Category: Subject Index

On our own, we will never be good enough, certainly not to deserve heaven and put God in our eternal debt. That glory will only be achieved by craving his grace and humbly accepting it (1 Peter 5:5).

God expects us to use reason as we study and interpret his word. However, it must be noted that the inferences we make from scripture must be necessary! The implication has to actually be there. We are not free to “freelance” and take wild leaps of intuition and speculation in the name of inference. Remember, you can only infer something if it is implied. Otherwise it is presumptuous. And, we must never be presumptuous with the Almighty God of Heaven.

The same brethren who are willing to tolerate those who teach error on fellowship, divorce and remarriage, the creation account or other doctrinal subjects are not willing to discuss and forbear with those who teach and document the truth. While faithful brethren seek to leave the door open for further study and discussion, those claiming greater tolerance show themselves to be the ones who have drawn the line of fellowship excluding faithful brethren. Sad, but predictable.

Faithful churches of Christ are actively preaching the Great Commission and are reaching out to the community around them with its saving message. We are attempting to communicate the “good news” (gospel) of Christ today, just as it was delivered in the first century.

As the old saying goes, “To be forewarned is to be forearmed.” Preemptive action against error is required of elders and preachers. If they fail to take it, they fail in their duties to God and man. If the elders and/or preacher where you attend is not warning you, ask them why and make them give an answer (cf. 1 Pet. 3:15).

We encourage all to remember (in discussing the varied scenarios, circumstances and what-ifs), the simple principle which lies at the heart of the matter. God established the home, and intends for a man and woman to honor the commitment they make. It is, One man, One woman, for a lifetime.

Concerning the Bible teaching on Divorce and Remarriage, the truth is clear: One man, one woman, for a lifetime. Jesus established only one exception to this rule, “fornication.” Anyone who does not teach and practice this doctrine must be rejected by those who love truth, and those who desire fellowship with the Lord (cf. 2 John 9-11).

It may be that an individual could not in good conscience remarry if he or she did not initiate the procedure, or gain the judgment. Another could in good conscience remarry regardless of what the divorce decree says, because he or she knows and God knows the spouse was put away with just cause. Let each respond according to the dictates of his or her own conscience in this matter. “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). However, may it be that we do not allow such judgments, where God has not specified, to be matters over which we divide.

To define the “mental divorce” position, we refer to both formal propositions, and a common scenario.  First, the proposition, which some who advocate the position…

Adultery is sexual sin. To redefine it in an attempt to set aside Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 19:9 is a sophistical effort. While plausible to those looking for comfort in their sin, the argument does not survive close examination. Remember God’s rule: one man, one woman, for a lifetime!

The idea that only Christians are amenable to the law of Christ is false. Christ has authority over all flesh, and his teaching on the sanctity of the marriage bond is applicable to “whosoever”, inclusive of those who are not Christians.

As the various positions regarding divorce and remarriage are examined, the plain truth of God’s word must always be kept before us. God established the bond between man and woman in marriage, and set the parameters of the relationship. One man, one woman, for a lifetime. It is God’s law. We must heed it.

God has determined the one exception to the rule of “one man, one woman, for a lifetime.” It is fornication. It is the sole exception, and God’s law must be respected.

May we not be guilty (as were the Israelites) of saying, “Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and He delights in them.” Rather than embracing the adulterer and his apologist, and excusing their sin, we should stand upon the righteousness of God’s law on marriage. One man, one woman, for a lifetime.

Just as it takes work to study and properly understand a subject in school, it takes work to study and properly understand Bible subjects as well. There is no shortcut that negates the need for diligence. If we are to unite in the proper understanding of God’s word, it will require a diligent effort in discerning His truth from the revealed word. It does not just suddenly come to us from a spaceship or a frog.

Divine authority can be established by both Expressed Command, and Approved Example. This is both logical, and can be easily shown in the New Testament.

About three months ago I began using PowerPoint, and I am absolutely enthralled with the program. Not only is it relatively easy to use, its printing and exporting capabilities make it a tremendous teaching asset.

Yes, my young Christian friend, I will, with love and kindness, overlook your earnest and perhaps honest “youthful ramblings.” I, too, was once young. I, too, have made foolish judgments and impetuous statements. Not knowing the Scriptures, and not having the experience of seasoned and mature, battle scarred veterans of the faith, when I said things that were “off base,” I was taught and led back to the way of truth.

God so often defies the odds, but you will never be on that amazing, victorious side unless you put away the pessimism and complaints and step up to the line. Then can our faith overcome the world.

Just as there are men who need to go out preaching the gospel, there are others who should not. May we all recognize what a serious matter preaching the truth is and make sure we do not encourage an unworthy or unprepared preacher to enter the mission field. Further, may all who desire to do mission work soberly consider what we say herein. If we will be fit for the master’s use there are things of which we must purge ourselves (2 Tim. 2:21-22).