Because first-century congregations were composed of humans, they were not flawless. Yet, it can be extremely helpful to us to investigate the early local churches and learn from their actions, attitudes, and circumstances. In this article, our focus will be on the church in Antioch of Syria. Following the death of Stephen (Acts 7), severe […]
Category Archives: Truth Periodical
Galatians is a powerful letter emphasizing Christians’ freedom in Christ as vastly superior to the bondage of the Law of Moses (or any other law). Paul also sets out in Galatians to defend his apostleship since, if his apostolic authority could be questioned, so could the message he preached. At the outset, he says he […]
In every aspect of His life, the Son of God was perfect. As much as possible, we need to follow His steps (1 Peter 2:21) and have the heart/mind that He did (Philippians 2:5). As we study the marvelous message of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we quickly see that Jesus showed compassion as He […]
I once read a story about a little girl who was crying brokenheartedly in the car after leaving worship one Sunday. Her mother repeatedly asked her what was wrong, and, finally, the girl answered, “The preacher said he wanted all children to be brought up in Christian homes, but I want to stay with you!” […]
Jehovah God is described in these words: “He has made the earth by His power, He has established the world by His wisdom, and has stretched out the heavens at His discretion” (Jeremiah 10:12). When He created the universe, God’s power, His wisdom, and His will/discretion were on display. Skeptics doubt that God exists. Agnostics […]
Where there are people, even when it is God’s people, who are the best folks in the world, from time to time there will be problems in human relationships. There can be tensions and conflicts. In some cases, one member of the church sins against another one. As a new person in the Christ, every […]
For a comedian (and even sometimes a preacher!), the relationship between a husband and wife is the center of countless jokes. The differences between males and females and the way they operate in life can provide lots of laughter. While there is nothing wrong with laughing at our own interactions, the Bible is very clear […]
What if congregations and individual Christians are not evangelistic? What if we do not put forth our best effort to teach the gospel to lost people? The consequences will be disheartening and deadly. What will happen if we do not practice evangelism? Untaught people will remain untaught. Unbelievers will remain unbelievers. The lost will remain […]
People often tend toward extremes. One extreme is minimizing the importance of the Lord’s church, often with statements like, “I have a relationship with the Lord, but I don’t do church,” or, “I am a Christian, but I opted out of organized religion.” This concept itself is a deadly way of thinking, but as one […]
No one has influenced the world like Jesus of Nazareth. He came into the world, lived a perfect life, preached the gospel of the kingdom, and in the end, like a lamb led to the slaughter, laid down His life for sin-plagued humanity. He was buried on the same day as His death, but rose […]