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Table of Contents


Listing of Articles


Why aren't Christians Speaking Out?

   A reply to an article written by Cynthia Ozick:  "Why Aren't Christians Speaking Out?"  W.S.J. October 30, 2000Cynthia 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.  

Questions on Witchcraft

   Answers to questions concerning witchcraft.

What Some "Only" See

   The relationship between husbands and wives as it ought to be.

The Positive Mental Attitude  “Philosophy”

   What is wrong with the positive mental attitude style of preaching.

Baptism ~ God, You, and Brethren

   This article answers simple questions people have about baptism. It discusses who should be baptized and whether one who has “seemingly” been baptized should consider scriptural baptism. It also includes ones being subject to church discipline based upon baptism into Christ.

Are there Prophets today?  

  This defines "the last days" and explains why there are no prophets today. Moreover there is an abundance of material on the spiritual gifts given through the apostles in this article.

He who receives you receives Me

   The foremost lesson in this article is the authority Christ vested in His Apostles. But the article also gives emphasis to the matters of both "giving" and "receiving." 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

After Baptism, Then What?

   The material offers appropriate encouragement and warnings for those recently baptized for the remission of their sins.

 A Study Of The Antichrists

   Here is a study that corrects false views that many today have of what the Bible teaches about the Antichrists.

Reply to a response on "Questions on Witchcraft"

   A respondent has present the idea that there was another race (the  "other people") upon earth who did not have Adam and Eve for their genealogy. She  says they are first mentioned in Gen. 4:16. The reply shows how her claim doesn't fit with the scriptures in the Bible.

  Selected Newspaper Articles

   Selected newspaper articles: "Disclaimers for Fortunetellers," "Mothers of a Different Kind," "Alternative Lifestyles," "Fornication Kit."

The Mark Of The Beast, Number 666, Rev. 13:16-17

   A respondent has stated that people are going around preaching 666 about everything. 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!

9-11-2001 ~ Things I Can Count On Today

   America (New York) 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.

Messianic Jewish churches

   A critique of one of the newer movements (denominations) today. 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.

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 Case Study of Mourning Sin

   This article explains in detail what it truly means to mourn the sins we see others commit. For example, the first point given emphasis is we mourn the sins of others when we are justifiably angry at sin, Ex. 32:18-21. Several applicable points are presented.

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. You do not have to remain among them!

A Study of the Miracles of the New Testament ~ Part One

   An inquirer asks: Does God still do miracles today through men of God and apostles? Such questions stem from, I’m convinced, people’s awareness that the so-called “miracles” performed by faith healers today are obviously the works of frauds. They can see that their so-called miracles are not of the same nature as those recorded in the New Testament. The request asks if the New Testament miracles performed by men came to an end?  

A Study of the  Miracles of the New Testament ~ Part Two

   For further study I have listed miracles you find recorded in the book of Acts. There are several of these and I ask you to consider carefully their “nature” in contrast to the false miraculous works of so-called faith healers today.

Abominations are not Funny! (A serious look at Worship offered to God.)

   Have you seen these frivolous church advertisements that mention "hypocrites" with somewhat of an amusing tone? They will even state that they only have a few so feel free to come and worship with them. In contrast the Bible teaches the worship a hypocrite offers is an abomination to God. But such hypocrites actually think, "God is glad to see me here!" And have you ever thought of how "others" such as the preacher and members themselves might contribute to this polluting of worship? Also, what condition is a church in that tolerates even one hypocrite as a member?

A Request: Pray For Me!

   This article deals with Christians who request prayer on their behalf. While such a request is not without scriptural foundation (James 5:14-16), some important additional truths related directly to the Christian who makes this request are dealt with. 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).

 

A Consideration

Of

I Cor. 14:34-35

 

 

 

   Women's conduct in both learning and teaching. The role of women in the church is of such a nature that they are to learn in quietness with all submission. They must not teach, nor usurp authority over the man, but be in quietness ( I Tim. 2:11-12).The necessity of this role prompted the following statement to the church at Corinth: 

  

   "Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. [35] And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church."  I Cor. 14:34-35

 

 

 

ON LINE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE!

 

Series: "Fundamental Lessons on the Church." Lesson One:

The Establishment of the Church of Christ

   This is Lesson One of eight lessons in our Series: "Fundamental Lessons on the Church." Lesson One: "The Establishment of the Church of Christ." In this lesson you will learn about the church:

1. As planned by God in eternity before the world began.

2. As foretold through Old Testament prophesies.

3. From Christ's own teaching during His ministry before His ascension into heaven.

4. As established on the day of Pentecost recorded in Acts 2.

   Note: Each lesson in the series has been designed with a Q&A for an On-Line Correspondence Study on the Church should you desire.

ON LINE COURRESPONDENCE COURSE!

 

Series: "Fundamental Lessons on the Church." Lesson Two:

The Head And Authority of the Church

   This is Lesson Two in our Series: "Fundamental Lessons on the Church." Lesson Two: "The Head And Authority of the Church." In this lesson you will learn about the church:

1. With Jesus Christ as the one and only Head.

2. With the responsibility to hold to, uphold, and proclaim the New Testament as the word of Christ, the authority that Christ gave to the church. The church is not the authority. The revealed word is the authority Christ gave for the church to uphold and proclaim.

   Note: Each lesson in the series has been designed with a Q&A for an On-Line Correspondence Study on the Church should you desire.

 

ON LINE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE!

 

Series: "Fundamental Lessons on the Church."

Lesson Three:

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.   

   Note: Each lesson in the series has been designed with a Q&A for an On-Line Correspondence Study on the Church should you desire.

ON LINE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE!

 

Series: "Fundamental Lessons on the Church."

Lesson Four, Part One:

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. 

   Note: Each lesson in the series has been designed with a Q&A for an On-Line Correspondence Study on the Church should you desire.

ON LINE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE!

 

Series: "Fundamental Lessons on the Church."

Lesson Four, Part Two:

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.

   Note: Each lesson in the series has been designed with a Q&A for an On-Line Correspondence Study on the Church should you desire.

ON LINE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE!

 

Series: "Fundamental Lessons on the Church."

Lesson Five:

The Worship of the Church.

   This is Lesson Five in our Series: "Fundamental Lessons on the Church." Lesson Five: "The Worship of the Church." In this lesson you will be studying the items of worship for the church:

   1. The Lord's Supper upon the first day of the week.

   2. Instruction in God's word.

   3. Singing.

   4. Prayer.

   5. Giving.

   By studying these items of worship you can learn what   "edification" means and how it was practiced in the assemblies of the first century church.  

   Note: Each lesson in the series has been designed with a Q&A for an On-Line Correspondence Study on the Church should you desire.

 

ON LINE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE!

 

Series: "Fundamental Lessons on the Church."

Lesson Six:

Local Church Autonomy

   This is Lesson Six in our Series: "Fundamental Lessons on the Church." Lesson Six: "Local Church Autonomy." Scriptures emphasizing local church autonomy or independence are presented along with the needed applications for the present day.

   Note: Each lesson in the series has been designed with a Q&A for an On-Line Correspondence Study on the Church should you desire.

ON LINE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE!

 

Series: "Fundamental Lessons on the Church."

Lesson Seven:

The Local Church And Benevolence

   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.

   Note: Each lesson in the series has been designed with a Q&A for an On-Line Correspondence Study on the Church should you desire.

ON LINE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE!

 

Series: "Fundamental Lessons on the Church."

(FINAL LESSON)

Lesson Eight:

The Local Church And Evangelism

   Lesson Eight is the final lesson in our Series: "Fundamental Lessons on the Church." Lesson Eight: "The Local Church And Evangelism." This lesson presents the patterns for the local church in the work of supporting evangelists. It shows how the autonomy of the local church is maintained along with needed applications for the present day.

   Note: Each lesson in the series has been designed with a Q&A for an On-Line Correspondence Study on the Church should you desire.

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 in His church is contrasted with a so-called Bishop in Catholicism.

The Good Person

   In this article you can learn what God says concerning good people and their need for salvation. Many people today believe that being "good" is good enough. Appropriate scriptures are applied to refute this belief. These will show that all men are accountable before God and must obey the Gospel to gain eternal life in Christ the Lord.

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.

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."

Commending Myself to Others

   This article deals with a point often overlooked when teaching on the conscience. “Conscience” here is the other person’s perception! Rather than having approval in my own conscience concerning myself, here the approval is in others’ consciences. It’s like saying, “How do you feel about me now?” Why not consider studying this applicable lesson for Christians?

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. 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.   

Hating Homosexuality

   This article from 1999 relates to the meeting between Jerry Falwell and the so called gay Christians. The press presented them as "gay Christians" meaning that they were practicing homosexuals and lesbians. When such present themselves as in good standing with God, then the contradictions from a religious point of view must be exposed! Many young people are taking acceptance, tolerance and diversity instruction to mean that there is nothing wrong "morally" with being gay. Tell your children that being taught "tolerance" does not make sinful acts right. It changes nothing!

"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 that shows respect for oneself, for others, and manifests one's self control (I Tim. 2:8-9). 

The Beginning Point Leading To Salvation

   This article should help anyone today who has come to realize that the variety of explanations offered due to diverse human philosophies and beliefs today 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. 

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 God'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 personal level means that we respond to the fact that His ownership demands our personal loyalty and obedience to His commands. Sadly, herein is where Americans are failing today!

What Does A Return Truly Mean?  

            This article uses an important part of Old Testament history to illustrate the conviction and love for the Truth that enables one to put themselves in the proper setting where they have access to scriptural fellowship and collective worship with brethren (2 Chron. 11-13). We are concerned today about those whom we often hear about who have left the faith, and needing to be restored simply are not connecting a love for the Truth and "relocation" as an effective means of putting oneself where they know that they can serve God faithfully. Out of our concern and effort to save some who have fallen away we have "cross-referenced" and linked an important article at the end of this article titled "Restoration Viewpoints."

 

 

Restoration Viewpoints

  Should you find yourself, dear reader, in the category of one who has fallen away from the faith once delivered (Jude 3), we would encourage you to read the following article based primarily upon Luke 15 (the Prodigal Son). The article is titled “Restoration Viewpoints” and it takes a detailed look at some of the viewpoints presented in the Scriptures that are helpful in restoring one to the faith. It is presented concerned reader with a singular point in mind, that being your own restoration and eternal salvation. The points presented from the scriptures should help anyone who needs to look back to the time they were faithful, look at the extent and duration of their unfaithfulness, and look at the certainty of their acceptance once again having repented and confessed their unfaithfulness to God.       

Two letters written to our local newspaper editor concerning the immorality of homosexuality

This post contains two letters written to our local newspaper editor concerning the sin of homosexuality. The first article, "Legislator's Chaplain" deals with an effort made to provide our State Legislators of all things with a gay chaplain for counseling on morality! Laugh if you dare not cry. The second deals with the methods used by gays in the Anglican church.

 

 

 

Human Life And Cloning

This article contains a simplified explanation of what human cloning might consist of for the benefit of all. It explains in simple terms the W's altered (enucleated) seed in the absence of the physical act of intimacy. All 46 chromosomes come from the H and none from the wife. The fertilized egg's equivalent is planted in the W's womb and allowed to develop into a full fledge baby after nine months. Additionally there are Scriptures from the Bible concerning Human Life and the Spirit of man. And this along with some Questions for one's own meditation.

 

Not looking for "the Church"

 Are you looking for "the church" you read about in the New Testament? 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). 

 

Bible Endings For Torn Relationships

Five important Bible relationships are presented while giving emphasis to the importance of entreaty and reconciliation. The goals for entreating: 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.    

 

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?

 

 

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. Such 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.           

 

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.        

 

What One Neglects In Not Placing Membership

Many are seeing and discussing a pattern manifested by members of the church in their choice to not place  their membership with a local church of Christ where they reside. Reading this article will give you a practical understanding of those who choose to do so thus exempting their selves from collective responsibility. The article also considers the affect their actions have upon others and especially family, both immediate and distant.          

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?

 

A Safe Deposit For My Treasures

Do you really want to go to Heaven? This article contrasts the physical setbacks besetting those who suffered during the fires of 2003 with the eternal setbacks of not heeding Jesus instruction in Matt. 6:19-20. Why not refresh your mind by reading about Heaven as a safe deposit for your treasures? Morever you can read and understand that Heaven is a place where there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, pain, curse or night - just eternal day  (Rev. 21:1-4, 21:25-22:5).    

 

 

Scriptures Governing Our Collective Worship