When I talk with religious friends about becoming a Christian, I hear people say things like “I accepted Christ,” or “I joined the church,” or “l was saved.” I seldom hear people talk about obeying the gospel, however. That is unfortunate, because Paul tells us, “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).… Continue Reading
Category Archives: BIBLE QUESTIONS
ARE WE CAMPBELLITES?
Occasionally you hear someone speak of members of the church being called “Campbellites.” Personally, I have only been called a “Campbellite” a few times, since in our age of religious ecumenism, name calling is not as common as it once was. Where did this name come from? Simply put, it is a nickname based on the erroneous idea that Alexander Campbell, along with his father Thomas, founded the churches of Christ.… Continue Reading
DOES BAPTISM SAVE US OR DOES JESUS?
While shepherds were abiding in the field, the angel of the Lord appeared to them and said, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). There is no doubt that the promised Savior is Jesus Christ.… Continue Reading
WHY SHOULD OPPONENTS OF ABORTION IMPOSE THEIR MORALITY ON OTHERS?
On January 22, 1973, in its Roe v. Wade decision, the U. S. Supreme Court, by a 7 to 2 vote, ruled that the states could make no legal restrictions against abortion in the first three months of the mother’s pregnancy. In the second three months, restrictions could be applied only to make the procedure safer for the mother, and in the last three months, the state could enact legislation to protect “potential life” unless the health or life of the mother was in danger.… Continue Reading
WILL ALL OF THE DENOMINATIONS ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD?
No. Although the sentiment, “Join the church of your choice” is very popular today, the current denominational system could not be pleasing to God. It is not possible for all of the denominations to enter into the kingdom of God because of the wide diversity of teaching among the multiplied hundreds of religious groups. While some teach that Jesus was the Son of God, others teach that He was really only a good teacher or prophet.… Continue Reading
WHY WE MUST BE BURIED WITH CHRIST IN BAPTISM?
The heart of the gospel is the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Paul began the great resurrection chapter, “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.… Continue Reading
ARE THERE ANY LIVING APOSTLES TODAY?
During His ministry, Jesus had many men and women who followed Him. Among these were the twelve disciples (learners), whom we know as the twelve apostles. The word apostle comes from a Greek word meaning “a messenger, one who is sent forth.” Christ chose His apostles and sent them forth to carry the gospel message to the world. Although Jesus began with only twelve apostles, others became apostles, such as Matthias, who replaced Judas, and Paul, chosen by Christ.… Continue Reading
HOW ARE THE CHURCH AND THE KINGDOM RELATED?
The burning question in the hearts of the early Jews was the question of when the Messiah would establish His kingdom on earth and reign upon David’s throne. Most misunderstood the issue, and even the disciples were caught up in misconceptions of the nature of the Lord’s kingdom. Just before His ascension, they asked Jesus, “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?”… Continue Reading
DOES MATTHEW 24-25 TELL US OF THE SIGNS TO WATCH FOR CONCERNING THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST?
One of the most popular areas of speculation in our religious world today is in the area of setting the date for the second coming of Christ. Many point to the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, the arrival of the computer age, or even the introduction of the social security number, to say that the “signs” show Jesus is coming “soon.”… Continue Reading
WHAT WAS PENTECOST?
Pentecost was one of the three great feast days of the Jews. (The other two being Passover and Tabernacles.) They observed all three of these feast days by making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Christians know Pentecost as the birthday of the church, from Acts chapter two. It was the day on which Peter and the other apostles first preached the good news of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, when “they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”… Continue Reading
WHO ARE THE “OTHER SHEEP” OF JOHN 10:16?
As Jesus neared the end of His discussion of the “Good Shepherd,” He said, “As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd” (John 10:15-16).… Continue Reading
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT ASTROLOGY?
Astrology is a practice based upon the belief that a person’s destiny is greatly influenced, if not determined, by the pattern of the stars in the sky at the time of the person’s birth. Millions of people consult their daily horoscopes (predictions based on astrology) to plan their activities. Although popular, astrology is not based on scientific, rational, or biblical principles.… Continue Reading
WHERE DO WE FIND AUTHORITY FOR OUR RELIGIOUS PRACTICES TODAY?
We must have a way to make choices and settle matters of difference in our religious practices. We cannot do this unless there is an accepted standard of authority. Authority means “the power or right to command or enforce obedience, to make final decisions, to have jurisdiction.” Authority is related to that which is lawful, or that which men are at liberty to do.… Continue Reading
CAN WE TRUST THE BIBLE AS THE WORD OF GOD?
In an age when we have little to trust or rely upon, we may wonder if even the Bible can be trusted. There are many reasons, however, that we can trust the Bible as the word of God. First of all, we can trust the Bible because we trust God and it is God’s book, revealed to mankind, and in perfect harmony with His nature and character.… Continue Reading
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT “REVEREND” AS A TITLE FOR MINISTERS? — BOB PRICHARD
It is a common assumption today that every minister ought to be addressed as “reverend.” Fortunately, though, many ministers are rejecting the use of this title, recognizing that it is unauthorized by the Bible, contrary to the Bible doctrine of the priesthood of all believers, and divisive to the cause of Christ.
The word “reverend” comes from the Latin word reverendus, meaning “worthy of respect.”… Continue Reading
HOW DOES THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION DIFFER FROM THE VIRGIN BIRTH
The virgin birth refers to the birth of Jesus Christ in fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, made more than seven hundred years before His birth. “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.… Continue Reading
DID JESUS MAKE HIS TRIUMPHAL ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM ON ONE OR ON TWO ANIMALS?
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all record the triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem. Mark and Luke record the instructions of Jesus to the disciples to go into the village to “find a colt tied, whereon never man sat” (Mark 11:2; Luke 19:30). John also mentions only one animal (John 12:12-18). Matthew, however, mentions two animals: “an ass tied, and a colt with her” (Matthew 21:2).… Continue Reading
SINCE THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD, WHY ISN’T THERE JUST ONE CHURCH?
Paul tells us explicitly that there is “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:6). Most people have little trouble with this concept, understanding that our Heavenly Father created our world and loved us enough to send Christ to save us from our sins. Paul does not speak only of “One God,” however, but mentions seven “unities.”… Continue Reading
WHAT IS THE PARABLE OF THE WINE BOTTLE?
The weeping prophet Jeremiah told the parable of the wine bottle to the nation of Israel. Israel turned away from God repeatedly, and did not realize the consequences of disobedience. They thought they would continue to prosper, but God warned them that judgment was coming. He spoke of Israel saying, “This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing.… Continue Reading
IS THE CHURCH OF CHRIST A DENOMINATION?
A frequent follow-up question to “Are you a Christian?” is “What denomination are you?” “Denomination” is not found in the Bible, and the idea is based on sectarianism and division. “Denomination” is not simply an incidental name, but a choice to be divided from other believers who do not share the same sectarian doctrines. Religious denominations are divisions among people who may all claim to follow the same Lord and same Bible but cannot agree because of their denomination.… Continue Reading