The Seed of the Kingdom

By Bob Myhan

On the third day God created vegetation and the seed of everything was “in itself according to its kind" (Gen. 1:11-13).

When Jesus walked the earth He taught His disciples the manifold nature of His coming kingdom through a series of parables, one of which was the parable of the sower (found in Matthew 13:1-8, 18-23; Mark 4:1-8,13-20; Luke 8:4-15).

In His explanation of this parable, Jesus said, "The seed is the word of God" Luke 8:11). The kingdom is perpetuated by the word of God being planted in the hearts of men and women. But if “the seed [of the kingdom] is the word of God" what is the seed of denominationalism?

Surely, one does not become a member of every denomination simply by obeying the word of God. Does anyone become a member of any denomination simply by obeying the word of God? Did any of the Christians in the New Testament become members of a denomination simply by obeying the word of God? Does it not, indeed, take something in addition to or other than the word of God to become a member of a denomination?

Denominationalism involves more than just a name. It involves differing doctrines and practices. Do all of these differing doctrines and practices come from the word of God? Surely not! When Paul wrote his letter (by inspiration) to the Galatian churches, he said,

I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed" (Gal. 1:6-9).

From this we learn that when anyone, even “an angel from heaven," preaches “any other gospel" than Paul preached, those who receive this "perversion" of the gospel are turned away "to a different gospel, which is not another." That is, when people are taught—and believe—anything in addition to—or other than—the word of God, they either do not enter the kingdom or do not long remain therein. If this is not so, then what was Paul concerned about? Someone may be thinking, "He was just concerned about the fate of the false teacher." But Jesus said, "And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch." (Matt. 15:14)If no one had ever begun to "pervert the gospel of Christ," thus creating "a different gospel, which is not another," surely there would be no denominationalism today. But some did, and they continue to do so. Denominationalism is perpetuated by planting something in addition to or other than the word of God. The word of God says,

Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. (2 John 9-11)

Are you being taught the gospel which Paul preached? Does your preacher “abide in the doctrine of Christ”? Are you sure? &

Reinstated?

By Bill Hall

We are hearing some rather strange expressions these days. A man was telling us recently that he had gone forward the Sunday before to be "reinstated." A woman said she was thinking of "going back into the church." Are such expressions a problem in terminology? Or are we faced with a problem in concept? Are people thinking of the church as an organization similar to the P.T.A., in and out of which they can go at will, returning simply to be "reinstated"?

Unfaithfulness is not just a matter of dropping out of the church for a while. It is a matter of trampling "the Son of God underfoot"; of insulting "the Spirit of grace"; of giving "occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme"; of turning one's back on the Lord and His promises; of living in sin and flirting with eternal damnation. Imagine a person's being in such a position, and then coming forward to be "reinstated"!!! What that person needs to do is repent, fall on his knees before God, confess to Him and to his brethren, "I have sinned," and cry to God for mercy.

We are not questioning God's mercy. He is prepared to forgive His wayward child; to run to him, fall on his neck, and kiss him; to place the best robe on his back, a ring on his finger, shoes on his feet; to kill the fatted calf and be merry. But this abundant forgiveness is for that wayward child who returns with a full recognition of his sin and unworthiness, who confesses his sins, who asks, not to be "reinstated" as a son, but to be received back only as a hired servant. Forgiveness is for the penitent.

May the Lord help us to see sin in its true ugliness, to "abhor what is evil" and "cling to what is good," to re-member the price paid by our Lord for our forgiveness, to be faithful, and to humbly acknowledge our sins when we do fall. And when we are forgiven, let us not speak glibly of "going back into the church," but let us speak of the grace of God that could save "a wretch like me."

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). &

God Has Spoken

By Gilbert Alexander

Belief is not always easy. Even human exploits are sometimes hard to believe. For example, that men have traveled to the moon and "walked" in space is so amazing that some people will not believe it, in spite of the evidence and testimony of many witnesses directly involved in the accomplishment. Though they would have to charge all of those witnesses with lying and intentionally deceiving the world, they will not believe. Believers in documented scientific and medical achievements look askance and sometimes with pity upon those who firmly disbelieve.

Belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God is difficult for those who have not become familiar with the abundant evidence with which we have been supplied. This belief first requires belief in the existence of God, Who has given proof over and over that He is, that He is the Creator of all things, and that He is the source of all life. If people do not accept the evidence supplied, their rejection of it does not make the evidence invalid. What more could one ask or expect than that God speaks to mankind, that He gives demonstrations of His almighty power, and that He instructs people in a body of teaching that is markedly divine in its wisdom, accuracy, and harmony?

Among the greatest weaknesses of those who have believed and obeyed the gospel of our salvation in Jesus Christ is the full persuasion that erases every doubt and invokes full obedience and total commitment to holding God in supreme reverence. Such conviction will cause one to honor properly the complete authority of God exercised by His Son, Jesus. Ignorance and doubting lead to disobedience and presumptuousness, out of which have grown all of the false religions practiced by people throughout the world. True knowledge of God unifies all believers in one body of redeemed people. It gives meaning and purpose to life, and direction to behavior, so that believers live soberly, righteously, and godly in this world, abstaining from every form of evil as God defines and identifies it (Titus 2:11-14; 1 Thes. 5:22).

How firm is your faith and upon what is it founded? Is your faith a shield, your hope and anchor, your armor righteousness, the Captain of your soul Jesus Christ? Do you believe enough to commit your life and the destiny of your soul to God and His Son, regardless of the consequences in this life? &

Words of Wisdom

By Solomon

My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. (Proverbs 3:1-8) &