Monthly Archives: July 2018

03 Jul

Faith and Works

EXPOSITORY ARTICLE – JAMES 2
Sean Cavender | Bald Knob, Arkansas

via Gerd Altmann | Pixabay.com

After writing an article for GROW magazine last year on the text in Romans 4 and Paul’s argument of justification by grace through faith, it seemed appropriate to address the nature of biblical faith from another important text in the New Testament—James 2. Romans 4 defends salvation by faith, not by works of the Law of Moses, and appeals to Abraham’s faith as our example. James is concerned with the general nature of faith. Read More →

03 Jul

The Church Is God’s Special People

CHURCH ARTICLE
Wayne Goff  | Kansas City, Missouri

via Gerd Altmann | Pixabay.com

Jesus Christ came to deliver mankind from his sin (Matthew 1:21). Sin has always separated man from God (Isaiah 59:1-2), and sin caused us to be spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1). The sacrifice of Jesus’ own precious blood has redeemed us from the guilt of sin and from the power of death which sin caused (1 Peter 1:18-19; Ephesians 2:4-7). This redemption causes great joy among the saved (see Acts 8:8, 39). It is a privilege to be a child of God, and an eternal heir of the grace of life (Romans 8:16-17). Read More →

03 Jul

What To Do During Worship Service

WORSHIP ARTICLE
Jim Mickells | Lewisburg, Tennessee

via Milt Ritter | Pixabay.com

As we open our New Testament and begin to read we see that worship is an integral part of the Christian’s life. God desires for us to worship Him. Yet worship must be as He instructs. Jesus, in His conversation with the woman at the well, gives some vital information about one’s service to Jehovah. “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24). Notice at least three essential elements in our worship: (1) worship must be directed toward the Father; (2) worship must be with the right attitude – in spirit; (3) worship must be in the right way – according to truth. Read More →

03 Jul

Show Me Your Faith

APPLICATION ARTICLE
William Stewart | Kingston, Ontario

via congerdesign | Pixabay.com

In the latter portion of James 2, we find a great discussion of faith’s dependence upon works. The writer merges a collection of examples with his constant affirmation – faith without works is dead (James 2:17, 20, 24, 26). The destitute brother or sister who receives our well wishes and nothing more is destitute still (James 2:14-16). The demons are certain of the existence of God, but their doom is equally certain, for they do not do the works of God (James 2:19). The patriarch Abraham and Rahab the harlot were both justified before God, not merely because they believed, but because they exercised faith in God (James 2:21-23, 25). Read More →

03 Jul

Six Common Hesitations to Personal Evangelism

EVANGELISM ARTICLE
Chad Brewer | Williamsburg, Virginia

via Robert Koorenny | Pixabay

When the topic of personal evangelism comes up, people are invariably excited, but often they are excited for others’ work or zeal.

We are often rather hesitant to get out there, put in the effort, put ourselves on the line, and possibly get rejected. The hesitations and complaints that you often hear are often very similar, and not at all new to our generation. If you were to go back to Exodus 3 and 4, you will see that they are very similar to the hesitations and complaints that Moses had, when God told him to “go.” Oddly enough, those objections raised by Moses were not sufficient for him to skive off work, and they are not good enough for us either. Read More →

03 Jul

In The World … Not Of The World, Part 2

BEYOND THE BASICS
William Stewart | Odessa, Ontario

via Gerd Altmann | Pixabay.com

Our previous article concluded: “To be in the world but not of the world means we abstain from the wickedness of the world, not from living in the world.” If you have not read the first article, I encourage you to read it here.

Jesus wouldn’t do that!

I’ve heard some folks justify the insistence of their will upon others on the basis that Jesus wouldn’t do this or that. Jesus wouldn’t go to a rock concert, or to a football game, or to the movies! Jesus wouldn’t celebrate Christmas, or go to a vacation resort, or read a fantasy novel. Jesus wouldn’t have a TV in His house, own an expensive car, or go to a restaurant that serves alcohol.. There is an endless list of things that Jesus wouldn’t do. I’m curious; how do these folks know what Jesus would or wouldn’t do? Read More →