Category: Subject Index

During time of War, and other tribulations, there are spiritual dangers that face both the individual Christian as well as congregations. The Christian should be aware of these dangers, as well as his responsibility to live a faithful life before God in spite of such trials.

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On Tuesday an envelope came in the mail at the church building. The return address from the envelope was:

The WORD of the LORD
P.O. Box 1483
Mesa, AZ 85211-1483

The two pages, printed on front and back had the following heading:

The
Word of the Lord
to
His Church in the Wilderness; and to All the Nations of the Gentiles
BEING THE WORDS OF JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD

At the end of the pages, which are apparently a sample of a longer work, was a paragraph stating that “a copy of this book containing the Word of The Lord given by revelation to this generation” could be obtained by mailing a self addressed 7 X 10 envelope with $1.52 in postage to the aforementioned address.

There was no other identification, and a quick internet search turned up nothing. There is nothing in the material to identify who it is who claims to have received a further revelation from Jesus Christ. There is also no evidence to support the contention that these words are the words of Jesus. Unlike the signs and wonders that were performed in the first century to confirm the words of our Lord (cf. John 20:30-31; Hebrews 2:1-4).

Continue reading “In The News: “Word of the Lord”” →

Rehoboam lost his kingdom (1 Kings 12), because he listened to ungodly companions. The preacher warned his son of ungodly influences in Proverbs 1:10-19. Christian young people should be aware that “evil companions corrupt good morals.”

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The Bible is the best selling book of all time. It is the divine mind of God revealed, and should be respected, revered and studied diligently by men. However, in a recent survey, 64% of all Americans said they do not read their Bible because they are too busy. What kind of attitude do you have, as a Christian, toward God’s word?

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A photograph of Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps was recently revealed, showing the talented swimmer smoking marijuana from a large pipe or “bong” at a party. The picture was taken by cell phone camera, and has led to a national furor as the seriousness of his inappropriate and illegal behavior is debated.

First it should be noted that Phelps is doing nothing different than millions of other Americans. A good portion of our society sees little wrong with smoking marijuana, and advocates often compare the practice with the use of alcohol. Such comparisons are legitimate, at least with regard to the morality of the practice. Both substances are drugs, and the use of either is indefensible for Christians (cf. Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Peter 4:1-3).

Continue reading “In The News: The Michael Phelps Bong Imroglio” →

These are 13 actual questions asked by a Baptist church preacher. His name is David Martin, and he is referred to as the “Pastor” of the Solid Rock Baptist Church, in Bartlett, TN.

The questions appeared in an article written by Martin, entitled, “Common Sense Questions A ‘Church of Christ’ Preacher CANNOT Clearly Answer.” To view the article click here. (Note: This link only gets you to their home page. You will have to look for the article. The site uses frames, and does not allow for a direct link to the article).

While it is doubtful we could answer these questions to his satisfaction, these questions are similar to those commonly asked of us by those in the denominations.

We should “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15).

An examination of these questions will challenge us to study; and will doubtless increase our faith. The design of the series is to elicit discussion and encourage home study.

Right click on each item to save it to your hard drive. Resources include Word Documents, PDF Files, and Audio files in the mp3 format.

(Note:  We had some problems with our recording system during the series, and missed several lessons, so not all the audio is available.  We apologize for this).
Suggestions for Study (Word)
Suggestions for Study (PDF) Continue reading “Class Series – 13 Questions” →

(The following article was written by Justin Carrell, a member of the West Side congregation)

“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man” (James 1:13, KJV).

In class last Wednesday, we briefly discussed the middle of James chapter one; particularly verses 13 and 14. This passage is often confused. The reason is the same as we mentioned in class. God creates tempting things. However, the passage says that God does not tempt anyone. How do we reconcile these two things?

Continue reading ““Tempted” VS “Tempted”” →

In the first three chapters of his epistle to the Romans, the apostle Paul gives an overview of man’s need for, and God’s supply of redemption. Two things emphasized: 1) The power of the gospel; and 2) The universality of sin.

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While a man can covet just about anything, and thus sin against God, the primary point of this lesson is to avoid the sin of covetousness as it relates to material things. Achan (Joshua 618-19) is given as an example of one who coveted the “accursed things.”

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The New Testament reveals an explicit pattern for the organization of the local church. It is to be autonomous, with elders and deacons. The lesson details that pattern established by God.

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God has given clear instructions on our communication and speech. Our communication must not be corrupt, we must not be guilty of evil speaking. Rather we must speak the Lord’s will, praise God and proclaim his blessings. Also, our speech toward others must be honest and faithful.

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2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

The apostle Paul suffered a great deal because of his ministry in the gospel. He was constantly in peril, and coveted the prayers of the saints for protection. His petition here is especially specific, as he requested protection from “unreasonable and wicked men.”

Why are some men wicked? Because, “not all have faith.” Those without faith are often actively antagonistic toward Christ.

Such a sobering reality is certainly cause for prayer, but not for despair. Despite the antagonism of the worldly, Paul had reason for comfort and confidence. “But the Lord is faithful.” (cf. Romans 8:31).
Not only was Paul confident in God’s faithfulness, he was confident in the faithfulness of the Thessalonians. They were doing God’s will, and he believed they would continue to be faithful to Him.

This prayer was that their hearts (referencing both devotion and will) would be directed into the Love of God (indicating a love for God, seen in obedience) and the Patience of Christ (indicating a need for the same patience evinced by the Savior Himself in His life on earth). A wonderful prayer indeed!

I recently came across the following quote: “Where God places a period, let no man put a question mark.”

I understand the quote to mean that men must accept the decree of God in all things. This is something that is rarely seen in the world today. A premium is placed on skepticism and independence of thought. These things are considered virtuous, and have certainly helped to fuel discovery and advancement in human learning.

However, truth does not need discovery in the realm of religion. The mystery “has been revealed” (Colossians 1:26). The faith has been “once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Further, it is impossible for man to determine for himself the proper path. “O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).

It is certainly appropriate to question what God’s will is. We should study our Bibles daily, and use our God given intelligence to determine what it is that God has revealed to us. What we do not have the right to do is to question why God has said what he has said. Or, whether the words contained in scripture are beneficial to man in today’s society. May we say as the Psalmist, “Your hands have made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments” (Psalm 119:73).

God has proven that he cares for us. The ultimate expression of that love is His sending Jesus to earth, to die for our sins. As God cares deeply for you, it follows that you should care for Him as well. This is shown in faithful living before Him.

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The word “enemy” is used on a number of occasions to represent those antagonistic to Christ and our faith. This lesson examines some of the passages that refer to enemies of the cross of Christ.

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