Category: Associate Editorials

Brethren and friends, there is such a thing as “sound” and “unsound” doctrine. We are to support the truth and oppose error. Such has been the case since Satan led Adam and Eve astray in the garden. Not all the rhetoric and faulty definitions in the world can change the nature of truth and error. Nor can all the soft and compromising attitudes among brethren conceal false teaching or false teachers. The Bible says much more about error, false doctrine, etc., than space here permits in our study. But let’s not be moved off the sure foundation of God’s word as a reference for fellowship to the quicksands of emotional compromise. “Contend for the faith…” (Jude 3).

One aspect of Calvinistic doctrine is the three-fold error whereby it is taught that (1) Adam’s sin was transferred to mankind; (2) man’s sin was transferred to Christ; and (30) Christ’s personal righteousness was transferred to believers. None of these statements are true nor do they reflect accurately the Bible doctrine of “imputation.” In this article we will note the second of these errors and study the claim that the sins of mankind have been transferred to Christ.

A “red flag” of warning should arise every time we hear some call for “unity in diversity.” Some have even said that the “only kind of unity is unity in diversity.” We need to be very sure we understand what this catch-phrase really means and how it is used.

A series of sermon charts on the subject: The Church of Christ

A basic fallacy in the current “unity movement” is a denial of what 2 John 9 teaches in limiting our tolerance of error. When one seeks to limit this passage to a single application (re: the nature of Jesus), it is but a short step into the “new unity movement.” And not a few seem to be taking that step!

Each preacher has a commitment to God to preach so as to please God whether it pleases the brethren or not (cf: the life of the prophets) and this is not negotiable. However, it is possible to abuse this prerogative and take advantage of brethren who agree in principle with this commitment but disagree with the application of it by an unwise preacher. The life of many a faithful preacher has been made hard by foolish ones who abuse the patience of good brethren by not using discretion toward responsibilities. Preachers should show good judgment in their work.

To be sure, let us work at whatever business appeals to us to support our families, but let us also be busy for the Lord.

Is faith essential to pleasing God? You know it is. Have enough faith to believe everything God has said and do everything God has said to do and be. Put your hope and trust in Him and in His gospel, His own power to save your soul. Never be ashamed to say, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

My brother, my sister, do you have hope for the future? If not, you need to read your Bibles. God put these stories in the Bible so that a “cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) will impart hope to us. They had their own time that tried their souls but they overcame by faith in God. Let us take cheer that we may also be able to overcome and join that elect band.

The institutional digression is still with us. Too many are ignorant of it. Too few can defend the truth against its evils. We pray that you may be reminded or enlightened as to the issues and the evils of this apostasy. Lest we forget, “…let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12).

When we do something and do it right, God is glorified, we are edified and the lost are justified. It is of very little importance if some digressive brethren invent an unscriptural project and then label us as “do-nothing” because we don’t participate. We have enough to do with what the Lord gave us and have no time to come down to the “plains of Ono” to complicate matters.

Vacation Bible School Curriculum on the Book of Genesis

My brother, you cannot maintain membership in the lodge and be in a right standing with your Lord. You can just as well be a member of a full-fledged denomination as you can the Masonic Lodge. One would be ridiculous indeed to attempt to hold membership in the Baptist, Methodist or Catholic church and at the same time claim membership in the church of Christ. Yet, with all seriousness, members of the church are known to attempt to hold membership in the lodge while claiming to be a Christian. It is not possible.

“By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:8). Discipleship is demanded of the Lord. The goal of the Great Commission was to “make disciples” (Mathew 28:19). It was the “disciples” who were called “Christians” (Acts 11:26). The obvious point is that if we are going to prove to be disciples, we must bear fruit, and, not only that, but, as Jesus said, bear much fruit.

The work of evangelism can be a lonely task. Just as prophets of old had to stand alone and aloof from every obstacle to his work, so evangelists must be ready to “be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5). Yes, one must “study (give diligence) to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Lewdness, sensuality, living to please the senses brings about death. Living by the Spirit of God puts to death the deeds of the body. Gluttony returns to moderation. Drunkenness returns to abstinence, which is God’s plan. Sexuality is expressed in a marriage approved of God. Nakedness is covered. Speech is filled with grace always seasoned with salt. Lewdness is of the flesh. Self control is of God.

The next time you are called on to teach, think about this article and the truth it expresses. Think of the eternal good you will be doing. Train your children up in the way they should go. Take advantage of every opportunity to teach a class. Be willing to study and learn to teach. The things you put into young minds may very well be the exact things they remember when they grow older and, faced with a temptation, have to make a decision on which will hand their souls. There is a crying need for teachers.

All we need is preaching coupled with good and faithful hearts. The combination is unbeatable. It is the only scriptural combination that works. Shall we follow the example of this foreigner’s conversion and learn to put things in their proper place? May God bless you as you “study to show your self approved unto God” (2 Timothy 2:15).

I signed the Open Letter and would again today. I am opposed to Shane Scott’s teaching and am also opposed to his remaining on the faculty of Florida College unless he repents (Luke 13:3,5). I am opposed to Hill Roberts’ teaching and that of the “Lord I Believe” Seminar, which said opposition I have previously espoused in the electronic pages of this communiqué (Hebrews 11:3). I am opposed to the position of tolerance furthered by President Caldwell and Chairman Jenkins (Revelation 22:18-19). Each parent must make up his or her own mind in regard to their own child’s maturity in their ability to reject the fiery darts of compromise and plain false teaching as is being allowed now in the Bible class rooms at Florida College.

Vacation Bible School Material: The Parables of Jesus