January 4, 2024

Nothing New Under the Sun in the New Year (01.04.24)

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Plain Bible Teaching Podcast

This week we’re talking about the state we find ourselves in at the beginning of this new year. This world is full of problems. Society is becoming more godless, which means that there is more hostility and animosity toward those who claim to be Christians. The news seems to be getting worse and worse. And here in the United States, with 2024 being a Presidential election year, I don’t expect the news to get better anytime soon. But as bad as the conditions around us seem to be getting, the Bible is still there with relevant, timeless guidance to help us navigate the challenges ahead.Continue Reading

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May 17, 2023

Judging and Being Judged

Man Pointing Finger

Our society as a whole has rejected the idea that we can identify anyone’s chosen behavior or identity as being wrong. This has led to the acceptance of numerous practices that were once largely looked down upon. As a result, the only thing that many people will condemn is the “intolerance” and “bigotry” from those who identify sin as sin.

Many such people are irreligious and have no interest in following the Lord, yet they want to try to use the Bible against “intolerant” Christians. Then there are others among this group who claim to be Christians but condemn the “judging” done by other Christians. Both types of individuals will often cite Jesus’ statement, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged” (Matthew 7:1), in order to condemn those who identify sin and encourage righteous behavior. However, Jesus’ point in that passage is very different from the one that many people make from it. Notice the whole context of that verse:

“Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:1-5).

In this passage, Jesus talked about judging and being judged. Other Bible passages address this topic as well. Let us consider what Jesus and the rest of the Scriptures say about it.Continue Reading

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February 1, 2023

Members One of Another

Group Praying

“For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another” (Romans 12:3-5).

Paul told the saints in Rome they were “members one of another.” They were part of the same body; therefore, they were to act in a certain way toward one another.

The same is true for us today. As we are members of the Lord’s church – particularly members of a local congregation – certain responsibilities come with that. In order to help us learn how to treat our brethren and fellow members of the body of Christ, we are going to consider what Paul told the Christians in Rome about their treatment of “one another.”Continue Reading

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December 30, 2020

Resolutions from the Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery

Mutual forbearance

On June 28, 1804, Barton W. Stone (1772-1844) and five other men signed the Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery. This document was one of the most significant of the Restoration Movement. It expressed a desire to dissolve their recently-formed body (the Springfield Presbytery) as they recognized that all such denominational bodies and creeds were inherently divisive. The Last Will and Testament also encouraged the members of other such bodies to do the same and unite together simply upon the teachings of the Bible.

“We will, that this body die, be dissolved, and sink into union with the Body of Christ at large; for there is but one Body, and one Spirit, even as we are called in one hope of our calling.”

“We will, that the people henceforth take the Bible as the only sure guide to heaven; and as many as are offended with other books, which stand in competition with it, may cast them into the fire if they choose; for it is better to enter into life having one book, than having many to be cast into hell.”

“Finally, we will that all our sister bodies read their Bibles carefully, that they may see their fate there determined, and prepare for death before it is too late.”

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January 30, 2019

Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment

James 2:13

“For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13).

This passage contains an important lesson for us, yet it is often misused by those who twist this passage in order to defend their particular ideology. Like anything else in the Bible, context is important. So in this article, we are going to see what this verse – in its context – teaches us so we can properly apply it and not be guilty of misusing or misapplying it.Continue Reading

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January 3, 2018

Understanding Romans 14

Argument

Romans 14 teaches the need to accept and not judge those with whom we differ on matters of opinion. Some have tried to expand the scope of this chapter to include matters of faith. However, we are not to tolerate departures from the faith (cf. Jude 3; Galatians 1:6-9; 2:3-5). Yet on matters of opinion, we need to be sure we understand and apply what Paul wrote in this chapter.

“Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.

“One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only. The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

“One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God” (Romans 14:1-6).

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May 23, 2017

Judge with Righteous Judgment (Season 6, Episode 5)

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Judge with Righteous Judgment (Season 6, Episode 5)

When it comes to what the Bible says about judging, most people only think of Matthew 7:1 – “Do not judge…” They ignore the context and claim that Jesus is condemning all types of judging. However, Jesus taught that there are certain judgments we must make – “judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24). What does this mean? How can we make these judgments? We will consider these questions in this episode.

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