A dictionary definition for “dirty word” is “a word, expression, or idea that is disagreeable or unpopular in a particular frame of reference” (Merriam-Webster). Usually, dirty words are vulgar, profane or swear words (cussing). So-called dirty words are not appropriate for polite company, or really under any circumstances, anywhere. Apparently, many dirty words share the characteristic also of being four-letter words. We decline to illustrate because some things ought not to be verbalized, audibly or in writing (Ephesians 4:29; 1 Timothy 5:13); it is a “shame” even to speak some things (Ephesians 5:12).     However, do you know about the dirty 10-letter word? That dirty 10-letter word is “conviction.” The word “conviction” is “disagreeable or unpopular in a particular frame of reference”—contemporary society that stands for nothing, except that no one is allowed to stand for anything. Essentially, beyond running amok of the social norm of today, attempts to make laws to outlaw conviction seriously threaten personal liberties and religious expression.     Consider this case in point. Federal law prohibits “discrimination” in housing rentals or purchases based on race, color, sex, family status (having minor children), disability, national origin or religion. Several states (California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin) as well as several cities (Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Miami, New York, Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Seattle) amend Federal law to include restrictions from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation (whether one is homosexual or heterosexual) (“Renter’s Rights”). Landlords are legally

Christians cannot train their eyes (and minds) on sinful pleasures of this world and be all that God wants them to be (Hebrews 11:25). Though, like Moses, aware of the ungodly world in which we live, we must determine that despite living in the world we will not be of the world, as Jesus taught and the apostle John recorded (John 15:19; 17:14-17). By “train” we mean the dictionary definition for the verb “train,” which can mean “5: to aim at an object or objective: direct (trained his camera on the deer) (Merriam Webster’s). Christians cannot train their eyes (and minds) on the sinful pleasures of this world in addition to pursing godliness and be all that God wants them to be; for instance, Jesus Christ his fellow Jews, the children of God under Judaism, that they could not be faithful while harboring lust within themselves (Matthew 5:28).     There are simply too many evil things in this world that especially with which the children of God must have nothing to do. The apostle Paul firmly warned Christians at Ephesus that we can have absolutely no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness (sin) (Ephesians 5:11). When we happen to see some of the wickedness in this world, our souls ought to cry out, “My eyes! My eyes! Oh my eyes!” The Psalmist wrote, “Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way” (Psalm 119:37 NKJV). In a sense, Christians need to resemble the proverbial three monkeys: “Hear no evil! See no

Having accepted the invitation of J.C. & Betty Choate to team up with them in their longstanding efforts of world evangelism, Bonnie & Louis Rushmore are presently raising monthly support & moving expenses (to Winona, MS). 60% raised so far of the estimated $5,000 required to move the Rushmore household to the base of operations in Winona, Mississippi. 27% raised so far of the estimated $4,000 monthly support (including nearly $1,000 monthly for hospitalization that the Rushmores do not have now, as well as $423 monthly for printing equipment & hundreds of dollars more for ministry expenses such as GospelGazette Online). Please help the Rushmores get to the work of saving souls through the extensive ministry of foreign radio, TV, massive literature distribution, schools of Preaching, campaigns, Voice of Truth International, Global Harvest, etc. The Choates began this far-reaching evangelistic thrust 45 years ago and have asked the Rushmores to help perpetuate it. Won’t you help today by supporting the Rushmores with special and monthly support. Contact Louis Rushmore immediately at 888.725.7883 or rushmore@gospelgazette.com.

Genesis 10:5 (KJV) speaks of the isles of the Gentiles. In Gen. 11:9 God scattered the people at Babel. Were all of these still Gentiles? In Gen. 12:2 God tells Abram (Abraham) He will make of him a great nation, but he does not use the word Hebrew or Jew. When did the Jewish nation begin? Wanda Miller     Moses, by divine inspiration, wrote the first five books of the Bible after the establishment of the Jewish nation. When the historical events occurred that appear in the Book of Genesis, there was not yet a distinction between Israelites or Jews and Gentiles (everybody else). However, by the time that Moses wrote the Book of Genesis, there was a distinction between the Israelites or Jews and the Gentiles. Moses spoke accommodatively to his fellow Israelites when he spoke of Gentiles in distinction to himself and his nation.     In addition, the designation of “Jews” was not contemporaneous with the establishment of the Israelite nation, but came along years later. (To complicate things a bit more, sometimes the nation of Israel referred to only ten tribes and not all the tribes, i.e. when for awhile both Saul’s son and David were kings over different tribes and later when the Israelite nation split along the same lines following the death of Solomon.)     Abraham is the father of the Jewish or Israelite nation, as God stated (Joshua 24:3) and first century Jews (and Jewish Christians) avowed (Luke 1:73; 16:24, 30; John 8:53, 56; Acts 7:2; Romans 4:12), but Abraham never

Sir, I read the following statement at this web site: https://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2001/dec/page2.htm “Therefore, Ethiopia was at peace with the Roman Empire when in Acts Eight the treasurer of Ethiopia (either as a Gentile proselyte to Judaism or a Jew whose ancestors sought refuge or business interests in Ethiopia) traveled to Jerusalem for worship. Especially the great contributions of the Grecian and Roman empires to the so-called civilized world (e.g., law and order, highways, universal language, common monetary system, postal service, etc.) permitted introduction of the Gospel in not only Palestine, but in Europe, Asia and Africa. The background lying behind Acts 8:26-28 when brought to light makes the study of that passage more rewarding.” I may have read it wrong, but to me, this statement implies that the Grecian and Roman empires contributed innovations of all types to Africa. This statement is perplexing to me, since in my research, I’m uncovering evidence that people of African nations founded and established Greek and Roman cities, and that it is Greek and Roman language that is based on African languages. Are these statements true? Please refer me to sources. Thank you, Doretha Riley     Biblical history primarily pertains to a piece of real estate often referred to as the Fertile Crescent, which extended from the Persian Gulf west to the Mediterranean Sea and south to Egypt. The shape of this land is crescent or rainbow in general appearance, arched in the middle. The Fertile Crescent was well watered with the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers (as well as other smaller rivers). North of the Fertile Crescent are high mountains,

I am a Sanguine, my wife is a choleric. So how does one lead a choleric wife? Ron Kyker, Livermore, Ca     A Christian wife with a proper regard for and understanding of New Testament teaching about male and female roles in the home and in the church will submit herself to her husband. “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:22-25). At the same time, husbands need to recognize and embrace their God-given roles as head of the home (1 Corinthians 11:3). Irrespective of our personality types, we have the capacity to obey God and function in the respective male/female roles he has assigned us.

Hi Brod Rushmore, Greetings! I’m Omar S. Agustin, member of the Chruch of Christ in Angeles City, Philippines, In 1 Timothy 5:16 please explain, can we use the church treasury for none christian which is widow whatever age? Is this text applicable only for the member of the Lord’s Church? Please explain 2 Cor. 9:13-14, the phrase “unto them and unto all” In Him, Omar S. Agustin     First Timothy 5:16 is addressed to Christians who have widowed parents; the verse is not addressed to the widowed parents. “If any believing man or woman has widows” (NKJV). The purpose of the verse is to prompt Christians to take financial responsibility for their own widowed parents so that the church does not have to undertake that responsibility: “let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened.” The implication is and further it is plainly stated that the church will take financial responsibility for widows who have no other financial resources to which they can appeal for their support: “that it may relieve those who are really widows.” While the verse acknowledges that the one addressed are Christians who have widowed parents, nothing in the verse says anything about whether the widowed parents are Christians.     First Timothy 5:16 is similar in intention to verses 9-14 of this passage in that alternatives are addressed for the sustenance of widows so that the financial resources of the church do not have to be expended on widows unnecessarily. The church will arise benevolently toward widows if

From the human vantage point, the providence of God is a mysterious operation of the Divine Sovereign of the universe. Whereas miracles were clearly visible demonstrations of Divine power (Mark 16:20; Acts 4:16), the providence of God is invisible to the human eye and works behind the scenes (Rom. 8:28; Gen. 50:20). How, then, can we identify the providence of God in our lives? How can we be sure that we are not either fighting against God (Acts 5:39) or attempting to help God out in a way that does not correspond to the providence of God (Gen. 15:2-3; 16:1-4). Confusion and self-doubt buffet Christians today who truly desire to do the will of God and who are conscious of the providence of God, but who are not sure that they can correctly interact with the unfolding providence of God in their lives. One may even ponder if God’s providence is relative to his or her life, the providence of God perhaps being directed by our Divine Sovereign elsewhere. “After all, the universe doesn’t revolve around insignificant me,” one might muse.     Even being a miraculously endowed Christian in the first century was no guarantee that one could easily ascertain the providence of God in one’s life. For instance, the apostle Paul, indisputably one of the most prolific miracle workers in the era of miracles (Acts 19:11-12; 2 Cor. 12:12), was unsure about the unfolding of God’s providence in his evangelistic ministry (Acts 16:6-10). On his second extended missionary endeavor,

From my first quarter of study at Memphis School of Preaching (1975), sitting at the feet of the beloved and belated brother Richard Curry, I began to learn about Bible geography through funny names that brother Curry associated with various places. I immediately bought a set of Eilers’ Sunday School Maps at the Gospel Advocate Bookstore in Memphis and began to teach my three-year-old daughter Bible geography through the use of funny names. (The current Eilers’ map set and some others can be found at https://www.stinsonpress1.com/catalog/maps.html if nowhere else.) I loved Bible geography from the moment brother Curry began to unfold it in such an easy way to remember.     Over the years, I have expanded the number of funny names and taught Bible geography thereby to preschoolers through adults, from congregational settings to preacher training classes for ten years at West Virginia School of Preaching. Occasionally, someone asks me to provide a list of these funny names associated with Bible geography, which in part sometimes I have done. Herein, though, I hope to provide a more complete list.     I firmly believe that we do an injustice to our Bible studies, to those before whom we stand in the classroom and those to whom we preach if we do not link in those audiences’ minds the biblical places with the biblical events and characters mentioned in our teaching. Since I teach Bible geography to children in the auditorium before the evening worship, I often make passing references to the funny names

Admittedly, the New Testament teaches that people living today are no longer under or amenable to God’s law in the Old Testament, i.e. the Law of Moses. Admittedly, God’s grace and mercy are operative today respecting human redemption. However, do God’s grace and mercy displace or annul divine law in the New Testament era? In others words, are people living today amenable or under divine law or are we saved by grace and mercy without divine law?     The answer to this question of amenability to divine law today is twofold. In part, the answer lies in the examination of Old Testament prophecies respecting the establishment of Christianity, i.e. the New Testament kingdom or the church. In part, the answer lies in the examination of New Testament passages respecting the law, grace and mercy.     Old Testament passages have something definitive to say about the New Testament kingdom or the church respecting divine law. Old Testament prophecies predict that divine law in the Christian era would proceed from Jerusalem. Micah 4:1-2 and Isaiah 2:2-3 emphasize and predict that a new divine law would go forth from Jerusalem in the Christian era. These prophecies identify the time period when this new law of God would go forth from Jerusalem as the “last days.” The “last days” refers to the whole Christian era, which began on the first Pentecost following the death, burial, resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ (Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:16-21). Since Acts 2, a new law of God has

 The phrase, “It is written” appears 80 times in the English Bible. “It is written” appears 17 times in the Old Testament (Joshua 8:31; 2 Samuel 1:18; 1 Kings 2:3; 2 Kings 23:21; 2 Chronicles 23:18; 25:4; 31:3; 35:12; Ezra 3:2, 4; 6:18; Nehemiah 8:15; 10:34, 36; Psalm 40:7; Isaiah 65:6; Daniel 9:13). “It is written” appears 63 times in the New Testament (Matthew 2:5; 4:4, 6-7, 10; 11:10; 21:13; 26:24, 31; Mark 1:2; 7:6; 9:12-13; 14:21, 27; Luke 2:23; 3:4; 4:4, 8, 10; 7:27; 19:46; 24:46; John 6:31, 45; 12:14; Acts 1:20; 7:42; 15:15; 23:5; Romans 1:17; 2:24; 3:4, 10; 4:17; 8:36; 9:13, 33; 10:15; 11:8, 26; 12:19; 14:11; 15:3, 9, 21; 1 Corinthians 1:19, 31; 2:9; 3:19; 9:9; 10:7; Galatians 3:10, 13; 4:22, 27; Hebrews 10:7; 1 Peter 1:16). Perhaps the most remembered occurrences of the phrase, “It is written,” are from the lips of Jesus Christ at his Special Temptation (Matthew 4; Luke 4). J.W. McGarvey and Philip Y. Pendleton made an outstanding observation regarding our Lord’s statement: “Jesus used the Scripture as final, argument-ending authority.” The significance of the words, “It is written,” is that God’s Word is the final authority in religion: (1) To which mankind needs to appeal for instruction, and (2) By which mankind will be judged at the Final Judgment.     God has chosen writing prophets to record his will for mankind. God employed 40 human penman over a period of 1,600 years to communicate the mind of God to mankind in

 J.C. and Betty Choate invited Louis and Bonnie Rushmore to become team members with them in the longstanding program of World Evangelism. Hence, the Choates and Rushmores have combined their ministries, and Gospel Gazette Online is now a part of World Evangelism, which also includes the long running quarterly Gospel magazine, Voice of Truth International, as well as the missionary news magazine, Global Harvest. In addition, the 200 book titles published by the Choates will be augmented by the 20+ titles published by the Rushmores.     World Evangelism also supports 13 weekly radio and 13 weekly TV programs abroad, and it works heavily with several overseas schools of preaching. Many hundreds of responses arrive DAILY per broadcast area and about 2,000 souls obey the Gospel annually per broadcast area.

Some object to taking the Lord’s Supper to the sick and shut-ins. The Claim is made that it can only be taken when the saints are gathered together.  But there seems to be no objection to taking it on Sunday night, and most certainly “all the brethren” are not back for Sunday night. Do you have a view on this subject??? Joe Mitchell     The communion is one of the five acts of worship in the Lord’s Day assembly. Any child of God unable to attend the assembly on the first day of the week is no more required to observe the Lord’s Supper outside of that assembly than he or she is required to participate in the other four acts of worship. However, I am unaware of any reason why any of the acts of worship cannot also occur outside of a particular assembly of the saints; if it is not permissible to observe the Communion outside of the worship assembly, then it is the only act of worship with this restriction. Further, if the Communion or Lord’s Supper may not be observed outside of a particular assembly of saints, it is the only act of worship requiring a quorum to observe.     The principle of Matthew 18:20 seems to validate the possibility of two or more Christians being a sufficient quorum that when circumstances require that all of the acts of worship on the first day of the week may be engaged. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name,

Do you know if Peter was married when he first met Jesus ? Do you know some fact related to his age and family at this time ? god bless Xavier Chardonnens     I am not aware of any particular significance as to when Peter was married, just that he was married. However, it appears that Peter was married before his first meeting with Jesus Christ. There is no record of festivities associated with the marriage of Peter after his first acquaintance with Jesus Christ. Not only so, but evidently Peter was already married when Jesus appointed him to be an apostle, and he was still married, his wife supported by church funds among which supported Peter (1 Corinthians 9:5), throughout the apostolic ministry of the apostle Peter. It would seem that Simon was married before he became an apostle. His wife’s mother is referred to (Matt. 8:14; Mark 1:30; Luke 4:38). He was in all probability accompanied by his wife on his missionary journeys (1 Cor. 9:5; comp. 1 Pet. 5:13). He appears to have been settled at Capernaum when Christ entered on his public ministry, and may have reached beyond the age of thirty. His house was large enough to give a home to his brother Andrew, his wife’s mother, and also to Christ, who seems to have lived with him (Mark 1:29, 36; 2:1), as well as to his own family. It was apparently two stories high (2:4). (Easton) J.W. McGarvey and Philip Y. Pendleton in their commentary, The Four-Fold

The phrase “three days and three nights” is familiar to Bible students respecting the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40). When speaking about his pending burial and resurrection, Jesus referred to another instance of this phrase with which Bible students are likely familiar (at least because it appears in Matthew 12:40). “Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights” (Jonah 1:17). However, did you know that the phrase “three days and three nights” appears in 1 Samuel 30:12 pertaining to an Egyptian slave (not Joseph)? Further, a similar statement appears in Esther 4:16: “three days, night or day.” What does the expression “three days and three nights” mean?     Similarly, the phrase “forty days and forty nights” is familiar to Bible students respecting the duration of rain in the flood of Noah’s day (Genesis 7:4, 12). The Bible student might also recall that Moses fasted for “forty days and forty nights” on two occasions atop Mt. Sinai, each time he received the 10 Commandments on tables of stone (Exodus 24:18; 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:9, 11, 18, 25; 10:10). In addition, the Bible student may remember that the duration of the Special Temptation of our Lord at the commencement of his

Is there any occasion to offer hope and encouragement to Christians who sometimes falter along life’s pathway? The evidence of man’s moral and spiritual frailty is abundantly evident from a sampling of biblical history. The evidence of man’s moral and spiritual frailty is abundantly evident from observing the world around us, in every generation. Unfortunately, the evidence of man’s moral and spiritual frailty is abundantly obvious from awareness of our own shortcomings and sins. Is there any hope, is there any source of biblical encouragement regarding mankind’s eternal future in view of his moral and spiritual failings?     The evidence of man’s moral and spiritual frailty is abundantly evident from a sampling of biblical history. For instance, the first pair have the ignoble distinction of ushering sin into the human race (Genesis 3). “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12).     The oldest son of Adam and Eve has the infamous record of being the first murderer (Genesis 4:8). By the time of Noah, the world was so corrupt that God determined to destroy humanity (Genesis 6-8). Even Noah who God spared from the universal flood later sinned with drunkenness (Genesis 9:21). Noah’s sin contributed to the sin of his son, Ham (Genesis 9:22-27). That’s discouraging, isn’t it?     Moses, Lawgiver of the Old Testament, had a tumultuous relationship with God. At the age of 40, Moses presumptuously proposed to liberate the Israelites from

Bible believers must distinguish between pseudo-unity with its misguided thrust and identify the source of true unity. Souls are at stake!     Let me illustrate. An ecumenical exercise among several denominations in a community resulted in the formation of a youth center. Purportedly, the youth center was organized to give youngsters something to do and a place to go after school, which might keep them from mischief. Many months later, the youth center announces that its “purpose…is to win our town for Christ.” It calls for unity of religious people to close the town’s “numerous bars and gambling facilities.” And by the way, this ecumenical stepchild of local denominations, which has begun to walk and talk, announces a fundraiser for itself. Providing alternative activities for young people to steer them from trouble is a worthy goal, and so are the goals of closing local bars and gambling establishments. However, is this ecumenical unity and the trappings associated with it the religious unity indicated in the New Testament? (No it is not!)     Consider this second illustration. Years ago, I noticed in the masthead of stationery for a ministerial alliance the telling sentence: “We have agreed to disagree.” A ministerial alliance is an ecumenical meeting of denominational representatives who cannot quite bring themselves to disregard their respective denominations. Is this the type of unity about which the New Testament teaches? (No it is not!)     There is only one source of true religious unity! It is not the banding together of diverse religious people

Hosea 4:16 illustrates the rebellious disposition of the northern kingdom of Israel by referring to that nation as a “backsliding heifer.” The Hebrew word for “backsliding” here appears in other passages as “stubborn,” “rebellious,” “revolters” and “withdrew.” This malignant response to a benevolent God led God to remove his benevolent protection from Israel, resulting in the Assyrian captivity for the survivors of the ferocious Assyrian horde that descended upon the nation. The image of a “backsliding heifer” is that of the animal backing away or withdrawing from a yoke; Israel refused to have the yoke of God on it. There is still a yoke that God intends for his people to bear (Matt. 11:29-30).     My own image of a “backsliding heifer” in my mind is of a young cow stuck in a mud hole. Imagine trying to manhandle (or womanhandle) a muddy, filthy heifer from some bog into which it has gotten itself. Pull or push as one might, the heifer falters and even works violently against every effort to rescue it.  Frankly, nothing has changed. God’s people are still like that “backsliding heifer” of which the prophet Hosea wrote. It is hard to keep the saved, saved! Push, pull, coax and coddle, but still wayward members often remained bogged down in their apostasy. It seems that for some Christians, if they make it to heaven, it will only be if someone has a rope around their necks, tugging and dragging them, they resisting all the way—kicking and screaming.

Dear bro Rushmore, God bless the work you are doing.  I have some questions. Is it right to sing hymns that have the words, Tell it to Jesus; Jesus heard and answered prayers (Hand in Hand with Jesus); Blessed Jesus, Hear thy children when they pray (Saviour Like A Shepherd)?  Does Jesus hear and answer our prayers? Thank you Jimmy Lau     Regarding intentional prayers to Jesus instead of to the Father, I penned a response at the following URL. https://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2003/may/page20.htm However, this inquiry adds consideration of songs that appear to be addressing Jesus Christ directly, especially songs that seem to be essentially prayers.     Some brethren go to various lengths to identify songs in their hymnals of this sort and exclude them from use in the worship. Other brethren seem comfortable with the realization that hymns are a form of poetic expression and that some degree of license with prose is to be expected and of no great consequence. Few brethren irrespective of their viewpoint often clamor loudly when they happen upon a worship service in which songs of this sort are sung.     While we certainly need to ensure that we convey no false doctrine from our pulpits, deportment or even from our singing, there is not any universally understood and accepted practice respecting these songs even among brethren who otherwise agree on biblical doctrine. We need to extend as much latitude to fellow Christians as we can in all good conscience, careful to neither require (make laws) what God

A friend of mine forwarded your website to me. Since she knows I’m a member of the church (she is Jewish) she questioned this statement: A pure conscience was not attainable under either Patriarchy or Judaism, for there was always an awareness of sins (Hebrews 9:9; 10:2). On another ocassion when she and I visited the church while we were travelling, she became very offended and upset when she understood the preacher to say “Jews have no conscience”. Now she has seen this statement and is even more upset. I do not believe that Jews have no conscience because I know Saul of Tarsus said he had lived in all good conscience (as a Jew). And under the law, when Jews obeyed God, God was pleased. I’m not sure I understand your position, but thought I would ask so perhaps I can better understand what you are saying so I know better how to answer her. Thank you, Sandra     Obviously I cannot answer for another person’s statements when I know neither the person nor precisely what he said. However, I can gladly answer for my statements based on the biblical text.     Every human being who is born with a working mind and reaches the age of discernment between right and wrong has a conscience. However, once a person knows the difference between right and wrong, his conscience commends him or her for what it perceives as right and rebukes him or her for what it perceives as wrong

Mr Rushmore, I am a 27 year old mother of three and a member of a church. I recently read an article that you wrote about the speaking of tongues. I would like to say shame on you. I have been raised in the church my whole life and never in my wildest dreams did I think there was someone who also believes in God would say what you did. I have sat beside by grandmother while she was baptized in the Holy Spirit. I can tell you my grandmother was not “acting” like you think. I am sure you must have gone to the wrong place to feel the hand of God. I try not to judge people but I felt compelled to write you after reading your article. I will pray for you and your family and those you preach to that one day you will feel the Spirit of the Lord on you. If you haven’t felt the lord yet then sadly you have not opened your heart to him. Good Luck and God bless. Sherry Luffman     I respectfully submit for your consideration that we all would do well to ‘open God’s Word’—the Bible—before we ‘open our hearts’ to God. Objective truth trumps subjective feeling every time! Historical evidence as well as biblical evidence both contradict the popular notion today called speaking in tongues. No one doubts your grandmother’s sincerity, but subjective feelings can be mistaken. Please re-visit the extensive article treating “The Truth About Speaking

Just what is the true significance of Christian baptism? The churches of Christ are accused of making to much of Christian baptism, and going on about it all the time. The churches of Christ accuse the denominational world of making too little of baptism, and treating it as a mere formality of little to no real significance. Unfortunately, many members of the churches of Christ likewise treat baptism with little more regard than a formality or magic formula. What place, though, does the New Testament give to Christian baptism; is it a mere formality, or does it have great significance?     The act of Christian baptism concerns the utmost commitment. Christian baptism imitates the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” (Romans 6:3-5)  It is by baptism that one is buried into a watery grave with Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:12).     Jesus Christ, the Son of God, God Incarnate, died on Calvary’s rugged, cruel cross in our stead (1 Peter 2:24). It is only possible through the death of Jesus Christ that

 Herein, we propose to briefly define Islam and contrast it with true Christianity. In the short, contrasting Jesus Matthew 5:43-47 and Mohammad from Koran 9:5 substantially achieves our thesis. “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matt 5:43-48)Contrast what Jesus taught with, “Fight and slay the Pagans wherever you find them” (Koran 9:5).     Whatever Islam is, it is clearly divided into various sects that violently oppose each other (cf. denominationalism of so-called Christianity to a lesser degree). “Presently there are more than 150 different religious professions in Islam. There are two large groups which are better known to us: the Sunnis and the Shiites…” (Cranford 11). Followers of Islam (Muslims) from different sects kill each other. Islamic lack of tolerance and

Freemasonry Defined     Ordinarily, the word “masonry” literally refers to the work of a stonemason; Freemasons call this “Operative Masonry” to distinguish it from their practices, which they call “Speculative Masonry.” Freemasonry is supposed to have developed from trade guilds or unions of actual masons. Origin of Freemasonry     Masonry official position respecting the origin of Freemasonry differs substantially from factual data about the beginning of Freemasonry. Despite claims by Freemasons that their organization dates to antiquity, there was no Freemasonry before the early 18th century. The guilds or lodges of stonemasons in England dwindled to four, comprised almost entirely of persons who no longer were acquainted with actual masonry skills and who were referred to as “gentlemen” Masons. With all but a few operative Masons left, the gentlemen Masons sought to revive festivals of the old guilds, and formed the Institution of Speculative Masonry in 1717. Rev. James Anderson [a Presbyterian minister, 1680-1739] and Rev. John T. Desaguiliers [1683-1744] took the tools of the builders’ trade and applied symbolic meanings to them for moral instruction in a Masonic life. At the same time they disguised in Biblical terminology the ancient pagan mysteries of Egypt and other rites used in the Masonic rituals. (Harris 23)     After Anderson and Desaguiliers, Albert Mackey and Albert Pike contributed the most to the development of Freemasonry. Mr. Albert Pike and Albert G. Mackey (1807-1881) were considered the two best interpreters of all Masonic ritual. Albert Mackey, desiring to contribute to the elevation of the

The theme of this article we owe to the words of our Lord in Matthew 12:25, when he said, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand” (KJV). In this writing, we purpose to examine historical division among people of God in the Bible, to note God’s perspective on division among the people of God and to ascertain if God ever approves of division among the people of God.     Religious division involving the people of God is a sad historical fact dating back to mankind’s very debut on planet earth. Regrettably, religious division among the people of God continues to the present. Furthermore, there is no indication that religious division will not continue to occur from time to time among the people of God. Sadly, in addition, sometimes religious division will come between the people of God and God himself.     We emphasize, though, that God has always disapproved of religious division involving the people of God. Sin is involved in every religious division among the people of God! Though God hates all sin, division among brethren is an abomination to God (or more hated by God).     Since God hates religious division involving the people of God, does God ever approve or even require religious division? Some tender souls may assume that God never approves or even requires religious division among the people of God, but they would be incorrect in that assumption. Today, it is

D. Gene West is a brother in Christ and a faithful Gospel preacher for whom I have respect and esteem. It is with great pleasure that we dedicate this issue of Gospel Gazette Online to this man who I count as a dear friend; most of the pages of this issue of GGO are graced with articles from his pen. ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor Brother West was baptized into Christ by the late Jess W. Nutter, April 11, 1950 and began preaching in February, 1953. He currently serves the Hillview Terrace church of Christ in Moundsville, WV. He also teaches English Grammar, Hebrews, Philippians, Philemon, Romans, Galatians, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Lamentations and Revelation in the West Virginia School of Preaching. This school, which has sent out nearly 50 preachers in the last ten years, is a work of the Hillview Terrace church in cooperation with other churches and interested persons.  He and his wife, the former Shirley Bissett are the parents of three children, Kandi Davis, Mary Amy Kessinger and Todd C. West. They are the grandparents of six grandchildren. He graduated Freed-Hardeman University, West Liberty State College, Fairmont State University, and has done graduate work at Southern Christian University and West Virginia University. After nearly ten years of intense study, in 2005 brother West authored a moderate preterist commentary on the Book of Revelation entitled: Avenging His Holy Saints, Apostles and Prophets. It is a hardbound book of some 847 pages, including the indices. He previously authored Messianic Prophecy Outlined, which has

Does a Preacher or if you will Minister have to be ordained? I didn’t think they did. I know schooling helps but a friend of mine says a man has to be ordained to be a Minister. If so where is it at in the Bible.  I need an answer Thank You, Bonnie Denominations commonly practice a ceremony of ordination of ministers, but several religious groups, including the churches of Christ, do not practice such a religious rite. The dictionary definition of “ordain” is: “to invest officially (as by the laying on of hands) with ministerial or priestly authority” (Merriam). However, one really needs to evaluate what ordination means in a practical sense. ORDINATION In the limited and technical sense ordination is the ceremony by which a person is set apart to an order or office; but in a broader, and in fact its only important sense, ordination signifies the appointment or designation of a person to a ministerial office, with or without attendant ceremonies. (New Unger’s) Hence, though the churches of Christ do not practice formal ordination ceremonies (and issue papers of ordination), any man appointed or recognized as a preacher of the Gospel or minister is essentially and informally ordained (appointed) by the congregation for which he preaches. The reason the churches of Christ do not practice formal ordination of its ministers is doubtless owing to the absence of such in the New Testament, by which we seek to guide ourselves religiously. “In the introduction of the Christian

I have gone thru most of your articles on communion and have not found one dealing with those who preside over the table. Just what should be said and should it be a mini sermon. It seems to me that this detracts from the great memorial that Jesus commanded us to observe especially if the song leader has selected a song that puts us in rememberance of what we are about to partake of. A sister in Christ, Reva Other than Jesus’ personal references to how the bread and fruit of the vine represented his sacrificial body and blood, we have absolutely nothing in either the institution or the re-institution of the Lord’s Supper or Communion that specifies what is to be said on that occasion beyond that thanks (prayer) was given (Matt. 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Cor. 23-25). The apostle Paul gives some additional information respecting the Communion (1 Cor. 10:16-17; 11:26-28), but nothing appears in Scripture as to what is to be said or how long or short the saying of it might be. In a similar vein, the New Testament records nothing about prefatory remarks or even a prayer respecting the collection (1 Cor. 16:1-2). However, when is it a wrong time to pray in the midst of Christians? When is it wrong to speak a biblical lesson? Consequently, though not specifically stated, typically brethren with whom I am familiar may say a few remarks before the collection and will usually offer a prayer. Likewise,

Dear Sir: I am presently working here in Saudi Arabia and would leave the kingdom in the next few days. I used to be a member of Church of Christ (using Musical Instruments in Worship) when I was still in the Philippines. But when I arrived here in [city withheld by Editor] I found out about the Church of Christ (Non-Instrumental) which teachings I embraced for the truth sake. Now that I am leaving and wil be re-united with my family, my father who is an elder of the former church, but would love to convert them to the truthness of biblical authority in worship. I stand firm in the teaching that it is sinful to use musical instruments in worship. The question now is, will it be expedient if I will have fellowship with them having my purpose of trying to convert them and preach to them the biblical authority in worship? I know that my father will give me the slot to speak before them during the Bible Study and during the Sermon and I am thinking that it is but expedient to have fellowship with them with the purpose of preaching them the truth. Correct me if I am wrong, in the Book of Acts Paul upon returning to Jerusalem went into the Temple being asked by th Elders and worship as a Jew. [name withheld by Editor] You are correct to seize opportunities to speak to persons in biblical error about the truth, as the apostle

The April 2007 issue of Gospel Gazette Online is dedicated to the honor of brother Raymond Elliott. Raymond Elliott and Louis Rushmore have neither met nor otherwise crossed paths personally, but I know brother Elliott through his biblically accurate and effective writing. It is with great pleasure and humble gratitude that we (1) regularly enjoy brother Elliott’s articles in the pages of Gospel Gazette Online, and (2) dedicate this issue of GGO to brother Raymond Elliott. Raymond Elliott is a graduate of Faulkner University (BS in Religious Education) and Southern Christian University (MS and M.Div). Brother Elliott has served on the Board of Regents of Southern Christian University since 1973 (Chairman for five years; presently Vice-Chairman). Brother Elliott began preaching fulltime in 1958, serving churches in Georgia and Alabama (since 1960). He has served in various capacities at Wiregrass Christian Camp near Enterprise, AL since 1971. He has spoken in various lectureships (e.g., Freed Hardeman University, Faulkner University, Southern Christian University and Mount Dora, FL Christian Home & Bible School) and many Gospel meetings. Brother Elliott has written for a number of religious journals (e.g., Sound Doctrine, Vigil, Words of Truth, The Evangelist, Firm Foundation, Gospel Advocate, Magnolia Messenger, Gospel Gazette Online), written for Gospel Advocate’s Annual Lesson Commentary, has experience in newspaper, radio and television evangelism, as well as been instrumental in establishing new congregations. Raymond Elliott is married to the former Virginia Slaughter of Wildwood, FL. Brother and sister Elliott have four children and nine grandchildren. Brother Elliott writes: Hello Louis, I am very humbled at your request. Of course you

Gambling is an ever increasingly popular pursuit throughout America. “An estimated 57 percent of adult Americans gambled regularly in 1954. …By the mid 60’s it was reported that ‘Gambling is the biggest business in the nation…’” (Nichols 25). Nearly 32 billion dollars was spent in 1998 on lottery tickets in the United States (Gerstein et al. 32). Annually, 90 million gamblers visit U.S. casinos, and gamblers in America wagered on all forms of legal gambling 482 billion dollars (Burleson 4). Gamblers lost 20 billion dollars at Casinos in 1998 (Gerstein et al. 33). “Presently [1997], gambling in some form is legal in all but 3 states, casinos or casino-style games are available in 21 states, and 37 states have lotteries” (“Executive Summary” 1). Just what is gambling? How do dictionaries define gambling? The meaning for the verb “gamble” includes: “to stake something on a contingency,” and the meaning of the noun “gamble” includes: “the playing of a game of chance for stakes” (Merriam). Another dictionary defines “gambling” as “the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)” (“Gambling” emphasis added). The 1998 Gambling Impact and Behavior Study defined gambling thus: “We defined ‘gambling’ as placing a bet on the outcome of a race or game of skill or chance, or playing a game–including for charity–in which one might win or lose money” (Gerstein and Toce 7 emphasis added).  “Gambling is getting–or trying to get–something for

Hello Brother Rushmore, I have a question for you. If it is not good to listen to Contemporary Christian Music because of the unscripturalness of it, what kind of music should I listen to? I have abandoned secular music because of the sexual and drug content of the music. I used to enjoy Black Sabbath, AC/DC, KISS, Bad Company, and other music of its sort until I came back to the Lord’s church 2 years ago. I do not wish to fill my head with this nasty secular music anymore. It glorifys sex, violence, rape, marijana and alcohol. Country music has the same messages. What kind of music should I listen to? I enjoy singing along with it, it has to have words. Thank you, brother, for your answer. I am so confused! Doreen It is admirable that you have opted to remove from your life the type of music that in many instances is counterproductive to successful Christian living. You are correct, that the lyrics associated with various genres of music often contain themes that are unproductive to the lives Christians are to live. Doubtless, though, there are individual songs in most if not all genres of music that do not promote ungodliness. In addition, several recordings of hymns are available along with you could sing; one source of such is the McCoy Family Singers. Of course, you could also sing hymns (James 5:13) or secular songs without accompanying taped music (i.e., make your own music).

Good morning: I worship with the West Olive Church of Christ in Peoria, AZ. We are starting a study of 2nd Thessalonians on Wednesday I studied several Bible translations and discovered that verses 7 & 8 are not translated the same way: Young’s Literal Translation, the ESV and NKJV do not include “in flaming fire” but has this phrase at the beginning of verse 8. The NIV, RSV and NASB has the terms “blazing fire” and “flaming fire” as the last phrase in verse 7. I have reviewed several commentaries and only Tyndale’s makes mention of this. Any ideas on why the diversity of translations? Thank you, Ken Heflin The questions respecting the placement of references to “flaming fire” [“blazing fire,” same thing] appearing in the last of 2 Thessalonians 1:7 or the first of the following verse is essentially a matter of punctuation. The original manuscripts of the Bible, with punctuation (if any), have not survived. Punctuation, which also affects the placement of words in one verse or another, was placed in Scripture by well-intentioned translators as a vehicle to more easily access Scripture. For the most part, separation of Scripture into chapters and verses, also a part of the underlying circumstance relative to the questions respecting 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8, is of uninspired, human invention to facilitate easier use of Scripture. Regarding the Greek New Testament, one source observes many manuscripts appear “without any punctuation or division of words. …[W]e may reasonably believe that the apostolic originals were thus

The March 2007 issue of Gospel Gazette Online is dedicated to the honor of brother T. Pierce Brown. He certainly must be among the most prolific writers in the Lord’s church throughout the centuries. His articles by the hundreds have graced the pages of many Gospel magazines and other similar venues. We are fortunate at Gospel Gazette Online that his graciousness extends also to the pages of GGO. We are happy to populate most of the pages of this current issue with some of the outstanding articles brother Brown has penned. Not merely the sheer number of articles, but the soundness and reflective articles that flow from his able mind make it a great pleasure to study his studies and make them available as widely as possible. T. Pierce Brown was born in a log cabin near Doyle, Tennessee on April 13, 1923. While in high school at Sparta, he preached and baptized some, but was not planning to preach fulltime. He attended T.P.I. at Cookeville as an electrical engineer until Pearl Harbor was bombed, when he enlisted in the Air Force. He flew in B-17’s as a bombardier and gunnery instructor, but started studying Greek by correspondence while in the service. He married Tomijo White of Cookeville, to which union were born two sons, Frank and Hilary. Tomijo graduated from T.P.I., majoring in business but did some advanced work for a teacher’s certificate. She taught in elementary schools in Tennessee and Florida. Her articles were published in Gospel Advocate, Firm Foundation and 21st Century Christianity. Brother Brown attended

The purpose herein is to ascertain from New Testament authority the kind of music in Christian worship that God commands. Of course, New Testament authority only concerns those who realize that what God wants, what God has specified and how God has specified various things really matters. Articles such as this will have no interest to people resigned to ignore divine instruction. However, anyone who esteems divine instruction can appreciate a biblical lesson such as this one. Consider the following illustrations to set the proper consideration of the question before us: God-Authorized Music for Christian Worship. Vehicles manufactured by several different automobile manufacturers doubtless are parked in parking lots around church buildings, at any malls/shopping center, hospitals, etc. Certainly, some people are very passionate about their cars and cars from certain manufacturers. However, really the personal choices people make regarding what cars they will drive are relatively unimportant in the larger scheme of things. Likewise, there are several different locations throughout our country where someone may choose to live. Some people prefer the gulf coast, the east coast, the west coast, along the Canadian border or further inland. Some people prefer flatland while others prefer hills or mountains. Personal choices as to where one lives are relatively unimportant in the larger scheme of things. However, there are some things that are so important that we simply do not have the right to make personal choices. For instance, we must obey the laws of the land, as long as they do

Dear bro Rushmore, Please explain Pro 31:6,7. Pro 31:6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Pro 31:7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. Thank you and God bless, Jimmy Lau Clearly, honest persons readily recognize that the Bible uniformly condemns the consumption of alcohol as a beverage (Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35; 31:4; Habakkuk 2:15-16; 1 Corinthians 6:10; Galatians 5:21). The various Hebrew and Greek words translated “wine” derive their meaning and consequently their disapproval or approval based upon the respective contexts in which they appear; sometimes “wine” in the Bible refers to alcohol and sometimes it does not refer to alcohol, depending upon the context in which the word appears. Contexts in which “wine” and similar words refer to alcohol God through the Bible condemns those who partake. Nave’s Topical Bible correctly lists Proverbs 31:6-7 under a heading of “Wine, Medicinal use of.” For instance, where penicillin (or some other drug) has an appropriate medicinal application, that fact neither warrants nor justifies social indulgence in the same. Anciently, especially in the absence of modern medicine and its accompanying pharmaceuticals, alcohol was a drug sometimes used externally for disinfections and internally as a poor anesthesia, etc. Compare 1 Timothy 5:23 where it is uncertain whether the reference to “wine” means alcoholic or non-alcoholic (grape juice), but irrespectively, the “wine” under consideration was for medicinal purposes. Medicinal purposes hardly justify social drinking or override

Our Bible study group got into the discussion of what will Heaven be like and we have ended up discussing for several classes what happens to us after death. Some say we are sent to a waiting place divided by a great gulf in which the Christian is in paradise and the sinner in Hades the question arose as to if we are already separated are we already judged and some say we are asleep after death and will sleep until the coming of Christ. I would really like to hear your thoughts on this subject. Sharon Smith Christians generally concur that the dead this side of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ are in a realm in the Bible called Hades (Matthew 16:18; Luke 16:23, “hell” from the Greek haides). An article by brother Hugo McCord aptly addresses this (https://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2003/jan/page12.htm). Though the righteous dead and the unrighteous dead are separated from each other in “Paradise” (Luke 23:43) or “Abraham’s Bosom” (Luke 16:22-23) and “Tartaros” (2 Peter 2:4, “hell” from the Greek tartaros) respectively in Hades, the official Final Judgment has not occurred and will not take place until the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. There will be a General Resurrection (John 5:28-29) at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:31-46), though some passages are only interested in their respective contexts of addressing the resurrection of the righteous dead (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:52-57), at which time Final Judgment will occur (2 Corinthians 5:10). The best illustration I have heard

The Psalmist stated that only a fool would conclude the God does not exist (Psalm 14:1). The apostle Paul wrote that the created universe provides sufficient testimony to the existence of God (Romans 1:19-20). Of course, with the acknowledgement of God comes also divine revelation with its instructions for which mankind is accountable to God. It is no wonder, then, that mankind is anxious to conclude that there is no God. However, the evidence in the physical world, properly and honestly handled, testifies of the existence of God. We briefly consider herein these evidences that God exists: the existence of the universe, the existence of morals and the existence of design in the universe. The existence of the universe proves that God exists. Reasoning that God exists from consideration of the existence of the universe is called the Cosmological Argument. One dictionary definition of “cosmology” is “a theory or doctrine describing the natural order of the universe” (Merriam). Another definition of “cosmology” “is the study of the Universe in its totality, and by extension, humanity’s place in it” (“Cosmology”). Respecting the existence of the universe, “there are only three options [as to its origin]: (1) it is eternal; (2) it created itself from nothing; or (3) it was created” (Harrub 15). The universe is expanding similar to the ripples in water moving away from the entry point of a pebble tossed into a puddle. This indicates that the universe had a beginning. Therefore, the universe is not eternal! Evolutionary scientists also readily

“The Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices” (Luke 13:1). This biblical citation is the rarity about which neither additional biblical mention occurs or is there any known witness in the secular, historical record from which one might gain additional insight. “This event is extant in no other historical record than Luke’s” (Butler 279). Commentators offer speculations based on what little information appears in Luke 13:1, but no substantive information that can be verified. Works Cited Butler, Paul T. The Gospel of Luke. CD-ROM. Joplin: College P., 1981.

Does God hold us accountable for inappropriate dreams, such as dreaming about sexual acts or criminal acts? Dreams are a part of our total being so why should we not be held accountable for them. Dreams are just as much a part of us as our conscious thoughts. Please, no bs answer. James Bannister First, I am aware of no Scripture that directly pertains to the content of dreams or other involuntary, unconscious thoughts. Hence, it would be difficult and even dangerous to make hard and fast pronouncements on this (or any) matter in absence of biblical authority pertaining to it. New Unger’s Bible Dictionary addresses the type of dreams comparable to the inquiry. Another significant aspect of dreaming is the ethical. In the dream one’s true nature manifests itself, breaking through the pressure of external relations and the stimulation of the waking life. From the selfishness of the soul, its selfish impulses, its restlessness stimulated by selfishness, are formed in the heart all kinds of sinful images, of which the man is ashamed when he awakens, and on account of which remorse sometimes disturbs the dreamer. The Scriptures appear to hold the man responsible, if not for dreaming, at least for the character of the dream (Lev 15:16; Deut 23:10). However, ceremonial uncleanness was not always equivalent to sinning (e.g., menstruation, marital relations, a leper). The passages cited by Unger’s do not stipulate sinfulness. In addition, we living today are guided by the New Testament rather than the Old Testament (Ephesians 2:15;

Our purpose herein is to explain from the biblical text the origin and application of the term “Israel,” distinguishing between former Israel and the Israel of God today. We need to know who we are as the children of God respecting the biblical term “Israel.” We need to have a proper and biblical concept–that is, God’s view–of the Israel of God today, distinguishing between racial or political entities and the true people of God. God renamed Jacob, the grandson of Abraham and the son of Isaac, with the name Israel. Respecting the name Israel, it was applied to the descendants of the man that God renamed from Jacob to Israel. In the last dispensation of time, the Gospel or Christian Age, God through his inspired penmen applied the name Israel to Christians, though most of them are not literal descendants of Jacob renamed Israel by God. First, meet the man formerly called Jacob and renamed by God with the name Israel. Jacob (with the help of his mother, Rebekah) used trickery to acquire his brother Esau’s blessing from their father, Isaac. Formerly, Jacob had persuaded the famished Esau to swap his birthright for a bowl of soup (Genesis 25:29-34). Fearing for his life at the hands of his vengeful brother Esau, Jacob fled north from Beersheba in extreme southern Canaan to the Haran in the extreme, northwestern edge of the Fertile Crescent, north of the Euphrates River. Jacob distanced himself from his angry brother by about 550 miles. After 20

I have been told that man has three distinct features, body, soul, and spirit. If this is true, where will they go upon death and at the second  coming of Christ? Willie Moore, Sylvania Heights Church of Christ The short answer is that when a threesome, “body” represents the physical nature of mankind (also shared by the animal world), “soul” represents the breath of life (also shared by the animal world) and “spirit” represents the immortal nature of humanity (resembling the spiritual nature of God and not shared by the animal world). Upon death, the body returns to the earth and the spirit returns to the custody of God: “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it” (Ecclesiastes 12:7). Of course, the breath of life ceases when one dies. Upon the resurrection at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, bodies of the righteous dead will be resurrected, changed for an immortal, eternal dwelling with God in heaven and joined by their immortal spirits: “And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the

I am writing to ask you about manic depression. I am wondering if it is sin to have manic depression? I heard that it can caused by chemical imbalance in the brain that you cant help it. Will you be able to help with this question? Manic depression is still the object of scientific investigation and subsequent definition. “The causes of bipolar disorder have not yet been precisely determined…” (Bipolar Focus). Apparently, manic depression is thought to be at least partially linked to genes, but not entirely since identical twins (sharing the same genes) may manifest one manic depressive and one not (National Institute of Mental Health). The Mayo Clinic reports concerning manic depression or bipolar disorder: Doctors and researchers don’t know exactly what causes bipolar disorder. But a variety of biologic, genetic and environmental factors seem to be involved in causing and triggering episodes of this illness. Evidence indicates that differences in the chemical messengers between nerve cells in the brain (neurotransmitters) occur in people who have bipolar disorder. In many cases, people with a bipolar disorder may have a genetic disposition for the disorder. The abnormality may be in genes that regulate neurotransmitters. However, not everyone with a family member who has bipolar disorder will develop the disease. Factors that may contribute to or trigger episodes of bipolar disorder include drug abuse and stressful or psychologically traumatic events. (MayoClinic.com) Literature and studies conclude that manic depressives have a tendency internally that may be triggered externally. “Bipolar disorder is

From time to time, elders, preachers, teachers and parents need to emphasize that our material priorities ought to be modest, especially contrasted with our pursuit of godliness. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these [material] things [of the preceding verses] shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). The word in 1 Timothy 6:8 translated “raiment” in the KJV, “covering” in the ASV and “clothing” in the NKJV “means house or lodging, as well as clothing” (Clarke; see also Bauer, Gingrich and Danker). “Food, clothing and shelter are the three basic needs of mankind; and all three are included here” (Coffman). According to divine inspiration, human contentment ought to manifest itself when one’s needs are met, as opposed to his mere wants and desires that exceed need. First Timothy 6:8 would have Christians to be content with the basic necessities of life (cf. Hebrews 13:5 NKJV). Contentment means to “be satisfied” (Bauer, Gingrich and Danker). “[I]f we have food and clothes, that should be enough for us” (Louw and Nida). “What we eat and what we wear is all the material good we get out of riches. (What else may be granted should be received with thanksgiving. Still it is not absolutely necessary, and the earnest and devout Christian will be satisfied when his actual needs are supplied.)” (Lipscomb and Shepherd). Determining to set as one’s chief goal in life the acquisition of much more than one’s needs invites soul-injuring greed (1 Timothy 6:9-10). The apostle Paul simply

Can you tell me what characters in the Bible were simular to Christ? Lovada K. Washington To my surprise when I looked, the first definition in Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary for the word “type” is: “a person or thing (as in the Old Testament) believed to foreshadow another (as in the New Testament).” Through “types,” some biblical characters and Jesus Christ shared some similarities. The high priest under Judaism was a type of Jesus Christ who is the High Priest under Christianity (Hebrews 3:1 9:6-12, 25). Melchizedek, the high priest under Patriarchy, was also a type of Jesus Christ who is the High Priest under Christianity (Hebrews 5:10; 6:20). Melchizedek is further identified through his Patriarchal priesthood generally as a type of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 7:15-17). The Passover lamb under Judaism commemorating God’s determination to bring death to the first born throughout Egypt prior to the Exodus, but passing over the Israelites, was a type of Jesus Christ our sacrificial Lamb under Christianity (John 1:29, 36; 1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:19). The annual sacrifices  (animals) under Judaism for atonement typified the sacrifice of Jesus Christ once for the remission of sins under Christianity (Hebrews 10:1-4, 10). Adam was a type of Christ, Adam bringing sin into the world among humanity and Jesus Christ taking sin away (Romans 5:14; 1 Corinthians 15:45). Moses, the lawgiver of Judaism and prophet, was a type of Jesus Christ (Deuteronomy 18:15-18; Acts 3:20, 22; 7:37; Hebrews 3:2-6). David as king and ancestor of Jesus Christ typified our Lord (Ezekiel 37:24; Acts 2:29-31; 13:22-23). Jonah typified Jesus Christ as well (Jonah 1:17; Matthew 12:40).

…But one of the statements in that article did cause me to do a double-take. The statement was this: “The only act of worship limited to the first day of the week in the church’s assembly is observance of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7). Each of the other four acts of worship may also occur on other days of the week: giving (Acts 4:32-36; 5:1-10).” My question is this: How can one believe the idea that the act of worship known as “giving,” or “the collection of the saints,” or “laying by in store,” can be carried out on any other day of the week, after you read I Corinthians 16:2, where Paul specifically says that the collection is to take place “Upon the first day of the week”? I have a hard time reconciling those two opposing schools of thought. Again, I look forward to hearing from you whenever you get a chance. Thanks. Josh At least some preachers, who I respect as students of the Bible, adamantly declare that the church can only receive funds on the first day of the week in the collection during the public worship. Though neither adamant nor dogmatic, I sincerely believe they are mistaken, and that Scripture does not substantiate that doctrinal posture. The question is essentially that if 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 authorizes a collection in the Lord’s Day public assembly (and it does), how, then, can a collection be taken or given on any day in addition to the Lord’s Day?

Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines the word “nonaligned” thus: “not allied with other nations and especially with either the Communist or the non-Communist blocs.” Religiously and as a Christian, I am aligned with Jesus Christ who said, “Follow me” (Matt. 4:19; 8:22; 9:9; 16:24; 19:21). Period! Religiously and as a Christian, I am not aligned with manmade religions, either denominations or so-called other world religions. Religiously and as a Christian, I am not aligned with man-altered, God-given religions, such as the warped Judaism of the first century that Jesus condemned in some of its proponents (Matt. 15:9, 13), or contemporary churches of Christ that have strayed from biblical authority by doing something as unscriptural as adding instrumental music to worship (Eph. 5:19). Religiously and as a Christian, I am not aligned even with God-given religions that have since been replaced with Christianity, namely Patriarchy and Judaism (Eph. 2:11-22). I am aligned with Jesus Christ–period! Religiously and as a Christian, I am not aligned with subsets within the Lord’s church either; I am aligned with Jesus Christ–period! For instance, though I graduated from Memphis School of Preaching and for 10 years taught at West Virginia School of Preaching or though my daughter graduated from Freed-Hardeman University, I am not aligned with any school, even if administrated by Christians and associated with the Lord’s church. I am aligned with Jesus Christ–period! Though my religious articles have appeared in numerous Gospel journals, such as Gospel Advocate, Firm foundation, West Virginia Christian, Christian Bible Teacher, Therefore Stand, Power plus others, I am

The biblical material under consideration herein is the most important ever contained in any sermon or Bible class lesson. The reader will never encounter a more important lesson from the Bible, irrespective of the venue or the presenter. The significance of the topic herein is neither owing to any special ability that I have as a preacher nor to any special insight that I might have as a longtime student of the Bible. This article, though, has life-changing power owing exclusively to the biblical material under consideration. Let’s get to the heart of such an all important biblical study immediately. There is nothing–I repeat and emphasize, nothing–any more important for the child of God today to master than the realization that his chief duty in this life is to glorify God. “…whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 emphasis added). The Greek noun doxa and the Greek verb doxazo both are sometimes translated “honor.” W.E. Vine defines doxazo including “to magnify, extol, praise.” There are a number of ways that one can honor God, or on the other hand, dishonor God. Just how important is it to honor or glorify God? Glorifying God is more important than lessons about salvation! Glorifying God is more important than lessons about how God wants to be worshipped. Glorifying God is more important than lessons about church attendance, Christian living and Christian service. Glorifying God is more important than lessons about what we usually cite as the mission of the church–evangelism, edification and benevolence. The reason

When I was 16 yrs old, I got married. That was about 40 yrs ago. After about four months of marriage, my husband left. I tried to reconcile, but to no avail. As far as I know there was no other woman involved. He divorced me. I finished high school and met my current husband and we married. Now 38 yrs, two grown married daughters, four grandchildren and one on the way, my husband’s plans on divorcing me because he says we were never married and that I am still married to my first husband (who is remarried and has a family also). He gave me your name to contact and said you would stand by his position. Is this correct? I need an answer. I am devastated. Our children have severed their relationship with him. He has not left our home yet because I have been ill. I would appreciate any info you can give me on this. I’ve read the scriptures on this but it is difficult for me to believe that God wants my husband to walk out on his family. Respectfully, Patricia I feel for your circumstances, including whatever present illness you may be experiencing. Especially with only encapsulated or minimal information, I am hardly in a position to make definitive, forever life-altering decisions for you or anyone else. Further, of course, it is not my prerogative to enforce God’s laws on others; we have a lawgiver for that, who lest we fool ourselves will certainly

Brother Rushmore, An teacher in my bible class was trying to parallel between early Christian suffering and today’s Christians, when a member in my church asked the following  question, “Because I became a Christian, am I going to suffer?” Willie Moore Fortunately, at this time in many places in the world, including the United States of America, a Christian is not likely to suffer for no other reason than that he or she is a Christian, in any way comparable to the suffering endured by Christians in the first century (and following centuries) Roman Empire. In some places in our contemporary world, though, even now one who professes to be a Christian may suffer severe repercussion, including death. As Islam continues to exert itself with warlike ferocity, anyone professing to be a Christian nearly anywhere on the planet is a potential victim of either organized or disorganized fanatical Moslem zeal. Secondly, the ongoing efforts within western civilization to secularize itself to the expulsion of God from every public venue is setting the stage for incrementally heightened degrees of opposition and punishment of anyone either professing to be a Christian or attempting to act out Christian values in his life (including interaction with others); for instance, the transformation of homosexuality from psychological defect (secularly) and sinfulness (spiritually) to a legally protected and socially accepted minority category has profound ramifications (e.g., hate speech laws [Bible preaching and teaching], non-discrimination laws [housing, employment and benefits], etc.). However, more directly to the question posed, there is

Ephesians 2:8…3:17…6:16…how can I distinguish “faith” from “the faith”? Thanks and God bless. Bro. Gabriel “Bhong” Policarpio Ephesians 2:8 has the word “faith” in the Greek without the definite article, “the.” Ephesians 3:17 and 6:16 have the definite article “the” preceding the word “faith” in the Greek. Occasions where the definite article “the” precedes the word “faith,” it is generally conceded that “the faith” refers to the system of faith otherwise known as the Gospel or the New Testament. It is not, though, as easily discerned on occasions where the definite article “the” does not precede the word “faith” whether one’s personal faith is meant or if the system of faith, the Gospel, is intended. However, we may make too much of a distinction between personal faith that derives from the system of faith (the Gospel) and the system of faith itself. One’s personal faith is not operable without reliance upon and issuing forth from the system of faith. Likewise, the system of faith profits a person not at all until from it springs one’s personal faith because of it; the system of faith is not operable in our lives until it manifests itself in our personal faith. Consider, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). If “faith” here refers to personal faith (and it may really refer to the system of faith), still personal faith is only operable in its relationship to the system of

who is allowed to perform a legitimate baptism? may an unsaved man or a saved or unsaved woman do so? Granted, the baptism under consideration is immersion in water (Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12) for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) or to be saved (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21). What does the Bible reveal regarding the administrator of this baptism, and is what the Bible reveals in this regard an article of Christian faith limiting administration of baptism to a select few? First, I suggest that we apply the all too uncommon “common sense,” logic or reason to the question posed. Many Christians immediately scoff at and set aside an appeal to common sense, logic or reason as inapplicable to a Bible matter, but I am afraid of unreasonable people, I think with good reason (1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:15). If it were the case at some time historically (quite plausible) that in a given region, continent or the whole world that no true Christian were available to administer baptism, and that in order for baptism to be “legitimate” it had to be administered by a Christian, then no matter how much an agonizing soul desperately desired to be baptized, he could not be baptized; and Christianity would come to a screeching halt, never able to be resumed. Further, if in order for a baptism to be “legitimate” it has to be administered by a true Christian, one who himself was baptized by a true Christian, no one (not

Planet Earth is for many if not even most of its inhabitants a mud ball of misery, only sometimes punctuated with brief rays of diversion through fleeting amusements sometimes cleverly disguised as something bordering happiness. More simply put, for millions life is little more than a bitter pill between two eternities. Most of the world personally experiences rather than merely notes in the news about far away places the ravages of war, famine, disease, oppression and violent crime. There is no earthly hope for the victim citizens of our world, and most can hardly imagine that they will ever be secure from harm, have enough food to eat or have sufficient medical attention, shelter and clothing. Planet Earth is a mud ball of misery because of sin in the world. Sin made its debut on our planet among humans in the Garden of Eden, when disobedience to God and his inviolate Word extended hand toward the forbidden tree (Genesis 3); God changed the Edenic world into which he introduced our first parents as a consequence of their sin (Genesis 3:15-19). Next, the sin of murder nested among humanity when Cain ambushed his brother, Abel (Genesis 4). From there, humanity plunged headlong into the depths of sin so intolerable to Holy God that he destroyed all but eight souls (1 Peter 3:20), and he forever changed the world even more as a consequence of sin (Genesis 6-8). Planet Earth is a self-inflicted mud ball of misery because of the consequences of

1) Why is it that there was a “gap” of 400 silent years? 2) Is this prophesied in the OT just like the other prophecies fulfilled in the NT? 3) What is the importance of studying this “400 Silent Years”? 4) Does it has a bearing in our spiritual belief and in our salvation? 5) Were these events during this intertestamental period have influences in the Jewish beliefs and in Christianity? 6) Did it affect the Jewish belief? Favorably or unfavorably? Yours truly, Gabriel M. Policarpio The only biblical explanation of which I am aware for there being a gap of 400 years between the ending of Old Testament prophecy and the commencement of the New Testament era is that both the ending of Old Testament prophecy and the commencement of the New Testament era with resumption of divine revelation corresponded to the divine timetable. “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons” (Galatians 4:4-5 emphasis added). “Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you” (1 Peter 1:20). See also Ephesians 1:10 and 1 Timothy 2:6. I am not aware of Old Testament prophecy that predicts 400 years of silence between the testaments, but it is a mistaken notion that prophecy or revelation from God was constant anyway, even during

I was told over 30 years ago by a religious scholar that when the Bible was put together at the 395th congress of constantinople, it was controled by the rich contributors to the catholic church, so they controlled a lot of what went into the Bible. I also heard something to this effect on the radio some 15 years ago and they said the cardinals and bishops that where bought by the rich church supporters did serve the rich, but the pope of the time was the only one who stood up the the rich people controling what went into and what was left out of the Bible. I’ve searched the net many a time and I can’t get any info on this subject. can you help or direct me? Frank Kocanda jr. Perhaps the reason you have been unable to find verification of claims you cite is that they are untrue. The Bible, both testaments, were collected together long before the emergence of the Roman Catholic Church. The subject category in which you have expressed interest is called “Biblical Canonicity” or simply “Canonicity.” Some articles archived on Gospel Gazette Online pertain to biblical canonicity; two of these may be found at these URL’s. https://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/1999/oct/page20.shtml https://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/1999/oct/page2.shtml

Bro Rushmore: Please provide scriptures regarding member of church who quits & eventually comes back to church, doesn’t confess sin of neglect to congregation & resumes where he left off. My son & are having this conversation & differ on our ideas. I fell the person needs to confess neglect to congregation in some manner. thank you enjoy  your publication.  Wayne Crum 1. Sin is simply defined in Scripture as a violation of what God has stipulated or commanded in the Word of God. “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4). 2. Even Christians are required to acknowledge their sins and repent of them. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). “Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee” (Acts 8:22). 3. Conceivably, one’s sin may be known only to himself and God, but usually one’s sins are known to or may involve some others, for which acknowledgement of repentance needs to be made to these others. “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift” (Matthew 5:23-24). “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee,

God has always desired to save mankind from his sins, but impenitent mankind has always resisted God’s grace and mercy. Since God continues to offer salvation to humanity, the only reason that souls remain lost is because of human refusal to accept salvation on God’s terms. Jeremiah 6:16 is one of those standout verses of Scripture, and especially worthy of our exposition and special attention. “Saith” can be variously translated, including with the words “charge,” “command,” “demand” and “require.” God through the prophet Jeremiah charged, commanded, demanded and required the nation of Judah to abide in his divine instructions. The phrase “thus saith the Lord” appears 414 times in the Old Testament, and numerous other times among the 1262 times “saith” appears in both testaments of the Bible it refers to communication from God to man. In addition, God obviously addressed mankind with his divine instruction with the use of other words and phrases (e.g., “the word of the LORD came,” Genesis 15:1; 2 Samuel 7:4 [phrase appears 92 times in the Old Testament]). The apostle Peter summarized how mankind became aware of God’s divine instructions (2 Peter 1:20-21). “The LORD” comes from the Hebrew word “Yehovah (yeh-ho-vaw’),” which means “(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God” (Biblesoft’s). There are 5,000 instances in the Old Testament of the King James Version where the capitalized “LORD” appears indicating it means “Jehovah.” “The divine name YHWH appears only in the Bible. …God chose it as His personal name by which He

What do Christians believe about suffering? and What do Christians believe about God? ~ Jayde Christians are supposed to believe what God through the Bible has instructed mankind. Though the questions are too broad, basic answers can be provided without too much difficulty. Suffering first made its entrance into this previously Edenic world as a consequence of sin. Following the sin of Adam and Eve, God punished the first pair and parents of the human race by introducing suffering as a consequence to human rebellion and sin. God introduced labor pain to birth in Genesis 3:16, and he introduced laborious effort to grow crops, that from then to the present must compete with thorns and thistles (Genesis 3:17-19). Also, physical death (as well as spiritual death or separation from God) came upon humanity as a direct result of the sin of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:19). Though the rest of humanity does not bear the guilt of the sin of Adam and Eve (Ezekiel 18:10), all of humanity nevertheless experiences the consequences of sin by the first pair. This is not the same world that initially greeted Adam and Eve before they sinned. Furthermore, God made additional changes to this world, most notably during the universal flood of Noah’s day (Genesis 6-8). Suffering is an ever present reminder of the imperfect world in which we live, imperfect because of not only the sin of Adam and Eve, but the sins of the rest of humanity (Romans 3:10, 23). Though suffering often is not the direct

If the following few words encourage first the proper education of the conscience, and secondly, the proper use of the conscience to serve God, they will have achieved their purpose. The English word “conscience” appears 31 times in the singular and once in the plural in the Bible (all instances being in the New Testament). Though the word “conscience” does not appear in the Old Testament, the model of the human conscience appears expressed in other words (2 Samuel 24:10). “Under both the old covenant and the new covenant the conscience must be formed by the will of God” (Nelson’s). The Greek word suneidesis (soon-i’-day-sis) translated “conscience” is a compound word in its parts meaning ‘with awareness’ (Biblesoft’s). Just what is the conscience? Consider these useful definitions of the word “conscience.” The awareness that a proposed act is or is not conformable to one’s ideal of right and manifesting itself in the feeling of obligation or duty. …Conscience is not so much a distinct faculty of the mind, like perception, memory, etc., as an exercise of the judgment and the power of feeling, as employed with reference to moral truth. It implies the moral sense “to discern good and evil” (Heb 5:14) and a feeling, more or less strong, of responsibility. …the testimony of conscience certainly rests on the foundation of a divine law… (New Unger’s). “A person’s inner awareness of conforming to the will of God or departing from it, resulting in either a sense of approval or condemnation” (Nelson’s). Vine says

Proverbs 23:23 In these few, short paragraphs, we purpose to emphasize the essentiality of embracing biblical truth at all costs. All truth is important, but no truth is more important to one’s happiness on earth as well as eternally in heaven than biblical truth. Biblical truth is divine in origin. No cost or effort is too great to know biblical truth, and no cost is too extreme to retain biblical truth. Hence, by inspiration, Solomon wrote the famous words of Proverbs 23:23: “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” Divine truth is the goal. This divine truth depends upon divine wisdom gleaned from divine instruction that leads to proper understanding of divine truth. The commentator, Matthew Henry, wrote about Proverbs 23:23: “We must not sell it. Do not part with it for pleasures, honours, riches, any things in this world. Do not neglect the study of it, nor throw off the profession of it, nor revolt from under the dominion of it, for the getting or saving of any secular interest whatsoever.” Another commentator penned: “‘Truth,’ spoken of in this verse as ‘wisdom, and instruction, and understanding,’ is something to obtain at all costs and something not to part with regardless of what earthly or momentary gains one may get by doing so” (Hunt 308). (I am indebted to Winfred Clark for the three main headings of this lesson; other resources that proved helpful in assembling this material are cited accordingly.) Divine truth is

What is the impact of your faith on you personally as a Christian? In order for a professed faith in Jesus Christ to actually mean something, it has to have a direct impact on the way we conduct ourselves. In what ways is it evident that one’s faith in Jesus Christ has a direct impact on him? Faith in Jesus Christ has a direct impact on us when we obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ and become Christians. Faith that does not lead one to become a child of God on his terms is a faith that is no more valuable than the faith of “devils” (KJV) or “demons” (ASV, NKJV) (James 2:19). If faith in Jesus Christ has the proper impact on us, we will couple that faith with baptism and be saved. Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved…” (Mark 16:16); I like to say with some force, “Jesus said,” because mere mortals surely can be moved by the words of the Son of God himself, if they can be moved at all to do the bidding of God. Baptized believers are added to the church by Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38, 41, 47). Members of the church were first called Christians in Antioch of Syria (Acts 11:26). Faith in Jesus Christ has a direct impact on us when we are aware of our allegiance to our Lord every waking moment. There is no time during our waking moments that we as Christians should not think pure

Hi, I have become a faithful reader of GGO. I have a question for you. How important is it for a congregation to have elders?? If they are “getting along” just fine doing business by means of a men’s business meeting are elders necessary or just an option? Also if a man is qualified to be an elder with the exception of having one adult child who does not attend the assembly, is not a member at all, or is divorced does that totally disqualify the man? Thanks. Darletta Myers Sometimes a congregation cannot have an eldership at a certain juncture in its history because it does not have two or more men who are biblically qualified, willing to serve as elders and men that the congregation respects well enough to follow their guidance. The biblical qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 both include certain male Christians and exclude other male Christians for consideration as appointment to be elders. However, when two or more men satisfy the biblical qualifications for appointment as elders, God’s divine plan for the guidance of a congregation is for it to have elders. Notice Titus 1:5: “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee” (emphasis added). By inspiration, the apostle Paul referred to a congregation without elders as “wanting.” The same Greek word translated “wanting” in Titus 1:5 appears as “lacking” in

Louis, one of your authors says that there were definitely no instruments of music used in the 1st century church.  I am only asking of proof of this assertation. I do not believe that he has that proof. David Fields, MSgt, USAF Consider: (1) The secular, historical record vouches for the first introduction of instrumental music into Christian worship hundreds of years after the establishment of the church in Acts 2; (2) New Testament directive respecting the use of music in Christian worship is specific as to the designation of singing as the type of music authorized for Christian worship; (3) Apostolic censure in the New Testament for deviation from divinely inspired directive does not appear in the New Testament regarding instrumental music being introduced into Christian worship, though other deviations from divine directive are censured in the New Testament. (4) The worship of the New Testament church was patterned after Jewish synagogue worship, which did not include instrumental music. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that there were no instruments of music used in the worship of the first century church. Furthermore, had any congregation of the Lord’s church used instrumental music in Christian worship in the first century, it would have done so without either divine precedent or celestial authorization, which is equally true today whenever anyone attempts to worship God with instrumental music. (1) Secular history simply does not as much as hint of the use of instrumental music in Christian worship in the first century. No history with which I am acquainted even suggests a first century use

Through a number of lessons, we have been urged to “Come Meet Jesus”: as Creator; as Pre-Incarnate God; as the Incarnate God; as Master Teacher; at the Cross; as Savior; as Messiah and King; as High Priest; as Mediator, Intercessor and Advocate; as Lawgiver and Prophet; as the Head of his church, body and house. One final lesson after this one will call upon us to “Come Meet Jesus the Preeminent One. This current lesson encourages us to “Come Meet Jesus as the Judge.” We will do this by proposing some questions for which we will look for biblical answers. What does the Bible teach about the certainty of a Final Judgment? The Bible teaches that Final Judgment is an appointment for which a soul can neither be late nor avoid (Hebrews 9:27). Final Judgment, and Jesus Christ being the Judge, is a matter of fundamental, Christian doctrine (Hebrews 6:1-2). Final Judgment will be so thorough that even “the secrets of men” and  “the counsels… [“purposes” Biblesoft’s] of hearts” will be examined (Romans 2:16; 1 Corinthians 4:5). As the Scriptures represent the final judgment “as certain [Eccl. 11:9], universal [2 Cor. 5:10], righteous [Rom. 2:5], decisive [1 Cor. 15:52], and eternal as to its consequences [Heb. 6:2], let us be concerned for the welfare of our immortal interests, flee to the refuge set before us, improve our precious time, depend on the merits of the Redeemer, and adhere to the dictates of the divine word, that we may be found of him

Christians and non-Christians alike need to be on their best behavior in godly living and faithful service to God, especially since Jesus Christ knows us intimately like no other knows us (John 2:23-25). Children and adults typically exhibit better behavior when they know that someone is watching them, when that someone commands their respect or can exact punitive measures. For instance, children sometimes look to see if mom or dad, a teacher, a shopkeeper or a policeman is watching them before they do something they are not supposed to do. Employees often work more efficiently or at least don’t pilfer company property when the supervisor or boss is watching. Police presence dissuades people from criminal activity and speeding down the highways. Aware that Jesus knows all (everything past, present, future and each of us, too), we ought to be on our best spiritual behavior. Jesus knows all, and Jesus is watching each of you–and me. Jesus knows the Father. “While on earth the supernatural knowledge of Jesus was manifested in His knowledge of the Father” (Nichols 25). Jesus Christ knew the Father because the Father had sent Jesus into the world (John 7:29). Knowing the Father intimately, Jesus was able to show the Father to mankind, who otherwise could not know the Father (Matthew 11:27; John 8:38). The knowledge and wisdom of Jesus Christ was noticeably superior to mere human knowledge and wisdom (Matthew 13:54). Jesus knows the past. The personal knowledge of Jesus Christ predates Abraham (John 8:58). Jesus had an

The concept of one being the “head” of something is a familiar one (e.g., heads of corporations, animals and people have heads that direct their bodies, heads of families, etc.). Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary lists 21 definitions for the noun “head,” four definitions for the “head” as an adjective and 10 definitions for the word “head” used as a verb, for a total of 35 primary definitions. Meanings for the word “head” include: the part of the animal or human body having the brain and the mouth, one side of a coin, an individual as in counting heads, the upper of something such as a stream or the opposite of the foot of something, director or leader, the leading element of something, the top of something, the toilet on a ship, place of honor, headlines pertaining to the printed page, something rising to the top, a machinery attachment, to behead or decapitate, a course set for travel, to originate and to go in a certain direction. Scripture represents Jesus Christ as being Head of his church, Head of his spiritual body and Head of his spiritual house or family. Several of the definitions for the word “head” apply to Jesus Christ in his relationship to the church, his spiritual body and his spiritual family. Let’s compare the appropriate definitions of the word “head” with biblically described roles of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Head of his church. The apostle Paul distinctly and repeatedly wrote by divine inspiration that Jesus Christ is the

When studying about Jesus Christ, it is not difficult to emphasize the unique and incomparable role of our Lord. Nave’s Topical Bible lists about 250 names or designations for Jesus Christ. Over several lessons, we have only noted a few of those appellations: Creator, Pre-Incarnate God, the Incarnate God, Master Teacher, at the Cross, Savior, Messiah, King, High Priest, Mediator, Intercessor, Advocate, Lawgiver, Prophet, Head of his church, Head of his Body, Head of his house and Judge. All of the designations for Jesus Christ that we have noticed plus the over 200 others we have not reviewed recently point to Jesus Christ as the Preeminent One. Herein you are invited to “Come Meet Jesus as the Preeminent One.” What do we mean by “preeminence”? Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines “preeminence” as “having paramount rank, dignity, or importance.” A Hebrew dictionary defines the word for “preeminence” (mowthar, appearing only in Ecclesiastes 3:19; Proverbs 14:23; 21:5) as including the ideas of “literally, gain; figuratively, superiority” (Biblesoft’s). A Greek dictionary defines the word for “preeminence” as “to be in the first position, with the implication of high rank and prominence – ‘to be the first, to have superior status’” (Louw and Nida). Another Greek dictionary concurs and adds a facet to the definition of “preeminence” (proteuo, appearing only in Colossians 1:18): “to be first (in rank or influence)” (Biblesoft’s). No one enjoys preeminence that rightfully belongs exclusively to Jesus Christ. Satan desired preeminence over Jesus Christ. One temptation that Satan hurled at Jesus Christ was the offer

Jesus Christ is the only mediator between humanity and God. Jesus Christ is intercessor between mankind and God. In addition, Jesus Christ is mankind’s advocate with God. Jesus Christ is mankind’s sole access to a Holy God (John 14:6). Jesus Christ is the only mediator between humanity and God. Just what is a “mediator”? One who goes between two groups or persons to help them work out their differences and come to agreement. A mediator usually is a neutral party, a go-between, intermediary, or arbitrator who brings about reconciliation in a hostile situation when divided persons are not able to work out their differences themselves. A mediator can also be the negotiator of an agreement. After the agreement is made, he can then witness to its content and serve as the administrator or guarantor to make sure its provisions are followed. A mediator needs legal authority and recognized power to function effectively. (Nelsons) No one else in heaven or on earth better knows both the divine and the human circumstances, therefore, making Jesus Christ the only qualified Mediator between man and God. Further, Jesus Christ has “all authority…in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18 ASV) necessary to mediate effectively. “Mediator, a person who intervenes between two parties at variance, in order to reconcile them” (McClintock and Strong). The ISBE notes that a mediator is a “middleman”  and further the English Word “mediator” appears in the Old Testament only in the Septuagint for Job 9:33 plus six times in the New Testament. The hostility

Jesus Christ is the Lawgiver of the New Testament, whereas Moses was the lawgiver of the Old Testament (John 1:17; 7:19). Jesus Christ is the Great Prophet of the New Testament, whereas Moses was the great prophet of the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 18:15, 18; John 1:45; Acts 3:22; 7:37). The various biblical names, titles and functions ascribed to Jesus Christ commingle into one grand, divine character, including Lawgiver and Prophet. “As in Judaism, messianic titles and functions merge into one another. Thus Jesus is the kingly as well as the prophetic Messiah in Jn. 6:14-15; Mt. 21:9ff. He is Christ as well as prophet in Acts 3: 18ff” (Kittel and Friedrich). “Moses was ruler, lawgiver, deliverer, and prophet; Christ was all this to the people, but they rejected him” (Boles). On this occasion, we want to invite you to “Come Meet Jesus as Lawgiver and Prophet.” Whereas Moses was the lawgiver of the Old Testament, Jesus Christ is the Lawgiver of the New Testament. What does the Bible mean by the use of the word “lawgiver”? The English word “lawgiver” appears only six times in both testaments combined: five in the Old Testament and once in the New Testament. However, the Hebrew word sometimes translated “lawgiver” appears 19 times. It pertains to making laws. Ultimately, Jehovah is the Lawgiver, the One from whom all divine law comes (Isaiah 33:22 and James 4:12). However, God appointed Moses as lawgiver of the Old Testament and Jesus Christ as Lawgiver of the New Testament. Moses occupied a

The pre-existence of Jesus Christ, as it is usually described, has to do with the one we know as Jesus Christ before his incarnation (i.e., when he took fleshly, bodily form through the Virgin Birth). Technically, though, the Second Person of the Godhead had not adopted the roles of Jesus Christ yet in his pre-incarnate state. There was no Jesus, no Messiah, no Christ, no Son of God, no Only Begotten, before the reign of Augustus Caesar. The relation that was before the Christian era, was not that of a son and a father, terms which always imply disparity; but it was that expressed by John in the sentence under consideration [John 1:1]. The relation was that of God and the “word of God.” This phraseology unfolds a relation quite different from that of a father and son-a relation perfectly intimate, equal, and glorious. (Alexander Campbell qtd. in Mosher 313) The pre-existence of Jesus Christ is axiomatic given his participation with the Father and the Holy Spirit in the creation of the universe and all that is in it (Genesis 1:26-27; Colossians 1:15-17). The pre-existence or the pre-incarnate nature of Jesus Christ is also definitively taught in Scripture. “Any proper study of Jesus Christ must include not only His earthly span of some 33 years, but His eternal existence as well. The Bible plainly teaches that the Savior had an eternal existence prior to His earthly incarnation” (Jackson 1). Herein, you are cordially invited to “Come Meet Jesus as Pre-Incarnate

I just read that as part of the counter reformation, a Jesuit priest Alcasar devised a theory which is now known as amillennialism / preterism. Opposite to this is by another Jesuit, Ribera, premillennialism. Apparently this was done to take the focus off the papacy as the antichrist which Luther etc started to identify as and shift the focus of the Bible reading Christians elsewhere so that people either believed that everything is past (prophecy) before the Pope, OR there will be a future non Christian anti Christ who is NOT part of the established religion. Won’t you fall into this teaching by the Catholics if you believe in amillennialism? Thanks, Bis Millennialism, whether one opts for it or rejects it, has to do with biblical interpretation of Revelation 20. “MILLENNIUM This term signifies a period of a thousand years, and in its religious use is applied to the prophetic era mentioned in Rev 20:1-7” (McClintock and Strong Encyclopedia). Essentially, there are three approaches to biblical interpretation of this passage, and common sense mandates that these three contradictory perceptions cannot all be correct. Three common millennial views are held: postmillennialism, amillennialism, and premillennialism. Postmillennialism. This interpretation maintains that present gospel agencies will root out evils until Christ will have a spiritual reign over the earth, which will continue for 1,000 years. … Amillennialism. Advocates of this view maintain that no Millennium is to be looked for except that which, it is claimed, is in progress now in this gospel age. … Premillennialism. This interpretation teaches that

…if the church is the Kingdom how is one to read 2 Thess 1:5? Here the brethren are “striving” to obtain a place in the future Kingdom. Thanks, Bis All are not agreed that 2 Thessalonians 1:5 refers to a future rather than a present kingdom or the church: “Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer.” The verse may refer to or include a reference to a future kingdom. However, there are a number of New Testament verses that unmistakably refer to a future kingdom. Verses that portray the kingdom as an anticipated inheritance are easily understood to refer to a future kingdom. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 emphasis added) Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. (1 Corinthians 15:50 emphasis added) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians

…what bible says about, apostles baptism, i hope there did not get the baptism, which we are giveing today, that is, hear the gospel, believe, repent, confess, baptism in water that there must come into Christ, in acts 2; 41 it say there added to them, that this verses saying there added with apostles, OR added with Christ, explain me about this verses. i hope you understand me question. YOur brother in Christ, Living to please God, D. Pradabadathan There are two baptism recorded in Acts Chapter Two: (1) the baptism of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, and (2) the baptism for the forgiveness of sins. The element of the first is the Holy Spirit, whereas the element of the second is water. The result of the first was to empower the apostles according to our Lord’s promises to them in John 14-16; the result of the second was forgiveness of sins. The first was temporary in duration and ended with the apostles (and the effect ceased with the end of miracles, 1 Corinthians 13:8-13; Ephesians 4:11-14); the second continues throughout the New Testament age (until the Second Coming of Jesus Christ). The baptism of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles (Acts 1:26) is recorded in Acts 2:1-4. The miraculous affect of the baptism of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles caused quite a stir in Jerusalem that day, and provided an opportunity for the apostles to preach the Gospel to large numbers of people. In the climax of

dear brother. please explain me about Melchizedek king of Salem. i need full details about him. Melchizedek is a biblical character in the times of Patriarchy (before Judaism and Christianity) who mysteriously appears and then as mysteriously disappears from the biblical text. With slight variations in spelling, Melchizedek’s name appears in just a few verses in both testaments of the Bible (Genesis 14:18-20; Psalm 110:4;  Hebrews 5:6, 10; 7:1-2, 11-12, 15, 17, 21). Though every male under Patriarchy could act as a family priest and perform ritual worship of Jehovah (Genesis 4:3-4; 22:5), Melchizedek was a patriarchal priest in some way superior to family priests and at the same time king of Salem (later called Jerusalem); Melchizedek’s priesthood was superior to Abraham’s priesthood (Hebrews 7:7). “Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life” (Hebrews 7:3) means that Melchizedek neither received his priesthood from his forefathers nor passed the priesthood to his descendants, as was the case with Levitical priests under Judaism; Melchizedek’s family tree was immaterial to his priesthood, as is true regarding the priesthood of Jesus Christ. The following three quotations from various resources provide some useful points to remember about Melchizedek. Essentially, the rest of what can know about Melchizedek is limited to what we can read in the passages in which his name appears. …the Melchizedek priesthood was prior to the Levitical temporary law…(Fausset’s) Melchizedek’s existence shows that there were people other than Abraham and his family who served the

My name is Leazel Beukes and there are two questions that I need answers for. 1. How the church perspective influence values and education? 2. How the school can influence values and education? From a biblical perspective, one’s religious convictions based on biblical teaching ought to regulate everything in one’s life, including values and the effect secular education is allowed to have on a child of God. The apostle Paul, when citing the proper Christian slave’s dutiful deportment toward his master, wrote: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Colossians 3:23). This conviction of “do it heartily, as to the Lord” should pervade the entire disposition of every Christian toward seeking first to please God (Matthew 6:33). The sentiment of Colossians 3:23 is comparable to the same idea expressed in Colossians 3:17, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” However, young people spend a disproportionate amount of time away from their religious associations and families under the control of school systems. Hence, schools typically directly or indirectly through peer association influence those being educated more powerfully and thoroughly than home and church combined. Consequently, especially among nominal religious people of all stripes, value systems (morality and ethics) or the lack there of propagated in schools come to dominate the lives of our offspring. Parents have the God-ordained responsibility to ground their children in

i had a question spotting out in my mind whether kissing my boyfriend is a sin or not… [name withheld by Editor], India Kissing can mean a lot of things. In the first century Roman world, kissing was a form of greeting where men kissed men and women kissed women (Matthew 26:49; Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 1 Peter 5:14; compare Genesis 27:26-27; Ruth 1:9, 14; 1 Samuel 10:1; 20:41). The kiss of greeting was a culturally acceptable as well as a biblically acceptable public greeting. “Between individuals of the same sex, and in a limited degree between those of different sexes, the kiss on the cheek as a mark of respect or an act of salutation has at all times been customary in the East” (New Unger’s). A unique greeting and show of respect occurs in Luke 7:38, 45 where a woman kissed the feet of Jesus Christ. Though the New Testament did not originate the kiss of greeting, it regulated it to a “holy kiss” (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26) rather than a passionate kiss. “Romantic kisses are mentioned infrequently in the Bible, whether genuinely loving (Song 1:2; 8:1) or seductive (Prov 7:13)” (Nelson’s). Biblically, God requires unmarried persons to practice moral purity toward each other. The church is compared to a “chaste virgin” (2 Corinthians 11:2). Unmarried persons must limit their physical interaction with each other to prevent lust and fornication (1 Corinthians 7:1-2): “but

Dear Bro Rushmore: please send me info about antism, a relative of mine who attends an anti church asked me by what authority we could have a kitchen in our bldg. Please send any info about them you may have. I am not sure all they believe. Thank you. The term “antism” has been loosely applied to a number of members and congregations of the churches of Christ that oppose various activities viewed by the balance of Christians and churches of Christ as inconsequential. Not all those to which the moniker “anti” is attributed are “anti” about the same things, but the list of things over which various anti groups are concerned include: no located preachers, no Bible classes, no individual communion cups, no benevolence toward non-Christians, no eating in the church building, no financial cooperation with other congregations and no financial expenditures to or through any other organization to accomplish any mission of the church. Mostly, anti brethren are sincere and otherwise conservative with the Scriptures, but they try too hard and have been correctly charged essentially with making laws where God did not make laws (Matthew 15:9). “No” is a keyword of antism and many anti prohibitions involve more conserving money than conservative biblical interpretation. We respectfully disagree with several of the conclusions to which these brethren have arrived. The expenditure of the Lord’s money needs to be authorized, as does every other aspect of church activity (and Christian activity) need to be regulated or guided by Holy Scripture. In

The theme “Come Meet Jesus” includes “Come Meet Jesus as Creator,” “Come Meet Jesus as God Incarnate,” “Come Meet Jesus as Master Teacher,” “Come Meet Jesus at the Cross,” “Come Meet Jesus as Savior,” “Come Meet Jesus as Messiah-King” and now also “Come Meet Jesus as High Priest.” As High Priest, Jesus Christ does for us before the Heavenly Father what we cannot do for ourselves, namely making intercession with God. “Here on earth our Lord was a priest in a preeminent sense, both in His sacrifice of Himself for the sins of the world and in His intercession. He is also our present High Priest, interceding for us in heaven” (New Unger’s). As High Priest, Jesus Christ leads Christians as the New Testament priesthood. Jesus Christ is a priest after the order of Melchizedek. The priesthood of Melchisedec differed from the Aaronic priesthood under the Law of Moses. Melchisedec’s priesthood did not pertain to a certain tribe or family within a tribe like the Aaronic priesthood (Hebrews 7:1-3; Genesis 14:18-20). The priesthood after the order of Melchisedec is “unchangeable” and is ‘forever’ or ‘continues’ (Hebrews 6:20; 7:23-24, 28). The writer of Hebrews presents evidence that the priesthood of Melchisedec was superior to the priesthood under the Law of Moses (Hebrews 7:4-10). Consequently, since the priesthood of Jesus Christ is after the order of Melchisedec, then our Lord’s priesthood also is superior to the Aaronic priesthood (Hebrews 7:11). The priesthood under Christianity is different from and superior to the priesthood under Judaism (Hebrews 7:12-17). God the Father

John 1:41; 4:25-26 The terms Messiah and King relative to Jesus Christ are interrelated. Together, they bring to fruition all the Old Testament prophecies about the redemption of fallen humanity. Already we have directed our attention to “Come Meet Jesus as Creator,” “Come Meet Jesus as God Incarnate,” “Come Meet Jesus as Master Teacher,” “Come Meet Jesus at the Cross” and “Come Meet Jesus as the Savior.” Now, “Come Meet Jesus as Messiah and King.” What does it mean that Jesus Christ is the Messiah? The Word Messiah (OT) or Messias (NT) appears in both testaments. The Hebrew word for Messiah is mashiyach (maw-shee’-akh), which means “anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the Messiah” (Biblesoft’s). This Hebrew word appears 39 times in Old Testament: 37 times as “anointed” and twice as “Messiah” (Daniel 9:25-26). The “Heb. mashiyach in all the thirty-nine instances of its occurring in the Old Testament, is rendered by the LXX [Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew OT] ‘Christos’” (Easton). The Greek word for Messiah (Messias) is Messias (mes-see’-as), which is “of Hebrew origin” (Biblesoft’s). Messiah (Messias) only appears twice in the New Testament (John 1:41; 4:25). The New Testament more often uses another word as a synonym for Messiah. The Greek word christos (khris-tos’) translated “Christ” means “anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus” (Biblesoft’s). “Christos means ‘smeared on,’ ‘anointed,’ and as a noun (to’ christon) ‘ointment.’ It never relates to persons in the nonbiblical sphere” (Kittel and Friedrich). The Hebrew word mashiach, transliterated “Messiah,” is an adjective made from a verb, and

Through this theme, “Come Meet Jesus,” already we have considered “Come Meet Jesus as Creator,” “Come Meet Jesus as God Incarnate,” “Come Meet Jesus as Master Teacher” and “Come Meet Jesus at the Cross.” Now, let us consider “Come Meet Jesus as the Savior.” Unable to save himself from his sins, mankind desperately needs a divine Savior. Fortunately, Jesus Christ accepted God the Father’s mission for him as our Savior. We need to arm ourselves with biblical information regarding Jesus Christ as Savior before we can obtain redemption for ourselves. Both testaments teach about a divine Savior of humanity. The definition of the word “savior” has a basic meaning, but the true significance depends upon the context in which it appears. The 15 judges between the time of Joshua and King Saul were physical, human saviors (Judges 2:16; 3:9, 15). However, regarding salvation or redemption, Jesus Christ is mankind’s spiritual, divine Savior. “SAVIOR. A term applied in Scripture, in its highest sense, to Jesus Christ, but in a subordinate manner to human deliverers” (New Unger’s). “1: one that saves from danger or destruction; 2 : one who brings salvation; specifically capitalized : JESUS” (Merriam). Hebrew and Greek have their respective words that are translated into English as “Savior.” The English word “Savior” appears 37 times in the KJV: 13 in OT; 24 NT. The Hebrew word translated “Savior” is yasha’ (yaw-shah’), though altogether the Hebrew word appears 207 times and is translated also as “save,” “rescue,” “deliverer,” “avenging” and “help.” The Greek word translated “Savior” is soter (so-tare’) and means “deliverer” (Biblesoft’s). Both testaments also use

Bro Rushmore, In my daily bible reading and reading what others have written regarding who went to the promised land, I have some questions. Who went to the promised land along with Joshua and Caleb and those under the age of 20? Did all the women 20 years old and above die? Deut 2:14-16 seems to indicate that the women did not die since verse 16 says, “So when all the men of war had died from among the people,” What about the tribe of Levi, were they exempt from this destruction? No one from the tribe of Levi was sent to spy out the land according to Numbers 14. According to Num. 1:45-54, the tribe of Levi was not numbered when the census was taken. This is also stated in Num. 34:16-29, Num. 26:63-65, and Josh. 14:1-5. Any help you can give me to clear up my cobwebs would be most appreciated! Because of Him, Marilyn Whereas Numbers 14:29, 31; 26:2; Deuteronomy 2:16 refer to the men of war in the age group of 20 years and above, Deuteronomy 2:14 refers to “all the generation of the men of war”; Hebrews 3:10 also notes “that generation” was forbidden to enter Canaan. The punishment of God toward that generation was not exclusively toward “men of war,” but toward each person 20-years-old and older who “murmured” against God (Numbers 14:29); Jude 5 acknowledges God’s punishment was toward “them that believed not,” without specification of male, fighting men only. Often in the

Dear Mr. Rushmore, I have read your December 2005 article on “Why do churches of Christ not fellowship denominations?” I notice that it does not directly deal with a Christian’s association with members of denominations. I would be most grateful if you could provide Bible answers for the following questions: I participate in Bible classes organized by members of the denominations at their homes. We pray on our own before and after the lessons. Have I violated scripture? My neighbor is a member of a denomination. Can I greet her and have conversations with her? My neighbor is a member of a denomination. We are good neighbors. We participate in some social activities like visiting each other’s house and have dinner together and participate in our children’s activities. Have I violated scripture? My colleague is a member of a denomination. We work together on projects. We often have lunch together. Have I violated Scripture? I buy spiritual books from denomination bookshops. Am I supporting their businesses and partake in their spreading of false teaching? I look forward to hearing from you. Rgds, John Chan There exists in Scripture a clear distinction between religious fellowship enjoyed between faithful Christians and God versus association with non-Christians in this world. First John 1:3 represents religious fellowship between faithful Christians and God: “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” First

My co-workers and I were discussing the 10 commandments and I said that there are, I believe 605 commandments and that they equal the number of days in the year, the number of bones in the human body and the number of teeth in our mouths. Am I correct? And are they listed in the Bible? “Following the return from Babylon, the development of the synagogue gave rise to interpretations of the law by leading rabbis, which after a time were collected into 613 precepts. Considered part of the Torah [“the body of wisdom and law contained in Jewish Scripture and other sacred literature and oral tradition” (Merriam)], they were as binding as the law itself. Jesus referred to these additions to the original law of Moses as ‘the traditions of men’” (“Torah”). “The Talmud [“the authoritative body of Jewish tradition” (Merriam)] reckoned the positive laws of Moses at 248, the negative at 365, in all 613″ (Johnson). One Internet site lists the 613 Jewish commandments (“613 Commandments”). The Jews imagined that there was a relationship between the number of these commandments and the number of body parts; “They also mention 248 affirmative precepts, or in all 613, according to the supposed number of members in the human body” (Edersheim). The complete set of adult teeth number 32 (“Truth About”), and “the adult human body has 206” bones (“Big Story”). There are 365 days in a year. None of these numbers are mystical numbers in any combination respecting the Old

There is not a right thinking person alive who is not painfully aware of the difficulty of doing the right thing, at all times, in all places and under every circumstance. Nevertheless, the righteous person is he or she who does and continues to do righteousness as God defines righteousness (1 John 3:7). Every person who “worketh righteousness is accepted” by God (Acts 10:35). Christians, “[b]eing then made free from sin…became the servants of righteousness” (Romans 6:18). Although the Word of God is the source “for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16), often people find themselves “…going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God” (Rom. 10:3). Christians sometimes turn from “the way of righteousness” (2 Peter 2:21). Doubtless, there are many reasons for which both non-Christians and Christians not only fail to practice righteousness but in addition often bully those who endeavor to steadfastly practice the righteousness of God (e.g., peer pressure, 1 Samuel 15:24). Sometimes, doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do can lead one to be as lonely as Noah, the sole “preacher of righteousness” in “the world of the ungodly” (2 Peter 2:5). By inspiration, the apostle Paul advised the Thessalonian Christians that God will vindicate his faithful people with “righteous judgment” as “it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble” his people (2 Thessalonians 1:5-9). Simplified, righteousness equals “right action” (Vine’s). Righteousness or right action is sufficient

In the Model Prayer, Jesus taught his disciples to pray, “Thy kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10; Luke 11:2). From this one learns that the kingdom that was the subject of many Old Testament prophecies had not come yet. There was a popular belief in the first century that the kingdom of prophecy was about to come, but that kingdom of divine origin, about which Daniel, Isaiah, Joel and Micah prophesied, had not been established yet when Jesus taught his disciples how to pray. However, both the forerunner of Jesus Christ, John the Baptist, and Jesus Christ preached in their respective ministries that the kingdom of prophecy was near or about to be established (Matthew 3:1-2; 4:17). Further, Jesus taught that this kingdom would be established “with power” within the lifetimes of those in his generation to whom he was speaking. “And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power” (Mark 9:1 emphasis added). Unless one would be so audacious as to contradict Jesus Christ and so disrespectful of Holy Scripture to assert otherwise, the kingdom of Old Testament prophecies was established in the first century. The establishment of the kingdom in the first century is exactly what one should expect when Old Testament prophecies and secular history are compared. Almost universally, Bible students acknowledge that Daniel 2:31-45 teaches that the spiritual kingdom was to be established during the

Scripture amply demonstrates that Jesus Christ is the Master Teacher, to whom we should go for instruction, which instruction should mold our lives. Jesus Christ excelled beyond comparison in everything that he did; Jesus Christ is preeminent as the Creator, as God Incarnate, as Sacrifice on Calvary’s Cross, as Savior, as King, as Judge–as well as Master Teacher. There is no one else to whom we can turn who is a more able Teacher than Jesus Christ. What, though, does it mean to be a teacher? Primarily two Greek verbs express what it means to be a teacher. First, didasko means “to give instruction (e.g., Matt 4:23; 9:35; Rom 12:7; 1 Cor 4:17; 1 Tim 2:12; 4:11” (Vine’s). Second, matheteuo means “to teach…Matt. 28:19 [28:20 = didasko]; Acts 14:21″ (Vine’s). In addition, synonyms as well as related nouns and adjectives in the New Testament express what it means to be a teacher. God is man’s Teacher. God was man’s teacher under the old covenant; “God himself is described as a teacher. He taught Moses (Exod. 4:15)” (Daugherty 131). God, likewise, promised to teach mankind under the new covenant (Isaiah 2:2-3). It should be no surprise, then, that when Jesus Christ came to earth in the flesh, he was the Master Teacher. Jesus Christ is the Master Teacher. A primary feature of the short ministry of Jesus Christ was teaching (Matthew 4:23; 5:2; 7:29; 9:35; 11:1; 13:54; 21:23; 26:55). Jesus, the Master Teacher, frequently used figurative language in his teaching (i.e., the Power Point, etc. of

Final Judgment is a topic addressed in both testaments of the Bible (Ecclesiastes 12:14; 2 Corinthians 5:10). In addition, the Bible records several judgments by God of humanity, especially the people of God. We can learn valuable principles from examining the various judgments God executed upon humanity in the past. With these principles, such as how God reacts to disobedience and how God rewards obedience, we can better prepare ourselves for Final Judgment. Several judgments by God of humanity extend from shortly after creation through the close of the first century. The first judgment by God of humanity occurred following the sin of Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve sinned or disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit (Genesis 2:17; 3:3, 6). Consequently, God assigned labor “pain” (ASV) to woman and subjection to her husband (Genesis 3:15); and God told Adam that the earth would only produce crops thereafter with much “toil” (ASV) (Genesis 3:16). Finally, God expelled Adam and Eve from his presence in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:23-24). Adam and Eve died spiritually and began to die physically also (Romans 5:12; 6:23). Obedience and Eden’s bliss are associated with each other, whereas disobedience is associated with death or separation (James 2:26). God judged the world through the worldwide flood of Noah’s day. Almost every person on the earth had become wicked and violent preceding the Great Flood (Genesis 6:5, 11). Only eight souls on the entire earth were spared (2 Peter 3:20). Obedience saved eight souls; disobedience

In this series of articles with the theme of “Come Meet Jesus,” we have already turned to Scripture about Jesus Christ as Creator, Jesus Christ the Incarnate God and Jesus Christ the Master Teacher. Herein, let us “Come Meet Jesus at the Cross.” Crucifixion was a horrific form of capital punishment. Various forms of crucifixion were used by different nations throughout ancient history. Crucifixion at times and places ranged from a single post on which a person was impaled, to an upright post with a crossbar, to two rails forming an “X.” Most ancient nations practiced some form of crucifixion (e.g., Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Egyptians, Scythians, Indians, Germans, Persians and Assyrians (Varner 5). The Roman Empire also employed crucifixion as a form of capital punishment. The Roman cross was comprised of an upright post of up to 9′ above the ground with a  7′ crossbeam (Hastings qtd. in Varner 4). Protruding from the upright post was a “peg” (New Unger’s) or “a small piece of wood forming a…seat …designed to bear part of the weight of the body which would otherwise have been too great to be supported by the hands and feet alone. At the top of [the upright post] was a small tablet…which declared the crime and name of the victim” (Varner 4). The tablet above Jesus’ head on the cross read, “Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews” (John 19:19; Matthew 27:37; Mark 15:26; Luke 23:38). The horribleness of crucifixion was intended to intimidate populations so they would be sure to practice

The incarnation (or taking a fleshly body) of Jesus Christ is essential and foundational to Christianity; the incarnation of Jesus Christ cannot be overemphasized. Without the substitutionary sacrifice of the incarnate God on Calvary’s cross, there could be no forgiveness of sins. Without the resurrection from the dead of incarnate God, death would not have been vanquished so we also may resurrect from the dead someday. The incarnation of Jesus Christ is so vital to Christianity that it is a chief test of fellowship! First, we must define what we mean by the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The English word “incarnation” does not appear in our translations. “Neither the noun ‘incarnation’ nor the adjective ‘incarnate’ is biblical, but the Gk. equivalent of Lat. in carne (en sarki, ‘in flesh’) is found in some important NT statements about the person and work of Jesus Christ” (New Bible Dictionary). “INCARNATION A theological term for the coming of God’s Son into the world as a human being. The term itself is not used in the Bible, but it is based on clear references in the New Testament to Jesus as a person ‘in the flesh’ (Rom 8:3; Eph 2:15; Col 1:22)” (Nelson’s). The word “incarnation” summarizes or represents in short an indisputable Bible doctrine. That very person who was in the beginning-who was with God-and who was God, John 1:1, in the fullness of time became flesh-became incarnated by the power of the Holy Spirit, in the womb of the virgin. Allowing this apostle to

Jesus Christ is principally responsible for the creation of all this is. In addition, Jesus Christ is responsible for the continued existence of all creation. The array of passages are numerous that directly attribute to Jesus Christ the role of Creator. The Godhead, comprised of three divine persons, created everything. The Godhead is comprised of three persons. Commonly, this Bible doctrine is known as the Trinity or the Triune God; the Trinity deserves a biblical study dedicated to it, though herein we only propose to introduce it. Three persons of the one Godhead appear in several New Testament passages (Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19; Mark 1:10-11; Luke 1:30-35; 3:21-22; 24:49; John 14:16-17, 25-26; Acts 2:32-33; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:4-6; 5:18-20; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; Titus 3:4-6; 2 Timothy 1:3, 13-14; Hebrews 2:3-4; 6:4-6; 10:29-31; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 John 5:4-6; Jude 20-21). Old Testament passages also acknowledge the three divine persons in one Godhead (Isaiah 42:1; 61:1-2; Luke 4:18; Hebrews 1:10; Psalm 102:25-27). Otherwise, Scripture refers to the three persons in one God as the Godhead (Acts 17:29; Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9). We may find it difficult to understand, but the Father and the Son (Jesus Christ) are one in that Godhead (John 10:30). The collective cooperation of the divine persons in the one Godhead created everything that is. Plural pronouns in Scripture evidence the plurality of divine persons responsible for creation (Genesis 1:26; cf. Genesis 3:22; 11:7). The plural noun for God in Scripture indicates

Per your request to “let me know” respecting the material and teachings of Arnold Murray and his Shepherd’s Chapel, the following is respectfully and prayerfully submitted for your consideration. While it is assumed that every religious group and its leaders professing Christianity would teach some biblical truth, often erroneous teaching amounts to preaching another Jesus, another spirit and another Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:4). The observations below are not intended to fully analyze every religious teaching of Arnold Murray or Shepherd’s Chapel, were that even possible. However, sufficient information following does present enough evidence to ascertain whether Arnold Murray and Shepherd’s Chapel are true to the Holy Bible (1 John 4:1-3). Premillennialism: Arnold Murray erroneously teaches premillennialism by misusing Scripture and teaching what is not taught in the Bible. “We believe in the literal return of Jesus Christ (Zechariah 14:4; Acts 1:9-14) when He shall take the Throne of David (Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 1:32-33) and rule on earth for the prophetic thousand years known as the millennium (Revelation 20:4 Zechariah 14:9)” (www.shepherdschapel.com/statement1.htm). Acts 1:9-11 records the Ascension of Jesus Christ and angels tell that his Second Coming will resemble his Ascension (i.e., clouds concealed him in his Ascension and clouds would reveal Jesus upon his return). Isaiah 9:6-7 and Luke 1:32-33 teach that Jesus Christ will reign on the throne of David, but premillennialists erroneously conclude that means on a literal throne, in literal, earthly Jerusalem. Zechariah 6:13 prophesies that Jesus Christ will be priest and king at the same time. Yet,

What is truth, and does truth really matter? Jesus affirmed before the Roman Governor, Pilate, that he came into the world to bear witness of the truth (John 18:37). Pilate attempted to deflect the importance of truth by posing the question, “What is truth?” Like Pilate, myriads of contemporary religious people and religious leaders attempt to deflect the importance of spiritual truth today. The Bible (especially the New Testament for people living today) is not so vague that biblical truth cannot be ascertained. Yet, many are the religious bodies throughout history through the present that propose new truths, as though they were new bills proposed in some legislature to be argued for and against by various political persuasions, finally adopted by popular vote. In reality, biblical truth has long been settled, the ink of which truth dried nearly 2,000 years ago. God did not leave mankind without instructions, but he has provided us divine truth (2 Peter 1:3). Simply read the following verses of Scripture and see if you can discern God’s divine truth on these various topics. (1) Homosexuality (1 Corinthians 6:9 NKJV, NIV); (2) Women preachers (1 Timothy 2:12; 1 Corinthians 14:34); (3) Women elders & deacons (Titus 1:5-6; 1 Timothy 3:12); (4) Frequency of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7); (5) Does the kingdom exist yet (Matthew 16:18-19; Colossians 1:13; Revelation 1:9)? (6) Is Jesus reigning as King now (1 Corinthians 15:24-28)? (7) Does baptism save (1 Peter 3:21; Acts 22:16)? (8) Is man permitted to adopt his own religious doctrine

Gluttony is a biblical subject appearing in both testaments of the Bible. Though information on this topic from both testaments combined is minimal, gluttony is nevertheless a part of preaching the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). This lesson, then, is intended to be informational. Our aim is to provide a biblical definition of gluttony and evaluate its application to Christianity today. Gluttony is defined by the words used to represent it. Gluttony is sometimes represented in the New Testament by the Greek word, gaster. Gaster means “stomach” and is also translated as “belly,” “with child” or “womb” (Biblesoft’s). In Titus 1:12, gaster refers to gluttony (i.e., “bellies” KJV, “gluttons” ASV and NKJV). Various commentators on Titus 1:12 of the ancient inhabitants of Crete write: “They are so given to gluttony that they are mere ‘bellies.’ Compare Phil 3:19. Gasteer (NT:1064), elsewhere in the New Testament always in connection with childbearing” (Vincent’s). “…[T]hey were a race of gluttons, a people whose only concern was the stomach; compare Phil 3:19” (Barnes’). “They themselves are called “bellies,” for that is the member for which they live (Rom 16:18; Phil 3:19)” (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown). Gluttony is sometimes represented in the New Testament by the Greek word, koilia. Koilia can mean “to be given up to the pleasures of the palate, to gluttony” (Enhanced Strong’s). Philippians 3:19 (“whose God is their belly”) and Romans 16:18 (“serve…their own belly”) are such uses of koilia. However, koilia in other contexts means “belly” or “womb,” much like the Greek word gaster is used. Gluttony is sometimes represented in the

Can one definitively demonstrate through Scripture that babies and young children are not guilty of sin? First, Scripture teaches that a soul is not guilty for the sin of his forefathers (or anyone else, e.g. Adam and Eve, Ezekiel 18:20). Scripture also teaches that a soul makes his debut in this life innocent of sin (Ezekiel 28:15). Further, Scripture teaches that a soul initially knows a state of innocence, during which he is unable to discern between right and wrong (Deuteronomy 1:39). When, however, does a soul pass from a state of innocence to accountability to God for knowing the difference between right and wrong (becoming guilty of sin)? Sin, then, occurs when one violates the law of God (1 John 3:4). First, we direct our attention to the affirmation that babies and young children are not guilty of sin. Does Scripture teach either explicitly or implicitly that such an assertion is true? One commentator observes that the Bible addresses this subject but very little. “Infant salvation. The belief that those below an ‘age of accountability’ can be (or are) recipients of the grace of God for salvation; a difficult doctrine, because little is said about it in the Bible” (Karleen). Further, especially Catholic doctrine teaches that everyone is born into this world guilty of the sin of Adam and Eve (i.e., “Original Sin”). Still further, the doctrine of Calvinism, which many contemporary denominations embrace in their creeds, teaches Total Hereditary Depravity (i.e., the original sin of Adam and Eve passes

Numbers 20:7-12 Who could blame Moses for being distraught as he attempted to lead rebellious Israel through the wilderness of Sinai toward Canaan (Numbers 20:10)? Moses didn’t want the job and tried to avoid the mission on which God sent him (Exodus 3-4). Israel fought the lead of God through Moses all along the way (Exodus 15:23-25, waters of Marah; Exodus 16:2-3, complained for food; Exodus 17:2-7, complained of thirst at Rephidim; Exodus 32, golden calf; Numbers 14:1-5, murmuring over report of the 10 spies; Numbers 16:1-40, rebellion of Korah and 250 other princes; Numbers 16:41-50, murmuring because former complainers died). Israel was murmuring against Moses and Aaron once more in Numbers 20:1-13. God, though, did not chastise Moses for exhibiting frustration, but God punished him for disobeying him (Numbers 20:7-12; Psalm 106:32-33). The command (Num 20:8) was “Speak ye unto the rock.” The act of smiting, and especially with two strokes, indicates violent irritation on the part of Moses; as does also his unseemly mode of addressing the people: “Hear now, ye rebels.” The form too of the question, “must we, etc.,” directs the people not, as ought to have been the case, to God as their deliverer, but to Moses and Aaron personally. In fact the faithful servant of God, worn out by the reiterated perversities of the people, breaks down; and in the actual discharge of his duty as God’s representative before Israel, acts unworthily of the great function entrusted to him. Thus, Moses did not “sanctify

2 Corinthians 11:2-4 It is ever appropriate to caution one another against accepting corrupted teaching respecting Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul feared lest his relentless labors for Christ among the Corinthians would be wasted owing to someone corrupting fundamental teaching about Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2-4; Galatians 4:11). Other first century inspired writers shared the same alarm about false teachers corrupting teaching about Jesus Christ (2 Peter 2:1-2; 2 John 9-11). However, there is only one Jesus Christ by whom one’s sins can be forgiven (Acts 4:12; 1 Corinthians 3:11; 1 Timothy 2:5). The apostle Paul also feared lest someone would preach “another Gospel” (2 Corinthians 11:4; Galatians 1:6-9). This many years since Paul’s ministry, literally thousands of different Jesus’ and gospels are being proclaimed within the denominational world. Further, the secular world routinely attempts to makeover Jesus Christ into someone he was not, or to deny his historicity altogether. The secular world and many religious leaders as well also have taken ungodly liberties with the Gospel, too. Paul exclaimed that the Corinthians were vulnerable to receiving another Jesus, another spirit and another Gospel. “Preach” means “to be a herald…to proclaim” (Vine’s). A different Jesus, a different spirit and a different Gospel is proclaimed whenever men deviate from divine truth (for us, the New Testament). The danger respecting “another Jesus,” “another spirit” and “another Gospel” is not confined to the first century, as we will note more carefully in a few moments. The “another” relative to “another Jesus” is allos, whereas

I had read and always assumed that James, brother of Jesus was younger than Jesus, but have recently read that Catholics believe that Mary was always a virgin. What about Jesus’ other brothers and sisters. Were they a product of a former marriage of Joseph. Are there any books that discuss the early life of Jesus, or times that he spent with the Essenes? Thank you, Marla Rasnick The Catholics are mistaken about Jesus’ mother being a perpetual virgin; the Gospel records teach otherwise. Please visit the articles below for a fuller answer to that question. https://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2003/oct/page18.htm https://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/1999/may/page14.shtml#sin https://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/1999/jun/page5.shtml https://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2004/jan/page4.htm https://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2004/may/page7.htm https://www.gospelgazette.com/gazette/2005/dec/page15.htm The Bible says nothing of any “former marriage of Joseph.” The only authoritative book on the “early life of Jesus” is the Bible (especially the Gospel records). Frankly, not much about the early life of Jesus appears in the Bible excepting his birth and later his visit to the Temple at the age of 12. The next 18 years of Jesus’ life are summarized thus: “And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:51-52). Further, there is neither biblical nor extra-biblical evidence that Jesus ever spent time with the Essenes, which Jewish sect is not directly mentioned in the Bible at all. However, Jesus may have censured the Essenes through contradicting one of their popular doctrines.

Obviously, a man leading a public prayer should pray loudly enough that those who are assembled with him and on whose behalf he is praying can adequately hear the prayer. How else could they acknowledge the appropriateness of and express their agreement with the prayer by saying “Amen”? A pray would be indiscernible not only if it were spoken in a language the hearer did not understand, but also if it were spoken quietly enough that the hearer could not make out the words (1 Corinthians 14:16). Certainly, lacking a public address system, one would need to speak more loudly than if a public address system were available. However, purposely making a spectacle or unnecessary show while praying by shouting (praying much more loudly than required for the circumstances) is another matter. Scribes in Jesus’ day were condemned by our Lord for their showmanship while making public prayers; maybe loud, their prayers were also unnecessarily “long.” Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.” (Luke 20:46-47) One should pray loudly enough and for the right purpose. More than that is not authorized by Holy Scripture.

A reader inquires about “conservative” and “liberal” members of the churches of Christ. Really, nothing has changed since the first century when the New Testament was penned. The New Testament was penned largely to address problems among Christians in the first century. In the first century, so-called “liberal” Christians were loosing what God had not loosed and making their own church laws. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (Colossians 2:8) Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind. (Colossians 2:18) (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. (Col 2:21-23) For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15) Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing