Tag Franklin St church of Christ

The Scheme of Redemption

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THE SCHEME (PLAN) OF REDEMPTION:

Creation and the Entrance of Sin

  1. Genesis 1:27 God created man in His own image.
  2. Ecclesiastes 7:29 Man sought to sin
  3. Romans 3:9, 10, 23 All stand as sinners before God.

The Nature and Definition of Sin

  1. 1 John 1:8 If one says he has no sin he is not truthful. What is sin?
  2. 1 John 5:17 Sin is unrighteousness.
  3. Romans 1:16 Righteousness is revealed in the Bible.
  4. 1 John 3:4 Sin is lawlessness (acting without law). What law?
  5. James 1:25 Authority is found in the perfect law of liberty, the gospel of Christ.
  6. Romans 14:23 Whatever is not of faith is sin. How does one get faith?
  7. Romans 10:17 Faith comes by hearing the word of God.
  8. James 4:17 Not doing good is sin. How does one know what is good?
  9. Micah 6:8 What is good is shown by God to man in the Bible.

The Tragic Consequences of Sin
1) Isaiah 59:1-2 Sin is tragic. It separates man from God. (Separates; Injures; Never lets go)
2) Romans 6:23 Without God’s help, sin will separate man from God eternally.

God’s Love and Provision for Salvation
1) John 3:16 God’s love made it possible for man not to die because of his sin.
2) Matthew 1:21 Jesus came to save man from sin.
3) Jeremiah 10:23 God knew man needed help to deal with sin.
4) Proverbs 14:12 The end of the ways of man is death.
5) 2 Peter 1:3 God, in His word, has given man what he needs for life and godliness.
6) Romans 1:16 The gospel, God’s word, is His power unto salvation given through Jesus.

The Necessity of Hearing and Believing
1) Matthew 7:24-27 People must hear the words of Christ.
2) John 12:48 We will be judged by the words of Christ, therefore, we must live by them.
3) John 6:68 We must hear Christ’s words because they are the words of eternal life.
4) Romans 10:17 We must hear Christ’s words in order to believe (have faith. see John 20:30-31).
5) Hebrews 11:6 We must believe in order to come to God and be pleasing to Him.
6) John 8:24 We must believe in Jesus to keep from dying in sin.

Faith Must Lead to Obedience
1) Matthew 7:21 We must act on our belief (faith) with obedience.
2) Hebrews 5:8-9 Jesus will only save those who obey Him.
3) John 14:15 If you love Jesus, you will keep His commandments. What are they?

The Commands of the Gospel
1) Luke 13:3 Jesus commands all to repent.
2) Acts 17:30 All people are required to repent.
3) Matthew 10:32 All are required to confess Jesus as Lord.
4) Romans 10:10 Confession is essential to salvation.
5) Mark 16:16 Jesus commands baptism.
6) 1 Peter 3:21 Baptism now saves us.
7) Acts 22:16 Baptism washes away sin.

The Blessings of Being in Christ and His Church
1) Galatians 3:27 In baptism one puts on Christ.
2) Ephesians 1:3 All spiritual blessings are in Christ.
3) 1 Corinthians 12:13 Baptism puts one in the body of the saved.
4) Colossians 1:18 That body is Christ’s church.
5) Acts 2:47 God adds the saved to His church.
6) Ephesians 5:23 Christ is the Savior of the body, the church. (Eph 1:22-23)

The Urgency of Obedience
1) 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 Those who do not know God and those who do not obey Him will perish.
2) 2 Corinthians 6:2 Now is the time to obey.
3) James 4:13-14 There is no guarantee of a tomorrow.

Hero of Faith: Epaphroditus

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Philippians 2:25-30; 4:18.

Epaphroditus may not be the most remembered person in scripture, but what is said about him speaks volumes. Mentioned in Paul’s letter to the Philippians (2:25-30; 4:18), he stands as a model for Saints today. His story offers profound lessons on love, risk, and honor in God’s kingdom.

Paul describes him warmly as “my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need” (Philippians 2:25). As a fellow worker and soldier alongside Paul, Epaphroditus labored tirelessly in the gospel. He was not a distant supporter but a close companion who shared in the hardships of ministry. To the church at Philippi, he served as their trusted representative, carrying their financial gift to the imprisoned apostle. Paul received “the things that came from you” through him—an “odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God” (4:18). Epaphroditus was the bridge between the Philippian believers and Paul, faithfully delivering their love in tangible form.

His journey, however, came at great personal cost. Somewhere along the way or after arriving at Rome, Epaphroditus became seriously ill, “nigh unto death” (2:30). Paul notes that he “longed after you all, and was sore troubled” (2:26), distressed not primarily for his own suffering but out of deep concern for his brethren in Philippi. He regarded not his own life and hazarded everything “for the work of Christ… to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me” (2:30). This was no reckless gamble but faithfulness, risking health and safety to advance the gospel and meet Paul’s needs.

Remarkably, Epaphroditus was not healed through the means of miraculous spiritual gifts. We know Paul had theses gifts, but their use was for a purpose determined by God (Heb 2:4; 1Cor 13:8-10). This became a lesson about the purpose of spiritual gifts, and prayer; “God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also” (2:27). Epaphroditus’s recovery highlighted that God works providentially in the Saints lives. This episode underscores that faith and service do not always shield believers from suffering. Instead, it reveals that faithfulness isn’t determined by miraculous healing; a lesson we learned also from Job (Job 1-2). We trust in a future hope.

Because of such character, Paul urged the Philippians: “Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy; and hold such in honor” (2:29). Men and women who risk their lives for Christ’s work deserve high esteem. Epaphroditus exemplified true servanthood—to the Philippians as their messenger, to Paul as a loyal companion, and ultimately to Christ as a faithful soldier who placed kingdom priorities above personal comfort.

In an age that still clings to the earthly measures of success, the life of Epaphroditus challenges us to consider spiritual measures of faith. He was eager, loving, sacrificial, and Christ-focused. His life, though briefly recorded, still speaks through centuries as an example for us to emulate. Like him, we can become fellow workers and soldiers who count not our lives dear unto ourselves, but pour them out as acceptable sacrifices to God and His people.

True heroes of faith rarely seek the spotlight. They simply obey, serve, and love—often at great cost—trusting God as they look forward to a future hope in Christ. Epaphroditus did exactly that, and the church is richer for his example.

Agape
spencer

ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS: NO CONDEMNATION IN CHRIST

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“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Rom. 8:1)

This happy condition of not being damned comes only to those in Christ Jesus. Being in Christ evidently refers to those who are obedient to the Gospel having been baptized into His death (Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:36-27).

Sin condemns us. In Romans 7, Paul describes mankind’s struggle with sin and the bondage it produces. Sin separates us from God and through it we have sold ourselves into bondage (Rom. 7:14; Isaiah 50:1). But now, through Christ our redeemer, there is NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Him and walk after the Spirit.

The Law of Moses condemns us. Paul wrote, “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet” (Rom. 7:7). The law itself was holy and good (Rom. 7:12), but it exposed sin and made men conscious of their guilt. Through Christ, however, those who are in Him are freed from the condemnation that comes from transgressing the old law (Rom. 8:2-4).

Satan, is called the accuser (Rev. 12:10; Job 1:9; Zec. 3:1), and there are many who oppose the gospel of Christ and seek to condemn God’s people. “Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us” (Rom. 8:33-34). Through Christ, the accusations of the adversary cannot condemn those who remain faithful to Him.

Romans 8:1 specifies this freedom from condemnation is for those “who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” It is not a one-time event only, but a continuing walk. To walk after the Spirit is to live according to the teaching revealed by the Holy Spirit through Christ’s Apostles and prophets (John 14:26; 16:13-15; Eph. 3:3-5). Those who are led by the Spirit are those who submit themselves to the word the Spirit revealed (Rom. 8:13-14). Faith comes by hearing God’s word (Rom. 10:17), and the written testimony of the Apostles was given so men might believe and have life through Christ (John 20:30-31).

This spiritual blessing provides comfort for those who are in Christ, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life” (1John 5:13). Some may interpret this as once saved always saved, but don’t be confused. We can leave Christ (1Tim. 4:1; Heb. 3:12; 6:4-6; 10:26-29) and stop abiding in the doctrine of Christ (2John 1:9-10; John 6:66).

But now, through Christ, there is NO CONDEMNATION to those who are in Christ and walk after the Spirit. We are imperfect people, and we have access to forgiveness through Christ. “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1John 2:1).

Agape
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WALKING in LOVE

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“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” (Eph 5:1-2)

Paul wrote to the Ephesians saints to walk in love as Christ also loved us. Those are big shoes to fill!

In the first letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote about the superiority of love (1Cor 13:13). John wrote that love was more than lip service, but that true love requires action, in particularly toward the brethren (1John 3:6-17). He also wrote by inspiration; “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7). Lest we forget, the Lord commands us to Love one another, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34-35; 15:12, 17; Romans 13:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11, 23; 4:7, 11-12). Love is an essential quality of Saints. But what is it?

The love of the Bible is Christlike, agape love; a deliberate, sacrificial, unconditional commitment to seek the highest good of others — even at great personal cost — patterned after Jesus’ self-giving on the cross. Agape love willingly sacrifices time, comfort, resources, rights, or even life itself for the benefit of others, and is not based on loveliness, worthiness, or a precondition of the recipient. “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27). “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1Peter 4:8)

“Let ALL that ye do be done in LOVE.”

(1Cor 16:14)

LOVE is Active and Practical. Biblical agape proves itself through deeds, not just words. “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” (1John 3:18). It does good, serves, shares, forgives, and builds others up. It shows up in service toward the brethren. “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13).

True love does speak just in affirmations, but speaks the truth for a purpose, “but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head–Christ– from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Eph 4:15-16). The chapter of love, 1Corinthians 13, tells us that speaking the truth without love is ineffective and meaningless. “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.”

Love is active, it can be proved (1Cor 8:8), and it has a purpose for truth.

Agape

spencer

Commencement Address 2026

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Dear class of 2026,

In my nearly 58 years of life, I’ve learned there are two ways to live: one that most people follow, and another that very few find.

When I was young, as you are today, I had the expectation that life would be nothing but FOOD, FUN, and FROLIC. I found those things, but in between came FEAR, FRUSTRATION, and FAILURE. My expectations about life, myself, and others were unrealistic. While this life offers love, laughter, and lucre, it also brings lovelessness, lows, and loss. It surprised me, disappointed me, and often depressed me. I learned this was the wide way.

Then I discovered an ancient book that taught me a better way—a way to find true joy and meaning even in the midst of pain. It showed me that focusing primarily on me, myself, and I (Jeremiah 17:9) led only to dissatisfaction, disappointment, and depression. It revealed there is more to life than what we see under the sun. It pointed me to SOMEONE who is the source of true meaning, purpose, and value—things I could never find on my own. This book taught me about LIGHT, LOVE, and LIFE. It introduced me to Jesus, “the new and living way” (Hebrews 10:20).

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:1-4, 14).

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). When we learn of Him, and take His yoke upon us (Matt 11:29-30; see Romans 10:17), we find rest. For those who obey His gospel, Jesus becomes their life, their purpose, their meaning, their joy, and their peace. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:1-4; see Colossians 2:11-12; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4).

After putting on Christ (Gal 3:27), my expectations shifted from this temporary life to true hope and eternal life. This instantly gave meaning to my daily efforts, because now I do all things for Him. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:17, 23).

Welcome to life. Two ways lie before you: the wide and normal way that many follow, which ends in destruction (Matthew 7:13; 2 Thess. 1:8-9), or the narrow, new and living way that leads to eternal joy, eternal life, and inexpressible love. Choose wisely.

Agape
Spencer

Is the church of Christ a Cult?

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What is a cult?
A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.
The followers of such a religion or sect.
A system or community of religious worship and ritual

Is the church of Christ a cult?
If following CHRIST as He commands is a cult… then we are part of it.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

If trying to UNDERSTAND the will of the Lord is a cult… then we are part of it.
“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (Ephesians 5:17)

If LOVING Christ is a cult… then we are part of it.
“If you love me, keep my commands.” (John 14:15)
“In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3)

If TEACHING what Jesus taught is a cult… then we are part of it.
“Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.” (2 John 1:9)
Jesus commanded us to teach others to observe all that He commanded (Matthew 28:20).

We are not following the traditions of men, extra-biblical creeds, or the latest cultural trends. We are simply striving to be the church we read about in the New Testament—Christians who love Christ enough to obey Him, who respect the authority of Scripture, and who teach what the apostles taught.

If that makes us a “cult” in the eyes of some, so be it.

We would rather stand with Jesus and His word than compromise to gain the approval of the world. As for us and our house, we will serve the Lord by following Christ as He has revealed Himself in Scripture.

What about you? Are you following the commands of Christ, or the changing opinions of men?

agape,

spencer

What is Faith?

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When one understands that Faith is used in 5 ways in the scriptures they will have a complete understanding of what it means to be saved by faith.

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Belief comes from the FULL revealed word of God. (Jude 1:3; Rom 10:17) 

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it’s ACTIVE, (James 2:14-26)

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it INSISTS on remaining faithful. (Heb 11:35)

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it TRUSTS in the One who commands and works (Col 2:11-12). 

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it HOPES in a godly sort with assurance (Heb 6:19; 11:13-16). 

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faith is a full bodied word with rich depth, not the shallow kind of those who won’t obey. (James 2:19)

When the Bible says we’re saved by FAITH, we must remember these 5 senses of the word.

Are there 2 Gospels?

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People claim there are 2 gospels. One for the Jews taught by Peter that requires baptism. The second one is supposedly just to the gentiles and has no requirement for salvation except “faith alone.”

Is this true?

Look carefully at the great commission given by Christ Jesus after His resurrection and just before His assencion into heaven.

Matthew 28:19

Go ye therefore, and teach all NATIONS, BAPTIZING them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

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Mark 16:15-16 KJV

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the WORLD, and preach the gospel to EVERY CREATURE. [16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

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This command is universal—“all nations”—with no distinction between Jew and Gentile. It flows directly from the risen Christ to the apostles, including Peter (who was present) and extending to Paul’s ministry. The gospel is not divided by ethnicity or apostle; it is one message with one response. 

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The idea of two gospels often misreads Galatians 2:7 (different audiences: “circumcision” vs. “uncircumcision”) as different content. But the text shows the same gospel entrusted to different men for different groups, just as Jesus commanded in Matthew 28. Dividing it creates the very “another gospel” Paul cursed. There is one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism (Ephesians 4:4-5).

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Jesus’ command stands: one gospel, for all nations, baptizing them. Faith responds to the gospel; baptism is the obedient entry into Christ as the apostles practiced it—without ethnic division.

There is one gospel and one way of salvation.

Heroes of Faith: The Resolve of Ruth

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But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The LORD do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.” (Ruth 1:16-17)

The story of Ruth is to me one of the most beautiful stories in the bible.

When Ben Franklin was in Paris, he would often converse with members of the ‘Infidels Club’, a group of philosophers who spurned the Bible. These intellectuals spent much of their time searching for and discussing masterpieces of literature and art. For his amusement, Ben Franklin announced that he found an ancient manuscript worthy of their consideration. “We must hear it!” they exclaimed.

Franklin then read to them The Book of Ruth, changing the names of the characters and locale so that it would not be recognized as a story from the Bible. When he was finished, the hearers were unanimous in their praise. “We have never heard anything like it”, they said. “It is one of the most touching stories we have ever heard. You must tell us where you found it!” You can imagine Franklin’s delight when he announced that it was a story from the Bible, the object of their ridicule and disapproval.

The Book of Ruth stands as a compelling example of why we read the Bible. We turn to Scripture to strengthen our faith and deepen our hope (Rom. 15:4). Through Ruth’s story, we learn about the steadfast resolve displayed by those who choose to follow the Lord (Ruth 1:16-17). The narrative also highlights the unique character and strong work ethic that mark individuals who remain faithful to God. “And Boaz answered and said to her, “It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before. “The LORD repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”” (Ruth 2:11-12).

Ruth further illustrates the blessing of trusting in God’s ways as revealed in His Word. This is powerfully demonstrated in chapter 3, when she carefully follows Naomi’s instructions concerning the law of redeeming an inheritance. In the end, we witness hope fulfilled and the great joy that awaits God’s children who live as faithful, trusting followers of Him.

“So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife; and when he went in to her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a close relative; and may his name be famous in Israel!” (Ruth 4:13-14)

Agape
Spencer

PS: At the close of the book, Ruth the Moabite widow is woven into the royal line of Israel. “Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David the king.” (Matthew 1:5-6) 

All Spiritual Blessings in Christ: Prayer

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“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph 1:3)

Prayer is one of those spiritual blessings enjoyed by those in a covenant relationship with God. Here are some passages about this spiritual blessing.

Prayer rejected due to sin
• Proverbs 28:9 “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.”
• Isaiah 1:15 “When ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.”
• Micah 3:4 “Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them… as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.”
• Zechariah 7:13 “Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear.”
• John 9:31 “Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.”

Hypocrisy / rebellion prevents prayer
• Proverbs 15:29 “The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.”
• Proverbs 21:27 “The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?”
• Psalm 66:18 “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”
• James 4:3 “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”

Sin separates from God (prayer not heard)
• Isaiah 59:1–2 “Your iniquities have separated between you and your God… that he will not hear.”
• Jeremiah 11:11 “Though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them.”
• Jeremiah 14:12 “When they fast, I will not hear their cry… I will consume them.”
• 1 Peter 3:12 “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous… but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.”

Obedience required for answered prayer
• 1 John 3:22 “Whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.”
• Hebrews 5:9 “He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”

Here’s the good news, God hears our prayers “IN CHRIST.” Because we have obeyed the Gospel through faith we have access to God through prayer. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16; Eph 2:18; 3:12).

Agape
spencer