05 17 09 Common Sense Questions

COMMON SENSE QUESTIONS A “CHURCH OF CHRIST” PREACHER CANNOT CLEARLY ANSWER

BY DAVID MARTIN – SOLID ROCK BAPTIST CHURCH



The religious sect known as the "Church of Christ" has many peculiar and aberrant doctrines that are contrary to the word of God. It is a most deceptive and dangerous cult. Their teaching of baptismal regeneration is an age-old heresy that has damned millions to hell, and is still doing so today. The idea that they are the one, true and restored church of Jesus Christ puts them in the same league with the Mormon and Roman Catholic churches.




But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I

worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law

and in the Prophets. (Acts 24:14)




But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a cult, so I

worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law

and in the Prophets.



If you are a member of this "church" or have been influenced by its teachings, we challenge you to ask your preacher the questions that follow, then get your King James Bible out, open it up, and ask the Holy Spirit to show you the TRUTH (John 16:13). If you have never been saved in the Bible sense, for heaven's sake, do not mistake being "washed in the baptistry of the church" for being washed in the blood of Christ.



If you ask one of these "preachers" any of the questions in this tract, you won't get a straight answer due to their "screwball" theology. You'll have them in "hot water," "swimming in circles," trying to explain their heretical positions. They'll be "hopping all over the pond" because they can't stay too long in one spot without sinking in the mire of their false doctrines.



Don't YOU wind up being baptized in the "Lake of Fire" by accepting a "waterworks" based plan of salvation and rejecting salvation by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ. (Matt. 3:11; Rev. 20:15; Eph. 2:8,9; Rom. 5:9; Rom. 11:6).



According to the history of the "Church of Christ," God used certain men to "restore" the New Testament Church in the early 1800's. Where was the true New Testament church before then? Jesus said that the gates of hell would not prevail against His church (Matthew 16:18). What happened to the church and where was the truth it was responsible for preaching before God restored it?

QUESTION #1.

QUESTION #1 - ANSWER

PAUL FORETOLD A GREAT APOSTASY.

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

1 Timothy 4:1-3.

Roman Catholicism


• From 300 – 1800 A.D. the church of Christ faded from the world- stage because of this great apostasy.

• Did it cease to exist? No!

• There may have been small faithful congregations that were not influential enough to be noticed on a world-wide scale.


However, even if there were no faithful congregations, the church still existed.

In Seed form.

“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

Luke 8:11.


However, even if there were no faithful congregations, the church still existed.

In Seed form.

“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

Luke 8:11.

As long as the seed existed, the kingdom existed!



If a "Church of Christ" elder refuses to baptize me, will I be lost until I can find one who will? Do I need Jesus AND a Campebllite "preacher" in order to be saved? If I do, then Jesus Christ is not the only Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5) and the Holy Spirit is not the only Administrator (1 Cor. 12:13) of salvation - the "Church of Christ" preacher is necessary to salvation for he is performing a saving act on me when he baptizes me! Is this not blasphemy against Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost?

QUESTION #2.


• We have never taught that an elder or preacher must do the baptizing.

• The person performing the baptism is immaterial as long as the one being baptized has been taught correctly and is doing it for the right reason.

• The person performing the baptism wouldn’t even necessarily have to be a Christian.

• Mr. Martin has leveled a false charge against the church!



The "Church of Christ" teaches that a sinner is forgiven of sin when he is baptized in water by a Campbellite elder. Where does the Bible teach that water baptism is required in order to have one's sins forgiven? Every time the phrase "for the remission of sins" occurs it is speaking of the fact that sins have been forgiven previously! The Bible plainly teaches that the forgiveness of sins is conditioned upon repentance of sin and faith in Christ - never upon water baptism!

QUESTION #11.



(Matthew 3:11; Luke 24:47; Acts 3:19; Acts 5:31; Acts 10:43; Acts 20:21; Romans 1:16; Romans 4:5; et.al.) Where does the Bible teach that forgiveness of sin is linked with water baptism? When Christ made the statement in Matthew 26:28, "for the remission of sins," it had to be because they had been forgiven all through the Old Testament! Christ shed His blood because God forgave repentant and believing sinners for thousands of years before the Son of God came to "take away" sins and to redeem us and pay the sin-debt with His own precious blood.

QUESTION #11.



How can one say that "for the remission of sins" means 'in order to obtain' in light of the fact that God never uses the phrase in that sense? In the Old Testament God forgave sin on the basis of a blood sacrifice (Heb. 9:22) - the Old Testament saints had their sins remitted (i.e., forgiven) but they were not redeemed until Christ came and shed His blood at Calvary. Their sins were covered (Romans 4:7; Psalm 32:1), but the sinner was not cleared of his guilt (Exodus 34:7) until the Cross (Heb.10:4).

QUESTION #11.



Before Calvary, the sins of believers were pardoned, but they were not paid for (i.e., redeemed) until the crucifixion (see Romans 3:25 and Heb. 9:12-15). When Jesus said, "It is finished," (John 19:30), all sin - past, present and future - was paid for, and the plan of salvation was completed, so that 'whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins' (Acts 10:43).

QUESTION #11.



In Acts 2:38, the people were baptized because their sins were forgiven (at Calvary when Jesus said, "Father, forgive them,") and they received the blessing of forgiveness when they repented of their sin of rejecting Christ and accepted Him as their Saviour and Lord. Friend, heaven or hell depends on what you believe about this.

QUESTION #11.


Martin asks, “Where does the Bible teach that water baptism is required in order to have one's sins forgiven?”

And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’

Acts 22:16.



He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

Mark 16:16.



There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ

1 Peter 3:21.



Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:38.


• He says, “The Bible plainly teaches that the forgiveness of sins is conditioned upon repentance of sin and faith in Christ - never upon water baptism! “

• Martin runs hither and yon to try to try to get around Acts 2:38.

• He says that Jesus’ statement in Matthew 26:28 where He said, “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Means that Jesus died because people’s sins were already remitted.

False



• Notice once again, Acts 2:38.

False


Acts 2:38.




• If according to Martin’s doctrine, one is baptized “because of” the remission of sins; it must also be true that one repents “because of” the remission of sins.

False




• If according to Martin’s doctrine, one is baptized “because of” the remission of sins; it must also be true that one repents “because of” the remission of sins.

• In his twisting of the meaning of Acts 2:38, He has contradicted his own doctrine!

False


What we have is a classic case of one twisting the Scriptures to their own destruction.

As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.

2 Peter 3:16.



If salvation is not by works of righteousness which we have done, and baptism is a work of "righteousness," then how can water baptism be a part of salvation? (Titus 3:5; Matt. 3:16) In the Bible, we are SAVED BY GRACE, and grace does not involve human effort or merit - grace is grace and work is work! (Just read Ephesians 2:8,9 and Romans 11:6.)

QUESTION #12.


He says; “In the Bible, we are SAVED BY GRACE, and grace does not involve human effort or merit - grace is grace and work is work!”

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9.



Grace is the unmerited favor of God. It cannot be earned by works of merit.

However, human effort is required to accept the gift!

Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord (Gen. 6:8) but his salvation took effort on his part.

In meeting the conditions of salvation, we are not saying that God owes us salvation but that we are accepting the gift offered.



Work is required!

Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”

John 6:29.

Belief



Work is required!

Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.

Luke 3:8.

Repentance



Work is required!

That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans

10:9-10.

Confession



Work is required!

These are not works of merit. Nevertheless, they are required to accept the gift offered by God.



Work is required!Baptism is NOT a work!!!!!!

I do absolutely nothing when I am baptized.

The Greek word for “baptize” is always passive.

Baptism is something that I allow to be done to me. No effort is required on my part!



Work is required!Baptism is NOT a work!!!!!!

Baptism is the answer of a good conscience toward God.



If the water pipes broke and the baptistry was bone dry, would my salvation have to wait until the plumber showed up? If I were to die before then, would I go to hell? If obedience to water baptism is the means of forgiveness of sins, then I would.

QUESTION #3.


• Let us answer Martin’s question with one of our own...

• On his website, Martin includes the “Sinner’s Prayer” as part of God’s plan to save man.

http://www.solidrockbaptist.net/salvation-plan.htm

• What if a person had every intention of saying the Sinner’s Prayer but had a heart attack and died the instant before they said it. Would they be lost?

• What if they died the instant before they believed or repented?


• Martin faces the same problem he is trying to put on us.

• It boils down to this; Is intent enough?

• Let’s do ourselves a favor and leave that one up to the Righteous Judge.



Once Saved – Always Saved

Is it possible for me to lose my salvation?

I can’t “lose” it but I can “give it up.”

PASSAGES THAT SHOW THAT I CAN “GIVE UP” MY SALVATION.

For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”

2 Peter 2:20-22.



2 Peter 2:20-22.



2 Peter 2:20-22.



2 Peter 2:20-22.


For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

Hebrews 6:4-6.



Hebrews 6:4-6.



Hebrews 6:4-6.



Hebrews 6:4-6.



Hebrews 6:4-6.



Hebrews 6:4-6.


Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.

2 Corinthians 13:5.


Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.

2 Corinthians 13:5.


But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

1 Corinthians 9:27.


But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

1 Corinthians 9:27.


Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:1-2.











It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife! 2 And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3 For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.


Verse 11 – this was a brother











If my past sins are forgiven when I am baptized in water, and it is possible for me to "lose my salvation" and go to hell after being baptized, then wouldn't my best chance of going to heaven be to drown in the baptistry?!! - before I had a chance to sin so as to be lost again? If I wanted to be absolutely sure of heaven, isn't that my best opportunity?

QUESTION #4.

QUESTION #4 - ANSWERA person who died immediately after baptism would be assured of heaven.

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:5-11.

We too can be assured of heaven!



2 Peter 1:5-11.




2 Peter 1:5-11.




2 Peter 1:5-11.




If as a Christian I can sin so as to "lose my salvation," just what sin or sins will place me in such danger? Is it possible to know at what point one has committed such a sin, and become lost again? Please be specific and give clear Bible references.

QUESTION #5.

QUESTION #5 - ANSWERIf as a Christian I can sin so as to "lose my salvation," just what sin or sins will

place me in such danger?

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:7-9.

Any sin of which I will not repent.

QUESTION #5 - ANSWERIf as a Christian I can sin so as to "lose my salvation," just what sin or sins will

place me in such danger?


1 John 1:7-9.

Any sin of which I will not repent.

The one who will not repent has ceased walking in the light.

QUESTION #5 - ANSWERIs it possible to know at what point one has committed such a sin, and become

lost again?


1 John 1:7-9.

Yes! When I have sinned and do not repent of that sin.



If as a Christian I can fall and "lose my salvation," is it possible to regain it? If so, how? If God "takes away" my salvation, doesn't that make Him an "Indian giver"? How could I ever know for sure that I was saved or lost?

QUESTION #6.

QUESTION #6 - ANSWERIf as a Christian I can fall and "lose my salvation," is it possible to regain it?

Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.

Acts 8:22.

Yes! Repent and ask for forgiveness.

QUESTION #6 - ANSWERHow could I ever know for sure that I was saved or lost?

Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;

2 Peter 1:10.



After becoming a Christian, are there any sins that will put me beyond the "point of no return" so that I cannot regain salvation? What sin or sins will put me in such jeopardy, so that, after becoming a Christian, I would be doomed to hell without any recourse? Please be specific and give me clear Bible references.

QUESTION #7.

QUESTION #7 - ANSWERAfter becoming a Christian, are there any sins that will put me beyond the "point

of no return" so that I cannot regain salvation?


1 John 1:7-9.

QUESTION #7 - ANSWERAfter becoming a Christian, are there any sins that will put me beyond the "point

of no return" so that I cannot regain salvation?

No. No matter what sin I commit, if I repent, I will be forgiven.


1 John 1:7-9.

QUESTION #7 - ANSWERWhat sin or sins will put me in such jeopardy, so that, after becoming a Christian,

I would be doomed to hell without any recourse?

Again, any sin of which I will not repent.


1 John 1:7-9.



If I committed some sin -whether in thought, word, or deed, one minute before a fatal car crash - would I go to hell if I did not have time to repent of it? And, please, don't just say that it's up to God without giving me a specific Bible reference.

QUESTION #8.


No time to repent.


1 John 1:7-9.

• Christians who are walking in the light still sin.• God knows who are His. He knows whether or not the Christian would

have repented given sufficient time.



2 Peter 2:20-22.

What causes a Christian to be lost is being overcome with sin and to turn from the gospel.



The "Church of Christ" teaches that "obeying the Gospel" includes being baptized in water in order to be saved. If this is true, then how is it that the converts of Acts 10 were saved by faith before and without water baptism? The Bible says in Acts 5:32 that only those who obey God may receive the Holy Ghost - so what did those in Acts 10 do to obey and receive the Holy Ghost and be saved?

QUESTION #13.



In the light of Acts 10:34-48, Acts 11:14-18, and Acts 15:7-11, how can anyone honestly believe that water baptism is necessary to salvation? Simon Peter said their hearts were "purified by faith" (Acts 15:9) and that we are saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ like they were (Acts 15:11); that is, before and without water baptism! We know that unsaved people do not receive or have the Holy Spirit (John 14:17; Romans 8:9).

QUESTION #13.



We know that the Holy Spirit is given only to those who have believed on Christ (John 7:39). We know that the Holy Spirit seals the believing sinner the moment he puts his faith and trust in Christ as Savior, before he is ever baptized in water (Ephesians 1:12,13). How does the warped theology of Campbellism explain away these clear passages of Scripture without "muddying the waters" of truth and drowning its members in eternal damnation?

QUESTION #13.

QUESTION #13 - ANSWERIn the light of Acts 10:34-48, Acts 11:14-18, and Acts 15:7-11, how can anyone

honestly believe that water baptism is necessary to salvation?


Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. 36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached:

Acts 10:34-48.

In the light of Acts 10:34-48, Acts 11:14-18, and Acts 15:7-11, how can anyone honestly believe that water baptism is necessary to salvation?


38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. 40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. ”

Acts 10:34-48.



42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins. 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.

Acts 10:34-48.



46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

Acts 10:34-48.



Who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’ 15

And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. 16 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.’ 17 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?” 18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”

Acts 11:14-18.



And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”

Acts 15:7-11.



Acts 10:3-6.

THE HOUSEHOLD OF CORNELIUS – 3 MIRACLES1. The angel’s appearance to Cornelius.

About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!”4 And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?” So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. 6 He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.”


2 Corinthians 4:7.

THE HOUSEHOLD OF CORNELIUS – 3 MIRACLES1. The angel’s appearance to Cornelius.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

PURPOSE OF MIRACLE # 1

To tell Cornelius where to find an earthen vessel.


Acts 10:9-16.

THE HOUSEHOLD OF CORNELIUS – 3 MIRACLES1. The angel’s appearance to Cornelius.2. Peter’s Vision.

The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. 10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance 11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth.


Acts 10:9-16.


12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” 15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.


Acts 10:9-16.


12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” 15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.

PURPOSE OF MIRACLE # 2To convince Peter that God would

accept the Gentiles.


Acts 10:44.

THE HOUSEHOLD OF CORNELIUS – 3 MIRACLES1. The angel’s appearance to Cornelius.2. Peter’s Vision.3. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.


Acts 10:44.

THE HOUSEHOLD OF CORNELIUS – 3 MIRACLES1. The angel’s appearance to Cornelius.2. Peter’s Vision.3. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.


????

QUESTION #13 - ANSWERTHE HOUSEHOLD OF CORNELIUS – 3 MIRACLES

1. The angel’s appearance to Cornelius.2. Peter’s Vision.3. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Was it to show that Cornelius and his household were saved?

Was it some other reason?


????

QUESTION #13 - ANSWERDID HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM INDICATE THAT

CORNELIUS WAS SAVED?

THAT WHICH PROVES TOO MUCH PROVES NOTHING!

MARTIN SAYS THAT HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM INDICATED THAT CORNELIUS WAS SAVED BEFORE WATER BAPTISM.

IF THAT IS THE CASE, THEN HE WAS SAVED BEFORE FAITH AS WELL!



NOTICE...

Acts 10:44.While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.

And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning.

Acts 11:15.



NOW, IF FAITH COMES BY HEARING... ROMANS 10:17

AND PETER HAD JUST BEGUN HIS SERMON WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT FELL ON THEM...

THEN THEY DID NOT YET HAVE FAITH WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT FELL ON THEM

CONSEQUENTLY, MARTIN HAS THESE PEOPLE BEING SAVED BEFORE FAITH!

THAT WHICH PROVES TOO MUCH PROVES NOTHING!

QUESTION #13 - ANSWERWHAT WAS THE PURPOSE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

BAPTSIM IN ACTS 10?

WHAT DID PETER THINK IT’S PURPOSE WAS?

“Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

Acts 10:47-48.


BAPTSIM IN ACTS 10?


“Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

Acts 10:47-48.

SHOWED THAT THE GENTILES COULD BE CHRISTIANS TOO!


BAPTSIM IN ACTS 10?


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?”

Acts 11:17.


BAPTSIM IN ACTS 10?


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?”

Acts 11:17.



BAPTSIM IN ACTS 10?


So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

Acts 15:8-9.


BAPTSIM IN ACTS 10?


So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

Acts 15:8-9.


QUESTION #13 - ANSWERMartin says, “Simon Peter said their hearts were "purified by faith" (Acts 15:9) and that we are saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ like they were (Acts 15:11); that is, before and without water baptism!


Acts 15:7-11.



Acts 15:7-11.


Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart

1 Peter 1:22.

NOT BY FAITH ONLY!ALSO NEED OBEDIENCE!


But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

James 2:20.

NOT BY FAITH ONLY!FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD!



Acts 15:7-11.



Acts 2:38.

SAVED IN THE SAME MANNER...HOW IS ONE SAVED, PETER?


He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

Mark 16:16.

SAVED IN THE SAME MANNER...HOW IS ONE SAVED, JESUS?



Acts 15:7-11.



Acts 15:7-11.



Acts 15:7-11.

Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.

Acts 10:34.

QUESTION #13 - ANSWERMartin says, We know that unsaved people do not receive or have the Holy Spirit (John 14:17; Romans 8:9).


“If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

John 14:15-18.



John 14:15-18.

This passage is not dealing with Holy Spirit baptism.



John 14:15-18.

Furthermore, in verse 17, when it says, “...whom the world cannot receive...”

“receive” = lambano: “to take with the hand, to take in order to carry away, to take away.”



John 14:15-18.

Means that that the world could not “take away” the Holy Spirit.

Jesus was not going to leave them alone.


But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

Romans 8:9.


But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

Romans 8:9.

Again, not dealing with Holy Spirit baptism.

This deals with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit after conversion.

These are two different things!


NOWHERE IS HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM LINKED WITH SALVATION



If the "Church of Christ" claims to worship God only as "authorized" by scripture because they sing only (and do not use instrumental music), then where do they get the "authority" to use hymnals, pitchpipes, pews, and indoor baptistries in their worship services? If the answer is that they are "aids to worship," where does the Bible allow for that? Where is your required authorization? If a pitchpipe can be an "aid to worship" for the song service in the "Church of Christ," then why can't a piano be an "aid to worship" for Baptists who may need more help in singing?

QUESTION #10.

QUESTION #10 - ANSWERMartin says, “If the "Church of Christ" claims to worship God only as "authorized" by scripture...”

THIS IS A QUESTION ABOUTAUTHORITY

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Colossians 3:17.



And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Colossians 3:17.

AUTHORITY



And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

Matthew 28:18.


3 WAYS IN WHICH GOD AUTHORIZES...

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Matthew 28:19-20.

1. DIRECT COMMAND / STATEMENT.



And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord

Ephesians 5:18-19.

1. DIRECT COMMAND / STATEMENT.



Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.

Acts 20:7.

1. DIRECT COMMAND / STATEMENT.2. APPROVED EXAMPLE.



Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.


1. DIRECT COMMAND / STATEMENT.2. APPROVED EXAMPLE.3. NECESSARY INFERENCE.

Met on the first day of each week.



1. DIRECT COMMAND / STATEMENT.2. APPROVED EXAMPLE.3. NECESSARY INFERENCE.

Met on the first day of each week.Met to take Lord’s Supper.Must meet to take Lord’s Supper on the first day of every week.

Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.

1 Corinthians 11:33.


THERE ARE 2 KINDS OF AUTHORITY

SPECIFIC&

GENERIC



SPECIFIC

GENERIC

authorizes only the doing of the thing that is specified.

authorizes everything within the general area named.



SPECIFIC

An everyday example...

• A doctor writes a prescription for a pharmacist to dispense a specific brand of drug.

• The pharmacist has only been given authority to dispense that one specific brand of drug.

• No other brands are authorized.• This is specific authority.• It is both inclusive and exclusive.



GENERIC

An everyday example...

• Suppose that the doctor writes a prescription for a generic drug.

• This would then authorize the pharmacist to dispense any of a number of different brands.

• This is an example of Generic Authority.



SPECIFIC GENERIC

A Biblical Example...

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

Mark 16:15.



SPECIFIC GENERIC



Mark 16:15.

Generic...Walk, ride, fly...



SPECIFIC GENERIC



Mark 16:15.

Generic...Fishers of Men,

Searching for Truth DVD...



SPECIFIC GENERIC



Mark 16:15.

Specific...May not teach anything

else.



SPECIFIC GENERIC



Matthew 28:19-20.



SPECIFIC GENERIC



Matthew 28:19-20.

Generic...



SPECIFIC GENERIC



Matthew 28:19-20.

Specific & Generic...Specific = immerse, not sprinkle or pour.



SPECIFIC GENERIC



Matthew 28:19-20.

Specific & Generic...Generic = baptistery,

river, pool, etc.



SPECIFIC GENERIC



Matthew 28:19-20.

Generic...



SPECIFIC GENERIC



Matthew 28:19-20.

Specific...



An everyday example – Coordinate & Subordinate

Back to our pharmacist...• The various brands of the prescribed drug are coordinates, or of equal

rank or value.• The prescription only authorizes one specific brand and therefore,

excludes all other coordinates.




Back to our pharmacist...• However... The pharmacist may put the medicine in a bottle.• He may put the bottle in a bag.• He may even have someone deliver the medicine.• He can lawfully do these things. Why?




Back to our pharmacist...• Because these things are incidental to carrying out the instructions in the

prescription.• The bottle and bag are not coordinates (equal, of same nature) of the

prescribed drug.• They are subordinate, or expedients, or incidentals.

QUESTION #10 - ANSWERMartin says, “...where do they get the "authority" to use hymnals, pitchpipes, pews, and indoor baptistries in their worship services?”

FIRST – WHAT HAS GOD AUTHORIZED IN REGARD TO MUSIC???

And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord

Ephesians 5:18-19.



And that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: “For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name.”

Romans 15:9.



What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.

1 Corinthians 14:15.



SINGING!


WHAT ABOUT PITCH-PIPES AND HYMNALS?

They are expedients or incidentals! They are like the bottle and bag for the pharmacist.

Playing a note on a pitch-pipe before we sing is not music.

Pitch-pipes and hymnals merely help us to obey the command to sing!

Music – the art or science of combining vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) to

produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion.

QUESTION #10 - ANSWERMartin says, “If a pitchpipe can be an "aid to worship" for the song service in the "Church of Christ," then why can't a piano be an "aid to worship" for Baptists who may need more help in singing?”

CAN A PIANO OR OTHER INSTRUMENT BE USED?

The playing of an instrument is another form of music. It is equivalent to a different brand of drug from a pharmacist.

When God authorized singing, He excluded all other forms of music!

Therefore, playing a piano or any other instrument is unauthorized!

Music – the art or science of combining vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) to

produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion.

QUESTION #10 - ANSWERMartin says, “...then where do they get the "authority" to use hymnals, pitchpipes, pews, and indoor baptistries in their worship services? ”

AUTHORITY FOR A BAPTISTRY?

WE ARE COMMANDED TO BAPTIZE.Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Matthew 28:19-20.


AUTHORITY FOR A BAPTISTRY?

WE ARE COMMANDED TO BAPTIZE.

A BAPTISTRY IS AN EXPEDIENT.


AUTHORITY FOR PEWS?

WE ARE COMMANDED TO ASSEMBLE.

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.

Hebrews 10:25.


AUTHORITY FOR PEWS?

WE ARE COMMANDED TO ASSEMBLE.

PEWS ARE AN EXPEDIENT.WE NEED SOMEWHERE TO SIT!



Why does the "Church of Christ" insist that their name is scriptural when it cannot be found anywhere in the Bible? The church is referred to as the "church of God" eight (8) times in the Bible, but never is it called the "church of Christ." The verse they use is Romans 16:16, but it doesn't say "church of Christ." Where does the Bible call the church the "church of Christ"?

QUESTION #9.


Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.

Romans 16:16.

“CHURCH OF GOD” IS A SCRIPTURAL NAME.

“CHURCH OF CHRIST” IS A SCRIPTURAL NAME.

BAPTIST???

Spiritual

05 17 09 Common Sense Questions