The "O" list:

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

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). They exemplify those whom God takes pleasure in and favors because they fear Him (cf. Ps. 149:4, 147:10-11). These are the ones who can be taught, and have been (Ps. 34:11-15). OBEDIENCE unto righteousness is what God takes pleasure in, thus these are the scriptural reasons why all of our godly sisters are appreciated. Why not study the nine points of application directed towards their being scripturally appreciated?

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. The New Testament scriptures are God’s will for all of mankind (Mk. 16:15-16; Eph. 4:4-6). God requires OBEDIENCE from man in regards to what he reads in the New Testament scriptures (Heb. 5:9; Rom. 10:17). Faith comes by hearing God’s word (Rom. 10:17). Without faith which includes OBEDIENCE we are taught that man cannot please God (Cf. Hebrews 11:6; John 6:29). God’s Word plainly states that fornication as described above is a work of the flesh that leads to eternal destruction if not repented of (I Cor. 6:9; Gal. 5:19-21).

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 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 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 yourself 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: (21) OBEDIENCE in baptism is the result of one’s own faith in God’s word …

Casting Down Eloquence & Sophistry Series (2 Cor. 10:4-5) While professing love and understanding false teachers make a mockery of Christ’s teaching in “how” they use Matt. 22:39 – they twist “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” They fail to put it properly with the preceding first and greatest commandment – to love God with one’s “all” (cf. Matt. 22:37-38). This love (agapao) is found in both the Old and New Testaments (cp. Rom. 13:8-10). It carries with it the idea of duty and OBEDIENCE to God. Great deceivers are using “love your neighbor” to put their own stamps of approval on iniquity! They teach the LOCAL CHURCH is to accept and fellowship heterosexual couples living in fornication (sin, Gal. 5:19), accept those in homosexual and lesbian relationships (sin, I Cor. 6:9, Rom. 1:26-27) and condone and fellowship adulterous marriages (Matt. 19:9). These deceivers are guilty of rejoicing in iniquity, not loving God, and being religiously injurious to all in their wicked deceptions! Their churches are full of iniquity and their members love to have it so (2 Tim. 3:1-5, 4:3).

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. You will find under "Things Concerning the Resurrection" that 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).

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,” talk of “the Mark of the Beast.” One part of this study deal with such questions as, "Why?" or "What is the future?" The answer presents the limited number of things Christians have that they can truly trust in and depend upon. These few but precious things are where a Christian's life really is any day, as well as any place that they might be. One of these is that GOD uses one government to punish another (Matt. 24:1-2). Another important point is that Christians are to be OBEDIENT to civil government (Rom. 13:1-7). But should a government demand something from Christians that God forbids they must OBEY God rather than man.

Covid Restrictions ~ Just Safety or Persecution Included OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MAN -- The CORONA VIRUS ~ COVID19 RESTRICTIONS -- Just what kind of “push” did you expect from the ungodly and unbelieving to make? Get the preachers out of the way – make them turn from the rightful order of things – let’s not hear about God and His law.

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 OBEYS unrighteousness.

Various Newspaper Articles from 2018 #2 Here are three NEWSPAPER articles from 2018: (1) Surely Know What A Pharisee Is ~ When Charging Others As One! (2) Surely Friends of Jesus! Those Who Accuse Others of “Legalism” for OBEYING Christ’s Commandments (3) Surely Farfetched ~ The Church Can’t Be About Religion Or It Is A Cult.

Newspaper Articles This publication contains selected newspaper articles. "Disclaimers for Fortunetellers” deals with the OCCULT.

Reply to a response on "Questions on Witchcraft" Concerning the OCCULT: A respondent has presented the idea that there was race upon earth who did not have Adam and Eve for their genealogy. She claims to be of this so called "other people.” The reply shows how her claim doesn't fit with the scriptures in the Bible.

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 in knowledge and discernment. The Christian is to be sincere and WITHOUT OFFENCE ("Blameless”). The stated "goal" of our efforts is seen in Philippians 1:10-11.

You Discriminate! You Hate! ~ “Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?” (Matt. 15:12) What Jesus said that the Pharisees heard in Matt. 15:11 caused them great displeasure (they were OFFENDED), but there was no wrong on Jesus’ part. He exposed the Pharisees’ human tradition by explaining that such does not come from God, but man’s own mind (cf. “but you say” Matt. 15:5). He said their hypocritical worship centered in teaching as doctrine the precepts of mere men (Matt. 15:9). He answered the above question by saying “Every plant, which My Father has not planted, shall be rooted up.” His truthful answer called them “blind leaders of the blind” saying both fall into the pit (Matt. 15:14). His words were the words of the Father; He always did the things that were pleasing to Him (Jo. 6:38, 8:29, 14:10). He did not teach that it is wrong to name and describe false religious beliefs. He said concerning their doctrines, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees” (Matt. 16:6). Why? Because both really were blind guides of the blind! They invalidated the Word of God by their traditions bound as doctrine (Matt. 15:6). And just as today – their upholding human tradition brought with it money, prestige and power (Jo. 12:43; Lk. 16:13-15).

What Every Politician Needs to Know Applicable lessons based upon David’s addresses, and of course God’s, to Solomon concerning his reign upon David’s throne form the background of this particular article. Read about Solomon’s throne and exemplification of one of his own proverbs: “It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness” (Prov. 6:12). This article states what kings, rulers, OFFICIALS, presidents, congressmen, mayors and councilmen need to hear. Applications are also made from the book of Jeremiah and the Psalms denouncing oppression, fraud, extortion, cruelty and the destruction of the foundation of society.

Someone Christians Never Need --- The Corporate Chaplain The corporate Chaplain is unknown in the New Testament church. Here is your “physical future” generally speaking (Eccl. 12:1-8). With that in mind this article presents duties one must fulfill. First, there is duty to self to not forsake the truth in OLD AGE. Of course, there is also the duty to relieve and care for one’s own family. Thirdly, this article presents some of the dangers for Christians in care centers and lessons from the elderly, both good and bad.

Casting Down Eloquence & Sophistry Series (2 Cor. 10:4-5) Modern teachers, atheists, and mockers often portray God in the Old Testament as being ruthless and unloving. A common tactic is to present the idea that God in the Old is different from God in the New. Such seek to bypass the fact that the judgments of God brought upon the world, as recorded in the OLD TESTAMENT (Mosaic Law), were indeed left as warnings for us today. People love the deception in being told that God today just isn’t like that (cf. Rom.16:17). But God will punish the wicked in hades and eternally in hell (cf. Lk.16:22-26; Matt. 10:28).

Jesus Came to Fulfill the Law (Matt. 5:17-18) People are quick to quote these passages to justify using a combination of the OLD TESTAMENT (Mosaic Law) along with the New Testament. This is used for any number of things, but especially for items of worship that they particularly like that cannot be justified by the New Testament teaching concerning the church of Christ. The attraction of special clothing (cf. Ex. 28) for ministers and priests, along with the use of instruments, candles, incense, etc. would be examples. For the most part should any one of them be asked, Why not offer the animal sacrifices and various offerings and activities made by the Jews at the Temple? — they’d say that’s not necessary today. Why? Since we are not given these in the New Testament for worship are we free to choose one or all if we want to? Demanding circumcision, along with wanting to bind the Old Covenant upon the church, is refuted by Paul as an example of seeking justification by the Law and falling from grace (Gal.5:1-4). Paul said the Jews were BLINDED by their still holding to the Law of Moses, but when they turned to Christ and His New Covenant that blindness would cease (I Cor. 3:12-16).

Loving Israel for the Wrong Reasons The history of Israel goes back to God’s promise of Christ through Abraham’s seed (Gen 12:1-3). It was through Christ, Abraham’s seed, that all nations (all men everywhere) would have the offer of eternal salvation (Rom 1:16-17; Gal 3:26-29). Read this and you will see the fulfillment and understand that the New Testament is God’s will for all of mankind today. Here is a contrast of Israel under the OLD TESTAMENT for a definite period which has passed, and salvation for all men through the gospel of Christ as revealed in the New Testament. When you study the salvation of Jews or Gentiles (including Arabs) the New Testament points to their baptisms into Christ for the remission of their sins (Mk 16:15-16; Gal 3:26-29). Read this article and you will see the difference between contending for political and national interests, and contending for salvation offered through Christ for all men.

1. The name Israel applied to the nation that developed in Egypt.

2. That nation, Israel, was given the OLD COVENANT LAW for a definite period, which has ended, with a view to Christ being the end of the law (see Rom 10:4 “end”) --- the Old Covenant kept them together and brought them to Christ. The New Covenant is for all men today, both Jews and Gentiles.

3. Blindness of the Jews is seen in those who reject Christ and the New Testament.

4. ANY TRUE CHRISTIAN DESIRES THE SALVATION OF ALL MEN REGARDLESS OF RACE OR NATIONALITY.

5. The offer of salvation through the gospel of Christ is not antisemitic – both Jews and Gentiles are equal in Christ’s church.

6. The offer of salvation through the gospel of Christ does not favor Arabs or Gentiles over others – all are equal in Christ’s church.

7. WHEN YOU STUDY THE JEWS’ SALVATION > THE NEW TESTAMENT POINTS TO THEIR BAPTISMS.

8. WHEN YOU STUDY THE JEWS’ LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD UNDER THE OLD TESTAMENT > THE NEW TESTAMENT TEACHES THE PRIESTHOOD CHANGED FOR THE JEWS TO CHRIST AS THE ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST.

9. WHEN YOU STUDY THE JEWS’ O.T. LAW > THE NEW TESTAMENT TEACHES IT WAS TAKEN OUT OF THE WAY HAVING BEEN NAILED TO THE CROSS.

10. WHEN YOU STUDY OLD COVENANT WORSHIP FOR JEWS > THE NEW TESTAMENT TEACHES IT “VANISHED,” AND THEY COULD BE GOD’S PEOPLE UNDER THE NEW COVENANT (JER. 31:31-34).

11. WHEN YOU STUDY THE JEWS’ TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM > THE NEW TESTAMENT TEACHES ITS DESTRUCTION BY GOD WHICH CAME IN AD 70.

12. WHEN YOU STUDY THE JEWS AS A NATION > THE NEW TESTAMENT CONFIRMS THEY ABUSED THE BLESSING OF BEING CHOSEN BY GOD – THEY LOVED THE IDOLS AND FALSE GODS OF THE NATIONS, BEING A STIFF-NECKED REBELLIOUS PEOPLE (CF. STEPHEN’S SPEECH TO FELLOW JEWS, ACTS 7; READ DE 9:6-7, 24).

13. WHEN YOU STUDY THE JEWS’ HUMAN TRADITIONS AS A NATION > THE NEW TESTAMENT TEACHES THEIR HUMAN TRADITIONS WERE “VAIN WORSHIP” (CF. MATT 15:3-9; MAR 7:5-9).

14. THAT GOD CHOSE ISRAEL THROUGH WHOM CHRIST CAME ACCORDING TO THE FLESH, AND THEN MOST JEWS REJECTED JESUS CHRIST WAS A GRIEF TO PAUL, HIMSELF A JEW.

15. PARTIAL BLINDNESS OF ISRAEL IS SEEN IN THEIR REJECTING THE NEW COVENANT, AND BECOMING ENEMIES OF THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL (ROM 11:25-32). PAUL (A JEW HIMSELF) IS TRUTHFUL AND IMPARTIAL IN STATING THIS. BUT THERE IS ALSO A REMINDER TO THE GENTILE CHRISTIANS THAT THEY MUST REMEMBER THEY WERE ONCE DISOBEDIENT TO GOD, AND SO THE HOPE REMAINS THAT MORE AMONG THE JEWS WILL BE CONVERTED TO CHRIST THROUGH THE GOSPEL, I.E., THE NEW COVENANT. IT IS THE NEW COVENANT THAT IS GIVEN TO BOTH JEWS AND GENTILES THAT IS SPOKEN OF HERE.

16. PAUL QUOTED ISAIAH’S TRUTHFUL AND HONEST STATEMENT TO FELLOW JEWS WHO IN UNBELIEF REJECTED THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL (ACTS 28:17-31).

17. JESUS WILL APPEAR “A SECOND TIME” TO AWARD SALVATION ON THE DAY OF JUDGMENT.

18. EVERY PERSON OF EVERY RACE INDIVIDUALLY WILL STAND BEFORE CHRIST ON THAT DAY.

19. CHRISTIANS ARE NOT TO BE IGNORANT ABOUT THAT DAY!

20. STUDY INTERNATIONAL POLITICS AND YOU ARE NOT STUDYING SALVATION IN CHRIST!

21. HE COMES IN THAT DAY TO BE GLORIFIED IN HIS SAINTS.

22. THE DAY OF THE LORD WILL COME AS A THIEF IN THE NIGHT.

23. WHEN CHRIST JUDGES “ALL” ON THAT DAY ANYONE NOT FOUND IN THE BOOK OF LIFE IS CAST INTO HELL.

24. WHO DO CHRISTIANS THANK GOD FOR WHO GIVES US THE VICTORY? GOD WHO GIVES US CHRIST.

25. STUDY THE NEW TESTAMENT AND THE ISRAEL OF GOD IN GAL 6:16 IS THE CHURCH OF CHRIST.

26. THE RECOGNIZED “JEW” RELIGIOUSLY BY GOD IS NOT IN PHYSICAL OUTWARD APPEARANCE, OR BY PHYSICAL CIRCUMCISION, BUT INWARDLY HAVING OBEYED THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST -- WHOSE PRAISE IS NOT FROM MAN BUT GOD.

Aliens and National Ignorance: The concerns of space aliens and extraterrestrial activity in recent balloon intercepts, present A TOTALLY WRONG PERSPECTIVE OF THE EARTH, LIFE HERE, AND MANKIND HAVING BEEN GIVEN THE EARTH AS A DWELLING PLACE (Gen. 1:26; Ps. 115:16). There are no space aliens! THE VASTNESS OF THE UNIVERSE ASTOUNDS, AND SPEAKS OF GOD’S OMNIPOTENCE (PS. 33:6-9).

Many and Few by Contrast It is better to have few than to have the human organizations our brethren have formed that intrude into the work God gave the local churches to do. God’s blessings come for the few as well as many who are willing to respect scriptural authority. Here are some applications of ONE ANOTHER duties matched with necessary Edification.

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). Solomon summed up the whole purpose of one's life, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man" (Eccl. 12:12). 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 obedience to His commands. The article shows clearly that one must not confuse patriotism with the personal OBEDIENCE that saves the individual's soul. 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!

The Correct Delight of Kings “The appreciation of “the delight of kings” of Israel --- kept in proper context under the Old Covenant --- is SEEN IN THEIR FEAR OF GOD AND OBEDIENCE TO HIS COMMANDS given to Israel. The commands for them to love truth and righteousness, and some doing so, stands in contrast to the wickedness of civil government today!”

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.”

Identity Theft Here is a lesson based upon the prevalence of “identity theft.” This lesson answers the questions, What is identity theft? How do thieves steal an identity? What do thieves do with a stolen identity? How can you find out if your identity was stolen? And What can you do to help fight identity theft? --- All with a spiritual view as to the use of Christ’s name without proper permission and how Christ name theft crimes take many forms. There is but “ONE” Gospel just as there is but one of each of our persons (cf. Gal. 1:6-10). Spiritually the unity of belief and practice of the one Gospel is the means by which we fight identity theft and protect against those who wear Christ’s name who are frauds. You will find twelve scriptural and helpful applications for detecting these impostors who preach another Gospel. Such will “rob” you of your prize if you let them (Col. 2:18-19).

Why Churches Fear Applying “Scriptural Authority” ~ Selected Newspaper Articles This deals with false plans for unity. Local churches of Christ must continue to be the pillar and support of the truth. These three articles relate to the fear manifested by church leaders who use human wisdom, emotions and lies; whose goals are power, prestige, pleasing self and material gain. Members themselves love their false position that allows them to fulfill their own lusts. Accepting the elements in this shared arrangement led to “Unity in Diversity” among denominationalists (I’m OK, you’re OK); a mutual agreement that we’ll soft pedal on doctrinal differences and fellowship one another. This deliberate deception to ignore the authority of the Scriptures expanded as prayer became an ecumenical tool used to unify the Inter-Faith Movement (So called “Christians,” Jews, Muslims, and those of Eastern faiths joined together in worship); “ONE God many faiths” flies in the face of “ONE Lord, ONE body and ONE faith” (cf. Eph. 4:1-4).

Rule of Law Points From the authority implied in the “name” of Jesus Christ, who has all authority, several points are made concerning the Gospel as the power of God unto salvation for all men, Jesus’ authority to judge by His law, Sin as a violation of Christ’s law and how His law convicts of sin. Major emphasis is also given to the RULE OF LAW of law being attacked by ignorance, wrongful intent, good intentions, sincerity, carelessness, ignoring, impulse and inconsistency, showing partiality, outright defiance, distortion of one’s words and partial narratives of the Word (to neglect to teach the whole counsel of God, Acts 20:27, 32.). Applications include God is no respecter of persons, to show respect of persons is sin, THE KIND OF JUDGMENT THAT CONDEMNS ONESELF, and the one who boasts in god’s law but dishonors God through breaking the law.

“I’m Staying with Zoom” The current pride in technology denominational invite is “WORSHIP ONLINE OR IN PERSON HERE.” We must be certain that what we do with high tech is scriptural as regards the work and worship of Christ’s church. If “ZOOM” AND “ONLINE” are let stray, as some among us already have, then you will have a developed human tradition that will cause many to lose their souls. The impact itself on the body of Christ can be like a spreading spiritual virus in years following upon member’s zeal for assembling (Cf. Eph. 4:14; 2 Tim. 2:17; Heb. 10:24-27).

Scriptures Governing Our Collective Worship You may never have heard about "Spontaneous Singing" as practiced in some churches. It could be that you've have observed one singing so loudly they drowned out the song leader and wondered if there were scriptures that might be used to correct such. Perhaps you would be interested in the scriptures that authorize a song leader and a church doing things decently and in ORDER during worship.

An Example of going beyond Local Church Organization – The Seventh-day Adventists : Many denominations go far beyond “local church ORGANIZATION” (*for much more see Local Church). Here is a comparison of Christ’s church as set forth in the New Testament and the Seventh-day Adventists. As you read this you will see important points on “how” false religions get started. There is a vast difference in stating that we must go back to the New Testament patterns for the organization and worship of Christ's church He built -- and the establishment of a denomination upon false visions and leaders falsely claiming the gift of prophecy (I Cor. 13:8). New Testament authority for what is practiced is sorely lacking today!

Reply to a response on "Questions on Witchcraft" This article concerns the occult: A respondent has present the idea that there was race upon earth who did not have Adam and Eve for their genealogy. She claims to be of this so called "OTHER PEOPLE." The reply shows how her claim doesn't fit with the scriptures in the Bible.

Selected Newspaper Articles The topics are: “The Buyer Is Like The Seller; The Creditor Is Like The Debtor” (What God’s word says about liars, cheats and murderers applies to all – the rich and poor!); “Wicked Kids, Teens, Beating & Stomping Others” (This exposes the lie, “Oh they’re just too young to know better!”); “Some Wrights Are So Wrong” (When so called “Pastors” are asked if John 14:6 is true and if they think Islam is another way to salvation, and then suggest that there is another path to the Father they deny what Jesus and the apostles taught! (cf. John 12:48). That different cultures see differently thus this truth (John 14:6) must of necessity be set aside is a lie! (cf. Gal. 3:26-29). Both Jews and Gentiles reconciled in one body, the church of Christ, illustrates Jesus’ “OTHER SHEEP I HAVE” in John 10:16!

You Were Pagans Carried Away Unto Dumb Idols (I Cor. 12:2) Many are simply not aware of the various “other” designations for the Gentiles – such as “pagans,” “heathens,” “infidels” and “unbelievers.” This is especially true when some of these refer to idolaters. The world is divided into two divisions: Christians and the whole world that lies in the power of the evil one, Satan (I Jo. 5:19). Notice the emphasis given to one either being “in Christ” or “without” i.e. “outside” of Christ (Col. 4:5). If one is not in Christ he is “WITHOUT” or “OUTSIDE” (Col. 4:5). All other “world religions” and religious beliefs fall under the category of “human philosophy” and “empty deception” according to the “traditions of men” (Col. 2:8). When it comes to the total population of the world (7B+) there are only two divisions: Christians and the whole world that lies in the power of the evil one, Satan (I Jo. 5:19).

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

Should “Grass Roots” Pol. Movements Address Local Churches of Christ This is election year and I’m hearing that a pastor (denominational usage) is afraid if he doesn’t allow his church to have a requested political presentation from our grass root political movement. It never dawned on such that all members of a local church of Christ would be in scriptural agreement that such is not authorized as part of an assembly of the church. Where did personal conscience suddenly go? What happened to religious liberty? Read this study to understand why all the members of the local church are in agreement, and make no apologies for respecting the authorized work of the assemblies of the church.

INCLUDED:

1. Christ’s Kingdom is a Spiritual Kingdom, Col. 1:13.

2. The Local Church with It’s OWN OVERSIGHT & Collective Work.

3. Assemblies are the Collective Function of the particular Local “Body” as an Organization.

4. Some Scripturally Authorized Purposes for the Assemblies of the Local Church.

5. Christians as Individuals Participated in Government.

6. God did not Give the Gospel to Civil Government.

7. A Civil or State Religion.

8. Concerning Political Movements & Organizations.

9. Man’s Ways are not God’s Ways (Isa. 55:8-9).

10. It is Not a Matter of Just Losing One’s Tax Exempt Status.

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

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

Let Us Get You A New Kind Of Preacher! Those full of carnality (works of the flesh) accuse the faithful unjustly with wicked intent, spread strife with their mouths, and set an example of evil for others to imitate (cf. 3 John 10-11). They have a goal, an objective, and will sacrifice the truth and brethren to achieve it! These are looking forward to and working towards division in order that they might have their OWN WAY, and that with the “kind of preaching” that lacks application and pleases the ungodly (cf. 2 Tim. 4:1-5). Understand that the longer the church postpones dealing with them scripturally the closer they get to their unscriptural goals (cf. Rev. 2:20). There is nothing more carnal, and full of the works of the flesh, that I can think of at this age in my life than brethren who work to stop applicable preaching and teaching. They will stop at nothing to get the “new kind” of preacher. Old warnings need to be issued! As in the past there will always be bigger churches somewhere ready to aid the pattern of apostasy and provide the “new kind” of teachers and preachers. That is how apostasy is able to continue. Brethren beware! It is quite possible that you know of such things happening among us.

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