The topic of “fellowship” is prominent in scripture. It is a simple concept, though it has been the seat of much controversy. Solomon said, “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9), and the same rings true with the problems surrounding fellowship. Even the first century church experienced trouble with the different applications of …
Continue reading Fellowship 1 – Terminology
This chapter began Paul’s discussion on the resurrection of the dead. This subject is inextricably linked to the resurrection of the Christ. Paul began his reproof of those who “say that there is no resurrection of the dead” in verse 12. Before doing so, however, he set the foundation of his argument that was the …
Continue reading 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it …
Continue reading Facebook: Walk in Light Individual Christians and churches must be circumspect regarding those with whom they associate. The right hand of fellowship must not be extended to those who are not worthy (cf. 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:9; 2 John 9-11; etc.). As such, warnings about those who are false brethren were included in epistles to other Christians and churches. …
Continue reading Romans 16:1-2
“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of …
Continue reading Facebook: Our Salvation is Near
“The Roman Road to Salvation” is a popular way of explaining the steps necessary to receive salvation. Paul’s epistle to the church in Rome is an in depth treatment of the subject of God’s scheme of redemption. An honest study of the text will reveal God’s will for man, and by submitting to His will, …
Continue reading Bookends of the Epistle to the Romans Paul had appealed to Caesar, and Festus intended to send him that direction (cf. 25:9-12), but before doing so, he needed to formulate a letter so as to inform Caesar of Paul’s situation. However, because he was “uncertain of such questions” (25:20) concerning the Jewish religion, Festus turned to Agrippa for assistance in writing such …
Continue reading Acts 26:1-8
“For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). Jesus uttered these words at the conclusion of His parable of the wedding feast. The king invited some, but “they were not willing to come” (v. 3). He sent more servants, but still they refused (v. 5-6). Even though they were called, they were not …
Continue reading Facebook: The Many and the Few
Obedience, election, and grace are Biblical terms which are intimately related. The evidence for their cohabitation is overwhelming. The three cannot be separated without contradicting God’s revelation. Still, there are those who suggest the sovereignty of God does not allow man any role to play in his salvation, so obedience is insignificant. Also, if salvation …
Continue reading Obedience and the Election of Grace Jesus had made a man see who was blind from birth (v. 1-12). Having heard of this phenomenon, the Pharisees inquired as to how it was so, and what the man thought about the one who opened his eyes (v. 13-34). After the man indicated his conviction that the miracle worker was from God, the …
Continue reading John 9:35-41