The title comes from the words of Job as recorded in Job 14:13-14, “Oh, that You would hide me in the grave, That You would conceal me until Your wrath is past, That You would appoint me a set time, and remember me! If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait, Till my change comes.” The Bible is clear that there will be a general resurrection of the dead one day. The Bible is clear that if a man dies, he shall live again. However, the resurrection he obtains to will be based upon how he lived his life on this earth. Jesus stated in John 5:28-29, “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” The general resurrection is real!
 
There are those that denied resurrection in Jesus’ day such as the Sadducees (Ac. 23:8). There were great “thinkers” at Athens who mocked at the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Ac. 17:18, 32). Even some in Corinth said that there was no resurrection of the dead (1 Cor. 15:12). In our age we have skeptics, agnostics, atheists, materialists, naturalists, and evolutionists who all deny the resurrection. Truly there is nothing new under the sun (Ecc. 1:9). It should not be thought incredible that God raises the dead (Ac. 26:8) as nothing is too difficult for Him (cf. Gen. 18:14; Jer. 32:27).
 
The faithful believe in the resurrection just as Abraham did with his son Isaac (Heb. 11:17-19; cf. Gen. 22:1-19). Belief in the resurrection is foundational and essential to Christianity (1 Cor. 15:12-21). The apostles served as witnesses to the fact that Christ was resurrected (Ac. 2:30-32). The apostles were clear in both their preaching and writings that Christ was resurrected which assures us of our resurrection (Ac. 17:30-34, 24:14-15; 1 Cor. 6:14).
 
To give us more assurance consider some of the resurrections recorded in the Holy Scriptures. Elijah, through the power of God, raised the widow of Zarephath’s son (1 Kgs. 17:17-24). Jesus raised the widow of Nain’s son (Lk. 7:11-16) as well as Jairus’ daughter (Lk. 8:41-42, 49-56). Jesus also raised Lazarus who had been dead for four days proving beyond any doubt that he was indeed dead (Jn. 11). Truly Jesus is the resurrection and the life (Jn. 11:25). It is an amazing thing that after Lazarus was resurrected the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus (Jn. 12:9-11)! Some will hold to false beliefs so tightly even when the evidence is right in front of them. Jesus Christ was resurrected of which all three of the Godhead were involved (Gal. 1:1; Jn. 10:17-18; Rm. 1:3-4; 1 Cor. 15:1-23).
 
In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, we gain a glimpse of what the general resurrection will be like. Jesus will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God (1 Th. 4:16). Someone wrote that this is the loudest verse in the Bible and as such no one will miss this event! The dead in Christ will be the first to rise (1 Th. 4:16). Christ is coming for His own and He knows His own (Jn. 10:14; 2 Tim. 2:19). Those faithful who are still living when Christ returns will be next to meet the Lord in the air where we will never be separated from Him (1 Th. 4:17). What a comforting passage and indeed that is the intent of it (1 Th. 4:18)! The latter part of 1 Corinthians 15 details more of what the general resurrection will be like. Like a seed, our body is planted in the earth when it is buried and will be raised a different body (1 Cor. 15:35-41). The body is sown in corruption and raised in incorruption (1 Cor. 15:42). It is sown in dishonor and raised in glory (1 Cor. 15:43). It is sown in weakness and raised in power (1 Cor. 15:43). It is sown a natural body and raised a spiritual body (1 Cor. 15:44). As we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man (1 Cor. 15:45-49). That said, the inspired apostle John wrote in 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. 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.”
 
Let us make sure we are making every effort to be ready for that great day. Paul counted all things as loss so that he might obtain Christ. He wanted to know Him and the power of His resurrection so that he might attain to the resurrection from the dead (Php. 3:7-11). We, like Paul, press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Php. 3:12-14). Let us walk by the same rule and let us be of the same mind (Php. 3:15-16).

Are you ready for that day to come?

Trent Thrasher

We live in a world where technology affords us opportunities to do things quickly and easily, many times with little to no help from others. We have smartphones and tablets that we can use to get the latest information on any given topic, without having to ask anyone. If we want to connect with someone, we can use our devices to do so, and when we call them, instead of just hearing a voice, we can also see them ‘face to face.’ Technology is a good thing, but it also could make us think we do not need to gather with other Christians. The New Testament instructs us of the importance of assembling with the local church. The Hebrew writer warned that we must “not [forsake] 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). Since the Word of God is timeless and true, this not only applied to Christians during the time this was written, but it also applies to us today. So, the question is: despite all the advances that enable us to go solo, why should Christians assemble? What are the benefits of assembling ourselves together? I am so glad you asked! Now, let us notice some important benefits of assembling with the Saints of God.

One important benefit of assembling with the Saints is Encouragement. This ought to be the first point we consider since it is mentioned in the immediate context about not forsaking the assembly. In the prior verse, the Hebrews writer said, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,” (Hebrews 10:24). How do we stir up one another in this way? We do so by not forsaking our own assembling together. We assemble so we can encourage one another. Encouragement is reciprocal. We assemble to be encouraged by our brethren, but we do not simply attend for our own benefit. Through our attendance and participation, we can also be an encouragement to our brethren. However, the opposite of that is also true. By not attending, we are being a discouragement to our brethren! We must remember that each person has had different experiences during the previous week and will have to encounter other types of challenges in the upcoming week. These tests can sometimes cause us to get discouraged, so we are to build one another up as we face them (Hebrews 3:12-13; 1 Corinthians 15:58). Assembling ourselves together is a way for each of us to get the strength we need to face these tests (1 Peter 5:8-9; James 1:2-4). The encouragement we can receive by coming together and sharing with one another is invaluable.

Another important benefit of assembling with the Saints is Evangelism. From time to time, there will be visitors that come into our assemblies. Many times, these visitors are not Christians. Often, they come by invitation of a family member, friend, or co-worker who is a member of the congregation. Occasionally someone from the community will visit, not knowing anyone in the group. Paul wrote to the Corinthians and mentioned occasions in which visitors might come into their assemblies (1 Corinthians 14:23-25). He said that this was an opportunity for them to be taught which would hopefully lead them to become followers of God. Evangelism is certainly not the primary purpose of the assembly. Neither is the assembly the primary method we ought to use to reach the lost (Matthew 28:19-20). However, opportunities do present themselves there. It is important that we assemble with the Saints so that when these opportunities arise, we might be able to help these visitors. We will also be able to show them an example of commitment – that we really do take our service to God seriously and make it a priority!

Lastly, one important benefit of assembling is Edification. When we assemble ourselves together, we can learn from one another. Yes, we can certainly listen to a sermon or teaching online, but there’s nothing like sitting next to someone hearing the message or teaching and seeing the light bulbs of realization come on. When we are in Sunday morning or Wednesday night Bible classes, we can share our experiences, which help us to better see how the Word of God can be applied to our lives today. We can ask questions about what we are learning (something we cannot do listening to an online lesson), and others can help reinforce the lessons in our minds. The assembling of Christians is a vital context for spiritual growth and edification (1 Peter 2:1-3). Ephesians 4:11-13 explains that Christ gave various gifts to the church “for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…” Through teaching, preaching, and working, the assembly serves as a means for Christians to grow in their faith and knowledge of God.

As we have seen from the New Testament, the assembling of a local church is both important and beneficial. As the Hebrew writer said, do not forsake the assembly. Take advantage of every opportunity to meet with your brethren in the assemblies of the local church. Yes, I understand that life can get busy, and technology gives us the opportunity to hear God’s Word wherever we may be, but nothing can replace Christians coming together to fellowship with each other, encourage each other, learn together, and pray for one another (Acts 2:42-47). So, I encourage you today to put your electronic devices away, get up, and go assemble with the Saints of God. I promise that you’ll be blessed by the experience and will be able to share that blessing with others. I hope to see you in service soon!

Tobias Hatchett

(Link to Part 1)
 
Now, before you write this author off as some sort of radical nut, let’s reason together. Following the good confession of Simon Peter (Matt. 16:16), Jesus told Peter and the apostles, “Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18b, ASV). Please take note of the phrase, “I will build my church.” Each word in that string of words is significant. Let’s consider each of these.
 
First, Jesus said “I, will build my church.” Jesus is the builder. He paid the price for the church by shedding His precious blood on the cross. As the builder He has all authority to build it precisely the way He wants it built (Matt. 28:18). Our obligation is to examine the “blueprint,” the word of God, so as to determine what the features of that church are, and then to make sure we do not deviate from that pattern. If it is important for a contractor to comply with a blueprint in building a house, what makes us think we can even attempt to build the church of our Lord in this day and age and ignore the blueprint? Is it sectarian to read and study the blueprint that God has given, and appeal to that blueprint for authority in building God’s church today?
 
Second, Jesus said, “I WILL BUILD my church.” At the time Jesus lived upon the earth, the church was yet future so far as its existence was concerned. It was only after Jesus died on the cross that the church came into existence. Most Bible students recognize that Acts 2 signifies the beginning of the church. Luke recorded Peter’s stirring words on that day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14-35). Not only did the apostle establish undeniable proof of the deity of Jesus, he convicted the multitude of their sin and set forth the terms of pardon. Once they complied to those terms of pardon they were “added” to the church (Acts 2:41,47). Let this point sink into your hearts. A man does not “join” the church; he is “added to it” by compliance to the commands of God. If it is sectarian to claim I have been added to the church Jesus built, then so be it.
 
Third, Jesus said, “I will build MY church.” The emphasis here is upon possession and ownership. When someone says, “This is my house,” he is expressing ownership. When referring to ownership of a piece of property one says essentially the same thing whether he says, “This is Mr. Jones’ house,” or, “This is the house of Mr. Jones.” If the church belongs to Jesus, and it does, then it is proper and right to refer to that church as “Christ’s church” or “the church of Christ.” You have said essentially the same thing. Now, dear friend, is it sectarian to use precisely the same terminology that Paul used in referring to the Lord’s church and thus claim that I am a member of the “church of Christ” (Rom. 16:16)?
 
Fourth, Jesus said, “I will build my CHURCH.” Notice the singular nature of that word. Jesus never promised to build 2,000 or 200, or even 2 churches. He said He would build His church. Is it sectarian, therefore, to claim to be a part of that one church He built and for which He died? What is the alternative? Would someone dare claim, upon compliance to the will of God, that he is not a member of the church for which Jesus died? The law of the excluded middle demands that I am either a member of the church for which Jesus died, or I am not a member of that church. Why am I accused, therefore, of being sectarian when I claim I have been added to that one church for which our Savior died?
 
It is sad that the religious leaders of our age would suggest that what I have written, and the subject I have addressed, is not really that important. Before you buy into that deceptive lie, let me impress upon your mind the importance of this issue we are discussing. Since the church is the body of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23), and since Paul wrote, “For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the church, being himself the savior of the body” (Eph. 5:23 ASV), I want to make sure I am in the correct church, i.e. Jesus’ body, so as to lay claim to that salvation. There is no salvation outside of Christ (2 Tim. 2:10; Eph. 1:3). I must be a part of that church for which He died.
 
The devil has built many counterfeit churches, but only the church of our Lord will enjoy the blessing of salvation. So you see, it is an important issue. In fact, it is so important an issue, that your very salvation depends upon the church of which you are a member. Think about it!

Tom Wacaster

The word “sect” is used nine times in the New Testament. It is translated four times with the English word “sect,” and five times with the word “heresies.” W. E. Vine tells us that the word means “a predilection either for a particular truth, or for a perversion of one, generally with the expectation of personal advantage; hence, a division and the formation of a party or sect in contrast to the uniting power of ‘the truth,’ held in total; a sect is a division developed and brought to an issue.”

When Paul arrived in Rome those who were “the chief of the Jews” met with him and said, “We neither received letters from Judaea concerning thee, nor did any of the brethren come hither and report or speak any harm to thee. But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against” (Acts 28:21-22, ASV).

It is important to note that Paul did not regard the church as a sect. When he stood before Felix, having been charged by the Jews as a trouble maker, he said, “But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call a sect, so serve I the God of our fathers” (Acts 24:14, ASV). Religious theologians would have us believe that the churches of Christ are just another “sect,” a denomination among denominations, and one of many “ways” by which a man can get to heaven. Unfortunately, these same “theologians” would suggest that the churches of Christ are not worthy to be classified with mainstream denominationalism because of so called “radical” beliefs to which we subscribe. They would have you believe that the church of Christ is nothing more than a heretical, pompous group of dogmatic knuckleheads incapable of understanding God’s love and mercy.

One liberal theologian in speaking of the church of Christ has even suggested that he and his contemporaries are “crusading against the tyranny of ecclesiastical professionals within the Christian commonwealth, for we believe the system they espouse is cancerous to the one body of believers.” Still another writes, “It is true that Churches of Christ, like other sects, have reduced the Christian system to mere professional employment and sectarian ecclesiasticalism [sic].” It is really sad that such misrepresentation characterizes those who are bitterly opposed to the church of Christ. It is somewhat inconsistent for the religious leaders of our day to claim that “it makes little difference what church you belong to” while exempting the church of Christ from the so called “umbrella” of God’s grace. One of the charges laid at the feet of those of us who seek a “thus saith the Lord” is the accusation that churches of Christ have been too judgmental in their refusal to fellowship denominations. This, according to some, makes us ‘sectarian.’ Loyalty to the truth of God’s word does not make someone sectarian. If the Bible forbids fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness (Eph. 5:11), then compliance to that God-given command is not heretical, nor is it a manifestation of a “sectarian spirit,” as some are claiming. Another charge laid at our feet is that the churches of Christ are too arrogant in their claims of being the one true church.

If the Bible plainly says there is one body (and it does, Eph. 4:4-5), am I sectarian because I preach that message? If the Bible plainly says that all spiritual blessings are in that one body (and it does, Eph. 1:3), am I sectarian because I practice and teach that truth? If the Bible plainly says that one must be baptized in order to enter into that one body (and it does, 1 Cor. 12:13), am I sectarian because I obey and preach that truth? If it is “sectarian” to believe there is one body and that the body is the church, that one must conform to God’s will in order to be pleasing in His sight, that God authorizes only singing in worship, and that men and women who promote denominationalism will be lost, then I plead guilty as charged.

But before someone frowns on this self-admitted declaration, let him examine the scriptures and see that the Holy Spirit has clearly revealed that each of the aforementioned, so-called “sectarian” beliefs are in compliance with God’s will. Contrary to what religious leaders may claim or even think, sectarianism is the result of departure from those things, not compliance to them. Hence, those who maintain loyalty to the truth are not sectarian.

Brother Darrell Conley wrote, “The church for which Jesus died is not a sect. It is the original. It is the whole of God’s saved people. Simply because men have invented counterfeit churches, does not make the church of Christ a counterfeit. The counterfeits are the sects.”

To be continued…