Marks of Devotion

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

Dedication and devotion to a person, idea, or object can be admired in many facets of our lives. Most importantly is the individual’s devotion to God. Reflecting upon this idea has led me to observe people around me. Those who are devoted to God display different attributes from those who are not devoted. The differences in attributes cause God’s children to be viewed as strange. This is no new thing; Peter said “they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you” (1 Pet. 4:4). People in the world see the marks of the different things Christians are doing. These marks are simply indicators of our devotion to God. Individuals will either display these marks with great joy, attempt to hide the marks, or in many cases refuse to bear such markings.
Continue Reading

Paul’s Utilization of the Aeropagus

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

No one who believes the Bible denies the need to spread the gospel of Christ. Paul said the gospel is God’s power to save those who will believe (Rom. 1:16). We understand the accounts contained in the book of Acts where the gospel was proclaimed by individuals (Acts 8:4), and at times when the saints assembled as the local church (Acts 20:7). However questions have been raised as to whether an organization separate from the local church has any right to hold a forum for the proclamation of the gospel. All things said and practiced need to have the authority of Christ to support it (Col. 3:17). The call for authority is needed, and this writer will call for it as zealously as others have done so in the past.
Continue Reading

The Church and its Spiritual Function and Form

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

Form follows function. Well designed structures that follow this rule have harmony, efficiency, and sufficiency. God, the Master Architect, has constructed and maintains an everlasting kingdom that will never be shaken. The spiritual function and form allows for the perpetual existence of the Church (1 Pet. 2:5). Contrary to the belief of some, the Church was not a mistake and is the product of an eternal purpose under subjection to the Christ (Eph. 1:22-23, 3:10-11). Changing the function of the Church circumvents the mighty wisdom of God and creates an unwholesome form.
Continue Reading

The Need for Salvation

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

The topic of salvation is one of the greatest lessons one can learn and teach. We need to learn concerning the status of our souls, what might be done to change that status, and the destination of our souls for eternity. This is a serious subject and not to be taken lightly. Surveying what the Scriptures teach on the subject of sin and salvation will be a good start to understand where we stand and where we ought to be standing.
Continue Reading

What’s the Point?

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

Each day millions of people wake up in the morning, go through various activities through the day, and fall asleep that night. Some have developed a daily schedule or routine. Life becomes repetitive, monotonous, and dull which some tend to get stuck in the rut of everyday life. The monotony that may occur will cause individuals to raise the question, “What is the point to life?” Mankind has a fundamental need of purpose and a sense of value in order to have a satisfying or meaningful life. Answering the question, “What is the point?” will provide the drive needed to establish a meaningful life.
Continue Reading

Are You a Preacher or a Pastor?

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

The Scriptures affirms its inspiration of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17) and that learning what is presented reveals a portion of the mind of God (1 Cor. 2:11-13). Therefore when we read ‘if any man should speak, let him speak as the oracles of God’ (1 Pet. 4:11), the man that speaks as God will use God’s diction and within the context that God has spoken. So when questions arise about the function of a preacher, a pastor, deacon, steward, Christian, a local congregation, etc the answer must be put forth in terms complimentary and harmoniously to what God has already spoken. Any worthwhile, sincere study must have this foundation laid before approaching the Scriptures.
Continue Reading

And So “They Watched Him”

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

The Scriptures expressly states that “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 Jn. 1:5). The direct comparison between God and light is used to characterize God’s nature in practicing truth. Therefore those who want to have fellowship, or share in common, with God must also acquire this quality (1 Jn. 1:6-7). When people choose to practice truth and righteousness, people will fulfill the purpose of life-fear God and keep His commandments (Eccl. 12:13). In other words we were created for good works to glorify God (Eph. 2:10, Mt. 5:16, Tit. 2:14). Practicing truth like light has no need to be hidden, but can expose the evil deeds that are both openly and secretly practiced.
Continue Reading