"One or Any?" - How Many Churches Did Christ Establish? - 29 October AM, 2017

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Go to the Date 10/29/17 and Click on "One or Any"

“I Am a Member of the church of Christ Because it is Scriptural in Name”

“From Ulster Plantation to the Carolina’s with the Gospel!” *

Russell H. McCullough / Archdale church of Christ, 2525 Archdale Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210

www.archdale.org / gospelcall.blogspot.com - Date: 29 October 2017  

Text: Matthew 16.13 - 20

Thesis: The church of Christ is Her Scriptural Name!

Introduction:

Nearly every Monday at Toastmasters I am encouraged to not be so solemn, so stoic, and so serious.  I am told to “lighten it up!” I am told to “laugh more!”  I am told to “be funny!”  I am told to just “be silly!” once in a while.  I want you to know that I am working on it! 

Let’s give it a shot, why don’t we?

Since it’s soon to be Thanksgiving, let’s try some “Pilgrim humor!”

“Why did the Pilgrims pants fall down?  Answer: His belt was around his hat!”

Well…It’s hard for me to be funny, to be humorous, for me to stand her and tell jokes.  Why?  It’s hard because 5 or more times a week I speak for God.  I don’t speak for me.  I don’t speak for the congregation.  I speak, teach, and preach the gospel.  People will go to heaven…or to hell…based upon their acceptance or rejection of the Word of God, the Word that I have been entrusted to preach! 

Today, I will speak on a text that has every atheist, every agnostic, every denominationalist, and MANY members of even the Lord’s church MAD enough to spit nails!

Today, I proclaim to you the most un-popular message in the World today:  But…DO NOT take my word for it!  Read for yourself John 14.6. 

·       The Lord Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to God! 

·       The Lord Jesus Christ is the ONLY truth of God! 

·       The Lord Jesus Christ is the ONLY one who can bring us eternal LIFE!

·       No one else can do ANY of these! 

·       In light of this, the Lord Jesus Christ established but ONE church!

·       When the church of Christ was established on the Day of Pentecost, Jesus got out of the church establishment business. 

·       HE HAS YET TO ESTABLISH CHURCH NUMBER 2!

·       What I say today is not my opinion

·       What I say today is not even my conviction

·       What I say today is not mine in any way, form or fashion

·       What I say today IS 100% Bible

·       Hear the Word of the Lord!

DISCLAIMER; Much of this material is not of my authorship, it is found in chapter six of Leo Brownlow’s book; WHY I AM A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST.

Brother Brownloe says; “The idea that there is nothing in a name is a prevalent and popular doctrine, in keeping with neither Scripture nor reason.”

I There IS Something in a Name!

1.   Genesis 5.2

a.   Adam & Eve

b.   Not Number 1 and Number 2

c.   Not He and She

d.   Not Unit A and Unit B

e.   Adam & Eve!

2.   Genesis 17.5, 15

a.   God changed Abram’s name

b.   God changed Sarai’s name

c.   The names Abraham and Sarah were important to God!

3.   I Corinthians 1

a.   Read I Corinthians 1.13

b.   Paul condemned the first 4 denominations ever recorded!

c.   If there is “nothing in a name,” why did Paul condemn them all?

4.   If there is nothing in a name, why do we bristle when called that hated nick name…whatever that is.

a.   My blood pressure used to go up at Walmart when someone would come up behind me and yell; “EXCUSE ME!”

5.   If there is nothing in a name just refer to your husband as “Judas.”  Just refer to your wife as “Jezebel.”

6.   There IS something in a name!

II What Was the Church Called in the New Testament?

1.   Matthew 16.18 – “My church”

2.   Acts 2.47 and Acts 8.1 – “The church”

3.   Acts 9.2 – “The Way”

4.   I Corinthians 1.2 – “The church of God”

5.   Romans 16.16 – “churches of Christ”

6.   Ephesians 4.12 – “The Body of Christ”

7.   I Timothy 3.15 – “The church of the Living God”

8.   Hebrews 12.23 – “the church of the Firstborn”

9.   These are ALL biblical names for the church of Christ.

III What Were the Members of the Lord’s church Called in the NT?

1.   Acts 20.7 – “Disciples”

2.   I Corinthians 1.2 – “Saints”

3.   Romans 1.7 – “Beloved of God”

4.   I Corinthians 15.6 – “Brethren”

5.   Romans 8.4 – “Sons of God”

6.   I John 3.1 – “Children of God”

7.   Romans 8.17 – “Heirs of God”

8.   I Peter 2.9 – “Royal Priesthood”

9.   Acts 11.26 – “Christians”

IV The Testimony of Charles Spurgeon:

1.   “I say of the Baptist name, let it perish, but let Christ’s Name last forever.  I look forward with pleasure, to the day when there will not be a Baptist living.  I hope they will soon be gone.  I hope the Baptist name will soon perish; but let Christ’s name endure forever.” – Spurgeon Memorial Library, Vol. 1, page 168.

V  The Testimony of Martin Luther:

1.   “I pray you to leave my name alone, and call not yourselves Lutherans, but Christians.  Who is Luther?  My doctrine is not mine.  I have not been crucified for anyone.  St. Paul would not let any call themselves after Paul, nor of Peter, but of Christ.  How then, does it befit me, a miserable bag of dust and ashes, to give my name to the children of God?  Cease, my dear friends, to cling to these party names and distinctions: away with all; and let us call ourselves only Christians after Him from whom our doctrine comes.” – The Life of Luther, by Stork, page 289

CONCLUSION:  

The Meaning of the Text in It’s Theological, Historical & Cultural Context:

No matter what the church is called in the NT, no matter how the people in Her are characterized in the NT, the church of Christ is always a singular entity and never, ever, plural.  Jesus has yet to establish church #2.

The Challenge of the Text for Christians Today: Our challenge is to preach the singular gospel and the singular church is an ever-increasing plural society.

“The Gospel Call” “Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you will receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”

·         My fifth great uncle was Hugh Gaston who was rector at the Ballywillan Presbyterian Church (pictured above left) in County Antrim, Ulster Plantation (Northern Ireland) and wrote the most dangerous book of his time; Gaston’s Collections.  It allowed “the ploughman to know more Bible than his clergyman.”  Hugh fled to South Carolina where he died prematurely of the measles.  He is buried just one hour south of Charlotte in Chester County, S.C. in “Burnt Meeting House Cemetery.”   Uncle Hugh continues to inspire my ministry to this very day.  You can read more about Uncle Hugh here: http://www.ballywillanpci.org/rev-hugh-gaston

Ruins photo courtesy of: ballywillanpci.org.

Are You In or Out of Alignment? - An Exposition of Romans 7.7 - 11

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https://soundcloud.com/archdale-church-of-christ/romans-77-11-night-102917-sermon-voice-171029-1

Link to the sermon via the Soundcloud link above

Have you ever owned a concupiscent automobile?  Before you answer, it is VERY likely you have!  A concupiscent car is simply a car out of alignment, one that pulls hard to either the right or to the left as you drive down the highway.  It is constant and hard work to keep the car going straight because the car is fighting hard to leave the road.

Websters 1828 Dictionary defines CONCUPISCENCE as: "...to covet or lust after, to desire or covet. Lust; unlawful or irregular desire of sexual pleasure. In a more general sense, the coveting of carnal things, or an irregular appetite for worldly good; inclination for unlawful enjoyments."

When we become concupiscent, we are working hard to steer ourselves into the ditch of sin.  We are trying, as the out of alignment car, to run ourselves off the road..

Enjoy the lesson and email your questions to: russellspeaksandwrites@gmail.com

Ezekiel 35 - Will We Choose Disaster Like Edom?

https://soundcloud.com/archdale-church-of-christ/ezekiel-35-30-august-2017-voice-170830

Abounding Grace - An Exposition of Romans 5.18 - 21

When judgement shows up, grace has already been there. - Orpheus Haywood

The Well Spoken Scribe - Mark 12 - 2 July 2017

John the Plunger - A Trailblazer of Faith!

John the Plunger - Questions 

 Lesson 5 – VBS – “Trailblazers of Faith”

Archdale church of Christ – 07.26.17

1.      Ioannes ho Baptistes.  B____________ is a T________________

Greek word.  It literally means to D_________ or to P___________ coming from the manufacturing of D________ clothing.   We are referring to him tonight as “John the P______________.”

2.   His given name was Ionnes bar Zacharia.  Translated, “John son of Zacharias” which means “Jehovah has shown F________” son of “The Lord has R_________________.”

3.   The most important event in all human history is what?  _________________________________________________

4.   Name the 7 most important personalities in all of human history BEFORE this singularly important event:

a.    __________________________________________

b.    __________________________________________

c.     __________________________________________

d.    __________________________________________

e.     ___________________________________________

f.      ___________________________________________

g.    ___________________________________________

5.   VIDEO

6.   Malachi 4: The reason that God did N_____ “smite the earth D___________” was: ______________________

_____________________________________________

7.   Elijah & John are alike how?

Elijah C_____________ the OT and John O________ the new

Elijah D_____________in the cave, John in the P___________

Elijah T_____________ Ahab, John troubled H_____________

Elijah gave his ministry to E____________, John to J_________

Elijah was scorned by J____________, John by H____________

Elijah took meals by C___________, John in the W__________

Elijah was H__________ & wore L______________, John wore   camels H__________ and had a L_____________ girdle

Elijah called for R____________, John called for R___________

Elijah was T_______________ & John was the G____________

Born of women B____________ The K_______________ he proclaimed!

Both appealed ONLY to the W_____ of G_____ and neither appealed to T__________________

John the Plunger - Answers 

 Lesson 5 – VBS – “Trailblazers of Faith”

Archdale church of Christ – 07.26.17

1.      Ioannes ho Baptistes.  BAPTIST is a TRANSLITERATED

Greek word.  (Taking a word from one language and placing it in another with little or no change).  It literally means to DIP or to PLUNGE coming from the manufacturing of DYED clothing.   We are referring to him tonight as “John the PLUNGER.”

2.   His given name was Ionnes bar Zacharia.  Translated, “John son of Zacharias” which means “Jehovah has shown FAVOR” son of “The Lord has REMEMBERED.”

3.   The most important event in all human history is what?  THE DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST.

4.   Name the 7 most important personalities in all of human history BEFORE this singularly important event:

a.    ADAM

b.    NOAH

c.     ABRAHAM

d.    MOSES

e.     DAVID

f.      ELIJAH

g.    JOHN THE PLUNGER

5.   VIDEO

6.   Malachi 4: The reason that God did NOT “smite the earth DOOM” {FROM TEXTUS RECEPTUS} was: ELIJAH CAME BEFORE THE ONE THAT TURNED THE HEARTS OF BOTH THE FATHER AND HIS CHILDREN BACK TO EACH OTHER ON PENTECOST IN RECONCILIATION THROUGH THE DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION OF THE KING OF KINGS.

7.   Elijah & John are alike how?

Elijah CLOSED the OT and John OPENED the new

Elijah DOUBTED in the cave, John in the PRISON

Elijah TROUBLED Ahab, John troubled HEROD

Elijah gave his ministry to ELISHA, John to JESUS

Elijah was scorned by JEZABEL, John by HERODIOUS

Elijah took meals by THE BROOK  CHESIR, John in the WILDERNESS

Elijah was HARIRY & wore LEATHER, John wore CAMELS HAIR and had a LEATHER girdle

Elijah called for REPENTENCE, John called for REPENTENCE.

Elijah was TRANSLATED & TRANSIGURED while John was the GREATEST BORN OF  WOMEN.

That is, Born of women BEFORE  The KINGDOM he proclaimed was about to come!

Both appealed ONLY to the WORD of GOD and neither appealed to THEMSELVES

Link the Gospel to Your Friends with: http://gospelcall.blogspot.com

“Freely given to freely share”

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Did Christ Preach in Hell Before His Resurrection? - I Peter 3.19

I asked the class tonight this question;"Where do we find this passage;

"(He) was crucified, died, and was buried.  He descended into hell.  The third day he arose for the dead."?  

I had several answers; "Corinthians."  "Psalms."  A third person gave a 3rd book.  Granted I used the word "passage."  But...the passages is not from the Bible.  It simply is not there.  It sounds Bible.  But is it?  No..it is not.  It is not from the Bible and it is not a biblical statement.  The passage is found in "The Apostles Creed," a man made document.

Please find below a copy of our lesson sheet AND a copy of my answer sheet so you can share this info with either a class you, your elders or your gospel preacher can present to the congregation where you attend.

Did Christ Preach in Hell on Saturday?

Archdale church of Christ / Russ McCullough – 14 June 2017

I Peter 3.19 Question

1.      Where do we find this statement; “(He) was crucified, died, and was buried.  He descended into hell.  The third day he arose from the dead.”?

2.      What was generally believed by people in Catholic Europe during the middle ages? 

3.      This L____________ dates back to the _______ century based upon a book known as P____________ Augustine who allegedly says in a sermon that the A___________ C___________ was given by the “inspiration of the Holy Spirit” to each of the 12 A_____________ who each wrote a 1/12 of the creed.  Augustine uses as a S_________ that this was asserted by St. A_____________ in the ________ century. 

4.      The CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA cites at least ________ versions of the creed.  There are 3 versions of the Old R_____________ Creed as supposedly quoted by Tertullian as well as _______ more “modern” versions.

5.      “What saith the Scriptures?”

6.      The traditional interpretation of I Peter 3.19 is that while in the tomb on S_______________ Christ went to H________ and preached to the OT S_________ so as to set them F_________.  This is generally held to be true by C_____________, most P_____________ and most members of the L_______ C__________ as well.

7.      This traditional approach is based on 2 passages: I Peter 3.18 – 20 & I Peter 4.4 – 6.

8.      There are two            questions we must ask of these texts: 1) Where does it say in the text that Christ went to hell?  2) “IF” He did, where does it say in the text that He went to Hell while in the Tomb?

9.      The context for I Peter 3.18 – 20 spans vs.13 – 21.  The focus of the overall text is not H_________, not those who are D_____________ but instead it is about B____________.  The portion of the text regarding the “spirits in prison” is A__________ and not P______________.

10.  The key to this auxiliary portion is found in vs. 3 as well as in vs. 1.10 – 11.

11.  Conclusion: Christ did not go to H__________ on S_____________.  He did not literally preach to anyone while in H_________ so that they might have a 2^nd C___________.  He did C_________________ to the dead but did so while they were A__________ by the same Spirit that raised Him from the D___________, a Spirit that was, is, and shall be O_________________.  We cannot interpret Scripture by way of medieval C______________ creeds and D_____________.

Public Domain Image Courtesy of Wikipdia.org

1.      Where do we find this statement; “(He) was crucified, died, and was buried.  He descended into hell.  The third day he arose from the dead.”?

2.      What was generally believed by people in Catholic Europe during the middle ages? 

3.      This LEGEND dates back to the SIXTH century based upon a book known as PSEUDO Augustine who allegedly says in a sermon that the APOSTLES CREED was given by the “inspiration of the Holy Spirit” to each of the 12 APOSTLES who each wrote a 1/12 of the creed.  Augustine uses as a SERMON that this was asserted by St. AMBROSE in the FOURTH century. 

4.      The CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA cites at least FIVE versions of the creed.  There are 3 versions of the Old ROMAN Creed as supposedly quoted by Tertullian as well as TWO more “modern” versions.

5.      “What saith the Scriptures?”

6.      The traditional interpretation of I Peter 3.19 is that while in the tomb on SATURDAY Christ went to HELL and preached to the OT SAINTS so as to set them FREE.  This is generally held to be true by CATHOLICS, most PROTESTANTS, and most members of the LORD’S CHURCH   as well.

7.      This traditional approach is based on 2 passages: I Peter 3.18 – 20 & I Peter 4.4 – 6.

8.      There are two questions we must ask of these texts: 1) Where does it say in the text that Christ went to hell?  2) “IF” He did, where does it say in the text that He went to Hell while in the Tomb?

9.      The context for I Peter 3.18 – 20 spans vs.13 – 21.  The focus of the overall text is not HELL, not those who are DEAD but instead it is about BAPTISM.  The portion of the text regarding the “spirits in prison” is AUXILLARY and not PRIMARY.

10.  The key to this auxiliary portion is found in vs. 3 as well as in vs. 1.10 – 11.

11.  Conclusion: Christ did not go to HELL on SATURDAY.  He did not literally preach to anyone while in HELL so that they might have a 2^nd  CHANCE.  He did COMMUNICATE to the dead but did so while they were ALIVE by the same Spirit that raised Him from the DEAD, a Spirit that was, is, and shall be  OMNIPRESENT.  We cannot interpret Scripture by way of medieval CATHOLIC creeds and DOGMAS .

Public Domain Image Courtesy of Wikipdia.org

Sources Consulted:

Primary: 

     I Peter 3, 4 - ESV (English Standard Version)

Secondary:

     THE CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA via wikipedia.org

     Piper, John ("Did Jesus Spend Saturday in Hell?" in the blog; DESIRING GOD, March 22,          2008