Articles

By: Johnny O. Trail

  The joy that is found in life is not necessarily about a place, status, or standing. Joy is more about a frame of mind that transcends the circumstances in which one finds himself. A case in point might be illustrated by the Apostle Paul.

    When one reads the letter that was written to the church at Philippi, it is important that the readers understands that Paul was writing from a Roman prison. Prisons in the age of Paul and the Apostles were nothing like the jails we are familiar with today. In addition to being locked up inside a structure, prisoners were often chained to their surroundings or to a prison guard. This is reflected in the imprisonment that Paul and Silas were subjected to in Philippi.  Acts 16:23-24 says, “And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.” 

    In Rome, Paul was a political prisoner. “He was imprisoned in Rome, but under lenient surveillance in his own dwelling.” Luke supports this statement in Acts 28:16 when he writes, “Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.”

    Even so, Paul used his time in prison to teach others about Jesus. While it might seem incredible to some, Paul was able to convert members of Caesar’s household while he was in Jail.  Notice Philippians 4: 22. “All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar's household.”

    While some would have bemoaned the fact that they were in jail through no fault of their own, Paul saw it as a blessing and opportunity to share Jesus with others. Philippians 1:12-14 says, “But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”

    One does not think of a prison experience that leads to joy in one’s life. Paul’s joy was not about his circumstances or surroundings. His joy was about his life and liberty in Christ, and the joy that emerged from his interaction with the children of God. Even though Philippians was written while Paul was a political prisoner at Rome, he felt joy and rejoiced over his faithful brethren. What were the sources of Paul’s joy?

    Paul felt joy because of the fellowship he experienced with the Philippian brethren in advancing the gospel of Christ.  Philippians 1:3-5 says, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.” Paul wanted desperately to convert sinners to Jesus, but he rejoiced in the assistance he received from the brethren in those efforts.

    Paul experience joy because the Philippian brethren were growing and maturing in their faith. Philippians 1:25 says, “And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith.” Paul revisited the congregations he helped plant, and he wanted to see theirgrowth in Christ. This produced joy in his life and it should in ours also.

    Paul had joy in his life because the brethren were unified.Notice Philippians 2:2 which says, “Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” The unity that Paul desired among the brethren is reflective of what Jesus prayed about in the gospel of John.  John 17:20-21 says,  "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” Unity brings joy to God and to His faithful people.”

    Paul experienced joy because the Philippian brethren held true to the word of God. He knew that his labor was profitable if they continued to live and abide by the word of God. He says, in Philippians 2:16, “Holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” Discipleship is determined by abiding in the word, and Paul was aware of that fact.  Notice the words of the Savior in John 8:31-32 says, “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." 

    Paul could rejoice because he and his fellow Christians were “in Christ.” Philippians 3:3 says, “For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” Paul was placed into Christ at the point of baptism when his sins were washed away (Acts 22:16). There was no confidence in the flesh for those who attempted to serve God by laboring under the control of the Old Testament Law. In Christ, there is liberty from the Law of Moses and liberty from sin. Christians can rejoice in the freedom provided for those in Christ. 

    Finally, Paul could have joy because he learned to have joy regardless of the outward circumstances of life. Philippians 4:10-12 says, “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” We all would be much better off if we could learn to be content regardless of the setting in which we find ourselves. 

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The Value of One Soul

By: Johnny O. Trail

    Over the last few weeks, two crew members flying an F-15E were shot down over Iranian territory. We watched with uneasiness as one crew member was saved very quickly while the other was extricated with some difficulty.  As we watched the drama unfold, patriotic Americans breathed a collective sigh of relief as the second crew member was rescued.

    Unbelievably, there were people who complained about the amount of money, resources, and manpower that were “wasted” in reclaiming this downed crew member. One source revealed the number of resources that were utilized in the effort. The source says,

Among the assets used were Special Operations Commandos: Navy SEALs and other special operations personnel executed the ground rescue of the airmen.Aircraft and Helicopters: Dozens of U.S. warplanes and helicopters were deployed to the area, including HH-60H Pave Hawk helicopters and HC-130J transport planes.Close Air Support: A-10 Warthog aircraft and MQ-9 Reaper drones provided air cover, with drones reportedly firing on Iranian groups approaching the downed airman.Intelligence and Deception: The CIA played a crucial role in tracking the crew members and conducting a deception campaign to misdirect Iranian forces. Survival Equipment: The airman utilized an emergency beacon for location tracking, although communication was sporadic.Fueling/Refueling: A C-130 was verified refueling helicopters over Iran during the mission. 

In response to those critical of the money and resources that were used to retrieve the downed airman, one asked this rhetorical question, “If it had been your father, brother or other family member, would you really care how much it cost?!”

    Reasonable people tend to understand the value of a human life and work to preserve life as much as is possible. While human life has value, we should understand that the human soul is even more precious than human life. As a matter of fact, there is nothing more valuable. Many passages make this point apparent. One of them is Mark 8:34-37, which says, “When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” 

    Along these same lines of reasoning, Jesus makes one aware of the good shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to retrieve the one wayward sheep. Luke 15:4-7 says,  "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.   And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Per this passage, there is much joy over one person who repents. One might ask, “Were the ninety and nine not enough?” In reality, God is as interested in the “one” as He is in the multitudes.

    Just as people tend to rejoice over things of value that were lost and then found, we should feel even more joy at the restoration of a lost soul.  Luke 15:8-10 says,  "Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!' Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

    If God places that much value on a human soul, we should have the same degree of care too. Part of the great commission is understanding the type of love and compassion that we should have for the valuable soul’s that are lost.  Luke 24:46-48 says, “Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things.”  Our lack of personal evangelism and support of such efforts undermines the true work of evangelism—finding and saving souls that are lost.

    The fact of the business is that we are all part of a universal priesthood tasked with connecting people with God through His Son, Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” For this reason and many others, every lost soul should be a source of extreme concern for the people of God.

    We rejoiced when the downed American airman was rescued. Most reasonable people did not care what the cost was to retrieve this man who was bravely serving his country. Do we feel the same way about the costs involved with missionary work and local evangelism? 

    We asked no questions about the amount of manpower that was required to save the downed pilot with an understanding of how important it was that he did not fall into enemy hands. Do we feel that way about expending the manpower, time, energy and money that is required to keep people from falling into the hands of our archenemy Satan? Hopefully the answers to these rhetorical questions are apparent.

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The Political Climate and the Christian Response

By: Johnny O. Trail

    This is not intended as a political commentary, but it is intended to examine the attitudes that many people seem to have regarding political dialogue and the value of human life. Regardless of our personal or political opinions, all life has value in the eyes of God. Exodus20:13 says, "You shall not murder.” 

    Just recently, a third attempt was made to assassinate our president and many top cabinet officials. While this attempt failed, it underscores the radicalization that we see happening in our nation regarding any discourse that people object to or find offensive. It is time that people understood that objecting to what another person says is not justification for taking a person’s life. This is true of all political parties and of all people in our world.

    One of the reasons Jesus was crucified was because some of the political and religious leaders did not like what He said. John 10:30-33 says, “‘I and My Father are one.’ Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, ‘Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?’ The Jews answered Him, saying, ‘For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.’” While the political and religious people of our age are not Messiahs, they are sometimes persecuted and assassinated for their words.

    Maybe you have reasons for disagreeing with our political leaders that are very valid in nature. It might be that your objections are rooted and grounded in biblical truths. Strong political discourse is the very reason that the First Amendment exists. We are fortunate to live within a country where vibrant disagreement with those in power does not result in torture, beheadings, and capital punishment. This is a freedom that all should take very seriously; especially those who want to communicate about religious differences.

    Just because one does not like a political figure—Democrat, Republican, or Other—it does not give one the right to take that person’s life. Sadly, we have seen too much of this in our nation. From Martin Luther King to Charlie Kirk, people have lost their lives for speaking out—peacefully—in public settings for their political and social views.

    Consequently, this is true even if we find our leaders to be morally objectionable. Jesus and the Apostles lived in one of the most morally corrupt epochs within human history, but they encouraged their auditors to pray for those in power—even in the face of persecutions against the fledgling church of the first century. 

    All life is precious in the sight of God, because all people have soul’s that God wants to redeem. John 3:17 says, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” This includes people with whom we do not agree. 

    Just because a person does not agree with you it does not mean they are your mortal enemy. Maybe they have the best of intentions but are misguided in their conclusion. A good, healthy dialogue might change a person’s mind or even yours. At the least, it might provide a clearer understanding of a person's beliefs and fears. Why have we lost the ability, as a culture, to have reasonable conversations with others? There is a significant amount or rhetoric and hatemongering that shapes our national discourse.

    We should pray for all our political leaders. I have prayed for all people in political power—even those that I did not vote for during their election cycle. This is commanded in God’s word. Notice Paul’s words to Timothy in 1Timothy 2:1-4. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 

    When one is not happy about the circumstances that exist within his government, he needs to pray about the situation instead of seeking to be violent. Elijah was unhappy about the religious and political climate in his age, but his prayer and devotion to God changed things. Notices what is said in James 5:16-18 says,“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.” 

    We pray so that Christians might lead a “quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” If one examines the political systems in many foreign nations, it become evident that a lack of authority and order in government creates a chaotic situation were it is virtually impossible to live in the manner desired by Paul. 

    We pray for those in leadership so that we might be free to teach the word of God to people who are lost(Mark 16:15-16). If the political system of a given nation is corrupt and chaotic in nature, it becomes impossible, if not deadly, to proclaim the truth of God’s word. It is no coincidence that Paul attaches God’s ideal will with government rule. Order in the governance of people provides a climate where Christians can teach the lost about a God who “desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.”

    All Christians need to pray about the political climate that exists in our nation. Whether we agree with those in power or not, we need to pray for them. Hopefully, we can reach a point where political and religious dialogue becomes more amicable in nature and not an excuse to engage in violence against our fellow man. 

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Sodom and Gomorrah Revisited?!

By: Johnny O. Trail

    Some weeks ago, Isreal announced that it would be hosting a LGBTQ+ festival at the Dead Sea. The irony is not lost on people who are students of the Bible.  For those of you who might wonder about the “irony,” many scholars believe that this was the location of the city of Gomorrah. 

    While the exact location is unknown, there is evidence to suggest that it was around the Dead Sea region. One interesting fact supporting this supposition states, “There are five areas around the Dead Sea where sulfur balls can mainly be found… The sulfur balls here are 90-95% pure, unlike other sulfur found in the world which is around 40% pure. They can be lit on fire and burn right before your very eyes.”

    Various sources have written about the LGBTQ+ festival revealing the time and location of the event.  The New York Postsays, 

Israel will host the Middle East’s largest-ever LGBTQ festival in the summer, with organizers planning to build a veritable “Pride City” at the Dead Sea. The new Pride Land festival will transform a section of the Judean Desert into a party destination with 15 hotels and beach complexes, plus parties and performances running around the clock…The festival is slated to start on June 1 and run for four days, serving as the largest such event ever held in the Middle East.

    Evidently, a city will be built from scratch to host the event. Undoubtedly, this celebration will cost the organizers several million dollars to complete and bring to fruition. It is amazing to consider that a new city will be built where one once stood that was destroyed by God for its immoral practices. Genesis 19:24-28 says, “Then the LORD rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the LORD out of the heavens. So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. And Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the LORD. Then he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain; and he saw, and behold, the smoke of the land which went up like the smoke of a furnace.”

    How long will nations flaunt their immorality before the God of Heaven and expect impunity from reaping a harvest of corruption and punishment? It is a complete act of hubris to build a resort town dedicated solely to immorality on the approximate location of a city that was destroyed for the same types of sin. It is amazing that the nation of Israel, composed of people who typically follow the Old Testament, would endorse and promote such an event. While this might not be supported by all of the citizens of Israel, one wonders how the nation arrived at the conclusion that this would be a “good” thing to do?!

    While no person should be mistreated, it becomes evident that God labels the type of immorality being celebrated in the month of June as an “abomination.” The penalty for practicing the lifestyle under the Old Testament law was extremely severe. Leviticus 20:13 says, “If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.”

    Even though the Old Covenant is not in effect, the eternal consequences of practicing the type of immorality that is being celebrated in June (by Israel and the United States) is condemned in scripture and carries eternal consequences. Paul addresses this very thing in Romans 1:24-28; 32. “Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting…who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” 

    God wants all people to turn away from sin (Luke 13:3,5), and be saved by rendering obedience to the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).  2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” Even so, those who continue to live in sin until the point of death will suffer eternal consequences.

    One cannot continually sow the seeds of immorality and not expect to reap a harvest of corruption. This festival in a mockery of God in the judgment of many people. Galatians 6:7-8 says, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”

 While “Pride Month” might be celebrated by nations, cities, and municipalities around the world it is nothing to be proud of in its final examination. Jeremiah 6:15 says, “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed; Nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; At the time I punish them, They shall be cast down," says the LORD.”    

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Acts 5:  Ananias and Sapphira—Lying to God

By: Johnny O. Trail

 

    Immorality was a problem even in the infancy of the church.  By subterfuge, Ananias and Sapphira tried to convince the apostles that they had given all their profits from the sale of the property to the church. Acts 5.1-6 “A man named Ananias, with Sapphira, his wife, sold a piece of property, and brought a part of the proceeds, laying it at the feet of the apostles.  However, he, with his wife’s knowledge had kept back part of the money.  Peter spoke, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit by keeping back part of the sale price of the property?  Before you sold it, was it not yours?  After you sold it, was it not at your disposal?  Why have you contrived this scheme in your heart?  You have not lied to men, but to God.  When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and died.  Great fear came on all who heard about it.  Young men arose, wrapped him, carried him out, and buried him.”  (FHV)

    In doing so, they had lied to the third part of the Godhead himself!  Clearly, God will not tolerate lying or any other form of immorality from his people. Revelation 21:8 says,  “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."  

    In an age when there was a direct interaction with the Holy Spirit, retribution for immorality was swift and severe.  God’s holiness demands our righteousness.  In His presence we, like the prophet Isaiah, need to realize our low estate and how sinfulness separates us from Him (Isaiah 6.5).

    Several things seem to be at work in the decision of Ananias and Sapphira to deceive the Holy Spirit.  Initially, they were motivated by the praise that others had received for doing the same thing. A few verses earlier, Barnabas was mentioned for selling his property and giving it to the church.  It is very dangerous for a Christian to desire the praise of men rather than the praise of God (John 12.42-43) in performing services that should be aimed at glorifying God.

    Next, they were driven by greed.  Giving all the proceeds from the sale seemed too burdensome for them.  Indeed, the love of money is the root of all evil (I Timothy 6.10).  They were not forced to give up their money or lie about the circumstances of the sale. Presumably, they could have retained a portion of the money from the sell and been honest about the situation.

    As we consider the nature of their sin, Satan is identified as the one who inspired Ananias and Sapphira to lie (cf. John 8.44).  Satan is a real being who exerts his influence to bring about the destruction of the human soul.  As the Holy Spirit seems to influence people in this age, it seems that Satan had the ability to inspire people as well. Even though it was Satan who “inspired” the lie, it was ultimately the responsibility of Ananias to do the right thing.  Ananias was held accountable for his mistake in these passages.

​As soon as Ananias died, he was carried out and buried.  This was an expression of divine will and not by some action of Peter.  The climate of Jerusalem and surrounding areas necessitated a quick burial. Some have also speculated that the Jews would have objected to having a dead body around due to fears of defilement from encountering it.  At any rate, his body was removed and buried somewhere in the space of about three hours.

    Sapphira most likely expected a different response than the one she received. Acts 5:7 says, “After about three hours, Sapphira walked in, not knowing what had happened.”  Instead of a sense of excitement from the donation that she and her husband contributed to the congregation, she is examined by Peter regarding the events of the day.

    Peter may have asked her about the cost of the land and the contribution to give her an opportunity to share the truth and change her fate. Acts 5:8 says, “Peter asked her, “Tell me, was the money you gave the full price of the land?’    

    Peter knew what the truth was in this situation—a husband and wife conspired against God to present a falsehood.  Now, she was given a chance to be honest.  A corresponding analogy might be much like a parent who knows the truth about a child’s transgression but gives the child an opportunity to confess the wrong before punishment is determined.

    When Peter cross examined her, she repeated the same lie that had just caused her husband to lose his life.  It is wondered if they had “rehearsed” their responses prior to their arrivals to donate their money to the church.  The text does say that they “agreed together” to lie to the Spirit.

    For their lies, Ananias and Sapphira both fell dead. This underscores the way God views a lie. It is little wonder why such a harsh punishment is meted out when one realizes that one of the major reasons why Jesus was convicted of a crime was because of two men who were willing to swear to an untruth.  Mark 14:55-59 says, “Now the chief priests and all the council sought testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. For many bore false witness against Him, but their testimonies did not agree. Then some rose up and bore false witness against Him, saying, ‘We heard Him say, “I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.” But not even then did their testimony agree.”   

​There are those who would be critical of God in this first case of church discipline.  There could have been more involved than what is revealed in the text.  Even so, God ultimately does what is correct (Genesis 18.25).  Who are we to be critical of the God who will judge of all humanity? We need to be a people of high character and honesty in all our dealings.

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Say “Yes” Like the Crow

By:  Johnny O. Trail

    Several years ago, I started working with the congregation I currently preach for on a regular basis. After I started, I noticed that the auditorium had windows that reached the edge of the ceiling rafters. These windows are an excellent source of sunlight and a place for various birds to perch on the outside of them.

    One Sunday, I noticed that several young people were laughing during my sermons. I sometimes tell a joke during a sermon, but this is not done often as I proclaim the word. Still, almost every Sunday I noticed that these kids would laugh during my sermons. They were not being disruptive, but I could tell something was really tickling the funny bone. 

    In our congregation, the young people tend to sit on the front row together. At the time, one of my sons sat with them, and he was among those laughing during my sermons. As my curiosity overwhelmed me, I asked him about the laughing that had been going on for a few weeks. Come to find out, there was a crow that managed to perch on the outside of the elevated windows every time I preached. When I would make a point in the sermon, the crow would bob its head up and down as if it was saying “yes” to the pertinent points of the presentation. 

    This got me to thinking about the fact that more people need to be saying “yes” to the truthful messages that are proclaimed as they represent God’s word. Instead of saying “yes” to various biblical truths many people are saying “no” by their actions and words.

    We need to say “yes” to what the Bible teaches regarding baptism. It is amazing to see all the arguments that people make against being baptized. It seems that it would be much easier to comply with the Bible’s teaching on the matter, but many in the religious world continue to deny the necessity of baptism for salvation. Instead of being in a state of ignorant denial, people need to follow the simple teachings of scripture on the matter. Baptism forgives sin (Acts 2:38). Baptism washes sin away (Acts 22:16). Baptism saves the one who complies with God’s will (I Peter 3:21). Baptism places one into Christ (Galatians 3:25-26). Baptism was commanded by Jesus (Mark 16:16; Matthew 28:19). We need to say “yes” to the Bible’s commands when they teach baptism for the purposes mentioned. 

    We need to say “yes” to engaging in personal or congregational evangelism. So many members of the Lord’s church believe evangelism is up to the preachers or elders of a given congregation. We are all part of a universal priesthood (I Peter 2:9), and we are expected to fulfill the great commission which was given just before the ascension of Christ. Mark16:15-16 says, “And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” 

    We need to say “yes” to regularly assembling with the church for Bible study and worship. A Christians gets a portion of his encouragement from the Saints that assemble on a regular basis. This means the more one can be with his brethren the greater his encouragement for continued faithfulness. The scope of Hebrews 10:25, in my estimation, is greater than the assembly on Sunday. Hebrews 10:23-25 says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another,and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” The church of the first century seems to have met daily (Acts 2:46).

    We need to say “yes” when we are asked to help with Bible classes and other works within the church. Sometimes this is an anxiety producing request. However, it can be one of the best learning experiences for one approached about teaching in the Bible class program. Since we are tasked with equipping the saints for ministry (Ephesians 4:12), qualified men (James 3:1)should be trained and willing to step up to this opportunity. It is not only an opportunity to help students grow (I Peter 2:2) but to help those teaching also. Hebrews 5:12-14 says, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” 

    We need to say “yes” when we have opportunity to serve others. Since Jesus was a servant to humankind, we should seek to do “good” to all men; especially to those who are Christians. Galatians 6:9-10 says, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” The one who attempts to help others always gets more out of serving other people than they ever expected.

    We need to say “yes” to continued faithfulness (Revelation 2:10). Since Satan is attempting to ensnare Christians and cause them to be lost, we must be continually watchful and maintain our faithfulness towards God. Ephesians 6:10-13 says, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

    When God tells us to do something we need to say “yes” like the crow. Obedience to God is expected of those who would be His disciples. Hebrews 5:8-9 says, “Though He was a Son, yetHe learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” 

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The Necessity of Baptism

By: Johnny O. Trail

    When I examine Bible commentaries, study Bibles, and other writings that seek to exegete scripture, I always turn to passages that mention baptism to see how the commentator treats the Bible regarding the topic. Unless these materials are written by good, faithful members of the Lord’s church, they typically deny the necessity of baptism for the remission of sins and our salvation. 

    Just recently I read a book that says, “While we recognize that Jesus commanded baptism (Matt. 28:19), as did the apostles (Acts 2:38), we should not say that baptism is necessary for salvation.” Sadly, this commentator is not alone in reaching this false conclusion. The statement is self-contradictory upon critical examination. Since Jesus (Mark 16:16) and the Apostles (Acts 2:38) commanded baptism, it is apparent that baptism is essential for one’s salvation.

    Jesus proclaimed that He was the “way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). If the Master commanded baptism (Mark 16:16; Matthew 28:19) prior to His ascension, then we should obey His words. To do otherwise would be to disregard the “way” that leads to eternal life.

    If something was “commanded” by the Son of God, we need to obey Him.  It is contradictory to proclaim that Jesus is our Savior and not be obedient to His commands.  The Hebrew writer makes it plain that Jesus is the originator and architect of salvation to those who are obedient to Him.  Hebrews 5:7 says, “Who, in the days of His [Jesus—JOT] flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” There is not a single passage in scripture that teaches a disobedient person can be saved.

    At least one commentator has attempted to argue that Paul was opposed to baptism just as he was opposed to re-implementation of circumcision. “The apostle Paul would have opposed the idea that baptism is necessary for salvation just as he opposed the similar idea that circumcision was necessary for salvation (see Gal. 5:1-12).” While Paul did in fact stand in opposition to binding circumcision upon those under the New Covenant, it is not a true parallel to his position on baptism. This argument it totally without merit.

    The same Paul makes a connection between faith and baptismin the aforementioned Galatian letter.  Galatians 3:26-27 says, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” We become “sons of God” through faith at the time of our baptism. Therefore, we are not saved by faith alone.

    As a matter of fact, Paul’s opening comments deal with those who would pervert the pure message that he proclaimed to those who converted in Galatia regarding the gospel.  Galatians 1:6-9 says, “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. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.” The gospel is the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (I Corinthians 15:1-4). We obey the gospel when were are baptized (Romans 6:3-4), thus one who argues that Paul was against baptism finds himself among those that Paul proclaimed were “accursed” for perverting the truth. 

    Paul was himself baptized to have his sins washed away (Acts 22:16). If Paul was saved at the point of simple belief, he would have been saved on the Damascus road. There is little doubt that he became a believer at the point of Jesus approaching him in a blinding light (Acts 9:3-5). Paul understood that he was not saved at that juncture, and he understood that he needed to “do” something given his murderous, blasphemous past.  Acts9:6 says, “So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."

    Ananias told Paul what he had to do to be saved. Acts22:16 says, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'” If Paul was saved at the point of belief and prayer, his sins would not have remained.  Instead, the Bible teaches that his sins were “washed away” at the point of baptism—not at the point of faith or prayer.

    Similarly, Paul was not saved by belief alone (Acts 9:3-5) nor prayer. When Ananias finds him, Paul was praying. Acts 9:11says, “So the Lord said to him [Ananias—JOT], "Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.”  Here we have the two required elements of the so-called “sinners’ prayer,” belief and prayer.  Still, we know that Paul’s sins were not forgiven. How do we know this?  Given the order of events (chronology), we know that Paul had his sins washed away at the point of baptism (Acts 22:16).

    The same writer engages in ridiculous double talk when he says, “Baptism, then, is not necessary for salvation. But it is necessary if we are to be obedient to Christ, for he commanded baptism for all who believe in him.” If baptism is necessary for obedience, and we have established per Hebrews 5:7-9 that the obedient are the only ones who are saved, then is stands to reason that obedience to the commandment to be baptized by the Master (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16) is “necessary” for salvation.

    How long will our religious neighbors continue to deny what they Bible clearly teaches regarding the necessity of baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)? We need to examine the Bible and apply what it teaches rather than listening to the doctrines of men.