LET THE BIBLE SPEAK.

What Is Apostasy and How To Recognize its Origin? Benson Omole  A. Apostasy, from the Greek word “apostasia”, means “a total desertion of, or departure from, one’s faith, principles, or party”; in theology, “a total abandonment of the Christian faith” (The Century Dictionary, vol. I, p. 265). It is a turning away from God, a rejection of core doctrine, and a separation from the people of God. The apostles addressed apostasy in the early church, and the battle against apostasy has continued through the years. Today, sadly, in the Church of Christ, some still choose to totally abandon their Christian faith. B. Apostasy often shows up in the Old Testament. Every time Israel fell into idolatry, it was an example of apostasy (see Judges 2:11–13). In the New Testament, onetime followers of Jesus turned their backs on Him (John 6:66). Demas, “because he loved this world,” deserted Paul (2 Timothy 4:10). The Bible often warns against apostasy (e.g., 1 Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 3:12...

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST:  The Establishment of the Church by Bruce Reeves Synopsis. If one is saved at all, he is a member of Christ's church; if he is a faithful member of the church, he is saved. The religious world reflects division, chaos, and confusion (1 Cor. 1:10; 14:33). Today, we observe thousands of denominations teaching different doctrines on critical spiritual questions, yet they are all claiming to follow the one faith. Is this really what Christ wanted? Jesus desires that His people be united on the basis of truth as a proclamation of His grace (John 17:20-21; 2 John 9-11). Sadly, some members of local churches of Christ have a denominational view of the Lord's church, but they think their denomination is the best one. As a result of a diminished view of the authority of the Scriptures, they also have a low view of the church. Yet, the Bible presents a high view of both the Scriptures and the Lord's church! Let us consider Christ's conversation w...

Nigeria Is Sixty-five Years.   Are You Still Grumbling Over Our Country, As Others? Benson Omole. Recounting the wanderings of Israelites in the wilderness, one must be impressed with how fiercely God responded to their murmurings and grumblings. Paul warns Christians to learn a lesson from the wrath that fell on Israelites who grumbled: “…Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer…” (1 Cor. 10:10). Why such strong condemnation? Grumbling denies God’s ability. Pressed against the shore of the Red Sea with the Egyptians closing in, many Israelites grumbled against Moses. Forgetting what they had witnessed of God’s power against Pharaoh, they lost their courage and lashed out at the most convenient target. They began to murmur against Moses, they despised God’s ability! Grumbling may be an attempt to intimidate. In Exodus 16, the Israelites grumbled, pressing Moses to return them to Egypt rather than proceed i...