TOLBERT FANNING'S CONVERSION AND MY CONVERSION

Of Tolbert Fanning it was stated:

When sixteen years of age, he was encouraged to read the New Testament, with the view of really acquiring spiritual light. Soon all was plain, and his gloomy doubts gave place to an intelligent faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

About the first of October, 1827, he heard a discourse on the Gospel and its conditions, and, at the conclusion of the discourse, he walked forward, and, with a perfect understanding of the truth, made the confession, and was immediately immersed into Christ.

[Taken from: The Living Pulpit of the Christian Church (1868); W. T. Moore, ed.]

IMPORTANT FACTS: "he was encouraged to read the New Testament WITH THE VIEW OF REALLY ACQUIRING SPIRITUAL LIGHT..."

[This was in spite of the fact that he had PREVIOUSLY been told by preachers that it was IMPOSSIBLE to be enlightened apart from a direct operation of the Holy Spirit...]

As a result of his reading the New Testament: "HIS DOUBTS GAVE PLACE TO AN INTELLIGENT FAITH..."

Later, "He heard a sermon on the "gospel and its conditions"...at the conclusion of the discourse, "he walked forward WITH A PERFECT UNDERSTANDING OF THE TRUTH, MADE THE CONFESSION, AND WAS IMMEDIATELY IMMERSED INTO CHRIST."

A QUESTION FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION:

- Was Tolbert Fanning saved from his sins after doing this, or was he still in his sins?

- Did he obey a false doctrine?

I have done as Tolbert Fanning did; yet I did NOT pray a sinner's prayer; I did NOT confess my sins, but my faith in Jesus as Lord and Christ.

In regard to my sins, I repented of them...

I was NOT baptized with the understanding that I was already saved, but with the understanding that my sins would be washed in baptism.

ANOTHER QUESTION FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION:

- Was I saved from my past sins after doing this, or am I still in sin?

- Did I obey a false doctrine?

As the apostle Paul said, "I write these things according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction." ~ 2 Corinthians 13:10

8/23//2020

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Jane Schoolteacher or Jane Doe?

Did anyone ever read of the Corinth Catholic church...the Ephesus Baptist church, or the Philippi Methodist church?

Did you ever wonder 'why'? Because, in the Bible, the church "of Christ" is His bride, and the bride wears the name of her husband.

Eph. 5:23-25, 32 - For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it...this is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

When division occurs in a local group, (whether total/partial); often the new "group" will take on a new "name". The reason for the new name, is to identify the 'distinction' between them and the "old" group from which they recently departed.

The new "name" serves to identify what the 'split' or 'division' was over. For example, we see this in the name "baptist" that was chosen as a name for a particular 'faith', or 'church' (i.e., the ____ Baptist church)

It is obvious that when this denomination first started (1607); BAPTISM was the key issue. History revealed that, at the time, there were differing views on baptism, (whether sprinkling, pouring, or immersion was the correct way to baptize). So those who 'held' to the conviction that ONLY immersion was the correct way, separated from those who practiced sprinkling and/or pouring as well as immersion.

Rather than call themselves "of Christ", they took on the name of a practice (baptism). [Their teaching on the subject differed]

Such can be seen also from the word Pentecost(al) ~ i.e., stressing the belief in the miracles done on this day (Acts 2), such as speaking in tongues etc. So this denomination, rather than calling themselves "of Christ", wears the name of a ____ Pentecostal church. This stresses their belief that the practice of miraculous tongue speaking can still be done.

It makes as much sense for a woman to take on the name of one particular practice of her husband/marriage (i.e., Jane Schoolteacher versus Jane Doe); as it does for a group of people to call themselves after a particular practice (and yet deny that practice as necessary to salvation).

Collectively, a group of Christians are the bride "of Christ"; NOT the bride of a practice or a teaching of Christ.

Hence, the church at Corinth was "of Christ"; the church at Ephesus was "of Christ"; and the church in Philippi was "of Christ".

The name individually is simply a Christian (meaning simply: Christ-like)

A collective of Christians are a congregation...."of Christ". Congregations were referred to as "churches of Christ" (see Romans 16:16).

The church is the bride; the bride wears the name of the husband.

Mark 8:38 - Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. (see also Luke 9:26)

2 Tim. 1:8 - Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God...

Phil. 2:9-10 - Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow...

Psalm 111:9 - He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.

8/13/2020

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A ‘Water Gate’ Scandal!

I remember a TV preacher from years ago, (during the Nixon presidency) saying that the Bible predicted the Watergate scandal…quoting passages such as Nehemiah 8:1, 3 which only contained the words “water” and “gate” in them, without regard for the context in which ‘water’ and ‘gate’ were found.

Nehemiah also mentioned the HORSE gate; the FOUNTAIN gate; the REFUSE gate, the VALLEY gate OLD gate, FISH gate, SHEEP gate, EAST gate, INSPECTION gate, OLD gate, GATE of EPHRAIM and GATE of the GUARD in Nehemiah chapter 3. These were simply the various ENTRANCES (gates) of the city of Jerusalem. WATER gate was one of the entrances to the city, NOT a prophecy of political scandal to occur in the 1970’s, as this preacher applied it.

A similar DISREGARD for CONTEXT could be made from a statement of Job. “If I have looked at the sun when it shone…that…would have been an iniquity…for I would have denied God above.” ~ Job 31:26-28. Without regard for CONTEXT, some might conclude that looking at the sun would be a sin…

However, if you read the missing words in these 3 verses (vss. 26-28), as well as the entire chapter, Job’s words are a declaration that he has NOT concealed his sin by doing any of the “if’s” in this chapter.

Also, by consideration of earlier chapters in the book, Job’s friends had accused him of this very thing…secret sins. This is why a study of context is crucial to teaching truthfully from the Bible.

CONTEXT MATTERS!
Jesus taught:
“Take heed WHAT ye hear” ~ Mark 4:24
“Take heed HOW ye hear” ~ Luke 8:18

If context is perverted; doctrine will also be perverted. CONTEXT makes a difference, because DOCTRINE MATTERS!

8/12/2020

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I DON'T BELIEVE IN IT, BUT I PRACTICE IT - - - REALLY????

I have found...

Mark 16:16 to be "quoted" in the following way: "If you believe and open up to the Holy Spirit, you will get salvation".

Acts 2:38 "quoted" as follows: "Repent and trust in the Lord and thou shalt be saved".

The phrase in Mark 16:16 "open up to the Holy Spirit" is obviously meant to be equal to "and is baptized".

The phrase in Acts 2:38 "trust in the Lord" is likewise meant to be equal to "and be baptized".

Are these accurate? If so, what do they say as to baptism's PURPOSE? Am I to understand that I am saved BEFORE I "open up to the Holy Spirit", or AFTERWARDS? Am I saved at the point of my belief? Am I to understand that I am saved BEFORE I "trust in the Lord", or AFTERWARDS? Am I saved at the point of my belief? 

If I am saved when I believe, what PURPOSE does "open up to the Holy Spirit" serve? Does it SHOW my salvation? Similarly, does my "trust in the Lord" SHOW my salvation?

I have found...

This statement regarding baptism's purpose: "It is not necessary to salvation, but necessary to obedience". Am I to understand that baptism is a command? If so, are Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38 commands or not? Are belief and repentance commands? Furthermore, is obedience necessary to salvation? 

What if it was preached that faith is not necessary to salvation, but necessary to obedience? What if it was preached that repentance is not necessary to salvation, but necessary to obedience? What PURPOSE does obedience serve if not necessary to salvation? Again, consider this: is obedience necessary to salvation? 

I have heard it said regarding baptism: "I don't believe in it, but I practice it". Let us consider the PURPOSE for being baptized.

I have found...

Baptism to be practiced yet adamantly refuted when its PURPOSE is taught as necessary, yet readily accepted if it has another purpose. Many who oppose baptism for remission of sins, HAVE been baptized…yet for another reason. It seems strange to me that they oppose teaching on the purpose of baptism for the reason of ‘remission’, yet, have submitted to it for another reason. It seems strange to me that one would submit to an act that one denies as necessary…all because of its purpose.

Baptism’s PURPOSE, what is it for? To ‘show’ remission, or to ‘receive’ remission? Further, is baptism a ‘church ordinance’, performed by and on saved people, or is it a command for an unsaved person to obey as a part of the new birth of John 3?

Again, it is not an act that is entirely opposed, for all those who differ, HAVE SUBMITTED to baptism. So why oppose the act based upon the lone purpose of it being done “to receive” remission?

Consider parallel language in two passages:

#1 - Romans 10:13 – “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Does “calling” show salvation, or does “calling” mean, ‘in order to be saved’?

Is “calling” an outward sign of an inward grace, or does “calling” mean, ‘in order to be saved’?

Does it matter as to the PURPOSE for ‘calling’?

#2 - Mark 16:16 – “He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved.”

Does “belief” show salvation, or does “belief” mean, ‘in order to be saved’?

Is “belief” an outward sign of an inward grace, or does “belief” mean, ‘in order to be saved’?

Does it matter as to the PURPOSE for ‘belief’?

Now, regarding BAPTISM...

Does “baptism” show salvation, or does “baptism” mean, ‘in order to be saved’?

Is “baptism” an outward sign of an inward grace, or does “baptism” mean, ‘in order to be saved’?

Does it matter as to the PURPOSE for ‘baptism’?

Is it not clear that belief AND baptism are HOW one “calls” upon the name of the Lord?

Consider the logic used in opposition to the PURPOSE of baptism ["in order to receive" remission]; if it were applied to other matters...would it be as rational?

For example:

“Faith is not necessary for remission of sins, but to show your salvation…” ~ would you have a problem with this logic?

“Repentance is not necessary for remission of sins, but to show your salvation…” ~ would you have a problem with this logic?

“Confession is not necessary for remission of sins, but to show your salvation…” ~ would you have a problem with this logic? ~ would you have a problem with this logic?

Again, do you oppose baptism, or is it just the teaching regarding the PURPOSE of baptism as being necessary to be saved?

Remember this as you sort out WHY you have been baptized, but reject the teaching of those who embrace  baptism's PURPOSE as being "in order to receive remission".

The Bible doesn't teach various and conflicting PURPOSES for baptism. 

Remember, you were baptized for SOME reason, so you can't be opposed to being baptized.

8/11/2020

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“CHALLENGING NATURE…FOR BETTER OR WORSE?”

Why do people challenge nature? Today’s society consists of dysfunctional families, single-parent homes, and same-sex marriages. Divorce percentages are down only because of co-habitations. Also our society is also one wherein alternative lifestyles are becoming more common, not only demanding recognition, but civil rights. I believe the scriptures point to a direct relationship between ‘going against nature’ and the breakdown in the marriage relationship.

Romans 1:24-32 provides us the answer to the question ‘Why do people challenge nature’. Notice the progression:

v. 18 – truth is suppressed by the unrighteousness of men (unrighteousness is sin – 1 John 5:17)

Consequently...

v. 22 – Man, who once knew God, ceased to honor Him or give thanks to Him.

v. 23 – the glory of God was exchanged for images resembling man and animals.

Today’s society is no different than past societies. The problems faced by Christians who live in an ungodly society were faced by past generations of godly people. We find that God’s people under the old covenant digressed in unrighteousness until their idolatrous living reached a point of no return. “… but they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and scoffed at his prophets, until the wrath of Jehovah arose against his people, TILL THERE WAS NO REMEDY.” (2 Chronicles 36:16)

The digression of Gentiles in unrighteousness is given in detail in Romans 1 as well as God’s response:

No honor or thankfulness – v. 21

God’s glory is exchanged – v. 23

God gave them up to the lusts of their hearts to impurity to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves – v. 24

Exchanged the truth about God for a lie – v. 25

Worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator – v. 25

God gave them up to dishonorable passions – vv 26-27

Did not see fit to acknowledge God – v. 28

God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done – v. 28

They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness – vv 29-32

When children have been reared in a home where they were exposed regularly to anger, strife, bitterness, backbiting, and resentment of each other between parents, it does not go without negatively affecting the children. The 2^nd generation grows up with an unhealthy attitude toward marriage. By the 3^rd generation there is abuse, both verbal and physical. Then by the 4^th generation there is the problem of gender orientation being questioned. History has shown that sexual attachments are among the determining factors of human character, life, and the basis of society.

~ Hebrews 13:4, “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”

~ 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”

There have been many people in the Bible with the behaviors detailed in Romans 1:

- Sodom & Gomorrah – Genesis 13:13; 18:20; Jude 1:7

- The Canaanites – Leviticus 18:22-27

- Rahab the harlot – Joshua 2:1, 8-13; Hebrews 11:31

- The people of Nineveh – Books of Jonah and Nahum

- The man sick of the palsy – Matthew 9:1-8

- The publicans & sinners – Matthew 9:10-13

- The woman who washed Jesus’ feet – Luke 7:36-50

- Zacchaeus, the tax collector – Luke 19:1-10

- The thief on the cross – Luke 23:32-43

- The woman taken in adultery – John 8:1-11

- The Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; [cf. Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5-7 (uncleanness)].

Yet many of these “changed” (i.e. they repented of their wicked ways). HOW...WHY? Herein we see the power of God’s word. Let us have faith that what it accomplished in the past, it will accomplish in the present. Our nature can be challenged, not only for the worse, but for the better. Our nature can be changed because of the hope that the gospel message brings through Jesus. Faith in this hope, exercised in submission to Jesus' teachings (Hebrews 5:9), will enable anyone to overcome their past and receive forgiveness, as did the Corinthians ~ "... but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified… (1 Corinthians 6:11).

Faith that begins as small as a mustard seed can produce an unimaginable change in one's life, when that person's life is a life lived in worship of, and in service to God as Jesus taught and lived. Such a fruitful life was foretold and prophesied (Ezekiel 17:23).

From a life of misery, negative feelings about self, turmoil, guilt, hopelessness, and regret, to living with peace, joy, happiness and blessed assurance, that cannot be lost.  This will be yours when you choose to change how you live. Change your ‘Master’ and follow Jesus. Do you have such a faith? Are you willing to begin living a life of obedience to Jesus, and cease serving Satan? Jesus promised this if you ‘CHANGE’:

“Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life" (Mark 10:29-30)

8/9/2020

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The Opening of the Eyes

Two had their eyes opened in a garden. Two had their eyes opened on a road. Once their eyes were opened, what each pair 'saw' differed greatly. Two were ashamed of themselves by what they saw. Two were elated by what they saw. Two saw because they disobeyed; two saw because of scripture. Two saw their sin; two saw the Lord. 

The first pair were Adam and Eve, while in Eden (Genesis 3). The next pair were those walking to Emmaus. (Luke 24).

It is good that our eyes are opened in regard to right and wrong. There are two ways this can happen. Both ways are depicted in Adam & Eve and the two traveling to Emmaus.

Of Adam and Eve we read, "Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked..." (Genesis 3:7)

It is important that we recognize why Adam & Eve's eyes were opened. It happened because they disobeyed a command of God. Yes, when we disobey, our eyes are opened; but what we 'see' does not bring us 'joy' (as when we obey God). There is no cause for rejoicing...nothing but SHAME; FEAR...like as with Adam and Eve.

When we disobey, we also get 'knowledge'; but what we 'learn' does not cause us to rejoice; only to hang our head in shame. We aren't drawn near to God, instead, we attempt a futile thing - - - to HIDE from God. So did Adam: "...so I hid myself.” (Genesis 3:10)

God asked Adam, "Who told you that you were naked?" How did Adam "learn" of his nakedness? Who was to blame? Satan? NO, for Satan only spoke a lie, (thou shalt NOT...die), tempting Adam.

"...every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." (James 1:14-15)

Who allowed lust to conceive?

Adam blamed Eve...Eve blamed Satan...

Yet whose word was transgressed? Satan's? Whose word was perverted? Satan's? The answer is obvious.

"Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" (Romans 6:16)

"The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him." (Ezekiel 18:20)

Disobedience brings shame and fear into our lives; both of which will only be removed by turning to God in obedience. Another benefit of obedience is seen in that, when we obey what God tells us, there is no need for blaming; rather, giving of thanks.

When we disobey, we need NOT imitate Adam & Eve, blaming...but do as the Romans were told, and as the Romans DID:

"But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." (Romans 6:17-18).

Let us obey God that we might experience the joy that the two on the day Jesus arose experienced. Their belief was rewarded and they shared the good news. That is what scripture does for a good and honest heart.

 

8/4/2020

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