In the month of December, 2015 the Elm Street church of Christ will meet on the 2nd, 6th, 9th, 13th, 16th, 20th, 23rd, 27th, and 30th. What about the 25th? The 25th falls on a Friday, a day we do not normally meet, for we gather on Sundays as we have authorized examples (cf. Acts …
Continue reading The Patternists: Violations of the Pattern: Observing Special Religious HolidaysArticles
Having made his arguments about the betterment of the New Covenant in contrast with the Old, the Hebrew writer introduces the last section of his letter which focuses on exhortation and admonition motivated by what he established thus far. All that Christ accomplished in His redemptive work should give us boldness to approach God. Unlike …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-25The Lord’s church has continually been indicted with the “evil” of conservatism by those in the world. “Your church is too traditional” they might say. Conservative, to the world, carries with it mundanity. It is interesting that the antipathy the modern religious world has for traditional values does not see the inherent negativity in their …
Continue reading Article: Inherently Negative LiberalismIt is not logical to view the Creator of the universe as One who makes arbitrary decisions. Every action taken by God has behind it a logical and righteous explanation – although some things are left secret, and those belong to Him (cf. Deuteronomy 29:29). The Bible has been given as a revelation of all …
Continue reading Article: Prepared Places for Prepared PeopleRecently, “The View” invited presidential candidates to discuss various topics brought up in their campaign. Dr. Ben Carson was asked about his “view” concerning evolution. The short conversation on this particular topic showed the lack of consistency and logic with those who are advocates of evolution. Joy Behar: “I know…you’re a scientist and yet I …
Continue reading Notable News: “The View” of Evolution“The way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). This takes humility to accept. The world has rejected this view of life. It is considered demeaning to depend on someone’s guidance. To heed counsel from another shows weakness. Yet, competence is not …
Continue reading Article: Wise CounselOur God is described as One who is infinitely wise – “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God” (Romans 11:33)! The concept of wisdom screams logic. It is always logical in that it identifies truth. Behind every command from God is sound logic. Whether we immediately come to …
Continue reading Article: The Irony in Extending the Boundaries of FellowshipThe apostle Paul consistently displayed his depth of care for those he had begotten in the faith. He continued this theme in his epistle to Philemon, showing love for both he, and his slave, Onesimus. His approach of gentle request (v. 8-9), as opposed to stern command, continued as he appealed to Philemon to receive …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Philemon 17-25I was recently invited to see the Oklahoma City Dodgers minor league baseball team. The experience was enjoyable as with any baseball game – good ballgame, good company, and good food. There wasn’t anything that occurred that hadn’t at any other game I have attended. Yet one thing seemed to stand out from the rest …
Continue reading Article: God Before CountryThe apostle Peter brought the eventual destruction of the physical elements to his reader’s attention in contrast to the scoffer’s false doctrine (cf. 2 Peter 3). With this truth being established he made application by telling them to “be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless” (v. 14). In addition …
Continue reading Article: New Heavens and a New Earth