Watchman Archives

So far as the churches of Christ are concerned, the fundamental teaching of truth during the Restoration Movement was so effective (cf: “The Scheme of Redemption,” by Robert Milligan) that it eradicated practically every vestige of Calvinism among Christians. From the early 1800’s until our generation, classic Calvinism (Tulip) has been recognized as the error it is and has not been a source of internal strife (must less a cause of division) within local congregations. However, history will record that it has become the task of our generation to combat these errors again.

Charts used for lesson: Historical and Biblical Fellowship (Tom Roberts)

Before apostasy becomes a reality, brethren should explore every avenue of Bible study and brotherly controversies with patience and longsuffering (1 Thess. 5:14; Jude 19-23). There should not be a rush to judgment (prematurely drawing lines) or failure to address our differences (ignoring serious issues).

May God grant to each reader the wisdom, courage and determination to distinguish between the unity of the Spirit and unity and diversity. May you lend your voice and efforts to uphold and defend truth as it is in Christ and unity with every other child of God. Let us count no cost as too extreme to bring about the Spirit’s unity, but let us not spend a cent to encourage unity in diversity. One is from the Holy Spirit, the other is from Satan. Is there really any question beyond that?

The New International Version (NIV) is very easy to read and comprehend. Perhaps this is the reason it is given to so many children for…

Be on guard for the bleeding hearts who think they are better than Jesus. Jesus commands repentance. Must we forgive without repentance? Can there be true repentance without the fruits of that repentance being known? Can a thief keep his stolen car? Can an adulterer keep his unlawful sex partner? Think about it.

Many are the nice places to live in America. However, there are places outside of America where it is also pleasant to live. These places are also mission fields in need of the Gospel. Hopefully, this article will help prospective workers in their view of preaching in Eastern Europe and lead to further efforts in the Lord’s work there.

We all need to take stock of our attitude toward the word of God. Do we really look to it as the standard of living (Matthew 4:4)? Do we truly hold it as the final authority in all matters religious (Colossians 3:17)? Do we actually demand that our teachers and preachers give a “thus saith the Lord” (1 Peter 4:11)? Are we fully ready to change any and all things that are amiss in our life when we examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5; cf. Romans 8:29)? For too many, they see the word of God as a “nice” book full of “nice” sayings and “helpful” guidance, rather than the book with the sayings and the only guidance in how to live a moral, godly life.

Some issues are so taken for granted that common acceptance belies their intrinsic value and native importance. Such an issue is the subject of free…

To my fathers and mothers in the faith I urge you to consider your elementary yet awesome role in the Lord’s kingdom. Teach the younger men and women how they should conduct themselves in the house of God. In so doing the church of the living God, which is the pillar and ground of the truth, moves forward yet another generation as a beacon of light in the midst of a crooked world and wayward brethren.

If it is reasonable to believe in God and the Bible, on what grounds do the atheists assert the opposite? For one thing, they claim that the Bible is riddled with contradictions. Of course, if this is so, then there is reason to doubt its inspiration. Therefore, let us ask the question, “Does the Bible contradict itself?”

Frankly, the non-controversial, non-combative, non-confrontational approach to preaching is cause for alarm. Often, though certainly not always, such a spirit resides within those who are liberal minded and who have no respect for “the good fight of faith” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5; 1 Timothy 6:12; Jude 3). Not being sure that error condemns, and not being convinced that denominationalism is not of God, some have begun to sympathize with false teachers and apologize for those who oppose and expose them.

Standing for what is right will lead to much criticism in today’s moral climate. Satan’s influence to evil has had such effect that even those who claim to be children of God are taken in by his propaganda. But, God is sovereign, and we can be victorious in the end if we will maintain our allegiance to him.

Standing up for and searching out the truth does not give any brother in Christ a license to be hateful, dishonest or act out of impure, selfish motives. Just as we are commanded to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11) we are also commanded to be “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).

A brother recently sent me an article, titled Starr’s Church of Christ, penned by H. John Rogers, a liberal lawyer who evidently moonlights as a Methodist minister. This brother requested that we offer a response to Mr. Rogers’ rampaging ridicule, and we are happy to oblige. We shall seek to counsel Counsellor Rogers while defending heaven’s wonderful “Counsellor,” whom Mr. Rogers has so egregiously and grievously offended (Isaiah 9:6; 1 Corinthians 8:12).

Those who preach liberty from restrictions need to be marked. Their preaching causes division, because they not only contradict themselves, but they contradict the Holy Scriptures. Heeding to their doctrine will cause one to be separated from the Lord, because they preach grace and liberation instead of strictness and carefulness. They strengthen the hands of evildoers (Jeremiah 23:14), and they strive to have friendship with the world (James 4:4).

What is sin? Sin is doing anything that violates God’s law of righteousness. In 1 John 5:17 it says: “All unrighteousness is sin…” and “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). When we transgress or do things that are against God’s law, then we have committed sin. It doesn’t matter what we do, if it is something that is not approved of by God, then it is sin, and all sin is BLACK.

1998 was truly an enlightening, uplifting and challenging year with regard to Watchman Magazine. The magazine began as a simple idea about a quarterly webzine on a shoestring budget, and became a prodigious undertaking (although still on a shoestring budget).

Stick to the authority we have for a building and we will walk by faith. Venture into other waters and you have digression. If Christians want to start a pantry for poor people, leave the church alone that it might be about the business of saving souls. That is our purpose for being here. Romans 7:4; 1 Timothy 5:16.

We plead with those who have been caught up in the religious error of men to depart from it and begin to follow the New Testament pattern in all things. Rid yourself of unholy names (Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, etc.); disassociate yourself from the related unauthorized bodies; obey the gospel of Christ in faith, repentance, confession, and baptism (Jn. 3:16; Acts 3:19; Romans 10:9-10; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38); take the name Christian (Acts 11:26); and join in with a group of disciples (the church of Christ) who are working and worshipping according to the truth (Acts 9:26-28; Romans 16:16).