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Where did the Bible come from? Is it a product of the inspiration of God or is it just a good book written by men? Is it a book in which we can place our confidence? These are questions that face modern man. It is a fact that we have the Bible. The problem that concerns mankind is that if the Bible is the word of God, then we need to examine it to find what God wants us to do.

What exactly does it mean that the Bible is "inspired"? We often use this term very loosely today. We speak of a good lecturer as being an "inspired" speaker. We refer to writings as "inspired.” This, though, is not what we are speaking of when we speak of the Bible being inspired. The Greek word, which is translated "inspired,” is theopneustus, which literally means "God-breathed.” When the Bible is referred to as being "inspired,” the meaning is that it is more than just another good book. When referred to as being inspired, the meaning is that the Bible is the word of God, given by God to mankind.

The Bible claims to be inspired.

All Scripture is God-breathed, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

(2 Timothy 3:16-17)  Entire Article

Does Baptism Wash Away Past Unlawful Marriages?

by H. E. Phillips


"Does baptism wash away past unlawful marriages?" That is the subject assigned to me for this special issue. I first heard of this idea many years ago, but not much was said about it until the last few years. Some men have always done what they wanted to do, regardless of what the Lord said. Any practice that transgresses God's word and involves a lot of people will somehow be "justified" by those who want to continue in it. A complicated research program will begin amassing "evidence" to prove that the Bible does not mean what it obviously teaches. Thus, justification is found to do that which God's word does not allow.

The Nature of Marriage

"Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled" (Heb. 13:4). In the beginning God instituted marriage and regulated it by his word. He did not plan for marriage to be dissolved except by death. Marriage is a physical, fleshly union; it is not a spiritual union. They are no more twain but one flesh (Matt. 19:6). Death ends all marriages (Rom. 7:3). Baptism has nothing to do with our marriage, but it is essential to our spiritual bond in Christ.

Adultery and fornication are sinful just as lying, stealing, murder and idolatry are sinful. These sins are equally applicable to those in Christ and those in the world. Jesus taught that divorce and remarriage results in committing adultery. If a man puts away his wife for fornication, she is guilty of sin (adultery). If he puts her away for any other cause and marries another, he commits adultery; and he causes her to commit adultery. Any man who marries that one who is put away, commits adultery, and there is no exception clause (Matt. 5:32; 19:9; Mk. 10:11, 12; Lk. 16:18). Any twist or perversion of Scripture that contradicts, modifies or invalidates these plain statements of Jesus is false doctrine.   Entire Article

Garage Sale Grace and Flea Market Salvation

By Allan Turner

The obvious question is, “What in the world do garage sales and flea markets have to do with grace?” The obvious answer ought to be, “Absolutely nothing!” But such is not the case. Many people today are in search of a bargain even in the religious realm.

The overwhelming success of garage sales and flea markets in today's society demonstrates that many are interested in a bargain. Likewise, in the spiritual realm, many seem to approach the subject of grace with the same bargain hunting frame of mind. They want to obtain the benefits of grace, but they want to do so as cheaply as possible. In truth, their question is: “How little must I give before I can possess it?” 

Grace Is Free but Not Cheap

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The Family Together

by Dee Bowman


Family. There's something warm and inviting about the word. It floods the mind with thoughts of home and hearth, of fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, grandma and grandpa. It conjures memories — memories of togetherness, of commonality, of all being in one place at the same time. It calls to mind picnics, ball games, holidays spent with loved ones. Family. It just says something special. And the thing it most especially says is "together."

Together. There is no such thing as family without together. No matter how the word is used — whether in regard to biology, or mathematics, linguistics, or physics — family always suggests something held together by a common bond.   Entire Article

How to Lose Peace of Mind

by Johnny Ramsey

Jesus Christ came into this world as "the Prince of Peace" (Isa. 9:6). Men of good will can have peace on earth because of Him, as the angels sang (Luke 2:14). With the "gospel of peace" (Rom. 10:15) the Lord Jesus grants us peace that actually surpasses our
understanding (Phil. 4:7). Through the blood shed on the Cross, we have our access to the removal of chaos and frenzy in our life-style: "For it was the good pleasure of the Father that in him should all the fulness dwell; and through him to reconcile all things unto himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross" (Col. 1:19-20). Anything that hinders these rich blessings would be a crime against heaven. A great hymn proclaims:  Entire Article

The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

by R. J. Evans

Edward Gibbon authored a six-volume series of books between 1776 and 1788. In this series he covers the deteriorating conditions of the Roman Empire from 180 A.D. to 1590 A.D. He points to five major factors to which he attributed the fall of the Empire. Let’s list the five reasons for Rome’s fall, and then make some comments and observations as applied to America today:

1. The rapid increase of divorce; the undermining of the dignity and sanctity of the home, which is the basis of human society.

Right now in America, one out of every two marriages (50%) are ending in divorce. It is becoming more and more common to talk to individuals who have been divorced three or four times. Then we have a large number of our population who do not bother to get married, they just live together—in the sin of fornication. (Col. 3:5-7) And if that is not bad enough, the sin of homosexuality is gaining acceptance, and “same-sex marriages” are becoming legal in some states. (See Rom. 1:26-28) But just because some sin or vice is legally right, that does not mean that it is morally or biblically right! “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter” (Isa. 5:20).  Entire Article

 

The New Testament Church and the Churches of Men

by Jefferson D. Tant

The New Testament church is distinctly different than the church found in our world today. A close examination reveals the churches created by men do not fit the pattern as revealed in the New Testament. If we are seeking to find the true pattern of the church as it was in the first century, we must look within the pages of God's word for that pattern. The following observations are made in regard to the many differences in the church as found in God's word and churches practicing today who claim to be following the word of God.  Entire Article

In Search of Noah's Ark

by Berlin Chumbley

In the December, 1996, issue of Popular Mechanics, in an article entitled "Ancient Mysteries of the Bible," author Mike Filon, examines some of the Bible's most astounding events, in light of modem scientific methods. He suggests that, "Technology and a better understanding of natural processes may explain how these seemingly impossible events occurred."

The article discusses whether or not events such as, the burning bush, Moses parting the Red Sea, Lot's wife turning to salt, the raising of Lazarus, and various other "astounding events," could be explained by scientific methods. But it was Noah and the ark which drew top billing in his article.  Entire Article

To Tell the Truth

by Gene Frost


"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." (Rev 21:8)

All liars shall have their part in the lake of fire!

The Christian is under a speech imperative: to tell the truth. "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor" (Eph. 4:25). This commandment is no trivial matter, it reflects the nature of the Creator Himself: it is "impossible for God to lie." (Heb. 6:18; Tit. 1:2) His "word is truth." (John 17:17) Therefore "lying lips are an abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight." (Prov. 12:22) Yes, God hates lies. (Prov. 6:16‑17, 19:5, 9)

Lying is of the devil: "there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." (John 8:44)  Entire Article

Hermeneutics and Silence

by Frank Jamerson

The proper attitude toward the silence of God has become a problem with many in interpreting the Scripture. Some believe that “silence gives consent,” while others believe that authority gives consent. Which attitude does the Bible teach?

The very nature of revelation answers this question. Paul wrote, “For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God” (1 Cor. 2:11). He went on to say the things of God have been revealed “not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (v. 13). Just as a man cannot know what pleases me from silence, he cannot know what pleases God from silence. If we could have known it from silence, He could have remained silent! But He spoke His will, because we could not otherwise know it.  Entire Article

Baptism: What It Will and Will Not Do

By John R. Gibson

Having died for the sins of the world and risen from the dead, Jesus instructed His apostles to take His story to all people (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15, 16). He further stated that those who heard this gospel message, believed it, and were willing to be His disciples were to be baptized. While many today downplay its importance, the book of Acts shows that in apostolic preaching baptism was considered a vital part of the message, and conversion was not complete until one had submitted to being baptized in water. (See Acts 2:38-41; 8:12, 13, 35-38; 9:17, 18; 10:47, 48; 16:14, 15, 30-34; 18:8; 22:16). That baptism was important in New Testament times cannot be denied, but what was it intended to accomplish? If you were to decide to be baptized today, what would it mean in your life? What would this act of obedience do for you? First, we ask that you consider carefully some things baptism will not do and then some things it can and will do.  Entire Article

The Question of the Ages

by Homer Hailey

Many questions, important and perplexing, arise to confront us each day; but there is no question of such vital importance as that of Pilate when he asked, "What shall I do with Jesus, who is called Christ?" Now it is altogether possible that you have been putting off making a definite answer to that question, but as you put it off into the future somewhere, you are simply saying, "Away with him, away with him." The church of Christ is anxious to help you in every possible way to answer that question now--not tomorrow, but today: for upon your answer to the question depends your eternal destiny. In order to answer any question intelligently, one must take time to reflect upon it, consider it, and weigh carefully all points involved.

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Creation Manifests the Glory of God

The Bible holds man responsible for belief in that it affirms that the creation is sufficient evidence to warrant theistic conclusions (that God exists). Paul wrote: "For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse" (Romans 1:20). Paul states that the creation itself is evidence for belief. The creation was caused. It has design. It therefore points to a Designer.

The Psalmist wrote: "Thou hast set thy glory upon the heavens" (Psalm 8:1). "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge" (Psalm 19:1, 2). "And the heavens shall declare his righteousness” (Psalm 50:6; cf. 139:14). Paul added: "He (God) left not himself without witness, in that he did good and gave you from heaven rains and fruitful seasons" (Acts 14:17). The Bible affirms that man should be able to examine the things of the world and deduct by his examination of these things that a Creator exists.  Entire Article

Trembling at God's Word

by Walton Weaver

A lack of respect for God and his word is what is lacking in our world today. But as we all know, this has always been the problem with man. Even those who have some measure of respect for God do not have enough to make a difference in their lives.

Others do honor the word of God by living in such a way as to show the respect they have for God and his word.

Isaiah says that God will look favorably upon the one “who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at my word” (Isa. 66:2). The “contrite spirit” that is mentioned is the key that unlocks the meaning of what Isaiah means by the word “tremble” in the next phrase. Just to be afraid of God or his word is not enough. To tremble at God’s word is to be so affected by it as to be brought to repentance. Let’s begin by developing this point a little more.  Entire Article

Are You Ready?

By Mark E. Larson

"Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps alight. And be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns from the wedding feast, so that they may immediately open the door to him when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master shall find on the alert when he comes; truly I say to you, that he will gird himself to serve, and have them recline at the table, and will come up and wait on them. Whether he comes in the second watch, or even in the third, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves. And be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have allowed his house to be broken into. You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect” (Luke 12:35-40, NASB).

It is amazing to me how much more ready the state of Virginia was for the latest major snow storm than the previous one in December that brought close to two feet of snow in some places. Instead of the delay of snowplows to clear the roads and the failure of residents to stock up on food and snow-shovels, everyone seemed to be much more ready for the latest artic blast. Could it be that they learned their lesson?  Entire Article

Phariseeism

by Frank Jamerson


The Pharisees were probably condemned more severely than any other group of people by the Lord during His life on earth. The label of "Pharisee" has come to us as an extremely uncomplimentary label. Often it is misused by false teachers and those in sympathy with them. Let us notice some of the characteristics in Pharisees that Jesus condemned.

They were critical of Jesus for teaching sinners, but would not listen to Him themselves. The great chapter on God's attitude toward the lost and what ours should be, Luke 15, was spoken to Pharisees who murmured because Jesus associated with sinners. Their attitude was demonstrated in the elder son who stayed home, but said to his father basically what the Pharisees had said to Jesus, "This man receiveth sinners and eateth with them." They objected to Jesus receiving sinners, "but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected for themselves the counsel of God, being not baptized of him (John)" (Lk. 7:30). The Pharisaical attitude is shown by those who criticize faithful teachers for teaching the truth, while refusing to listen or teach it themselves.  Entire Article

O, Ye of Little Faith - The Storm

by Lucas Ward

The apostles were reprimanded several times by Jesus for a lack of faith. Yet these were men who left their livelihoods to follow Jesus. They faced ridicule for following Jesus. Toward the end they faced great personal danger in order to follow Jesus. As Peter says, "We have left all and followed you" (Mark 10:28).

So, these were men who by our standards would seem to have great faith, but their lack of faith constantly disappointed the Lord. So let's look at the instances that the Lord said “0 ye of little faith “ and discover what the apostles lacked, then see how we can use that to increase our own faith. In this first article, we'll consider the apostles in the storm.  Entire Article

Enemies of the Cross of Christ

by John T. Overbey

Jesus Christ is the central figure of world history—every event that antedates his advent points forward to HIM; and every event that has transpired subsequent to his advent points backward to HIM. The cross of Christ is the hope of the world—without Christ's death on the cross, the world would still be groping its way in darkness; therefore, "the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved it is the power of God." (1 Cor. 1:18) Every bull, every goat that was offered as a burnt offering under the law of Moses was merely a "shadow" of the supreme sacrifice of the body of Christ upon the cross. (See Heb. 10:1-18)

The importance of the cross of Christ is seen in the fact that Paul, when coming into the city of Corinth, determined not to know anything among them save Jesus Christ and him crucified. (1 Cor. 2:2) And while others did glory in the flesh, Paul said, "far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world." (Gal. 6:14)

But in spite of the greatness and importance of the cross of Christ, there were those in Paul's day who were enemies—"For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is perdition, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things." (Phil. 3:18, 19)  Entire Article

Discipline Begins with Your Mind

By Bubba Garner

A disciple is just that—one who is disciplined, one who has brought his thoughts, his behavior, and his emotions under the control of Christ. He is a dedicated and devoted follower, willing to submit his will to His will and to be trained and instructed in His righteousness.

The disciplined mind is where it all begins. The key to taming the tongue, managing the temper, and mastering what comes out the body is the cautious selection of what goes in the mind (Mark 7:21-23). One of the reasons Christians get caught up in worldliness and immorality is because we meditate on the worldly and immoral and don’t discriminate against that which defiles the mind and heart.

Several years ago, the NAACP came out with the slogan “the mind is a terrible thing to waste,” and such a saying reminds us that there is a lot of waste out there on which the mind can be spent and squandered. Solomon instructed his son to “watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life” (Prov. 4:23). To watch means “to keep” or to discipline and involves carefully shielding and protecting. How ironic that we live in a health-conscious age when the same people who watch what they eat, examine the food labels, and take the recommended vitamins to care for their bodies allow all kinds of pollutants and impurities to contaminate their minds.  Entire Article

I Believe In God

The story is told of a person who was asked by a friend whether he really believed in God. He replied: "I don't just believe in Him, I love Him!" Such an answer takes the question of God's existence out of the realm of an intellectual possibility and places it on a personal level. Implied in this question is another question: "Why do you believe in God?" Let me take a few minutes to tell you about the God I believe in and why I believe in Him.


I Believe in the God of Creation

When you open the Bible, in the first verse you find God: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). Not only is He there, but He is powerful - He creates the world out of absolutely nothing! The rest of chapter 1 tells us about God's creative power as He created light (vv 2-3), an expanse (v 6), dry land and vegetation (vv 9-11), the sun, moon and stars (vv 14-15), the creatures who live in the sea and those that fly (v 20), the animals and creatures who live on land (v 24), and finally, humans (vv 26-27). The God I believe in is a powerful God, powerful enough to create everything out of nothing (see Hebrews 11:1-3).

Not only do we see a God of infinite power in creation, we also see a God of order and perfection. God did not have to make any prototypes before arriving at the completed object - from the beginning it was good. The statement "and God saw that it was good" is found over and over again in Genesis 1 (see verses 10, 12, 18, 21, 25). It is one thing to have power - but it is quite another thing to have a power that makes everything good. This is the God we discover through creation.  Entire Article

How the Church Came to Antioch

Men of Cyprus and Cyrene, (members of the church scattered by persecution) came to Antioch and "spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus." “A great number believed, and turned unto the Lord."

The church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to Antioch, "Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord." Through his work, "much people was added unto the Lord."

Later, Paul came to work with Barnabas, and "they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch."

In these passages (Acts 11:19-26) we learn (1) the word of the Lord was preached, (2) people believed, (3) and turned unto the Lord; (4) they cleaved unto the Lord, and (5) others were added unto the Lord. And these people were called "the church" "disciples" and "Christians." The discerning person sees in these verses how the church came to Antioch, and how it comes to any other place on earth.  Entire Article

Does the Holy Spirit Call a Sinner to Salvation?
By Mark McCrary

Do you believe in Holy Spirit conviction? That the Holy Spirit comes upon a person personally and convicts that person of their sin? Are you waiting for such an event as a personal invitation from God? Perhaps more importantly, should you be waiting for such an event? Does the Holy Spirit call a sinner to salvation?

The answer is an unquestionable “Yes!” the Holy Spirit calls sinners to salvation. Perhaps the real question is, “How does the Holy Spirit call sinners to salvation?” The manner, we will see as we examine scripture, is not some overwhelming burden of guilt put upon us in a miraculous way, but rather the overwhelming burden of guilt put upon us through the message of the Bible delivered to us by the Holy Spirit.  Entire Article

Living Together - Right or Wrong?
Chuck Northrop

In this time of “live in” boyfriends and girlfriends, it is no wonder that many are confused about marriage. The world has long tried to destroy marriage and justify itself in its evil deeds while Christianity has uplifted marriage to the lofty plain that it deserves. The world has cried that marriage will be defeated and that it will not survive but like all things created and sanctioned by God, marriage is here to stay and is a viable part of society.

Nevertheless, some have chosen to live contrary to God’s law concerning marriage and have advocated that marriage is no longer needed, being outdated. Or by some perverse rationale, they reason: “You wouldn’t buy a pair of shoes without trying them on. So, don’t get married without first trying out your mate.” It is often the case that those who cry such foolishness are the very ones who cry that they do not want to be treated like animals or inanimate objects. Yet, this is the very thing they are advocating. Dear reader, we are not talking about a pair of shoes, we are talking about humanity. Let us never be guilty of treating one we are considering to marry as if they are a pair of shoes!

In 1983, Newsweek reported that only 16% of college students considered it harmful “for a man and woman to live together before marriage” while 61% said it would be “helpful.” With such views, questions concerning “living together” must be answered. Entire Article

We Are Simply Christians
by Dale Smelser

Many are growing disenchanted with present religious forms which originated in the middle ages and have become meaningless. There is displeasure with denominational structures and dogma. Some, because of such views, have even decided that Christianity is not relevant today. We believe they have made that decision because they are not sufficiently acquainted with the Scriptures to be able to distinguish between the relevant gospel of Christ and what men over the centuries have attempted to add to it.

If some of these things have troubled you and you have felt a yearning to return to the simple, uncomplicated religion of Christ, stripping away all the nonessential elements of religion and simply abiding by the truths of Christ, truths which transform the soul and bind it to God, let us suggest that it can and has been done.  Entire Article

Infants and Sin
 

"Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 18:3).

This writer's first efforts at debating denominational error was with a Lutheran preacher. The issues were total hereditary depravity and infant baptism. We expected our opponent to argue that little children were only guilty of inborn or inherited sin — not personal sins of their own. So, we were surprised, indeed, when he said that infants were guilty of actual transgressions of their own. He was very insistent that infants needed baptism to remove both kinds of sins—inherited and actual.

He was the first one that we had heard attempt to specify acts of sin that infants and small children commit. I remember his using temper tantrums as one example. We insisted that if those little fellows were sinners, then Jesus would be saying that, "unless you are converted and become as little sinners, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven." If not, why not?  Entire Article

Last Will and Testament
 

A feature of common law has come down to us from as early as the Hebrew nation through the Grecian and Roman empires. A man may make a statement concerning the disposition of his estate after death, but such a statement is not of force until there has been the death of him who made it. While living he has the right to do as he wills with his estate, no matter what his statement may have said. This statement is called his last will and testament. Even though it is so called, he may make another, and if it can be shown that there is a later one the former is superseded. This is described as characteristic of what is commonly referred to as the New Testament.

"For where a testament is, there must of necessity be the death of him that made it. For a testament is of force where there hath been death: for it doth never avail while he that made it liveth. "(Hebrews 9:16-17).

While he was upon the earth Jesus had the power to forgive sins. Since the New Testament had not been made effective by his death, he could make any conditions he chose, or could make forgiveness without conditions, without the necessity of abiding by the conditions of his will which would later be effective.   Entire Article

Depression: Cause and Cure
 

“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression; but a good word makes it glad” (Prov. 12:25).

According to one recent source, about one in five American adults — that’s over 46 million people — suffer some form of chronic depression, ranging from prolonged sadness to psychosis. Some of these unhappy people are undoubtedly victims of biological imbalances that require medical treatment.

However, in many cases the root problem must be sought in the hearts of the victims. Their depression is simply a state of mind they bring upon themselves by how they choose to think. This proverb points to anxiety as the chief culprit in creating mental gloominess. The Hebrew word means “fear, dread, anxious care.” When a person allows his mind to be consumed with worry over his problems — or potential problems — he is sure to become depressed.  Entire Article