The topic of marriage, divorce, and remarriage is a controversial issue among brethren. There are several different views regarding the Bible teaching on this subject. There has been much writing and debate recently – particularly over the rights of an innocent put-away spouse. Debates (whether written or oral) can be useful in presenting two sides of an issue for an audience to more easily compare the teachings with Scripture. However, when one goes to study the subject, the amount of material available may seem overwhelming. The purpose of this study is to clear up some of the confusion so we can more easily see the truth contained in God’s word.Continue Reading
April 5, 2007
Victory in Jesus
The book of Revelation is one of the more difficult books in the Bible to understand. Because of the prevalent use of symbolic language and Old Testament references, it requires much study on our part to get a firm grasp on the book. But if we simplify the message of Revelation, we see that it describes a struggle between good and evil – those who are for God and those who are against God.
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April 1, 2007
Personal Responsibility in the Work of Evangelism
Many in our day and time do not want to take responsibility for their actions. They want to blame others for various problems. They want to leave work that needs to be done for others to do. In contrast with this mentality, we see that the Bible teaches the importance of individual responsibility and personal accountability.
Paul told the brethren in Corinth, “Test yourselves” and “examine yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5). We will each stand before Christ in judgment as individuals (2 Corinthians 5:10). Each person’s fate will be determined “according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” On that day, we will not be able to slide into heaven based upon what others have done – whether they may be our family, our brethren, or anyone else.
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April 1, 2007
Where Did Jesus Go When He Died?
Many, having been influenced by Calvinism, believe that Jesus died in our place as a substitute for us.* This notion is not supported by Scripture. Some who hold to this substitutionary theory of atonement believe Jesus was only separated from the Father while on the cross. Others believe this separation extended past the cross, which would mean that Jesus went to torments, not paradise, when He died. What do the Scriptures say? Where did Jesus go when He died?
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April 1, 2007
Testing the Spirits
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).
This warning from the apostle John is for us not to believe everyone who claims to be bringing a message from God. There are “many false prophets” – many who teach things that are wrong and lead to damnation. So we are to “test the spirits” and identify false teachers among us. It is important that we know how to identify such individuals.
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March 25, 2007
The True Word of God
The Bible makes the claim: “All Scripture is inspired by God” (2 Timothy 3:16). Since God is perfect, it would stand to reason that His word is perfect.
This is exactly what we find with the Bible. Despite the fact that it was written by about 40 different authors in three different languages over a period of 1,500 years, there is perfect harmony throughout – proof that the Bible is a product of divine origin, not from the mind of man.
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