February 1, 2006

Sabbath Keeping

Ten Commandments

“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). This command was given to the children of Israel as part of the Ten Commandments – the foundation of the Law of Moses. In remembering the Sabbath, the Israelites were to rest (Exodus 20:10). Whatever work they had to do was to be done during the other six days of the week (Exodus 20:9). The basis for this command went back to creation: “For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth…and rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and made it holy” (Exodus 20:11). The Jewish people under the Mosaic Law were to “remember the sabbath day,” but is this a day that Christians are to observe? Are we required to keep the Sabbath? Some believe that we are. What do the Scriptures say?
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February 1, 2006

Saul’s Mission Against Amalek

Death of King Agag

“Now go and strike Amalek and utterly destroy all that he has, and do not spare him; but put to death both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey” (1 Samuel 15:3).

The Lord gave Saul, king of Israel, a mission. While it may not have been an easy task, it was a simple one. It was not one that Saul could misunderstand. The Lord wanted the nation of Amalek to be punished and He sent Saul on a mission to do it. Again, this was a simple task: Destroy everything. Yet Saul’s actions in carrying out that task caused him to be rejected from being king (1 Samuel 15:26) and caused the Lord to regret even making him king (1 Samuel 15:35). Let us look at some lessons we can learn from Saul that relate to our obedience to God.
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January 19, 2006

Many, Yet One

[Article written by Matt Nevins. Originally published in his email newsletter “The Lamp.”]

In different arenas of society, people of common interests will assemble a unique body. This body of individuals can stand as one based upon a shared platform of beliefs. We understand this quite well during election years when different candidates are running for an office. Reporters will compare the candidates stand against the political party. Usually a political party will be united in their stands on certain subjects (i.e. abortion, capital punishment, unemployment, tax rates, etc.). This unity that exists allows harmony among its members. People of the world are able to recognize when there is unity or discord.
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January 1, 2006

What God Has Joined Together

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. Where do we begin? We need to begin with what the Bible teaches regarding marriage.
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January 1, 2006

Church Growth in the New Testament

The churches of men have come up with many devices to produce numerical growth. They cater to man’s desires in order to draw them into their number. They have activities, host events, and make every sort of “ministry” they can think of that will appeal to people. Instead of looking to the denominations for how to produce church growth, we should look to the New Testament. Paul said when we preach and teach the gospel, God is the one who gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6). Therefore, all we can do is follow His plan. What caused the New Testament church to grow?
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January 1, 2006

What Shall We Do?

Shortly after Jesus had ascended back into heaven, the disciples were gathered in Jerusalem. Being the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1), a Jewish feast day, there were many Jews from different regions who had come to Jerusalem (Acts 2:5, 9-11). It is at this time that Peter delivered what we often refer to as the first gospel sermon. In a sense, the gospel had been preached before. It was preached in promise to Abraham (Galatians 3:8). When Jesus began His public teaching, He taught the “gospel of God” (Mark 1:15). But this was the first time the gospel was preached in its fullness. The gospel was the good news of salvation from God made available by Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead which gave us hope of eternal life. Before, this was said to be coming. By the day of Pentecost in Acts 2, it was a reality. This was the first time the gospel was preached since all these things were fulfilled.
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January 1, 2006

Beware the Leaven of the Pharisees

“And Jesus said to them, ‘Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees…” (Matthew 16:6).

In the verse above, Jesus warned his disciples about an influential religious group that He confronted on many occasions. He exposed them repeatedly and openly. There are lessons we can learn from the Pharisees that we need to heed so we do not fall under the same condemnation.
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