“Come Forth, My People…”—No. 1

[Note: This MS is available in larger font on our Brief Articles 1 page.] When John heard the angel announce the impending doom of “Babylon,” another heavenly voice warned, “Come forth, my people, out of her, that ye have no fellowship with her sins, and that…

“Automatic” Membership Placement?

[Note: This MS is available in larger font on our Brief Articles 1 page.] Through the years I have come across brethren who believed that merely visiting with a congregation for a few weeks or months thereby made them members, with no request on their…

Denominationalism in the New Testament

[Note: This MS is available in larger font on our Brief Articles 1 page.] When Jesus said, “I will build my church,” the farthest thing from His mind was the prevailing denominational structure by those who would profess belief in Him. This structure includes Catholic,…

Joshua—Who Did as the Lord Bade Him

[Note: This MS is available in larger font on our Manscripts page.] Introduction Joshua was one of the outstanding characters in all of history. The key to his greatness is found in Joshua 11:9: “And Joshua did unto them as Jehovah bade him: he hocked…

Avoiding New Fads

[Note: This MS is available in larger font on our Manuscripts page.] Introduction The worldly, fashion-mad nature of humankind has changed little through the centuries. Luke provides an interesting description of the philosophers whom Paul encountered at Mars Hill in ancient Athens: “Now all the…

Scriptural Unity, or Shameful Union?

[Note:  This MS is available in larger font on our Manuscripts  page.] Introduction Apostate brethren have definitely undertaken a renewed and intensified “unity” initiative with the Independent Christian Church (ICC). This effort has been growing and gaining momentum in the years immediately leading up to…

Church Renovation

[Note: This MS is available in larger font on our Brief Articles 1 page.] “Church Undergoes Renovation,” the newspaper headline read. The words were positioned above a photo of a church building surrounded by scaffolding, with workmen on its roof. The article described the modernization…

Grapes of Thorns?

[Note: This MS is available in larger font on our Brief Articles 1 page.] In the process of warning about the grave dangers of listening to false prophets, Jesus said, “By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs…

Denominationalism—Its Causes, Contradictions, Consequences, and Cures

[Note: This MS is available in larger font on our Manuscripts page.] Introduction The Apple Online Dictionary defines the religious connotation of denomination as “a recognized autonomous branch of the Christian Church.” The honest and perceptive student of Scripture realizes that Christianity in the days…

History Repeats

[Note: This MS is available in larger font on our Brief Articles 1 page.] A century and a half ago, a few brethren who were determined to have what pleased them in religion were willing to sacrifice respect for both the statement and the silence…