Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!
Thru many dangers, toils and snares I have already come; 'tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we've no less days to sing God's praise than when we'd first begun.
In a small cemetery of a parish churchyard in Olney, England, stands a granite tombstone with the following inscription: "John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and Libertine, a servant of slavers in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the Faith he had long labored to destroy." This testimonial, written by Newton himself prior to his death, describes aptly the unusual and colorful life of this man.
Calling himself a "wretch" who was lost and blind, John Newton recalled leaving school at the age of 11 to begin life as a rough, debauched seaman. His early years were one continuous round of rebellion and debauchery. After serving on several ships as well as working for a period of time on the islands and mainland of the West African coast collecting slaves for sale to visiting traders, Newton eventually became a captain of his own slave ship. Needless to say, the capturing, selling and transporting of black slaves to the plantations in the West Indies and America was a cruel and vicious way of life.
On March 10, 1748, while returning to England from Africa during a particularly stormy voyage when it appeared that all would be lost, Newton began reading Thomas Kempis's book, Imitation of Christ. The message of the book and the frightening experience at sea influenced Newton's eventual conversion.
Newton would hold services regularly in any large building he could secure in the surrounding area. Wherever he preached, large crowds gathered to hear the "Old Converted Sea Captain." Especially effective was the use of the story of his early life and conversion experience, which he told often.
Until the time of his death at the age of 82, John Newton never ceased to marvel at the grace of God that transformed him so completely. Shortly before his death he is quoted as proclaiming with a loud voice during a message, "My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior!" What amazing grace!
This is probably the most popular hymn in the English language—a television documentary was even made about it.
Three interesting additional verses written by Newton that are not included in most hymnals are as follows:
The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.
Yes, when this heart and flesh shall fail, and mortal life shall cease, I shall possess within the veil, a life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun forbear to shine; But God, who called me here below, will be forever mine. http://www.dwighthogland.com/amazing_grace.htm
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Monday, November 5, 2007
NEW TESTAMENT FIRST PRINCIPLES COURSE
We have a 6-volume set of special CDs that presents New Testament first principles. These CDs are designed for non-member or new Christians. You may view the contents of the CDs by going to:http://www.newtestamentchurch.org/CDI/CD_Program_Index.htm
For those who are not members of the Church of Christ and would like to receive a 30 lesson Bible Correspondence Course and this CD series at no charge. Click HERE
For those who are not members of the Church of Christ and would like to receive a 30 lesson Bible Correspondence Course and this CD series at no charge. Click HERE
What Is A Christian
Because of its divine origin and use in the New Testament, we believe the name Christian far surpasses all the titles and designations of men; hence, we are Christians only, and we seek no other identifying name. The word Christian, "follower of Christ," is found three times in the New Testament:
1. "And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch" Acts 11:26.
2. "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian" Acts 26:28.
3."Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf" 1 Peter 4:16.
*We learn the following from these three references:
*Those in the world referred to the early disciples as "Christians" (Acts 11:26).
*The name Christian was recognized and used by King Agrippa, a man in a seat of authority (Acts 26:28).
Furthermore, the name Christian was utilized and authorized by Peter, a divinely-inspired apostle (1 Peter 4:16).
Thus we see the name Christian has the approval of God, while any other name originating from man has God’s disapproval, for Paul condemns the Corinthians when they began to call themselves after the names of men (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). If one follows Christ, he should bear His name and His name alone. If one wears the name of another man, then it naturally follows that he holds to the teachings and beliefs of that man. Since we seek to follow Christ and His teachings alone, we renounce all party names and titles of men.
The Church of the New Testament, consisting of those who are "called out," is not and never was intended to be a denomination among denominations. We bear the name "Church of Christ" because the Church belongs to Christ (Matthew 16:18, Acts 20:28), and because the Scriptures authorize such a name to identify the congregations of believers (Romans 16:16). Despite the existence of a multitude of denominations today, the Bible teaches that Christ established only one Church (Ephesians 4:4, Colossians 1:18). The Church holds the same mission held by Christ when He came to this earth: to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).
The Churches of Christ listed on this site in the Church Directory plead for the complete restoration of New Testament Christianity. We believe that the Lord’s Church of the New Testament, just like the tabernacle of the Old Testament, contains certain divinely-given patterns that must be followed by those who would truly please God (Hebrews 8:5). The Lord has given us a pattern to follow if we wish to obtain eternal salvation (see Regarding Salvation), and a pattern for worship "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23-24) (see Regarding Worship). We believe we can only be the Church of the New Testament by following these divine patterns contained in the New Testament.
Jesus said in (Matthew 16:18), "...upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it." Jesus came to this earth almost 2000 years ago in order to build His Church. Not even the "gates of Hell," or the powers of death, could hinder the establishment of the Lord’s kingdom. Likewise, despite being separated by many years and many miles from the time and place of the establishment of the Lord’s Church (Acts 2), nothing today can prevent the existence of the Church of Christ. But we may only be a part of that blessed divine institution if we are truly willing to follow the same divine pattern followed by that Church of the New Testament. When we follow the divine pattern found in the Bible, we are following the teachings of Jesus the Christ and then and only then do we have the privilege and honor of wearing the name "Christian."
Please direct any questions or comments you may have regarding the items above to the following e-mail address: gospel@NewTestamentChurch.org
1. "And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch" Acts 11:26.
2. "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian" Acts 26:28.
3."Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf" 1 Peter 4:16.
*We learn the following from these three references:
*Those in the world referred to the early disciples as "Christians" (Acts 11:26).
*The name Christian was recognized and used by King Agrippa, a man in a seat of authority (Acts 26:28).
Furthermore, the name Christian was utilized and authorized by Peter, a divinely-inspired apostle (1 Peter 4:16).
Thus we see the name Christian has the approval of God, while any other name originating from man has God’s disapproval, for Paul condemns the Corinthians when they began to call themselves after the names of men (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). If one follows Christ, he should bear His name and His name alone. If one wears the name of another man, then it naturally follows that he holds to the teachings and beliefs of that man. Since we seek to follow Christ and His teachings alone, we renounce all party names and titles of men.
The Church of the New Testament, consisting of those who are "called out," is not and never was intended to be a denomination among denominations. We bear the name "Church of Christ" because the Church belongs to Christ (Matthew 16:18, Acts 20:28), and because the Scriptures authorize such a name to identify the congregations of believers (Romans 16:16). Despite the existence of a multitude of denominations today, the Bible teaches that Christ established only one Church (Ephesians 4:4, Colossians 1:18). The Church holds the same mission held by Christ when He came to this earth: to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).
The Churches of Christ listed on this site in the Church Directory plead for the complete restoration of New Testament Christianity. We believe that the Lord’s Church of the New Testament, just like the tabernacle of the Old Testament, contains certain divinely-given patterns that must be followed by those who would truly please God (Hebrews 8:5). The Lord has given us a pattern to follow if we wish to obtain eternal salvation (see Regarding Salvation), and a pattern for worship "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23-24) (see Regarding Worship). We believe we can only be the Church of the New Testament by following these divine patterns contained in the New Testament.
Jesus said in (Matthew 16:18), "...upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it." Jesus came to this earth almost 2000 years ago in order to build His Church. Not even the "gates of Hell," or the powers of death, could hinder the establishment of the Lord’s kingdom. Likewise, despite being separated by many years and many miles from the time and place of the establishment of the Lord’s Church (Acts 2), nothing today can prevent the existence of the Church of Christ. But we may only be a part of that blessed divine institution if we are truly willing to follow the same divine pattern followed by that Church of the New Testament. When we follow the divine pattern found in the Bible, we are following the teachings of Jesus the Christ and then and only then do we have the privilege and honor of wearing the name "Christian."
Please direct any questions or comments you may have regarding the items above to the following e-mail address: gospel@NewTestamentChurch.org
EVOLUTION ~~~ FACT OR FANTASY ?
By Dennis Crawford
It is very difficult to overthrow a false belief that for generations has been taught as "scientific fact," especially when a whole worldview is based on that idea.
LIFE FROM NON-LIFELouis Pasteur proved many years ago that life cannot come from non-living things. It has been the basis for much of the science and medicine we have today. It takes life to bring forth life! This has been proven time and time again by scientists trying to prove the evolution theory.
SIMPLE CELLS ARE VERY COMPLEX It turns out that "simple" cells (the ones from which every living thing is supposed to have evolved) are very complex in that they have to support most of the same functions as the higher animals (respiration, digestion, enzyme production, excretion, etc.). All of these complicated processes would have to come into existence simultaneously. So, then, how are these "simple" cells supposed to have evolved these processes simultaneously?
ACCORDING TO ITS KIND Evolution is not possible--it is proved false. Each person, plant, and animal was created by God and reproduces only according to its own "kind." It is significant that the phrase "according to its kind" occurs ten times in the first chapter of Genesis. This fact gives us the proper concept of reproduction and is a proof that "God created the heavens and the earth."
PURPOSE STATEMENT: The fact that all things reproduce according to their kind is important for us to know--for those of us in school, for parents to teach their children, and for all of us so we can share this information with others. Let us notice some things about this important principle: (1) The Seed Principle; (2) The Kind Principle; and (3) What This Means For Us.
I. THE SEED PRINCIPLE What is a seed? The seed is the grain or kernel which contains within itself the germ of the future plant which produces the offspring or descendent. Inside each created living organism is a "seed" programmed to enable the continuing replication, or pattern, of that type of organism. What does the Bible say about it? Plants reproduce by "seeds," Genesis 1. The descendants of men are considered "seeds," Genesis 3:15; 4:25; and 22:18. Though evolution suggests that all living things come from the same ancestry, God says that living organisms remain permanently within their specific species, 1 Corinthians 15:38-39. Some illustrations of this principle are: The parable of the sower, Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8; people are not saved because they are the physical seed of Abraham but because they are the spiritual seed--the seed of faith, Romans 4:13 and 1 Peter 1:22-23.
II. THE KIND PRINCIPLEThe word "kind" mean species, offspring, or descendent--that which is produced through a seed. It is the nature of things, the order of nature. The principle of reproduction "according to its kind" separates one species from another. Noah selected a pair from each "kind" of animal, Genesis 6:20; 7:14. Unclean animals were separated by God "after their kind," Leviticus 11:14-29. The fact that some are considered clean, and some considered unclean, shows that evolution is false. How could a clean animal come from an unclean one?It has been proved by science: Each type of living organism has its own unique structure of the DNA molecule and can only specify the reproduction of the same kind by the genetic code it contains. This reinforces the Biblical principle of the stability of "kinds." Only life produces life, and there is no scientific evidence that the appearance of life from non-living substances occurs today, or ever has occurred. The principle of reproduction is probably the best-established law in the field of biology. Experiments from such men as Redi, Pasteur, Tyndall, and a host of modern scientists, have demonstrated under all sorts of conditions that life only comes from life--and only a very similar form of life. In other words, something produces another of the same thing. This principle is nothing new to us today because we understand genetics and the law of heredity. We do not get a chicken from a horse or a pig from a whale. Why? Because things reproduce according to their kind! Moses was right all along--long before the science of genetics was discovered (around 1900)! God made it that way!The "kind" principle was designed and ultimately produced by God. It was produced through parents (Acts 17:22-29; Hebrews 12:9).
III. EVOLUTION CONTRADICTS THE LAW OF THERMODYNAMICSThe second law of thermodynamics says that left to itself, everything tends to become less ordered, not more ordered or complex. This rule is an observation of the obvious: things grow old, run down, and eventually die and/or decay. This is just the opposite of the evolutionary theory!IV. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR US Seeds of one kind, or species, produce the same kind. In the physical world, when an apple seed is planted it will produce only apple trees and apples. The Bible says in Luke 8:11 that the seed is the Word of God. In the spiritual world, when the Word is planted into people, and it is received and grows, it produces Christians! We can be confident that we were created by a loving God, and we were not the result of an accident!
WHAT IF ?
Please ask yourself: If all the historical, scientific, and prophetic statements in the Bible are true and accurate, then what about what the Bible says about your having eternal life (or death) and about the choices you make (or do not make) now that can affect your eternal future? It is in your best interest to study it and find out what God requires of those who would be His children (Romans 8:14-16).
Do you not think it is worth examining the Bible to see if it is, in fact, the Word of God, and to see what you must do to receive eternal life from God? http://www.newtestamentchurch.org/
By Dennis Crawford
It is very difficult to overthrow a false belief that for generations has been taught as "scientific fact," especially when a whole worldview is based on that idea.
LIFE FROM NON-LIFELouis Pasteur proved many years ago that life cannot come from non-living things. It has been the basis for much of the science and medicine we have today. It takes life to bring forth life! This has been proven time and time again by scientists trying to prove the evolution theory.
SIMPLE CELLS ARE VERY COMPLEX It turns out that "simple" cells (the ones from which every living thing is supposed to have evolved) are very complex in that they have to support most of the same functions as the higher animals (respiration, digestion, enzyme production, excretion, etc.). All of these complicated processes would have to come into existence simultaneously. So, then, how are these "simple" cells supposed to have evolved these processes simultaneously?
ACCORDING TO ITS KIND Evolution is not possible--it is proved false. Each person, plant, and animal was created by God and reproduces only according to its own "kind." It is significant that the phrase "according to its kind" occurs ten times in the first chapter of Genesis. This fact gives us the proper concept of reproduction and is a proof that "God created the heavens and the earth."
PURPOSE STATEMENT: The fact that all things reproduce according to their kind is important for us to know--for those of us in school, for parents to teach their children, and for all of us so we can share this information with others. Let us notice some things about this important principle: (1) The Seed Principle; (2) The Kind Principle; and (3) What This Means For Us.
I. THE SEED PRINCIPLE What is a seed? The seed is the grain or kernel which contains within itself the germ of the future plant which produces the offspring or descendent. Inside each created living organism is a "seed" programmed to enable the continuing replication, or pattern, of that type of organism. What does the Bible say about it? Plants reproduce by "seeds," Genesis 1. The descendants of men are considered "seeds," Genesis 3:15; 4:25; and 22:18. Though evolution suggests that all living things come from the same ancestry, God says that living organisms remain permanently within their specific species, 1 Corinthians 15:38-39. Some illustrations of this principle are: The parable of the sower, Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8; people are not saved because they are the physical seed of Abraham but because they are the spiritual seed--the seed of faith, Romans 4:13 and 1 Peter 1:22-23.
II. THE KIND PRINCIPLEThe word "kind" mean species, offspring, or descendent--that which is produced through a seed. It is the nature of things, the order of nature. The principle of reproduction "according to its kind" separates one species from another. Noah selected a pair from each "kind" of animal, Genesis 6:20; 7:14. Unclean animals were separated by God "after their kind," Leviticus 11:14-29. The fact that some are considered clean, and some considered unclean, shows that evolution is false. How could a clean animal come from an unclean one?It has been proved by science: Each type of living organism has its own unique structure of the DNA molecule and can only specify the reproduction of the same kind by the genetic code it contains. This reinforces the Biblical principle of the stability of "kinds." Only life produces life, and there is no scientific evidence that the appearance of life from non-living substances occurs today, or ever has occurred. The principle of reproduction is probably the best-established law in the field of biology. Experiments from such men as Redi, Pasteur, Tyndall, and a host of modern scientists, have demonstrated under all sorts of conditions that life only comes from life--and only a very similar form of life. In other words, something produces another of the same thing. This principle is nothing new to us today because we understand genetics and the law of heredity. We do not get a chicken from a horse or a pig from a whale. Why? Because things reproduce according to their kind! Moses was right all along--long before the science of genetics was discovered (around 1900)! God made it that way!The "kind" principle was designed and ultimately produced by God. It was produced through parents (Acts 17:22-29; Hebrews 12:9).
III. EVOLUTION CONTRADICTS THE LAW OF THERMODYNAMICSThe second law of thermodynamics says that left to itself, everything tends to become less ordered, not more ordered or complex. This rule is an observation of the obvious: things grow old, run down, and eventually die and/or decay. This is just the opposite of the evolutionary theory!IV. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR US Seeds of one kind, or species, produce the same kind. In the physical world, when an apple seed is planted it will produce only apple trees and apples. The Bible says in Luke 8:11 that the seed is the Word of God. In the spiritual world, when the Word is planted into people, and it is received and grows, it produces Christians! We can be confident that we were created by a loving God, and we were not the result of an accident!
WHAT IF ?
Please ask yourself: If all the historical, scientific, and prophetic statements in the Bible are true and accurate, then what about what the Bible says about your having eternal life (or death) and about the choices you make (or do not make) now that can affect your eternal future? It is in your best interest to study it and find out what God requires of those who would be His children (Romans 8:14-16).
Do you not think it is worth examining the Bible to see if it is, in fact, the Word of God, and to see what you must do to receive eternal life from God? http://www.newtestamentchurch.org/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)