Category: Subject Index

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” →

For Catholics to take a “pro-choice” view toward abortion contradicts our identity and makes us complicit in how the choice plays out. The “choice” in abortion always involves the choice to end the life of an unborn human being. For anyone who sees this fact clearly, neutrality, silence or private disapproval are not options. They are evils almost as grave as abortion itself. If religious believers do not advance their convictions about public morality in public debate, they are demonstrating not tolerance but cowardice.

The civil order has its own sphere of responsibility, and its own proper autonomy, apart from the church or any other religious community. But civil authorities are never exempt from moral engagement and criticism, either from the church or its members. The founders themselves realized this.

Continue reading “No Such Thing as Separation of Church and Politics” →

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” →

Below is an exchange from last Friday night’s presidential debate between Senator John Kerry and President George Bush. In the exchange we have a statement from the moderator, a question from a citizen, and the beginning portion of Kerry’s response to the question:

GIBSON: Going to go to the final two questions now, and the first one will be for Senator Kerry. And this comes from Sarah Degenhart.

DEGENHART: Senator Kerry, suppose you are speaking with a voter who believed abortion is murder and the voter asked for reassurance that his or her tax dollars would not go to support abortion, what would you say to that person?

KERRY: I would say to that person exactly what I will say to you right now.

First of all, I cannot tell you how deeply I respect the belief about life and when it begins. I’m a Catholic, raised a Catholic. I was an altar boy. Religion has been a huge part of my life. It helped lead me through a war, leads me today.

But I can’t take what is an article of faith for me and legislate it for someone who doesn’t share that article of faith, whether they be agnostic, atheist, Jew, Protestant, whatever. I can’t do that.

Analysis:

Actually, there is more reason to respect those who take the position that a fetus is not human, than the position stated by Senator Kerry and his ilk, as related in the quote.

Continue reading “Senator Kerry on Abortion” →

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)” →