Category: Reflections Articles

It is needful to note that several modern concepts of the origin of authority are incorrect.

The Source of Divine Authority Is Not…

The Doctrine or Practices of the Old Testament

There are a number of common religious practices today which were characteristic of Old Testament worship. Some denominations advocate the use of an instrument of music in worship because of the Old Testament practice. Others speak of tithing as required of God, or the practice of sabbath observation. Some Mormons actually appeal to the Old Testament as giving authority for the practice of polygamy. Continue reading “False Sources for Divine Authority” →

It is almost universally recognized that men can co-exist peaceably only with a recognition of authority. True anarchists (those who rebel against any established authority or power) are few and far between, because anarchy leads to confusion and chaos. Even one who occasionally breaks the rules understands that the rules are necessary. Continue reading “The Need for Bible Authority” →

Though many fail to see it, the date the Lord’s church was established is significant. It is significant because all of truth is significant. It seems the height of arrogance for man to take God’s revelation, and seek to place value on the constituent parts. While some of God’s word is “milk” and some is “meat”, nothing of God’s revelation should be considered unimportant.

This can be clearly seen by Paul’s treatment of those who taught error on the subject of circumcision. Some taught that the Gentile had to be circumcised (a Jewish covenant) as a part of their Christian profession. Continue reading “Church and Kingdom” →

Religious people differ on the date of the church’s establishment. To some it matters little, being simply a theological question with little practical value. Such a point of view is short-sighted, as misconceptions regarding this question have contributed to false theories regarding the kingdom of God. Continue reading “The Establishment of the Church” →

Numerous passages of scripture reveal Jesus Christ to have authority in the church. Authority, or “headship” is shown in such passages as Colossians 1:18, “And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence”; and Ephesians 1:22-23, “And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Continue reading “Can One Be Saved Out of the Church?” →

Because of the proliferation of denominations, there is much confusion regarding the nature of the church. Error serves to confuse, but truth enlightens. By turning to the word of God we are able to alleviate any misunderstandings about that blood bought institution (cf. Acts 20:28). Continue reading “What Is The Church?” →

In 1 Corinthians 16, the apostle Paul ended his epistle with various exhortations to the Christians at Corinth. In light of the tone and purpose of the letter, these exhortations are understandable. The church at Corinth was a struggling church, divided, and in the midst of much controversy.

A short list of their problems includes: Continue reading ““Watch, Stand Fast in the Faith”” →

The phenomenon of “tongue speaking” is widespread among the various denominations in our time. Adherents can be found in just about every sect, including Catholicism, and one writer rightly observed, “Instead of glossolalia (tongue speaking) being interpreted as a sign from heaven, it could more appropriately be interpreted as a sign of the times.” (1) A common aspect of denominational religious experience is a rejection of an external standard of truth. Phrases such as “I know in my heart I am saved”; and “All that matters is sincerity”; and “I have had an experience better felt than told”; have replaced the sentiment “What does the Bible say?” The Charismatic practice of “tongue speaking” naturally dovetails with this experiential profession of faith. Continue reading “Speaking in Tongues Today” →

The historical account of Josiah’s reign as king of Juda (640-609 BC) is a wonderful read. Josiah became king of Judah at the age of 8, at the death of Amon. In contrast to Amon’s idolatrous reign, (cf. 2 Chronicles 33:21-24), Josiah early in his life turned to serve God. 2 Chronicles 34:3 says, “For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David; and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the wooden images, the carved images, and the molded images.” Continue reading “Take a Stand Like Josiah” →

The Lord’s Supper is a very important aspect of our worship as we come together upon the first day of the week. I would like for you to consider the following six points concerning our observation of this commandment.

It Is Observed In Spirit And In Truth

Partaking of the Supper is a part of our worship, and as such falls under the direction of our Lord in John 4:24. He states there, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” In effect, we must partake in a way that is authorized by God (i.e. follow the biblical instructions), and do so with a proper spirit. Continue reading “Observing the Lord’s Supper” →

Several nights ago, I was attending a committee meeting which was being addressed by the Superintendent of the Castleberry school district. The Superintendent was addressing a possible bond election, which some believe is desperately needed to improve the schools. He was asked what could be done to facilitate the passing of the bond issue.

His answer was very interesting in that he stated that the school could do nothing to ensure the passage of the bond issue. The school system is relegated, by law, to educational issues. It can’t get involved in politics. Continue reading “Let’s Meet at the Church!” →

• (Note: This article was written in reference to a sermon on Sanctification which had as its application the necessity of a child of God, who has been sanctified by God, to live a life of consecration and holiness. SC)

My sermon last Sunday morning, on Sanctification, was very well received. I appreciate so much the willingness of all to listen carefully, and receive the words spoken. There are many places where such a lesson would not have been well received. The brethren here are to be commended when they hear the truth, and respond so well.

What I speak of is initial response. No doubt the principles established from God’s word touched a cord in many hearts. Continue reading “The Call to Holiness” →

There will come a day ~ the day of Judgment ~ when every responsible person will give an account for himself before the Almighty God of heaven. Beyond that day of Judgment lies a never ending existence ~ an eternity. There are only two eternal abodes. One offers peace, the other offers eternal agony. This article is intended to note several facts about the place of eternal punishment, Hell. Continue reading “Some Facts About Hell” →

A study of the derivation of the greek word (gehenna) which is translated in our New Testaments as “hell” is very helpful toward understanding the abominable nature of that eternal torment. Jesus said, “If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell” (Matthew 5:29-30). Continue reading “Gehenna (Hell)” →

Note: The following email exchange is in response to an article posted on the Soundteaching website. The lady, who we will call “Alice” (not her real name) continues to respond. We will continue to try to teach her. This exchange serves to establish that our web presence is helping to spread the gospel.

Hi Stan,

I just read your message on belonging to a church to be saved. I must in all consciousness tell you that you are wrong. The ONLY requirement to being saved is calling and believing on the name of Jesus. The body of Christ is the church weather you are in a physical church or not. The disabled lady who cannot go to church…is she condemned? The Pharisees went to church but were condemned for their legalism. The thief on the cross didn’t go to church but he called upon Christ and Christ said He would be with him in paradise. At that moment he was part of the body weather he was in a physical church or not. I love church and I love going to church but going is not a prerequisite to be saved…ONLY believing on Jesus. With your message you condemn so many people to the sin of guilt or of not being good enough to go to heaven because they don’t go to church. I agree that the church is great for keeping people accountable to the rest of the body…it is important but NOT a requirement for salvation.

Thank you for your time,

“Alice”

“Alice”,

I truly appreciate your reading messages from our site, and would encourage you to go and read the article you refer to again, as you seem to misunderstand what I have written.

Continue reading “An Interesting Exchange” →