God’s Measuring Tape

T

he story is told about a fine Christian man who was noted for his ability to teach others about God’s divine pattern for Christ’s church and salvation. He did it in such a way that the one being taught was led to the simplicity of God’s truth. This Christian man worked in an oil refinery, and continually looked for opportunities to teach during the lunch hour. Suppose we listen in as he teaches a fellow-worker named Foy:

He began by asking, “Foy, do you believe that salvation through Jesus, comes BEFORE or AFTER baptism?”

Like millions, he replied, “That’s easy, salvation comes BEFORE baptism.”

Then the teacher replied, “Thousands, including myself, believe that salvation comes AFTER baptism. Now, won’t you agree that our beliefs are opposite to each other, and that both of us can’t be right?”

Foy thought for a moment, and then agreed that they could not hold opposite views and both still be correct.

Then the Christian teacher continued, as he reached into his shirt pocket and removed a small spiral tablet. Then he asked, “What do you think are the dimensions of this little tablet?”

After looking it over thoroughly, Foy responded, “Oh, I would say that it is two and three-fourths inches wide and four and three-fourths inches long.”

Then the Christian teacher said, “Well, I must disagree with you. I think that it is two and seven-eighths inches wide, and four and seven-eighths inches long. Now, obviously, we can’t both be correct. But how can we ever determine the exact dimensions of this little spiral tablet?”

Foy replied, “That’s easy! We will have to measure it.”

So the Christian teacher reached into his front pocket, got out a small measuring tape and measured the tablet. Then he announced, “Do you know what? We are both wrong! It measures exactly three inches wide and five inches long.

Now, Foy, back to our Bible question. You said that salvation through Christ is BEFORE baptism, and I said it is AFTER baptism. How can we know for sure?”

Foy replied, “I guess we will have to measure.”

“That is correct! For you see, God has a measuring tape, the Bible, that is one hundred percent accurate. Let me read for our consideration, three verses from my pocket New Testament to get God’s exact measurements on this subject.”

“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).

“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’” (Acts 2:38).

“Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).

Now, Foy let me ask you, “In these three verses, where is saved, remission of sins, and newness of life placed? Are they BEFORE or AFTER baptism?”

Foy remained silent as though he didn’t want to answer. But the Christian teacher reminded him by asking, “Didn’t you agree that we should go by God’s measuring tape, the Bible?”

Foy quietly answered, “Yes, and to be honest with you, all three—salvation, forgiveness, and newness of life, followed baptism. But teacher, how can so many preachers teach that salvation is before baptism?”

The teacher responded, “That is something that all of them must someday try to explain to God. But you can be assured that I want to teach only according to the Bible, God’s eternal measuring tape. Remember, there are only two measuring standards that anyone can follow. One is God’s standard, and the other is man’s standard. Those who seek the standard of man will fail.

Solomon warned, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12).

Then Foy thought for a moment and said, “I had never thought of how serious it is to believe and follow ONLY God’s divine measuring tape!”

They looked at their watches and realized that it was time to go back to work. As they were leaving, the Christian teacher asked, “Foy, would it be all right with you if we continue our Bible study tomorrow during the lunch hour?”

As they walked away, Foy answered, “I would like that, because I want to learn more about God’s divine measuring tape.”

On the following day, both men rushed through their lunch so they could have another Bible study. The Christian teacher was ready with another Bible discussion question. But before he asked the question, he reminded Foy that they would be using ONLY God’s divine measuring tape for their study.

Then he asked, “Foy, how many churches did Jesus build?”

Foy answered, “I don’t guess there is any way to know, because just about anywhere you go, there are churches on every hand. They all seem to be different from each other with different names and teaching. I would think that most of them claim to be from Jesus.”

When he completed his summation, the teacher said, “You are correct when you say that there are churches everywhere. But the real question to consider is, “Are these churches the one that Jesus built?”

Very seriously, Foy inquired, “How can anyone know for sure that a church is the one that Jesus built?”

The teacher reached again into his shirt pocket and removed his little spiral notebook. Then he asked, “Do you remember how we determined the size of this notebook?”

Foy answered, “Yes I do! We found its exact measurements by using the measuring tape. Oh yes; now I get it! The only way to know if a church is the one built by Jesus is to measure it by God’s divine measuring tape, the Bible.”

With a smile, the teacher said, “That is exactly right. Do you also remember how that we learned yesterday, that man’s measuring tape regarding spiritual matters, brings death?”

“Yes, I remember, and that is why we must seek only God’s way.”

“Foy, you are correct! Now, with that in mind, let’s look at the church that Jesus built. First of all, Jesus built only one church, and His church is also called His kingdom. Let’s refer to God’s measuring tape to prove this fact. Here is what Jesus said to Peter:

“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).

From this Scripture, how many churches did Jesus say He would build?”

Foy took his time and even read it twice, and finally answered, “Only one.”

“That is correct Foy, you are doing well! Now, let’s consider another fact about Jesus building His church. The church is also called His body. Paul wrote, “And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:22, 23).

Now, how many bodies did Jesus have?”

Foy replied, “That is easy! He had only one body.”

“That is correct, in fact, Paul wrote this same truth: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;” (Ephesians 4:4). Since Jesus has only one church or one body, who is its head?”

With very little pause, Foy answered, “I would think that Christ is the head of His body or His church.”

You think correctly, but let’s again consult God’s measuring tape to be for sure. In the words of the apostle Paul he referred to Jesus: “And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:18).

Foy responded, “Well, that proves that He has one body, one church, and that Jesus is the head of His one church. But I am still confused about the oneness of His church.”

The teacher asked, “In what way are you confused?”

Foy continued, “In the past, I have read about the church in Corinth, the church in Rome, and the seven churches of Asia. This seems to me that there were many churches in New Testament times. Can you help me understand this?”

The teacher replied, “I’ll be happy to explain this. You see, the one church that Jesus built had many local churches, but they were all a part of the ONE body or ONE church of Christ that Jesus built. However, to be a part of the one church, they had to follow the exact pattern of Jesus, the head of the church. When local churches turned away from the divine measuring tape, they ceased to be a part of the one church.”

Now this began to make sense to Foy, and he said, “This is like the seven churches of Asia. It seems that I remember reading that Jesus told one of these seven churches that if they refused to repent from leaving their first love, that He would come and remove their candle stick.”

Foy, you are right about that! When anyone stopped following the teaching of Jesus, whether an individual or a church, they were cut off from God. Let me refer you again to God’s measuring tape. The apostle John wrote,

“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” (2 John 1:9).

At this point, Foy became serious and said, “Wow, this is shocking to me! I guess I always thought that any church is acceptable regardless of its teaching!”

“No, Foy, not according to God’s word. If a church is practicing the commandments of men, it is a man-made church, but it is NOT a part of the church that Jesus built. To be a part of the one church that Jesus built and purchased with His own blood, it must teach the way of salvation according to God’s word, wear the name of Jesus, serve as His word teaches, and must worship, as Jesus instructed, “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).

Jesus taught, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted” (Matthew 15:13). This is a very serious warning!”

Foy wanted more time for study, but it was time for them to go back to work. Therefore, they both agreed to continue their study on tomorrow at the next lunch break. For, both teacher and student were enjoying their Bible study together.

When the two men arrived for work the following day, they had a few moments to chat before the workday began. Foy said, “I have been wondering what question we would be discussing today.”

The teacher asked, “Do you have a particular question that you would like for us to discuss today?”

After thinking for a moment, he replied, “Ever since you introduced the idea of using God’s measuring tape, I have wondered about all of the different kinds of worship that is done in various churches. Is the way we worship important?”

The teacher told him that the questions that deal with the kind of worship that pleases God are very important, and that he looked forward to studying them with him.”

Even though the morning was filled with the many activities of keeping the refinery operating properly, it still seemed to pass by slowly. Perhaps it was because Foy was anxious to discuss the very important subject of worship.

As to the teacher, he was truly thrilled to see such interest that Foy was showing. He was so pleased with the attitude that he had toward the Bible.

Finally, the noon hour came, and both men rushed through their lunch so they could have more time to study. Finally the teacher asked, “Foy, what kind of worship do you think pleases God?”

After a few moments of thinking Foy said, “To be honest with you, before we began using God’s measuring tape, the Bible, I thought that God would accept any kind of worship just so it is sincere, but now, I don’t really know. But you can be assured that I am anxious to learn.”

Therefore, at this point, the teacher began. “As we have done with previous studies, let’s begin with a basic Scripture that was given by Jesus. While teaching a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, Jesus said,

“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).

You can observe from this verse that true worship involves two important principles: (1) Worship in spirit. (2) Worship in truth. Let’s consider the first one, worship in spirit.”

Then Foy said, “Then Foy said, “That is great, because I am anxious to know what Jesus meant by worshiping in spirit.”

“All right, in simple terms, it means to have one’s heart in the worship. It is not enough just to participate in the acts of worship, but the acts of worship must come from the heart.

For example, while the prayer is being led, the hearts of the worshipers must also be sincerely praying. Sometimes our thoughts may drift during prayer, but we must make every effort to remember that we are praising and talking to God. While the word of God is being taught and preached, we must also listen with honor and respect to God.

Paul summed up worshiping in spirit with these words,

“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).

Therefore, God’s divine measuring tape teaches that those who worship Him, must do so from their hearts.”

Foy had listened to the meaning of worshiping in spirit with great interest. Then he commented, “All these years I thought that worship was just something you do. In fact, I thought of it as a form of entertainment, just something to enjoy. But to worship in spirit, if I understood you correctly, is to focus on God and to lift Him up in praise and honor.”

With joy, the teacher said, “Foy, you have learned the real meaning of worshiping in spirit. However, let me remind you that God’s measuring tape also specifies HOW He wants to be worshiped. Look again at what Jesus said,

“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).

There are those who believe that it doesn’t matter how one worships as long as his or her worship is sincere and from the heart. But this is not according to God’s measuring tape! Jesus taught that both in spirit and in truth are essential.”

The teacher could see that Foy was anxious to say something, so he paused, and Foy said, “Then you are saying that all the kinds of worship that man has added over the years is false worship and is not acceptable with God!”

“That is very true, however, let us look to the teaching of Jesus to verify this fact. He said,

“And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9).

In short, to be acceptable to God, we must worship only on God’s terms!”

Foy responded, “Then, this is what Jesus meant by worshiping in truth?”

“Yes, you are exactly right!”

Then the teacher said, “Well, Foy, I see that they are signaling us that it is time to get back to work, but if you are willing, tomorrow we will see what God’s measuring tape, the Bible, says specifically about worshiping in truth.”

Foy assured him that he was willing and anxious to learn more about the Bible, and that he truly appreciated the time and teaching that the teacher was giving him.

Once again, on the following day at noon, these two men continued their Bible study. In fact, Foy was very anxious to learn further how to worship God in truth. Therefore, the teacher opened the discussion:

“Foy, you will remember that Jesus said that worship to God must be done in spirit and in truth. Since we have already learned that worshiping in spirit is worshiping from the heart, let us now study what it means to worship in truth.”

Foy spoke up and said, “I assume that we will be fully consulting God’s measuring tape on this subject.”

With a pleased smile, the teacher replied, “You have assumed correctly, and I appreciate your confidence in the word of God, and your believing that this is what I will be using!

There are five acts of worship recorded in God’s word. Suppose we consider each one of these.

Prayer

Foy, let’s begin with the subject of prayer. When the church, as recorded in the New Testament, assembled to worship, they honored God with prayers. In fact, very early in the history of Christ’s church, Luke records,

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).

You will notice that among the things that they continued steadfastly in was prayer. They prayed individually, they prayed in worship assemblies, and they prayed when they gathered together on various occasions.

When Peter was released from prison, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, and let us observe what he found going on:

“So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying” (Acts 12:12).

Foy said, “Now, at this point, I have a question, ‘What exactly is prayer?’”

The teacher explained, “Well, Foy, basically, prayer is children of God, talking to their heavenly Father in the name of Jesus.”

Foy responded, “But I have heard many who talk directly to Jesus, rather than through His name, to God the Father. Is this acceptable?”

The teacher replied, “Let us again consult God’s measuring tape on this question. When Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, He taught them to address their prayers directly to the Father. Here is His example:

“Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9).

Those who prayed in New Testament times, prayed in the name of Jesus, but they talked to the Father. Jesus verified this when He said,

“If you ask anything in My name, I will do it” (John 14:14).

Therefore prayer is an important part of worship that is done in truth, as we worship in spirit.”

Singing

The teacher continued: “In addition to praying during worship, they also sang hymns.”

When the word ‘sing’ was mentioned, Foy had a thought and some questions. So he asked, “Isn’t it true that most churches today use some kind of mechanical instrument in worship, such as a piano, organ, and other instruments? Are mechanical instruments approved when applying God’s measuring tape? Now I know that David and others played a mechanical instrument, but what about the one church that we have studied about in the New Testament?”

The teacher said to Foy, “These are very good questions that you are asking, and they need to be considered. Remember, true worship must be done in truth, and if the Bible, God’s truth, does not approve of mechanical instruments being used in worship, then they must not be used.

Foy, also keep in mind this important truth, that in all the biblical references that apply to music in worship in the New Testament, only singing with the heart is mentioned.” The teacher thumbed through his little pocket New Testament and read to Foy the following verses:

“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).

“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).

“Again, you will notice that the only instrument mentioned in these verses is the heart!”

Then Foy responded, “Let me understand this, are you saying that there is not a single verse in all the New Testament where the church was ever authorized to use, or where the church ever used, a mechanical musical instrument in worship?”

The teacher answered, “Yes, it is a fact that God’s divine measuring tape never allows this kind of instrument to be used while worshiping.

Foy, if you don’t have any further questions on singing in worship, let’s consider another very important part of worship when worshiping in truth.”

The Lord’s Supper

While Foy pondered the fact about singing only with the heart, the teacher continued. The truth in worship mentioned by Jesus, also includes partaking of the Lord’s Supper! Just as the Christians of New Testament times continued steadfastly in prayer, they did the same in breaking bread or taking the Lord’s Supper.

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).

Foy, as you probably know, many churches today practice steadfastness in prayer and in giving their money, but these same churches observe the Lord’s only occasionally. Therefore, they follow God’s measuring tape ONLY if it pleases them to do so.”

Foy thought about this for a moment and then said, “Did the Christians in the New Testament church take the Lord’s Supper EVERY Sunday in worship?”

The teacher answered, “The New Testament example says that they did. Consider with me the following verse:

“Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight” (Acts 20:7).

This same verse that gives the example of preaching on the first day of the week (Sunday), also gives an example of breaking bread on the first day of the week.”

Very seriously, Foy responded, “There are sure a lot of different churches that are not following God’s measuring tape regarding the Lord’s Supper! What else does God’s truth approve?”

The teacher continued, “In addition to teaching and preaching the word of God, when the New Testament church met on the first day of the week for worship, they were also commanded to give to the Lord as they had prospered.”

Foy spoke up and asked, “Do you mean giving a tithe?”

The teacher answered kindly, “No, because God’s divine measuring stick never approved tithing as the pattern for giving in the New Testament church. This kind of giving was commanded only in the Old Testament!”

Somewhat confused, Foy asked, “Then, what kind of giving was approved or commanded in the New Testament church?”

The teacher answered, “Giving cheerfully on the first day of the week from their hearts, as they had been prospered. Let me read you the following verses that will explain the truth about God approved way for Christian giving:

“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come” (1 Corinthians 16:1, 2).

“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

This is the truth about giving to God on the first day of the week.”

Foy was amazement replied, “I can’t believe how far off I have been from God’s measuring tape in my thinking! As to preaching, I think I know what is commanded. Surely, they must have been commanded to preach only God’s word!”

The teacher replied, “Foy, you could not be more correct. In fact, there are many verses that we could read about preaching the purity of God’s word, but here is one that Paul wrote to Timothy that sums up all of the others:

“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2).

The teacher looked at his watch and said to Foy, “Well, it looks like we have gone some over our lunch break today, but fortunately we were caught up with what we were doing before the break.”

Foy said, “I know that we have to get back to work, but before we do, I wanted to thank you for this study. I now know that in the past I have not followed correctly God’s divine measuring tape, and you can be assured that I plan to make some major changes in my life. I want to become a Christian on God’s terms, and to worship Him in spirit and in truth just as we have learned.

After work today, could you meet with me and work out the details for me to be baptized for the remission of sins?”

With joy, the teacher assured Foy that he would certainly be able to meet with him, and that he looked forward to doing so.

Therefore, both men went back to work with great joy in their hearts! —BBBristow