Watchman Archives

We are so thankful for the message of the cross. You will notice that each gospel sermon recorded in the book of Acts, leading to the conversion of men, dealt with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus our Lord. Now, going back to Romans we noted that the gospel is God’s power to salvation. And, as those who have benefited from that message, we feel compelled to share it with others.

The world is so full of evil and how refreshing it is to surround ourselves with men and women whose characters reflect the supreme character, Jesus Christ.

We are indeed justified, or saved by faith. The Bible clearly affirms such to be so. One of the most famous passages in all of God’s word states, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). We can say that our salvation is completely dependent upon our belief in Jesus. We can’t be saved if we do not believe. However, it is again incorrect to say that we are saved by faith alone. That is, that nothing more is required of us to gain that gift of salvation.

The last paragraph in what we call James chapter four begins with the words, “Come now.” The message of the gospel and the call of…

God has offered up His son, but has given certain requirements in order to receive that gift. This has nothing to do with earning our salvation, we are only accepting God’s terms for the delivery of the gift of salvation. What are the terms? If you want a concise answer, listen to our Lord, as recorded in Mark 16:16: “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved, He that believes not shall be condemned.”

When Jesus identified Himself as the risen Lord, Paul realized that he had got it wrong all along. The claims that Jesus was the Christ were true. Paul knew it for a certainty. When he heard the voice from heaven, he asked, “Who are you, Lord?”, and the voice responded, “I am Jesus.” Was Jesus resurrected from the dead? The unimpeachable hostile witness says, “Yes, I saw Him!” That testimony is good enough for a court of law. Is it good enough for you?

In this video, Stan Cox explains from the scriptures exactly what it is that we must believe in when we say that we are saved by Faith.

Is Jesus the Messiah? The eyewitnesses say, Yes, He Is! And God Himself testified that He is the One promised, by raising Him from the dead. Praise God, we have a Savior… His name is Jesus.

I believe the Bible to be inspired because I look at the prophecies found in the book, and see them uniformly fulfilled as predicted. I believe the Bible to be inspired because of the confirmation of the word through the miracles performed in New Testament times that are recorded in its pages. I believe the Bible to be inspired because the uniformity in purpose and doctrine that it shows throughout the entirety of the book.

In addition to these internal evidences, I believe the Bible to be inspired because of the corroboration given by secular history and archaeology. I contend that within its pages are revealed the mind of God, His will for man and mankind.

I knew a wonderful Christian once upon a time who had a saying I have never forgotten. He would say it pensively and reflectively when…

Just one of several weird Catholic doctrines easy to biblically refute: When I was a young teen I remember some younger friends of my sister’s…

There are two truths which are confirmed by a multitude of scriptures in God’s holy word. The first truth is that God’s children have always been hated by the religious world.

Christians from the very beginning have had to decide whether or not to honor the holiday observations of religions other than that of Christ. That…

Think about the Cosmos, the Stars, the planets, our own wonderful world. Consider the largest mountain, and the smallest plant. Think about our own wonderful body, and consider the wonder of the process of thinking itself! The evidence is right there in front of you. Yes, God exists!

There is a spiritual danger in being linked to unbelievers, whether they be avowed atheists, practical infidels who claim conviction but live wickedly, or those who believe in God, but reject the authoritative nature of his word. Even as the inspired writer condemns being yoked to unbelievers, he offers a remedy–“Come out from among them and be separate” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

A very excellent fact to know is that all of the cases of conversion are very conveniently found in the Book of Acts. Added to this is the fact that all of these cases of conversion mention baptism. The prevailing denominational views of course minimize or eliminate the need for actual baptism over variations of grace only salvation.

When we find the authorized will of God through direct command, example, or inference we must accept the answer. Many have been guilty of saying, “Well, God didn’t say we could not do that.” Let us learn that an important principle of establishing Bible authority for all that we do and say is God’s silence. When God delivers His divine will through command, example, or inference we must be content with the command and not look to some sort of loop hole out. When God commands all other options are made null and void (see Acts 8:20-21; Hebrews 7:12-17).

For man to think that he may be found right in the site of God, while yet in sin, is none but folly. Jesus himself said “unless you repent you shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Christ would also state “if you love Me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). While it is true that God does know our hearts, this fact does not show that we are saved. If we desire to be saved, we should depart from sin, and follow the commandments of the Lord. If we do this, God will know our hearts, and He will know that they are acceptable in His sight.

Let us consider the issue of gospel preachers being called by denominational titles. A perennial problem for gospel preachers who are “located preachers” is the tendency of ignorant people to call them pastors. It is not usually an evil intent they are displaying, but what they really show is denominational influence when they use this title. However, we all need to be quick to remember there is no clergy/laity class differentiation in the Bible as there is widely evident in the religions man has invented; the denominations.

Whether it is described as coming to the light or faith, a man must respond to God’s gift of grace. God sent His Son to die for all men, but not all are saved. It is required that we love the light. We must believe in Jesus Christ. As He said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). “You Must Be Born Again”