Category Archives: Beyond The Basics

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

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

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

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 →

08 Oct

Not Peace But A Sword

BEYOND THE BASICS | Jeffrey Smith | Gainesville, Virginia

Peace on Earth?
The angel who announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds led a chorus of angels in saying,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14)

So, the promise of peace on earth is intimately connected with our Lord and Savior. That is why we are taken aback when Jesus later said he did not come to bring peace.

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.” (Matthew 10:34-36, ESV)

Which is it? Peace, or no peace? War, or peace? Or both?

To better understand Jesus’ attitude and actions toward peace it helps to develop a robust definition of peace and the areas to which it applies. Read More →

05 Jul

I Saw Satan Fall Like Lightning From Heaven

BEYOND THE BASICS | William Stewart | Kingston, Ontario

“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven!” Imagine how exciting it must have been to hear Jesus make such a declaration. The assertion was made to the seventy persons whom Jesus had appointed and sent to go before Him among the people (Luke 10:1). As He had given instructions to the apostles before sending them out (Matthew 10:5-15), our Lord also gave directions to this much larger contingent of disciples for their journey (Luke 10:2-16). They were sent to “heal the sick” and to proclaim “The kingdom of God has come near to you” (Luke 10:9). We do not know how long they were gone, but Luke reported the excitement of their return. Filled with joy they announced, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name” (Luke 10:17). Jesus’ statement about Satan falling from heaven was in response to their remark. Read More →

03 Jan

Why Premillennialism Misses the Mark

BEYOND THE BASICS | Shane Carrington | Sulfer Springs, Texas

Premillennialism stands as one of the most popular doctrines of religion in modern times, joining the ranks of “Trust Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior to be saved,” “Join the church of your choice,” and “Once saved always saved.” That’s just how popular it is.

Cultural phenomena such as the “Left Behind” series of books (published 1995-2007) and movies (produced 2000-2014), Hal Lindsay’s “The Late, Great Planet Earth” (published in 1970), and televangelists like John Hagee, David Jeremiah, etc. drive this movement today. Additionally, the doctrine is written into many study Bibles, including J. N. Darby’s study notes, the Ryrie Study Bible, the Schofield Study Bible, the John MacArthur Study Bible, etc. Read More →

26 Oct

Israel’s Role In The Divine Plan

BEYOND THE BASICS | William Stewart | Kingston, Ontario

To understand Israel’s role in God’s plan, we need to start with the threefold promise made to Abram in Genesis 12:1-3, 7. There we find God’s promise to (1) make a great nation from Abram, (2) bless them with a land, and (3) bless all families of the earth through him.

The nation promise was fulfilled when Joshua brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt. Deuteronomy 26:5 states, “…My father was a Syrian, about to perish, and he went down to Egypt and dwelt there, few in number; and there he became a nation, great, mighty, and populous.” Thus, God fulfilled His promise, and Israel was set to fulfill their role in God’s plan. Read More →