Articles Archives - Page 53 of 130 - Plain Bible Teaching

Andy Sochor February 5, 2014

The Importance of Faith

The Scriptures tell us that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is the trust in God as the “rewarder of those who seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Faith is the determination to obey the Lord (Romans 1:5; 16:26). Faith does not come by God miraculously giving it to us through some direct, divine action. Rather, “faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).

We might understand from the above passages what faith is, what faith does, and what the source of faith is; but why does this matter? What is the point of believing God, trusting God, and obeying His word? Why is faith important?Continue Reading

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: faith, obedience, righteousness, salvation

Andy Sochor January 29, 2014

Taking Along a Believing Wife

In Paul’s first epistle to the Corinthians, he told them of the Lord’s intention that preachers be paid for their labor in the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14). In this discussion about support for the work of preaching, Paul also had something to say about preachers’ wives:

“Do we not have a right to eat and drink? Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or do only Barnabas and I not have a right to refrain from working?” (1 Corinthians 9:4-6).

Paul was not married (1 Corinthians 7:8), yet many of his fellow-preachers were. The apostle, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, told the brethren in Corinth that those who preach have just as much of “a right to take along a believing wife” as they do to “get their living from the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:5, 14).

In this brief article, I want us to consider three lessons that are implied in the “right to take along a believing wife.” Though Paul was specifically addressing those who dedicate their lives to preaching, we will also consider principles that apply more broadly – to those who would support preachers in their work and to those who would marry. So let us consider these three lessons.
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Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: marriage, preaching, support

Andy Sochor January 22, 2014

How to Make Error Harder to Accept

False teachers are deceptive and destructive (2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 Timothy 2:16-18). The threat they pose is ever-present (2 Peter 2:1). We can guard against them by always being on the alert (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:8) and by heeding the warnings when false teachers are marked by faithful brethren (Romans 16:17-18).

In addition to these preventative measures, there are three fundamental attitudes we must have if we hope to protect ourselves from the threat of false teachers. If we resolve to adopt the following, we will be much better equipped to deal with error whenever it is introduced.
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Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: apostasy, error, false teachers, false teaching, loyalty, truth

Andy Sochor January 15, 2014

Houses in Which to Eat

As time goes on, more churches (even among brethren) are hosting meals as a function of the local church. But should churches be involved in this practice? As with every question, we must strive to determine if such activities are authorized. This will be determined by examining the word of God, not by observing the cultural norms in our society or the current trends in the religious world. So let us examine what Paul had to say to the church in Corinth.

“But in giving this instruction, I do not praise you, because you come together not for the better but for the worse. For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it. For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you.

“Therefore when you meet together, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper, for in your eating each one takes his own supper first; and one is hungry and another is drunk.

“What! Do you not have houses in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? In this I will not praise you” (1 Corinthians 11:17-22).

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: authority, church, fellowship, Lord's Supper, social gospel, unity

Andy Sochor January 8, 2014

They Were Offended

Many of the Pharisees opposed Jesus while He was on the earth. On one occasion, they questioned Jesus about why His disciples broke “the tradition of the elders” by failing to “wash their hands when they eat bread” (Matthew 15:2). Though there was nothing wrong with the practice of washing one’s hands before a meal, they had elevated this human tradition to the same level as divine instruction. This was a problem and Jesus was willing to expose it.

In responding to their question, Jesus asked them about another tradition. However, this tradition was not harmless in itself. Instead, the tradition about which Jesus questioned them directly violated the commandment of God: “Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?” (Matthew 15:3). He went on to explain how their tradition led them to forsake the command to “honor [one’s] father and mother” (Matthew 15:4; cf. Exodus 20:12). They had “invalidated the word of God for the sake of [their] tradition” (Matthew 15:6), thus making their worship “in vain” (Matthew 15:9).

It is important to notice what happened next as it has a direct application to our efforts to teach the truth.
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Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Pharisees, preaching, teaching

Andy Sochor January 1, 2014

New Year’s Resolutions: Start, Stop, Improve

2014 Often when people make New Year’s resolutions, they begin with the words start, stop, or improve (or synonyms of these words) – start exercising, stop smoking, improve spending habits, etc. As we grow and mature, it is good to improve in all areas of our lives; but it is particularly important to improve our spiritual lives. So as we begin a new year, I want to suggest some resolutions for all of us to consider as we seek to please the Lord.
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Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: baptism, church, growth, idolatry, prayer, priorities, repentance, salvation, sin, study, teaching, temptation, word of God

Andy Sochor December 23, 2013

Some Things Never Change

As one year quickly draws to a close, it is customary for us to look back at the changes that have taken place in our lives and look ahead to changes that may be coming in the future. While our lives are filled with change, it is important for us to remember that there are some things that never change. In this brief article, I want us to be reminded of a few of these.
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