The Bible is a book of controversies. Sometimes it contains examples of disputes, such as Jesus’ discussions with the religious elite of his day (e.g., Mark 2:1-3:6); at other times, it generates them among modern readers. One of the more interesting conversations about Scripture regards the theological consistency between its authors. Some biblical authors explore… Read More Jesus Vs. Paul — Dewayne Bryant, Ph.D.
Seven men “of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” were set before the apostles by the assembly of Jesus’ disciples in Jerusalem. Out of the thousands of followers in the holy city, these seven were set apart to be put over the “duty” of “serving tables,” making sure that no Hellenistic widows… Read More Lessons From The Conversions Of The Samaritans And John’s Disciples — Jon Mitchell, Editor (Editorial: May/June, 2019)
The cities of Athens and Corinth are located on opposite ends of a small isthmus in Southern Greece. Together, they made up two of Greece’s most important commercial centers. Thus, Paul’s missionary activities in these two cities were an important stepping stone in spreading Christianity to Greece and beyond. When Paul arrived at Athens, he… Read More Paul’s Converts At Athens And Corinth — Chase Green
Our faith is one of the most cherished assets which we possess. Yet there are many times in our lives when our faith is stronger than at other times. When I am truly honest with myself and do some real “soul searching,” I may ask myself, “How can I really make myself more faithful?” Or… Read More A Shipwrecked Faith — Curtis Kimbrell
“Euroclydon” is what the King James Version calls it. Others have named it “Euraquilo” or “Northeaster.” They were caught for over two weeks in an unrelenting Mediterranean storm. Hurricane like winds moving from every direction made it impossible to guide the ship. Every effort was made to keep from sinking. Valuable cargo was jettisoned. Even… Read More The God Of All Comfort — David R. Pharr
It has been suggested that you can bind the tails of two cats together and they will be united. While they would be joined together, there wouldn’t be unity. Likewise, there are indeed hundreds of religions and church affiliations today but God has always desired there be unity among His people. The idea of spiritual… Read More Unity and the Christian — Eric Diaz
The Proverbs writer once challenged young men to, “Buy the truth and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding” (Prov. 23:23). One might wonder why Solomon needed to challenge any young Israelite to appreciate the truth. Is it possible that Israel suffered from the very issues that plague Christians today? Namely, there will… Read More The Challenge To Teach The Truth – Dave Wood
The lengths to which society and government have gone in order to force acceptance of certain sinful behaviors is nothing short of appalling. As of this year, 9 states in the United States have legalized same-sex marriage (Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, and Washington). Additionally, it is legal in the… Read More First Stop: Homosexuality. Next Stop: Pedophilia – Spencer Strickland
Acts 19:1-5 provides precedent for a person being “re-baptized” when his previous baptism was not according to scriptural instructions. In the case of the persons in the text they had been immersed according to the preaching of John the Baptist, which had only anticipated the redemptive work of Christ. John never baptized in the name… Read More Thoughts on Acts 19:1-5 – David R. Pharr
I have become a fool in boasting. You have compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds (2… Read More The Signs of an Apostle – J. Terry Wheeler
Philippians was written from prison where Paul waited to see whether he would be executed or released. The Philippians were praying for his release and Paul expected that this would be answered and that he could continue his work. But he also knew that in death he would go to be with the Lord. This… Read More Heaven, the Better Place – David R. Pharr
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