A reader asks: “What is BSF?” BSF stands for Bible Study Fellowship, an interdenominational Bible study organization founded in 1959 in association with Billy Graham Crusades. It is “highly organized and disciplined” with headquarters in San Antonio, Texas. The annual budget is $22+ million. It is increasingly popular among those who have an interdenominational concept
What does the word CHURCH mean to you? The English word “church” is not an accurate translation of the word ekklesia in the New Testament. It meant a “called out group” or an “assembly” of people. Wm. Tyndale properly translated the word in 1525 in his New Testament as “congregation.” However, monarch King James I,
Authority has always rested with God and never with men. The prophets, apostles and other Bible spokesmen miraculously guided by God were simply spokesmen. God’s word has always been the final authority. The Bible is our guide, our only guide. Let us have a ‘thus saith the Lord’ for all that we do in our
What is the “sin that leads to death?” The Bible promises clearly, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I Jn 1:9). “Confess” here is obviously comprehensive for repent and forsake sin as we continue to “walk in the light.”
“It is wrong, but is it a salvation issue!” What about failure to pray regularly (I Thes 5:17), or to contribute to the church each Sunday (I Cor 16:1-2), or to attend the Christian assembly on the Lord’s day (Heb 10:25), or to add mechanical music or rhythmic clapping to singing praises (Eph 5:19)? Is
“The Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed be the man that trusteth in thee.” (Psalm 84:11-12 KJV) If you are in the midst of suffering, you might be compared to a
Solomon describes the man who is evil in his lying speech and wicked schemes (Prov 6:16-19). Bible scholars Clarke, Driver, Coffman and others agree that the man who goes about “stirring up dissension among brethren” is perverted and totally out of line with reason. He is an evil person, a liar, murderer, haughty, a deviser
It is not our usual practice to speak on a NON-BIBLICAL subject. But Rapture is a word and a concept nowhere found in the Bible! It is one of the doctrines of men which Jesus said His disciples must avoid (Mt 15:2-3; Mk 7:3-15; Col 2:8; Gal 1:14). “Rapture” is part of another non-biblical doctrine
“Practice What You Preach,” they say, meaning we should do as we teach to others. One young preacher in his new ministry feared he would be run out of town. His older friend said: “Don’t let that bother you. Abraham Lincoln said he would not like it either, but for the honor of it!” The
More people are living to advanced years than ever before. Some folks resent getting old, and others resent old people. In an age that worships the goddess of youth, we need divine guidance to develop proper attitudes toward our retirement years. Moses did his greatest work between ages 80 and 120. John wrote Revelation when
