November 1, 2007

The Unchanging Standard of Truth

Bible Text

“What is truth?” This is the question Pilate asked of Jesus when He was brought to him (John 18:38). Throughout the ages, people have searched for and inquired about the truth. Truth is that which is right, that which can be believed and accepted. The Bible helps define truth for us.

Jesus told His disciples, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). We see some irony in Pilate’s question. He asked what was truth while he had the one who was the embodiment of truth standing before him. Before this question, Jesus told Pilate, “For this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice” (John 18:37). Notice in each of these verses the singular nature of truth – “the truth.” There is only one truth, not different truths for different people, places, or times.
Continue Reading

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: , , , , , ,
October 3, 2007

Emphasizing Jesus Christ

Crosses

Paul told the saints in Corinth, “For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). Why did Paul place such an emphasis on teaching Jesus? He explained: “So that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:5).

The Corinthians had a problem of following after men. This resulted in division as some were saying, “‘I am of Paul,’ and ‘I of Apollos,’ and ‘I of Cephas,’ and ‘I of Christ’” (1 Corinthians 1:12). Paul later explained that when they claimed loyalty to these men, they were carnally minded and immature (1 Corinthians 3:1-4).

The inspired apostle sought to correct this thinking so that they would focus on following Christ and not men. This is the first problem he addressed in his letter (1 Corinthians 1:10-17). But notice how he subtly made this point before he explicitly stated it.
Continue Reading

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,
June 1, 2006

The A.D. 70 Doctrine

The A.D. 70 Doctrine is one that will spring up from time to time. This happens so infrequently that teaching on the subject is often ignored. Therefore, many Christians do not know about the doctrine or what it teaches. Recently, however, this doctrine has found its way to the area of the author and has even been the cause of some trouble among brethren. Perhaps this issue has not arisen in your area. It is still good to study the issue to be prepared whenever it does arise so as to not be led astray and hopefully be able to help those who have been deceived. This study has been put together to help us understand the issue so we might more easily distinguish what is true from what is false.
Continue Reading

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: , ,
March 1, 2006

Restoration Principles

King Josiah and the scroll

A movement began a couple hundred years ago in this country to try to restore New Testament Christianity. In this period, men discarded the creeds and churches of men to return to the pattern found in the New Testament. In 2 Kings 22, a similar restoration began. The goal was to return to the pattern found in the Law of Moses. The principles in this chapter show how faithful service to God can be restored and maintained. These principles were held by those who worked to restore New Testament Christianity in this country. The same principles can help us today to restore and maintain faithful service to God. Let us examine some lessons from the restoration of King Josiah’s day.
Continue Reading

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: , , , , , ,
October 1, 2005

The Soul Who Sins Will Die

Ezekiel 18:4

God’s word teaches us that we are individually accountable before Him: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). This passage shows us that judgment is certain. We “must” stand before Christ in judgment. This is not something that could happen but something that will happen. Reward or punishment will be meted out to “each one…according to what he has done.” When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, we will stand there and be judged alone. We will not have any family, friends, or church to lean upon. We are accountable as individuals and will be judged as individuals.

An Old Testament passage that discusses this idea is Ezekiel 18. It is true that the law has changed and that we are no longer governed by the Old Testament (Hebrews 8:8-13). However, even though the law may be different, our responsibility before God in judgment is not. Therefore this passage presents helpful points for us to consider today. It also provides a good outline for our study.
Continue Reading

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: , , , , , ,
August 1, 2005

Is There a Need for Authority?

[This article was written by Matt Nevins.]

Authority is a term used to express the idea of having the right to practice something. The question: “What gives us the right?” is a question that can be asked in any area of life. In the realm of religion, this question ought to be asked far more frequently. Some may not see the need or the importance of having the right or authority. Everyone needs to understand the gravity of the matter. In 2 Thessalonians 1:8 Paul gives us the picture of Christ taking “vengeance” in “flaming fire” to those who do not obey His gospel. For this cause we need to test the things we do to verify all is done with the Lord’s authority (Colossians 3:17). Without having His authority, we can have no hope to be dressed in white robes in eternity.
Continue Reading

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: ,