{"id":70,"date":"2015-04-23T23:24:23","date_gmt":"2015-04-23T23:24:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thescripturecache.com\/?page_id=70"},"modified":"2026-02-11T22:58:40","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T22:58:40","slug":"long-manuscripts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thescripturecache.com\/?page_id=70","title":{"rendered":"Longer Typescripts"},"content":{"rendered":"

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McClish Sermon<\/span><\/strong><\/span>Videos<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

SPECIAL FREE<\/span><\/em> MANUAL FOR SONG LEADERS<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Music Fundamentals for Song Leaders <\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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Congregational “singing schools”…provided training for song leaders for several generations. These had already begun to disappear by the 1960s. Observing that void prompted me, in 1965, to prepare a booklet for those who lead singing in our worship assemblies…I was…prompted to pull my old, age-yellowed copy from its file when a young, inexperienced song leader indicated that he woujld welcome such help. My copy was so unattractive and inadequate in many ways that I was too embarrassed to give it to anyone. Rather, I decided to produce a “new and improved” version, thus taking advantage of attractive printing, type, and graphics, as well as improving its content…<\/i><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

A Critical Review of Illusions of Innocence<\/em><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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Illusions of Innocence\u00a0is the title of a book written by Richard T. Hughes and C. Leonard Allen. It is subtitled,<\/em> Protestant Primitivism in America, 1630\u20131875\u2026<\/em><\/span><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

A History of Anti-ism From the 19th Century to the Present<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

One of the unmistakable lessons of history is the tendency of men to engage in extremes of thought and practice. This fact is no more clearly demonstrated than in the field of religion….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A Response to Fellowship Compromises in the Church of Christ<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

From time to time there have been those spiritual \u201cfifth columnists,\u201d traitors within the kingdom of Christ, who are guilty of spiritual high treason….They are in places of immense influence as elders, preachers, publishers, editors, authors, and university administrators and professors…..<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A Review of Alvin Jennings<\/a>‘ 3 Rs of Urban Church Growth<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In 1981, a brother in Christ, Alvin Jennings, owner of Star Bible Publications, Inc., wrote and published a book titled\u00a0<\/span>3 R\u2019s of Urban Church Growth<\/i><\/span>. This book raised many eyebrows,\u2026<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A Review of How Does the Holy Spirit Convict Today?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The doctrine that there must be\/is a direct operation of the Holy Spirit upon the sinner in addition to\/in conjunction with the Word before he can be convicted of sin and converted to Christ is not a newcomer in the realm of theology….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A Study of Deacons and Deaconesses\u20141 Timothy 3:8\u201313<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The Greek New Testament employs several words which are translated by the English word, “servant.” There are three major types of servitude that may be distinguished among these terms.<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A Study of Matthew, the Man<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

It is ironic that Matthew is one of the most familiar names of all of the personalities of the New Testament, yet there is only a smattering of biographical information about him available to us. The sparsity of material about the life of this well-known apostle illustrates the fact that the Scriptures never seek merely to satisfy human curiosity.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A Study of the Captivity in the Major Prophets<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The captivity of God\u2019s covenant people of the Old Testament is one of the saddest chapters of all history. Never was an obscure race of men so marvelously blessed of God, and never did one squander it all on such an equally grandiose scale….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A Study of the Final Judgment<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

It is not possible to correctly conceive of man’s relationship to God while ignoring or denying the reality of man’s accountability to God. The fact that the Scriptures exist as the revelation of God’s will for man and that they insist that man must be obedient to the Divine will necessarily implies a time of accounting based upon that Divine will…. the Scriptures are also explicit in their frequent statements concerning the Final Judgment.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A Study of the Necessity of Careful Obedience to the Word of God<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

From almost the first page of the Bible, and certainly to the last, God\u2019s Word sets before us the necessity of obedience to God. This is so much so that we can say without fear of successful contradiction that the principal unrelenting theme of the Bible from beginning to end is that man must obey God or suffer dire consequences\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A Sudden and Curious Emphasis on Balance<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Has anyone else besides me noticed a recent upsurge in the cry for \u201cbalance<\/b>\u201d in preaching and writing? Further, am I the only one who has noticed that this emphasis is\u00a0not <\/b>coming from the predictable liberal tongues and pens, but from some brethren who were generally considered sound in the faith?<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A Tribute to Jehovah’s Word\u2014Comments on Selected Verses From Each Stanza of Psalms 119<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The all-sufficiency of the Word of God for all of man\u2019s spiritual needs could not be more clearly stated or more fully emphasized than it is in this psalm.<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Addressing Some Problem Passages in Romans<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The letter of Paul to the saints in Rome is generally acknowledged not only to be among the most profound documents in the Bible, but also in all of literature, as well\u2026.\u00a0\u00a0Although not written in signs and symbols, \u2026\u00a0many of its passages have nonetheless taxed the talents of expositors for centuries.\u2026\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”\u2014a Hymn Study<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The book of Psalms, written mostly by David, was the song book of God\u2019s Old Testament people for a thousand years. However, some five hundred years earlier, Moses led the descendants of Israel in singing the great song of deliverance from their Egyptian slavery,…<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Alleged Contradictions and Problems in Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Atheists, infidels, humanists, and agnostics, as well as skeptical\u2026theologians employ difficult passages and alleged Biblical contradictions as a chief point of attack against God and His Word. It is therefore most appropriate for us to study such passages\u2026that we may answer the blasphemers of God\u2019s Word.\u2026<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

An Examination of the Current Unity Movement<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Those who are familiar with restoration history are aware that we are seeing history repeat itself in the current attempts at unity. As Moses Lard observed the Lord\u2019s people as they began to clamor for more and more innovations and to have less and less respect for the authority of Scripture in 1865,\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Annihilationism\u2014a Refutation<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Annihilationism is a form of materialism that denies the immortality of the human soul, insisting that human beings are merely mortal, physical, material. This doctrine holds that the wicked will be atomized, snuffed out of existence\u2014annihilated, either before or after the Judgment, rather than being consigned to punishment that never ends in a fiery Hell.<\/span>\u2026<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Annihilationism\u2014a Spiritually Fatal Innovation<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Hell has fallen on hard times. The most frequent reference to it nowadays is as a term of cursing, swearing, or intensification of expression. Others use it in a weak attempt at levity: \u201cI want to go to Hell; after all, that\u2019s where all my friends will be\u201d….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Another Response on Humanism<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

How strange it is that those who pride themselves in being most liberal toward and tolerant of every philosophy, lifestyle, and religion can be exceedingly intolerant toward those whom they judge to be intolerant!<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Are Alien Sinners Amenable to the Law of Christ?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

It is exceedingly strange that anyone claiming to be informed in the Word of God would deny that alien sinners are accountable to the law of Christ. However, there have been in the past and there presently are those who advocate this fatal error.<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Are Bible Examples Binding?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The question of the title above is actually asking: \u201cAre Bible Examples Binding on Mankind Today?\u201d…<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Authority Structures in Local Churches<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

My two-fold responsibility in the assignment to write this material is to discuss the following: (1) situations in congregations which have no eldership and which must depend upon committees and\/or trustees for leadership and (2) a relatively recent phenomenon relating to the selection and appointment of elders, commonly called the \u201creaffirmation of elders.\u201d…<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Avoiding New Fads<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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: \u201cNow all the Athenians and the strangers sojourning there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear something new\u201d….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Back to Biblical Grace<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Suppose a rich relative died and granted you $10,000.00 in his will. However, the will stipulated that you must bring a leather briefcase to the courthouse to pick it up and that failure to do so would cause you to forfeit the grant. The award would be no less free because the will stipulated a condition and you complied with it. Nor would complying with the will\u2019s condition in any sense constitute earning the award….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Baptism\u2014What Does the Bible Teach?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

In Mark 16:16 Jesus made one of the most explicit statements in the New Testament concerning baptism: \u201cHe that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.\u201d1<\/sup> In spite of the plainness of His statement regarding the purpose of the act and its place in the Divine plan for man\u2019s salvation, men still largely ignore and\/or obstinately oppose Jesus\u2019 teaching.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Billingslyism, A Response\u2014Who Has Fallen from Grace?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

In order to please God, the doctrine of Christ must ever control our desires. Conversely, men behave exceedingly dangerously when desire becomes the father of their doctrine. This very phenomenon is apparent in the several attempts that have been made in recent years to escape the restrictive nature of Jesus’ words in Matthew 19:9 relating to marriage, divorce, and remarriage:\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Brief Surveys of Some New Testament Epistles<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

[These] brief introductions to and surveys of 2 Corinthians through Colossians are part of the book, <\/span><\/em>A Bible Handbook\u2014Authored by Preachers in the Churches of Christ, <\/span>edited by Jerry Moffitt.\u2026 This book is\u00a0an interesting, practical, informative, and helpful\u00a0treasury of\u2026material,\u00a0which both novice and advanced students may read with great profit.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Building Up the Church Through Singing<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Many characteristics distinguish mankind from all the lower forms of animal life. Among the most notable of these peculiarities are the size and capability of the human brain (which makes us superior to all other life forms) and the human voice….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Calvinism and Neo-Calvinism<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCalvinism\u201d is not a single doctrine or even a few scattered, unrelated doctrines. It is a system of theology embracing several significant doctrines. These dogmas are all tightly woven together in a logical and interdependent fashion. However, the entire system is fatally flawed….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Calvinism\u2014A Study of Election and Apostasy in Paul’s Writings<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

There could hardly be more consequential, pivotal doctrines than these two. The elect are God\u2019s \u201croyal priesthood\u201d and \u201choly nation\u201d …If we miss what the Scriptures teach about election… we will not be among those \u201celected\u201d and will be lost…..<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Christ Ascends and the Apostles Wait\u2014Acts 1:1\u201326<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The first chapter of Acts is characterized by waiting in great anticipation by the apostles on events and experiences soon to come upon them. These events were destined to affect not only them and those in their own time, but also multiplied millions of people down to our time and in whatever time yet remains.\u2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Christ Confronted Error About Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Among the subjects upon which the Lord confronted enemies of the Truth was that of marriage, divorce, and remarriage. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus issued some basic principles regarding this subject: .\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Commentary on and Review of K.C. Moser’s \u00a0<\/a><\/span>The Way of Salvation<\/em><\/span> and The Gist of Romans<\/em><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

This chapter reviews two books, rather than one book, both by the late K.C. Moser\u2026The rationale for this dual review is the close relationship of the content of these books to each other, although published a quarter-century apart\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Confidence in Christ<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

One of the great energizing principles of the religion of Christ has always been that it<\/b>and it alone <\/b>is approved of God.\u2026The Gospel is not to be taken to all men merely because it is one good way among other good ways.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Corrective Church Discipline in the New Testament<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The requirement of corrective discipline is present in every area of our lives. If the state does not exercise it, there will be anarchy in the land. If it is not exercised in the school system, the result will be confusion instead of education. If it is not practiced in the home, there will be sore and sad delinquency to follow….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Daniel 2\u2014a Commentary<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Daniel 2 is the longest chapter in the book. With Isaiah 2, Joel 2, and Acts 2 it is a pivotal Biblical chapter. It is also a key chapter to understanding the book of Daniel itself.<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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Daniel 12\u2014a Commentary<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

This final chapter of Daniel is by far the shortest of the book with only 13 verses. However, it is an important chapter, if for no other reason, because it is the last\u2014the culminating chapter.<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Denominational Attitudes and Tactics Among Brethren<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

In 1962, most of the erroneous religious principles I addressed in my preaching and writing were apparent in the denominational world. Now, along with many other Gospel preachers, I find myself preaching and teaching these same principles, only with an additional purpose….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Denominationalism\u2014Its Causes, Contradictions, Consequences, and Cures<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

A denomination is a religious body with extra-Biblical peculiarities distinguishing it from the church revealed in the Bible. It is utterly impossible for any denomination to exist without men believing something, doing something, being something, saying something, or having something that is not in the Word of God. All denominations teach more or less of what is in the Bible. However, the things they teach that are in the Bible do not make them denominations, but the things they teach that are not<\/strong> in the Bible….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Discussion Between Eddie Whitten and Dub McClish on Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

…[T<\/em>]<\/span>o<\/span> say that \u201cGod joins a couple in marriage per Matthew 19:6, but only in view of the civil ceremony,\u201d is far too broad a statement. Jesus went all the way back to Adam and Eve to illustrate God\u2019s all-time law on MDR in this very context. According to your sweeping generalization on what constitutes a marriage, God could not have approved their relationship as a marriage, for no \u201ccivil authority\u201d then existed to conduct a \u201ccivil ceremony.\u201d…<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Dispensations of Time<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Time rela<\/span>tes to each human being in a very personal way because from one\u2019s birth until his death constitutes all of his \u201ctime.\u201d \u2026 The other facet of time is the long view that embraces the interval from the beginning point of the material creation to the end of it. This is \u201ctime in the aggregate,\u201d including all that will eventually take place between those two epochal boundaries. It is not an interruption between two eternities, but simply a \u201cparenthesis\u201d in the one eternity….<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Does God Really Answer Prayer?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Do God and Satan share power over the direction and future of our world (Dualism)? Or do we have a living, loving, and all-powerful God who remains vitally interested in us and Who is still active in the affairs of His children and responsive to their pleas?<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Does the Bible Teach the Principle of Guilt by Association<\/em><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Is it valid for voters to question candidates for the office of President of the United States about their close as<\/span>sociates? In the 2008 presidential campaign this question came to the fore, especially concerning Barack Obama. His twenty-year membership in the extreme r<\/span>acist and anti-American Jeremiah Wright\u2019s Chicago church\u2026.<\/span><\/span><\/em>Political conservatives argue that such associations are reliable indicators of one\u2019s convictions and direction….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Elders and Roots of Apostasy\u2014Acts 20:28\u201330<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

There is no point of Truth where apostasy can or will be tolerated by true lovers of Christ. However, one of the most crucial, pivotal, and fundamental matters that must be guarded is the Scriptural organization of the church. The effects and implications of changing the very structure of the church’s government are staggering and far-reaching, indeed.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Emotionalism vs. Proper Emotions<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The Bible student immediately recognizes the validity of emotion in Christianity in such terms as joy, sorrow, fear, hate, love, and even anger. These all have their part in the thinking and behavior of Christians.\u00a0 Emotion is also related to such elements as sincerity and enthusiasm. However, another term in the definitions that catches our attention is \u201cfeelings.\u201d\u2026<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Eternal Life Is in the Son\u20141 John 5:9\u201313<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

What a marvelous God we have who sent His Son into this world for sinful men and gave sufficient testimony to provoke certitude or faith in Him to any honest heart! What a wonderful Savior we have, the One alone in Whom we may have eternal life! What precious certainty of eternal life we have if we faithfully serve Him!\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Excursus on the Power of Darkness in Colossians<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

As with many Biblical words,\u00a0darkness\u00a0<\/span>is first used literally and then takes on a figurative or symbolic meaning related to and derived from its literal meaning.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Exposition of Daniel 12 and Realized Eschatology<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

To mutilate some lines from Shakespeare\u2019s Sonnet 43, \u201cBy how many names do we know thee? Let us count the names:\u201d \u201cKingism,\u201d \u201cAD 70 Theology,\u201d \u201cRealized Eschatology,\u201d \u201cPreterism,\u201d \u201cCovenant Eschatology,\u201d \u201cTransmillennialism\u201d….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Exposition of Jeremiah 1:4\u201310<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

God is \u201cpro-life\u201d concerning infants in the womb\u2014and we had better be! Jeremiah’s reticence to respond to God\u2019s commission is an attractive sign of humility. The arrogant seek to push themselves into places of prominence. The humble attempt to do God\u2019s bidding, all the while thinking themselves unworthy.<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Ezekiel \u2014 Prophet of the Exile<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

As the tenderhearted Jeremiah wept out his impassioned pleas to the citizens of Jerusalem to “repent or perish” during the last quarter of the seventh century B.C., it seemed that all were saying, \u201cWe will not hearken” (Jer. 6:17).\u00a0<\/sup>However, there was one young man\u2026who must have listened intently to and must have been considerably impressed with the message of the weeping prophet.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Ezra, A Model for Every Servant of God<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Ezra lived during Judah\u2019s period of captivity in Babylon in the fifth century B.C. He led a group of Jews back to Judea from their land of captivity in about 457 B.C. He rose to considerable prominence in a pagan court (Ezra 7:6, 11-28), after the manner of Joseph, Moses, Esther, Nehemiah, and Daniel.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Faithfulness and the Sermon on the Mount<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The need for faithfulness in Christians was never greater than at present. We live in an unbelieving world, drunk on its own supposed cleverness and self-sufficiency. Because of this prevailing world view, ours is an evil, compromising, and hopeless world. Never has the devil had so many false philosophies and erroneous religions as now.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

False Theories Versus the Truth on Inspiration<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

There is no spiritual or religious authority if the Bible is not God’s inspired Word. <\/span>Those who w<\/span>ould rob men of their faith in the Bible as God’s faithful, infallible, and inerrant Word rob them of everything of essential value!<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Fornication and Adultery\u2014Moral Issues We Face<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

We live in an exceedingly wicked world, saturated with encouragement on every hand to fulfill one\u2019s sexual desires in ways and in settings that a righteous God cannot tolerate indefinitely. The destructive influence these constant stimuli have had and continue to have on young people is a special source of concern to all who value moral purity.<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

God Hath Spoken the Living Word<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

From his Roman prison cell, Paul wrote concerning the Gospel, \u201cWherein I suffer hardship unto bonds, as a malefactor; but the Word of God is not bound\u201d (2 Tim. 2:9). Paul thus recognized the incomparable glory and power of God\u2019s Word. Men may imprison the messenger of God, but they cannot imprison the message.\u2026<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

God Rewardeth the Fool and the Transgressors\u2014Proverbs 26<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

In the Proverbs, God, through Solomon, sought to teach men how to avoid evil and to live righteously without having to actually experience the bitter dregs of evil. Of course, some will not listen to reason or revelation and can learn only from the deep misery and guilt produced by the practice of ungodliness.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

God’s Commission to Jeremiah \u2014Jeremiah 1:4\u201310<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Few Old Testament characters equal and none surpass the prophet Jeremiah\u2019s devotion to Jehovah God\u2026. His refusal to compromise the message God commissioned him to preach to Jerusalem\u2019s stiff-necked apostates in the face of brutal and terrifying persecution is worthy of the grandest admiration and emulation.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

God’s Faithful are Forgiven and Forgiving<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

If asked to list ten of the most desirable and admirable human traits, likely even hardened sinners would list a willingness to forgive near the top.\u2026\u00a0It is one of three triplet traits that are far too seldom seen: giving, thanksgiving, and forgiving.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

God’s Vengeance and Mercy and Israel’s Fervent Prayer for Help<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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In general, it is accurate to think of the book of Isaiah as dealing with both history and prophecy relative to the nation of Israel, its relationship to Jehovah\/God, and the promise of the coming Messiah. In a larger context, however, Isaiah’s writings may be seen as having relevance for God’s people in any time period; emphasizing God’s control over His creation and the ultimate triumph of His will….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Growing a Church\u2014At What Price?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Some brethren will do almost anything to bring numerical and financial growth to a congregation. They will mutilate, innovate, and obfuscate the Gospel in order to have it. \u201cGrowth (as they define it)-at-whatever-price\u201d is the demon that drives them….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Hagar\u2014the Bondwoman Who Was Cast Out<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

God first promised in Genesis 12:1\u20133 that He would make a great nation of Abram. Abram\u2019s wife Sarai (also his half-sister, 20:12) was a beautiful woman (an attribute that at times brought him worry as well as joy\u201412:10\u201320; 20:1\u201318), but she was barren….<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Has the New Testament Church Been Restored<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

It has become popular among numerous religious elitists to guffaw at the very suggestion that the original church has been restored to its pristine state in modern times.\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Higher Christian Education\u2014<\/a><\/span>What Should you Expext your Child to be Taught?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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When the Scriptural doctrine of fellowship is surrendered, everything has been surrendered. \u2026\u201cUnless the schools operated by our brethren stay true to the Book there is no reason for their existence\u201d…<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Higher Secular Education\u2014What Should You Expect Your Child to be Taught?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The general election of November 2008 was historic: The first black president of the United States was elected. However, his convictions far outweigh his race in making this election historically significant.<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

How We Got Where We Are\u2014A Half Century of Church History<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The Lord\u2019s church today is not the same body it was fifty years ago. My grandfather (an elder for forty years in central Texas) or even my father (whose more than thirty years of preaching ended in 1966) would not believe their eyes and ears were they to be \u201cbeamed down\u201d into some present-day assemblies that still masquerade under the designation, Church of Christ….<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Instrumental Music\u2014Aid or Addition?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The fuller reading of the title of this manuscript would be, \u201cIs Instrumental Music an Aid or an Addition to the Singing prescribed by the New Testament in Christian Worship?\u201d By this I mean, does it somehow assist the singing itself or the singers in the worshiping of God and His Son?<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Introduction to 2 Corinthians<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

As this study of Paul\u2019s second epistle to the Corinthian church is introduced, \u00a0it is highly appropriate to notice several historical, social, and doctrinal factors which had a definite bearing on it.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Introduction to the Song of Solomon<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The S<\/span>ong of Solomon is a book of never-ending curiosity, comment, and controversy…Barnes\u2019 Notes comments: \u201cIt may be said to be the enigma of the Old Testament, as the Apocalypse is of the New.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Is Restoration Desirable or Possible?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Illusions of Innocence<\/span> is the title of a book written by Richard T. Hughes and C. Leonard Allen, which I critically review in this MS. The book title implies both their thesis and their conclusion: Restoration is a mere illusion, and only the innocent (read \u201dna\u00efve\u201d) attempt it or believe they can accomplish it\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Is the Doctrine of Premillennialism A Fatal Error?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

This is a particularly timely and relevant matter, because the Doctrine has become extremely prevalent throughout the protestant denominational world in recent years. No longer is it confined to what we might call \u201cfringe\u201d holiness groups. Premillennialism can now be found in virtually all \u201cmainline\u201d denominations as well….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Is This What They Mean by Balance?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The Forest Hill congregation (FH) in Memphis, Tennessee, oversees and is the home of Memphis School of Preaching (MSOP), both of which have for years commanded my utmost respect, support, and commendation. Brother Barry Grider is the FH preacher and is also on the faculty of MSOP….On February 10, 2009, brother Grider published an article in The Forest Hill News titled, \u201cI Got Used to It\u201d \u00a0It is evident from his article that he has \u201cgot used to\u201d some things that he at one time had not \u201cgot used to\u201d and that he did not learn to \u201cget used to\u201d from either the New Testament or from his instructors at MSOP several years ago….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Israel’s Doom Declared<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

It is not unreasonable to characterize the book of Isaiah as one of the most significant prophetic works in the Word of God. Its Messianic thrust and its prominence within God\u2019s overall scheme of redemption may be fairly described as unexcelled or even unequalled.<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Israel’s Earliest Wilderness Experiences<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The faithlessness and fickleness that would characterize the Hebrews through their 40 years of wandering is herein revealed, and that quite early. Indeed, it was because of their early demonstrations of unbelief that God sentenced them to wander and die in the wilderness without gaining the land of promise, except for Joshua and Caleb. Some important lessons await us in this period of Hebrew history….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Jerusalem From Three Perspectives \u2014Isaiah 2, 3, and 4<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

In Isaiah 1 the prophet unleashed numerous denunciations of God\u2019s people that spanned the reigns of Uzziah through Hezekiah.\u2026\u00a0In chapters 2\u20134 Isaiah described Jerusalem from three perspectives. He first presents the perfected Jerusalem in its final, spiritual state (2:1\u20134), followed by a description of the polluted city he saw all about him as he wrote (2:5\u20134:1), and finally, he set forth the purified city ….<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Jesus Describes the Christian Life<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

My purpose has been to choose some areas of the Lord\u2019s life and teaching that I believe are representative of His aim and direction for Himself and for His followers. If\u00a0we follow Him in the service He rendered, the things that He hated, and the concern He had for the lost, we will never be far away from the totality of His example and doctrine.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Jesus’ Mission Is My Mission<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

There is no more basic place to begin a study of New Testament evangelism and our responsibility toward it than to understand the purpose of Jesus’ first coming. To try to evangelize without this understanding, whatever our success might be, we will fall far short of what it could be if we knew why Jesus really came.<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Jesus Teaches in Parables\u2014Matthew 13:1\u201358<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

While parabolic teaching certainly did not originate with Christ, it cannot be denied that He elevated this figure of speech to unprecedented heights of beauty and potency.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Joseph’s Brothers\u2014a Brief History<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The title of this manuscript implies Joseph’s ascendency, his importance, his place of leadership, and his moral superiority among all of the sons of Jacob. Otherwise, the subject of this study might be “A History of Reuben’s Brothers” or “A History of Dan’s Brothers.” Nevertheless, the brothers of Joseph have their own important niche in the providential plan of God and their history is certainly worthy of our study.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Joshua\u2014Who Did As the Lord Bade Him<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The careful adherence to the Word of God seen in Joshua was both expected and accepted by God. The entire Bible record is one long illustration of the truth that God expects and accepts no more, but no less of all men in every age. This beautiful trait Joshua so fully exemplifies has numerous important implications.<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Joshua, Conqueror of Canaan<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The only reason Joshua was not the greatest man of his time is because he was contemporary with Moses. None would question that he and Moses were the two principal characters of their era. We know little of Joshua\u2019s ancestry\u2026. However, great men and women are not so merely because of their parentage, kindred, or associates or because they are pronounced great. True greatness is earned and its characteristics are definable and recognizable.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Joshua’s Victories of Faith\u2014Joshua 11-1-23<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The first ten chapters of Joshua give the history of Israel’s crossing of the Jordan, their campaigns against the cities of Jericho and Ai, and the conquest of the Southern area of Canaan.\u2026 The stage is thus set for the beginning of the mightiest military challenge Israel had thus far faced\u2026\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Josiah, the Royal Restorer<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Josiah\u2019s r<\/span>eign is recorded in 2 Kings 22\u201324 and 2 Chronicles 34\u201335. He was the sixteenth king of Judah after the division of the united Kingdom of Israel in the tenth century B.C. He is one of the most remarkable kings of Judah from several perspectives\u2026.<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Lessons From Micaiah, the Unheralded Prophet<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The Scri<\/span>ptural record of Micaiah is brief. All that we know about him is found in 1 Kings 22:8\u201328 and the parallel account (almost a word-for-word repetition) in 2 Chronicles 18:7\u201327. While we know less about him than about most other prophets, what we know of him is worthy of our careful study and close emulation.\u2026<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

“Liberalism” and “Anti-ism”\u2014Two Erroneous Extremes<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

History reveals that men are susceptible to extremes in almost every arena of thought and behavior. This is no more clearly demonstrable than in the field of religion\u2026.\u00a0The Lord\u2019s church has been plagued by extremes from time to time. Every extreme position from the day of the apostles to the present revolves around the two opposite extremes generally designated \u201cliberalism\u201d and \u201canti-ism.\u201d\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Living the Life of Dogs<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

When compared to the Corinthian epistles or to the respective letters to the Galatians, Timothy, or Titus, the letter to the Philippians is written in mild terms. The reason for this is not hard to discover. There were severe, catastrophic problems threatening the very existence of the churches involved in the aforementioned letters….<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Losing All Things to Gain Christ\u2014Philippians 3:1\u201311<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

One o<\/span>f the powerful evidences of the inspiration of the words of the Bible is their timelessness\u2014they are ever applicable and never obsolete. We will find this to be the case with the material in this section of the Philippian letter.<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

“Lost Books” of the Bible<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

A widely<\/span> advertised book titled, “Lost Books of the Bible,”\u00a0is on the market. \u2026What shall we say of these claims? \u2026Were these (and other such documents omitted from the New Testament) actually written by such men as Paul, Peter, Nicodemus, Pontius Pilate, and even the Lord Himself? \u2026Why were these books not included in the Bible?\u2026<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Love \u2014a Fruit of the Spirit<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Undisc<\/span>erning and unscrupulous men have \u201cwordnapped,\u201d redefined, misused, and abused several rich and beautiful Biblical words. Among them are grace, faith, miracle, elect, and predestined. Love, which Paul names a \u201cfruit of the Spirit,\u201d is another of these words (Gal. 5:22).\u2026<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Matthew 15\u2014a Commentary<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The events described in the beginning of Matthew 15 took place in Galilee, where Jesus was attracting throngs of people by His mighty words and deeds. News of His miracles had spread \u201cfrom Dan to Beersheba\u201d (and even further), reaching the ears of jealous officials in Jerusalem who sought Him out in order to discredit him before the people, if possible.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Morals in an Immoral Age<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

It is no se<\/span>cret to those of us who have lived a few decades that our nation has suffered a catastrophic decline in moral principle and behavior over this span. Those who are 20 or fewer years old are incapable of fully recognizing this decay, because its onslaught was well underway when they discovered America\u2014they have known little different.\u2026<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Moses, the Great Man of God<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

We should not wonder,… that even confirmed ignoramuses in all things Biblical are quite likely to know the nam<\/span>e of Moses and perhaps a fact or two about his life. He is just that much of a historical giant, not only in Biblical history, but also in all<\/strong> history.\u2026<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Not Forsaking the Assembly<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

There is surely more to being a faithful child of God than regular Bible class and worship attendance, but can one be faithful to God while forsaking these and other such assemblies? Let us ask the pivotal question on this subject: \u201cIs attendance of the church\u2019s assemblies … necessary?\u201d….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

One Congregation May Withdraw From Another Congregation<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

When a church so compromises the truth that it is no longer recognizable as a Church of Christ, how can faithful sister congregations fail to mark it and refuse to withdraw fellowship from it and still be faithful to God?<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Overcoming Temptation<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

In the drama of life, temptation is a real and ever-present factor for the Christian. Perhaps even those persons who have no conscience are sometimes tempted, if only to do something honorable and decent occasionally!\u2026<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Paul’s Public Rebuke of Cephas<\/a>\u2014Galatians 2:11-21<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In order to bridge the thought gap between the claims of his apostolic authority and the subject of the perverted “gospel” into which they were rapidly moving, Paul next described his confrontation with the apostle Cephas\/Peter. This confrontation serves well to show that he was not inferior even to the best-known and perhaps, at the time, most influential apostle.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Premillennialism and Crossroadsism\u2013A Refutation From Acts 1-11<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Our need to study repeatedly this and other doctrinal themes and errors lies in the fact that brethren go through \u201cknowledge cycles.\u201d Faithful brethren may beat down false systems and\/or practices for a while, as has done more than once among the Lord\u2019s people. Then someone like Robert Shank will come along and write a book on it and revive it\u2026.<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Premillennialism and the Second Coming of Christ<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The Second Coming of Christ is one of the most persistent themes of the New Testament, with sc<\/span>arcely a book thereof omitting it.\u2026 the vast majority of professed believers in God, His Son, and the Bible have been ensnared by wild speculations about the \u201cwhat,\u201d \u201cwhen,\u201d \u201cwhy,\u201d and even the \u201cwhere\u201d of Christ\u2019s return. These theories are part of the system of theology generally called \u201cPremillennialism.\u201d\u2026<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Principles for Making Moral Decisions<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

When we speak of \u201cmorals,\u201d \u201cmorality,\u201d \u201cmores,\u201d and that which is \u201cmoral,\u201d what do we mean? This family of English words is the transliteration of a Latin term, moralis, meaning \u201ccustom.\u201d In modern usage, the adjective, moral(e.g., moral behavior, moral values, moral issues, moral decision-making), refers to right or wrong, good or evil character and behavior….<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

“Prophesy Ye Not\u2026”<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The first verse of Micah\u2019s book is ripe with several important details. The name Micah means \u201cwho is like Jehovah?\u201d and is an abbreviated form of Michaiah, the name of the fearless prophet of Israel, who withstood wicked Ahab and his four hundred hired prophets two centuries earlier (1 Kin. 22:8).<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Proud of Two Distinctives<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The video opened with a guitarist moving away from the lectern and removing the floor mike he had been using for his performance. He and a fellow-guitarist moved about, stowing their instruments on their stands. The drummer arose from her drum set, and a couple of singers moved from their places; all the musicians exited the stage..These events did not occur at a political rally or at a rock concert. They occurred during a Sunday morning assembly of the Fourth Avenue Church of Christ in Franklin, Tennessee.<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Realized Eschatology and Exposition of Acts 2:29-36<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Some may be curious about why an exposition of a portion of the Pentecost sermon belongs to a study, the purpose of which is to refute and expose the theological creed known as \u201cRealized Eschatology.\u201d \u2026<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Realized Eschatology and Exposition of Daniel 12<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

I caution the reader not to consider \u201cRealized Eschatology\u201d as merely a \u201cdoctrine.\u201d\u2026It is a system of theology every bit as much as dispensational premillennialism and Calvinism are. Just as the 1,000-year passages in Revelation 20\u00a0constitute the \u201ctail\u201d that wags the entire premillennial \u201cdog,\u201d so the AD 70 destruction of Jerusalem wags the whole \u201cKingism\u201d dog\u2026..<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Recognizing and Interpreting Synecdoches<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

We emp<\/span>loy this figure in everyday speech without even realizing it. When you are lifting a heavy box and say to someone, \u201cGive me a hand,\u201d you are not asking for applause, a handshake, or for him to cut off his hand and present it to you as a gift. By synecdochism you are asking for the involvement of his entire body in helping you.\u2026<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Reevaluation\/Reaffirmation of Elders<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

This writer\u2019s first exposure to the practice of appointing elders by a \u201creaffirmation\u201d process in a church of Christ was in about 1987 when the Richland Hills Church of Christ in Fort Worth, Texas, announced in its bulletin that it follows such a process for both its elders and deacons. Due to its history of leadership in all things liberal for many years, this was not at all surprising.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Reflections on the Restoration Summit<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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There has been a growing chasm, in our beloved brotherhood over the past 20 years between those who have adopted a pragmatic and non-authoritarian approach to their doctrine and practice and those who are \u201cset for the defense of the gospel\u201d (Phi. 1:16, ASV).<\/span><\/em><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Resist Satan in the Faith<\/a>\u20141 Peter 5:5\u201314<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

What were they to do concerning their foe? They were to resist his attacks by the only means at their disposal\u2014by being stedfast in the faith. They were not to compromise when they faced fiery trials, even death. Satan could not ultimately devour them by harming or even killing them physically.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Respecting the Silence of Scripture<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

A vast portion of what was once the church of our Lord has fallen victim in the past half-century to the spiritual enslavement of liberalism, resulting in countless innovations. We can lay much of the blame for the apostasy at the feet of a two-fold ignorance….<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Reviewing the Jehovah’s Witness Cult<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

It is\u2026amazing that a doctrinal system that is built upon multiplied Scriptural blunders of major proportions\u2014perhaps unsurpassed by any other cult or sect\u2014could attract so many adherents. Such amazing results are attributable to man’s gullibility, to his ignorance of the Bible, and to the appeal to man’s fleshly lusts of certain Jehovah’s Witness doctrines….<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Romans 16\u2014a Commentary<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Romans 16 is one of the most completely personal sections to come from the pen of Paul or from that of any inspired writer. Of its twenty-seven verses eighteen of them relate to per\u00adsonal commendations\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Satan’s Work to Destroy the One Church\u2014 Its Unity and Undenominational Character <\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0From his earliest knowledge that God planned the church, Satan has despised the very concept of it and everything pertaining to it. His first plan of attack was to do all that he could to prevent its establishment.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Scriptural Unity, or Shameful Union<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Apostate brethr<\/span>en have definitely undertaken a renewed and intensified \u201cunity\u201d initiative with the Independent Christian Church (ICC). This effort has been growing and gaining momentum in the years immediately leading up to 2006, the centennial year of the separation of the Christian Church from the Lord\u2019s church.<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Shall We Participate in “Promise Keepers”?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

What shall we say about Promise Keepers? Is this an organization the Lord\u2019s people should participate in and promote or is it another interdenominational ecumenical fad with which we can have no fellowship? In order to answer this question we will briefly study the origin and aim\u2026.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Shall We Worship in Truth or by Tradition?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth\u201d (John 4:23\u201324).1 These words from our Lord to the woman at Jacob\u2019s well set before us the significance of the entire subject of worship and particularly of the subject of this chapter.<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Soldiers of Christ and Their Warfare\u2014Ephesians 6:10\u201313<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Ephesians is one of four letters Paul wrote from Rome in about 62 A.D. while he was appealing his case to Caesar. In describing this period of incarceration, Luke reported that \u201cPaul was suffered to abide by himself with the soldier that guarded him\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Some Commonly Misapplied Scriptures<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The goal of honest and earnest Bible students is to ascertain what the Scriptures\u00a0actually\u00a0<\/strong>teach. It must always be our desire to make sure that we are not drawn too quickly to what a passage\u00a0seems\u00a0<\/strong>to say before we are certain that it does\u00a0in fact\u00a0<\/strong>say what it\u00a0sounds\u00a0<\/strong>like it says.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Statement from Brother Dave Miller and My Response<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

On September 23, 2005, brother Dave Miller issued a statement in response to the accusations of numerous brethren that he has taught and practiced the unauthorized elder reevaluation\/reaffirmation procedure and that he has advocated an erroneous position regarding marriage, divorce, and remarriage.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Surprising Things About the Church of Christ<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

People who are not familiar with the church of Christ frequently express surprise upon learning of some point of doctrine or some practice that is peculiar to it. When we produce the Scriptural evidence to which a given doctrine or practice conforms and which the Word of God demands, we often hear expressions such as, “I never heard that before,’ or “I didn’t know that was in the Bible.” <\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

“Take Heed to the Ministry\u2026”<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Paul wrote the exhortation contained in the title above to Archippus, a member of the Colossian Congregation. Ministry is from a cognate of the Greek word from which translators gave us deacon. It simply means a servant or minister, which term the New Testament never without qualification applies specifically to preachers.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Bible Is the Inspired Word of God<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

No subject, however, is more significant and far-reaching than the subject of the inspiration of the Bible. Rejection of the Bible\u2019s inspiration <\/b>equals rejection of the Bible itself because it claims to be peculiarly and uniquely revealed, inspired, and delivered to men by God. It further follows that rejection of the Bible is tantamount to rejection of God and His Son, even as it is also a rejection of the one true religion….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Book of Micah\u2014a Brief Commentary<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

It demonstrates the inspiration of its author by its otherwise totally inexplicable detailed prophecies of\u2026both Israel and Judah\u2026. It is even more remarkable in its detailed prophecies of the establishment of the church and of the birthplace of the Only Begotten Son of God.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Challenge of Discipleship<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Few English nouns appear with greater frequency in the New Testament than the word disciple (269 times in the ASV).\u2026This term is used frequently \u2026 to describe the men and women who,\u2026 were attracted to the Lord by His teaching and His miraculous activity.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Christ Addresses the Seven Churches\u2014Revelation 1:1\u201320<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Perhaps the most important chapter of the Revelation for the reader to understand is the first chapter. It gives us many things that are helpful\u2014and some I deem necessary\u2014to approach the remainder of the book intelligently.\u00a0It identifies its human author,\u200b\u00a0where he was when he wrote it, and why he was in that location\u2026.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Christian and Persecution<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The persecution of the righteous began in the shadow of the Garden of Eden as righteous Abel was slain by his jealous brother Cain because Abel\u2019s \u201cworks were righteous\u201d \u2026The prophets of God were treated in especially brutal and shameful ways as they fulfilled their God-given tasks. \u2026<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Church and Moral Problems<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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The devil has many ways of trying to contaminate, destroy, and corrupt the church of the Lord. He tries to do it through false doctrine, of course. He tries to do it through apathy and indifference. He tries to do it in many ways, but surely, immorality is one of the principal ways.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

The Church in Jerusalem<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The establishment of the church in Jerusalem was the culminative step in God\u2019s plan for the redemption of mankind. For this reason Acts 2, because of the events it records, stands out as a pivotal, if not the <\/strong>pivotal chapter of the Bible. It is interesting to note that in a certain sense two churches were established on Pentecost in Jerusalem.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Church’s Unity and Undenominational Character<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

… If the walls of Zion are breached at either of these gates, the cause will be lost utterly, for then the church will no longer have a Scriptural identity. It will simply be absorbed into the kingdom of darkness with all the rest of counterfeit Christendom. God forbid!…<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Destructive Consequences of Pentecostalism<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

A new surge of belief in modern-day miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit began in the 1960s. It has been labeled \u201cNeo-Pentecostalism.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Difference Between the Lord’s Church and the Religions of Men<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Depending upon which Internet source one consults, he will find various figures for the number of distinct denominations in existence (e.g., 34,000, 38,000, 40,000)\u2026.\u00a0We must therefore deal with some broad principles that demonstrate this distinction\u2026.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Divine Nature and Fellowship<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The material found in 2 Peter 1:1\u201311 is significant in helping the Christian understand his relationship both to God and to his fellow man. Verse 4 expresses the consummation of all of God’s efforts for and among men\u2014that men might become partakers of His nature. Here is man at his zenith: not living on the animal level or merely on the civilized human level, but on the Divine level. Such an incomparable consideration is fraught with unparalleled implications….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Dual Requirements of Faith and Works<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

These verses on the interrelationship of faith and works at once comprise one of the best-known and most controversial sections of the epistle of James. The very way in which James approached this subject implies that it was also one of considerable controversy in the first century. Protestant denominationalism has largely ignored this section of Scripture because it is one of supreme embarrassment to it….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Ethic of Honesty<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The modern version of\u00a0<\/em>honesty\u00a0is a pragmatic one: “I’ll use whatever means necessary to make my fortune and serve my own ends\u2026<\/em><\/span>What a sad commentary all of this is on the shattered and crumbling moral fabric of civilized man\u2026<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The First Messianic Prophecy\u2014Genesis 3:1\u201324<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

No one can successfully deny that all but the briefest beginning of the history of humanity is one long tale of wickedness and woe, suffering and sin. The Bible is a book about sin and a Savior. But exactly when did this miserable condition begin, and how did this sad state of affairs come to be, from which mankind needed salvation?…<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Foreknowledge of God<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The only appropriate attitude with which to approach a study of any facet of the Godhead is unmitigated humility.\u2026\u00a0The foreknowledge of God is one of those facets of His attributes that has ever intrigued men who recognize their own limited capacities. The Bible undeniably and frequently affirms, argues, and illustrates the fact that God possesses this marvelous trait.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Gospel of Christ Is Unchanged and Unchanging<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Since liberal brethren continue to cry for change, it is obvious that they are lusting for change in matters that run be\u00adyond things that are merely optional.\u00a0All that is left for the change agents to tamper with is obligatory elements of the Gospel. Surely, none of our brethren would advocate changes in these. Oh, but they would\u2014and they are<\/strong> advocating these very changes! …<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Holy Spirit, Sanctification, and Sinless Perfection<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Instantaneous, entire sanctification resulting in sinless perfection, accomplished by Holy Spirit baptism, is based on the doctrine of total hereditary depravity and is therefore itself totally false. It is an “unfruitful work of darkness” with which the Lord\u2019s saints can have no fellowship, but which we must rather reprove and expose<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The I Am<\/em> Claims of Jesus in John’s Gospel Account<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The subject of this manuscript involves Jesus\u2019 employment of strong and vivid metaphors. John recorded seven metaphorical statements of the Lord in which He conveyed not only His Deity, but also His all-sufficiency to supply the direst needs of humanity. In each of these He declared, \u201cI am the\u2026\u201d and then named an entity to convey some facet of His nature, function, or ability.\u2026<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Intertestamental Period<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

From the ending of Old Testament history and prophecy to the opening words of Matthew\u2019s Gospel account in the New Testament spans about four centuries. Historians have described\u2026as \u201cthe four hundred silent years,\u201d \u201cthe period of silence,\u201d \u201cthe interval between the Old and New Testaments,\u201d \u201cinterbiblical history,\u201d \u201cfrom Malachi to Christ,\u201d and likely others\u2026.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Life That Frees From Anxiety<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Often our lives are like a two-sided coin.\u00a0 The positive side is stamped with emotions like contentment, peace of mind, happiness, and joy. The opposite, negative side contains stress, anxiety, worry, discontent, and incessant restlessness.\u00a0 In the past few decades, the negative, life-sapping leeches have increasingly filled our world and they show no signs of abating.\u2026<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

“The Man or the Plan” Discussion Revisited<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Scriptural accuracy includes \u201cthe Man and <\/b>the plan.\u201d Men who choose one in favor of the other are apostates. Our Lord, by self-imposed limitation, cannot\/does not save apart from His plan….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

“The Man to Whom the Lord Will Not Reckon Sin”<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

No more significant subject can be contemplated and researched, because involved in identifying those \u201cto whom the Lord will not reckon sin\u201d and the means by which this is accomplished is the key to both initial and continued forgiveness of the guilt of sin and eventual salvation from its eternal consequences….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Multiplying Ministries Movement<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The seriousness of cultism has long been demonstrated in such groups as Jehovahs Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists, and Mormons.\u00a0The most prominent and destructive cult related to the Lord\u2019<\/span>s church in recent years has been the Crossroads Church cult and its offspring, the Boston Church cult.<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Necessity of Truth in Doctrine<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

No epistle in the New Testament begins more abruptly than the Galatian letter. No epistle is more frankly and plain-spokenly launched on its major course than the Galatian letter. No brethren in the first century are more directly and boldly reproved and called to account for their apostate direction than those of Galatia through this letter.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The “New Heavens and a New Earth” of Isaiah 65-17<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Jehovah promised through Isaiah, near the close of his great book, the following: \u201cFor, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The “New Hermeneutics”<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Hermeneutics is a word created from the name of Hermes, a god of Greek mythology, who served as interpreter for the other gods, especially Jupiter. Thus, hermeneutics refers to the science of interpretation. Biblical hermeneutics are of ultimate importance….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The “One Faith” of Ephesians 4:5<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

If it is correct that this list of seven items is the expression of God\u2019s terms of unity among His people, then it is immediately apparent that each of these terms must be carefully defined. If we do not understand the meaning of God\u2019s conditions upon which unity must be built, we will err in the matter of those with whom we are to be united and to whom we should extend fellowship.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Principle of Restoration in the Battle for Truth<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Rather than resulting in the restoration of anything spiritual or Scriptural, the attitude of disbelieving and despising the Truth will only restore and\/or\u00a0maintain the doctrines, morals and religions invented by Satan, by which he will damn the souls of men.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Providence of God as Seen in the Lives of Elijah and Ahab<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Divine Providence refers to the foresight of God by which He determines the needs of men and supplies the same for the accomplishment of His Divine Will. God’s Providence benefits all men generally (Mat. 5:45). However, He exercises a more specific Providence toward His own faithful people (Deu. 4:40; 5:33; Mat. 6:33; 28:20).\u2026<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Qualifications and Roles of Deacons and What About Deaconesses?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Our word deacon is simply a transliteration of the Greek term diakonos, one of several such cases in the English New Testament …\u00a0Please notice that a deacon is not one who merely serves for the pay…. Nor is he a slave who is working because of compulsion or because he has no choice. A deacon is a willing servant\u2014one who does freely what he is assigned to do….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Qualifications of Deacons and Behavior in the Church\u20141 Timothy 3:8\u201316<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

… the Scriptural concept of a deacon goes far beyond a mere honorary title. Deacons are servants in the kingdom. Theirs is a place of \u201chonor\u201d only to the degree that they \u201cserve well.” Faithful deacons are men to whom every member of the church owes much….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Responsibility of Elders and Deacons to Keep the Unity of the Spirit<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

More than any other group of men, whether considered on a congregational basis or in the church as a whole, elders are in a position to promote and preserve the pure faith and the unity and peace among brethren, both on the local level and throughout the church as a whole.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Scope of the Covenants\u2014Is Christ’s New Covenant Only for Christians?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

In the early 1950s W. Carl Ketcherside and Leroy Garrett were disturbing churches with their hobby that drew a distinction between gospel and doctrine. They alleged that only the \u201cgospel\u201d of the New Testament as they defined it (i.e., the plan of salvation) applied to alien sinners, and that the \u201cdoctrine\u201d of the New Testament as they defined it (i.e., all of the remainder of the New Testament) applied only to Christians….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

“The Testing of Our Faith”<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Life is a testing ground, a time of probation. The tests, trials, and challenges come in many forms and from many sources. Some are easily recognized because they are so painful. Others may be difficult to recognize because they are not only painless, but they offer reward and\/or produce pleasure.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The “Twin” Parables\u2014The Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The Dickson New Analytical Bible lists thirty-one parables spoken by our Lord. Since I deny that the account of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19\u201331) is a parable, my list contains only thirty. The frequency with which Jesus employed this story-form to teach a wide spectrum of lessons signals to us that this method was one of His favorite vehicles of instruction.\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Those Who are Wise<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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With good reason Bible scholars classify the books of Job through Song of Solomon as \u201cWisdom Literature.\u201d This is especially true of the book of Proverbs. The words wise, wisely, and wisdom are concentrated a total of 118 times in the American Standard Version of this not very large book.\u00a0Wisdom\u2014what it means to be wise and to act wisely\u2014is the pronounced emphasis and theme of Proverbs….<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

To Remain Faithful to Christ, A Christian Must Keep Informed About Church History, Current Events in the Church Universal and World Events Impacting the Church<\/a><\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

One must be either a spiritual babe and\/or grossly misguided to believe that knowledge of these areas of information [i.e., church history, current events in the church, and world events impacting the church] is unimportant to one\u2019s faithfulness to the Christ. Undeniably, a major factor in the extensive apostasy the church has suffered over the past six decades has been that so many brethren have failed to inform themselves in one or more of these areas\u2026.\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Two Classic Arguments for the Existence of God<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Without question, empirical evidence is helpful when establishing any thesis or proposition. However, there are other ways of demonstrating proof of a matter. We will examine only two: The cosmological<\/strong> and teleological<\/strong> arguments. Of the several arguments Christians have at their disposal, these are adequate to prove the existence of God to those who will consider them without irrational bias….<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Unity in (Spite of) Diversity<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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As beautiful and desirable as unity is, it is not the \u201cbe all and end all\u201d in religion. Jesus did not say, \u201cYe shall know unity, and unity shall make you free,\u201d but \u201cYe shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free\u201d (John 8:32).<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Visions of Judgment upon Jerusalem\u2014Ezekiel 8\u201311<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Generally, it can be stated that Ezekiel\u2019s message centered around the fall of Jerusalem. The book of 48 chapters evenly divides itself into prophecies delivered prior to 586 B.C. (1\u201324) and prophecies delivered subsequent to Jerusalem\u2019s destruction ….There\u00a0are many things in the book of Ezekiel that expositors have puzzled over through the centuries and will continue to wonder about. At least some of the scenes and descriptions in the visions of chapters 8\u201311 are no exception….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

We Will Promote Regular Bible Class and Worship Attendance<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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There is surely more to being a faithful child of God than regular Bible class and worship attendance, but can one be faithful to God while forsaking these and other such assemblies? Let us ask the pivotal question on this subject: \u201cIs attendance of the church\u2019s assemblies (including Bible classes, Gospel meetings, and other such assemblies) necessary?\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

What Is Appropriate in Preaching<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

To ask what is appropriate in preaching is to imply that some behaviors and messages are appropriate, while others may be inappropriate. Our task is to discover and emphasize what Gospel preaching involves….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What Is Heaven Worth to Us?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

God was willing to send His only Son to earth, to live in poverty, suffer persecution and humiliation, and then bear the sins of all mankind for all time in a horrible death on a Roman cross. Jesus was willing to give up His glory with the Father in Heaven, come to earth to be born as a human being, live a life of poverty and deprivation, suffer persecution, and then endure the shameful treatment He received at the hands of the Romans at the instigation of the Jews….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What Is “the Gift of the Holy Spirit”?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Good, able, scholarly, sincere brethren through the years have held\u2014and many presently hold\u2014that the Holy Spirit \u201cdwells\u201d in the Christian only figuratively; that is, He does not actually and personally dwell in us, but only \u201crepresentatively.\u201d Most who thus believe hold that He indwells us only through the agency of His Word.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What Is the Restoration Principle, and Is It Scriptural?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Our title is composed of two questions. The first of these seeks definition of the \u201crestoration principle.\u201d Permit me to illustrate this definition by means of an automobile \u201callegory.\u201d Automobiles have intrigued me since childhood. I learned to drive in a 1938 Ford pickup (it rolled off the assembly line the same year I discovered America).\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What Jesus Says About Hell<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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It is historically demonstrable that outright denial of Hell to any great degree, or its companion, loss of belief in Hell, are phenomena of relatively recent times. How has this come about?<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

What Jesus Said About His Second Coming<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The Second Coming of Christ is one of the most regularly appearing themes of the New Testament, beginning with the statements of Jesus Himself. One will do well to remember that the teaching of the inspired writers of the New Testament on this subject (as on all others) is as much the \u201cdoctrine of Christ\u201d as is His personal teach<\/span>ing\u2026.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What Kind of Assembly?\u20141 Corinthians 14:26-40<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Is it Scriptural for a woman to translate a Gospel message delivered by a man from one language to another for a mixed assembly of men and women? In about 1995, brethren began earnestly discussing this question in lectureships, papers, and debate.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

When Does God Grant Forgiveness and Salvation?<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

…an email exchange resulted from a lengthy message written in the \u201cGuestbook\u201d section of our Website, scripturecache.com. All bracketed comments are my notes, supplied in an effort to clarify Mr. Clark\u2019s wordings and omissions in various places….<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

“Woe Is Unto Me if I Preach Not the Gospel”<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The term <\/span><\/em>woe\u00a0<\/span>is found numerous times in both Testaments. It is a favorite expression of the prophets to announce God’s judgment upon nations, cities, or individuals. Our Lord frequently used it in crying out against the sinners and errorists among the Jews. (He used it seven times against the scribes and Pharisees in Mat. 23 alone [KJV].)\u2026<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Copyright 2006\u20132026.\u00a0All of our materials are free.<\/span>\u00a0You may download and distribute them , as long as you do so\u00a0free of charge<\/span>\u2014and with appropriate<\/span><\/span>\u00a0attribution as to author and source.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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