October 16, 2013

Good Question

Question Marks

Asking questions is a good way for one to learn about the truths taught in the Bible. Even when the questioner is not seeking knowledge, but attempting to cast doubt or attack the Bible believer, questions can often provide an opportunity to teach others as the critic is answered.

The Bible contains several examples of good questions – some by those who were honestly seeking the truth, some by those who were trying to attack the truth. Examining these questions will help us to learn or be reminded of some important lessons that God has revealed to us in His word. So in this article, we will look at some of these good questions that we find in the Scriptures.
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September 16, 2013

Take Courage: Introduction

Take Courage

In concluding His final address to the apostles before His arrest, Jesus told them to be courageous in the face of the hardships that would be coming against them.

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Courage is the confidence and conviction to do what one knows to be right, regardless of the consequences. The apostles needed courage to carry out the Lord’s instructions without being deterred by the persecution that awaited them.

As Christians, we also need to have courage today. The Lord has left instructions for us to follow. We are to “observe all that [Christ] commanded” (Matthew 28:20). Furthermore, we are warned that we will become targets by following the Lord’s instructions. Paul said, “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).
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August 6, 2013

Why Were They Prophets of Baal?

Elijah and the Prophets of Baal

1 Kings 18 records the familiar story of the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. I will not take time in this brief article to review the account. If you are unfamiliar with it, I encourage you to read of the event in 1 Kings 18:17-40.

When we consider this contest, we often focus on Elijah with his great example of faith and willingness to stand alone for God with 450 prophets of Baal opposing him. We also sometimes consider the people’s unwillingness to commit to following either God or Baal. But in this article, I want us to consider the prophets of Baal themselves and ask the question: Why were they prophets of Baal?
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August 1, 2013

Making Wise Investments (Part 2): Buy the Truth

Making Wise Investments (Part 2): Buy the Truth

Our first lesson dealt with the value of the soul. Without understanding this, the other points in our study are useless. But now that we understand the value of the soul, how should we care for our soul? In this lesson, we will consider the importance of possessing the truth.

“Buy truth, and do not sell it, get wisdom and instruction and understanding” (Proverbs 23:23).

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May 9, 2013

Robert Milligan: “By the Force of the Bible Alone”

Robert Milligan (1814-1875), like other early figures in the Restoration Movement, was raised in denominationalism and eventually learned the truth and abandoned the churches of men. In the case of Milligan, he was raised in the Presbyterian church. His commentary on Hebrews, which was published after his death, contains a biographical sketch at the end written by J.W. McGarvey. In it, McGarvey explained how Milligan came to learn the truth and leave the Presbyterian church to become part of the Lord’s church:
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April 30, 2013

After the First Openly-Homosexual NBA Player, What Do We Need to Remember?

Jason CollinsNews broke yesterday that Jason Collins, a professional basketball player and twelve-year veteran of the National Basketball Association, has announced that he is a homosexual. With public opinion shifting more and more toward the acceptance of homosexuality as a moral and common practice, an announcement like this was inevitable. Now that Collins has come out about this, we can probably expect more professional athletes to do the same.

Whether we like it or not, professional athletes, like other celebrities, can have a big influence on the thinking of people in society. This announcement will only further the efforts to normalize the practice of homosexuality in people’s minds. In light of this news, it is important that Christians remember a few things.
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April 2, 2013

Are We Truly Disciples of Christ?

John 8:31

Many people claim to be disciples of Christ, but are they truly His disciples? Are we? This is a legitimate and important question. Notice what Jesus said:

“So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free’” (John 8:31-32).

When Jesus said, “then you are truly disciples of Mine,” He implied that some are not truly His disciples. So the question under consideration is vitally important: Are we truly disciples of Christ? We must be sure we can correctly answer this question for ourselves. We must also be prepared to try and help others to be able to correctly answer this question for themselves. The context of the above passage shows us what it means to be disciples of Christ.
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