Category: Subject Index

The book of Ezra begins with the return of a remnant of Judah to Jerusalem. The king of Persia, Cyrus, made the proclamation that allowed the return. He wrote, “go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel (He is God), which is in Jerusalem” (Ezra 1:1). More than 40,000 Jews returned, and restored worship as they began laying the foundation of the temple. Continue reading ““Shouted with a Great Shout”” →

In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, near the end of his letter, he gave his friend a warning, “Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. You must also beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words” (2 Timothy 4:14-15).

Such identification or marking of those dangerous to the faith was done on numerous occasions in the first century. Paul also named Demas (2 Timothy 4:10), Hymenaeus and Philetus (2 Timothy 2:15). John marked Diotrephes in his third letter.

Paul not only identified those destructive to the faith, but encouraged other Christians to do the same. “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. ¹⁸ For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceived the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:17-18).

The reasons this is needed and expected are obvious from the texts. First, Timothy needed to be aware of and careful about the coppersmith. If he did Paul harm, it stands to reason that Timothy could be harmed as well. Second, those who act in this way are acting contrary to the faith and the Lord. While it is never a pleasant task it is important to protect the righteous against such ungodliness. The worldly might not see it, but it is God’s way.

Both the creation itself and the inspired word of God reveal that the universe was created by the Almighty in six days. We address several individuals in the New Testament who made that affirmation, including Jesus Himself.

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In this lesson, Justin explains a good (though radical) way to deal with sin, and even better way to deal with it, and then discusses the best way to handle the issue of sin.

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This passage is one of the most difficult in the New Testament. The difficulty comes in our not knowing the oral teaching of Paul, who had already spoken to the Thessalonians about the subject (2:5). So, let us instead focus on what we can know.

First, the Thessalonians were challenged in their understanding of Christ’s second coming. Some thought it to be imminent (2:2), though the letter was written at an early date (about 51 AD).

Second, Paul assured them that the day of Christ was not yet present, because two events would have to happen before its occurrence. One, a falling away. (There have been numerous apostasies since the writing of this passage). Second, the revelation of the “man of sin”, the “son of perdition.” (While it is difficult to say who this is, it can again be said that many individuals through the last two centuries can be described in this way). (2:3-4)

So, while it is difficult for us to understand exactly what these two events are, there is no reason to think that the events are still in the future. The Lord has not come, but He could at any time (2 Peter 3:8-13).

The book of James is full of wisdom and practical knowledge that helps a Christian know God’s will, and how to adhere to it. It is certainly worth the effort to become familiar with its teaching.

In James chapter four he shows the origin of most strife.  “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?” (1). This is demonstrably true when considering the motivation of just about every war and conflict that has ever occurred on earth.  The pursuits of pleasure, possessions and prestige are the common motivations of conflicts.  James noted, “You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war” (2). Continue reading “God’s View of the Worldly” →

Have you ever been in so great anguish that you asked yourself these types of questions?

• “Will the Lord cast off forever?”
• “And will He be favorable no more?”
• “Has His mercy ceased forever?”
• “Has His promise failed evermore?”
• “Has God forgotten to be gracious?”
• “Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies?”

The Psalmist in Psalm 77 asked just these questions.  He even said, “This is my anguish” (10). But, he knew the answers to the question even as he asked them. We know God. We know His righteousness and His mercy and love for us. We just sometimes forget them when times are difficult, or when God chastised us for our sins.

How do we overcome this? We think of all that God has done for us in the past! Hear the Psalmist’s words:

“But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High. I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds. Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples. You have with Your arm redeemed Your people, the Sons of Jacob and Joseph” (10-15).

A discussion of the Holy Spirit’s Work as a Helper to the disciples following the Lord’s leaving the earth (John 16:5-15)

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The term militant is defined in the English language as—1) engaged in warfare or combat : FIGHTING; 2) aggressively active (as in a cause) : COMBATIVE. (Merriam-Webster).

Interestingly, the term has a bit of a negative connotation in our day and time. To be militant in anything is frowned upon. That is why militance is paired with words like extremism, dogmatism, radicalism, and intolerance. Today a large section of our society looks askance at full devotion to any cause. Continue reading “Militance in the Faith” →

As Paul expresses his admiration for the example of the Thessalonians, he expresses the part the gospel played in their good conduct.

The gospel first of all showed Paul and his companions to be legitimate servants of God. The demonstration of power, given through the intervention of the Holy Spirit allowed those who heard Paul to acknowledge his legitimacy as an apostle.

“Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles” (Acts 15:12).

Additionally, there was power in the words themselves because they were inspired, from the Holy Spirit. They did not originate from Paul himself (2 Peter 3:16).

Their acceptance of the gospel was not without cost, as Paul notes they were afflicted for their faith. Regardless, they were joyful in their service (Galatians 5:22-23). And, their steadfastness in faith served as a wonderful example to other Christians.