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

Messianic Jewish churches ~ A critique of one of the newer movements (denominations) today, Messianic Judaism. 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. One point made concerns their use of the title RABBI (Matt. 23:8-10).

Using “ALL” To Displace Racial Hatred This article refers states God’s desire for ALL men to come to repentance, shows ALL men have come from Adam, teaches the Gospel is for ALL men, shows a Jew preaching salvation to a Gentile, presents scripture where both Jew and Gentiles were made “one new man,” i.e. a Christian, emphasizes that ALL who manifest the works of the flesh, including RACIAL HATRED, will perish, and ends with God’s universal requirement of repentance and baptism for ALL men in order that they might be saved!

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 as to how alcohol mocks the drinker and CAUSES RAGE, their woes, the deceitfulness of alcohol, and its attendant state of drunkenness and addiction?

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 under "Things Concerning the Resurrection" that Jesus "is" the resurrection and the life. (John 11:25; 2 Cor. 4:14; Col. 3:1-4. Those who do not obey the Gospel will be ashamed on the Day the Lord comes again! (2 Th. 1:8-9; I John 2:28).

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. We have redemption through Christ's blood, even the forgiveness of our sins (Eph. 1:7). "Redemption" means "a release upon payment of a RANSOM."

A Description of the Wicked This is a good article to present to the teenager at home or elsewhere. The article is written as a way of warning the young and others as well who are simple minded and do not see danger. This is often true with regard to where one might be RAPED. The vicious conduct of the wicked is well illustrated in Judges 19 with regard to the Levite and his concubine who turned in to Gibeah to lodge for the night. Applications to “today” include the fact that in some cases the “victim” must understand that a tragedy could have been avoided had they themselves not contributed by being out late at night in a place that makes them vulnerable.

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. They TO BE READY UNTO EVERY GOOD WORK (Eph. 2:10, I Tim. 5:10, Titus 3:1, 2:14). Compare Paul’s statement concerning any believing man or woman relieving their own in vs. 16 with the disciple whom Jesus loved in John 19. At the crucifixion we see his “READINESS” to take Mary and fulfill the charge given him by the Lord (Jo. 19:26-27). We are all to STAY READY unto every good work (Titus 3:1). 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 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 which is one's REASONABLE SERVICE (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 Request: Pray For Me! This article deals with Christians who request prayer on their behalf. One part of the article stresses things often neglected and overlooked by such a one. Namely, "Should the request have been preceded with a REBUKE?" (Acts 8:22-24), for just having someone pray for you without your repentance does not change your standing before God! Additional points are applied concerning the one making the request. It also presents the need for repentance and confession of one's sin as well as an appropriate rebuke at times (I Pet. 3:12, Acts 8:22-24, James 4:4, I John 1:9).

Selected Newspaper Articles Dear reader the following bold heading is a selected article that appeared in our local newspaper, the Yuma Sun. This article titlled

“I’m Mr. Positive!” bespeaks of the empty, vain, teaching and preaching done today by popular speakers who REFUSE TO REBUKE sinful conduct, thus serving themselves (Rom. 16:17). Mr. PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) can avoid every probing question as to soundness in teaching and love for truth with, “You’ve got to understand, I’m just being me in being totally positive in my message.” Why not read about Mr. PMA and his motives for not using scripture and requiring repentance unto salvation? We encourage you to read each of scriptures referenced to understand your own accountability (Jo. 12:48; Matt. 7:21-27).

The List That Justifies The Ungodly Using the instruction from Prov. 9:7-9 that says, “Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate you…” this article deals with the ungodly who have no real concern for the whole of God’s commandments and doing all He requires (cf. Ps. 119:160). Such will often “keep records” (lists) of others’ sins that they have repented of. Such wicked “mark” another’s sins in order to use them against them in an unrighteous way! And of course their “list,” so far as they are concerned, is reason enough for them to reject reproofs / REBUKES for their own present sins. Study this and realize that the wicked do not love the one who REBUKES them, neither will they go to the wise for counsel! (Prov. 15:12).

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 (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?

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 (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 to seek RECONCILIATION?, Can I speak publicy 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? When this bond is strong as it should be the quarrels and wrongs done will be addressed and settled scripturally, and the bond will not fracture.

Bible Endings For Torn Relationships Five important Bible relationships are presented while giving emphasis to the importance of entreaty and RECONCILIATION. 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.

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. We have REDEMPTION through Christ's blood, even the forgiveness of ur sins (Eph. 1:7).

"He who receives you receives Me" (Matthew 10:40). The foremost lesson in this article is the authority Christ vested in His Apostles and their conduct in preaching the Gospel. But the article also gives emphasis to the matters of both "giving" and "RECEIVING."

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. We have REDEMPTION through Christ's blood, even the forgiveness of our sins (Eph. 1:7).

How Will God Feel About You When You Ask Him For Help? Do you know someone who is in trouble and needs God’s help? In this brief study the scriptures are related to three important questions dealing with those times when we need, desire, and ask for God’s help: (1) When you want God’s help how fast do you want Him there? (2) When we need Him to deliver us how far do we want Him from us? (3) How do you want God to feel about you when you ask Him to help you? We must know that God can and will defeat those who REFUSE His call to them!

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.”

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). Concerned reader, there are situations where man is REJOICING and God is not! (Prov. 1:26). God warned there would be a time when He was REJOICING and they are not! However, you will find such “REJOCE 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.

After Baptism, Then What? The article begins with a brief mention of baptism as a time of REJOICING for both man and heaven. It 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. 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.

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. Some fail because they do not REMEMBER the former times when they did joyfully endure afflictions with faithfulness! Why not read this either for your self or with a view to being able to help another?

Just Good Advice Versus The Gospel That Saves The world’s remedy is offered by the world but God’s REMEDY for sinful situations in the lives of His creation is found in the Gospel of Christ. Concerned reader, God’s remedy begins by identifying the sin and stating the penalty. In this article you will see the vast difference between just offering another advice and telling them the truth about God’s REMEDIES that deal with the soul, the need of instruction from His word, the penalty for having sinned, and what is necessary for one to receive the remission of their sins.

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.

Bible Endings For Torn Relationships Five important Bible relationships are presented while giving emphasis to the importance of entreaty and reconciliation. 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.

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 contends with God in refusing to REPENT!

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? These lies prevail because they refused to REPENT (Jer. 5:3). When apostasies go on and continue it is proof that when lies are taught brethren are taught to lie and become stubborn and refuse to REPENT! Somebody says, “That’s not fair! You can’t talk like that!” Have you never read I Cor. 10:11-12!”

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 obstinate and arrogant then our sorrow will be the tears of Jeremiah if we love them: “But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the Lord's flock is carried away captive” (Jer. 13:17). We know that arrogance and pride God will destroy! The righteous will weep because of this for the reasons Jeremiah did in Lamentations— they were given many opportunities to REPENT and give glory to God, but that takes fear and trembling, and they refused every time the offer was given and would not (cf. Jer. 13:15-19, 15:7, 5:3). This is the bitter sorrow that realizes God can make enemies rejoice over His own when He casts them off (Ps. 89:42).

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. A proper definition for REPENTANCE and what it is may be found as with the account of conversions as recorded in Acts 2. Moreover, the step of REPENTANCE (a change of will that leads to a change of conduct) and its place in the order of the steps of obedience necessary to become a Christian is given proper consideration by studying particular cases of conversion.

You saw it so deal with it! You can read about the "immediate" approach of our Lord in correcting others. This is followed with scriptures depicting the responsibility all members have to do the same. The lesson exposes those who, with no intention of straightening anything out, prefer to say that they “do” forgive those who sin against them without demanding REPENTANCE.

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 also points out that forgiveness should be based upon the REPENTANCE of the one who sinned.)

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). Such must understand that God’s longsuffering is not equal to forgiveness, thus Paul demand REPENTANCE.

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. 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?

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. They are to be ready unto every good work (Eph. 2:10, I Tim. 5:10, Titus 3:1, 2:14). We are all to stay ready unto every good work (Titus 3:1). Consider by contrast that the sisters are not among the unappreciated mentioned in I Timothy 5. The first thing said about the unappreciated sister(s) is she gives herself to wanton pleasure and is dead while she lives (I Tim. 5:6). Sensual desires lead to her casting off the faith (I Tim. 5:10-13). Paul implores with the duties in I Tim. 5:14 that come with marriage, bearing children, managing the household, and giving no occasion to adversary for REPROACH. Why not study the nine points of application directed towards their being scripturally appreciated?

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.

The List That Justifies The Ungodly Using the instruction from Prov. 9:7-9 that says, “REPROVE not a scorner, lest he hate you…” this article deals with the ungodly who have no real concern for the whole of God’s commandments and doing all He requires (cf. Ps. 119:160). Such will often “keep records” (lists) of others’ sins that they have repented of. Such wicked “mark” another’s sins in order to use them against them in an unrighteous way! And of course their “list,” so far as they are concerned, is reason enough for them to reject REPROOFS / REBUKES for their own present sins.