Category: Subject Index

There is an interesting passage in 2 Thessalonians 3 where Paul describes the unbeliever. “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith” (1-2).

He is unreasonable. Faith in God (cf. Romans 1:20-23) is the reasonable response to the testimony of nature. His “invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made.” Too, faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God is firmly established by the eyewitness testimony of His resurrection.

He is wicked. The end of those who do not believe is wickedness. “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind…” (Romans 1:28). Without God there is no divine standard of right and wrong. Men are free to determine for themselves what they accept and reject, and most revert to their base instincts.

He oppresses the righteous. We are told that “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:13). This at the hands of “evil men.”

The reasonable, righteous man believes in God and His Son Jesus Christ. From him the “word of the Lord” runs swiftly and is glorified. You aren’t reasonable and righteous unless you respect and obey God’s word!

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In the midst of a changing world, there is a need for us to hold on to some things which do not change.

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David asked, what can the righteous do? A question we should ask in our world today, where enemies of the cross abound. As we trust in our God, we know that a prayerful, righteous life will bring hope and victory.

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In 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, Paul wrote concerning his apostolic ministry, “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”

A steward is a manager or overseer. He is put in charge of a particular work or department. It might be a household, a project or a division. In all cases, he is held responsible by the management for the success or failure of the effort.

Paul was an overseer of the mysteries of God. It was his purpose to proclaim the gospel of Christ to God’s satisfaction, not man’s. So, it is not surprising that it was of little concern to Paul that others would judge him to be unsatisfactory (cf. vs. 3). As Paul wrote, “He who judges me is the Lord” (vs. 4).

The same is true of us. We shouldn’t worry what man thinks, but what God thinks. When we consider those things to which God has granted us stewardship, (our children, home, local church, etc.), our only worry must be whether we are faithful to His instructions!

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Yesterday the nation celebrated Memorial Day. The day has been celebrated by tradition since after the Civil War. However, in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The law established the last Monday in May to be the day that our nation remembers all veterans who died while serving the country in the armed forces.

Consider that the last Monday in May is Memorial Day by law. While we can, of course remember and appreciate the sacrifices made by those who gave their life in service to their country, there is only one Memorial Day each year.

As a parallel, we can remember the Lord’s death for us any day we desire. It can and should be on our minds often. However, by Christ’s law, there is one memorial feast (Luke 22:14-23) that He has ordained to be taken upon the first day of the week (Acts 20:7).

Anyone who establishes another memorial, or observes the one established by the Lord on any day other than the first day of the week, does so without Christ’s authorization.

Consider going to your employer some random Monday in October and saying you want that day off to celebrate Memorial Day. See what happens.

As Christians, we observe, remember and show our appreciation for the Lord’s death on every first day of the week. We do this in our Sunday assemblies when we partake of the fruit of the vine to remember His shed blood, and of the unleavened bread to remember His body. Our of respect for His Lordship, we will continue to do this until He comes again. That is the pattern He authorized for His people in His kingdom.

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Invitation delivered by: Bob Ward

In John 18, Pontius Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?” While his question may have been an expression of sarcasm or flippancy, the question itself is valid and needed.

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In Romans 13:11-14, the apostle Paul informs Christians of the need to fulfill their reponsibilities of faith, as the day of salvation nears.

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Today it is typical for couples in a monogamous relationship to engage in sexual activity as a part of that relationship. This has been so for some time, and it has even led to a change in the meaning of words. For example, no longer is a person single until he is married. He is single until he is in a monogamous relationship. Commitment is not seen in the positive answer to the question, “Will you marry me?”, but in the question, “Do you want to live with me?” A person is considered to be a cheater, not if they have had an extramarital affair, but if they have committed fornication with a person other than their “partner.” The list goes on and on.

To illustrate, I recently did an internet search of the question, “When should I have sex?” Though many sites cautioned against quick “hookups”, the reality is that many, especially in their 20’s, have sexual relations within the first couple of dates. In the advice I found online, the idea of limiting sex to a marital relationship was completely absent.

Continue reading “When Should You Have Sex?” →

Baylor University, (a university associated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas), is the largest Baptist University in the world. The university football team competes in the Big 12 conference, and finished last season with the 13th ranked team in the nation.

On Thursday, a scandal broke, when reporters uncovered institutional efforts to squelch the investigation of sexual assault claims made against players on the football team. Art Briles, the head coach of the football team, was allegedly aware of the cover-up, and was summarily dismissed from his position.

Continue reading “Baptists Fire Football Coach!” →

“Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13).

Paul’s instructions to Timothy are applicable to us as well. Consider the following:

• “hold fast” – the phrase, when applied literally, references something one has in his hands. It carries the idea of clinging to or adhering to something. In this case, the pattern of sound words.
• “the pattern” – a sketch, outline or pattern. Heard from Paul. A exposition by Paul to Timothy of sound words.
• “sound words” – the word “sound” refers to being in good health. As Thayer notes, it is used metaphorically of words that contain no error (contaminants).
• “in faith and love” – faith in Jesus Christ brings fidelity to His teaching. Love is the motivation of those who practically apply that teaching in their relationships to God and others.

Simply put, those who believe in Christ are to take the pattern (scripture) and cling to it. They are to keep it, and apply it to their lives and relationships, refusing to allow any contaminates to change or alter it.

Perhaps this passage will be helpful the next time someone tells you that doctrine does not matter.

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“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:5-6).

In our conversations with others (both Christians, and those we seek to influence), Paul gives good instructions. First, our speech is to be infused with grace. This is Christ reflected in us. It is not so much that every conversation must be about religious things. Rather, our faith and righteousness must always be evident in what we say.

Second, it is to be seasoned with salt. This indicates that our conversations should be palatable, sprinkled with wisdom, spiritual insight, graciousness and kindness. When others talk with us, we want them to be attracted to the faith we promote, not be put off of it as one who rejects the blandness of unseasoned food.

Always remember, our purpose in interacting with others is to both save ourselves, and them! (cf. 1 Timothy 4:16)..

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Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In 2 Timothy 4:6-8, the apostle Paul refers to a better place which would follow his life on earth. His hope is the same hope enjoyed by all Christians!

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Men tend to handle the reality of their own sin in less than beneficial ways. Instead of hiding it, explaining it away or denying sin, we must confess that sin, and repent!

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Paul’s exhortations to the evangelist Timothy in 1 Timothy 4 & 5 serve both to explain aspects of the evangelist’s work, and to supply every Christian with applicable principles of truth.

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Language is a problematic thing for Christians. They find themselves, time and again, caught in sin because of their tongue. Truly James knew of what he wrote when he penned the following: “For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:2). Gossip, slander, idle words, profanity, taking the Lord’s name in vain — all of these corrupt fruits of the tongue cause brethren to sin. It is important we remember that “no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). If we keep a tight rein on our tongues, we can control them. But, we can never assume that we are beyond the danger of sinning with our speech.

One problem area of speech is that of exclamations. It is a natural thing when one is surprised, excited, angry or hurt to exclaim. Exclamations are the words and short phrases that we blurt out without forethought. And that is the problem, we engage our mouths without engaging our minds.

Continue reading “The Problem with Euphemisms” →