Category Archives: Beyond The Basics

02 Jul

The Inspiration of the Scriptures

BEYOND THE BASICS | T. Sean Sullivan | Paragould, Arkansas

Introduction:
This world is full of books. Solomon in ancient days proclaimed, “Of making many books there is no end…” (Ecclesiastes 12:12). Many thousands of books are inspirational, but only one small collection of books is “inspired.”

The collection of 66 books that we know as the Bible, is the revelation of the mind of God. In 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul said, “All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God…” It is this divine action of “inspiration” that sets the Bible apart from any other book on the planet. Read More →

02 Apr

Beyond a Mere Reading of the Bible

BEYOND THE BASICS | Scott Long | Marietta, Pennsylvania

Some Christians are content with a habitual, yet casual reading of the word of God. They believe that since they are not aiming to become preachers, that reading is all that is necessary. how many times have we heard someone say, “I have read the Bible seven times from cover to cover” as if to convey some deeper level of understanding? To which I say, “So what?” Paul chastised Christians for such an attitude, “I fed you with milk and not with solid food, for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able“ (1 Corinthians 3:2). They had not moved beyond the basics. But what about the Christian who wants to be a true follower of the Lord? Is reading enough for him? In no way. Reading a biology textbook does not make someone a doctor. In the same way, simply reading the Bible will not make a person become a faithful disciple. Let’s spend some time talking about why Christians must move beyond reading of the Bible into deeper studies of God’s word. Read More →

01 Jan

Confident without being Overconfident

BEYOND THE BASICS | Chuck Bartlett | Newburgh, Indiana

I remember reading a comment made by a person who left the Lord’s church years ago stating, “The problem with members of the church is they don’t have confidence they are going to heaven.” This person may well have encountered Christians who felt that way, but it does not have to be that way. Let us take a closer look. Read More →

02 Oct

The Christian & Social Media

BEYOND THE BASICS | Jeremy Woodman | Kingston, Ontario

When Christ gave the Great Commission he defined the scope of the commission as “all the world” and the message as “the gospel,” but He left the mode of communication up to the apostles. In the first century, communication was through the spoken and written word.  The range of oral communication was limited and if the message didn’t produce change, it lasted no longer than the audience’s memory. Writing could reach more people and its contents lasted longer but making and distributing copies was labour intensive.

Come forward to the 20th century and the telephone, radio, and television revolutionized communications, helping to disseminate the gospel in new ways to new audiences.  In recent decades the rise of the internet, higher rates of personal computer ownership, and the development of social media have revolutionized communications again. Because of social media, we can communicate cheaply and quickly with almost anyone around the world. We can create content for others to access at their convenience.  These are blessings the apostles did not have and are tools we can use to fulfill the Great Commission. Read More →

03 Jul

In The World … Not Of The World, Part 2

BEYOND THE BASICS
William Stewart | Odessa, Ontario

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 →

01 Jan

Confess Much?

BEYOND THE BASICS
John Hines | Haynesville, Louisiana

There is an old saying, “Confession is good for the soul.” I would suggest it is not only good for the soul, it is necessary if we are going to be saved. It plays a role in our conversion, but it certainly does not stop there. Consider a few of the confessions we are called to make as Christians. Read More →

03 Oct

Distractions

BEYOND THE BASICS
John Maddocks | Toronto, Ontario

I was born in 1962. I grew up in a time when there were no cell phones, personal computers, gaming systems, nor DVD players. Yes, we had TV, but those were the days before cable TV and Netflix, so viewing options were very limited. My family did not have a colour TV until I was 9 or 10 years old. Now, you can watch whatever show or movie you want, any time you want, and you can even do that on your smartphone. If you have a research paper due, just turn on your computer and Google whatever subject it is that you are studying and you will find a world of information at your finger tips. If you want to play a game, there are any number of gaming systems available, and if you don’t have one, then you can play on your PC or your smartphone. The technological world has advanced in amazing ways in the 55 years since I was born. Read More →

04 Jul

Grow In Grace

BEYOND THE BASICS
Brian Sullivan | Bancroft, Ontario

Grace is a very popular topic in today’s religious world. Often it is expressed as some vague, indefinable freedom or liberty. Some see it as a cloud-like substance that can be packaged and repackaged to suit the needs of the moment. The child of God is more interested in what the Bible has to say about it, and how the Bible defines it. Read More →