The B list: to help with finding a topic look at the words in BOLD print.

Reply to a response on "Questions on Witchcraft" (A respondent has present the idea that there was race upon earth who did not have Adam and Eve for their genealogy. She claims to be of this so called "other people." The reply shows how her claim doesn't fit with the scriptures in the Bible. The nations were divided after the Flood at the Tower of BABEL! )

What Stubbornness Really Is The prophet Jeremiah had a lot to say about the stubbornness of God’s people. He pulled no punches but stated plainly the carnality involved. The purpose of this study is to ensure that we understand the importance of obedience being commanded us. The seriousness of this study is seen in that the stubborn contend with God, are punished, and while being punished go yet onwards towards that point where iniquity is great, sins are numerous, and God’s punishment painfully serious! Stubbornness is a walk that is going BACKWARDS not forward (Jer. 7:24).

Their wicked lying heart is in perpetual BACKSLIDING!

Membership Requirements According to the First Century Revelation This is Lesson Three in our Series: "Fundamental Lessons on the Church." Lesson Three: "Membership Requirements According to the First Century Revelation." In this lesson you will learn about what one must do to be saved and become a member of Christ's church. The question, "What must I do to be saved?" is fully answered. The step of BAPTISM as necessary for the remission of sins is given proper treatment by comparing the conversions recorded in Acts. You can read about the baptism of the Ethiopian Eunuch as recorded in Acts 8.

Membership Requirements According to the First Century Revelation This is Lesson Three in our Series: "Fundamental Lessons on the Church." Lesson Three: "Membership Requirements According to the First Century Revelation." In this lesson you will learn about what one must do to be saved and become a member of Christ's church. The question, "What must I do to be saved?" is fully answered as you study through the accounts of conversion recorded in Acts. You can read and understand why there were no infants BAPTIZED in Cornelius' household as you study the conversion of Cornelius and his household in Acts 10.

Questions on scriptural baptism answered. This article answers some of the fundamental questions people have about BAPTISM. Such questions as, Who gave baptism? When was the baptism of the New Covenant given? When was the baptism of the New Testament first preached? What is baptism? What is the scriptural mode for baptism? What is the reason for being baptize? Is repentance necessary before one is baptized?

Baptism As Taught From The Bible In this article an example of baptism in the first century is set in contrast with teaching from the Catholic Encylopedia, "Baptism, Sacrament of." The explanation that the Catholic Encyclopedia gives simply does not equate with what the New Testament teaches about BAPTISM BEING AN IMMERSION. The mode of baptism taught in the New Testament is immersion and not "pouring." Neither does the New Testament teach a blessing of the water before baptism! Above all the New Testament does not teach Infant Baptism.

The Majority Know Another Jesus The church at Corinth gladly tolerated fools who taught another Jesus and different gospel, Paul said (cf. 2 Cor. 11:4, 19). It is possible for one to read the trifling literature of fools and possess a completely false view of Jesus. Read the Gospels for your self and see what He really did do and teach. Here’s a start with applications from the Gospels themselves that show the stark differences between what most think Jesus taught and what He really did teach! Verses are presented that deal with: (19) BAPTISM for the remission of sins… (21) obedience in BAPTISM IS THE RESULT OF one’s own faith in God’s word …

Go ye therefore and make disciples of all the nations… (Explaining how one truly becomes a "disciple" of Christ by being baptized for the remission of one's sins according to the commission given the apostles.)

Holy Spirit Baptism The following study resulted from a respondent who asked for scriptural answers for one with whom he was studying. The respondent stated that this person now believes in faith only, no baptism. Moreover they believe that water baptism was of the Old Testament and now it is HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM without water. The core of this particular study is Peter's preaching to Cornelius and his household upon whom the Holy Spirit fell, and how they were saved by the words Peter spoke. In addition it examines the conversion of the Samaritans by Philip, and how they received the Holy Spirit through the laying on of the apostle's hands.

Who Can Forgive Sins But God Alone? The various accounts of Jesus’ power to forgive sins during His personal ministry testified to Him being God. He forgave sins for both men and women. In Matt. 9:1-8 when Jesus healed the paralytic He wanted them to know that the Son of Man had authority to forgive sins. The simple point is He had the authority do so because He was God. We must accept that and keep it in the “time” period in which it occurred. This article explains the purpose of JOHN’S BAPTISM, as well as the forgiveness and salvation of the thief who was crucified with Jesus (Lk. 23:43). The Lord said that He came to seek and to save the lost (Lk. 19:10). Thus He forgave sins as one of the blessings of His presence among men.

After Baptism, Then What? The material offers appropriate encouragement and warnings for those recently BAPTIZED for the remission of their sins.

Bible Endings For Torn Relationships Five important Bible relationships are presented while giving emphasis to the importance of entreaty and reconciliation. The relationships discussed in this article include Cain & Abel, Esau & Jacob, Saul & David, Paul & BARNABAS and Euodia & Syntyche. Stated goals for entreating are: 1. To be of the same mind, Phil. 2:2; 2. To be at peace, I Th. 5:13; 3. To understand the outcome of dissension. It strengthens the enemy of the gospel; the weak when pulled in to dissensions are caused to stumble; 4. To repent and return to the work, Rev. 3:19-20; 5. To use with older men, I Tim. 5:1; 6. To implement with God's wisdom which is easy to be entreated, Ja. 3:17-18. Thus one is to be both approachable and easily persuaded to do that which is right.

Five Short Articles On Jesus’ Kingdom And Reign Here are five articles that were written for our local newspaper. Look below to see if some or all may be of benefit to you or to another you might know.

1. Jesus Is King Of The Jews And Of All Men!

2. The Israel of God Today (With Additional Comments on Zionism).

3. Christianity Does Not Teach Another Temple In Jerusalem!

4. The One Thousand Year Reign Is Not On Earth!

5. The BATTLE OF “ARMAGEDDON.”

The mark of the beast, 666, Rev. 13:16-17 (A respondent has stated that people are going around preaching 666 from the

about everything. This concerns, of course, the mark of the BEAST. He states that people are even looking for the "mark" on the foreheads of others and requests that something be said about this. The material puts the "mark" in the context (historical setting) where it belongs! It also discusses the BEAST of the Sea and the BEAST of the earth as two allies of Satan.)

Light Beer Is Not So Light! Perhaps you've wondered what the alcohol content is in LIGHT BEER. In this brief article you will find an answer to that important question. Dear reader do not believe every thing that you hear concerning light beer. And especially comments to this effect, "What's the big deal after all it is only light beer?" Why not read this article and give careful consideration to the scriptural warnings about the deceitfulness of alcohol, and its attendant state of drunkenness and addiction?

The Beginning Point Leading To Salvation This article points to the BEGINNING POINT leading to one's salvation. It should help anyone today who has come to realize that the variety of explanations offered today due to diverse human philosophies and beliefs have left many frustrated concerning the important matter of salvation. Three such beliefs, the Pentecostal experience, adults baptizing infants, and professing belief without required obedience are examined in the light of God's word and found wanting! If you will take your Bible and read each scripture in this brief study it will enable you to be honest with yourself (see Acts 17:11) about your own salvation. BELIEF (FAITH) comes by hearing the Word (Rom. 10:17). Moreover, it will help prevent the all too common occurrence of many misleading others by that with which they were lead astray themselves.

Things in Christ not found in Islam One simple but effective way of explaining the difference between a major “world” religion and the gospel of Christ (the New Testament, Matt. 26:28) is to show the things found “in Christ” that are not found elsewhere. The following are things found in Jesus Christ that are not found in Islam. BELIEF that God raised Jesus from the dead is important enough that one cannot be saved with it! (Rom. 10:9-10) You will find this under "Things Concerning the Resurrection." It is clearly pointed out by scripture that to BELIEVE on Christ is to believe on the Father who sent Him. And those who "reject" i.e. DO NOT BELIEVE on Christ also reject the Father who sent Him. (John 12:44; 14:6; John 5:23; Lk. 10:16).

The Beginning Point Leading To Salvation This article should help anyone today who has come to realize that the variety of explanations offered today due to diverse human philosophies and beliefs have left many frustrated concerning the important matter of salvation. Three such beliefs, the Pentecostal experience, adults baptizing infants, and PROFESSING BELIEF WITHOUT REQUIRED OBEDIENCE are examined in the light of God's word and found wanting! If you will take your Bible and read each scripture in this brief study it will enable you to be honest with yourself (see Acts 17:11) about your own salvation. Moreover, it will help prevent the all too common occurrence of many misleading others by that with which they were lead astray themselves.

Membership Requirements According to the First Century Revelation This is Lesson Three in our Series: "Fundamental Lessons on the Church." Lesson Three: "Membership Requirements According to the First Century Revelation." In this lesson you will learn about what one must do to be saved and become a member of Christ's church. The question, "What must I do to be saved?" is fully answered as you study through the accounts of conversion recorded in Acts. The step of BELIEVING (BELIEF) in the deity of Christ and its place in the order of the steps of obedience necessary to become a Christian is given proper consideration.

The Foolishness In Forgetting God’s Word Trials should not cause us to forget God’s law! We can receive strength in remembering past trials we persevered in (Cf. Heb. 10:32-34). The one who perseveres does not shrink back! Specifically, when one turns their back upon God they will forget His word, BENEIFTS, past deliverances, that man’s wrath can be over ruled by God’s anger, that God’s victories display his righteous judgments, and one would be forgetting the lovingkindness of the Lord! Why not read this article and acquaint yourself with what is happening when one forgets God’s law?

The Local Church And Benevolence Series: "Fundamental Lessons on the Church." This is Lesson Seven in our Series: "Fundamental Lessons on the Church." Lesson Seven: "The Local Church And Benevolence." This lesson presents the patterns for the local church in the work of BENEVOLENCE. It shows how the autonomy of the local church is maintained along with needed applications for the present day. There is a warning about the unscriptural sponsoring church arrangements!

A Simple Biblical Pattern For Explaining “Why?” A respondent who questioned the matter of judging those who live together without marriage stated, “I think these days it can be a good thing to live together before getting married....  This obviously goes against your feelings, but they're just your feelings, not everyone's." Last of all she stated, "As far as your last sentence, it's not an idea that it's acceptable and normal, these days, IT IS acceptable and normal.... If you don't like it, then don't do it.... I wouldn't criticize you...why do you judge about people who choose to live together?"
This individual wants to know “Why” I would determine that people who choose to live together are wrong in doing so? I presumed this to be an honest question deserving of an answer. In part, one must understand that Christians believe the BIBLE is the inspired of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

God's Divine Organization ~ The Local Church, Part Two of Two This is Lesson Four (Part Two of Two) in our Series: "Fundamental Lessons on the Church." Lesson Four, Part Two: "God's Divine Organization ~ The Local Church, Part Two of Two." In this lesson you will be studying the local church as the organization that God gave for the collective work of Christians in evangelism, edification, worship and benevolence to needy saints. You will take an in depth look at the organization of the local church according to God's pattern in the New Testament. There is abundant material on the fact that each local church had its own BISHOPS as overseers, also called elders, pastors or shepherds. There was a plurality (more than one) appointed over each local church, Acts 14:23. The qualifications for a man who serves as a BISHOP or overseer in Christ's church are present right from the Bible. You can study this lesson and see the difference in the church of Christ and Catholic, denominational and community church organization today!

The Catholic rule of faith is not the New Testament This article discusses the "additions" of Catholicism along with its frank admission that the New Testament scriptures are not its sole authority. These additions, the Catholic hierarchy claims have equal authority to the sacred Scriptures. It is through these "additions" that the hierarchy of the Catholic church maintains and exercises its control over its people. At the end of the article Christ's scriptural qualifications for a BISHOP or elder (also called overseers and pastors) in His church is contrasted with a so-called BISHOP in Catholicism. You will be able to see the difference between the two!

The Degraded State of the Anglican Church Read the verses in this article about BISHOPS or elders in Christ's church and then consider the various council meetings, emergency meeting, etc., along with the human credentials and advanced technology used to present to the world their stress of trying to decide if homosexuality is sin that cannot be tolerated by their church. Please now, try not to laugh out loud. Why cannot they simply read the Bible?

What You Can And Will Do In Christ This brief study should offer assuramce to Christians that their efforts to serve God faithfully are attainable, as well as being greatly aided by others' prayers on their behalf. What one can and will do by remaining faithful in Christ is declared through the words of Paul's prayer for the church at Colossae in Col. 1:9-12. Here are the key thoughts: A. Be filled with knowledge, all wisdom and spiritual understanding. B. Walk worthy, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. C. Strengthened for attaining all stedfastness and patience, with Joy. D. Joyously giving thanks to the Father. Following is a "Check Your Spiritual Growth With Self-Test Questions" giving further emphasis to our growth in knowledge and discernment. The Christian is to be sincere and without offence (BLAMELESS). The stated "goal" of our efforts is seen in Philippians 1:10-11.

The Way of Integrity Psalms 119 This Psalm is often avoided because of its length. This study begins with eight points on integrity with God. Follow these application is made from each of the remaining sections. You will find that the word “BLAMELESS” means complete, having integrity. You will note that our inconsistencies are often our reproach in life, and that there is boldness in serving God when there are no inconsistencies. Also, that affliction is one of God’s ways to “make” us understand His precepts. One lesson is what God tells us to do when persecuted with a lie. Also, we should fear God’s judgments rather than fearing man. Understand that it is on the grounds of your integrity that you may plead to God for protective care against the wicked (Ps. 119:121-128). These are but a few of the good lesson presented through studying this Psalm. Why not read the article and while doing so read it along with your Bible?

The Paths of Mercy The subject of God’s great mercy is connected with the things that He delights in. God delights in Loving-kindness, Justice and Righteousness, thus the necessity of our glorying in these things in order that we might receive His mercy! Moreover, God’s mercy is for those who fear Him (Ps. 103:17-18). We must remember that it is in the practice of mercy itself that we receive back from God (Ps. 18:25-27). Along with these there is a checklist of applications on God’s kindness that includes when one is BLESSED spiritually.

Selected Newspaper Articles Here are four newspaper articles presented to the community with a love for the truth. The intent is to present God’s truths without incorporating the emotional flavor so popular with other religious bodies: (3) “God Knows When Men Conceal The Truth” presents a scriptural view of those who claim to preach God’s word while restraining their lips for covetousness sake. The ungodliness of all such who hate the good and love evil is contrasted with the man who is BLESSED. The man who is BLESSED trusts in God, and has not shown regard to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood (cf. Ps. 40:4). This man hates evil, and loves the good and establishes justice so that God will be gracious to him (cf. Amos 5:15).

The Way of Integrity Psalms 119 This Psalm is often avoided because of its length. This study begins with eight points on integrity with God. Follow these application is made from each of the remaining sections. You will note that our inconsistencies are often our reproach in life. And that there is boldness in serving God when there are no inconsistencies. The writer desired the kind of BLESSINGS in life that would enable him to keep God’s commandments. The BLESSING asked was that he would be able to see the wonderful things of God’s law, for he was just a pilgrim on earth. Understand that it is on the grounds of your integrity that you may plead to God for protective care against the wicked (Ps. 119:121-128). Why not read the article and while doing so read it along with your Bible?

God Turns The Way Of The Wicked Upside Down This lesson considers the path of the wicked that is a familiar topic throughout the Psalms. You will learn about the wicked by the following: (1) God thwarts the way of the wicked (Ps. 146:9); (2) God puts the wicked in great fear because He despises them! (Ps. 53; Lev. 26:14-33); (3) Accusers are filled with their own ways (Ps. 109). This section tells you exactly what will happen to the wicked. They do not delight in BLESSING so they receive none!; (4) You will learn about the purpose of their traps they set for the righteous; (5) God overthrows the best of secret counsel (Ps. 64).

Things in Christ not found in Islam One simple but effective way of explaining the difference between a major “world” religion and the gospel of Christ (the New Testament, Matt. 26:28) is to show the things found “in Christ” that are not found elsewhere. The following are things found in Jesus Christ that are not found in Islam. One of these being "Things Concerning the BLOOD of Christ."

The Appreciation Of Godly Sisters In Christ The tremendous value of our sisters in Christ is set forth in this article. Beginning with the honor that is due to faithful women in Christ, the study sets forth the various duties enjoined upon them in regards to their family and service rendered to the church that Christ built. Children and family members must practice piety towards their “own” and requite their parents, Paul said (I Tim. 5:4). Moreover, they are to be ready unto every good work (Eph. 2:10, I Tim. 5:10, Titus 3:1, 2:14). Christians who are ready and yield their bodies unto God as instruments of righteousness in sacrificial service are fulfilling the perfect will of God (cf. Rom. 12:1-2, 6:13). They exemplify those whom God takes pleasure in and favors because they fear Him (cf. Ps. 149:4, 147:10-11). These are the ones who caN be taught, and have been (Ps. 34:11-15). Their glory (BOAST) is in understanding and knowing God who delights in loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth! (Cf. Jer. 9:23-24). Obedience unto righteousness is what God takes pleasure in, thus these are the scriptural reasons why all of our godly sisters are appreciated. Why not study the nine points of application directed towards their being scripturally appreciated?

The Lies Of Apostasies The full title of this article is “The Pattern Of Lies Producing And Sustaining Apostasies.”. Read this article to study what Jeroboam did wrong when he said in his heart that God’s established order would not work. Besides Jeroboam’s apostasy, the article presents in detail the pattern of lies producing apostasies from the book of Jeremiah. Some important questions answered are: Why do lies prevail? How has the truth been affected? What Lies? What will God do in the end? Here is an excerpt: Why do lies sustaining apostasies prevail? Because people love the flattery of liars and trust in their reckless BOASTING! (Jer. 23:32). This comes from their “own hearts” (23:26); from their own imagination (23:16). Moreover they have influence with those who despise God (23:17). This is where Human Tradition is born and comes from and how it continues! (Jer. 14:14). Lying pens are nothing new, Jer. 8:8. When you read their justifications you see their own authority speaking so they can rule by their own authority (Jer. 5:30-31). When apostasies go on and continue it is proof that they have caused people to trust in their reckless BOASTING! It is human tradition born and continued by their own authority! It has an “end” – Matt. 15:13; Ezk. 7 “An end!”

The Appreciation Of Godly Sisters In Christ The tremendous value of our sisters in Christ is set forth in this article. Beginning with the honor that is due to faithful women in Christ, the study sets forth the various duties enjoined upon them in regards to their family and service rendered to the church that Christ built. Children and family members must practice piety towards their “own” and requite their parents, Paul said (I Tim. 5:4). Moreover, they are to be ready unto every good work (Eph. 2:10, I Tim. 5:10, Titus 3:1, 2:14). Christians who are ready and yield their BODIES unto God as instruments of righteousness in sacrificial service are fulfilling the perfect will of God (cf. Rom. 12:1-2, 6:13). They are glorifying God in their BODY and spirit, which are God’s (cf. I Cor. 6:13-20). Christ is being magnified (shown) in their BODY (Phil. 1:20). Sometimes, without careful study, people think that one has to be persecuted or beaten as Paul was for Christ to be magnified in them. Not so! Why not study the nine points of application directed towards their being scripturally appreciated?

"What went you out…to see?" This is a lesson on dress. The brief study first looks at what Jesus said about clothing. It presents some of His teaching in Matthew 6, the Sermon on the Mount concerning "anxiety" and dress. An application is drawn from His use of "clothing" as a metaphor in warning against false religious teachers, Matt. 7:15. Further lessons are drawn from His teaching concerning John the Baptist's rebuke of the hypocritical Jewish leaders who were skilled in identifying their "own" holy signs of dress, yet so unskilled in listening to God's word and identifying "proper" conduct. The lesson concludes with Romans 12:1-2 where Paul says YOU USE THE BODY IN YOUR SERVICE TO THE LORD.

God Turns The Way Of The Wicked Upside Down This lesson considers the path of the wicked that is a familiar topic throughout the Psalms. You will learn about the wicked by the following: (1) God thwarts the way of the wicked (Ps. 146:9); (2) God puts the wicked in great fear (Ps. 53); (3) Accusers are filled with their own ways (Ps. 109). This section tells you exactly what will happen to the wicked; (4) You will learn about the purpose of their traps they set for the righteous; (5) God overthrows the best of secret counsel. They are BOLD and encourage one another as they talk about their plans (Ps. 64).

Things Often Missing During Afflictions The applications in this brief study will deal with those who are in affliction. Dear reader, you will notice that with some of these God has no pleasure. For others, they see God’s faithfulness during their afflictions. One must endure and not cast away their BOLDNESS OF SPEECH (“confidence”) during afflictions! Why not read this either for your self or with a view to being able to help another?

The Conduct God Expects From Our Members Read this article and it should help you to better understand the "unity of the Spirit" in the BOND of peace and love (Eph. 4:1-3; Col. 3:12-14). These 7 Virtues are discussed as being necessary for each member of the local church: Lowliness (Humility), Meekness (Gentleness), Longsuffering (Patience), Forebearing (Showing Tolerance), Tender Mercies (Heart of Compassion), Kindness and Forgiving one another. Understanding these in this context answers such important questions as: Whom can I talk to?, When do I go to another?, Can I speak publicly in rebuking to thus maintain this unity?, What would a refusal to listen indicate? And, What happens to one who does not forgive if one repents? It is not a BOND that cannot be broken, Paul said (I Cor. 13:1-3).

Selected Newspaper Articles From The Valley Church of Christ Life for everyone, rich and poor, has its vanity and seems empty and without purpose. This life on earth possesses sorrows, grief over man’s double-mindedness, deceit, and lies. One’s own sins are a vexation of spirit! Friend, the answer is not in beauty, riches, mirth or pleasure; neither will one find the answer in psychology or mere human wisdom that fails man again and again in providing the right answers to vexation of spirit. Jesus’ invitation is “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavey laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My BURDEN is light” (Matt. 11:28-32). Why not read these short truthful articles titled “Has Someone Pulled The Plug From Your Life?”

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