Jesus preached the gospel at the beginning of His ministry. The kingdom of God was near (Mk1:14-15). He later said the kingdom would come during their lifetime (Mk 9:1). The kingdom and the church are the same in the Bible. It was not then and is not now a denomination (something larger than a local
The man of God is given all he needs in “every good work” of his ministry (2 Tim 3:15-17). Paul wrote that Christians with the scriptures are “complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another” (Rom 15:14). About 40 years ago, Jay Adams wrote a book (Competent to Counsel) based on this verse. He
The conversion of the world to Christ depends upon oneness of mind and joint-participation of His disciples (John 17:20-23). Ignorance results in division among His followers and consequently a failure to carry the gospel to the lost world. The Greek word for fellowship is “koinonia,” and is translated in our English Bibles as fellowship, communion,
“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15 KJV). This is a command from the apostle Paul to read and study the Scriptures. I stand in today’s Paper Pulpit to challenge every person to read and study the Bible
When kids get up to 10 or 15 years old they want their own guitar and drum. Now we see immature adults, often preachers and elders, who think they need a band to entice and entertain ‘the unchurched’ into worshiping God. From time to time we hear leaders in a congregation who announce their decision
The apostles used no gimmicks, prizes or promotions. They just “preached Christ and him crucified” (I Cor 2:2). It was 7 weeks after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The 12 apostles were in Jerusalem when “suddenly there came from heaven a sound” that filled the house. They began to speak in other languages by
J.S. a regular reader asks, “Can you write on making peace with neighbors and friends?” Years of studies have been spent on how to resolve conflicts within families, friends, neighbors, church members, etc. With only 200 words, we could do no better than to hear counsel from the Prince of Peace (Lk 2:14; Jn 14:27).
We sin when we fail to go to church. “Not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another and so much the more as you see the day drawing nigh” (Hebrews 10:25). It is a sin, as much as the “nots” found in Romans 13:49 (not kill, commit
Church history is a vital part of the New Testament record. Acts 2 gives the beginning of the church when about 3,000 were baptized. The Lord added more daily as disciples continued in the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread and in prayers (vs 38-47). The number soon came to over 5,000. The Holy
“Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Tim 2:12) The Bible emphasizes that the people of God will endure persecution as a result of speaking truth and for living righteous lives. Does it make you wonder if you are doing all you should if you never suffer