Tag Archives: church history

DEPART FROM THE FAITH (2)

12 Monday Feb 2018

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Last week we gave attention to what the Holy Spirit said was going to be a “departing from the faith.” We noticed this occurs because a person has ears to hear, but chooses not to hear that which the Lord said; instead, there is a desire to hear what others think and see what others have done, then follow that pattern. This is not a recent phenomenon, of course, for it goes back to the days of the prophet Samuel. It was during the days of Samuel’s judgeship the people wanted a king; Samuel protested their desire, but the Lord said to grant them the request, and give warning concerning the nature of their king. Samuel did so; the people responded, “Nay; but we will have a king over us; That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles” (1 Samuel 8:19-20, KJV).

In the pages of the New Testament, the structure of the local church is placed in the hands of the Lord Jesus. It was He who said that He would build His church and the gates of Hades (Hell) will not prevail against it (Matthew 16:13-19). The gates of Hades refer to death. Paul wrote to Timothy, “and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,” (2 Timothy 1:10, ESV). Satan’s power over man was his death, both physical and spiritual.

Satan, however, can have no success at getting evil “in” the church (if you will) unless he is let in, and the Lord won’t do it! If the local church holds true to what the Lord taught, that is, the collective body of the saints (not a building), Satan is defeated every time. In relation to church history, it was not long before the “doors” of the New Testament church opened up and the “gates of Hades” made their way in!

In the New Testament, the church of our Lord appointed men to serve as elders (a term equivalent in function/work to bishops, presbyters, overseers or pastors), as leaders of the local congregation. Up until sometime after the end of the first century, going into the second century, this was the norm. Later, it changed. “It is evident, however, that till some time after the year 100, Rome, Greece, and Macedonia had at the head of each congregation a group of collegiate bishops, or presbyter-bishops, with a number of deacons as their helpers” (A History of the Christian Church, Williston Walker (1918), p. 46).

Is this an insignificant occurrence in church history? Not a chance! It was one of the first structural changes of the church after the simple plan of the New Testament was put in place by the Lord; He never gave authorization to a single man to alter what He set forth in the New Testament.

In another church history volume, the writer mentions that after A.D. 135, there was a single bishop in Jerusalem and one in Ephesus, because it was not until after the time of the apostles the monarchal (single) bishop came into existence (Christianity Through the Centuries, Earle Cairns (1954), cf. pages 126, 88).

When the structure on New Testament leadership is changed, as it was so long ago, it is but a short time later that others changes creep in also. History attests to this having occurred. Leadership in the New Testament church is a leadership that respects and insists on the Lord’s way, and only His way. A failure of leadership is to do things some other way. RT

DEPART FROM THE FAITH (1)

09 Friday Feb 2018

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The other day I was reading from a book that gave attention to the history of the church through the first five hundred years. As I was reflecting on that which I was reading, I took notice of what the book said about the church and compared it with what the New Testament said about the church. The two were different. That brings to mind the words of the Holy Spirit in 2 Timothy 4:3-4: For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (KJV). Paul wrote to Timothy these words also, 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; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth (1 Timothy 4:1-3).

I want you to notice the two passages again. First, people will not endure sound doctrine; that means there will be some who will not want to hear a “thus saith the Lord” from the pulpit or in the Bible class setting. Yet, the Holy Spirit said that if any man speaks, let him speak the very oracles (words) of God (1 Peter 4:11). Second, these same people who will not endure sound doctrine (words) are people who have ears to hear, but will only hear what they want to hear (they have itching ears). If/When something new is being done elsewhere, there is a tendency to give thought to “Why can’t we do that here?” which then translates into “We need to do that here!” Third, the “itching-ear-person” then turns to a preacher who gives an ointment that sooths the ear, and this is not a good thing! The Lord said this is a turning away from the truth unto things that are not true, but instead are fables in relation to God’s will. Fourth, this turning away results in departing from the faith, buying into the teachings of man so one does not look out of place in the religious world.

The church in the New Testament and the church in church history are not the same. They may have started out the same, but they turned into something different from one another. The church in the New Testament is a church with Jesus at its head, the foundation being Jesus and the words of the apostles. This means that the teachings of the church are to be, and only be, the teachings of the Lord and His designated servants. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 3:11). Again, …. the household of God…built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone… (cf. Eph. 2:19-22).

Because of such dangers, leadership in the New Testament church is a crucial issue. Leadership that respects and insists on the Lord’s way, and only His way, is in prime position to promote the Lord’s way in a dark world. the leadership of which I speak is not a reference to preachers or elders, but to each New Testament saint who love the Lord. They must exercise leadership in this dark world, for many who are lost are looking to them for guidance.

A failure of leadership is disastrous. RT

Sacred Worship

31 Friday Jan 2014

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                In the four previous articles we have written about the church in relation to what “church history” has recorded. We have paid some attention to the structure, the leadership, persecution, and whether or not church councils are proper avenues to set forth doctrine. Today we want to give our attention to the worship of the church and its relationship to what  man has altered through the years.

                In brief, let us begin with the teaching of the New Testament. Jesus said to the Samaritan woman that those who worship God must do so in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). The meaning of this phrase “describes the two essential characteristics of true worship: in spirit, as distinguished from place or form or other sensual limitations (4:21); in truth, as distinguished from the false conceptions resulting from imperfect knowledge (4:22)” (Vincent Word Studies, E-Sword). “True worship must be in harmony with the Nature and Will of God” (Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary). Thus, acceptable worship to God is from the spirit of man in accordance with the truth of God.

                In the New Testament we learn that those who implemented this holy standard did so by the authority of Jesus (Colossians 3:17) and, moreover, that which was taught by Paul, the same was taught by Peter (1 Corinthians 15:11). It is important to also note that what Peter, Paul, or John taught, whether in Jerusalem, Rome, or Ephesus, it was the same in every church (1 Corinthians 4:17; cf. Romans 15:18). On the occasion of Pentecost, those who accepted the Holy Spirit’s doctrine “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42, ESV). The four things mentioned in this single verse are of note. The apostles’ doctrine is simply the teaching of God’s word (1 Peter 4:11), fellowship pertains to the gathering together of the saints (Hebrews 10:25), and the breaking of bread would be communion (or the Lord’s Supper, Acts 20:7).

                The first century can be called the “apostolic age;” after the first century it is commonly called the age of the “apostolic fathers” (Kuiper, p. 44). “The apostles were followed by the Apostolic Fathers. From their writings [the apostolic fathers] we can see that the signs of deterioration were disturbing the Church. In the course of the next four hundred years that deterioration increased steadily” (Kuiper, p. 44). Though there was much moving away from the teachings of the New Testament, there were some who tried to stay faithful to the Lord’s way. It cost them dearly, but the glory associated with the Lord’s name was greater than the glory associated with any man (cf. Hebrews 11:35-40). About the time of the thirteenth century and following into the seventeenth century the great protestant reformation started and anchored itself in place. Unfortunately, this commendable effort went only so far as to attempt a reformation, that is, a reforming of the church. When this did not work, men tired of the corruption and started their own church, trying to adhere to Scripture. this, however, produced man-made creeds, that is, teachings that did not necessarily conform to God’s revealed word.    It was in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries that some denominational preachers started taking a stand on the New Testament exclusively, and thus was coined the term a restoration movement. In other words, they determined to say “let us speak where the Bible speaks and let us be silent where the Bible is silent.” This motto soon became a mission statement because it corresponds exactly with 1 Peter 4:11 and Romans 15:18.

                The Highway Church of Christ, therefore, is a local religious body that seeks to restore (in relationship to man-made churches) and elevate the teachings of Scripture to its rightful place, as the supreme godly document that declares unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Our worship is simple, but godly. We teach what the Scriptures teach (and nothing else), we offer our prayers to the Lord continually, we observe the Lord’s Supper weekly, we give of our means for the cause of Christ, and we sing our songs of praise without the use of the mechanical instrument. We do these things on purpose because this is what the Lord said in His word. “Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth’” (John 4:21-24, NKJV).

Church Councils in Church History

22 Wednesday Jan 2014

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As it was mentioned in a previous bulletin article, Christians during the first century suffered for their faith. Historically, this persecution was a localized effort, not something that was empire wide. Well, what was not empire wide soon turned to be—and it was fierce. But, in A.D. 313 the Roman Emperor, Constantine, issued an edict known as the Edict of Milan; this granted religious tolerance throughout the territories controlled by Rome, bringing the persecutions to a halt. It also made it somewhat “fashionable” to be a Christian. Along with the popularity of being a Christian, a problem of another making resulted. “Constantine’s edict of 313 opened the floodgates through which a mighty stream of corruption poured into the church” (Kuiper, p. 27).

With Christianity now an accepted religion by the state the local population soon began to make entry into the church environment. Consequently, it was not long before ideas came flooding in concerning a number of conflicting things. It is important to remember that some 300 years previous to the edict given by the empirical government the Lord had already set forth His will in Scripture. God revealed His word to man, His doctrine that pertained unto life and godliness. Everything God wanted man to know was available to him. Scripture (or the written record), unfortunately, was not something readily available in “book” form to every home. There was reliance on the part of the people to those few who had opportunity and capability to learn and teach. Some teachers, unfortunately, took advantage of this situation (position) and were manipulators. On the other hand, others conscientiously served the people.

But through the years, though many were very conscientious, competing and confusing ideas permeated the local churches. The confusing doctrines resulted in church council meetings being called to order. The first general council meeting called to order was by Constantine (the political Roman Emperor) in A.D. 325 (Nicaea). Before the next 200 years had come and gone there were 3 additional general council meetings called, and from these came creeds, or official church doctrines (teachings). Herein is a problem.

To have a “Church Council,” some people argue, has biblical justification (authorization) from the events in Acts 15. It was on that occasion the apostle Paul traveled from his missionary work (Antioch) to Jerusalem to convene with the apostles about a false teaching that was plaguing the Christian community. This event is referred to by some as the “Jerusalem Council.” It is important to note, however, that the so-called Jerusalem council had the sanction of the Holy Spirit, and not man. Paul wrote, “Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me. And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain” (Galatians 2:1-2, NKJV).

The importance of understanding this is in relation to who authorized it, and for what purpose. The Holy Spirit had already put in place His word for the Christian community, and during the first century He authorized the only church council He wanted convened. Consequently, there was (and is) no justification for men to collect and hash out particular doctrines and then set them forth in a creed (written or unwritten). If the word of God teaches it, that is the only creed one needs. This is not to say that the saints can’t gather together and engage in some intensive study, but setting forth a creed from that study is another matter entirely—and this was what the various church councils did after the time of the New Testament.

Single Bishop?

13 Monday Jan 2014

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In this third bulletin article on church history, the book I have been gleaning my material from has expressed the importance of the Church’s inward growth. By that is meant the growth in doctrine (teaching) and organization.

Interestingly the author of this church history book spoke truly when he said “[t]he theory that doctrine is not important is not only shallow and foolish, it is also crafty. It is one of the devil’s best tricks” (The Church in History, Kuiper, p.15). It’s unfortunate, however, when he mentions that from the first through the early portion of the fourth century the organization and doctrine developed (p. 16). Of course, this is true when viewed from the perspective of man-made institution, but from the perspective of the Holy Spirit this is not true at all. Peter wrote that at the time he lived all things that pertained unto life and godliness had been revealed (2 Peter 1:3; cf. Jude 3). Paul stated it this way: “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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NKJV).

There are a number of doctrinal items worthy of discussion in this bulletin article, but only one that I want to reference now: “the development of the episcopate.” This is the title of the section dealing with how the church developed a doctrine wherein one man stood above and before others. In fact, “[b]y the middle of the second century practically all churches had monarchical bishops” (p. 20).

The term “monarchical bishop” is a term for a single man who rules alone in a particular religious community. The reason for this single-man rule, we are told, was because of the heresy of the day (known as Gnosticism and Montanists) needed to be opposed and this was best accomplished in one man. We are told the “Church had to establish its position as the authority who decided the meaning of the Bible” (p. 18), and this was exercised through the episcopate or monarchical bishop. This was (and is) a most unfortunate sentiment because it dismisses (unintentionally, I believe) what the Lord’s revealed word had already determined. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12, NKJV).

When the Lord gave His charge to the apostles to take His message into all the world, He gave them and those they taught (2 Timothy 2:2) the adequate tools to thwart the fiery darts of Satan. Man, in his own wisdom, decided to set aside that which the Lord taught and make some adjustments to the pattern set forth by the Lord. This presumptuous action, even if it was done with good intentions, puts both the teacher and those taught in a precarious position (at best).

In this same church history book the author clearly recognizes that in the New Testament this form of leadership (government) is not present. “At first the organization of the Church was very simple. The officers were the elders and deacons. The elders were known as presbyters, since presbyter is the Greek word for ‘elder’” (p. 19, italics in original). Thus, based on what we just read, the Lord’s simple plan was made more complex by man. Herein is the problem; “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12).

Our challenge is to stay true and fiercely adhere to the teachings of the New Testament. If one would simply allow the Scriptures to speak for themselves, then man’s complex ways could be dismissed. The sacred Scriptures need to be put exactly where the Lord placed them: as the revealed pathway of life (2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 10:17).

Intensely Prepared

08 Wednesday Jan 2014

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The Lord told His disciples that as He was opposed, they would be also (John 16:1-4). In the 21st century in which we live, in the United States our appreciation for that sentiment is hardly experienced. Those who were faithful to the Lord in the first century, and the following centuries, experienced it often. For instance, even going back to the time of the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20), the Lord’s prophet was put in stocks (similar to hand and leg cusps) that was designed to torture its victims. One man said it was designed to distort one’s posture, making it crooked. If you can’t appreciate that, be sure to thank the Lord for it. Again, in the first century, at the time in which Nero was emperor (A.D. 54-69), Christians were persecuted in Rome, even used as human torches to be a “lamp” in Nero’s garden. “The Roman people who hated Christians were free to come into the garden, and Nero drove around in his chariot wickedly enjoying the horrible scene” (The Church in History, p. 8).

Persecution, the Lord told us, is something that each Christian should be prepared to experience (2 Timothy 3:12). Because of such preparation is made, because there is clarity of vision with regard to why it occurs, and because there is hope associated in the knowledge of eternal things, does not mean the one who must be willing to endure will necessarily have the intensity of his experience lessened. Let us not forget, however, that when Paul wrote to the Thessalonians he said, “…it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10, NKJV).

There is no real way to speak in a positive way of persecution, but it is much easier to speak well of those who are prepared to endure it for the cause of Christ. Jesus willingly went to the cross of His death; it wasn’t because He looked forward to the pain and agony, but because He understood the purpose of it all. This is in contrast to one who has placed his or her hope in self-preservation, or that hope one finds in worldly things.

The Mechanical Structure

30 Monday Dec 2013

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Did Jesus tell His disciples what was the “mechanical structure” of the church He established? The term “mechanical structure” is a term used by a church history book dealing with the organization of the church; the author of that book say he did not. “He did not tell His disciples what the mechanical structure of the Church was to be…” In fact,  “He did not arrange for an organization; He taught the principles upon which it should be built” (The Church in History, B. K. Kuiper, Eerdmans, p. 4, 1964).

The New Testament, however, gives another picture. To begin, the Lord “built” His church (Matthews 16:19-19), and this suggests an organization is in place—unless builders build in an unorganized way! Secondly, the apostle Paul appointed elders in every church (Acts 14:23), and told Titus to do the same on the island of Crete (Titus 1:5). This is second tier leadership in place, after the Lord (cf. 1 Peter 5:1-4). This is clearly associated with structure. Third, when Paul addressed his letter to the church at Philippi, he addressed the elders, deacons, and the whole local church (Philippians 1:1), something that very much indicates there is structure to the local body of Christ. Fourth, Paul said that Christ is the head of the church, and that the head has a body (Ephesians 1:22-23). With these four points in place, do you see any structure?

The importance of this topic is in relation to the misinformation spread by this church-history book concerning church structure or organization (or what he calls “mechanical structure”). It has encouraged a great many people to think there is no local structure to the church when the Holy Spirit very much affirms there is. Consequently, this approach in the church history book invites men to establish man-made churches with its own peculiar organization (structure). This is tremendously unfortunate because it is not in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Spirit.

A great many people want to speak about the time of the year and honoring the birth of the Lord Jesus, but do they really honor Him by altering what His word said on such things like the structure of the church? RT