Al Diestelkamp While I am personally highly committed to a certain political philosophy, and though I have been known to vigorously express my political beliefs in private discussions, I do not believe “the pulpit” is the proper arena for partisan issues. However, as our society changes, political issues arise that also involve moral and/or doctrinal…
Law and Legalism H. E. Phillips Law is: “A general rule of action or conduct established or enforced by a sovereign authority; as, a law of Caesar; a law of God” (Webster’s Twentieth Century Dictionary, Unabridged). Webster says of legalism: “Close conformity to law.” Law and legalism are not the same. “Law” (nomos) means “….
Dudley Ross SpearsAlvaton, Kentucky Have you ever heard someone define and discuss “legalism” in religion? What definition can you remember that was given? Was “legalism” dealt with as a disease or a blessed virtue? I am sure that the answers to these questions depend on the pre-disposition of the one who dealt with “legalism” in…
At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.And since Lydda was near Joppa,…
John Isaac Edwards In the first century, Christians assembled together regularly (Acts 4:31; 11:26; 14:27; 20:7-8; 1 Cor. 5:4; 11:17-18; 14:23, 26). The Hebrew writer commanded, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. . .” (Heb. 10:25). A lot of church members today offer all kinds of excuses for being absent when the saints are…
Knowing of several recent and upcoming marriages, I wanted to share some thoughts on the subject of marriage. Starting with a recent comment by the actor Ashton Kutcher after the public announcement that his wife of six years had filed for divorce. “Marriage is one of the most difficult things in the world and unfortunately…
What is it to be thankful? We stop at this time of year and give thanks for all of our good gifts as well we should (Phil. 4:6). When was the last time in the midst of a calamity you saw someone thanking God that tragedy had interupted their lives?
Did you follow the news about the fourteen-year old student in Forth Worth (Western Hills High School) who was suspended because he said that he was a Christian and believed homosexuality was wrong? According to FoxNews (Sept. 22), Dakota Ary’s teacher overheard the statement, which was only made to a friend behind him and not…
We are plagued with a society that is slowly endorsing homosexuality. It seems as though some entertainer, athlete, politician, or social figure “comes out of the closet” every week. We have reached the point where a person jeopardizes his career if he publicly condemns homosexuality. He is accused of being narrow-minded, self-centered, and homophobic. The…
An older friend of ours now deceased used to say, “If one doesn’t believe the first five words of the Bible, the rest doesn’t matter.” Truer words could not be spoken. The stage for the universe, earth, man and woman, and their respective purposes is set from the beginning of the Bible. God doesn’t explain…