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By Robertson, John, on February 24th, 2012
The author of Hebrews writes, “Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing unto him; for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him” (Hebrews 11:6). What causes people to believe in God? Parents play a great role in many people’s lives that come to believe in God (see Ephesians 6:1-2). Sometimes preachers, friends, family members, or a spouse help us come to faith (2 Timothy 2:2). What caused you to believe that God is? Our Bibles reveal that creation is the central cause of man’s faith. Creation establishes faith, the authority of God, revelation, and our responsibility to be obedient. Creation ought to be the beginning point of study with unbelievers.
Continue reading » Creation, Faith, and the Authority of God
By Rogers, Heath, on February 16th, 2012
Paul began his epistles in a manner that was common in his day. The typical introduction to first century letters consisted of three parts: the name of the writer, the identity of the recipients, and a greeting.
In most of his letters, the first thing Paul would do would be to identify himself as an apostle and state the source of his apostleship. In this article, we will consider exactly what Paul was saying about himself when he claimed to be an apostle of Jesus Christ, why he had the right to make this claim, and what the claim says about the letters that he wrote. Continue reading » “Paul, An Apostle of Jesus Christ”
By Robertson, John, on January 9th, 2012
The book of Proverbs paints pictures of various topics that wisdom affects. A primary focus in the book is the consequences of choices people make. Proverbs reveals the grave consequences for rejecting wisdom. Solomon writes, “Good understanding giveth favor; But the way of the transgressor is hard” (Proverbs 13:15). The life of the fool is likened unto making your way through a “hedge of thorns” (Proverbs 15:19). When a person rejects wisdom for foolishness they bring trouble (Proverbs 15:6; 21:23), destruction (Proverbs 13:13), mischief (Proverbs 28:14), and calamity (Proverbs 22:) to their lives and the lives of those they touch. The foolish experience trouble, destruction, mischief, and calamity in life because of the poor decisions they make. The fool will have evil companions (Proverbs 1:10-14; 4:14-19; 13:20; 20:19; 24:1-2; 28:9), participate in sexual immorality (Proverbs 5:7-9; 9:14-15; etc.), be too lazy to work (Proverbs 6:6-11; etc.), use filthy language (Proverbs 4:24-27; 8:7-9), hunger and thirst for riches (Proverbs 11:4-6, 27-28; 13:7-8, 11; 18:11, 23; 23:4-5; etc.), have an angry disposition (Proverbs 19:19; 29:11), bear false witness (Proverbs 19:5, 28; 25:18), seek revenge (Proverbs 20:22), scoff at others (Proverbs 21:24; 22:10; 24:9; 29:8), and harden their hearts against God’s laws (Proverbs 29:1). All such foolishness brings regret, troubles, and sorrows now and forevermore.
Continue reading » General Truths in Proverbs
By Cox, Stan, on January 3rd, 2012
Several times in the history of Watchman Magazine I have written articles explaining the present state of the effort, and desires for the future. As many may know, Watchman Magazine is my personal project, for better or worse, and the ebb and flow regarding its relevance and prolificacy are almost entirely a result of my efforts or lack thereof. That means that my organizational abilities, mental state, and life circumstances all play a part -both in my writing, and in my publishing of the magazine.
Watchman Magazine began in January of 1998, and continued a regular publication schedule, for the most part, through 2004. Toward the end of this initial iteration of the magazine, publication became more sporadic, as I personally dealt with a bad case of editor/publisher burnout. After a hiatus of several years, publication resumed in January of 2010, with several changes. Primarily, the magazine took on a blog format, rather than maintaining a monthly schedule. With the advent of social networking, and powerful blogging software platforms, I believe this change to be a positive one. It has made it possible for the Watchman writers to post articles on their schedule, and my editorial responsibilities have lightened. It is nice to no longer be responsible for coding HTML, and fighting the compatibility problems of earlier years.
Continue reading » Are We Relevant?
By Smith, Jeff, on December 14th, 2011
In matters secular, political, social, and religious, we understand that authority is expressed through direct commands, existing examples and necessary inferences. Commands can be positive or negative; examples can be approved or disapproved; inferences are only authoritative when necessary, not as additions or amendments. Some, however, by appealing to emotion and opinion rather than Scripture and reason, desire to add another track of authority–love. What cannot be authorized any other way through the word of God is justified should we desire it if we can argue that it is motivated by love. This represents a fundamental misunderstanding, and even vilification, of the word of God. It is not necessary to designate love as a fourth track of Bible authority, for love is the objective of every command, every example and every implication.
Continue reading » Love Authority
By Robertson, John, on November 25th, 2011
Studying the Bible is a great joy. The truths that are found within the pages of God’s word have value that the world cannot measure with earthly things. The excitement of unearthing these treasures is accelerated as each student detects the urgency in grasping its teachings. Eternity is at stake. Time does not stop so that I can perceive truths. We are given one life and with that one life we must gain knowledge and wisely practice what we learn. We must open God’s word, look to the context, consider associate passages, and reflect on what I call, “The Law of Equivalences.”
Continue reading » The Law of Equivalences
By Smith, Marc, on April 7th, 2011
What Exactly IS the Mission of Christ and His Church? This seems like such an obvious question, yet there is so much confusion about such a simple and straight forward question. Is it possible to quickly walk through the clear steps listed in scripture, the book, chapter and verse, so to speak, to make easy understanding of this subject? I believe it is easy to do, if we give it even a few minutes of thought. Remember, every Christian is supposed to be able to describe this (1 Peter 3:15). Have you felt guilty because you never gave this even a little time to work this out? Continue reading » Doing the First Works: The Mission of Christ and His Church
By Jones, Kurt, on March 29th, 2011
Introduction
In 2006 the small group wearing the moniker “Spring Church of Christ” in Spring, Texas hosted their annual “Contending For the Faith Lectureship.” In that year the topic under consideration was “Anti-ism—From God Or Man?” In conjunction with the lectureship series, a lecture book was printed to help further the spread of their intended message. I came into possession of this work, and spent some time at the wearisome task of examining the teaching therein. What will follow is a series of articles reviewing portions of that lecture book.
Why only review portions? As is so often the case, when those few institutional brethren who will discuss these issues take time to discuss them, they make attempts to tie them into some inane and obscure doctrines that are present among churches of Christ. For instance, they will attempt to liken brethren who oppose the use of the collection to support human institutions such as orphans homes, preaching schools, etc., with those who oppose the use of separate Bible classes or who bind the idea that Christians must only use one container when partaking of the Lord’s supper. Thus we see no reason to review articles that condemn ideas that we agree are not biblical. Continue reading » Review of “Anti-ism — From God or Man?” (1)
By Vanderwood, Scott, on January 18th, 2011
The subject of exorcism has fascinated people for centuries. In our modern day, Catholic priests all over the world claim to exorcise demonic spirits out of the human body, as well as many Protestants and other spiritual individuals. In order for an exorcism to take place, a demonic spirit must be present. This statement leads us to several questions, all of which can be answered through a detailed study of God’s word. While undoubtedly demons at one time freely roamed the earth, is this still the case in our present day? If demons still possess humans today, do exorcists cast out demons with the authority of God? Do exorcisms work? Continue reading » Exorcism And Demon Possession
By Smith, Marc, on November 26th, 2010
Do we realize there is a problem in asking if a church is “conservative” or “liberal” when the real question should be to determine if a church is “sound?” The word “sound” is actually used in scripture when the word “conservative” is not, though there is a sense that conservative is correct. Continue reading » Should Christians Be “Sound” Or “Conservative?”
By Robertson, John, on September 10th, 2010
This is the second of two articles dealing with the subject of establishing Bible authority for all that we say and practice. While the first article examines authority in the Old Testament this article shall look to the New Testament. The importance of such a study cannot be overstated. Many brethren have questions that demand answers. One brother wants to know if his marriage is right before God and another sister desires to know if there is any way for a woman to serve as a deacon in the church. A brother from one local congregation hears that another local church sees no authority for serving the Lord’s Supper twice on Sunday. On and on the questions go. Once again this article will not deal with any one issue or question but will rather remind Christians of their responsibility to establish Bible authority for all that they speak and practice. The Bible, in its entirety, depicts God’s expectation of man’s perfection in holiness. His expectation is the highest of standards for the saint. Those who do not meet the Lord’s expectation shall be eternally doomed. Those who achieve holiness in this life will be eternally rewarded.
Continue reading » Establishing Authority in the New Testament (2 of 2)
By Robertson, John, on July 2nd, 2010
This article is the first of two that shall examine the subject of establishing Bible Authority. A study of both the first and second covenants will yield a greater understanding of how authority works. There are members of the body of Christ who continue to be confused about various questions such as whether or not there should be Bible classes or have a water fountain in the church building. Others seem destined to be confused over the marriage, divorce, and remarriage issue. Some have no idea how to answer the question of whether missing a Wednesday service is sinful or not. The two covenants, who is a false teacher, and more recently the A. D. 70 Doctrine are other issues. While confusion runs rampant our Bible tell us that God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). The objective of this study will not be to answer all your Bible questions and solve all the “brotherhood issues.” The objective is rather to remind us all of the initial direction we must take when seeking out answers to Bible questions.
As one studies both the first and second covenant laws an interesting fact comes to the surface. Though the laws change God’s founding principles revolving around authority remain the same from Genesis to Revelation. No matter what my approach or attitude is toward those founding principles they remain. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Howbeit the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, the Lord knows them that are his: and, let every one that names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness” (2 Timothy 2:19).
Continue reading » Establishing Bible Authority (1 of 2)
By Foster, Chip, on May 3rd, 2010
This question should not be difficult to answer but unfortunately due to the will and whim of man some have a hard time in answering this.
Let me say clearly from the beginning that there is biblical example for elders. In Paul’s letter to Titus Paul wrote, For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you (Titus 1:5). The indication here is that one of the things that was lacking was the absence of elders. This is also an indication that a church can function without elders; it is just lacking. In Titus 1:6-9 and 1 Timothy 3:1-7 Paul gives the young preachers the qualifications for elders.
Why would Jesus gives us these qualifications if we do not need or cannot have elders today?
Continue reading » Shall We Have Elders?
By Vanderwood, Scott, on March 18th, 2010
Although this nation that we live in is considered by most of the public as a Christian nation, the actual numbers and facts to those who really believe in the Bible and its teachings would prove otherwise. Our nation would reflect a vast number of people who make the claim that they believe in the scriptures, but their works and lifestyles would reveal a totally different focus. We have in our nation the majority of people who live out a buffet religion, rather than the true faith that God longs for us to have. By using the phrase buffet religion, I simply mean that there are those who pick and choose certain things out of the scriptures in which they want to follow, and leave the rest, much like we do at a food buffet. We even have a certain select few who have taken scissors to the pages of their bibles and cut out sections that they disagree with!!! Now you tell me the difference between that and what Israel was doing with their idolatry that led them to Assyrian and Babylonian captivity! The principle is the same, that God was ignored and the things He has commanded forgotten. Jesus says that, “He who rejects me and does not receive My words, has that which judges him, the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).
We are not going to be able to rely on our smooth words or lavish looks when it comes to entering into heaven, it is going to be how well we followed God’s commandments for us. Obedience to the things God has spoken is an absolute must! Jesus would say in His conclusion to the sermon on the mount, “Therefore whoever hears these saying of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock, and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.” Now who does this reckon to? It is the person who hears of the things of God and obeys them. Now listen to what Jesus says of the disobedient. “But everyone who hears these saying of Mine and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand, and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, and it fell. And great was its fall” (Matthew 7:24-27). To all those who do not adhere to what the bible says, there will be no room for them in the kingdom of God.
Continue reading » The Open Ended Gospel
By Smith, Jeff, on March 10th, 2010
The British have a strange form of government. They have a queen, but she does not exercise any real power. Her authority is only ceremonial and her crown is worth nothing more than the gold and jewels that compose it. The real power was stripped away from her family by the people and one of them, the prime minister, is now the head of English government.
Modern Christianity has done much the same thing to its king, Jesus Christ. While people still recognize his crown, they do not attach much significance to his exercise of authority in all matters of faith. Hence, various denominations proudly boast doctrines and missions growing out of their own interpretation of the Bible, most generally not a literal interpretation at all.
The last will and testament of Jesus Christ contains his decrees for his brethren, the redeemed, and the conditions placed upon them should they wish to attain the inheritance he left for them, a mansion in heaven for all eternity. As the monarch of a great universal kingdom, he and his ministers, the apostles, set down the law for his subjects in the New Testament.
Continue reading » Reverence Is Not Legalism
By Cox, Stan, on March 1st, 2010
In 2 Timothy 3, the apostle Paul penned a wonderful sentence that establishes both the precious nature of the words contained in our Bibles, and their efficacy in ordering our lives as His servants.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (vs. 16-17)
The Greek word used in verse 16, translated “inspiration of God” is found nowhere else in scripture. It is the term theopneustos. Vine gives the etymology of the word: (Theos, God, pneu, to breathe) and says that it, “is used in 2 Tim. 3:16, of the Scriptures as distinct from non-inspired writings” (Vines, Volume II, page 263).
Continue reading » Editorial: God Breathed
By Locklair, Steve, on January 26th, 2010
Most people are familiar with the GPS, a global navigation satellite system developed by the Department of Defense which transmits precise signals allowing receivers to calculate and display accurate location, speed, and time information to the user. These global positioning systems work in most weather conditions, day or night, 24 hours a day, around the globe, and we can use them to help us get to our destinations. You simply put in your destination address, and it will tell you turn by turn directions for the roads you need to travel to get you there. Some models will even alert you to traffic and construction delays that you might encounter and will allow you to avoid them. Using the acronym GPS, let us consider a few comparisons between this man made GPS and God, and how we should use our spiritual GPS. Continue reading » The Christian’s GPS Guide
By Holmes, Bobby, on August 1st, 2004
In other articles, we have noted the definition of the word pattern and that God indeed has always had a pattern for what He wants His people to do. We examined the pattern God has for financial support to those who preach the Gospel. In this one we shall examine the pattern God has established in the area of benevolence, that is the caring for the material needs of men by the church. To begin with, we must recognize that the Lord never intended for the church to care for all of the physical needs of men all over the world. Please take note that I said for the church to take care of the needs of all men. The responsibility of helping all men, as we have opportunity is one of an individual nature. The Bible story of the good Samaritan shows this clearly (Luke 10:30-37). The question we must address here is, "Is the church, out of the Lord’s treasury, to take funds and provide for the physical needs of those who are not Christians?" We must not allow our emotions to lead us in answering this question. Certainly, the needs of suffering humanity are to be met and we, as individual Christians are directed to help anyone in need. Again, the story of the Good Samaritan is a good Bible example. That does not answer our question, though, as to whether the church can take from the Lord’s treasury and do this. We must look into the pages of Divine inspiration at the pattern God has established for the church regarding those in physical need. Remember that the pattern is set up by Jehovah God and it matters not whether we may understand why it is so but, instead, do it as God has directed.
Continue reading » God’s Pattern for Benevolence
By Cox, Stan, on August 1st, 2004
As previously noted in this short series about Bible Patterns, we must follow scripture in establishing authority for our religious practices. Paul wrote, "In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility" (Titus 2:7).
There are three areas of work, commissioned by God for the church. The church is to preach the gospel to the lost in the world (evangelism), to engage in works of physical and material charity toward needy saints (benevolence), and to encourage and build up those of the household of faith (edification).
As with all things, we must let the scriptures define for us the work of edification, and the extent of that work, as authorized by God for the church. The Bible is clear on this matter, and we can be sure of our standing before God by adhering to the Bible pattern in the work we do in building up the body of Christ.
Continue reading » God’s Pattern for Edification
By Holmes, Bobby, on August 1st, 2004
In an earlier article we took note of the fact that God has a pattern for what we are to do. We noted that when His patten is ignored or changed we bring down the wrath of God upon ourselves.
One example of this is found in the Israelites disregard for God’s pattern for transporting the ark of the covenant. God had directed only the house of Kohath was to carry the ark of the covenant, (cf. Numbers 4:15), but no one was to touch it. When the Israelites decided to move it on one occasion and did not follow the pattern God had set up, they were cursed in their efforts. When Uzza reached out to keep the ark from falling, God struck him dead (1 Chronicles 13:7-10). Later, King David recognized his error (1 Chronicles 15:1-2), and corrected it. David also acknowledged his wrong. "For because you did not do it the first time, the LORD our God broke out against us, because we did not consult Him about the proper order." So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel. And the children of the Levites bore the ark of God on their shoulders, by its poles, as Moses had commanded according to the word of the LORD" (1 Chronicles 15:13-15).
Continue reading » God’s Pattern for Evangelism
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