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Individual-Group Distinctions
by Bryan Sharp I Timothy 5:16 tells us, “If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.” (ESV) This one verse is a gold mine of practical application because, in this one verse,…
Read MoreThe Importance of Thoughts
by Bill Crews If you are concerned about your character, your conduct, your life, and your destiny, then be concerned about your thoughts. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). The heart is the mind, and the mind is the center of thoughts. “For as…
Read MoreHow to Raise a Heartache
by Edward O. Bragwell, Sr. via The Auburn Beacon “The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother” (Proverbs 29:15). Though I have been a father for many years and a grandfather for a few years, I still do not claim to be an expert on child-rearing. I…
Read MoreCan Christians Help Support the Salvation Army?
by Danny Pettus Christians are at liberty to support many things other than the church of our Lord, but false doctrine is not one of those things. You may have had someone come to your door selling this or that for a certain denomination. You might go to a store and be approached by someone…
Read MoreTelling Members They Are Sinning in Deliberately Missing Church
By Bob W. Lovelace Question: If you gathered together a list of excuses as to why members of a local church will “neglect” their collective duty to attend and participate in both the worship and works of the local church what would it include? From all over members who strive to fulfill their duty are…
Read MoreHow is Truth Determined?
by Oscar C. Miles What probably bothers me most about Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons is that they do not allow any possibility that they might be in error. It seems to me that they have been programmed to resist the possibility of fallibility in their organization. They believe that they are God’s organization and thus…
Read MoreHow Does the Lord Open Hearts?
by Greg Gwin In Acts 16 we read: “And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of…
Read MoreHow Did They Know?
by Doy Moyer via Gospel Guide, Vol. 27, No. 7, July 1995. Fountains of the Deep Moses wrote, concerning the flood, that “all the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened” (Genesis 7:11). Then later he said that “The fountains of the deep and the windows of…
Read MoreHospitality — Why Bother?
by Julie Adams via Biblical Insights, Vol. 7, No. 5, May 2007 Why is it that the very idea of hospitality conjures up thoughts of fine china, matching napkins and a five-course meal? Perhaps it is our “Martha” mind that causes us to dread all that we think we have to do to show hospitality. Then…
Read MoreHe Didn’t Fit the Picture
by Aaron Beard via Gospel Power, Vol. 14, No. 12, March 25, 2007 The first-century Jew was one who was completely aware of the prophecies concerning the coming Messiah. The “Law and the Prophets” were constantly being read in public places. He would have undoubtedly been longing for the coming of the Messiah, the Savior…
Read MoreHealing Sick Marriages
by Allen Dvorak via Gospel Power, Vol. 14, No. 33, Aug. 19, 2007 Any marriage which lasts for very long will experience some rough times. If the physical attraction which dominates the engagement period and the beginning of marriage for many couples is not accompanied by an abiding love, the relationship is on shaky ground.…
Read MoreThe Rule of Elders (Smelser)
On the Relation of Elders and Congregations Revised and Expanded by Dale Smelser Preface The following pages examine a subject of growing interest — the work of elders. I am confident the continuing discussion and study will help us focus ever more accurately upon the New Testament teaching about this important theme. This material, critical…
Read MoreGrace and Mercy
Author Unknown Grace is giving to another what they don’t deserve. Mercy is not giving another what they deserve.
Read MoreThe Gospels and the Covenants
by Roger Blackwelder It has been observed that the traditional divisions we use to describe the Bible are inaccurate. Genesis through Malachi are called the Old Testament or Old Covenant. Matthew through Revelation are called the New Testament or New Covenant. The titles are problematic for at least two reasons: 1) The covenant between God…
Read MoreGod’s Prophetic Word
by Carey Scott The interesting thing about many of the prophecies of the Old Testament is that many of them have dual purpose and application. Of course, they were spoken and written to the people of the prophet’s day, and the purpose was to get them to repent and return to serving God who had…
Read MoreGod’s Image
by Shane Williams via The Lilbourn Light, Vol. 8, No. 4, Aug. 2007. Marcus Terentius Varro (116-27 B.C.) is described in the Encyclopedia Britannica as “Rome’s greatest scholar.” He wrote more than 400 books on many subjects. Among his writings is this statement: “They who first introduced images of the gods removed fear and added error.” This…
Read MoreThe Genuineness of Mark 16:9-20
by Dudley Ross Spears The last verses from Mark’s gospel, (Mark 16:9-20) have been called “The Longer Ending of Mark.” The first time I came across this criticism it was in response to quoting verses 15 and 16. Mark 16:16 affirms, “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believes not…
Read MoreFuneral Service for Viola Richardson
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton We are gathered here today to remember the life of Viola Richardson. Viola L. Richardson, 79, of Pickrell died on Friday afternoon, May 18, 2007, at St. Elizabeth’s Regional Medical Center in Lincoln. She was born on August 9, 1927, in Indianola, Oklahoma, and spent her childhood in Oklahoma and Texas,…
Read MoreThe College Issue
(Six articles were published in Preceptor magazine by brother Robert F. Turner between April and October of 1962. They are presented here as one continuous thesis.) Educational Institutions Among the Brethren by Robert F. Turner (Preceptor, April 1962) Educational projects among members of the church of Christ began in the same way any other private enterprise…
Read MoreThe Firstfruits
by Ethan R. Longhenry “But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ’s, at his coming” (I Corinthians 15:23). Despair turned to excitement on that first day of the week so long ago when Jesus arose from the dead (John 20:1-31, etc.). In the midst of all the excitement, however,…
Read MoreEvidence from a Pottery Shard
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Skeptics of the Bible long have tried to deny that the text is as ancient as the Bible claims. One popular myth is to claim that the Old Testament was written during the Babylonian captivity and was a record of the Israelite’s legends. To that is added the claim that David…
Read MoreThe Enormity of It All
by Joel Solliday As a writer, I make mistakes. Once upon a blog, I claimed that a point my opponent was making was a “mute point.” I soon learned that an inconsequential point is actually a “moot point.” Oops! I have also misused the word enormity, as if it meant something BIG! Enormity actually refers to an atrocity, or an outrageous,…
Read MoreA History Lesson on Mormonism
by Jerry Blount I published an article comparing the Mormon’s founders to the founders of Christianity. I noted that virtually every signatory witness to the golden plates either repudiated their testimony, left the Mormon faith or was excommunicated before they died. Comparably, we also noted that none of the authors of your Bible ran… even though…
Read MoreEllen G. White
by Jefferson David Tant Although there have been other proponents of observing the Sabbath day in modern times, Ellen G. White is the most prominent, as she is considered to be the founder of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. A full examination of her work would be the subject of another article, but there are…
Read MoreThe Elder Brother of the Prodigal Son
by Bob Myhan Many people fail to realize that the third parable of Jesus recorded in Luke chapter 15, is nowhere, in the inspired text, called “the Parable of the Prodigal Son.” In fact, the parable is given no name either by Jesus or by Luke. A more accurate designation would be “the Parable of…
Read MoreFaith and Works (Scott)
by Carey Scott Many people reject the idea that these two words should be found in the same context. The reason is that while we need faith to receive God’s blessings and approval, we also realize that God’s grace is what saves us instead of works. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 2 that we…
Read MoreDo You Pray?
by Bill Hall in The Bulletin of the Church of Christ at New Georgia, September 30, 2007; via The Gospel Observer, December 30, 2007 The worshiper who would pray in the assembly must do more than bow his head and close his eyes. He must pray. “Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will…
Read MoreDon’t Jump to Conclusions
by Allen Dvorak via Gospel Power Vol. 15, No. 14, April 6, 2008. Elkanah, the father of the Old Testament prophet Samuel, had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah (I Samuel 1). Peninnah had children, but Hannah was barren. In a mean-spirited way, Peninnah “provoked” Hannah because of her infertility. When Elkanah and his wives went…
Read MoreIs it Acceptable to Live Together Before Marriage?
by Richard Mansel via Forthright Magazine When we become Christians, our perspective changes from the will of the flesh to the will of the Father in heaven. The old ways of pleasure cease to be the guiding light of our days. We have a higher calling based on new criteria. Men make their decisions based on…
Read MoreInfant Baptism (Shouse)
by Roger Shouse published in Biblical Insight, Vol. 5, No. 7, July 2005. Advocates of infant baptism wrongly assume that the term “household” includes infants. Baptizing a baby is often viewed as a very special event in the lives of young parents. Grandparents come to witness the special occasion. A white baptismal dress is purchased for…
Read MoreDoes Spanking Cause Lower IQ in Children?
by Sam Stinson “He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently” (Proverbs 13:24). I like to think that most scientific studies are not politically motivated. However, when I read about studies like the following, I’m forced to rethink this belief. A study recently presented by the International…
Read MoreDisciple or Dabbler?
by Jim Ward via Lost River Bulletin, Vol. 57, No. 3, October 2007 In his book, Basic Christianity, John Stott wrote, “The Christian landscape is strewn with the wreckage of derelict half-built towers. The ruins of those who began to build and were unable to finish. Thousands of people still ignore Christ’s warning and undertake…
Read MoreDad’s Nine Rules for Living
by Frank Walton Upon the occasion of his daughter’s high school graduation. via Biblical Insights, Vol. 7, No. 8, Aug. 2007. 1. Put God First We exist for His glory and then to enjoy Him forever (I John 17:3). “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One…
Read MoreThe Courage to Start
“Nothing will ever be attempted, if all possible objections must first be overcome.” Lord Philip Dormer Stanhope Chesterfield “Now the LORD had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will…
Read MoreConsulting Mediums
by Sam Stinson “When they say to you, ‘Consult the mediums and the spiritists who whisper and mutter,’ should not a people consult their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living?” (Isaiah 8:19) Dear friend, are you a Christian? Many people in the world do not identify themselves as Christian for…
Read MoreThe Consequence of Sin Can Outlive Us
by Kent Heaton The apostle Paul declared in Galatians 6:7, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” There has always been consequences to sin from the moment Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the garden (Genesis 2,3). A man should not think that he…
Read MoreThe City of Babylon
by Mark Mayberry via Truth Magazine Vol. XLIV: 4 p10 February 17, 2000 Introduction Babylon, an ancient city-state famous for its magnificence and culture, was located on the banks of the Euphrates River in the region of Shinar. Babylon is mentioned over 250 times in the Bible. Biblical writers often portray this ancient capital of Babylonia as…
Read MoreThe Church Community
by Sam Stinson “The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Make two silver trumpets. Of hammered work you shall make them, and you shall use them for summoning the congregation and for breaking camp. And when both are blown, all the congregation shall gather themselves to you at the entrance of the tent of meeting.” (Numbers…
Read MoreChristian Giving
by Richard Thetford Will a man rob God? There are some who rob God of what belongs to Him in the first place. In Malachi 3:8-9 we can read: “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are…
Read MoreChoosing Friends
by James E. Cooper One of my college professors observed: “Fate made your relatives; choice makes your friends.” Those whom you choose to be your closest friends indicate what your attitude is toward spiritual things. It is a psychological fact that we are drawn to those who share our interests. Devoted Christians will want to…
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