The "J" List: to help with finding a topic look at the words in BOLD print.

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.

A Case Of Compromise The primary part of this study concerns JEHOSHAPHAT (the king of Judah) and his compromise with wicked Ahab the king of Israel (the northern kingdom). It compares Ahab's religion with the description of Jehoshaphat who did not let the Levitical service and the Temple deteriorate, but was diligent in having the law of God taught in Judah (2 Ch. 17:6-9). There are eleven questions on compromise for one to consider as they read 2 Ch. 18-19. This simple lesson shows why people compromise the Truth along with the attendant consequences for doing such.

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!

The Lies Of Apostasies The full title of this article is “The Pattern Of Lies Producing And Sustaining Apostasies.” You don’t see much on this particular part of apostasy in spite of the fact that those involved are frequently said to have misrepresented others’ statements, twist what others say in confronting them, and that they just flat make false statements. 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.

The Lies Of Apostasies The full title of this article is “The Pattern Of Lies Producing And Sustaining Apostasies.” You don’t see much on this particular part of apostasy in spite of the fact that those involved are frequently said to have misrepresented others’ statements, twist what others say in confronting them, and that they just flat make false statements. 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.

God's Divine Organization ~ The Local Church, Part One of Two This is Lesson Four (Part One of Two) in our Series: "Fundamental Lessons on the Church." Lesson Four, Part One: "God's Divine Organization ~ The Local Church, Part One 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. You should note quite a difference between the church in the New Testament and what people generally do in churches today. You can study the beginning of the church in JERUSALEM as recorded in Acts chapters 2 through 7.

9-11-2001 ~ Things I Can Count On Today (America was attacked by terrorists on this date. This is a “time” when people thrive upon inappropriate statements, and misleading applications of God’s Word. Illustrations of such would be, “Nostradamas said…,” “Armageddon has come,“ “the Mark of the Beast.“ And important part of this study shows when men have questions as to "Why?" or "What is the future?" that Christians have a limited number of precious things that they can depend upon. These few but precious things are where a christian's life really is any day, and any place that they might be. One of these is that God uses one government to punish another (people), Matt. 24:1-2. JERUSALEM'S temple was destroyed just as God said that it would be in AD 70.

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.”

You Saw It So Deal With It! You can read about the "immediate" approach JESUS used in correcting others. This is followed with scriptures depicting the responsibility all members have to do the same.

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!

Replacing the Truth with Christmas Tradition ~ The vast majority of people think that mere human tradition is the truth today. This article exposes the religious errors (and there are many) that the majority of people practice during the Christmas holiday. Truths concerning JESUS' birth are presented in contrast to traditional beliefs and practices. Other applications are made to pervasive religious errors observed during the Xmas season.

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 in the deity of JESUS as the Son of God, thus HE offered Himself as an acceptable sacrifice to the Father for the sins of whole world (John 1:1-3, 14, 8:24, 28, Heb. 9:12-14, Jo. 14:6)

(1) Jesus Is King of the Jews And All Men; (2) The Israel Of God Today Here are two short newspaper articles. JESUS is 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?

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 Establishment of the Church of Christ Series: "Fundamental Lessons on the Church." Lesson One. This is the first of eight lessons on the church Christ built. This lessons presents prophecies foretelling the establishment of the kingdom and the church. The church was planned in eternity before the world began. Lesson One presents the following truths: 1. God sent His Son. 2. The Jews, His own people, rejected Him. 3. The kingdom "was" established in spite of JESUS' rejection and the efforts of His enemies (Ps. 2; Matt. 16:18-19; 18:18; Mark 9:1; John 18:36; Col. 1:12-14 where Christians were "in" the kingdom).

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."

"What went you out…to see?" This is a lesson on dress. The study first looks at Jesus' teaching concerning "anxiety" and dress (Matt. 6, the Sermon on the Mount). Following this, application is drawn from the use of "clothing" as a metaphor in warning against false religious teachers (Matt. 7:15). A very important lesson is drawn from His teaching concerning 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. What it means to present one's self as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God (Rom. 12:1-2), is viewed in the light of proper dress and conduct. The kind of conduct that shows respect for oneself, for others, and manifests one's self control (I Tim. 2:8-9).

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?

(1) Jesus Is King of the Jews And All Men; (2) The Israel Of God Today Here are two short newspaper articles. JESUS is 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?

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.”

"What went you out…to see?" This is a lesson on dress. The study first looks at Jesus' teaching concerning "anxiety" and dress (Matt. 6, the Sermon on the Mount). Following this, application is drawn from the use of "clothing" as a metaphor in warning against false religious teachers (Matt. 7:15). A very important lesson is drawn from JOHN THE BAPTIST, and Jesus teaching concerning 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. What it means to present one's self as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God (Rom. 12:1-2), is viewed in the light of proper dress and conduct. The kind of conduct that shows respect for oneself, for others, and manifests one's self control (I Tim. 2:8-9).

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." Concerning JOHN'S BAPTISM which preceded the baptism "into Christ" the Bible says, "And JOHN also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized" (John 3:23). Thus with the mention of "much water" one sees the clear idea of the physical act of immersion (being overwhelmed or completely covered). Neither does the New Testament teach a blessing of the water before baptism! Above all the New Testament does not teach infant baptism.

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.

What You Can And Will Do In Christ This brief study should offer assurance 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 and development into mature children of God. The stated "goal" of our efforts is seen in Philippians 1:10-11.

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 (bwl, JOY) for the upright in heart” (Ps. 97:11). We are commanded to rejoice (JOY) 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.

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. God requires continued confidence and JOY during trials and afflictions! Those who lose all JOY during afflictions do not really believe in the salvation of their souls! Why not read this either for your self or with a view to being able to help another?

Principles For Helping One Another This study presents the duty of Christians helping one another. Listed in these principles is giving for the JOY thereof. Perhaps you need to read up on some of the improper motives for helping another. You can find some listed here! Also, you can learn more, perhaps, concerning the improper attitudes manifested towards those who do fulfill their duty to help others.

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. As you read Ps. 109:6-8 you will find a familiar face in the Gospels, JUDAS’. JUDAS was blotted out of the book of life!; (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).

Messianic Jewish churches (A critique of one of the newer movements (denominations) today, Messianic JUDIASM. These are Jews who profess belief in Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah. Their worship appears to be a combination of Old and New Testament items. They look for a return of Christ, whom they do believe is the Messiah, back to the earth in order to reign from Jerusalem.)

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. JUDAH in Genesis 38 is used as an example where confession of sin is sometimes forced upon one by another.)

What To Tell Your Mate When They Are Guilty of Wrath Christians need to study and then be honest and make the right applications to one another, all family members, and especially with their own mates (Cf. I Th. 5:14). Those given to wrath and anger are hypocrites who JUDGE others for doing the same.

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: (7) JUDGING by worldly standards rather than righteous JUDGMENT…

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." Jesus stated His requirement for PROPER JUDGMENT with, "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment" (John 7:24). RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT is based upon His word, the truth, and that without partiality (Cf. I Tim. 5:21, James 2:4). Moreover God’s teachings and warnings are to apply to every man (Col. 1:28). … It is simply not true that Jesus forbid righteous judgment! It was HYPOCRITICAL JUDGING that He condemned in Matthew 7 when He said, “Judge not that you be not judged” thus rebuking the “hypocrites” in Matt. 7:5 who were linked with the improper judgments. Moreover, in this context and elsewhere Jesus teaches us to righteously judge false teachers in telling us we can “know them by their fruits” (Matt. 7: 16). People are wrong in thinking that the Bible is not for everyone, is not fair or consistent and given for “all” of mankind, as shown by the above scriptures.

One Nation Under God This article begins with an example of patronage to our flag and pledge of allegiance, but respectfully submits that the mention of God brings with it an even greater lesson concerning "Allegiance." For Christians the words "under God" are illustrative of Christ's rule over all the nations of mankind (Ps. 2:7-12; Matt. 28:18-20; I Tim. 6:15; Rev. 2:27). Moreover the earth, the world, and all who dwell therein ~ all souls are His (Ps. 24:1; Ezk. 18:4; Haggai 2:8). Through simple deduction and reduction one soon comes to understand on a Personal Individual basis that they do indeed belong to God, for He created man (Gen. 1:27). Applying the principle of God's ownership on an individual persal level means that we respond to the fact that His ownership demands our personal loyalty and obedience to His commands. Our response will determine OUR JUDGMENT for Paul said, "For we must all appear before the JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST; that every one may receive the things done in the body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (2 Cor. 5:10). Sadly, herein is where Americans are failing today!

A Study On Mercy A fourfold distinction is presented concerning God’s great mercy: (1) The General Mercy of God to his creation and creatures; (2) We are Saved By God’s Mercy; (3) There is A Mercy for Those Who Have Been Saved; (4) Mercy As Practiced By The Saved. Notice carefully that the general mercies God bestows upon the wicked are of a temporal nature only; they are confined strictly to their life here on earth. There will be no mercy extended to them beyond the grave! In spite of the clear scriptural warnings given in this article the wicked say, “I do not believe that God will ever cast me into hell. They are wrong! Moreover, those who fail in extending mercy will find JUDGMENT WITHOUT MERCY (James 2:13).

What To Tell Your Mate When They Are Guilty of Wrath Christians need to study and then be honest and make the right applications to one another, all family members, and especially with their own mates (Cf. I Th. 5:14). The stubborn and unrepentant heart stores up wrath for the Day of JUDGMENT.

The Appreciation Of Godly Sisters In Christ The tremendous val