The Providence of God

From the wise pen of David R. Pharr, in Rock Hill, SC, we have a biblical presentation of God’s providence in the lives of men.

In Defense of Providence
Reprinted from The Carolina Messenger, September 2003
David R. Pharr

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Over the years we have encountered many strange religious positions, some of which have come from among our brethren. We never expected, however, that some brother might embrace notions akin to Deism. Classical Deism holds that after God set everything into motion he is no longer involved in the affairs of men. Amazingly, one of our brethren is on a crusade to deny the active providence of God.

In our August issue we had an excellent article by Les Bonnett regarding providence. He wrote in response to charges being circulated which accused him of teaching Baptist doctrine in regard to providence. It seems that someone concluded that since “providence” was taught in Baptist publications, it must follow that if Les teaches on providence he must have gotten it from the Baptists. Of course the same indictment would to apply to the thousands of other faithful men who believe and teach that divine providence is at work in our lives. The fact is, until now, I had never heard of a brother who denied providence.

After brother Bonnett’s good article was published I received a letter demanding that I write an article “denying the unscriptural doctrines [sic] of God’s Providential Care, and denying that God, Christ or the Holy Spirit operates separate and apart from the word.” Further, the letter warned that if I did not promptly promise to do this, information would be mailed to all the churches in the Carolinas.

First, let us be clear that the issue is not whether God, Christ, or the Spirit instructs us by means other than the word. We all should know that the word furnishes us completely as a guide for our faith and practice. The issue here is not the exclusive authority of the Bible, nor its power to save and instruct.

Neither is it a question of miracles. The miraculous signs and wonders, which confirmed the word, had ceased with the close of the apostolic age. As Wayne Jackson expressed it, “Biblical evidence indicates that the Lord is not operating miraculously today . . . However, God does act in an indirect way in this age. We call it providence. Providence is divine activity through means (Christian Courier, Aug. ‘92).

Since, as mentioned above, a letter is to be widely circulated for the purpose of showing my “error” in believing in the providence of God, I think it might be helpful for me to confess my “sins” in this regard!

I confess, I am guilty of believing that the Creator continues to control the universe–that he not only made it by his command, but that it is sustained by “the word of his power” (Heb. 1:3). When the world was created it was by God’s word (II Pet. 3:5) and it is his word that sustains it (II Pet. 3:7). References to God’s “word” in these texts are not to be understood as referring to the written word of the Bible, rather to God’s ordering of events.

I confess, I am guilty of believing that God provides (providence) every good thing that comes to us (Jas. 1:17).

I confess, I am guilty of believing that God especially provides for those who do his will. This was the faith of Abraham when he found the ram in the thicket and called the place “Jehovah-jireh” which means “The Lord will provide” (Gen. 22:14NASB). Faithful Abraham believed in the providence of God.

I confess, I am guilty of believing that God works all things for good for Christians (Rom. 8:28). Though the text may primarily apply to God’s work in the scheme of redemption, the principle is universal. Hugo McCord describes this as “custom-made providence” and reminds that Paul was “a devout believer in special providence, Galatians 1:15-16.” Brother McCord continues, “Thus, God has His eyes on each Christian, and He arranges circumstances for the long-range good of each one” (The Gospel Advocate, Sept. ‘95).

I confess, I am guilty of believing that God actually answers prayers (I Jn. 5:14; Jas. 5:16f). Sad indeed would be a faith which thinks God listens but does nothing.

I confess, I am guilty of believing that God’s special providence will keep me from being tempted above what I am able to bear (I Cor. 10:13). No where is this promise given to people outside of Christ. It must, therefore, mean special care for the faithful.

I confess, I am guilty of believing the Lord’s presence and care has special meaning for his people. All of mankind benefits from general providence (Acts 14:17), but the promise of Hebrews 13:4f is especially for Christians. “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

I confess, I am guilty of believing that the miraculous age is past, but that God is still working in our lives. I do not understand how he accomplishes specific things, but I believe that he “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20).

I confess, I am guilty of believing that the Holy Spirit is involved in my life in that he helps me with my prayers when I don’t know what I ought to ask. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Rom. 8:26-27). This does not mean that the Spirit does something to me, but it certainly means he does something on my behalf.

I confess, I am guilty of denying the proposition that “God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit only operate through the word of God.” This is the actual wording of a proposition sent to me for a debate. It is not saying that the Lord operates only through the word in convicting, converting and edifying. It says that the Godhead does nothing. The proposition is too preposterous to be worthy of debate.

I confess, I am guilty of believing that Christ is even now serving in the heavenly tabernacle making intercession for us (Heb.7:25). To say that he does nothing except that he has provided the Scriptures is to deny his priesthood.

I confess, I am guilty of believing that though it is possible for a child of God to fall away, that God will do all that is in keeping with his will to keep us from falling. “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen” (Jude 24f). It is a miserable kind of religion that thinks God gave us a Book and said, “See if you can make it on your own.” The point is not that we have no responsibility, but that we are not left to do it alone.

The challenger seems to have a special hang-up over the fact that providence is taught in Baptist publications. He seems to think that anything mentioned in a Baptist Manual must have its origins in Baptist theology. (A few months ago he objected to what I had written about congregational autonomy. He said the doctrine of congregational autonomy is Baptist doctrine because he had found it in the Baptist manual. Such is the logic (?) of our present accuser.) We do not believe in providence on the basis of Baptist doctrine (whether they get it right or wrong). We believe in providence because it is Bible truth. Indeed, we find it hard to imagine how to believe in God without being convinced of his providence.

He’s here and there, and everywhere
In all the ways I’ve trod.
I’ve never passed beyond the sphere
Of the providence of God.
—W. E. Brightwell

Denominational Terminology

Church of Christ Entities by Hugh Fulford

An excellent, insightful, and much needed article for Christians to study and apply today.  Published in the Carolina Messenger, March 2008.

New Testament Teaching on Music in Worship

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives (Matthew 26:30; Mark 14:26) At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them (Acts 16:25) 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) Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord (Colossians 3:16) saying: I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You (Hebrews 2:12) Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name (Hebrews 13:15) Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms (James 5:13)

The following is offered as evidence to prove that mechanical instrumental music in the worship of God is sinful.

THE LORD NEVER COMMANDED IT!

”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).

THE HOLY SPIRIT NEVER COMMANDED IT!

The Holy Spirit guided apostles into all truth. ”However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come (John 16:13). One cannot follow the Spirit and use mechanical instrumental music in worship to God (Galatians 5:16-17).

THE APOSTLES NEVER AUTHORIZED IT!

They told us to sing (Matthew 26:30; Acts 16:25; Romans 15:9; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12; 13:15; James 5:13).

IT IS NOT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT!

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). There is no command in the New Testament. There is no example of anyone using mechanical instruments of music in worship!

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IS ADDING TO GOD’S WORD

Since the practice is unauthorized by the Bible, then it becomes an addition to the Word of God. ”Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (2 John 9-11).

CONCLUSION

From Acts 2 to Revelation 22, there is no mention of the early church using mechanical instrumental music in worship! There is no place in the teaching of the apostles, who were guided by the Holy Spirit, where there were ever mechanical instruments of music used in worship!

In conclusion, the question is: Shall Christians go by the authority of the Holy Scriptures in worship, or shall they presume to worship God in whatever way and by whatever means as they may personally be pleased to do so? The principle involved is deeper than the use of the instrument in the worship. The principle involves an attitude toward the Bible, itself. If involves the matter of whether or not the Bible is the inerrant word of God. It involves respect for God, himself. It is a question of whether or not man shall be governed by what God says, or shall every man do that which is right in his own eyes (Rex A. Turner. Sermons And Addresses on the Fundamentals of the Faith, p. 107).

Lethargy and the Church

Brother David Lipscomb used to say, “Brothers and sisters, we are playing at religion.” Unquestionably, lethargy is one of our greatest problems in the church of our generation. Thus, there is a need to arouse the church therefrom.

- Wendell Winkler Lecture in The Restoration: The Winds of Change.

Brother Winkler’s lecture needs to be read, meditated upon, preached, taught, and relayed to the people in our pews. He presents the definition, examples, areas, causes, the cure, the antithesis, and the tragedies of lethargy in the church today.

By clicking on the following link you can download it in PDF.

The Need Of The Present Day: To Arouse The Church From Its Lethargy.

I Love Thy Kingdom Lord

“I love Thy kingdom Lord, The house of thine abode; The church our blest Redeemer saved with His own precious blood. I love Thy church O God” (Hymn – “I Love Thy Kingdom Lord”).

The church/kingdom of Jesus Christ was deliberately purposed in the mind of God before time began (Ephesians 3:9-11; 5:32; Acts 20:28). As God planned the death of Christ for the redemption of men, so He planned the church which is the number of the redeemed. The church/kingdom of Christ is a blood-bought institution.. Salvation is found in it! Consider the following three points emphasizing the church/kingdom of Christ.

PROPHECY

“Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, ‘come and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; he will teach us his ways, and we shall walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:2-3). We can examine this passage by looking at: When: “in the last days” (Acts 2:16-17). What: “the Lord’s house” (1 Timothy 3:15). Who: “all nations” (Galatians 3:28). Why: “he will teach us of his ways” Where: “The word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (Acts 1:4; 2:5, 14).

PREPARATION

The kingdom in prophecy is the church of the New Testament. Eighty-nine preachers spoke of the church/kingdom being in preparation. John (Matthew 3:2), the twelve (Matthew 10:7), the seventy (Luke 10:9), Luke (Luke 10:9), Mark (Mark 9:1), Paul (Colossians 1:13-14), God (John 17:7), Jesus (Matthew 4:17), and the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). Any religious organization which began either before or after the day of Pentecost did not begin when prophecy said it would begin (Luke 24:46-47). All references made concerning the church/kingdom prior to Pentecost reflect the future establishment of the church. All references made concerning the church after Pentecost reflect the existence of the church (Acts 2:47; Revelation 1:9).

PERFECTION

The kingdom of God’s Son was established on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ (Acts 2). The establishment of the church/kingdom of Christ was based upon 1. the preaching of the gospel (Acts 2:22-36). 2. By sinners rendering obedience to the gospel (Acts 2:37-41) and 3. By God adding the forgiven obedient ones to the church (Acts 2:47).

Foy E. Wallace Jr. summarized:

Moses was commanded to “make all things according to the pattern shown thee,” and Paul quotes this to emphasize the same caution to those who would be Christians, (Hebrews 8:5). The New Testament is our pattern and everything must conform to it. “Prove all things; hold fast what which is good,” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). The church outlined in the New Testament was perfect in government or organization; and perfect in doctrine and in worship (The Gospel For Today, p. 213).

Gospel preacher, Benjamin Franklin, was correct when he gave the following propositions:

a. A body, or community, not built on the foundation which God laid, is not the community which the Lord calls “my church.” b. A community not founded and established in the right place, is not the church of Christ. c. A community not founded at the right time is not the kingdom of Christ. d. No church can be the true church not founded by the proper persons, Christ and the apostles. e. A kingdom with any other law than the one given by the Head of the church, is not the kingdom of Christ. (F.L. Rowe, Pioneer Sermons And Addresses. pp. 260-261).

CONCLUSION 1. The church of Christ and the Kingdom of God are one and the same institution. 2. The Old Testament prophets prove the coming and establishment of the church on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ. 3. Membership in the kingdom of Christ/church of Christ is essential to salvation!

What a comfort to march in the army that will never know defeat. What a joy it is to be a citizen of a kingdom that will never be destroyed. God’s kingdom is a victorious kingdom! “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

“Crowns and thrones may perish, Kingdoms rise and wane, But the church of Jesus Constant will remain. Gates of hell can never; against that church prevail, We have Christ’s own promise, And that cannot fail.” (Hymn – “I Love Thy Kingdom Lord”).

Does It Matter How We Treat Our Preachers?

Does It Matter How We Treat Our Preachers? is the title of an article written by a fellow preacher, Rick Tincher, of Mount Vernon, Ohio.

Rick pinpoints an unfortunate side of church related business that makes you wonder how some brethren can claim to be true New Testament Christians when their words and deeds do not measure up to the standard of Christian conduct as specified in the Word of God.

“Let brotherly love continue,” “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith,” “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another,” “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor,” Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality” (Hebrews 13:1; Galatians 6:10; John 13:34-35; Romans 12:10, 13).