The I list: to help with finding a topic look at the words in BOLD print.
Don’t Thank The Sun, Thank God!
Old pagan beliefs and practices surfaced during the Christmas
Holiday. In referring to the “sun” in this title I am thinking of the winter solstice. One article which I
read stated the sun was being thanked for its promise that light will prevail and another
life-summer will eventually follow. What man sorely needs is to read how God
offers salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. In doing so
they will see the folly of paganism with its rank IDOLATROUS PRACTICES, some of which have crept back into modern society.
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. In order to get rid of the INCONSISTENCIES he had to tell God (confess)
of his ways. 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). Because he did not want to wander from God the scriptures
would be his COUNSELORS (lit., the men of his counsel) to establish his ways.
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?
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 steadfastness 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 and development into
mature children of God. The stated "goal" of our efforts is seen in Philippians
1:10-11.
Individually Supported Societies on the Side Line (This article shows how apostasy repeats itself. We now
have some who are building human societies (INDIVIDUALLY SUPPORTED SOCIETIES) as ministries to be
supported by INDIVIDUAL contributions.) For other lesson this topic see
Guardian Of Truth, Guardian Of Truth Foundation, Truth Magazine Lectureship,
and Florida College.
Membership
Requirements According to the First Century Revelation
This lesson 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 the New Testament does not teach INFANT BAPTISM as you study the conversion of Cornelius and his household (Acts 10).
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.
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 Encyclopedia,
"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.
Not looking for "the
Church" Many who say they
are religious are most often not looking for the church of Christ. How about
reading this simple presentation that helps to put one's perspective of
"the church" where it should be? Notice carefully the continuum as
the scriptures present the death of Christ (Matt. 26:28), the establishment of
“the church” as His purchased possession (Matt. 16:18), the forgiveness of sins
enjoyed by members of the church, being Christians (Lk.
24:46-47; Acts 2:38, 41), and the
INHERITANCE the church is promised that awaits the faithful and is yet in the
future (Eph. 1:14; I Pet. 1:3-4).
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: “INIQUITY is purged by both mercy and truth.”
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 all scripture is INSPIRED of God
(2 Tim. 3:16-17).
Individually
Supported Societies on the Side Line
This article shows
how apostasy repeats itself. We now have some who are building human societies
as ministries to be supported by individual contributions. This is INSTITUTIONALISM that is not the New Testament pattern God gave
to His people! For other
lesson this topic see Guardian Of Truth, Guardian Of
Truth Foundation, Truth Magazine Lectureship, and Florida College.
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 following a desire to
know God's will as one reads the Bible they must learn to make the proper
applications. Proper applications necessitate distinguishing between what is
"right" and what is "wrong." Paul said concerning
God’s word, “All scripture is given by inspiration of
God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of
God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good
works” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). This article presents the profit of God’s word as seen in Doctrine, Reproof, Correction, INSTRUCTION IN
RIGHTEOUSNESS and in Equipping the christian unto every good
work.
Why We Rejoice With One Another God
delights over His people to do them good (De. 28:63). The Psalmist said, “Light
is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart” (Ps. 97:11).
We are commanded to rejoice with those who rejoice, and to weep with those who
weep, being of the same mind one toward another (Rom. 12:15-16). Our being
sorrowful when one is arrogant and suffers is different from sharing joy and
sorrow as Paul spoke of. If one of us suffers because we remain arrogant and
obstinate then our tears will be the tears of Jeremiah if we love them (cf.
Jer. 13:17). However, you will find such “rejoice with” applications in this
article as (1) I Can Rejoice With One Who Is Faithful Whom I Know God Delights
Over To Do Good; (2) I Can’t Rejoice With Another When I See The Vanity Of The
World; (3) I Can Rejoice With One Who Rejoice In Truth; (4) I Can Rejoice With One Who Wants God’s INSTRUCTION, Counsel, And Eye Upon Them.
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?
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. 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?
Vindication
Based Upon One’s Righteousness, Integrity This study is linked with a prior
article and is a continuation of
INTEGRITY as defined from Psalms 119,
as well as other Psalms. For the first article see the introduction. In this
study you will find such points as: (1) Pleading for protection against the
wicked, (2) One’s hope for deliverance, (3) Asking God for vindication, (4) Who
is fit for communion with God, (5) What preserves when in distress, (6) The “I Haves” of INTEGRITY, and (7) David’s INTEGRITY.
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. Christians
can approach God's presence any time in prayer knowing Christ ever lives to
make INTERCESSION for
us (Rom. 8:34).
A Request: Pray For Me! This article deals with Christians who
request prayer on their behalf. Several points are made concerning the one
making the request such as: "Are they engaged in supplications, i.e. INTERCESSION
for others themselves? (Ephs. 6:18-19, Phil. 1:19, Rom.
15:30, 2 Cor. 1:11)
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: (18) “INTER-FAITH”
AND “MULTI-FAITH” ARE NOT POSSIBILITIES WITH JESUS…
Selected Newspaper Articles These are selected articles that appeared in our local newspaper, The
Sun. The intent of these articles is that each shows a love for and desire to present the Truth without incorporating the
emotional flavor so popular with other religious bodies today. Included in
these short articles is “War Protesters.” This article is about the great
spiritual warfare that is being waged against Satan today. Those on Satan’s
side protest with “Peace, peace, when there is no peace” (cf. Ezek. 13:10). For
such war protesters the only evil is another’s INTOLERANCE!
These
protesters brag on themselves, with their fleshly wisdom, while speaking
against those who are striving to please God and not man (cf. Jo. 5:44; 12:43).
They are cowards who fear man and not God!
A Study of Sin Confessed (This article addresses the responsibility that Christians have to
confess the sins they commit in order that they might be forgiven. It explores
various reasons and motives that lay behind one's willingness to confess their
wrongdoing. Achan
in Johshua 7 illustrates how as a result of INVESTIGATION one is brought to confess the sins he committed.)
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.
A
Jewish Claim Refuted It is
sometimes argued that the Bible's holding Jews responsible for the crucifixion of Christ might foster feelings of hatred towards the Jewish people in general.
When one considers all of the circumstances connected with the death of Jesus
who is called Christ (Messiah is translated Christ in the scriptures), still
there is just no place for such a hatred. The reason being
that Christians accept Peter's recorded statement that "God exhalted Jesus to His right hand to be Prince and Savior,
to give repentance to ISRAEL and forgiveness of sins." How can any true Christian hate anyone since they believe man's only
hope of salvation is connected with the sacrifice of the Messiah, whose blood
was shed for the remission of sins? The two (hating any race and desiring any
man's salvation) just don't go together. Why not read this study and learn more
about man's part in the crucifixion of Christ?
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 Israeli ~ Palestinian conflict. This article
is a reply to an article that appeared in the W.S.J. asking why
Christians were not speaking out for ISRAEL. Cynthia Ozick’s compulsion that
Christians speak out for the Jews (“Why Aren’t Christians Speaking Out?” Oct.
30th, 2000) on behalf of the history and central claims of Christianity
displayed her ignorance of what Christianity truly is. I will agree that it
would be absurd for any Palestinian or other wise to claim there never was a
Temple. However, should some try to make the historicity of the Temple a
“chimera” as she states then I believe that Christianity will still stand. As a
Christian I do not see, as she does, “the heart of Christianity” suffering
erasure here; the Bible with its New Testament is here to stay. Please indulge
me on this for but a brief moment as I speak out. God did not give Christians
the work of upholding the practice of Judaism (I’ll use the term “Judaism” to refer
to the Law of Moses as God’s temporary religion given to the Jews at Mount
Sinai). Christians are not taught to uphold the Jewish “faith” anymore than
they are taught to uphold “the faith” of Palestinians who believe otherwise
than they do. Christians are to uphold the Gospel of Christ as the power of God
unto salvation unto all men, both to Jews and Gentiles (Romans 1:16). When it
comes to “religion” that’s where we stand!
Turmoil in the Middle East ~ Assumptions
Answered: This
article addresses the following assumptions or postulations that have been made
in discussing the Middle East crises:
1. A person claiming not to be
religious states that mankind is just like the dinosaurs and will end up
destroying itself.
2.
Some claim that the bible
teaches Christians ought to support ISRAEL
"militarily."
3. "I know that God has not
broken His covenant with the Jewish people."
(1) Jesus Is King of the Jews And All Men; (2) The Israel Of God Today
Here are two
short newspaper articles. Jesus is not only the King over the Jews today but He
is everyone’s King. He rules today from heaven and has all authority in heaven
and upon earth (Read and understand ~ Lk. 10:22; John
3:35; 5:22-27;17:2,10; Matt. 28:18-20; Eph. 1:19-23). The modern state of ISRAEL is not like the Biblical theocracy that the ISRAEL of old at one time was. Moreover, the spiritual ISRAEL of God today is the church that consists of both Jews and
Gentiles serving God by
faith in Jesus as the Son of God. Why not read these two
articles and begin to learn more about Jesus Christ as our King?