Non-Church Religious Collectives: Are They Authorized?

Man reading the Bible

“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father” (Colossians 3:17). This verse is often cited to show the need for us to do only those things that have been authorized in God’s word. To do something “in the name […]

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Instruments in Heaven

Harp

Many attempts have been made to justify the use of instruments of music in worship to God. Though we do not see any mention of instruments being used in the first century church or instructions regarding their use, some will turn to the book of Revelation and point out the instruments in heaven. The argument […]

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Those Who Will Be Saved

Open Bible

Shortly before His ascension, Jesus gave His apostles the Great Commission: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16). This passage succinctly tells us who it is that will be […]

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Fellowship with One Another

Friends

Fellowship is a word that we often hear, but a topic that we do not hear discussed as often. When we discuss fellowship, we must understand the basis for our fellowship. Why do we have fellowship with one another? That question leads us to another question: Why do we not have fellowship with certain ones? […]

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The Silence of the Scriptures

Bible Text

Does God’s silence authorize or prohibit? This question has been discussed for centuries. Some believe that a thing is wrong only if there is a specific prohibition against it. This reasoning is used to defend such practices as the use of instrumental music in worship and taking money the church has collected and using it […]

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Support of Preachers

“So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:14). This verse, along with the verses leading up to it, shows us God’s design that those who devote their lives to preaching the gospel ought to be able to make a living from their work. […]

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The Establishment of the Kingdom

Bible reading

Not everyone agrees about when Jesus established His kingdom. There are three major views on the date of its establishment – (1) the first Pentecost following the ascension of Christ (Acts 2), (2) A.D. 70 at the destruction of Jerusalem, and (3) some future date when Christ returns. Let us notice five key passages that […]

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