LET THE BIBLE SPEAK.

Making All Things According To The Pattern By Warren E. Berkley Many features of the Old Testament system (law of Moses) were put in place by God, to picture what would eventually become reality through the work of Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. For instance, various details in the Jewish tabernacle served to foreshadow the good things God would eventually confer upon believers. The good things to come were pictured by various elements of the Mosaic system. The law, therefore was a shadow of the good things to come, (see Heb. 9:11 & 10:1).  This is one reason why, when Moses supervised the building of that tabernacle, it was crucial for him to make all things according to the pattern which came from the perfect mind of God. Even the detailed furnishings had to be made exactly like the pattern the Lord had shown Moses, (Num. 8:4). Various features of the old Jewish system were designed by God to foreshadow gospel blessings; these institutions served as the copies or sha...

THE CHURCH AT WORK Gary McDade         Now here is a subject that makes uncomfortable those of the salvation by grace alone crowd who march under the banner “salvation without one whit of human activity.” When they have identified themselves with a local congregation, and especially if they serve as preachers, they meet the practical challenge of their doctrine and that is “what does the church do?” They want to write in brotherhood papers and books and speak in meetings and lectureships about salvation by grace alone, but they cannot get their false views to pass the twin tests of “is it Scriptural?” and “is it practical?” The embarrassment with which they write in the local church bulletin when they address such practical issues as attendance at worship and contributing into the church treasury is evident.         A careful study of the New Testament reveals the Chu...

THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST John Grubb People are interested in the second coming of Christ!  Every few years someone sets the date for the Lord’s return.  In fact, one of the most popular religious subjects in the past twenty-five years has been the teaching that Jesus is coming back to the earth to set up His kingdom and rule on earth for one thousand years.  This doctrine is called “premillennialism.”  A large number of preachers teach this doctrine.  Can it be proved from the Bible, or, is it the doctrine of men? What Is Premillennialism? This doctrine says that when Jesus came to the earth the first time, He intended to set up His kingdom.  Since the Jews rejected Him, Jesus set up a temporary institution, the church, instead.  The New Testament  refutes this claim of premillennialism.  The church is not a temporary institution, but is a part of the eternal purpose of God (Ephesians 3:10, 11). Premillennialism clai...

God Said "Sing" By Warren E. Berkley When people visit our assembly and express their curiosity about our vocal music, I reply with this simple expression of our conviction: God said "sing." I make it clear that the absence of the man-made instruments is not a matter of economics (cannot afford one) or preference (we just like to sing). It goes much deeper than any "church of Christ" or "restoration" heritage or tradition. It has to do with faith and our desire to follow God's instructions. We are convinced He said "sing." When a man offers a gift to his wife, the considerate thing to do is to offer a gift that will please her. She is the recipient of the gift. I may want a rifle, a new computer or a truck. But if I'm going to give something to her that she will appreciate, I will select something I believe will please her not me. I will take into consideration all I know of her, in particular, what she has said she likes and...

God Said "Sing" By Warren E. Berkley When people visit our assembly and express their curiosity about our vocal music, I reply with this simple expression of our conviction: God said "sing." I make it clear that the absence of the man-made instruments is not a matter of economics (cannot afford one) or preference (we just like to sing). It goes much deeper than any "church of Christ" or "restoration" heritage or tradition. It has to do with faith and our desire to follow God's instructions. We are convinced He said "sing." When a man offers a gift to his wife, the considerate thing to do is to offer a gift that will please her. She is the recipient of the gift. I may want a rifle, a new computer or a truck. But if I'm going to give something to her that she will appreciate, I will select something I believe will please her not me. I will take into consideration all I know of her, in particular, what she has said she likes and...

Obey the Word? Jefferson Sole A common question posed to young men and women is, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Depending on their age, this question is usually used to initiate a conversation about the occupation they envision themselves pursuing in the future. In James 1:19-21, the writer encouraged Christians (“brethren,” 1:19) to listen (1:19) and receive (1:21) the “word of truth” (1:18), but in James 1:19-27 he reminded Christians that listening and receiving is not an end; there is more involved in being a “spiritual grownup.” Almost everyone knows that “to be something” you must “do something,” but not everyone is willing to put forth the effort. It is not uncommon for a young person who aspires to become a doctor to shrivel at the thought of long hours in the library, countless tests and lengthy term papers. In no uncertain terms, they want to be a doctor, but they do not want to put forth th...

Knowing the Real Joy of Good Living! “And these things we write to you that your joy may be full” (1 John 1:4 NKJV). Mark N. Posey Some seem so anxious to avoid hell that they forget to celebrate their journey to heaven  (cf. 2 John 1:4). Therefore, what is the real joy of good living? You know that your sins are forgiven (Romans 8:1). This happens when you commit yourself to Christ in faith, repent, confess Jesus as the Son of God and baptism. David was “a man after God’s own heart,” but he broke 40% of the 10 Commandments on one particular occasion. Yet, the God who forgave David’s sins will forgive your sins, too (Psalm 32:1; cf. 1 John 1:9). God forgives the sins of those that are penitent, baptized believers (Acts 2:38). You know that you have someone to help you along life’s way (Hebrews 2:18). The word “aid” (“succor” KJV) means “to help” or “come to the rescue.” Jesus promised to b...