Category Archives: Beyond The Basics

01 Apr

Where is Paul’s Letter to the Laodicean Church?

BEYOND THE BASICS | William Stewart | Kingston, Ontario

 

via Henryk Niestrój | Pixabay

 

The apostle Paul mentioned the brethren at Laodicea multiple times in his epistle to the Colossians. He had never seen them face to face, but he was concerned for the faith of the Christians in both cities (Colossians 2:1-10). At the close of the Colossian letter, Paul forwarded greetings from Epaphras, his fellow prisoner and a native of Colosse (Colossians 4:12; Philemon 1:23). The apostle was moved by this man’s zeal for his brethren in Colosse, as well as neighbouring Laodicea and Hierapolis (Colossians 4:13). Paul extended his own greetings to the Christians in Laodicea through the Colossian church (Colossians 4:15).

His final reference to the Laodiceans is in Colossians 4:16. It reads:

Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

Read More →

06 Jan

Life in Transition from the First to the Second Covenant

BEYOND THE BASICS | Larry Fuller | Whitney, Ontario

 

Introduction

Paul effectively argued against Israelites who still disbelieved in Christ, insisting incorrectly they maintain Judaism with its Law of Moses. Rom 7:12-25, Paul puts forth a personal example as an Israelite under the old covenant that was very relatable. First, he recognized the law of Moses was in fact spiritual, holy and good. He had a great desire to do what he knew was right and good, yet the worldliness he hated, he did! Creating an uncontrollable “tug of war” within his members leading to a wretched feeling from which seemingly there was no remedy. Read More →

15 Oct

Love One Another

BEYOND THE BASICS  Kyle Boyd | Wichita, Kansas

 

via Ben White | Unsplash.com

 

At the time of me penning this article it has been one year and two months since the tragic loss of someone whom I loved dearly, Sean Cavender. He was someone who loved others dearly but most importantly exemplified the love of Christ to the world. When thinking of a word to describe Sean, love is the first word that comes to mind and love is what this article is about. Sean was a Bible preacher and few topics are talked about more in the Bible than love. Few are also the number of people that come to mind that manifest this love for people as much as Sean did. People were Sean’s hobby. Read More →

20 Jul

Israel’s Role In The Divine Plan

BEYOND THE BASICS | Jeremy Diestelkamp | Toronto, Ontario

 

 

via Ben White | Unsplash.com

In today’s religious world, there are plenty of teachings surrounding the nation of Israel that simply are not found in scripture. Some teach that Jews today cannot be saved, contradicting what Paul said in Romans 11:1, while others teach that one day, all Jews will be saved, which is not only a misunderstanding of Romans 11:26, but also a contradiction of how one obtains faith according to Romans 10:17. Some teach that the Jews played the only role in the crucifixion of Christ (discounting the role of the Romans), while others teach that the Jews played no role in the crucifixion by casting aspersions on the accounts given to us in the Gospels. Read More →

17 Apr

The Grace of Giving

51581 | Pixabay

BEYOND THE BASICS | Mike Stephens | Wellandport, Ontario

2 Corinthians 8:5-7, So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. But as you abound in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us – see that you abound in this grace also.

What is a “Christian Grace?” We might use this term when talking about the positive characteristics, virtues, actions, or attitudes that a faithful Christian should possess. The list Peter gives in 2Peter 1 are often labelled as the “Christian Graces” and rightly so, even though this specific term is not used in that passage. Read More →

01 Jan

Of Kisses and Betrayals and Swords and Ears

via Jeff Jacobs | Pixabay.com

BEYOND THE BASICS | Scott Long | Marietta, Pennsylvania

As Jesus neared the end of his earthly life, He looked forward to celebrating the last Passover meal with His apostles.

“When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. Then He said to them, ‘With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.'” (Luke 22:14-15)

During that short time in the upper room, Jesus taught His disciples, prayed for them, washed their feet, and instituted the Lord’s supper, among other acts. Read More →

10 Oct

What is “the Mystery” in the New Testament?

BEYOND THE BASICS | Jeff Smith | Gainesville, Virginia

The most likely association made when “mystery” is mentioned is to the mystery literary genre. We think of authors like Arthur Conan-Doyle, Agatha Christie, and G. K. Chesterton, and their famous fictional sleuths, Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, and Father Brown. Their characters are artfully crafted. Plots are intricately woven. Facts are strategically and stingily meted to keep the reader guessing “who done it” until the great reveal at the climax of the work. Although popular and entertaining, this is not Biblical mystery.

“Mystery” may also suggest mysticism. Practitioners of Mysticism seek to become one with God, often through some sort of altered consciousness that may be drug induced. Ironically, such religions maintain that true knowledge is unattainable, or nearly so. Mystics teach that it is important to grasp for and grapple with lofty ideals. Disciples are locked in a closed loop of ever-reaching for an ever-elusive goal. This is not biblical mystery, either. Read More →

17 Apr

When Christ Comes Again

BEYOND THE BASICS | Keith Sharp | Mountain Home, Arkansas

via pixundfertig | Pixabay.com

Preterism
On the nights of July 20-21, 23-24, 2020, Bruce Reeves and Holger Neubauer debated the question, “Will Jesus Really Come Again?” Bruce Reeves affirmed, “The Scriptures teach that Jesus of Nazareth will come again in the future to raise both the wicked and righteous for eternal judgment.” Holger Neubauer affirmed, “The Scriptures teach that Jesus of Nazareth returned the second and final time in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.” Mr. Neubauer holds to a theory popularized in modern times by the late Max R. King in his book The Spirit of Prophecy. The position of King, Neubauer, and others, called “Preterism” or the A.D. 70 Theory, is that the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 is the final fulfillment of all biblical prophecy. Therefore, there will be no future, literal return of Christ or resurrection of the dead. Read More →

28 Jan

How to Be Strong for the Lord

via Pexels | Pixabay.com

BEYOND THE BASICS | Sonia Rainwater (deceased), edited by Tom Rainwater

[Note: Below is a lesson that Sonia presented to a group of girls at the Northeast Florida College Camp in 2013. After this, her cancer afflicted her for five more years before she passed from this life. She faced that burden with strength and hope. Her example continues to encourage all who witnessed her faith. For that, I’m certain, she would give God all the glory. – Tom Rainwater]

Three years ago, I was diagnosed with colon cancer, which had spread to my liver. Since then, I’ve had major surgery on my colon and two surgeries on my liver. I’ve had lots of chemo treatments during that time. I’ve seen doctors constantly. I’m still fighting a battle against cancer. But thanks to our wonderful God, I’m here today and doing well, and so happy to be speaking to you. My message is: no matter what happens to you, you can still be strong for the Lord. Read More →