Category: Subject Index

Little is known about the man Epaphras. He was a Christian in Colosse describe by Paul as “a faithful minister of Christ” (Colossians 1:7). He also is mentioned in chapter 4, and Philemon 23. Colossians 4:12-13 states:

“Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis” (4:12-13).

The terms “servant”, “minister”, “bondservant”, and “fellow prisoner” are used to describe the man. Also, words such as “dear”, “faithful”, “laboring”, “fervently”, and “great zeal” indicate his desire to serve the Lord.

Finally, the phrases “on your behalf” and “for you”, “one of you”, indicate that his labors in the Lord were personally beneficial to his brethren.

One of the most important benefits of serving Jesus is the blessings such labor brings to our brethren and others. May we all be so giving, humble, and concerned about the welfare of all men. This is a true indication of a diligent servant of Jesus Christ.

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This past week I was handed a small card being used by a local Baptist church in door knocking. The title above was used.

The card points out “The Bible says:”, and makes four legitimate points, citing the relevant scripture

1. “You must understand you are a sinner” (Rom. 3:23).
2. “You must understand there is a penalty for sin” (Rom. 6:23).
3. “We must believe that Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the death to give you eternal life” (John 3:16).
4. “You can have eternal life and go to Heaven when you die” (Rom. 6:23, 10:13).

Continue reading “The Patternists: Are you 100% sure you will go to heaven when you die?” →

In 1631, an edition of the KJV was published with an error in Exodus 20:14, reading, “Thou shalt commit adultery.” This edition is known as the “Wicked Bible.” In our time, the “Wicked Bible” has returned as men disregard what the Bible actually says.

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The lesson first identifies properly what “pleasant words” are, and then shows the beneficial nature of such speech in the lives of God’s children.

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Invitation delivered by: Brantley Gallman

What do the scriptures reveal concerning who you should trust with regard to spiritual matters. (God, our brethren, ourselves).

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Speaker: Bob Ward.

Bob discusses the Bible imperative to unity. It’s importance, and how it can be obtained.

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Invitation delivered by: Josh Cox

In Matthew 10:16-26 Jesus taught his disciples of impending persecution. However, he admonished them to remain faithful to God, rather than fear the reprisals of men. A lesson we should learn as well.

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Paul warned his protege Timothy of perilous times and evil men in 2 Timothy 3. The characteristics of these men are listed in verses 2-4, but the frightening aspect of that description is the conclusion in verse 5, “having a form of godliness…”

The religious rebel seldom is overt in his ungodliness, which is precisely why so many tend to tolerate and even support him. In verses 8 and 9 of the text, Paul states that such men, “resist the truth”, and are “disapproved concerning the faith.”

Both terms, truth and faith, here refer to God’s revelation to man. There are many religious people who profess godliness, but resist the pattern established by God. Paul assures, “they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all” (9).

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Though there is a present trend toward more “casual” weddings, it has long been the practice of the betrothed to dress up on their special day. A groom may not have ever seen a cummerbund before, but on his wedding day he straps one on, asking friends and family if the pleats go up or down.

The bride typically wears white, a long dress with lots of lace, and a long flowing train. The veil, hair and jewelry combine to make for a special and beautiful bride, and a wonderful celebration.

These things are not unique to the west or to the present. Consider the special nature of such an occasion, and the wonderful metaphor it supplies for the salvation of mankind. Isaiah wrote:

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a brid adorns herself with her jewels” (Isaiah 61:10).

What a glorious picture of the sublime salvation we enjoy as God’s children!

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God’s conversation with Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3, reveals important lessons about God’s presence, and the importance of a sanctified life in response to His redemptive plan.

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There is a lot of speculation and misinformation concerning the resurrection.
The lesson establishes seven facts about the resurrection from scriptures such as John 5 & 1 Corinthians 15.

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In 2007, the state of Iowa updated the state’s Civil Rights Act to include sexual orientation and gender identity. The statute prohibits “unfair or discriminatory practice” in any public accommodation. However, it contains an exemption for religious organizations. A provision in the law states that the law does not apply to “any bona fide religious institution with respect to any qualifications the institution may impose based on religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity when such qualifications are related to a bona fide religious purpose.” The term “bona fide religious purpose” is nebulous.

In fact, a brochure published by the Iowa Civil Rights Commission interpreted the law in a broad fashion. The brochure stated:

Continue reading “Bona Fide Religious Purpose?” →

The apostle Paul wrote of ancient Israel in her infancy as a nation. “But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted” (1 Corinthians 10:5-6).

The reasons for God’s displeasure, both at the beginning and through Israel’s entire national history are myriad. They can be simply summarized in this statement – They did not obey God’s will for them. At turns they were rebellious, prideful and negligent. Regardless, God told them what He required of them, and they did not follow His will.

Today there are religious people who are guilty of the same thing. They give lipservice to God, but do not follow His will. They have not learned from the example of Israel.

The next time someone tells you that the Bible was not intended by God to be a “pattern” for the Christian, remember God’s dealings with Israel. They were “written for our admonition” (11).

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I am personally appalled and discouraged by the attacks upon the police in the past couple of weeks. While I acknowledge that corruption and abuse of power may exist in certain circumstances, the anti-police sentiment that has led to inflammatory rhetoric, physical assaults and murder of police officers is indefensible.

There is a simple, logical statement from the pen of the Apostle Paul that is appropriate here:

“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil” (Romans 13:3-4).

Violence and disregard for law in our land is rampant. Evildoers will always exist, but it seems in our time that their destructive efforts are enabled by the ineffectual and misguided efforts of some of our country’s leaders. National leaders need to step up, support and enable the police to maintain peace and protect our communities. Those who threaten the safety of law enforcement officers should be dealt with swiftly and decisively.

As the wise man wrote, “Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil” (Ecclesiastes 8:11).

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The lesson is an exposition of the text of Matthew 6:1-18, with applications. Jesus, in his sermon on the mount, gives instructions regarding the practice of benevolence, prayer and fasting.

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