Brian A. Yeager
Often times we think of the Church and we fail to remember some important things about it. Sometimes folks forget the purchase price of the Church (Acts 20:28 and Ephesians 5:25), which was the blood of Christ. Sometimes people forget the “oneness” of the Church (Matthew 16:18, I Corinthians 12:12, Ephesians 4:4, and Colossians 1:18). Yet, I believe that some Christians fail to remember that the Church is the source of truth. We must recognize that our Savior is truth, the same Savior that gave his life for the Church. A definition of the Head should reveal how the body should follow. (John 14:6) “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
The title of this article can be found in the book of First Timothy chapter three and verse fifteen. “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” This article is designed to allow us to realize the importance of truth in the Church and the teaching of the Church. Truth should be the identifying mark of the true Lord’s Church.
Warnings of false teachers appear throughout the scriptures. John tells us to try these false teachers. (I John 4:1) “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” Christ warned us of false teachers. (Matthew 7:15-16) “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” There are many that are on television, on radio, in print, and many in pulpits that are wearing sheep’s clothing. Paul mentioned this truth to the Ephesian elders. (Acts 20:28-31) “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember…” We need to heed to those same warnings and watch for those wolves among us.
The Church must be the pillar and ground of truth on the teaching of the Church. Christ in his “Parable of the Sower” taught that one who does not understand the Kingdom (Church) would be lost. (Matthew 13:19) “When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.” The Church must realize the same truths that the Apostles realized; we simply cannot teach Christ without teaching his body. We have a great example of this in Philip’s teaching. (Acts 8:12) “But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”
The Church must be the pillar and ground of truth when teaching on Salvation. Christ said that no man could come to the father but by him (John 14:6). As we sought the truth in the necessity of teaching the truth on the Church, we must realize that salvation is in the Church. Paul said by inspiration that Christ is the Savior of the body (Ephesians 5:23). The question must be asked by an honest person, how does one become part of that body? The Bible gives us a definitive answer to that question. To be baptized (John 3:3-5, I Corinthians 12:12-13, and Galatians 3:27). What must one heed to prior to the step of baptism? One must acquire faith (John 8:24), through the hearing of the word of God (Romans 10:14-17). We must be willing to admit and realize that only the truth will set us free (John 8:32). The world must know that only truth will convert, because God’s word is truth. (Ephesians 1:13) “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.” (Colossians 1:5) “For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel.” (I Thessalonians 2:13) “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” Once true faith is acquired repentance (Luke 13:3 and Acts 2:38), and confession must occur (Romans 10:10). At this point one is ready for baptism, and to be a new creature (Romans 6:3-5). Salvation is then left to those who remain faithful (Revelation 2:10). Those who fight the fight, finish the course, and keep the faith (II Timothy 4:7). This is teaching the truth on salvation.
The Church must be the pillar and ground of truth on teaching about issues. Such as marriage, divorce, and re-marriage (Matthew 5:32-33, Matthew 19:9, and I Corinthians 7:10-11). Such as attendance (Hebrews 10:22-25). Such as the woman’s role in the Church (I Timothy 2:11-12 and I Corinthians 14:34-35). Such as the qualifications of elders (Titus 1:5-9 and I Timothy 3:1-13). Such as preaching only God’s word and not opinions (II Timothy 4:2 and Galatians 1:6-12). Such as teaching on the importance of evangelism (Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:15-16). Such as what moves one to be a Christian (Romans 1:16). Such as defending the Church and the truth (Jude 3). Such as practicing and teaching Church discipline (Romans 16:17-18 and II Thessalonians 3:6). Such as instruments of music (Ephesians 5:19). Such as Bible authority being the only authority (II Peter 1:3, Revelation 22:18-19, and Deuteronomy 4:2). Such as fellowship (Ephesians 5:11 and II John 9-11). I could go on and on about the issues the Church needs to stand and deliver the truth on. The Church simply needs to be a “store-house of truth”.
The Church should be the escape from the world, a place where Christians know that only God’s word will be taught. We must be armed with God’s word to keep the Church in the state that it should and shall be. It is time for those who do not proclaim nothing other than the faith once delivered unto the saints to join the ranks of denominationalism outright and to stop pretending to be in that which can only be truth, the Church! Onward Christian soldiers, be prepared to restore to our Savior his bride pure and white.

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Brian Yeager
One of the largest fallbacks for members of the Church is that of alcohol. Members and their families constantly struggle with what the Bible says about this topic. The Bible speaks of wine in many cases. For instance (Proverbs 20:1) Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. (Proverbs 23:29-35) Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again. ( 1 Corinthians 6:9-11) Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (Galatians 5:19-21) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
In all of these verses we find wine, strong drink, and such references to alcohol to be condemned. Further more there is a great passage in the book of Romans chapter 14 and verse twenty-one. This verse reads: It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. This verse is clear in that it not only condemns all that would cause a brother to stumble but also points out alcoholism as well. When I hear the argument that you can drink as long as you do not become a drunk, I like to think of this verse. It states simply not to drink wine. Since most argue that wine is OK and the Bible says so.
I have heard before that there are those who like to drink but only do it in moderation. I have heard of those who go to bars but drink soda. I have heard of those who say, “it’s only one drink”. The phrase “wine cooler” is also popular among those that are weak in this way. The great letter to the Church of the Thessalonians chapter 5 and verse twenty-two there is a simple statement made. That statement was to abstain from the appearance of evil. Alcohol is surely evil and that is clear in the verses presented at the beginning of this article. Do not let the Church be a haven of misconception. The Bible is very clear on this subject. It is rather unfortunate that this article even needed to be written. There are reasons behind most of what I write. The reason behind this is that the Bible is a poison control center and it has marked every bottle, can, etc. with the skull of eternal death.

What terms should we use to refer to preachers? The Bible uses many different terms, such as “evangelist,” “teacher,” and “minister” (Acts 21:8; 13:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:2). All these words describe different aspects of the work preachers do. But consider some of the titles people today sometimes use.
Some groups generally address a preacher as “pastor.” But in Ephesians 4:11, preachers or “evangelists” are listed separately from “pastors.” “Pastor” means a shepherd: one who guides or tends a flock. This word is used (in verb form) in 1 Peter 5:1,2, which shows that it is the work of elders to “shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight…” So a pastor is not just a preacher, but an elder or an overseer. This work is different from that of preachers, and it requires men to have special qualifications that preachers in general are not required to have – see 1 Timothy 3:1-7. So it really is not Scriptural to call a man a “pastor” simply because he is a preacher.
But again, preachers are often addressed as “Reverend” or “Father.” These titles honor the preacher as being someone who is especially holy. But in Matthew 23:9,10, Jesus commanded: “And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.” God and Christ possess deity. They deserve to be exalted by titles such as “Father” and “Master.” But according to verses 8 and 12, all disciples are brothers. We are equals, so we should not allow people to exalt us above other disciples.
No preacher in the Bible was ever honored by titles such as “reverend.” But God’s name is “holy and reverend” – Psalm 111:9. “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord … let no man glory in men” – 1 Corinthians 1:31; 3:21.

Denominations are not a substitute for God’s Church.
Ladies, have you ever been invited to dinner at a friend’s house, and been served a dish you knew you just had to have the recipe to because it tasted so good? When you ask the host or hostess for the recipe, they gladly comply and give it to you. Your husband gets excited at the prospect of having this delicious dish at home without having to sneak over to the Joneses from now on to get it. A week or two goes by, and you decide to try fixing it yourself. You’re a health nut, however, and so when the dish calls for milk, you substitute half & half. When it calls for sugar, you put in artificial sweetener instead. When it calls for vanilla, you put in artificial vanilla instead. You mix it all together and proudly serve it to your husband, who dives right in with gusto…for the first bite. You notice that he takes his time with the second bite…and appears to suddenly have a great desire to eat it out on the balcony by himself with the third bite. He comes back in ten seconds later, claiming a big bird swooped right in and snatched it right off his plate…but “Honestly, honey, I really enjoyed the three bites I had. However, I did notice that it tastes a little different than it did at the Joneses. Did you follow the recipe?” You think it sweet of him to try to butter you up so he doesn’t spend the entire night on the couch, and so you explain to him that, in the interests of eating healthy, you substituted the less healthier items on the recipe for healthier items. Being male, he then tries to explain to you that eating tastefully, not healthy, is what really matters to him, and urges you to follow the recipe fully next time so that it will be exactly like it was at the Joneses. You thank him for his advice, and tell him that you’ll ponder it all night long while he’s sleeping on the couch…
It is interesting how many of us think substitutions can be made and still be the same. It should be apparent that one cannot make substitutions and have the “real thing.” It is that way with recipes, and it is also that way with the church of our Lord Jesus. Sadly, denominationalism has brought about many substitutions and changes. Why is it that people think they have the real thing when so many substitutions have been made?
Some don’t realize it, but there are all kinds of differences between denominations and the church you read about in the New Testament. In most denominations there is a clergy system with priests, pastors, and/or “Reverends” and “Fathers.” Often times there is a national, and sometimes an international, governing body. Some denominations have deacons, but a “Pastor” rather than elders. Others have elders who are bachelors, or women serving as elders.
Yet, the Bible teaches that Christ is the only head of the church (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18), and therefore there is no authority in the New Testament for a church hierarchy. Every member of the Lord’s church is a priest (1 Pet. 2:9), so there is no authority in the New Testament for a clergy system. The church is overseen by a plurality of elders (Acts 20:17) and served by deacons (Phil. 1:1), so there is no authority in the New Testament for a lone man being an elder. Elders are to be married and have believing children (1 Tim. 3:2,4; Tit. 1:6), so there is no authority for bachelor elders. Women are not to exercise authority over men in the church (1 Tim. 2:12; 3:14-15), and elders are required to be the husband of one wife (1 Tim. 3:2), which negates the idea of a female elder.
Denominationalism is different than what is taught in the Bible. How different depends upon which denomination. Many denominations teach that one becomes a Christian, a child of God, merely by “asking Jesus to come into one’s heart.” One is then accepted into the denomination based upon a testimony of conversion. Sometimes one is voted into the denomination. In other cases, one is sprinkled (not baptized) as a non-believing infant. Years later, after taking instruction, one is “confirmed.” One then is a member of the denomination. Other denominations have even different requirements.
However, the Bible teaches that one enters the body of Christ which is the church through baptism (1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 1:22-23). When one who has confessed his faith in Christ as the Son of God and has repented of sins is baptized into Christ for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:35-38), God adds that person to the church (Acts 2:47). It is not a matter of “joining” the church or a denomination. It is also at that point that one becomes a child of God (Gal. 3:26-27) and has his or her sins washed away (Acts 22:16).
Substitutions and changes have been made in denominations. Many denominational worship services center around entertainment, having bands, concerts, skits, drama presentations, and even aerobatic acts. Musical instruments have been added, and the Lord’s Supper has been taken away, being served only at certain times. In other denominations, burning of incense and the counting of beads have been added, along with statue worship. Saturday worship has replaced or been added to the first day of the week.
Yet, the Bible sets out God’s authorized manner of worship. The early church met upon every first day of the week to eat the Lord’s Supper and to give as they had prospered (Acts 20:6-7; 1 Cor. 11:20-34; 16:1-2). Prayers were offered up in worship (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 14:15) as well as songs of praise sung by saints with the instrument they plucked being their hearts (1 Cor. 14:15; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). There was also edification as they were taught God’s doctrine (Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7).
Friends, we all should realize and teach others that the same principle that applies to recipes applies to Christianity. If you want the real thing, there can be no substitutions and/or changes. Deuteronomy 4:2 says, “You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.” Proverbs 30:5-6 says, “Every word of God is tested…Do not add to his words or he will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.” Paul warned the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 4:6 to “learn not to exceed what is written…” The Bible closes with the warning of Revelation 22:18-19: “I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.”
If you want the church of the Bible, the church of God’s choice, it must be according to his instructions found in his Word alone. Otherwise, you have a man-made substitute, not the real thing. If you don’t have the real thing, then salvation is not yours because Jesus is the Savior of those who are in his body, the church (Eph. 5:23). It’s something to think about.

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Devadas Prakash
INTRODUCTION: Have you ever noticed the caterpillars in the Summer. They are pretty ugly, in spite of the colors that they display. But if you followed the life of that caterpillar you will find an amazing change. In a matter of days that caterpillar will turn into a beautiful butterfly, with broad wings and beautiful patterns of colors like the rainbow! It has
changed completely from the old life it had. It is still the same bug, but a new creation!
The Bible tells us that men and women are the same way. We sin when we reach an age where we know right from wrong. Sin makes us ugly and hideous before God. But when we experience the the birth we become new
creatures, much like the butterfly comes forth from the caterpillar!
BODY
I. THE NEW TESTAMENT COMMANDS US TO BECOME NEW CREATURES.
A. We are told that we must be “Born Again.”
1. John 3:3_ Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
2. 1 Peter 1:23_ having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,
B. We are commanded to “put off” the old life of sin.
1. Ephesians 4:22_24 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
2. Colossians 3:9_10 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10_ and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,
C. The new life comes as a result of us leaving the world and entering into a relationship with Jesus Christ.
1. 2 Corinthians 5:17
2. Colossians 1:13_14 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14_ in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
II. WHAT IS NEW ABOUT US WHEN WE BECOME A NEW CREATION?
A. A New Beginning – Born again.
1. John 3:3-8
2. James 1:18– Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
B. A New Start – All our sins are forgiven
1. Acts 22:16
2. Colossians 1:13_ He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14_ in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
3. Revelation 1:5_ and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood,
C. A New Relationship with God – We can now call Him Father.
1. Galatians 4:6_7 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” 7_ Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
2. Hebrews 4:14_16 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15_ For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16_ Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
3. 1 John 3:1_2 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2_ Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
D. A new abundant way of Life – Life in Christ
1. John 10:10– “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
2. 2 Corinthians 9:8– And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
3. Ephesians 3:19– to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
E. A New Hope – A home in Heaven.
1. Colossians 1:5_ because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel,
2. 1 Peter 1:3– Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
III. HOW DO WE BECOME THIS NEW CREATION?
A. Paul tells us.
1. 2 Corinthians 5:17– Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2. Paul is saying that we become that new creation by being “in Christ.”
3.. Ephesians 1:7– In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
4. Titus 3:5– not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
5. Adding these together we are new creations “in Christ.” We receive forgiveness of sins “in Christ.” And all Christians have the “washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit.”
B. By getting into Christ we become new creatures. John 3:3-5 gives the key.
1. Born of water – Baptism into Christ
2. Born of the Spirit – Receiving the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
3. Parallel to Acts 2:38
a. Acts 2:38– 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.
4. Acts 22:16
5. 1 Peter 3:21– 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,
C. Paul gives further details.
1. Romans 6:1-6
IV. WHEN WE BECOME NEW CREATURES IN CHRIST, PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT IT.
A. People will know that we have come under the influence of Jesus.
1. Acts 4:13– Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
2. Galatians 2:20– “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
B. Others will perceive that we are not living like the world.
1. Colossians 3:1ff

2. 1 Peter 2:11_12 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
CONCLUSION: Just like the caterpillar, we can be a completely different person. God will cleanse you, forgive you, and make you pure and clean. But you must be born again!

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