there was no need for the church to hide, even though sporadic instances of persecution to the death already existed. After 533, the church went into hiding from catholicism (as prophesied in Revelation 12:6) as catholicism became more militant; connected with the Roman Emperors.

The first known, Christian martyr at the hands of catholicism was a Spanish elder/bishop: Priscillianus. He was murdered by the apostates (ironically it was catholicism calling him an apostate or heretic) in 385; some 148 years before the two bodies finally parted ways officially. With the length of communication times in the fourth century (hampered by modes of travel across great distances), and the fact that this death occurred only 4 years after the Nicene council (where catholic doctrine was first codified from 325 to 381) was dismissed, we cannot be sure exactly which doctrines of catholicism he fought. However, since the false doctrines were relatively few (as catholicism had not fully digressed and is actually still digressing), it is likely that it was all of them.

We know that Priscillianus was evangelistic in nature from history. After the split, Germany was highly catholic, as evidenced by this being the point of origin of protestantism, specifically Germany being the home of Luther. Whether Priscillianus founded a congregation of the church of Christ in Trier (where he died in western regions of the Rhineland or modern day Germany) prior to his death cannot be proven, though it is highly likely as other, later congregations came from somewhere.

The ideas of sprinkling in place of immersion and infant baptism were first put forth in 150 A.D. (at least 54 years too late to be Scriptural). It was not made official doctrine in catholicism until about 400, when it gained enough popularity and practice. Priscillianus was killed just 15 years before it became official; while it had already become widely accepted. That Priscillianus rebaptized people (while still in Spain) showed that he did not accept their rhontism (sprinkling/pouring/aspersion) as baptism.

From 385, we next come to the years 415 to 428. Instead of Spain and Germany, we find the same practices and beliefs in England. The catholic bishop Germanus complained that Cassian was ignoring the edicts of catholicism, and preaching “heresies” which were actually the truth from Scripture. Take special notice, we have churches of Christ (at least by practice) in opposition to the doctrines of catholicism, now in 2 (if not 3) different nations in Europe, 100 years or more before the prophesied split in 533.

Even though the “Church” of England (later including American episcopalianism) began in 1534, it retained much of catholicism. Catholics viewed it simply as a schism on par with Eastern Orthodoxy, rather than full blown apostasy. The martyrdom was therefore sporadic. This allowed England to remain a hotbed of Christian activity and even survive the extermination of Christianity throughout the rest of Europe.

One point which must be understood and remembered is that “church of Christ” is not actually a name. Rather, it is simply a description. The church is nothing more than a term meaning, “the called out.” The church is comprised of the people that are called out of the world. The “church of Christ” is simply those people who are called out of the world, and belong to Christ. Its use as an identifiable designation only came about to distinguish the church from the myriad, false religions that claim to be the same thing.

Also, you must remember that the church was going into hiding from catholicism. They, being predominate (though wrong), wrote the history. Their history is rife with groups of people who they thought to be apostates. Many of these groups actually spoke the truth, even though it differed from catholicism.

For these reasons, the history of the church is hard to trace. We did not always refer to ourselves solely as “churches of Christ.” Since there was no common designation, catholicism used there power of the pen to label us as many different things, believing they had eradicated their problem (the true church). These designations were based upon the false charges aimed at the church. They could not conceive that they failed and that we would “pop up” again in another location. The catholics therefore believed they were dealing with several different problems. Additionally, the catholics lied about charges of false doctrine to gain quick convictions and sentences of death. Therefore, much of that which was leveled against us is different in each location. They used whatever false charge they thought would work best in any given location. These made us appear to the world to be several, smaller splinter groups. Congregational autonomy (the Scriptural way of church organization) makes it hard to prove otherwise, especially at earlier times in history.

The earliest point in time (outside of the Bible) where congregations, who referred to themselves specifically as “churches of Christ,” can be found is in the year 1052. Catholics at that time referred to us as “Anabaptists,” or in other words, “rebaptizers.” (Note: This is not to be confused with a branch of the baptists, which came later, though they chose that designation for themselves.) The location is central Germany; specifically named is Lorraine (later Alsace-Lorraine). There are “several congregations” of the churches of Christ who are renounced by archbishop Cambrai of catholicism. They practiced the same doctrines that we practice in the church today. If there are several congregations already in 1052, then they obviously started much earlier. This is why I believe that in spite of the heavy catholicism in the area that Priscillianus must have started at least one congregation there prior to his death.

Between 1118 and 1518 the catholics and the German Emperor took turns (depending on who was in power) martyring Christians as they were discovered. About 4,000 (all throughout Central Europe) died as a result of persecution during these four centuries. Thus, the churches of Christ in Alsace-Lorraine are partially responsible for the influence that led Martin Luther to break from catholicism. Specifically, even though Luther likely never heard of their teachings (else wise he would have left catholicism to become a Christian rather than try to change catholicism), Luther did object to the way the Christians were murdered by catholicism. In fact, Luther was even suspected by catholicism of being “in close connection with the heretical churches of Christ in Alsatia (the region of Alsace).” This (along with the practice of indulgences) caused him to question the catholic faith, and later seek to change the things he knew to be wrong (although he missed many, yea the majority). The result was his 95 theses in 1517. Nevertheless, the churches of Christ in Europe, because of protestantism, now faced persecution from two sources; both catholicism and protestantism.

The year 1146 brings evidence of churches of Christ, in full fellowship with the churches of Christ in Lorraine, located in The Netherlands.

Next, between 1518 and 1538, we find evidence of churches of Christ in the Palatinate (a region also on the Rhine River, now a part of Germany), Austria, Moravia, and in the center of Germany. In 1525, we find evidence of churches of Christ in Yugoslavia and Switzerland.

Luther was a threat. When he founded his “church” in 1520, catholics knew they had a problem. Churches of Christ were mistakenly lumped together with them. Catholics were running scared, and killing everyone (Christian and protestant alike). Catholics were no longer satisfied with killing Christians as they were accidentally found; now they were actually hunted. In Alsace-Lorraine alone, out of nearly 100,000 members of the churches of Christ, about 42,000 were burned for not renouncing Christianity in favor of catholicism. This massacre occurred from about 1525 to 1536. Circumstances were similar everywhere. The result was the near extermination of the church in Europe.

By 1595, The Christians in Alsace-Lorraine numbered merely 1,000. Most congregations had been extinguished. Congregations in Moravia, though severely depleted in membership, managed to flee to Hungary, Poland, Ukraine, and Crimea. By 1799, Eulogius Schneider (a catholic priest) beheaded the last three martyrs for not participating with Napoleon in the French Revolution. Of special note of this date, it is 23 years after the American Revolution (1776) and only 6 years after 1793 (which is 1260 years after the break of the church with catholicism).

The one good thing that came from the resulting Reformation was the desire for religious freedom. This was first realized in The United States. This allowed the church to emerge from its hiding exactly 1260 years after it had entered the Dark Ages in 533. This brings us to your fifth question.

5. Was (Restorationism) started in the U.S.A.?

The answer to this is dependent upon your definition of Restorationism. You see, Restorationism actually occurs every time one person is added to Christ’s church, rather than picking one of their choice from a list of others. This has been going on since the Pentecost following the resurrection. No one person started Restorationism.

If you consider Restorationism by its actual definition (individually), then no, Restorationism did not begin in America. If you consider Restorationism as congregations (post catholicism) wearing the designation “churches of Christ,” then no, Restorationism did not begin in America. Besides those congregations mentioned in Scripture (Romans 16:16), there were congregations in Europe more than half a millennium before there was a United States of America.” However, if you are referring to the “Restoration Movement,” where people left false religions en masse for Christianity, then yes, Restorationism did begin in America. I believe this leaves us with but one of your questions remaining.

6. Who started (Restorationism)?

Even though I gave you history in Europe during previous answers, that was minor. Nevertheless, I determined to save this question for “The Restoration Movement,” as it happened in America. As I stated earlier, I believe this is the actual, main thrust of your questions.

I can only begin your research for you. In all the information I already gave you, I only used 3 sources I know to be sound. I will list these for you at the end of my answer, along with a few more to help you get started with this. Rather than giving circumstances and locations for each of these fathers of “The Restoration Movement,” I am going to name them and list the year they began their work toward this end. I will allow you to research them to see the circumstances of each.

Before I do, I want to remind you of my repeated references to the years 533, 1776, 1793, and 1799. In 533, Justinian declared himself “Lord of the church,” in place of Christ (completing catholicism’s break and forcing the true church into hiding). In Revelation 12:6, the church was prophesied to remain in this hiding condition for 1260 prophetic days. In 1776, the American Revolution began, giving religious freedom to us. In 1793, just 17 years later (and 1260 years after 533), the church was to emerge from hiding. In 1799 (just 6 years after the church’s emergence from its prophetic hiding), the church in Europe died (and is now awaiting us to carry them the Gospel, and religious freedom). With these thoughts in mind, take notice of the first year on the list of “Restoration Movement” fathers.

James O’Kelley – 1793

Abner Jones – 1801

Elias Smith – 1802

Thomas Campbell – 1809

John Mulkey – 1809

Christian Herman Dasher – 1819

John Taylor – 1827

Alexander Campbell – 1826

Wade Barrett – 1832

Jesse Londerman Sewell – 1842

Each of these was independent of the others. The first year of the “Restoration Movement” matches the prophecy of Revelation 12:6. There is no way this is all coincidence. The “Restoration Movement” and the modern day churches of Christ are foretold in the Bible, where it also states there is only one church. Where does that leave the other institutions that claim to be churches?

(Name Withheld), once again I thank you for the opportunity to be of service to you. I pray this study of history has proven beneficial. It has for me. I sincerely hope that you now have the knowledge of Christ’s church that you might become convinced to respond to Him; if you have not done so already. Here are the links to my sources and a few more to help you study further. For those sites with multiple pages, I cannot exhort you strongly enough to examine all the material contained therein. This is especially true of the site, “Traces of the Kingdom.”

http://www.evangelismupdate.com/ARTICLES/grimm_article.htm

http://www.traces-of-the-kingdom.org/

http://www.geocities.com/preacherman_1962/ChurchHistory.html

http://www.geocities.com/braswellcoc1/archive25.html

http://www.geocities.com/braswellcoc1/archive26.html

http://www.therestorationmovement.com/

http://www.piney-2.com/RMPiney.html

Friday October 26, 2007 - 06:29pm (EDT) Permanent Link | 4 Comments
Entry for September 22, 2007 - My Latest Audition: Please forgive my lack of posting lately. Between trying for a pulpit, and the trouble that required my help to my neighbors, I do not know which way to turn. Below is the afternoon sermon given as my latest pulpit audition.

The Whale that Jonah Ate

This afternoon, I want us to begin our lesson with a brief note on Christian Apologetics, before we use one example of this as our main thrust. Simply put, this is our standing ready to give an answer for our faith before men. It is not just telling them what we believe, but being able to tell them why we believe it. This is commanded of us in 1st Peter 3:15.

Consider the books written by man. If the fault of a hero is shown at all, it is very minor. Even if it is there, attempts are usually made to justify it, or lay the blame for it at the feet of another. This is because of man’s opinion of himself.

On the other hand, when you consider the Bible, many of its heroes are shown with very deep flaws. God’s opinion of man is often very different from how we see ourselves. This is one way to prove that the Bible was not written by men.

With that said, let’s get to the heart of our lesson. We all know the story of Jonah. Depending on the version of the Bible you use, or the location of the reference, we know that he was eaten by either a great fish or a whale. We know that he remained within the belly of that whale for three days. Today, I want us to consider another aspect of this account.

I want us to not consider the whale that ate Jonah, but I want us to consider the whale that Jonah ate. You heard that right, the whale that Jonah ate. OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHH yes---indeed, Jonah ate a very large whale, metaphorically speaking.

1st John 2:15-17, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.”

All sins fall into one of these three categories. We know this because Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Jesus was tempted in all the ways that we are tempted. Moreover, Matthew’s account of Jesus’ temptation after his forty days of purification (Matthew 4) lists three sins. For short, we will call these the bread, the mountain, and the pinnacle.

Satan’s use of bread after Jesus had fasted forty days appealed to Jesus’ fleshy desire for food. This is the lust of the flesh; things that the flesh wants so badly that other things will take a back seat if we let them.

From the mountain top, Satan appealed to Jesus’ pride of life. From the pinnacle, Satan appealed to Jesus’ lust of the eye.

I bet you thought I forgot about Jonah. On the contrary, the whale that Jonah ate is actually one of these three types of sin. Jonah deserves much credit. He was a man of God. He was a prophet. Even more to the point, Jonah was an exceptional prophet of God, chosen for a very special mission. Yet, this fault of Jonah is clearly shown.

Jonah was prideful.

The Apostle Paul had much about which he could boast. Philippians 3 gives his rather impressive resume. Nevertheless, Paul was willing to lose it all for the cause of Christ. People may have things over which they can boast. Whatever we have, Paul had more. He is a great example for us in placing ourselves at the disposal of the Master.

Not all pride is sinful. Paul was proud of the Gospel. In fact, Paul specifically said he could glory in Jesus Christ in Romans 15:17. What must be remembered is to not let our pride in ourselves develop and thereby diminish the pride we can have in God.

Jonah had much pride in himself. Jonah believed his way was better than God’s way. Chapter one of Jonah tells us that God told Jonah to go to Nineveh to preach. Nineveh was a city of the Gentiles. Jonah did not believe they were worth being spared from the wrath of God. Jonah changed God’s appointed destination and departed for Joppa. Jonah, and all those around him were in danger. Eventually, Jonah confessed his sins, and only Jonah was punished.

How many times today does God reveal something, yet we decide to do something else? How many times today, after God has revealed many things necessary for salvation, does man decry that he knows better than God, and insist God is wrong. Rather, it is decided, quite arbitrarily, that only one of these things (or maybe two) is needed for salvation? How many times, even though God revealed that everyone is supposed to sing, does man decide that he knows better, and decides to change the Word of God and have just a few people sing, or even play?

When a man does these things, among many others, he declares firmly how much pride he has. Jonah had to repent of this evil pride in himself and go to Nineveh, or perish. Are we any better? Are we any different? We must repent of our pride.

Jonah was also prideful in the nation of Israel, and subsequently its religion; the true religion of Jonah’s day. Jonah was so sure that the Gentiles would not respect the God of the Jews, he was angry when they did and actually repented. God used a gourd to show Jonah that it is the work of God that causes repentance, and not the work of the preacher, even though a preacher was necessary. The point is, God could do it with any preacher. That God used Jonah was really of no consequence to Nineveh. It was not the word of Jonah that brought Nineveh to repentance. It was the word of God that brought Nineveh to repentance.

The same is true today. There are many different religions meeting within just a few blocks of our location today. How many times will we refuse to go to them, because we have the God of truth, and they do not? How many times are we so absolutely sure they will not listen to us because they serve a different god? How many times will we refuse to speak the truth to them, as we are commanded to do, because we want to rely on our own ability rather than God’s Word; rationalizing that we are woefully inadequate for the job?

How is it that I can say Jonah ate a whale? It is only a metaphor. It is similar to two phrases with which I know you are familiar. Eat crow. Swallow your pride. Pride is such a hard thing to swallow; it might as well be a whale. Though the fact is hidden from the common man, pride is bigger than you, just as is a whale.

The world is lost and dying, condemned to a Devil’s Hell. We can save them. Nevertheless, it is not us, but the dynamite, the δύναμις (doo'-nam-is), that is the Gospel power of Romans 1:16 that can save them. Nevertheless, as a rule, we in the church sit on our hands and do nothing. As a rule, we tend to think it must be our ability, not that of our Maker, so we become content to sit idly by and be satisfied with the stagnation of the church.

The only way to eliminate self-pride from your life is to replace it with something else. It is best that you replace it with something permanent. I don’t mean permanent as in it will outlast you. I mean permanent that it will outlast time itself.

I speak from loads of experience. It is my sincere prayer that today you can learn from my mistakes, rather than having to make them yourselves. It is said that pride goeth before the fall. Pride is a dangerous thing. If you have pride in yourself, it will be awfully difficult to ask for God’s help when you encounter a situation you cannot handle alone. However, if you replace that pride with glory in the cause of Christ, you are always aware of Jesus’ presence, and it is no big deal to turn to Him for help.

Brethren, we should love God more than we love ourselves. We should love our fellow-man more than ourselves. We should be so concerned about their doom that it rips our hearts to shreds. Rather than ducking our responsibility to them, we should be seeking every possible avenue to reach them.

Forget the status quo. I don’t care how much you know. Get off your hands. Go to these people with whatever level of truth you have. If nothing else, bring them to someone with better knowledge. Trust in God to provide the increase in His season (1st Corinthians 3:6). I know a very effective soul-winner. She is a recent convert. She has a somewhat limited grasp of grammar. She does not let it stop her. Friends and Brethren, we need that zeal in our religious lives.

God does not care if you are in a wheelchair. God doesn’t care if you are on crutches or a cane. God doesn’t care if you are a college graduate or if you never saw a day of school in your life. God doesn’t care if you have to walk or if you want to hop on a plane going halfway around the world. As we used to say in the Navy, “Let’s kick the tires, and light the fires.” Let’s get out there and do something. Do not worry about your perfection. Do not worry about your ability. God will not hold you accountable if you make a mistake because of a lack of ability. You pretty well know where to stop and get help, anyway. Besides, you can’t go out there with more than He gave you in the first place. However, if you bury your talent, well, the price is just too dear. Jesus said, “Go.” Go alone. Go with a friend. It doesn’t matter; just go, and rely on God’s power and authority!

We are going to offer the Lord’s invitation for salvation this afternoon for any who may need it. This is different from the many methods you may hear from man, as this is what is revealed and required by the Word of God. It may also be that you are a Christian already and need to renew your faith, asking for His forgiveness for something you have done. This is the time for that, as well.

Romans 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Will you say God will save everybody? Or, will you accept the Word of God.

John 8:24, “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.”

Will you say we can think Jesus was just a good person? Or, will you accept the Word of God?

Luke 13:3, “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”

Will you say you don’t have to quit doing wrong? Or, will you accept the Word of God?

Acts 8:37, “And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

Will you confess that, “God for Christ’s sake has pardoned my sins?” Or, will you accept the Word of God and confess that, “Jesus Christ is the Son of God?”

1st Peter 3:20-21, “Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:”

Will you be baptized “because you have already been saved?” Will you refuse to be baptized at all? Will you demand God give you the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which has only been given in three instances in the Bible? Or, will you accept the Word of God and be baptized in order to be saved by water (and therefore by the blood), as was Noah?

Will you not seek to walk with God? Will you not obey Him, not only in the beginning, but continually? Are you willing to accept God’s terms for salvation rather than inventing your own; or accepting the inventions of another man such as Calvin, Armstrong, or any other? Will you not seek the Lord’s way in everything you do, especially in matters concerning salvation? All things are ready. Will you not come to God? Today? As we sing this song of encouragement?

Saturday September 22, 2007 - 12:33pm (EDT) Permanent Link | 4 Comments
Entry for July 29, 2007 - Who is Jesus' Father?: Yesterday, I received a very sincere question through another facet of my ministry. I would like to share this question with you, along with my answer. The question was private, so all names are withheld, and a placeholder is inserted in their places. I pray that a study of this question blesses you.

Question:

In what is, I think, the Didache (we read this in Russian) which was used around 150A.D. we read the questions asked before baptism. It reads something like this (my translation from Russian):

"Do you believe God, the Almighty Father?

"Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Who was born from the Holy Ghost and the Virgin Mary, Who was..."

Who is the Father of the Jesus Christ?

My Girlfriend and I are looking for some insight to this question. She feels that it is the Holy Ghost (who can be considered God) and I think it is God the Father. In Matthew it seems to support the idea the Holy Ghost is the Father, but elsewhere it seems to be Christ is explained to the Son of God Almighty etc.

Any support with your answer will be appreciated. Thank You.-(Names Withheld)

Answer:

Hi!

I would like to begin by giving the two of you a special commendation. (Names Withheld), I have been with AllExperts for over 4 years now. I have answered many questions. Some have been serious inquiries, but most have been designed to bait me as Jesus was baited. Even the serious inquiries were mostly over small points, easily proven from the Word. Your question is quite substantive and a challenge to answer. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity to assist you. I commend you on your honesty and search for truth. I implore you as you study, not only this but continually, that you examine the teaching you receive in the light of the facts; the revealed Word of God.

Rather than answer outright, I want to lead you to the answer. This method will increase not only your knowledge, but your understanding. When dealing with Spiritual things, for which there is no mortal equivalent, such understanding can be difficult to realize. Of the Spiritual matters covered in the Bible, this is both one of the most difficult to comprehend, yet it is one of the basic beliefs. To guide you, I want to list some related questions, and provide you with Bible answers. (All Emphasis on Scripture Mine, MRH)

1. Who is God?

“I AM.” God is. I could stop there, and it would be a complete answer. God is all things. What a beautiful thought this is. God simply is – everything! There is no doubting Him. His perfection, His eternal nature serves as His credentials before us. Here are some specific things I have found in Scripture (both positive and negative) that further define God. Granted, we should already know these things. However, it never hurts to be thorough.

· 1st John 4:8b, “… for God is love.”

· Numbers 23:19a, “God is not a man, that he should lie…”

· Deuteronomy 4:24, “For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.”

· Deuteronomy 4:31a, “(For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;)…”

· Deuteronomy 6:4, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:”

· Deuteronomy 7:21, “Thou shalt not be frightened at them: for the LORD thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible.”

· Deuteronomy 10:17a, “For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords…”

· Deuteronomy 33:27a, “The eternal God is thy refuge…”

· 2nd Samuel 22:33a, “God is my strength and power…”

· 2nd Chronicles 30:9b, “…the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him.”

· Job 33:12b, “…God is greater than man.”

· Job 36:5, “Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.”

· Job 36:26, “Behold, God is great,”

· Psalm 46:1a, “God is our refuge and strength…”

· Psalm 47:7a, “For God is the King of all the earth…”

· Psalm 50:6b, “…God is judge himself. Selah.”

· Psalm 54:4a, “Behold, God is mine helper…”

· Psalm 59:9b, “…God is my defense.”

· Psalm 62:7, “In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.”

· Psalm 73:1a, “Truly God is good…”

· Psalm 73:26b, “…God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.”

· Psalm 84:11a, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield…”

· Proverbs 30:5a, “Every word of God is pure…”

· Matthew 22:32b, “…God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”

· John 3:33b, “…God is true.”

· John 4:24a, “God is a Spirit…”

· Acts 10:34b, “…God is no respecter of persons:”

· 1st Corinthians 1:9, “God is faithful…”

· 1st Corinthians 14:33a, “For God is not the author of confusion…”

· Galatians 6:7a, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked…”

· 1st John 1:5b, “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”

Man uses many names to refer to God; it often depends on man’s language, or a particular point being conveyed. However, when God was asked His name, he said, “I AM” (היה – pronounced Haw-yaw' – the Existent; Exodus 3:14).

Many say that Jesus made no claim to His own deity, that He merely parroted what others said. This position leaves room for Jesus to say these things sarcastically. I must disagree. Jesus did claim to be God, much to the chagrin of the Jehovah’s false witnesses, muslims, cultists, and others.

John 8:58, “Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.”

That was quite involved for such a short question. Seriously, though, that question is the basis for everything else. I thought it deserved an in depth answer. The rest will not be that long, if I can help it.

2. What do the Scriptures teach about their (scriptures’) origin and purpose?

2nd Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

“Inspiration” has the word “spirit” as its root. Therefore, the Scriptures are God, being a representation of the Holy Spirit: the Spirit of God. John 1:11-14 further supports this. Jesus is God. Jesus is the Word. Therefore, the Word is God. The Scriptures are the very breath of God. As such, to deny any part of them is to deny, or blaspheme, the Holy Spirit, the only sin from which one cannot be forgiven (because once that happens he is so far gone that he cannot repent).

It is said, “You are what you eat.” This is not only true physically, but spiritually, as well. If we are to be spiritual creatures, we must feast upon spiritual things. I can only find one spiritual thing we must eat referenced in Scripture. The Master, Himself, said it plainly.

Matthew 4:4, “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

If we do not eat on a regular basis, we will die. Likewise, if we do not break the bread of the Word regularly, we will die spiritually. If we eat physical food multiple times a day to feel comfortable, how much more important then is the Word, since our spiritual lives should be more important than the physical?

3. Do you believe that the scriptures are verbally inspired of God and are all authoritative?

2nd Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

The first part of the question deals with whether the Scriptures are inspired, or come by inspiration. In light of this passage, my answer is yes. In actuality, there is no word in the Greek that is simply translated simply as “inspiration.” In fact, one word is translated as “inspiration,” plus the additional, prepositional phrase; “of God.” That you may have a deeper knowledge of the meaning, I offer the Greek definition, and a short explanation of this definition, in my own words.

θεόπνευστος

theopneustos

theh-op'-nyoo-stos

From G2316 and a presumed derivative of G4154; divinely breathed in: - given by inspiration of God.

Thus says Strong’s Lexicon.

θεόπνευστος

theopneustos

Thayer Definition:

1) inspired by God

1a) the contents of the scriptures

Part of Speech: adjective

A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G2316 and a presumed derivative of G4154 Citing in TDNT: 6:453, 876

Thus says Thayer’s Lexicon.

Basically, the definition infers that the Scriptures, all of them, are the very breath of God. Such breath is given when speaking. Can we use Scripture to further define the breath of God? Yes, I believe we can. Why would this be important? There are several reasons, but here are the two main reasons. This first reason is brought out in the first part of the question. There are many who have a lesser view of the Scriptures than they ought. Secondly, there are many who claim divine revelations of the Holy Spirit today. This second reason is brought out by the second part of the question.

Spirit and inspiration carry the same root word, etymologically speaking; spire. A spire (noun) is somewhere there is a breathtaking view (i.e., the pinnacle of a tall building). To respire (i.e., respiration) is for us to breathe repetitively, and to expire (i.e., expiration) is for us to breathe our last, or die. Therefore, to spire (verb) is the equivalent of to breathe. So, what then is the Word, the breath, of God?

John 1:1 & 14, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…And the Word was made 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.”

Jesus is the Word of God. Also, we must consider this passage and others like it.

John 14:23-27, “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 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. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

The Comforter, that is to say the Holy Spirit, came in the name of (i.e., by the authority of) Jesus. Moreover, since the word spirit has the same root word we discussed earlier, spire, the Holy Spirit is also the breath of God.

The fact that the Father breathed, and Jesus is the breath of God, and the Spirit is also the breath of God, and that the Scriptures are the breath of God demonstrates soundly that the Father, Son, and Spirit, though three, are in fact one, and that the Scriptures are one with them. Thus, the contents of the Bible are far more important than any other book, and should be respected and handled accordingly, according to 2nd Timothy 2:15.

The word, “trinity,” is unbiblical. It is of catholic origin, and as such it is incomplete; especially in light of the historically dim view of Scripture held by catholicism, relegating it to second place behind the teachings of the pope (c.f., 2nd Thessalonians 2:1-4, and realize the pope has made himself to be more important than this aspect of the Godhead). “Trinity” is incomplete in that it suggests there are only three parts of God. There are really four. The complete, and Biblical, word would be “Godhead” (Acts 17:29/Romans 1:20/Colossians 2:9). This leaves room to include all of God without limitation.

This brings us to the second part of the question, and the second reason for its importance; that is, authority of the Scriptures, as opposed to “divine” revelation given at another time (e.g., today).

John 17:17, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

We previously discussed how Jesus is the Word. Here, we find that the Word is Truth.

John 4:24, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

God must be worshipped in Spirit and in Truth. Since Jesus is the Word, and the Word is Truth, then worship must be conducted in accordance with the Word of Jesus; God, the Son. Worship must be conducted in accordance with the Bible. To use something in worship which is different from that in the Bible is to tell a lie (c.f., Revelation 21:8), and to blaspheme the Spirit (c.f., Matthew 12:31). While this specifically covers worship, what does the Bible/the Spirit/Jesus say about other aspects of religion?

Matthew 28:18, “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”

Normally, the word “power” comes from the Greek “δύναμις” (pronounced doo'-nam-is), and is the etymological root of our word “dynamite.” This is “power,” as used in Romans 1:16 and many (most?) other places in the Bible, and has a meaning of “strength.” However, “power,” as used here, is not limited to strength, though that is included. Here is the Strong’s definition of “power” as used in reference to Jesus in Matthew’s account.

ἐξουσία

exousia

ex-oo-see'-ah

From G1832 (in the sense of ability); privilege, that is, (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence: - authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.

Thayer echoes the definition’s inclusion of “authority” in the meaning of this word. In fact, this is the source of our English word, “exude.” In other words, this is something that comes out of every pore of Jesus’ Being. Therefore, Jesus declares that He has all “authority” in Heaven and on earth. Since the Bible is, by extension, Jesus Himself, then all religious authority for us is found in the Bible.

Colossians 3:17, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

The context of this passage proceeds from the singing of worship (v. 16) and continues through the relationship of wives and husbands (vv. 17ff). This indicates that doing things in the name of Jesus (e.g., by His authority) extends past things we do in worship, to everyday life. Religion is not merely a system of belief, but it is a system of belief upon which one bases his/her entire life in devout, studious, and assiduous practice.

Hebrews 1:1-4, “God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.”

Yes, the Scriptures are verbally inspired by God. Yes, they contain every whit of authority available to any man. If you believe the Scriptures, there is no room left for any other, whether a supposed prophet, or not. Moses is no longer a valid source of authority. Mohammed is not a source of authority. Ba’al, Nimrod, Nichren, Nietzsche, Ra, Isis, Shiva, and Buddha are not sources of authority. Ratsinger is not a source of authority. Luther is not a source of authority. Calvin is not a source of authority. Lucado is not a source of authority. No other denominational founder or leader is a source of authority. Similarly, as a man I am not a source of authority, nor is any other man, woman, or child, living or dead, real or imagined, past, present, or future. Besides Moses, none of these has ever been a proper source of authority. If you follow any of these as your authority, there remains no room for God The Son in your life.

This brings us full circle to the question at hand; “Who is Jesus’ Father?” The word, “Father,” comes from the Greek, “πατήρ,” pronounced pat-ayr'. Literally, this means, “creator.” Jesus was not created. We find Him extant in the beginning, active in the creation. We find Him claiming for Himself an eternal existence, without beginning or end. The only things created for Him were His purpose, and His body of flesh. These are the aspects that give Him a πατήρ.

(Name Withheld), you are correct that God the Father is the Father of Jesus, in that the Father created Jesus’ purpose; our redemption. (Name Withheld), you are correct that the Holy Spirit is Jesus’ Father, in that it is the spoken Word of the Spirit that caused the conception in Mary, and created Jesus’ physical body.

In any case, it is not something over which you should have disputes. The Father, The Son, The Spirit, and The Word are all God. They are completely unified in purpose and in being. To do the Will of any one is to do the Will of the others. To obey one is to obey the others. To refuse obedience to one is to disobey the others.

(Names Withheld), I pray God’s richest blessing be upon you as you continue your search for faith. It has been an honor for me to serve you in this manner. If there is anything you need further, please do not hesitate to ask.

Sunday July 29, 2007 - 04:39pm (EDT) Permanent Link | 4 Comments
Entry for June 13, 2007 - Inauguration Day: I pray this sequel to "Election Day" blesses and edifies you.

Wednesday June 13, 2007 - 04:31pm (EDT) Permanent Link | 1 Comment
Entry for May 12, 2007 - "Election Day": I pray this sermon blesses and edifies you.

Saturday May 12, 2007 - 11:48am (EDT) Permanent Link | 0 Comments

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