August 1, 2008

Hold Fast the Pattern

Blueprint

“Hold fast the pattern of sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13, NKJV). This was Paul’s instruction to a young evangelist. Like most other instructions we read in the New Testament, it is just as applicable to us today as it was to Timothy in the first century. But not all of these instructions are emphasized much today. It is not common to hear a denominational preacher talk about the New Testament pattern. There are some in the Lord’s church who do not like to talk about it much either.

In fact, if you emphasize the pattern, some will label you as a legalist or a Pharisee. But we know we must follow the pattern because that is what Paul told Timothy to do. So let us see what the Bible says about holding fast the pattern.
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July 29, 2008

A Lion Outside

Lion

“The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion outside; I will be killed in the streets’” (Proverbs 22:13).

This is one of many verses in the book of Proverbs that talks about the sluggard. The sluggard is lazy. He does not want to do anything or fulfill his responsibilities. Instead, he makes excuses (“There is a lion outside”). Is it a legitimate excuse? Is there really a lion outside lying in wait for him? Actually, it does not matter. His slothfulness has made him believe in the possibility of a lion outside; therefore, just in case, he will decide to stay inside.
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July 22, 2008

Learning to be Idle

“At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention” (1 Timothy 5:13).

This verse comes during Paul’s instruction regarding care for widows by the local church. He explained to Timothy why younger widows were not to be put on the list to receive continuing support. The danger was that they learn to be idle which would leads to other sins – in this case, being gossips and busybodies.
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July 7, 2008

Let Not the Church Be Charged

Walking with Elderly Woman

“If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed” (1 Timothy 5:16, KJV).

This verse comes at the end of a section dealing with the care of certain widows. Paul had given Timothy instructions about which widows were to receive continual, ongoing support from the local church and which ones were not. In the case of widows who had family to care for them, the church was not to be charged with their care.

The idea of the church not being charged with something can certainly extend in application beyond just the care of certain widows.
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July 1, 2008

Do We Have Authority for a Church Building?

This question about whether or not the New Testament contains authority for a church building often comes up when discussing other issues that relate to Bible authority. When one points out that things like instrumental music in worship, missionary societies, and “fellowship” halls are unauthorized, there is sometimes the response that we do not have authority for a church building, either; therefore, it is inconsistent to oppose the others.

Most of the time, those who argue that there is a lack of authority for church buildings do not believe they are wrong. They just believe that we do not need Bible authority for everything we do and are simply pointing out what they believe to be is inconsistency (or hypocrisy) in those who oppose things such as instrumental music.

We must not be too quick to take the question of a congregation owning a building and lump it together with various unauthorized practices. Just because someone likens church buildings to fellowship halls and then demands that you either accept both or reject both does not mean the two belong in the same class. Each one must stand up to the scrutiny of the Scriptures alone. In this article, we will consider the question: Are church buildings authorized?
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July 1, 2008

Doctrines of Demons

“But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1).

This verse is the beginning of a passage in which Paul wrote to Timothy regarding apostasy. When we think of apostasy, we typically think of ones who take liberties that God has not allowed or do not obey all of His commands and instructions. This is rightly classified as apostasy. However, this apostasy (falling away) that the Spirit warned about did not have to do with one taking too many liberties, but with one taking away another’s liberties by making rules in addition to God’s word.
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July 1, 2008

Money Matters

Money in Pocket

Money is a matter of priority to many people in our society. As the economy is a concern in many places around the country, there is a tendency to worry about financial matters. As Christians, we must take heed to what God has instructed with regard to money. The Bible actually has quite a bit to say about the subject. We will consider some of God’s instruction that relates to our finances in this article.
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