The Pattern Principle

Views: 92[Note: This MS is available in larger font on our Brief Articles-2 page.]             Is it important to strictly follow the New Testament’s teaching about the church? Most religious people have been led to believe it is not. The crux of the matter is,…

The Church—No. 6 (Its Authority)

Views: 68[Note: This MS is available in larger font on our Brief Articles-2 page.]             The means of determining whether a church is of human or divine origin and operation is in asking, “What authority is honored?” Man-made churches submit to human authorities. God’s church…

The Church—No. 4 (Its Organization)

Views: 97[Note: This MS is available in larger font on our Brief Articles-2 page.]             When one looks closely at the New Testament, a pattern of organization for the church emerges. It is clearly stated that Christ is the “head of the church” (Eph. 1:22)….

A Startling Statistic

Views: 58[Note: This MS is available in larger font on our Brief Articles page.]             Once when I was shopping in one of our local lumber yards, I noticed a sign which read: 81% OF YOUR CUSTOMERS WILL BE LOST TEN YEARS FROM NOW Under…

Churches with No Elders

Views: 99[Note: This MS is available in larger font on our Brief Articles 1  page.] The question is sometimes asked, “Can a church Scripturally exist if it has no elders/bishops?” This very practical question deserves a Scriptural answer. I have no doubt that the Lord desires…

Scriptural Youth Directors

Views: 100[Note: This MS is available in larger font on our Brief Articles 2  page.]             What about the practice of churches that have a “youth director”? Is the practice authorized by Scripture? I suppose the answer would be affected by what his duties and…

A Sad Story That Hits “Close to Home”

Views: 8[Note: This MS is available in a larger font on our Brief Articles 1  page.] I spent 8 years of my youth (1946–1953) in the small central town of Burnet, Texas. My father preached for the faithful congregation there the first 4 of those years…

The Appropriateness of Warnings

Views: 96[Note: This MS is available in a larger font on our Brief Articles 2 page.] When compared with his letters to the Corinthians, the Galatians, or to Timothy and Titus, Paul’s letter to the Philippians is couched in very mild terms. The Philippian Church was…

“Who’s the Boss of This Church?”

Views: 62[Note: This MS is available in larger font on our Brief Articles 3 page.] One of our little visitors at Vacation Bible School once asked this question. His teacher told him the Lord was. He didn’t agree. He said he thought that man who…

Elders Are Not “Lords Over” the Local Church

Views: 89[Note: This MS is available in larger font on our Brief Articles 1 page.] Every context in the New Testament having to do with the responsibilities of elders of the church speaks of the authority of the eldership. This is plain enough in the…