June 1, 2008

The Ancient Paths

Path in the Woods

When it comes to religion, many are like the ones that Paul encountered in Athens. They “spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new” (Acts 17:21). While it may seem interesting or exciting to follow after the next new thing, the pursuit of these new things keeps us from remaining on the path that leads to heaven. We are warned about being “carried about by every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). Instead of following every new thing that comes along, we must stay on the right path.

The Lord, through Jeremiah the prophet, instructed the people of Jerusalem about the path they ought to follow: “Stand by in the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16). The “good way” was found in the “ancient paths,” not in the new paths of modern religion and culture. The “ancient paths” are the paths we must seek out today.
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May 26, 2008

Do Not Worry

Worried

Many of us find it easy to worry about things in our life. Matters that relate to our jobs, families, finances, and more can cause anxiety. But Jesus told his followers, “Do not be worried about your life” (Matthew 6:25). Sometimes this is easier said than done. But notice what Jesus said about this subject:

“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not the life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:25-27).

In these verses, Jesus asked three questions. As the master teacher, He was able to ask questions in a way that was more instructive than inquisitive. Notice the three points Jesus made that will help us deal with anxiety.
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May 7, 2008

Liberty in Christ

2 Corinthians 3:17

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17).

This is a popular verse for those who like to pervert the gospel and try to condone or ignore sin. They say we have liberty in Christ; therefore, we do not have to concern ourselves with obedience or following the New Testament pattern.
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May 1, 2008

Doctrinal Purity

Open Bible

Doctrine, as many would define it, is not popular in religion today. Many believe that doctrine is what divides us. The denominations mostly leave matters of “doctrine” to the heads of their denomination. The preachers/pastors then can limit their message to topics like salvation, grace, love, social issues, etc. In the Lord’s church, some are de-emphasizing “doctrine” so they can focus more on the “gospel” (a faulty distinction that is not made in the New Testament). But doctrine simply means teaching. Many passages in the King James Version that use the word “doctrine” actually have the word “teaching” used instead in some of the newer translations. There is not a complicated definition of the word “doctrine.” That which is taught in the New Testament is doctrine.

The intent of this article is to show the importance of doctrinal purity. In the previous paragraph we noticed what doctrine is – the teaching contained in the New Testament. Purity means it is unchanged, uncorrupted, and complete. So when I speak of the need for doctrinal purity, I am referring to the desire to learn and believe all that is taught in the New Testament and only that which is taught in the New Testament. Many find this undesirable or impossible, but the word of God teaches that this must be our goal.
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May 1, 2008

Is One Church as Good as Another?

Church building

As we talk with people in the world, particularly those who are religious, one idea with which we are often confronted that one church is as good as another. Many people believe this. This can make it difficult in trying to lead someone to the truth. After all, if one is already part of a church, they can simply ignore what you say because their church is just as good as yours. So he has no reason to consider any discussion that might lead him to decide to leave his church. If one is not part of a church, and should he decide to attend one, it would not have to be where you attend. He could go anywhere, limited only by how far away from home he wants to drive. This concept that one church is as good as another must be eliminated if we want to have any success in leading souls to Christ. So it is good for us to consider the idea so we might be better prepared to handle various situations.
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May 1, 2008

Accepting Jesus as Our Personal Savior

[This article was written by Robert A. Sochor.]

“Accepting Jesus as our personal Savior”: if we have heard denominational sermons or read denominational tracts, we are familiar with this direction for being saved. On occasion, we have heard some in the church use the same expression in giving an invitation or prayer. What does “accepting Jesus as our personal Savior” really mean? It is hard to know because it means different things to different people. Usually, it means some degree of mental recognition of Jesus as Savior and a resignation and acceptance at some level of Jesus as our Savior. More simply, it conveys the idea of faith alone as a means of salvation. But it does convey the idea of something being required from us for our salvation. It does speak against any idea of all being saved by God’s grace regardless of belief. It also shows salvation is through Jesus alone (John 14:6) and none other. However, rarely, if ever, is any obedient act ever mentioned or required for salvation. It is merely (as denominations use it) a mental recognition and belief-only system required for salvation.Continue Reading

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May 1, 2008

A Model of Personal Evangelism

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman

John 4 contains the account of Jesus speaking with the woman at the well in Samaria. As a result of this conversation, she came to know that He was the Messiah (John 4:25-26). After that, she went and told others about Jesus (John 4:28-29). When others then came and heard Jesus speak, many believed in Him (John 4:41-42). Jesus told His disciples that the fields were “white for harvest” (John 4:35) because many were interested and open to hearing the truth.

When we think about personal evangelism, some wonder how to go about doing it. It may be that not knowing how prevents some from actually getting out and talking to others about the gospel. This chapter gives us a model of personal evangelism. We can learn from what Jesus did and how He spoke with this woman to give us insight as to how we might go about teaching the lost today.
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