The Need for Factions

Knights

The title of this article may seem odd. Why would there ever be a need for factions among those claiming to follow Christ? After all, Jesus prayed that His disciples might “all be one” (John 17:21). Paul admonished the Ephesians to be “diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Unity and harmony are desirable and ideal: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133:1).
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Guided by Feelings

Jesus spoke of two paths that we can choose to take in our lives here on the earth. There is a broad way that “leads to destruction” and a narrow way that “leads to life” (Mt. 7:13-14). We are to strive for the eternal life that is rewarded at the end of the narrow path. Paul told the Philippians to “press on toward the goal” (Phil. 3:14). But how do we find our way to and down this path?
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The Gospel of the Grace of God

Paul and the Ephesian Elders

On his way to Jerusalem, Paul stopped in Miletus to meet with the elders from the church in Ephesus (Acts 20:17ff). In this farewell address, Paul reminded them that the message he brought to them was “the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). This was the message that Paul preached “everywhere in every church” (1 Corinthians 4:17). He preached the gospel to those who were already Christians (Romans 1:15) and to those who had not yet heard of Jesus (Romans 15:20). The gospel is the message that Jesus told His apostles to preach (Mark 16:15) and is the message that we must preach today (Galatians 1:8-9).
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Third Year of Publication

This issue marks the beginning of the third year of publication for Plain Bible Teaching. I want to thank everyone who has visited during this time and hope that you will keep coming back. I also want to thank those who have submitted articles that have been posted here.
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Allegiance to Christ

Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, but who can find a trustworthy man?” (Proverbs 20:6).

Millions of people will profess allegiance to Christ. But who is truly loyal to him? The proverb stated that most who claim to be good and loyal are not. Are you truly loyal to Christ? Am I? Even the apostle Peter wavered in his loyalty to the Lord after His arrest. Before this, Peter told the Lord, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You” (Matthew 26:35). Yet as we read further in the chapter we see that Peter denied the Lord three times (Matthew 26:69-75). It is far easier to claim allegiance to Christ than to actually show it in the face of trials and conflicts.
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The Passing Pleasures of Sin

Moses and the Israelites

Among the great examples of faith in Hebrews 11, we read this about Moses:

By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward” (Hebrews 11:24-26).

It is acknowledged in this passage that sin is pleasurable. That is why people choose to sin. We are never forced to do right or wrong; but many times we choose to sin. We sin because we are enticed by our own lust (James 1:14-15). When we give into these desires, we sin.
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Truths About Temptation

Escape

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

It is inevitable that we will be tempted. However, we must remain faithful and not succumb to temptation. If we allow ourselves to fall, the ultimate result is spiritual death (James 1:14-15). So we must strive to overcome temptations whenever they come. The verse above provides three reminders that will help us do what is right when we are tempted to sin.
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