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By Roberts, Tom, on June 1st, 2002
(Editor’s Note: Brother Roberts wrote this article in November of 1979. So, 23 years have passed. The article is still timely. It is interesting that some of the same arguments made by those who were advocating "Neo-Calvinism" in the late 1970′s are being used today by some brethren. As the actual individuals he addresses are not germaine to our present study, their names have been ommitted).
Some strange teaching is making the rounds these days about "false teachers." This teaching is based upon an incomplete and limited definition of "false" as it applies to those who teach error. Supposedly, one cannot label a teacher "false" unless the teacher "wilfully, knowingly, consciously and intentionally" teaches error. With this limited definition, a teacher that taught error without knowing it to be error could not be so labeled. This is not an accurate use of the term as we shall show. However, it is not strange nor unexpected to find some who are entering the "New Unity Movement" to be using this definition, particularly since they are eager to broaden the ties of fellowship with many who are embracing liberalism, institutionalism, denominationalism and other "ism’s."
Continue reading » Associate Editorial: False Teacher
By Roberts, Tom, on February 2nd, 2002
One aspect of Calvinistic doctrine is the three-fold error whereby it is taught that (1) Adam’s sin was transferred to mankind; (2) man’s sin was transferred to Christ; and (30) Christ’s personal righteousness was transferred to believers. None of these statements are true nor do they reflect accurately the Bible doctrine of “imputation.” In this article we will note the second of these errors and study the claim that the sins of mankind have been transferred to Christ.
A verse often used in this context is 2 Corinthians 5:21: “Him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in him.” The phrase “he made to be sin” is the controversial part of the text and one that is grossly misused. We need to understand in what sense God made Christ “to be sin.” Did God place our sins on Christ? Would that make Christ a sinner? Did Christ die a spiritual death as well as a physical death on the cross? Just what is meant? As in all studies, we need to consider all that the Bible says and not take one verse to mean something that would contradict other Bible passages.
Continue reading » Associate Editorial: How Was Christ ‘Made to be Sin’?
By Roberts, Tom, on January 1st, 2002
A “red flag” of warning should arise every time we hear some call for “unity in diversity.” Some have even said that the “only kind of unity is unity in diversity.” We need to be very sure we understand what this catch-phrase really means and how it is used.
It is understood that a local congregation is filled with people at different levels of faith and maturity. Some will be babes in Christ, newly converted and needing to learn a lot about New Testament Christianity. Some will be farther along the path to maturity, but still unsure about some doctrinal matters and personal issues. Some will be “perfect” (mature, full-grown, Ephesians 4:13), Christians who have a settled faith and manner of life. Among these members, there will be matters of personal opinion and personal judgment that differ from Christian to Christian. The Bible recognizes this fact and addresses it in Romans 14-15. In the apostolic days, Jewish and Gentile Christians (who came from different backgrounds) had areas of differences in applying their common faith. It should be noted that the differences were sharp and contentious, capable of dividing congregations. The word of God provides the solution to this problem.
Continue reading » Associate Editorial: Unity In Diversity
By Fain, Larry, on November 1st, 2001
The Church Of Christ
The Church And Salvation
What The Church Is Not
What The Church Is
The Work Of The Church
The Lord’s One Church
The Church Of Christ
One Cannot Be Saved
Outside The Church
Ephesians 5:23
Acts 2:47
Ephesians 1:22-23
2 Timothy 2:10
Continue reading » Associate Editorial: Sermon Charts on the Church of Christ
By Roberts, Tom, on November 1st, 2001
There is a current trend among some brethren to "broaden fellowship" who must accept a tolerance toward error before such broadening can be accomplished. We are told that since "everybody is wrong about something" (and we are!), we can be sure of nothing (which does not follow!).
In the past 2 John 9-11 has been used by brethren to show that there are limits to fellowship. I find nothing wrong with this and believe it to be a proper use of this passage. The "doctrine of Christ" makes proper allowance for one "growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ" as well as making provision for one’s mistakes. This matter of "growing in the grace and knowledge" (2 Peter 3:18) includes the fact that we do not know everything. Forgiveness includes the premise that we sometimes know and do not … thereby sinning. Both of these factors are built-in features of New Testament Christianity. God planned this when He set up the scheme of Redemption. However, while taking this into consideration, God still teaches that while we may not know everything, there are things we must know and things we are accountable for knowing. Simply because we do not know everything does not permit the theory that we cannot know anything! Such nonsense puts a premium on ignorance.
Continue reading » Associate Editorial: 2 John 9
By Roberts, Tom, on November 1st, 2001
As a gospel preacher I have an obligation to those who listen to my preaching. I am not a free agent in the absolute sense of the word: responsibilities limit me to some degree. While each preacher of the gospel will remain free and unfettered so that he may preach all of the gospel, this does not permit license to ignore the necessities that are thrust upon him. I am jealous of what freedom I do have. None shall restrict me from preaching "in season and out of season" (when it meets with approval and when it does not) or from preaching "the whole counsel of God."
Each preacher has a commitment to God to preach so as to please God whether it pleases the brethren or not (cf: the life of the prophets) and this is not negotiable. However, it is possible to abuse this prerogative and take advantage of brethren who agree in principle with this commitment but disagree with the application of it by an unwise preacher. The life of many a faithful preacher has been made hard by foolish ones who abuse the patience of good brethren by not using discretion toward responsibilities. Preachers should show good judgment in their work.
Continue reading » Associate Editorial: What I Owe My Hearers
By Roberts, Tom, on October 1st, 2001
One of the eternal struggles of the Lord’s disciples is to learn and practice a proper balance between the affairs of this life and the affairs of the kingdom of heaven. What we often feel we need is many times just something we want and the kingdom of heaven is left lacking of our time and talents while we spend these in carnal pursuits. One of the crying needs of our day is to learn to put the Lord’s work first (Matthew 6:33). We must be busy, of course, but we must learn the difference between working for “food that perisheth” and “food that abideth unto eternal life” (John 6:27). As I say, there is a balance in these matters and we must learn it or be found wanting.
The Bible does not condemn Christians engaging in business enterprises. In fact, examples abound which show disciples of the Lord practicing different forms of business. Matthew was a tax collector, Lydia a seller of purple, some of the apostles fishermen, and Jesus Himself certainly knew the carpentry business. The “worthy woman” of Proverbs 31 made and sold fine linen garments to the merchants. In addition to these examples of industry by faithful people, we may add the scriptures that censure those who would not “provide for his own” (1 Timothy 5:8) or who refuse to “labor with his hands” (Ephesians 4:28).
Continue reading » Associate Editorial: Busy-ness
By Fain, Larry, on September 1st, 2001
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. (Hebrews 11:1-8)
There is not, nor can there be successful refutation of the fact that the center of the religion known as Christianity is based on faith.
Continue reading » Associate Editorial: Faith – The Key to It All
By Roberts, Tom, on September 1st, 2001
Someone said, “These are the times that try men’s souls.” Naturally, we are inclined to think that our times are worse than any others that have ever been and while such isn’t so, these times are our times so we are the ones who are being tried today.
Without a doubt, souls are being tried and tested.
Moral Trials
Young people are experiencing tremendous temptations on every hand. Sex is pictured as being the most desired part of life and few are remaining virtuous. There is a constant stream of influence through TV shows that portray boys and girls, men and women living together, in bed together, having babies without wedlock, dancing, scantily dressed, and with few morals. The norm in our day is to view sex without the sanctity of marriage as acceptable. Movies also are an influence toward evil as every conceivable moral code is violated. Some movies have been advertised that portray incest, child abuse, sadism, homosexuality, adultery and every form of illicit sex.
Continue reading » Associate Editorial: Times That Try Men’s Souls
By Fain, Larry, on August 1st, 2001
It is August 1, 2001 when this issue of Watchman Magazine is published. Most who will read this article, but hopefully not all, are residents and citizens of the most affluent country in the history of the world, The United States of America. In the United States, we are protected by what I believe to be the greatest legal document produced by man in the history of the world, The Constitution of the United States, including its first ten Amendments, commonly called the Bill of Rights. The First Amendment says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” No law is therefore allowed to prohibit the free exercise of religion. We have the freedom of religion. We are protected by law to follow our faith in whatever course that faith may direct us. That freedom we enjoy so much and for which so many have sacrificed even to the point of death to maintain allows us to make our own decisions in matters of faith. This is altogether good, as God will judge us on how we make those decisions. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Lest we forget, in our freedom, we owe our lives to God.
Continue reading » Theme Editorial
By Roberts, Tom, on August 1st, 2001
(Editor’s Note: Brother Robert’s wrote this article for the West Side Weekly in November of 1972. We reprint the article now, as it parallels this month’s theme, and has a valid point to make.)
On various occasions, when I have had opportunity to talk with brethren in liberal churches, one of the recurring charges is that we have no right to charge apostasy against them because "you are not doing anything among yourselves." The implication is that the liberal churches are the only ones doing anything while the "conservative" (faithful) churches are dead and not doing any work at all.
But the charge needs closer investigation.
The idea that churches which oppose centralized control and institutions and the social gospel are dead is certainly not true and can be shown to be a false charge. But why does it seem this way to the liberals? What gives them the idea that we are not doing anything?
Continue reading » Associate Editorial: "But You’re Not Doing Anything"
By Fain, Larry, on July 1st, 2001
VBS Curriculum, 2001
(1) The First Seven Days
I. Introduction
A. Read Text – ALWAYS Read the Text FROM THE BIBLE
1. Genesis 1:1 – Genesis 2:25
B. Memory Verse:
1. Genesis 1:1 (3rd Grade and down)
2. Genesis 1:26 (4th Grade and Up) THIS WILL TAKE SOME CLASS TIME TO WORK ON IT!!
C. Lesson readings – Use as you will
1. Colossians 1:9 – 18; Romans 1:20
2. John 1:1-4; Hebrews 11:3
D. Retell the Story of Creation in your Own Words: Continue reading » Associate Editorial: Genesis (A Book of Beginnings)
By Roberts, Tom, on July 1st, 2001
I’ve seen an amazing thing among members of the church of Christ who are Masons. They, among all other members of the Masonic Lodge, are unique in that they alone contend that Masonry is not a religious institution. In discussing this lodge with people in the denominational world, they usually attempt to defend it and their membership in it by the fact that they regard it as “religious.” But my brethren in the same lodge will try to deny that it is religious at all.
Obviously the reason why “Christians” will do this when sectarians will not is that most of us understand the unique nature of the Lord’s church. We know that the church is sufficient and complete so far as our religious needs are concerned and that a Christian, as a member of the Lord’s church, has no need of any other religious institution. In fact, due to the peculiar nature of the church, we stand in a complete relationship with Christ, truth and hope of heaven — lacking nothing. To suggest that the Masonic Lodge (or any other institution) can add anything to our knowledge of truth, relationship with Christ or hope of heaven is to mock the very nature of the church of Christ. Continue reading » Associate Editorial: Masonry is a Religion
By Fain, Larry, on June 1st, 2001
I must begin by saying up front that I am not a farmer, nor a gardener, nor anything else that may faintly resemble either of those noble professions or avocations. I am a city boy, born and raised. Having said that, however, after almost 25 years of preaching the gospel, I have picked up enough information along the way to be able to address this topic. Watchman is a webzine dedicated to the truth of God’s word, so we will limit our remarks to His revelation and not any personal frame of reference.
The theme of this month’s issue is on the “fruit of the Spirit” from Galatians 5. I am certain that Stan and the writers who have contributed to this issue have done a superb job of putting before us the issue of “bearing” that fruit in accord with the will of God. Of that fact I have no doubt. In this article, I want us to focus on three passages that have to do with the general topic of bearing fruit and see what the Lord says about this important task.
“By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:8). Discipleship is demanded of the Lord. The goal of the Great Commission was to “make disciples” (Mathew 28:19). It was the “disciples” who were called “Christians” (Acts 11:26). The obvious point is that if we are going to prove to be disciples, we must bear fruit, and, not only that, but, as Jesus said, bear much fruit. Continue reading » Associate Editorial: Bearing Fruit
By Roberts, Tom, on June 1st, 2001
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (NKJ).
As a youngster, I heard 2 Timothy 2:15 discussed widely in class and used often in gospel preaching. In most instances, the passage was relied upon to urge Christians to “study” (KJV) their Bibles and to “rightly divide” (make a distinction) between the Old and New Testaments. While there is no doubt that “being diligent to present yourself to God” will include studying the scriptures, and “rightly dividing the word of truth” will include distinguishing between the covenants, it is also true that this passage carries a deeper meaning than then allowed. The instruction to Timothy in verse 15 is embedded in a wider context of preaching the gospel that lends weight to the work of evangelism. We must learn this lest we “need to be ashamed.” Continue reading » Associate Editorial: “Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth” (2 Timothy 2:15)
By Fain, Larry, on May 1st, 2001
Think of an animal in the wild. What is it doing? Whatever it wants to do is the answer. What does it want to do? Whatever comes natural to that particular animal is the only thing that it can do. What does it need to do? It needs to do whatever it takes to satisfy its life sustaining needs, to gratify its fleshly desires, and to protect itself from harm and attack from some other force which may be out to do it harm. If an animal is hungry, what would you expect that animal to do? The natural course of action is to find food. What if it required the killing of another animal in order to provide that food? Would we find it strange for an animal to kill another animal in order to survive? Of course not. Such is the nature of flesh. Flesh lives to continue living. Flesh seeks its own gratification by nature. If it is hungry, it seeks out food. If it is thirsty, it seeks out water. If it is cold, it seeks shelter. If there is a sexual arousal, it does whatever is necessary to satisfy that lust. Flesh is flesh. “All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds” (1 Corinthians 15:39). Man is not an animal, even though we are of flesh. Continue reading » Associate Editorial: The Nature of Man’s Flesh
By Roberts, Tom, on May 1st, 2001
In many homes the Bible is a forgotten book. If children learn anything at all about God, it must be in bible classes. Many children grow up without hearing the wonderful stories of the Bible. This is both a sin and a shame. Ephesians 6:4 clearly puts the responsibility of teaching children about God in the home with parents as the teachers. So we need parents who will be teachers at home.
Yet, 1 Timothy 3:15 also reveals that the church is the “pillar and ground of truth.” It has the responsibility also to see that the truth is taught. The manner in which the church has to teach is through the medium of dedicated men and women who will study and prepare themselves to teach. So we need teachers in the church today.
There is no conflict between the roles of the home and the church. Rather, they should complement one another and add to what the other is doing. When the Bible is taught in the home by the parents and in the congregation by Christians, the result is multiplied knowledge instead of ignorance. Too often, not enough is done in either place and children grow up without the knowledge of God in their lives. Continue reading » Associate Editorial: The Crying Need for Teachers
By Fain, Larry, on October 1st, 2000
In the 8th chapter of Acts, we find the record of the work of Philip the Evangelist in Samaria, and as he was called by an angel of God for a special mission to preach to one man (Acts 8:5; Acts 8:26). He preached to multitudes in Samaria with great success. Philip was not an apostle, but was obviously a gifted teacher and preacher of God’s word who had the gift to do miracles but not the apostolic privilege of passing on his gifts to others (Acts 8:7, 13, 18).
In the case of both circumstances where Philip preached, people were baptized into Christ (Acts 8:12, 13, 38). The record tells of his preaching “the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 8:12) and simply preaching “Jesus” (Acts 8:35) both of which resulted in the baptism of those who heard him preach and believed what they heard. All of this was in keeping with the command of Jesus given first to His apostles to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and in baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16). Continue reading » Associate Editorial: The Conversion of the Ethiopian
By Fain, Larry, on August 1st, 2000
Elsewhere in this issue of Watchman, you will find a response from Bill Reeves to the Chairman of the Department of Biblical Studies at Florida College on the latest controversy surrounding that institution and the tolerance position it has taken on the teaching of false doctrine in that Department. I commend brother Reeves for his stand for truth. In an earlier letter to the President, brother Reeves had this to say, “All eight of my children graduated from FC (and now, two of my grandchildren). If I had a ninth child, as matters stand today, as I write, I would not be of a mind to send him to FC, for the simple reason that the policy and attraction of FC for the first eight would not be there for the ninth!”
What is a father to do?
My daughter is scheduled to enroll this month for her second year at Florida College. She is an honor roll student attending FC on an academic scholarship, which covers some but certainly not nearly all of her costs. I have wrestled long and hard for the past several months over whether or not I could in all good conscience send her back to Florida College knowing what I know about the current controversy and the Administration’s failure to deal with the problem at hand. My real tendency is to do as brother Reeves suggested and not send her there. Were it not for her Christian maturity and full awareness of the situation extant, there would be no question about her plans to return. She would not go. Continue reading » Associate Editorial: An FC Father Speaks Up
By Fain, Larry, on July 1st, 2000
(Questions at the end of each lesson are borrowed from Jeff Asher)
Lesson 1
The Parables of the Lost Ones
I. Introduction
A. Read Text – ALWAYS Read the Text FROM THE BIBLE
- Luke 15: 1-7; Parable of the Lost Sheep
- Luke 15:8-10; Parable of the Lost Coin
- Luke 15:11-32; Parable of the Prodigal Son
B. Memory Verse – Luke 15:6 – “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.”
C. Other BIBLE readings – Psalm 23; 1 Samuel 17:32-37; Isaiah 40:11; 2 Corinthians 7:6-12; John 3:16-21; Romans 5:1-12; 1 Peter 1:12; Matthew 18:10; Matthew 3:1-12; James 4:1-10
D. Retell each Parable in your own words Continue reading » Associate Editorial: Five Outlines on the Parables from a Recent Vacation Bible School
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