Reconciliation – Richard D. Melson
The term about which I have been assigned to write is reconciliation. This is a wonderful word in the Scriptures–full of rich meaning and value. The term is used when there is a breach in the relationship between two men as in Matthew 5:24, or a husband and wife as used in 1 Corinthians 7:11, regarding which Wayne Jackson comments: “If one finds it absolutely imperative to become separated from a spouse (where no sexual infidelity has been involved), he…
Propitiation – Joey Davis
Every precious soul enters this world innocent of sin. Sin is the violation of God’s Will by those who are capable of understanding (1 John 3:4). The words of Ezekiel to the king of Tyre ring true, “you were all perfect in our ways from the day we were created, till iniquity was found in you” (Eze. 28:15). Isaiah spoke of a period of innocence, “For before the Child shall know to refuse the evil and choose the good…” (Isa.…
Redemption – Randy Robinson
The late, great Curtis Cates once described redemption as “the center and circumference of the Bible.” Indeed the entire Bible revolves around what we often refer to as the “scheme of redemption.” While the English word, “scheme,” often denotes something nefarious, it is simply synonymous with the word “plan.” When the first man and woman sinned in the Garden of Eden by eating the forbidden fruit, God gave them a glimpse into His plan for redemption (Gen. 3:15). However, subsequent…
Justification
It may be called, perhaps, the “Divine dilemma.” Jehovah is absolute in His holiness and therefore can have nothing to do with sin (Hab. 1:13). Sin, in fact, stands as a barrier between God and man (Isa. 59:1-2). It is a violation of God’s law (1 John 3:4) and, because God is absolute in His justice as well as His holiness, He must punish it (Rom. 3:23). And yet, this is not His desire. He “is not willing that any…
Forgiveness – Michael Light
The more we read and study the Bible the more we should be impressed with it. There are many different teaching methods employed; narratives of the lives of men and women (some presented as examples of correct living; others as ow not to live); direct statements – “thou shalt” and thou shalt not” instructions; parables, poetry and prophetic material. Texts can be studied in a host of ways; the immediate context, remote context and over all biblical context. Even the…
Jesus, Our Way to God
By His death on the cross, Jesus made possible the forgiveness of sins, and consequently, we are no longer the objects of God’s wrath (Rom. 5:9). Yet, as wonderful as being justified by the blood of Jesus may be, we need more than this. We need the kind of close relationship that existed between God and Adam before the fall, but if a close relationship is to exist between God and ourselves, we must understand who God is and feel…
A Healthy Church Opposes Sin
Each February the medical community celebrates national heart health month. It is a time to raise awareness for heart disease and to encourage individuals to exercise, eat well, and do everything they can to promote good cardiac health. Regular health screenings are always a good idea for those who want a healthy heart and body. Spiritually, the same principle applies. Individual and congregational spiritual health should be our priority and it is good, from time to time, to allow God’s…
Our Father Knows Best
To what extent are we willing to trust God? Are we willing to trust His plan for evangelism? As God’s people, we need to be assured of God’s wisdom for church growth because our Father knows best. Our Father knows the best mission, the salvation of souls. No doubt, it is that the highest calling because the soul is our most precious possession. This why Jesus once asked, “What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole…
Arise and Overcome!
Satan’s attacks are relentless–present in every area of our society. Therefore, Christians must constantly engage in a spiritual battle for the hearts and minds of humanity, and the salvation of souls. We must arise and meet the challenges of the day with faith and conviction, knowing that victory belongs to our God. For this reason, the Southwest Eldership decided to create an annual event that would help promote spiritual growth for every member of the body of Christ. The Arise!…
What the Church Needs Today!
As Christians, we understand that the world needs God’s love, and if they are to truly receive God’s love, they must obey His word (Acts 2:38-41; 8:12-14). This being true, what the world needs now is for us to fulfill our sacred responsibility of convincing them of the need to obey God (2 Cor. 5:11), which means we must be willing and ready to share the gospel of Christ. Yet, for that to happen, what does the church need today?…
The Doctrine of Christ – William Woodson
Of interest within its own right, and in view of ongoing discussions of importance among our people, is the determination of what is meant by the statement, “the doctrine of Christ,” as given in 2 John 9. As remarkable as it may seem, there is difficulty and uncertainty in the minds of some as to the meaning of this expression. The following is offered as worthy of consideration in determining its meaning. There is a significant combination of statements about…
Bible-Toting Christians – Kerry Clark
I don’t know if you are familiar with the history of the Pony Express. The Pony Express ran from Saint Joseph, Missouri to San Francisco, California. That is a distance of 1966 miles. The trip was made in around ten days. The fastest trip ever made was seven days and 17 hours and the rider was carrying Lincoln’s Inaugural Address. Forty men were normally used to make the trip. The Express had 500 of the best horses money could buy.…