The "J"
List: to help with finding a topic look at the words in BOLD print.
Bible Endings For Torn Relationships Five important Bible relationships are
presented while giving emphasis to the importance of entreaty and
reconciliation. The relationships discussed in this article include Cain
& Abel, Esau
& JACOB, Saul & David, Paul & Barnabas
and Euodia & Syntyche. Stated goals for entreating are: 1. To be of the
same mind, Phil. 2:2; 2. To be at peace, I Th. 5:13; 3. To understand the
outcome of dissension. It strengthens the enemy of the gospel; the weak when
pulled in to dissensions are caused to stumble; 4. To
repent and return to the work, Rev. 3:19-20; 5. To use with older men, I Tim.
5:1; 6. To implement with God's wisdom which is easy to be entreated, Ja.
3:17-18. Thus one is to be both approachable and easily persuaded to do that
which is right.
A Case Of Compromise The
primary part of this study concerns JEHOSHAPHAT (the king of Judah) and his
compromise with wicked Ahab the king of Israel (the northern kingdom). It compares Ahab's
religion with the description of Jehoshaphat who did not let the
Levitical service and the Temple deteriorate, but was diligent in having the
law of God taught in Judah (2 Ch. 17:6-9). There are eleven
questions on compromise for one to consider as they read 2 Ch. 18-19. This simple lesson shows why people compromise the Truth along with the attendant consequences for doing such.
What Stubbornness Really Is The prophet JEREMIAH had a lot to say about the stubbornness of God’s people. He pulled
no punches but stated plainly the carnality involved. The purpose of
this study is to ensure that we understand the importance of obedience being
commanded us. The seriousness of this study is seen in that the stubborn
contend with God, are punished, and while being punished go yet onwards towards
that point where iniquity is great, sins are numerous, and God’s punishment
painfully serious!
The Lies Of Apostasies The
full title of this article is “The Pattern Of Lies Producing And Sustaining
Apostasies.” You don’t see much on this particular part of apostasy in
spite of the fact that those involved are frequently said to have
misrepresented others’ statements, twist what others say in confronting them,
and that they just flat make false statements. Read this article to study what
Jeroboam did wrong when he said in his heart that God’s established order would
not work. Besides Jeroboam’s apostasy, the article
presents in detail the
pattern of lies producing apostasies from the book of JEREMIAH.
Jeremiah
and the Unfaithful Remnant In a prior article “Zedekiah
Would not Listen” God repeated the same warning to Zedekiah, and to all the
people. You may desire to read that article that deals with the same period of
Judah’s history. The ACCOUNT
JEREMIAH GIVES OF THE UNFAITHFUL REMNANT is one chalked full of their lies,
false requests for prayer on their behalf, and idolatry as God repeats His
warning. They “should clearly understand” that God has spoken and what God says
He’ll do to those who do not listen and obey. Read this lesson and
understand God’
Jeremiah’s
Lamentations – Look Who’sCast into Hell! Two prior articles deal
with the days of Jeremiah: Zedekiah
Would not Listen and Jeremiah
and the Unfaithful Remnant . This article describes the abject misery in
Jerusalem as God brings His judgments upon Judah and destroys Jerusalem. Although the word “hell” is not found in the
LAMENTATIONS of JEREMIAH it is seen everywhere. Read about the various classifications of
individuals who were cast into eternal torment.
An
End! The Babylonian Captivity (Part
Three: Jeremiah’s Lamentations) :
Three Stages of the BABYLONIAN
CAPTIVITY (Part Three)
An End! The Babylonian
Captivity
(Part Three: FOCUS ON JEREMIAH’S LAMENTATIONS)
WHAT “END”? The Babylonian
Captivity – Three Stages (605 B.C., 597 B.C., 586 B.C.)
Eze 7:2 “And you, son of man, thus says the
Lord GOD to the land of Israel: 'An end! The end has come upon the four corners of the land.
Eze 7:3 Now the end has come upon you, And I
will send My anger against you; I will judge you according to your ways, And I
will repay you for all your abominations. I thought it would be good for the
younger christians in the church here to see clearly the truth in these statements concerning
Israel's provocation and rebellion against God -- and especially through their
lust for idolatry:
*SEE THE TRUTH IN THESE STATEMENTS: •Deu 9:6
Therefore understand that the LORD your God is not giving you this good land to
possess because of your righteousness, for you are a stiffnecked
people.•Deu 9:7 "Remember! Do not forget how you
provoked the LORD your God to wrath in the wilderness. From the day that you
departed from the land of Egypt until you came to this place, you have been
rebellious against the LORD.•Deu
9:24 You have been rebellious against the LORD from the day that I knew you.
One repeated important application in this
study: Pro19:27 Cease listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from
the words of knowledge.
The Lies Of Apostasies The
full title of this article is “The Pattern Of Lies Producing And Sustaining
Apostasies.” You don’t see much on this particular part of apostasy in spite of
the fact that those involved are frequently said to have misrepresented others’
statements, twist what others say in confronting them, and that they just flat
make false statements. Read this article to study what Jeroboam did wrong when
he said in his heart that God’s established order would not work. Besides JEROBOAM’S
apostasy, the article presents in detail the
pattern of lies producing apostasies from the book of Jeremiah.
God's Divine Organization ~ The Local
Church, Part One of Two This is Lesson Four (Part One of Two) in our Series: "Fundamental
Lessons on the Church." Lesson Four, Part One: "God's Divine
Organization ~ The Local Church, Part One of Two." In this lesson you will
be studying the local church as the organization that God gave for the
collective work of Christians in evangelism, edification, worship and
benevolence to needy saints. You will take an in depth look at the organization
of the local church according to God's pattern in the New Testament. You should
note quite a difference between the church in the New Testament and what people
generally do in churches today. You can study the beginning of the church in JERUSALEM as recorded in Acts
chapters 2 through 7.
9-11-2001 ~ Things I Can Count On
Today (America was attacked by terrorists on this date. This is a
“time” when people thrive upon inappropriate statements, and misleading
applications of God’s Word. Illustrations of such would be, “Nostradamas said…,” “Armageddon has come,” “the Mark of the
Beast.” An important part of this study shows when men have questions as to
"Why?" or "What is the future?" that Christians have a
limited number of precious things that they can depend upon. These few but
precious things are where a Christian's life really is any day, and any place
that they might be. One of these is that God uses one government to punish
another (people), Matt. 24:1-2. JERUSALEM'S
temple was destroyed just as God said that it would be
in AD 70.
Five
Short Articles On Jesus’ Kingdom And Reign Here are five articles
that were written for our local newspaper. Look below to see if some or all may
be of benefit to you or to another you might know.
1. Jesus Is King Of
The Jews And Of All Men!
2. The Israel of God Today (With Additional Comments on Zionism).
3. Christianity Does Not Teach Another Temple
In JERUSALEM!
4. The One
Thousand Year Reign Is Not On Earth!
5. The Battle of “Armageddon.”
Selected
Newspaper Articles from 2017 These
four newspaper articles include: (1) Surely All the Men’s Fault ~ So
Called “Forced Heterosexuality”; (2) Surely Empowerment and Courage ~ Abortion;
(3) Surely the Ends of the World ~ But Don’t Quit Your Job! This brief
article uses 2 Pet. 3:10 to show the folly of the end of the world predictions
for 2017. Remember all the hype over the Black Moon in August? And now you know
it doesn’t fulfill bible prophecy connected with the second coming of Christ. A
hoard of speculation falsely used Rev. 12:1-2 and even along with rank
“astrology” tossed in. No sooner does one predictor make a fool of himself than
another chimes in. With a zoom here comes asteroid 2012 TC4 on Oct. 12, 2017. Scriptures used are out of context, and most of them erringly use
scriptures from the Gospels relating to the signs portending the destruction of
JERUSALEM in 70 A.D. by Titus. And just what could motive be other than notoriety
and monetary gain?; (4) Surely Not the Time
for Two Drinking Parties ~ Christmas & New Years.
Jeremiah
and the Unfaithful Remnant In a prior article “Zedekiah
Would not Listen” God repeated the same warning to Zedekiah, and to
all the people. You may desire to read that article that deals with the same
period of Judah’s history. The ACCOUNT JEREMIAH GIVES OF THE
UNFAITHFUL REMNANT is one chalked full of their lies, false requests
for prayer on their behalf, and idolatry as God repeats His warning. They
“should clearly understand” that God has spoken and what God says He’ll do to
those who do not listen is what He does! Read this lesson and
understand God. For a study of Jeremiah and “The Three Stages of the BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY of
JUDAH AND JERUSALEM” see
“b” list: An
End! The Babylonian Captivity (Part
One: Focus On First & Second Stages) ; An
End! The Babylonian Captivity (Part
Two: The Third Stage, Focus On Zedekiah) ; An
End! The Babylonian Captivity (Part
Three: Jeremiah’s Lamentations).
Jeremiah’s
Lamentations – Look Who’sCast into Hell! Two
prior articles deal with the days of Jeremiah: Zedekiah Would
not Listen and Jeremiah
and the Unfaithful Remnant (REMNANT). This article describes
the abject misery in Jerusalem as God brings His judgments upon Judah and
destroys Jerusalem. Although the word “hell” is not found in the
LAMENTATIONS of JEREMIAH it is seen everywhere. Read about
the various classifications of individuals who were cast into eternal torment. For
a study of Jeremiah and “The Three Stages of THE BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY of JUDAH AND JERUSALEM” see “b” list: An
End! The Babylonian Captivity (Part
One: Focus On First & Second Stages) ; An
End! The Babylonian Captivity (Part
Two: The Third Stage, Focus On Zedekiah) ; An
End! The Babylonian Captivity (Part
Three: Jeremiah’s Lamentations).
You Saw
It So Deal With It! You can read about the "immediate"
approach JESUS used in correcting others. This is followed with scriptures
depicting the responsibility all members have to do the same.
The Majority Know Another Jesus The church at Corinth gladly tolerated fools who
taught another JESUS and different gospel, Paul said (cf.
2 Cor. 11:4, 19). It is possible for one to read the
trifling literature of fools and possess a completely false view of
JESUS. Read the Gospels for yourself and see what He
really did do and teach. Here’s a start with applications from the Gospels
themselves that show the stark differences between what most think Jesus taught
and what He really did teach!
Replacing
the Truth with Christmas Tradition The vast majority of people think that mere
human tradition is the truth today. This article exposes the religious
errors (and there are many) that the majority of people practice during the
Christmas holiday. Truths concerning JESUS' birth are presented in contrast to traditional
beliefs and practices. Other applications are
made to pervasive religious errors observed during the Xmas season.
A
Simple Biblical Pattern For Explaining “Why?” A respondent who questioned the matter of judging those who
live together without marriage stated, “I think these days it can be a good
thing to live together before getting married.... This obviously goes
against your feelings, but they're just your feelings, not everyone's."
Last of all she stated, "As far as your last sentence, it's not an idea
that it's acceptable and normal, these days, IT IS acceptable and normal.... If
you don't like it, then don't do it.... I wouldn't criticize you...why do you
judge about people who choose to live together?"
This individual wants to know
“Why” I would determine that people who choose to live together are wrong in
doing so. I presumed this to be an honest question deserving of an answer.
One must understand that Christians believe in the deity of JESUS as the
Son of God, thus He offered Himself as an
acceptable sacrifice to the Father for the sins of whole world (John 1:1-3, 14,
8:24, 28, Heb. 9:12-14, Jo. 14:6). In this article you
will find a simple biblical pattern based upon 2 Tim. 3:16-17 that will be
helpful in answering this as well as many other questions non-Christians have
about our faith. All will be judged by His Word (Jo. 12:48) --- the New
Testament scripture is inspired of God (2
Tim. 3:16-17). Understand that following a desire to
know God's will as one reads the Bible they must learn to make the proper
applications. Proper applications necessitate distinguishing between what is
"right" and what is "wrong." In the Scriptures the
word FORNICATION is properly defined as “illicit sexual intercourse.” FORNICATION
as a violation of God’s law for mankind is set forth with the penalty being
eternal punishment in hell! (Cf. Rom. 1:32, 3:23, 6:23, Heb. 13:4, Rev. 21:8). “Instruction”
in the Word plainly states that FORNICATION as described above is a work
of the flesh that leads to eternal destruction if not repented of (I Cor. 6:9;
Gal. 5:19-21).
(1) Jesus Is King of the Jews And All
Men; (2) The Israel Of God Today Here are two short newspaper articles. JESUS is not
only the KING over the Jews today but He is everyone’s King. He rules today from heaven and has all authority in heaven
and upon earth (Read and understand ~ Lk. 10:22; John 3:35; 5:22-27;17:2,10;
Matt. 28:18-20; Eph. 1:19-23). The modern state of Israel
is not like the Biblical theocracy that the Israel of old at one time was.
Moreover, the spiritual Israel of God today is the church that consists of both
Jews and Gentiles serving God by faith in Jesus as the Son of God.
Five
Short Articles On Jesus’ Kingdom And Reign Here are five articles
that were written for our local newspaper. Look below to see if some or all may
be of benefit to you or to another you might know.
1. JESUS Is King Of The Jews And Of All Men!
2. The
Israel of God Today (With Additional Comments on Zionism).
3. Christianity Does Not Teach Another Temple In
Jerusalem!
4. The One
Thousand Year Reign Is Not On Earth!
5. The
Battle of “Armageddon.”
The Establishment of the Church of
Christ Series: "Fundamental Lessons on the
Church." Lesson One, “The Establishment of the Church of Christ.” This
is the first of eight lessons on the church Christ built. This lessons presents
prophecies foretelling the establishment of the kingdom and the church. The
church was planned in eternity before the world began. Lesson One presents the
following truths: 1. God sent His Son. 2. The Jews, His own people, rejected
Him. 3. The kingdom "was"
established in spite of JESUS' REJECTION and the efforts
of His enemies (Ps.
2; Matt. 16:18-19; 18:18; Mark 9:1; John 18:36; Col. 1:12-14 where Christians
were "in" the kingdom).
“All
You Really Have To Do Is Believe In God”
Jesus
said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord,
shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father
which is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). This is a lesson today for “the foolish” who refuse to recognize that faith
without works is useless and dead (see James 2:20-26). Above all it becomes, when we understand
the expression “the will of My Father,” the very lesson people need who say JESUS IS
LORD and then profess there are other religions that lead to the Father that
don’t believe JESUS IS LORD (cp. Lk. 6:46).
And again, notice in our study what knowing and doing “the will of My Father”
does to the statement often heard, i.e. all you have to do is believe in God.
“All
You Really Have To Do Is Believe In God”
Jesus said, “Not every one that
saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that
doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21).
Points made concerning both the Father’s will and JESUS are:
1. Jesus did the will of the father who sent
Him (cf. John 6:37-38).
2. Jesus’ words are the Father’s (John 17:14,
17).
3. Jesus was seeking the Father’s glory not His
own (Jo. 7:17-18).
4. Jesus’ authority was the Father’s! (Read
John 12:48-50).
5. Jesus gave us the Father’s word which is
truth (John 17:14, 17).
6. One cannot come to Christ except by the will
of the Father (Jo. 6:37).
7. The Father’s will is that you believe in
Jesus His Son (Jo. 6:45).
8. The “work of God,” or requirement of God is
that one believes in Jesus whom He has sent (John 6:26-29).
9. The Father’s will is that eternal life comes
through belief in Christ (John 6:40).
10. Eternal life is
gained by knowing His Father and the Son whom He sent (Jo. 17:3).
11. Jesus is the only
way to the Father (Jo. 14:6).
12. The doing of the
Father’s will establishes one’s relationship with Christ (Matt. 12:50).
13. Those who do
believe will not perish (Jo.3:16).
14. The belief in
Christ that saves is a belief that obeys Him, else the wrath of God abides upon
one (cf. Matt. 7:21; Jo. 3:36; Heb. 5:9).
15. The one who doesn’t believe God has given us eternal life
in His Son makes God a liar (I John 5:10-11).
16.
This is all based in the Scriptures (John 5:39; De. 18:18-19).
17.
Jesus didn’t say that they “can’t” believe and obey but they “would not”
(John 8:24).
18.
His word which was the Father’s necessitates baptism for initial
obedience in order that one might be saved (cf. Matt. 28:18-20 “all” authority
for “all” nations; Mk. 16:15-16; Acts 16:31; Acts 22:16 an example of Saul
obeying the Son of God).
19.
Christ was “end of the Law” (Rom. 10:4). Both Jew and Gentile are saved
the same way by obeying the Gospel (Rom. 1:16, 17, Rom. 3:29-30).
20. To believe in
Christ is to believe in the Father (cf. John 12:44-45). Of course, for that is
the Father’s will! (see above)
21. To reject
Christ is to reject the Father’s word (cf. John 12:48-50, 14:24). Read the
boldness of Peter and John in the newspaper article above (Acts 4:12-13).
22. To receive
Christ is to receive the Father (cf. John 13:20). Jesus told why some do not
receive Him (cf. John 5:43-44).
23. If you don’t
love Christ you don’t keep the Father’s words (cf. John 14:24).
24. If you keep
the Father’s will you will keep Christ’s commandments (cf. John 14:15, 24,
12:49).
25. To abide in
Jesus’ love is to abide in the Father’s love (cf. John 14:21, 15:9-10; I John
4:16).
26. To be in
Christ is to be in the Father (cf. I John 4:15-16).
27. Knowing the
Son is knowing the Father (cf. John 14:7-10, 1:18, 10:15; Matt. 11:27 Plain!).
28. If you deny
the Son you do not have the Father (cf. I John 2:23). You’ve called God a liar!
(I John 5:10). You will die in your sins (John 8:24). Those who deny the Son
are in the power of Satan (I John 5:19-20).
29. Whoever
confesses the Son has the Father (cf. I John 2:23).
30. Does the
Father’s will really say all that one must do is believe in God in a very
general way? No!
This
becomes, when we understand the expression “the will
of My Father,” the very lesson people need who say Jesus is Lord and then
profess there are other religions that lead to the Father that don’t believe
Jesus is Lord (cp. Lk. 6:46). And again, notice in our study what knowing and
doing “the will of My Father” does to the statement often heard, i.e. all you
have to do is believe in God.
Selected Newspaper Articles Dear reader the following titles are
selected newspaper articles that appeared in our local newspaper the Yuma Sun.
The first is titled “That’s
Not My Jesus!” Some are quick to respond to
JESUS’ condemnation of homosexuality with, “That’s not my God!” Such do
not present the real Jesus. You will notice should you read each of the three brief
articles that there are two kinds of “fools” mentioned therein. There are
“fools” who truly despise God’s wisdom and instruction given by Him in His Word
(Prov. 1:29). Such fools as these do not listen to what God says. The article
titled “Fools Leave God out of Marriage” presents this kind of
fool. Again, and by contrast there those
who do listen and obey God’s Word who are viewed as being “fools” for so doing.
These “fools” are presented in the article titled “The
Credentials of a Fool.”
Which kind of “fool” are you?
Casting Down
Eloquence & Sophistry Series (2 Cor. 10:4-5) False teachers are getting away with things warned
of in this series. In conclusion here are IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF JESUS’ TEACHING DURING HIS MINISTRY:
1. Jesus correctly explained
the Law of Moses (cf. Matt. 12:12). A scribe understood and stated that Jesus
had rightly explained the greatest commandments of the Law (cf. Mk. 12:28-34).
2. Christ exposed the empty
“traditions” (man’s not God’s) of the Scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees –
religious leaders of His day (cf. Matt.15:1-10; 22:23-33).
3. Some of His teachings
contained teaching to be used under the New Covenant that replaced the Old
Mosaic Covenant (cf. Mk. 16:15-16; Matt. 18:15-18, 19:3-9; cp. Col. 2:14-17).
4. There is the necessity of
identifying when the New Covenant came into effect. Jesus spoke of the church as yet in the future when He said, “I will build My church…”
(Matt. 16:18). In giving instruction on His Supper, the fruit of the vine is
said to represent His blood of the New Testament (Matt. 26:28). His priesthood
necessitated that the law changed from the Old to the New (cf. Heb. 7:12). The
apostles preached the New Testament on Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2.
5. No portion of His teaching
denies that the judgments of God brought upon the world, as recorded in the Old
Testament, were indeed left as warnings for us today! (See Lesson Four). People
love the deception in being told that God today just isn’t like that (cf.
Rom.16:17). But God will punish the wicked in Hades and eternally in Hell (cf.
Lk.16:22-26; Matt. 10:28).
The Quran
On Jesus (Series) You will often hear that Islam honors all prophets, including Jesus. Just
what “kind” of honor does Islam give to the Lord Jesus Christ? It is certainly
not that they believe in His deity because they do not. The truth is
Islam repeatedly denies that JESUS is God. Islam also denies the basic tenants of the New Testament
teaching about Jesus and salvation. How do you supposedly honor Him when the
honor you give to Him is the dishonor of saying He was not who He said He was? Why not follow this
series and see the many truths that Islam denies about Jesus that the New
Testament teaches and Christians believe? This series
presents these BASIC TEACHINGS ABOUT JESUS all people need to hear: Jesus is God – the Word was God; He is
before all things & created all things; The significance of His Birth -- He
took the body prepared for Him and came into the world; He came from Heaven to
do the Father’s will; The significance of His being Worshipped – He received
worship because He was God; Jesus preached the Kingdom was near; His Kingdom is
not of this world; He was delivered over and put to death by the predetermined
plan and foreknowledge of God, but God raised Him up; Through His Sacrifice
upon the cross he obtained eternal redemption; He finished the work the Father
gave Him to do here on earth; He ascended to the Father’s right hand being both
Lord and Christ; In Jesus we have redemption and He is the propitiation the
sins of the world; His commission given to the Apostles declares the necessity
of obedience in baptism to obtain salvation; The beginning of the church of
Christ, Acts 2; His Kingdom has come – the Present Reign & Kingdom of
Christ; Christians have been translated into the Kingdom of Christ; The Seed
Promise made to Abraham; All baptized into Christ are Abraham’s Seed and heirs
according to God’s promise; The Gospel is for all the world thus one can hear
it and obey it anywhere upon the earth; His Kingdom is not of this world; The
Second Coming of Christ is what is coming next in point of time; The Second
Coming is the Resurrection Day; The Judgment Day is the Resurrection Day; The
Resurrection Day is the End of the World.
The
Charge that Jesus was a Drag King Etc. A College professor has been
quoted as saying JESUS was a drag king, pan-sexual, who was cross
dressing and had lascivious desires at the Passover supper. This capped with Christ (God) lusting sexually
after the Father (God) on the Cross. You’d think a “high” prof in a theological
class would know God is Spirit and theirs is not a physical relationship. This
article gets to the core error of one who held such a prestigious place among
men – Sin and what JESUS had to say about it. This with the fact that the Word revealed by the Spirit in the N.T. is
the Father’s Word given by Christ who sent the Holy Spirit (also God) to reveal
it (Jo. 14:24, 26; 16:13; 17:14-20). There is no Sin in God (I Pet. 2:22). His
Word reveals lewdness is expressed in one’s words and not just otherwise
behavior. Evil imaginations and images stated in explanations such as we read
are condemned throughout the New Testament. The only right thing to say about
anyone accusing Jesus of lewdness (in word, thought or deed) is Christ’s own
references to man’s heart and what comes out of it in his speech! You may read
now about the filthy speech.
Turmoil in the Middle East ~ Assumptions
Answered: This
article addresses the following assumptions or postulations that have been made
in discussing the Middle East crises:
1. A
person claiming not to be religious states that mankind is just like the
dinosaurs and will end up destroying itself.
2. Some claim that the bible teaches
Christians ought to support Israel "militarily."
3.
"I know that God has not broken His covenant with the JEWISH
people."
Sects,
and Sects Among Us : here is an outline / notes, etc.,
on the sects of the Pharisees and Sadducees, as well as application to sects
among us today. When speaking of the church Jesus said “I will build My church” (Matt 16:18). It is His
church: 1Co 3:10 According to the grace of God which
is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have
laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon.
But let every man take heed how he buildeth
thereupon.; 1Co 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid,
which is Jesus Christ.; Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the
apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; …the
sect of the Pharisees added “more” to God’s word than was written in the Old
Testament – today sects add “more” than revealed in the New Testament
concerning the church of Christ.
The
article contains information on the Sects, Pharisees, Sadducees, Scribes, Lawyers, JEWISH COUNCIL or SANHEDRIN, the Herodians, Human Tradition handed down and bound making thus
making void the law of God, Heresy is defined, Paul gave up the sect of the
Pharisees to be a Christian, problems sects caused to the church in the first
century and how they were dealt with, how some think they can Counsel God,
Traditions Handed Down today Have a Beginning, Sects Among Us Associated with Human Tradition are Florida College and
the Guardian of Truth Foundation, the Arlington
Meeting (1968) between some chosen “Institutionalist and Non-Institutionalist”
is exposed --- some of both sides being intent on justifying the Human
Societies of their own choosing, how the Akin Fund among Non-Institutionalist
is used against them at the Arlington Meeting, Emphasis being: “To keep the
church as God gave it the society that intrudes into the works He gave the
churches must go! All necessary correction (restoration) must be made back to
the New Testament scriptural pattern for Christ’s church.”
"What went you out…to see?" This is a lesson on dress. The study
first looks at Jesus' teaching concerning "anxiety" and dress (Matt.
6, the Sermon on the Mount). Following this, application is drawn from the use of
"clothing" as a metaphor in warning against false religious teachers
(Matt. 7:15). A very important lesson is drawn from His
teaching concerning the hypocritical JEWISH LEADERS who were skilled in identifying their "own" holy signs of
dress, yet so unskilled in listening to God's word and identifying
"proper" conduct. What it means to present one's self as a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable to God (Rom. 12:1-2), is viewed in the light of proper dress and
conduct. The kind of conduct that shows respect for oneself, for others, and
manifests one's self control (I Tim. 2:8-9).
A Jewish Claim Refuted It is sometimes argued that the Bible's
holding JEWS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CRUCIFIXION of Christ might foster
feelings of hatred towards the Jewish people in general. When one considers all of the
circumstances connected with the death of Jesus who is called Christ (Messiah
is translated Christ in the scriptures), still there is just no place for such
a hatred. The reason being that Christians accept Peter's recorded statement
that "God exalted Jesus to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give
repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins." How can any true Christian
hate anyone since they believe man's only hope of salvation is
connected with the sacrifice of the Messiah, whose blood was shed for
the remission of sins? The two (hating any race and desiring any man's
salvation) just don't go together. Why not read this study and learn more about
man's part in the crucifixion of Christ?
(1) Jesus Is King of the Jews And All
Men; (2) The Israel Of God Today Here are two short newspaper articles. Jesus is not only the King over the JEWS today but He is
everyone’s King. He
rules today from heaven and has all authority in heaven and upon earth (Read
and understand ~ Lk. 10:22; John 3:35; 5:22-27;17:2,10; Matt. 28:18-20; Eph.
1:19-23). The modern state of Israel is not like the Biblical theocracy that
the Israel of old at one time was. Moreover, the spiritual Israel of God today is the church that consists of both JEWS and Gentiles serving
God by faith in Jesus as the Son of God.
Why not read these two articles and begin to learn more about Jesus Christ as
our King?
Five
Short Articles On Jesus’ Kingdom And Reign Here are five articles
that were written for our local newspaper. Look below to see if some or all may
be of benefit to you or to another you might know.
1. Jesus Is King Of The JEWS And Of All Men!
2. The
Israel of God Today (With Additional Comments on Zionism).
3. Christianity Does Not Teach Another Temple In
Jerusalem!
4. The One
Thousand Year Reign Is Not On Earth!
5. The Battle of “Armageddon.”
Using The Word
“Religion” Correctly You will hear, “You know there is really no such
thing as religion in the Bible.” That’s as false as one
saying you can love Jesus but religion is non-essential. Some falsely present
Jesus as greater than religion, but the religion He gave is His love, holiness,
discipline and just nature. Various scriptural usages of the word “religion”
are presented in this article while contrasting false religion with the faith
once delivered to the saints (Jude 3). You find references to the JEWS’
RELIGION, sects of the JEWS, and man-made religion after the commandments
and doctrines of men. Such are contrasted with “pure religion and undefiled before God and
the Father” (Ja. 1:27).
“All
You Really Have To Do Is Believe In God”
Jesus said, “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord,
shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father
which is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). Please look
below for both JEWS AND GENTILES are saved the same way:
Points
made concerning both the Father’s will and JESUS are:
1. Jesus did the will of the father who sent
Him (cf. John 6:37-38).
2. Jesus’ words are the Father’s (John 17:14,
17).
3. Jesus was seeking the Father’s glory not His
own (Jo. 7:17-18).
4. Jesus’ authority was the Father’s! (Read
John 12:48-50).
5. Jesus gave us the Father’s word which is
truth (John 17:14, 17).
6. One cannot come to Christ except by the will
of the Father (Jo. 6:37).
7. The Father’s will is that you believe in
Jesus His Son (Jo. 6:45).
8. The “work of God,” or requirement of God is
that one believes in Jesus whom He has sent (John 6:26-29).
9. The Father’s will is that eternal life comes
through belief in Christ (John 6:40).
10. Eternal life is
gained by knowing His Father and the Son whom He sent (Jo. 17:3).
11. Jesus is the only
way to the Father (Jo. 14:6).
12. The doing of the
Father’s will establishes one’s relationship with Christ (Matt. 12:50).
13. Those who do
believe will not perish (Jo.3:16).
14. The belief in
Christ that saves is a belief that obeys Him, else the wrath of God abides upon
one (cf. Matt. 7:21; Jo. 3:36; Heb. 5:9).
15. The one who doesn’t believe God has given us eternal life
in His Son makes God a liar (I John 5:10-11).
16.
This is all based in the Scriptures (John 5:39; De. 18:18-19).
17.
Jesus didn’t say that they “can’t” believe and obey but they “would not”
(John 8:24).
18.
His word which was the Father’s necessitates baptism for initial
obedience in order that one might be saved (cf. Matt. 28:18-20 “all” authority
for “all” nations; Mk. 16:15-16; Acts 16:31; Acts 22:16 an example of Saul
obeying the Son of God).
19. Christ was
“end of the Law” (Rom. 10:4). Both JEW AND GENTILE are saved the same way by
obeying the Gospel (Rom. 1:16, 17, Rom. 3:29-30).
20.
To believe in Christ is to believe in the Father (cf. John 12:44-45). Of
course, for that is the Father’s will! (see above)
21. To reject
Christ is to reject the Father’s word (cf. John 12:48-50, 14:24). Read the
boldness of Peter and John in the newspaper article above (Acts 4:12-13).
22. To receive
Christ is to receive the Father (cf. John 13:20). Jesus told why some do not
receive Him (cf. John 5:43-44).
23. If you don’t
love Christ you don’t keep the Father’s words (cf. John 14:24).
24. If you keep
the Father’s will you will keep Christ’s commandments (cf. John 14:15, 24,
12:49).
25. To abide in
Jesus’ love is to abide in the Father’s love (cf. John 14:21, 15:9-10; I John
4:16).
26. To be in
Christ is to be in the Father (cf. I John 4:15-16).
27. Knowing the
Son is knowing the Father (cf. John 14:7-10, 1:18, 10:15; Matt. 11:27 Plain!).
28. If you deny
the Son you do not have the Father (cf. I John 2:23). You’ve called God a liar!
(I John 5:10). You will die in your sins (John 8:24). Those who deny the Son
are in the power of Satan (I John 5:19-20).
29. Whoever
confesses the Son has the Father (cf. I John 2:23).
30.
Does the Father’s will really say all that one must do is believe in God
in a very general way? No!
When we understand the expression “the will of My Father” we know
there is no other religion than Christ’s New Testament that leads to the
Father. All points emphasize you must believe Jesus is Lord (cp. Lk. 6:46). And
again, notice in our study what knowing and doing “the will of My Father” does
to the statement often heard, i.e. all you have to do
is believe in God.
Loving
Israel for the Wrong Reasons The
history of Israel goes back to God’s promise of Christ through Abraham’s seed (Gen
12:1-3). It was through Christ, Abraham’s seed, that all nations (all men
everywhere) would have the offer of eternal salvation (Rom 1:16-17; Gal
3:26-29). Here is a contrast of Israel under
the Old Testament for a definite period which has passed, and salvation for all
men through the gospel of Christ as revealed in the New Testament. When you
study the salvation of JEWS or Gentiles the New Testament points to their baptisms
into Christ for the remission of their sins (Mk 16:15-16; Gal 3:26-29). Read this article and you will see the
difference between contending for political and national interests, and
contending for salvation offered through Christ for all men.
1. The name Israel
applied to the nation that developed in Egypt.
2. That nation, Israel, was
given the Old Covenant law for a definite period, which has ended, with a view
to Christ being the end of the law (see Rom 10:4 “end”) --- the Old Covenant
kept them together and brought them to Christ. The New Covenant is for all men
today, both Jews and Gentiles.
3. Blindness of the Jews is seen in those who reject Christ and the New
Testament.
4.
ANY
TRUE CHRISTIAN DESIRES THE SALVATION OF ALL MEN REGARDLESS OF RACE OR
NATIONALITY.
5. The offer of salvation through the gospel of Christ is not
antisemitic – both JEWS and
Gentiles are equal in Christ’s
church.
6. The offer of salvation through the gospel of Christ does not favor
Arabs or Gentiles over others – all are equal in Christ’s church.
7. WHEN YOU STUDY THE JEWS’ SALVATION > THE NEW TESTAMENT POINTS TO THEIR BAPTISMS.
8. WHEN YOU STUDY THE JEWS’ LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD UNDER
THE OLD TESTAMENT > THE NEW TESTAMENT TEACHES THE PRIESTHOOD CHANGED FOR THE
JEWS TO CHRIST AS THE ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST.
9. WHEN YOU STUDY THE JEWS’ O.T. LAW >
THE NEW TESTAMENT TEACHES IT WAS TAKEN OUT OF THE WAY HAVING BEEN NAILED TO THE
CROSS.
10. WHEN YOU STUDY OLD COVENANT WORSHIP FOR JEWS > THE NEW TESTAMENT
TEACHES IT “VANISHED,” AND THEY COULD BE GOD’S PEOPLE UNDER THE NEW COVENANT
(JER. 31:31-34).
11. WHEN YOU STUDY THE JEWS’ TEMPLE IN
JERUSALEM > THE NEW TESTAMENT
TEACHES ITS DESTRUCTION BY GOD WHICH CAME IN AD 70.
12. WHEN YOU STUDY THE JEWS AS A
NATION > THE NEW TESTAMENT
CONFIRMS THEY ABUSED THE BLESSING OF BEING CHOSEN BY GOD – THEY LOVED THE IDOLS
AND FALSE GODS OF THE NATIONS, BEING A STIFF-NECKED REBELLIOUS PEOPLE (CF.
STEPHEN’S SPEECH TO FELLOW JEWS, ACTS 7; READ DE 9:6-7, 24).
13. WHEN YOU STUDY THE JEWS’ HUMAN
TRADITIONS AS A NATION > THE NEW
TESTAMENT TEACHES THEIR HUMAN TRADITIONS WERE “VAIN WORSHIP” (CF. MATT 15:3-9;
MAR 7:5-9).
14. THAT GOD CHOSE Israel THROUGH
WHOM CHRIST CAME ACCORDING TO THE FLESH, AND THEN MOST JEWS REJECTED JESUS CHRIST WAS A
GRIEF TO PAUL, HIMSELF A JEW.
15. PARTIAL BLINDNESS OF Israel IS SEEN
IN THEIR REJECTING THE NEW COVENANT, AND BECOMING ENEMIES OF THE TRUTH OF THE
GOSPEL (ROM 11:25-32). PAUL (A JEW HIMSELF) IS TRUTHFUL AND IMPARTIAL IN
STATING THIS. BUT THERE IS ALSO A REMINDER TO THE GENTILE CHRISTIANS THAT THEY
MUST REMEMBER THEY WERE ONCE DISOBEDIENT TO GOD, AND SO THE HOPE REMAINS THAT
MORE AMONG THE JEWS WILL
BE CONVERTED TO CHRIST THROUGH THE GOSPEL, I.E., THE NEW COVENANT. IT IS THE
NEW COVENANT THAT IS GIVEN TO BOTH JEWS AND
GENTILES THAT IS SPOKEN OF
HERE.
16. PAUL QUOTED ISAIAH’S TRUTHFUL AND HONEST STATEMENT TO FELLOW JEWS WHO
IN UNBELIEF REJECTED THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL (ACTS 28:17-31).
17. JESUS WILL APPEAR “A SECOND TIME” TO AWARD SALVATION ON THE DAY OF
JUDGMENT.
18. EVERY PERSON OF EVERY RACE
INDIVIDUALLY WILL STAND BEFORE CHRIST ON THAT DAY.
19. CHRISTIANS ARE NOT TO BE
IGNORANT ABOUT THAT DAY!
20. STUDY INTERNATIONAL POLITICS AND YOU ARE NOT STUDYING SALVATION IN
CHRIST!
21. HE COMES IN THAT DAY TO BE
GLORIFIED IN HIS SAINTS.
22. THE DAY OF THE LORD
WILL COME AS A THIEF IN THE NIGHT.
23. WHEN CHRIST JUDGES
“ALL” ON THAT DAY ANYONE NOT FOUND IN THE BOOK OF LIFE IS CAST INTO HELL.
24. WHO DO CHRISTIANS THANK GOD FOR WHO
GIVES US THE VICTORY? GOD WHO GIVES US CHRIST.
25. STUDY THE NEW TESTAMENT AND THE
ISRAEL OF GOD IN GAL 6:16 IS THE CHURCH OF CHRIST.
26. THE RECOGNIZED “JEW” RELIGIOUSLY BY GOD IS
NOT IN PHYSICAL OUTWARD APPEARANCE, OR BY PHYSICAL CIRCUMCISION, BUT INWARDLY HAVING
OBEYED THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST -- WHOSE PRAISE IS NOT FROM MAN BUT GOD.
Various
Newspaper Articles from 2018 There are four NEWSPAPER articles selected
from 2018: (1)
Jezebel A Woman Politician ~ Surely Quality Skills, Empathy with Honor (2)
Surely God Had No Place in the Creation ~ But If You Could Only Talk to Stephen
Hawking Now! (3) Surely Very Beneficial ~ The “Virtues” of Vulgar Language (4)
The “Y” Chromosome ~ Surely “Men” Disappear in less than 5 Million Years.
About
the Label “Advertisement” On Our Articles
I’m often asked why there is a label of “advertisement” at the bottom of
the church’s articles. They’ll often say, “No one else’s does, why yours?” The
newspaper places it there. Consider this: While the designation is accurate,
for our articles tell people about the church of Christ, it is obvious that the
content is what we are seeking to get forward (Cf. 1 Tim. 3:15). There should
be a distinct difference in what a church of Christ presents to the community,
and that of the various false religions. And there is if the church is doing
its work as it should. By refusing the often sought “marketing approach” the
Truth becomes apparent. It is the Truth that is important in contrast to sin
and religious error. Included is an
exposure of the oft used “Try Us And You’ll Like Us” pitch.
People
should be implored to come to the light of God’s word, and not come because
they’ll “like” the flattery, the socials and entertainment. Such advertisements
seek to take away the “fear” of having one’s immorality exposed and thus one
being seen in the true light of the Scriptures, Jesus said:
Joh 3:19 "This is
the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the
darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.
Joh 3:20 "For
everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear
that his deeds will be exposed.
Joh 3:21 "But he who
practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as
having been wrought in God."
Isn’t it strange you see all
of the JOHN 3:16 signs, but never these following verses on the
signs at sports events, etc. It is
more than obvious that those who are constantly church shopping — always
looking for the next “biggest show” in town — really hate the light of God’s
Word while professing to love Jesus. Jesus said, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord,
and do not the things which I say?” (Lk. 6:46). People are undeniably being led
to believe that all they need to do is show up for a service they’re sure to
like — then they can go right back to their worldly life styles!
"What went you out…to see?" This is a lesson on dress. The study
first looks at Jesus' teaching concerning "anxiety" and dress (Matt.
6, the Sermon on the Mount). Following this, application is drawn from the use of
"clothing" as a metaphor in warning against false religious teachers
(Matt. 7:15). An important
lesson is drawn from JOHN THE BAPTIST and
Jesus teaching concerning the hypocritical Jewish leaders ~ skilled in
identifying their "own" holy signs of dress, yet so unskilled in
listening to God's word and identifying "proper" conduct. What it
means to present one's self as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God
(Rom. 12:1-2), is viewed in the light of proper dress and conduct. The kind of
conduct that shows respect for oneself, for others, and manifests one's self control (I Tim. 2:8-9).
Baptism
As Taught From The Bible In
this article an example of baptism in the first century is set in contrast with
teaching from the Catholic Encyclopedia, "Baptism, Sacrament of."
The explanation that the Catholic Encyclopedia gives simply does not equate
with what the New Testament teaches about baptism being an immersion. The mode
of baptism taught in the New Testament is immersion and not
"pouring." Concerning
JOHN'S BAPTISM which preceded the baptism "into Christ" the Bible says,
"And JOHN also was baptizing in Aenon near
to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were
baptized" (John 3:23). Thus with the mention of
"much water" one sees the clear idea of the physical act of immersion
(being overwhelmed or completely covered). Neither does the New Testament teach
a blessing of the water before baptism! Above all the New Testament does not
teach infant baptism.
Who Can Forgive Sins But God Alone? The various accounts of Jesus’ power to forgive sins during His personal
ministry testified to Him being God. He forgave sins for both men and women. In
Matt. 9:1-8 when Jesus healed the paralytic He wanted them to know that the Son
of Man had authority to forgive sins. The simple point is He had the authority
do so because He was God. We must accept that and keep it in the “time” period
in which it occurred. This article explains the purpose
of JOHN’S BAPTISM, as well as the forgiveness and salvation
of the thief who was crucified with Jesus (Lk. 23:43). The Lord
said that He came to seek and to save the lost (Lk. 19:10). Thus He forgave
sins as one of the blessings of His presence among men.
What You Can And Will Do In Christ This brief study should
offer assurance to Christians that their efforts to serve
God faithfully are attainable, as well as being greatly aided by others'
prayers on their behalf. What one can and will do by remaining faithful in
Christ is declared through the words of Paul's prayer for the church at
Colossae in Col. 1:9-12. Here are the key thoughts: A. Be filled with
knowledge, all wisdom and spiritual understanding. B. Walk worthy, fully
pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge
of God. C. Strengthened for
attaining all stedfastness and patience, with JOY. D. JOYOUSLY giving thanks to the Father. Following is a "Check Your Spiritual
Growth With Self-Test Questions" giving further emphasis to our growth and
development into mature children of God. The stated "goal" of our
efforts is seen in Philippians 1:10-11.
Why We Rejoice With One Another God delights over His people to do them
good (De. 28:63). The Psalmist
said, “Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness (bwl,
JOY) for the upright in heart” (Ps. 97:11). We are commanded to
rejoice (JOY) with
those who rejoice, and to weep with those who weep, being of the same mind one
toward another (Rom. 12:15-16). Our being sorrowful when one is arrogant and
suffers is different from sharing
JOY and sorrow as Paul spoke of. If one of us
suffers because we remain arrogant and obstinate then our tears will be the
tears of Jeremiah if we love them (cf. Jer. 13:17). However, you will find such
“rejoice with” applications in this article as (1) I Can Rejoice With One Who
Is Faithful Whom I Know God Delights Over To Do Good; (2) I Can’t Rejoice With
Another When I See The Vanity Of The World; (3) I Can Rejoice With One Who
Rejoice In Truth; (4) I Can Rejoice With One Who Wants God’s Instruction, Counsel,
And Eye Upon Them.
Things
Often Missing During Afflictions The applications in this brief study will
deal with those who are in affliction. Dear reader, you will notice that with
some of these God has no pleasure. For others, they see God’s faithfulness
during their afflictions. God requires continued confidence and
JOY during trials and afflictions! Those
who lose all JOY during afflictions do not really believe in the
salvation of their souls! Why not read this either for yourself or with a view to
being able to help another?
Principles For Helping One Another This study presents the duty of
Christians helping one another. Listed in these principles is giving for the JOY thereof. Perhaps
you need to read up on some of the improper motives for helping another. You
can find some listed here! Also, you can
learn more, perhaps, concerning the improper attitudes manifested towards those
who do fulfill their duty to help others.
From
Youth through the Prime of Life (Eccl. 11:9-12:1) There are degrees of progression of age in this text. Accountability is
seen throughout and the “right” things done are contrasted with things sinful
that must be removed. These portions of life merge together and are fleeting,
thus the necessity of remembering one’s Creator in the days of youth. When
done right this “stage” is not filled with doubt and dissatisfaction, nor is
life mostly filled with unhappiness. They are rejoicing, the heart is pleasing
to God, thus there is a CONTINUAL FEAST (JOY).
A
Study of Sin Confessed This article addresses the responsibility that Christians have to confess
the sins they commit in order that they might be forgiven. It explores various reasons and motives that lay behind one's willingness
to confess their wrongdoing. JUDAH in Genesis 38 is used as an example where confession of
sin is sometimes forced upon one by another.
Jeremiah
and the Unfaithful Remnant In a prior article “Zedekiah
Would not Listen” God repeated the same warning to Zedekiah, and to
all the people. You may desire to read that article that deals with the same
period of Judah’s history. The ACCOUNT JEREMIAH GIVES OF THE
UNFAITHFUL REMNANT is one chalked full of their lies, false requests
for prayer on their behalf, and idolatry as God repeats His warning. They
“should clearly understand” that God has spoken and what God says He’ll do to
those who do not listen is what He does! Read this lesson and
understand God. For a study of Jeremiah and “The Three Stages of the BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY of
JUDAH AND JERUSALEM” see
“b” list: An
End! The Babylonian Captivity (Part
One: Focus On First & Second Stages) ; An
End! The Babylonian Captivity (Part
Two: The Third Stage, Focus On Zedekiah) ; An
End! The Babylonian Captivity (Part
Three: Jeremiah’s Lamentations).
Jeremiah’s
Lamentations – Look Who’sCast into Hell! Two
prior articles deal with the days of Jeremiah: Zedekiah Would
not Listen and Jeremiah
and the Unfaithful Remnant (REMNANT). This article describes
the abject misery in Jerusalem as God brings His judgments upon Judah and
destroys Jerusalem. Although the word “hell” is not found in the
LAMENTATIONS of JEREMIAH it is seen everywhere. Read about
the various classifications of individuals who were cast into eternal torment. For
a study of Jeremiah and “The Three Stages of THE BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY of JUDAH AND JERUSALEM” see “b” list: An
End! The Babylonian Captivity (Part
One: Focus On First & Second Stages) ; An
End! The Babylonian Captivity (Part
Two: The Third Stage, Focus On Zedekiah) ; An
End! The Babylonian Captivity (Part
Three: Jeremiah’s Lamentations).
God Turns
The Way Of The Wicked Upside Down This lesson considers the path of the wicked
that is a familiar topic throughout the Psalms. You will learn about the wicked
by the following: (1) God thwarts the way of the wicked (Ps. 146:9); (2) God
puts the wicked in great fear because He despises them! (Ps. 53; Lev.
26:14-33); (3) Accusers are filled with
their own ways (Ps. 109). This
section tells you exactly what will happen to the wicked. As you read Ps. 109:6-8 you will find a familiar
face in the Gospels --- JUDAS was blotted out of the book of life!; (4) You will learn
about the purpose of their traps they set for the righteous; (5) God overthrows
the best of secret counsel (Ps. 64).
Messianic Jewish churches A critique of one of the newer movements (denominations) today, MESSIANIC
JUDIASM. These are Jews who profess belief in Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah. Their worship appears to be a combination
of Old and New Testament items. They look for a return of Christ, whom they
do believe is the Messiah, back to the earth in order to reign from Jerusalem.
What To Tell Your
Mate When They Are Guilty of Wrath Christians need to study and then be honest and make the
right applications to one another, all family members, and especially with
their own mates (Cf. I Th. 5:14). Those given to wrath and anger are hypocrites who JUDGE others for doing the same.
Excuses
~ Oldies Are Still the Goodies! There’s nothing so
entertaining to some as tuning in to the “Oldies” program on their available
radio network. Some of those hits you just don’t get tired of hearing, and
there are some excuses for evading scriptural authority that you are always hearing from those who never tire of
using them. Here are several oldies that are still goodies for those
disrespecting scriptural authority: I. We are all part of the body of Christ;
II. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; III. Jesus said, I
am the vine and ye are the branches; IV. God loves sinners too; V. We’ve all
been left under human tradition; VI. Only God can JUDGE another; VII. I’d never tell you that you are
in the wrong church; VIII. Never place a period where God has placed a comma.
Rule of
Law Points From the authority implied in the “name”
of Jesus Christ, who has all authority, several points are made concerning the Gospel
as the power of God unto salvation for all men, JESUS’ AUTHORITY TO JUDGE
BY HIS LAW, Sin as a violation of Christ’s law and how His law convicts of sin. Major emphasis is also given to the RULE OF
LAW of law being attacked by ignorance, wrongful intent, good intentions,
sincerity, carelessness, ignoring, impulse and inconsistency, showing
partiality, outright defiance, distortion of one’s words and partial narratives
of the Word (to neglect to teach the whole counsel of God, Acts 20:27, 32.).
Applications include God is no respecter of persons, to show respect of persons
is sin, the kind of judgment that condemns oneself, and the one who boasts in
God’s law but dishonors God through breaking the law.
The
Majority Know Another Jesus The church at Corinth gladly tolerated
fools who taught another Jesus and different gospel, Paul said (cf. 2 Cor.
11:4, 19). It is possible for one to
read the trifling literature of fools and possess a
completely false view of Jesus. Read the Gospels for yourself and see
what He really did do and teach. Here’s a start with applications from the
Gospels themselves that show the stark differences between what most think
Jesus taught and what He really did teach! Verses are presented that deal with:
(7) JUDGING by worldly standards rather than
righteous JUDGMENT…
A
Simple Biblical Pattern For Explaining “Why?” A respondent who questioned the matter of
judging those who live together without marriage stated, “I think these days it
can be a good thing to live together before getting married.... This
obviously goes against your feelings, but they're just your feelings, not
everyone's." Last of all she stated, "As far as your last sentence,
it's not an idea that it's acceptable and normal, these days, IT IS acceptable
and normal.... If you don't like it, then don't do it.... I wouldn't criticize
you...why do you judge about people who choose to live together?"
This individual wants to know
“Why” I would determine that people who choose to live together are wrong in
doing so. I presumed this to be an honest question deserving of an answer.
Understand that following a desire to know God's will as one reads the Bible they must learn to
make the proper applications. Proper applications necessitate distinguishing
between what is "right" and what is "wrong." Jesus stated His requirement for PROPER JUDGMENT with,
"Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment"
(John 7:24). RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT is based upon His word, the truth, and that
without partiality (Cf. I Tim. 5:21, James 2:4). Moreover
God’s teachings and warnings are to apply to every man (Col. 1:28). … It is
simply not true that Jesus forbid righteous judgment! It was HYPOCRITICAL
JUDGING that He condemned in Matthew 7 when He said, “Judge not that you be not judged” thus
rebuking the “hypocrites” in Matt. 7:5 who were linked with the improper judgments. People are wrong in thinking that the Bible is not for everyone, is not
fair or consistent and given for “all” of mankind, as shown by the scriptures.
All will be judged by His Word (Jo. 12:48)
--- the New Testament scripture is
inspired of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
In the
Scriptures the word FORNICATION is properly defined as “illicit sexual
intercourse.” FORNICATION as a violation of God’s law for mankind is
set forth with the penalty being eternal punishment in hell! (Cf. Rom.
1:32, 3:23, 6:23, Heb. 13:4, Rev. 21:8). “Instruction”
in the Word plainly states that FORNICATION as described above is a work
of the flesh that leads to eternal destruction if not repented of (I Cor. 6:9;
Gal. 5:19-21).
One Nation Under God This article begins with an example of
patronage to our flag and pledge of allegiance, but respectfully submits that
the mention of God brings with it an even greater lesson concerning
"Allegiance." For Christians the words "under God" are
illustrative of Christ's rule over all the nations of mankind (Ps. 2:7-12;
Matt. 28:18-20; I Tim. 6:15; Rev. 2:27). Moreover the earth, the world, and all
who dwell therein ~ all souls are His (Ps. 24:1; Ezk.
18:4; Haggai 2:8). Through simple deduction and reduction one soon comes to
understand on a Personal Individual basis that they do indeed belong to God,
for He created man (Gen. 1:27). Applying
the principle of God's ownership on an individual personal level means that we
respond to the fact that His ownership demands our personal loyalty and
obedience to His commands. Our
response will determine OUR JUDGMENT for Paul
said, "For we must all appear before the
JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST; that every one may receive the things done in
the body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (2
Cor. 5:10).
Sadly, herein is where Americans are failing today!
A Study On
Mercy A fourfold distinction is presented
concerning God’s great mercy: (1) The
General Mercy of God to his creation and creatures; (2) We are Saved By God’s
Mercy; (3) There is A Mercy for Those Who Have Been Saved; (4)
Mercy As Practiced By The Saved. Notice
carefully that the general mercies God bestows upon the wicked are of a
temporal nature only; they are confined strictly to their life here on earth.
There will be no mercy extended to them beyond the grave! In spite of the clear
scriptural warnings given in this article the wicked say, “I do not believe
that God will ever cast me into hell. They are wrong! Moreover, those who
fail in extending mercy will find JUDGMENT WITHOUT MERCY (James
2:13).
What To Tell Your Mate When They Are Guilty of Wrath Christians need to
study and then be honest and make the right applications to one another, all
family members, and especially with their own mates (Cf. I Th. 5:14). The stubborn and unrepentant heart stores up
wrath for the Day of JUDGMENT.
The Quran
On Jesus (Series) This series
presents the basic teachings about The Second Coming of Christ, the
Resurrection Day, THE JUDGMENT DAY and The End
of the World. You will often hear that
Islam honors all prophets, including Jesus. Just what “kind” of honor does
Islam give to the Lord Jesus Christ? It is certainly not that they believe in
His deity because they do not. The truth is Islam repeatedly denies that Jesus
is God. Islam also denies the basic tenants of the New Testament teaching about
Jesus and salvation. How do you supposedly honor Him when the honor you give to
Him is the dishonor of saying He was not who He said He was? Why not follow this
series and see the many truths that Islam denies about Jesus that the New
Testament teaches and Christians believe?
The
Appreciation Of Godly Sisters In Christ The tremendous value of our sisters in Christ
is set forth in this article. Beginning with the honor that is due to faithful
women in Christ, the study sets forth the various duties enjoined upon them in
regards to their family and service rendered to the church that Christ built.
They exemplify those whom God takes pleasure in and favors because they fear
Him (cf. Ps. 149:4, 147:10-11). These are the ones who can be
taught, and have been (Ps. 34:11-15). Their glory (boast) is in understanding and knowing God who delights
in loving-kindness, JUDGMENT, and righteousness in the earth! (Cf. Jer.
9:23-24). Obedience
unto righteousness is what God takes pleasure in, thus these are the scriptural
reasons why all of our godly sisters are appreciated. Why not study the nine
points of application directed towards their being scripturally appreciated?
Selected
Newspaper Articles Dear
reader the following titles are selected newspaper articles that appeared in
our local newspaper the Yuma Sun. Advertizing for many churches tends to follow
the current trend for advertizing in general and has an emotional “pitch” to
possibly interest the reader. The intent of these articles is that each shows a
love for and desire to present the Truth without incorporating the emotional
flavor so popular with other religious bodies today. The topics are: “The BUYER Is Like The Seller; The
Creditor Is Like The Debtor” (What God’s word says about liars, cheats, false
business practices, and murderers applies to all – the rich and poor! God’s
JUDGMENT will come upon all of them for they are all “alike” in their desire to
do evil. );
“Wicked Kids, Teens, Beating & Stomping Others” (This exposes the lie, “Oh
they’re just too young to know better!”); “Some Wrights Are So Wrong” (When so
called “Pastors” are asked if John 14:6 is true and if they think Islam is
another way to salvation, and then suggest that there is another path to the
Father they deny what Jesus and the apostles taught! (cf. John 12:48).
From
Youth through the Prime of Life (Eccl. 11:9-12:1) There are degrees of progression of age in
this text. Accountability is seen throughout and the “right” things done are
contrasted with things sinful that must be removed. These portions of life
merge together and are fleeting, thus the necessity of remembering one’s
Creator in the days of youth. Those in young
adulthood are to know that for all things done God will bring you into JUDGMENT
(Eccl. 11:9). Thus they must
remove sorrow (grief and anger) from their lives, and pain from their body for
childhood and the prime of life are fleeting!
Rule of
Law Points From the authority implied in the “name” of
Jesus Christ, who has all authority, several points are made concerning the
Gospel as the power of God unto salvation for all men, Jesus authority to judge
by His law, Sin as a violation of Christ’s law and how His law convicts of sin.
Major emphasis is also given to the RULE OF LAW of law being attacked by
ignorance, wrongful intent, good intentions, sincerity, carelessness,
ignoring, impulse and inconsistency,
showing partiality, outright defiance, distortion of one’s words and partial
narratives of the Word (to neglect to teach the whole counsel of God, Acts
20:27, 32.). Applications include God is no respecter
of persons, to show respect of persons is sin, the KIND OF JUDGMENT THAT
CONDEMNS ONESELF, and the one who boasts in God’s law but dishonors God
through breaking the law.
The Foolishness In Forgetting God’s Word Trials should not cause us to
forget God’s law! We can receive strength in remembering past trials we
persevered in (Cf. Heb. 10:32-34). The
one who perseveres does not shrink back! Specifically, when one turns their back upon God they will forget
His word, benefits, past deliverances, that man’s wrath can be over ruled by
God’s anger, that God’s victories display his righteous JUDGMENTS --- and one would be forgetting the lovingkindness
of the Lord! Why not read this article and acquaint yourself with
what is happening when one forgets God’s law?
The Way of Integrity Psalms 119 This Psalm is often avoided because of its
length. This study begins with eight points on integrity with God. Follow these
application is made from each of the remaining sections. Understand that it is
on the grounds of your integrity that you may plead to God for protective care
against the wicked (Ps. 119:121-128). Because
he did not want to wander from God the scriptures would be his counselors (lit., the men of his counsel) to establish his
ways. He was afraid
of God’s judgments --- instead of
fearing his persecutors he fears GOD’S JUDGMENTS! These are but a few of the good lesson
presented through studying this Psalm. Why not read the article and while doing
so read it along with your Bible?
Casting Down
Eloquence & Sophistry Series (2 Cor. 10:4-5) Modern
teachers, atheists, and mockers often portray God in the Old Testament as being
ruthless and unloving.
A
common tactic is to present the idea that God in the Old is different from God
in the New. Such seek to
bypass the fact that the JUDGMENTS of GOD brought upon the world, as recorded
in the Old Testament, were indeed left as warnings for us today. People love the deception in being told
that God today just isn’t like that (cf.
Rom.16:17). But
God will punish the wicked in hades and eternally in hell (cf. Lk.16:22-26;
Matt. 10:28). Jesus
also referred to the destruction of the ungodly in the world by the Flood (Lk.
17:26-27). Another thing is the Rock who led Israel in the wilderness
was Christ (Ex.
13:21; I Cor. 10:4). Moreover, the
JUDGMENTS brought upon ISRAEL by God in the wilderness stand as examples; they were
written for our warning so that we would not desire to do the evil things they did
and likewise be punished by God (I Cor. 10:5-12).
Casting Down
Eloquence & Sophistry Series (2 Cor. 10:4-5) False teachers are getting away with things warned
of in this series. In conclusion here are IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF JESUS’ TEACHING DURING HIS MINISTRY:
1. Jesus
correctly explained the Law of Moses (cf. Matt. 12:12). A scribe understood and
stated that Jesus had rightly explained the greatest commandments of the Law
(cf. Mk. 12:28-34).
2. Christ
exposed the empty “traditions” (man’s not God’s) of the Scribes, Pharisees and
Sadducees – religious leaders of His day (cf. Matt.15:1-10; 22:23-33).
3. Some of His
teachings contained teaching to be used under the New Covenant that replaced
the Old Mosaic Covenant (cf. Mk. 16:15-16; Matt. 18:15-18, 19:3-9; cp. Col.
2:14-17).
4. There is
the necessity of identifying when the New Covenant came into effect. Jesus
spoke of the church as yet in the future when He said,
“I will build My church…” (Matt. 16:18). In giving instruction on His Supper,
the fruit of the vine is said to represent His blood of the New Testament
(Matt. 26:28). His priesthood necessitated that the law changed from the Old to
the NEW (cf. Heb. 7:12). The apostles preached the New Testament on Pentecost
as recorded in Acts 2.
5. No portion of His teaching denies that the
JUDGMENTS of God brought upon the world, as recorded in the Old Testament, were
indeed left as warnings for us today! (See Lesson Four). People love the deception in being told that
God today just isn’t like that (cf. Rom.16:17). But God will punish the wicked
in Hades and eternally in Hell (cf. Lk.16:22-26; Matt. 10:28).
The
Paths of Mercy The subject of God’s great mercy is
connected with the things that He delights in. God delights in Loving-kindness, JUSTICE and
Righteousness, thus the necessity of our glorying in these things in order that
we might receive His mercy! Moreover, God’s
mercy is for those who fear Him (Ps. 103:17-18). We must remember that it
is in the practice of mercy itself that we receive back from God (Ps.
18:25-27). Along with these there is a checklist of applications on God’s
kindness.
Selected
Newspaper Articles Here
are four newspaper articles presented to the community with a love for the
truth. The intent is to present God’s truths without incorporating the
emotional flavor so popular with other religious bodies: (3) “God
Knows When Men Conceal The Truth” presents a scriptural view of
those who claim to preach God’s word while restraining their lips for covetousness sake. The ungodliness of all such who hate the
good and love evil is contrasted with the man who is blessed.
The man who is blessed trusts in God, and has not shown respect to the proud, nor to those who lapse
into falsehood (cf. Ps. 40:4). This man
hates evil, and loves the good and establishes JUSTICE so that God will be
gracious to him (cf. Amos 5:15).
The
Majority Know Another Jesus The church at Corinth gladly tolerated fools
who taught another Jesus and different gospel, Paul said (cf. 2 Cor. 11:4,
19). It is possible for one to read the
trifling literature of fools and possess a completely false view of Jesus. Read
the Gospels for yourself and see what He really did do and teach. Here’s a
start with applications from the Gospels themselves that show the stark
differences between what most think Jesus taught and what He really did teach!
Verses are presented that deal with: (15) the human tradition that you obey that causes you to despise
GOD’S JUSTICE and the true love of God that rebukes and convicts the
sinner…
Modern Day Rabshakehs Rabshakeh the spokesman for the great King of Assyria is all over the place in his blasphemy concerning who God is and what God is doing on the earth. Read his contradictions about God as he threatens the inhabitants of Jerusalem --- telling them not to let Hezekiah convince them to trust in the Lord. A parallel is easy made to those who claim to know God and have Jesus on their side -- answer the so called “WOKE SOCIAL JUSTICE MOVEMENT” with the works of the flesh that Jesus condemned. Jesus is God and God is on to their woke! When you put their “woke social justice” on the board and look at their walk i.e. their lifestyle you see its great immoral failure!
Do Not Let
Your Heart Envy Sinners The purpose of this article is to emphasize the
importance of enabling others to develop speech that correctly describes the
sinner ---- and especially our children. Applications are made for this
important question: If you can’t say the wicked are so what are some likely
problem you will have? Young adults and older see worldly “success”
through eyes that desire: (a)
recognition of being in company with someone considered important in various
ways. It is easy
to JUSTIFY THE WICKED if I desire what they have — “He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth
the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD” (Pr. 17:15); (b)
desire wealth — this is the temptation of Prov. 1:13; ( c) desire opportunities
to meet the opposite sex, to be around money, cars, recreational vehicles etc.;
(d) desire a fun time — time not viewed by sinners as something that must have
as a primary allotment serving God and worshipping collectively with a local
church.