Comments for One True Church

Comment on Upon this Rock by C Fry

C Fry — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:33:12 +0000

Interesting perspective on Matt 16:18, the rock. I agree with the significance of the apostles, their role and authority, and that they are described in the verses cited as foundational to the church. Good points overall. I have though considered the reference to the rock in Matt 16:18 to point to Jesus himself, the foundational truth that he is Christ and Son of God. The same word for “rock” (petra, a large stone) is used in regard to building on a rock in Matt 7:24-25 and of great rocks that split in an earthquake (Matt 27:51, similarly in Rev 6:15-16) and in reference to the large rock from which a tomb was cut (Matt 27:60). The same word is also used in reference to Jesus specifically in Rom 9:33, 1 Pet 2:8 and 1 Cor 10:4. Then too, while the metaphor of a foundation is applied to the apostles as you mentioned in the article, even there in Ephesians 2:20 it is Jesus who is the “chief cornerstone” (as also in 1 Pet 2:6-7). Paul calls Jesus the one and only foundation on which God’s workers build in 1 Cor 3:10-11. It seems likely to me that the singular “rock” to which Jesus referred in Matt 16:18 as that on which the church would be built is his own identity as Christ and Son of God.

Comment on Disciples of Christ 2: Called by Kyle

Kyle — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 05:24:51 +0000

@Tom Woody Perfect quote, Tom. I thought of that before I started writing. John 5:43 is one of the saddest ironies, I think, that Jesus ever pointed out to the Jews.

Comment on A Shared Ministry: The New Testament Pattern by Wade

Wade — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:13:02 +0000

@Mary Hi Mary, we're glad you visited the site. To be sure, a congregation which meets in a home does have certain advantages. With the right attitude, a more intimate setting can promote more individual contributions. However, larger groups can practice mutual ministry if they so desire. Please come back. We like to talk about the Bible.

Comment on A Shared Ministry: The New Testament Pattern by Mary

Mary — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:14:11 +0000

Thank-you, this was well presented and very thought provoking.

It seems to me that a home church or perhaps a non-501C3 church would be more likely to worship in the more scripturally consistent model as you have described from the New Testament.

I look forward to sharing your video with my family.

Comment on Before the Foundation of the World by Joshua

Joshua — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:10:04 +0000

Consider also, if you will, Acts 10:44-45, where we see that while Peter was still speaking the Holy Spirit fell upon Cornelius’s household, and they began speaking in tongues. What is important to notice is who was astonished at this, and why they were astonished. “Those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.” They recognized the significance of this event. This indicated to them that God accepted Gentiles into the kingdom, as co-heirs with Christ, just as He had accepted the circumcision before. It was not about Cornelius’ household. It had to do with Gentiles as a whole. Acts 11:15-18, “’And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?’ When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, ‘Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance of life.’”
In my studying, I have not found a third example of tongues falling on a group or an individual as in the case of the Apostles in Acts 2 and Cornelius in Acts 10. If you know of one, please correct me. The purpose was to show God’s acceptance of both Jew and Gentile, in like manner, into the kingdom of God. No other example is given, because the Spirit no longer baptizes us in this manner. He doesn’t have to. It is understood by all now that God will give His Spirit to all men who believe, both Jew and Gentile.

Comment on Before the Foundation of the World by Joshua

Joshua — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:01:37 +0000

Thank you, D. Hall, for your comment. I appreciate your thoughts on John 3:5, as it is an important Biblical concept that must be understood in the context of the passage. Nicodemus came to Jesus expressing a belief that Jesus came from God (v2), and Jesus expresses to him that this belief was not in itself sufficient to see the kingdom of God. “unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (v3) This certainly confused Nicodemus, as it probably would any of us at first read, because he could not figure out how one is born again, when in the flesh one is already born (v4). Therefore, Jesus explains this new birth into the kingdom is not a birth of the flesh, but rather a spiritual birth. “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” As you say, there are two facets to this instruction. “born of water and the Spirit…” In the context of the passage, we see that this is to distinguish this from fleshly birth. Jesus is giving us a picture of how we become children in the kingdom of God. It is not just that we are immersed, but that we also live by the Spirit. The Spirit indicates the life that is in us. It is both a physical act of submission in a watery grave, and also a complete change in our nature. We are now children of God, and our mind is set on spiritual matters. Our DNA, spiritually speaking, is the DNA of our Father. His Spirit is within us, and we act in ways that exemplify who He is. Romans 8:1-17 explain this concept in great detail. I encourage you to deeply consider them in light of the idea of receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit (as is promised through baptism in Acts 2:38). If we have the Spirit of God dwelling in us, we have life. Our fleshly mind, which considers the affairs of this world, is done away with, that we might consider the spiritual. “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God…” (v15-16)

Comment on Before the Foundation of the World by D. Hall

D. Hall — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:05:49 +0000

There is much truth in your article “Before the foundation of the world.” I must agree with the scriptures which says, “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love” (Ephesians 1:4). God chose people in him before the world was ever created.

God’s original plan for man was that he would never die, but because of sin, man is appointed to die. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die,but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). God actually has no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 33: 11) but “precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints” (Psalms 116:15).

I again agree with you that we are saved through water baptism, yet we must include Spirit baptism also. “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body” (1 Corinthians 12: 13).

Being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues is the true Bible way of receiving salvation (Acts 2:4, Acts 2:38).

Many people today try to deny the gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues,they will quote 1 Corinthians 12: 30 “do all speak with tongues.” This scripture is speaking of the gifts of tongues, which is a gift given to some, but not all born again believers, whereas the “initial evidence” of speaking in other tongues is manifested in every person who receives the Holy Ghost. It is the same with faith, all believers have a measure of faith, but not all believers have the gift of faith. The “gift” of faith is only manifested when a special work or healing needs to be fulfilled.

The true apostles’ doctrine does not eliminate the Spirit baptism. It is just as important as being water baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.

Comment on “Not of Works” vs “Justified by Works” by Wade

Wade — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:10:26 +0000

@Maureen Adams Thanks for your comment Maureen. I'm not sure where we disagree. After discussing various types of works that do not justify, I acknowledge God's pleasure in works of faith. I agree wholeheartedly with your post and will only add one comment: works performed by faith please God only because of Christ's sacrifice. The cross enables us to please God with our faithful deeds by removing the debt of our sins. Without this grace, we could never please Him no matter how many good things we might do. If there is some particular point in the video I can clarify further, please let me know. Thanks for your interest in the truth!

Comment on “Not of Works” vs “Justified by Works” by Maureen Adams

Maureen Adams — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:34:30 +0000

We are justified by faith and deeds. Not idle works like circumcision, hand washing etc. nor the sinful works. I think you err when you say our good works would somehow indebt God to us. Our debt to him is so great no amout of works can make up for but I think it pleases him if we try. Consider if you deeply offend your wife. You can say you’re sorry or say you’re sorry and send flowers, make breakfast etc. Do the acts wipe out the offense? Of course not. Does she appreciate if you at least make an effort? I hope so.(This is called reparation) Matthew 25:31-46 explains the importance of good works (faith works). Revelation 22:12 says we will be judged according to our deeds. Unfortunately, Martin Luther added the word alone to the scripture 1500 years after it was written. Protestants have downplayed the importance of what we do with our lives and how it can affect our salvation.

Comment on The Pastor by Wade

Wade — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:37:02 +0000

@Richard Wow, it took me a while to get to this! Yes, I do believe the passage cited has some bearing on the Biblical eldership. In OT prophecy, the leaders of Judah (prophets, priests, princes) were represented as shepherds. The corrupt leaders are the recipients of God's condemnation in Jeremiah 23. In Jesus' terminology they were thieves and robbers (see John 10). In the Messianic age God established a pastoral system that would benefit His people when implemented and executed in a scriptural way. In one sense that is what Jeremiah forecasts.