Robert T Waters

Many churches of Christ are suffering greatly because they are not organized according to the New Testament pattern that stipulates the appointment of elders to “rule over the flock.” The qualifications for this position of leadership are found in Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Timothy 3:1-7. Because of rampant false doctrine regarding divorce and subsequent marriage, many churches fail to appoint elders.

First John 1:9 is one of the most abused passages in the New Testament. This verse tells us that if we confess our sins God will forgive us. The abuse comes from a few who insist that sins are forgiven ONLY when they are specifically or verbally confessed. The consequence to such thinking is that honest Christians can have no confidence that their sins are forgiven (and therefore that they are in the grace of God) unless they "think" they have no sin, i.e., that they are living above sin. The absurdity of this position is easily seen by simply reading the context-passages before and after verse 9. Let's look at the context together: 1 John 1:6 "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:" The intent of the teaching of the passage (1 John 1:6-10) is set at the very beginning. It is about one's "walk," i.e., one's manner of life. Thayer on the word "walk": 1) to regulate one's life; 2) to conduct oneself properly Wesley Gerig explains: "The metaphorical use of the word 'walk' in the Bible refers to the way in which an individual lives or conducts his or her life; and regularly, the Christian's walk will be in stark contrast to that of the unbeliever's." 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

The Christian's faith is often ridiculed by atheists as not being supported by evidence. The implication is that we Christians have "blind faith." Is this true? First, there really is much evidence that the Bible is inspired. I'll provide some links for your study and consideration. But for now, I just want to make a point about this "blind faith" with a simple illustration. A man, whom we will call John, develops cataracts to the point that he is legally blind. He is told of a doctor who can remove the cataracts and restore his sight. John's friend can see well and helps him with the process-to include building faith that the doctor can indeed restore his sight. John's friend goes to the doctor's website and reads to John the details of the process of removing the cataracts. Faith in the doctor is weak at this point but the friend reads the reviews and testimonials of numerous individuals who had their cataracts removed and their sight fully restored. This brings tears to John's eyes as he thinks about the blessings of having such an opportunity to demonstrate his faith in his friend and the doctor by making an appointment with the doctor and doing as he instructs. Because of John's faith, he takes the required action and rejoices when healed. Now, while this is not the kind evidence that many atheists are willing to accept, at least regarding the Christian faith, we have an overwhelming amount of evidence. The Hebrews writer said, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1). John could not see the doctor, nor could he see the evidence that the doctor could do what he, and his many patients over the years, claimed he could do. Nevertheless, hearing about the process for healing and hearing the testimonies of people who had no reason to lie, John's faith developed to the point of hope, which culminated in his taking the required action to receive the blessings promised by the doctor. Can you see the correlation between John's faith and the faith of Christians? The evidence presented to John from many people, who had been without good sight but could now see clearly, was strong enough that it would have been foolish not to believe and act on that belief. So it is with the Christian faith. It is not blind faith, but faith based on evidence presented by the doctor and those who he treated.

One of the most successful methods of spreading false teaching is the "Study Bible." While some of these resources are great, false teachers have taken advantage of this method and are deceiving many. Why would people not accept what these books say? After all, they are reading from the Bible, right? No. They are reading a commentary that is inserted on the pages of the Bible. Below is an example: "For the remission of sins: Is Peter saying that we must be baptized to receive forgiveness of our sins? Scripture clearly teaches that we are justified by faith alone, not by works (see Rom. 4:1-8; Eph. 2:8, 9)." "Remission of sins come to 'whoever believes.' Believers are baptized in view of God's work of forgiveness, not in order to receive that forgiveness." "Baptism is a public declaration that a person's sins have been forgiven.". (Thomas Nelson NKJV Study Bible, Second Edition. Formally titled "The Nelson Study Bible.")

People who read with understanding are using (to some degree) the thing called hermeneutics (that so many Christians seem to hate) whether they have heard of it or not. This Science and Art is applied to other reading as well. Hermeneutics is simply a list of suggested proven rules to follow in reading for comprehension. There are good hermeneutics and bad hermeneutics. It is "The theory and methodology of interpretation, especially of scriptural text." It is both a Science and an Art. Perhaps the reason some argue against using it is because they want the Bible to say what THEY want it to say rather than to receive the truth it teaches when properly understood.

James 2:10 has often been misused to try to teach that one sin, any sin, in the life of the Christian automatically results in being removed from grace and being lost until the sin becomes recognized and is repented of and confessed. This is, as I will show, a misunderstanding of the passage. James addressed "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad." The twelve tribes refer to Jews. James presents a contrast between the Old Testament and the New-one the Law of Moses and the other the "law of liberty" (verse 12). The New Testament must be recognized if the text under study is to be properly understood. The Jews had a tendency to want to leave the "law of liberty" and go back to the Law of Moses. James said, "If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well" (verse 8), thus implying that such is not all that is necessary to keep saved. He continued: "But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors." With this passage James leads into the problem. Then, in verse 10, the apostle brings to point the consequences of his readers' error. "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." That he is talking about the Law of Moses is apparent from a reading of the next verse: "For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law" (verse 11). The apostle then concludes the lesson by saying, "So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty" (verse 12). Thus, we are to speak like we are to be judged by the law of liberty rather than the Law of Moses. In verse 10, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all," the teaching is that we cannot save ourselves by keeping the Law of Moses because if we commit just one sin we have broken the law, which required perfect obedience. Only Christ was able to do this. James was not saying that those who follow the law of Liberty (the New Testament) are lost every time they commit a sin. Such nonsense is, simply put, one of two extremes. The other is commonly known as "once saved always saved." The truth is in the middle and should be gleaned from such passages as 1

"If" is a conjunction that introduces a condition, a possibility, or a stipulation…in case that; granting or supposing that; on condition that" Dictionary.com First, let us note how "if" is used in connection with believing (faith). Paul writes, "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him" (1 Thes. 4:14). Clearly, "belief" is a stipulation for hope of the promise that is noted. The word "if" describes two things, one depending on the other: faith is dependent upon receiving the blessings. Now note Paul's teaching using "if" in relation to a condition for a Christian keeping saved:

It is amazing that some people have no concern whatsoever for using good hermeneutics to get the truth. Rather, they are just going to believe what they want to believe. "Faith alone," obviously does not save. Rather than listen to some false teacher, why not read James chapter 2 that deals specifically with the matter of "faith only," which gives an example of faith that does not save. You even find the phrase "faith without works is dead." Also consider that the chief rulers of the Jews believed and trembled but would not confess Christ for fear of being put out of the synagogue (John 12:42, 43). How can someone who claims to believe the Bible simply dismiss clear teaching that show their view of a passage is wrong. When the word "belief" or "faith" is used in connection with being saved it is to be considered as being comprehensive, which means their obedience is included. One who has the faith that saves is one who has not only repented of his sins (Luke 13:5) but also acknowledged his faith in Christ and confessed before men (Acts 8:36-39) but has also done what God has shown results in "being then made free from sin" and risen with Christ to begin the new life (born again, John 3:5).

One of the most successful methods of spreading false teaching is the "Study Bible." While some of these resources are great, false teachers have taken advantage of this method and are deceiving many. Why would people not accept what these books say? After all, they are reading from the Bible, right? No. They are reading a commentary that is inserted on the pages of the Bible. Below is an example: "For the remission of sins: Is Peter saying that we must be baptized to receive forgiveness of our sins? Scripture clearly teaches that we are justified by faith alone, not by works (see Rom. 4:1-8; Eph. 2:8, 9)." "Remission of sins come to 'whoever believes.' Believers are baptized in view of God's work of forgiveness, not in order to receive that forgiveness." "Baptism is a public declaration that a person's sins have been forgiven.". (Thomas Nelson NKJV Study Bible, Second Edition. Formally titled "The Nelson Study Bible.")

Is the Church of Christ a Denomination? "If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, waddles like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it is probably a duck." This is a form of deductive reasoning. One may use this same type of reasoning to determine whether a church is the true church or a humanly established denomination.

The truth regarding important Bible doctrines is often rejected because “wise” men think these teachings are foolishness.  This sermon (The Foolishness of God Versus the Wisdom of Men) addresses that concern and exposes the folly of “the wisdom of men” i.e., men who think they can do a better job of teaching what to do to be saved, how to build the church and how it should function.  This sermon is jam-packed with interesting Bible stories, sound doctrine and persuasive teachings.  It was largely developed from a sermon I heard Eugene Britnell preach at Big Flat Arkansas around 40 years ago.  Enjoy and use to the glory of God.  To hear the audio, click on the link below:
https://www.totalhealth.bz/spiritual-health-foolishness-of-god.htm

Many preachers and church leaders hold to the traditional view regarding divorce and marriage for various reasons.  A few are really concerned as to what is the truth and seek it with determination and a willingness to change.  This paper provides evidence that should be helpful to preachers and church leaders who seek to please God rather than man or to maintain tradition.

Following the Great Commission…disciples went about preaching
the Gospel. The preaching resulted in men asking what they must DO. We have three recorded incidents in the Book of Acts where people who HEARD the preaching asked the question that is the subject of our lesson. I invite your careful attention that we may find the answer to the question in the words of men who wrote exactly what GOD inspired them to write.

While Jesus dealt with an issue unique to the Jews – a practice that continued into the 21 Century, Paul answered questions from Christians regarding the question, “who may marry?” His reply is recorded in 1 Corinthians chapter 7.  The chapter supports the idea of marriage being healthy and needful “to avoid fornication”. But it also contains commands that are too simple to misunderstand without help.  Unfortunately, many misunderstand and or simply ignore, twist, or reject Paul’s commands because they are unable to see or unwilling to accept the truth regarding Jesus’ teachings.  Let’s now look carefully at Paul’s effort to get brethren see the need to let people who have no marriage marry.

In the previous article (clink the link above to see part 1), I showed that there are TWO "coming" depicted in Matthew 24. One is the coming of the Lord through the Roman army in judgment on Jerusalem. In response to the questions asked by His disciples, the Lord gave signs whereby Christians would know when this coming would take place and gave instructions as to how to respond when it happened. The other is the FINAL coming of Jesus at which time the world will end. Not only did Jesus not give signs of it coming He emphatically stated that no man, not even the angles in heaven know, but the Father only.

After Jesus talked to His disciples about the destruction of the temple, they asked THREE questions:  1) “when shall these things be?”; 2) “what shall be the sign of thy coming”; and 3) what will be the signs whereby we can know when will be “the end of the world?”

It seems evident that TWO comings are being discussed in Matthew chapter twenty-four: one, the coming of Christ in judgment on Jerusalem through the Roman army, which, according to history, happened in AD 70 (passages preceding verse 34 are signs for which those hearing Christ speak were told to look in order to have an idea as to WHEN it would happen); two, the FINAL coming of Christ, at which time “heaven and earth shall pass away.”

Is the Lord's Supper a Common Meal? The Lord's Supper is under attack. Brethren are asserting that it is nothing more than a fellowship meal, or common meal. I've heard some poke fun of the amount of "food" (bread) that is taken. They ridicule the practice of the church by referring to the amount as a "crumb" while implying that it should be a feast or fellowship meal. Such thinking is from brethren who are either imposters or pathetically ignorant.

This book is intended to help people understand God's view of darkness and light and to see the need to look to the Creator of light for the blessings He offers. While Jesus is light and truth, men seeking to "walk in the light" are in a constant struggle with the forces of darkness. Jesus warned of false teachers (wolves) that "come in sheep's clothing." Peter warned that false teachers would arise among churches and deceive many. Therefore, it is prudent disciples "test the spirits, whether they are from God" (1 John 4:1) and do as the noble Bereans who "searched the scriptures daily" to see if even the most respected teachers were telling the truth (Acts 17:11).

This book is intended to help disciples discern the truth on foundational issues taught in the New Testament to assure that one's walk is in the light and not in darkness (1 John 1:6-7).

Is your tradition important enough to you that you are willing to throw Jesus under the bus, so to speak, in the way you interpret and argue scripture? If so, you need to consider the following. The Bible does not contradict itself. This is because it is from God, and it is truth. Christians are expected to treat the word of God in a manner that shows they understand this. Unfortunately, human tradition too often wins out when a disciple of Christ is presented with the choice of receiving truth and giving up tradition or simply closing their mind to truth and saying whatever helps to defend that which has become their standard. Jesus set forth the Jews, who rejected him, as an example of being lost because of love of tradition.

Considering its importance, 1 John 1:7, in my opinion, is the most overlooked (even disregarded) passage in the Bible. It is ignored mainly by the proponents of two extreme views. One, that once a person becomes a Christian it does not matter how he lives-he can never fall from grace. Two, a Christian falls from grace automatically when he sins and is lost until the point that he repents and prays for forgiveness.

I do not know any Christian who thinks it is okay to divorce a faithful spouse. I certainly do not. The example we have for divorce, which God evidently provided for us to follow, is found in Jeremiah 3:8. We see that He divorced Israel for unfaithfulness and refusal to repent. Some deny God divorced Israel even though it clearly says so and gives the details of the divorce and provides the definition, which includes a “bill of divorcement.” These people have no qualms with pitting verse 14 against verse 8, where God says, “Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you.” Two possible explanations allow harmony of verses 8 and 14. One is that the words are spoken as if from the past – referring to the covenant or marriage of Israel at the conclusion of the covenant on Mt. Sinai. The other is that the translation “married to you” is incorrect. Below are five versions that render the statement to allow harmony with verse 8:

False teachers are using Facebook and other forums for teaching to promote a dangerous doctrine – one that not only has no scriptural support, but which is contradicted by numerous clear Bible teachings. Read the Scriptures that contain the following words: obey, obeyed, obeyeth, obedience, do, doeth, keep and keepeth. If necessary, adjust your thinking and teaching accordingly. And don’t be tempted to reject these teaching and cling to a few passages that false teachers have interpreted in a way that has God’s word contradicting itself. [These passages make it clear that OSAS (once saved always saved) is also a false teaching.]

Religious minded people look for a place to worship where there is a positive atmosphere; relevant, biblically sound teaching, executed with heart and excellence; and a place where they feel safe, comfortable, lifted up, enlightened, and empowered. Therefore, endeavoring to meet these needs would be a worthy goal for churches.
The reasons or excuses people might give for not returning after a visit or two are endless. This list is intended to be constructive criticism to help churches in their efforts to keep visitors coming and converts saved. No church is perfect, but the best ones are best because they are willing to do whatever it takes to become better.

The following passage may seem old fashioned, but it is just as true today as it ever was: Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honor thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth (Eph. 6:1).

Dishonoring our parents is one of the most serious among the behaviors that God condemns in Scripture. And since He denounces it over and over, we should get the message that it is a major offense in His eyes. He anguished over Israel, His children, who failed to show honor and respect to Him. God fed them, corrected them, guided them, and protected them if/when they were obedient, which showed their honor and respect for Him.

If one cannot honor his parents, whom he can see, how is it possible for him to be obedient to his heavenly Father, whom he cannot see? One who deliberately dishonors and disrespects his parent(s) cannot be a faithful disciple of Christ. Such actions are evidence of rejecting what God has said.

Many have been led to believe that Jesus said a divorced person commits adultery upon marrying. Some say this is true with one exception while others say the circumstances don't matter-even if one did not sin and is divorced against his or her will. Christians in both groups seem confident that their position is the correct one. But proponents of both positions fail to factor in the main text, which is the authority to which Jesus directed the Pharisees and His disciples when discussing the issue. When the Pharisees tried to entrap Jesus, they asked Him, "Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife?" Jesus responded, "What did Moses command you?" So, if we are intent on following Jesus' teaching then it is important to consider and accept what He accepted, which is what He commanded regarding divorce.

Discussion of the Bible as a message from God that is inspired. 

Observation that the Bible is a book that must be rightly divided.

The importance or value of the Old Testament and its applicability.

Jesus’ respect for the Law and how He taught it as He corrected false Jewish notions.

A look at several passages that teach that the Old Testament. is
no longer in force––that it was made inactive when replaced
by the New Testament.

The New Testament is the current law for the church or Christians in this dispensation; and finally:

Saturday Sabbath was for Israel only and that “the first day of the week” is a time when believers in Christ gather to commemorate His resurrection that occurred on the first day of the week.

The issue of divorce and remarriage is not a game. Wrong conclusions can bring dire consequences, both for the teacher and the student. The student, believing he or she is banned from marriage, will most likely fall prey to the sin of fornication. And the teacher will be found condemning the just and putting an unnecessary stumbling block in the path of others.

It is important to “rightly divide” the Bible. This involves understanding that there is an Old Testament (OT) and a New Testament (NT).  2 Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Both testaments are referred to as law, but neither stands alone and one complements and completes the other. The “old law,” known as the Law of Moses (Josh. 8:32), was a covenant between God and Israel. While it was inspired of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17) and has timeless laws, like marriage and divorce, its days, as the covenant between God and His people, were numbered.  The Old Testament’s replacement was prophesied by the prophet Jeremiah. Jer 31:33

While the apostle Paul teaches that Christian men are to love their wives (Eph. 5:25) and the women are to honor their husbands (Eph. 5:22), he does not teach that the divorced may not marry – but to the contrary.

In his first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul answered questions regarding divorce and marriage. Unfortunately, many have it ingrained in their heads that Jesus taught that the divorced may not marry lest they commit adultery, and they therefore cannot receive Paul’s clear teaching. Others suggest that the divorced may marry if they instigated the divorce for adultery. That neither of these teachings is true is evident from the fact that Jesus was an Old Testament prophet who taught the Law of Moses that allowed a divorced woman to marry. Although Jesus is currently being charged by His “friends” with teaching contrary to the Law there is no indication that the Jews, who were His enemies, believed He did. Jesus did take issue with the false notions of the Jewish teachers, but not with Moses, who was inspired of God in his teachings.

One of the most important questions that we can ask is: “At what point is one saved?” Or the question might be asked this way: “At what point does a person become a Christian and child of God?”

Many preachers contend that one receives the grace of God at the point of faith. Others argue that salvation comes when a sinner “prays through.” The former may point to passages that teach the necessity of faith, but they make no effort to explain the comprehensive nature of “faith” nor to use good hermeneutics that require one to seek a conclusion that allows other passages on the matter to harmonize. Such teaching often leaves a person wondering when he is saved or if he is saved at all.

“A wife is bound for as long a time as her husband lives. But if the husband dies, she is free to marry whom she wishes, only in the Lord.”
The above is one of a few passages that is often misused to teach that divorce does not end a marriage. Of course, the idea that a marriage cannot be ended contradicts God’s definition of divorce (given as law) and makes a mockery of God’s having divorced Israel, which teaches us by example (Deut. 24:1,2; Mark 10:3; Jer. 3:8).  This being true, what did Paul mean when he said, “A wife is bound for as long a time as her husband lives”?

Many who have a true picture of the world in which we live, including people in our own country, have heavy hearts due to the direction our country has gone. Some may even be experiencing despair and hopelessness.  I want to share some ideas that will help us cope with some disagreeable, unpleasant, offensive, and scary events that appear to be in our future.

I wish to discuss five points:
1) The fact that God controls the nations;
2) Where we currently stand as a nation;
        [This is the scary part; and I don’t normally address such matters from the pulpit.
        But we need to know the facts so we can prepare for the future.]
3) Why God would allow our freedoms to be taken;
4) Our divided kingdom; and
5) How we should respond.

The answer to the above question is “ABSOLUTELY NOT.” But let’s examine a commonly quoted but misunderstood text. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph. 2:8, 9). First, one is saved by grace, but it is through faith and thus not by grace alone. Second, we cannot save ourselves. Third, the “gift” (life eternal) is from God. Fourth, this gift is not something we can earn by WORKS, for if that were true one could boast of his salvation.

Some, in seeking to defend their party’s socialist agenda (designed to get votes and enslave the people) have argued that Jesus was a socialist. They sometimes even refer to a New Testament passage to support their contention.  Let’s look at it and compare it to what the Democrats, socialists and communist are pushing as if life depended on it.  “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need” (Acts 2:43; 44).  This text tells us what they did as a result of their love for others; it says nothing that would indicate God commanded them to sell anything or that there was some form of government that would disperse the goods.

In view of the Bible’s teachings it should be clear that there is only one true church, yet many denominations are present in the world today. Such division is contrary to Jesus’ prayer for unity (John 21:17) and it is the cause of much confusion. Paul wrote, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace” (1 Cor. 14:33a), so the problem must be due to man’s desires, misunderstandings, and unauthorized actions.

Many denominational preachers (“pastors”) teach the concept of tithing. Some DEMAND that their members tithe. Others go so far as to require a look at everyone’s tax records to assure they are complying. Such action is not acceptable if it cannot be backed it up with scripture. Either tithing is part of the gospel or it is not. If it is not and a preacher says it is then he is preaching another gospel.

It is infrequent that a church is faced with hiring a new preacher—mainly because preachers often stay in one place for many years. Some have been elders for more than a decade but have no experience in hiring. Having been through a few interviews for a preacher position and several for a government office position before boards, and having conducted hundreds of interviews myself, I feel obligated to write something to try to help those who are faced with the difficult task of hiring a preacher. This article is mostly concerned with selection based upon the ability and strength of character of the candidate. (A link at the end of this paper deals more with the hiring process.)

A difficult and dreaded aspect of parenting is answering questions from children about reproduction (how babies are made). Somewhere between four and twelve years of age, children are likely to ask, “How do you have a baby?” or “Where do babies come from?” Some parents have used the story of the stork (“a stork drops the baby off”) or they begin a scientific talk about the birds and the bees, discussing how bees pollinate and eggs hatch, to substitute for a technical explanation of how a couple really goes about having a baby. I distinctly remember asking my mother at around eight years of age, “How do you have a baby?” She replied, “A husband and wife pray to God to give them one.” Okay, that was not exactly a lie, but she did evade the question. Therefore, and unfortunately, I had to learn the sexual workings from kids in the neighborhood.

Whether one comes away with a healthy understanding of reproduction depends on his luck as to who his teacher is, how accurate the instruction is, and how  the teaching is presented. Sadly, often much of the information is inaccurate and leaves the child with an unwholesome view of the sex act and/or the opposite sex, which may adversely affect future relationships.

My friend Al Maxey has asked me to consider a paper he wrote in which he presents an alternative to CENI (Command, Example & Necessary Inference), and tell him where and how it is flawed. (I don’t like the idea of showing someone where he is wrong as much as I like pointing out what is right, so that I shall endeavor to do.) In his paper Al condemns the idea that where God is silent (regarding our worship) we must be silent, while at the same time contending for the need for authority. Our discussion began when I read and replied to his article “Contentiously Contending for Silence” on a Church of Christ Facebook group. But the article to be discussed (from zianet.com) is called “Another Hermeneutic.”

Authority in religion is seldom discussed, which explains why there is so much confusion and division among Christians. But failure to acknowledge and understand specific and generic authority can create problems in government as well, as illustrated by a personal example below.

A Jewish woman that was put away but not divorced was put in a very difficult position. She would have preferred to be divorced, instead of merely sent away, because she then would be allowed to "go and be another man's wife."  Jesus did not contradict this teaching, but has been misunderstood to so do. Many have tried to twist Paul's teaching to harmonize with what they insist Jesus taught. In this book I present and defend a position that allows Moses, God, Jesus and Paul to be in harmony.  This position does not require breaking up homes or imposing celibacy

Wide differences of opinion—at least five different views—exist as to what Jesus meant by “born of water.” Perhaps the two most widely accepted views are as follows: 1) “born of water” refers to being born physically (water being the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby in the mother’s womb); and 2) “born of water” refers to baptism in water, whether Jewish baptism or Christian baptism. Generally, those who do not believe “born of water” is Christian baptism either do not believe that baptism is essential or assert that the one baptism (Eph. 4:5) is Holy Spirit baptism rather than water baptism. This paper will be limited to discussion of the two views noted above.

God authorized music, but not instrumental music. It matters because of how God has dealt with people in the past that did things in worship that are not authorized.  Christians should care because deliberate sin can be seen as rebellion and cause one to be lost.

This book is intended to help people understand God's view of darkness and light and to see the need to look to the Creator of light for the blessings He offers. While Jesus is light and truth, men seeking to "walk in the light" are in a constant struggle with the forces of darkness. Jesus warned of false teachers (wolves) that "come in sheep's clothing." Peter warned that false teachers would arise among churches and deceive many. Therefore, it is prudent disciples "test the spirits, whether they are from God" (1 John 4:1) and do as the noble Bereans who "searched the scriptures daily" to see if even the most respected teachers were telling the truth (Acts 17:11).
This book is intended to help disciples discern the truth on foundational issues taught in the New Testament to assure that one's walk is in the light and not in darkness (1 John 1:6-7).

This book is intended to help people understand God's view of darkness and light and to see the need to look to the Creator of light for the blessings He offers. While Jesus is light and truth, men seeking to "walk in the light" are in a constant struggle with the forces of darkness. Jesus warned of false teachers (wolves) that "come in sheep's clothing." Peter warned that false teachers would arise among churches and deceive many. Therefore, it is prudent disciples "test the spirits, whether they are from God" (1 John 4:1) and do as the noble Bereans who "searched the scriptures daily" to see if even the most respected teachers were telling the truth (Acts 17:11).
This book is intended to help disciples discern the truth on foundational issues taught in the New Testament to assure that one's walk is in the light and not in darkness (1 John 1:6-7).

A Jewish woman who was Put Away, But Not Divorced was in a very sad situation. Jesus sought to CORRECT rather than exacerbate the problem.  The apostle Paul is clear in his teaching regarding the question "who may marry?".  Objections to the teaching in this book are dealt with forthrightly.

Written in the form of a play, this is a fictional account of a young preacher, Phillip, who is faced with a dilemma when he discovers that his friends, George and Angela, are, according to the traditional teaching on marriage, divorce, and remarriage, in an unscriptural marriage. How will Phillip react? Will he convince George and Angela that they need to divorce to get in a right relationship with God? What will he do if they refuse?

Shouldn’t every person want to know if there is sufficient evidence that “God created the heavens and the earth,” as the first verse of the Bible says?  Is it even possible that matter created itself and that life came from nonlife?  As a believer in God and a Christian, I proclaim to you that the idea that matter created itself, or just happened, and that life came from lifeless matter, is unscientific.  No demonstration has ever been performed, nor will one ever be, that supports what atheists proclaim.  Thus, if you want truth, if you want evidence to support your belief, you must look to the only other alternative, which is that God exists, and He created all things.

A tour through the Bible to look at some examples that illustrate the thing that we're talking about - The Foolishness of God versus the wisdom of men.
"Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than man."

I don't understand the apostle to mean to suggest that God is weak or foolish in any way - that God ever had a foolish thought of any kind. But he is engaging in irony here - a form of speech that is to be interpreted in the opposite, and when compared by the people of the world the wisdom of the world considers the ways of God to be foolish. It is significant that he would bring that up when he writes this letter to the church at Corinth, a city of some 400,000 people at that time - surpassed only by Rome, Antioch, and Alexander.  It was a great city of learning and of philosophy, and perhaps what we might refer to as a humanistic society. So, in that setting and, in that city, Paul sees fit to remind these people concerning the foolish things of God, as looked upon by the wisdom of men - when men begin to substitute their will - their wisdom - for the revelation of God.

Those who have been groomed to believe that baptism is not an essential condition to get into Christ (Gal. 3:27) often retort that the "one baptism" noted in our text is Holy Spirit baptism. But the scriptures do not support this assertion. First, the text is about unity. If there is more than one baptism, there can be no unity regarding baptism.

The Psalmist wrote, “O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation” (Psalm 95:1). When Christians come together our music is intended to be a “joyful noise” directed to God. While playing and or listening to instruments may be joyful to us, our concern, when worshipping God, should not be what we enjoy but what pleases God.

This is a sermon fully outlined that deals with truth:
The main points:
1.  The meaning of truth, to include “what truth is not.”
2.  The importance of truth.
3.  Sayings about truth.
4.  Scriptures that relate to truth.
5.  Scriptures that reveal truth’s attributes.
6.  “Buy the truth and sell it not”.
7.  Truth may feel good, or it may HURT.
8.  Why truth hurts?
9.    How to obtain truth.
10. Truth saves, but it must be obeyed.
11. The source of truth never changes.

The main points:
The meaning of truth, to include “what truth is not.”
The importance of truth.
Sayings about truth.
Scriptures that relate to truth.
Scriptures that reveal truth’s attributes.
“Buy the truth and sell it not”.
Truth may feel good, or it may HURT.
Why truth hurts?
How to obtain truth.
Truth saves, but it must be obeyed.
.The source of truth never changes.

The main points of this sermon:
The meaning of truth, to include “what truth is not.”
The importance of truth.
Sayings about truth.
Scriptures that relate to truth.
Scriptures that reveal truth’s attributes.
“Buy the truth and sell it not”.
Truth may feel good, or it may HURT.
Why truth hurts?
How to obtain truth.
Truth saves, but it must be obeyed.
The source of truth never changes.

Some Christians are so determined to defend their own traditions (not recognizing divorce, which results in breaking up marriages and imposing celibacy) that they will deny the inspiration of the Scriptures. For instance, Larry Paterson Jr. wrote: "One has to go to the Old Testament where Moses (not God) gave permission to divorce. Jesus said that Moses' command was not God's will from the beginning."

This is a fully outlined sermon on warnings.  Begins with illustrating the difference in a threat and a warning.  Failure to heed warnings can be good or bad.  Also, here is a link to the audio file, which is a copy of the delivered sermon:
http://www.totalhealth.bz/spiritual-health-heed-warnings.htm

In times past God communicated to men in various ways (Heb. 1:1). That He spoke directly with an audible voice, such as when He told King Nebuchadnezzar he was no longer king (Dan. 4:31), is not questioned. God communicated with men through visions and dreams (Nu 12:6). He interacted through the use of the Urim and Thummim (Lev. 8:8; Nu. 27:21). He addressed men through angels, as He did at the “burning bush” (Ex. 3:2). He conversed with the people through prophets (Deut. 18:20-22; 1 Sam. 28:6). And, on one occasion after the cross, he spoke to men through the use of “lots” to tell the apostles who would replace Judas (Acts 1:23-26).

Obedience to God is a fundamental Bible teaching. In the King James Version, the word “obey” is found 69 times, “obeyed” 41 times and “obedience” is found 12 times.  Have you been listening to what God has said about obedience, or have you been listening to men? In this article we look at just a few of the many Bible passages that teach on the importance of obedience:

God gave divorce to end a bad marriage (Deut. 24:1, 2; Jer. 3:8), which would free the woman to “go and be another man’s wife” as opposed to being on her own and likely no way to make an honest living. Many have misunderstood Jesus and errantly teach that he changed this fundamental fact. They accuse him of saying a "put away" person is divorced and may not marry. But the problem here is that “put away” is not divorce, which explains (without contradicting God’s divorce law and Paul’s clear teaching) why the woman, and any man that would marry her) would commit adultery if she married (Matt. 5:31-32).

The apostle Paul, who answered questions from Christians pertaining to divorce and marriage (1 Cor. 7:1, 2), is the only New Testament writer that used the word agamos. He employed it four times and all are found in one chapter (1 Cor. 7:8, 11, 32, and 34). This is the chapter where he sought to settle an issue that was plaguing (and continues to plague) preachers and church leaders in their pursuit of an answer to the question “Who may marry?” (which clearly is the gist of the chapter). The apostle set forth some straightforward answers. Some are given in the form of direct commands; but, unfortunately, there remains disagreement as to whom the “unmarried” refers. I set forth two relevant questions at the outset of this study: 1) “Would it be reasonable to conclude that the divorced, during the time of Paul’s writing, did not consider themselves as being “unmarried"?  2) Did the apostle write anything that would suggest that the divorced, regardless of the reason, were not to be included in his instructions as to how to deal with the unmarried, i.e., to “let them marry”?

The truth is, it doesn't matter who you know or how        many people you know.  Ultimately, knowing God is the only relationship  that matters for eternity. But what does it mean to know God? 
Questions related to this topic that we intend to discuss include: 
1. What is involved in knowing God? 
2. What do we need to learn and know about God? 
3. Where are the answers found? 
4. Will I know God when I find the answers?
5. What benefits are there from knowing God?

First Proposition:  The Scriptures teach that Jesus' teachings regarding Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage were not applicable (except Matthew 19:3-8; Mark 10:2-9) until the Law of Moses was done away. 
Affirm: J. T. Smith 
Deny: Robert Waters 

Second Proposition:  Jesus' teachings in the ’MDR‘ texts, such as Matthew 19:3-12, were applicable to the Jews.
Affirm: Robert Waters 
Deny: J.T. Smith

Third Proposition:  In the New Testament, the apostle Paul teaches that all competent adults, including the divorced, may marry.
Affirm: Robert Waters
Deny: J.T. Smith 

Fourth Proposition:  The teaching of the New Testament only permits the one who has divorced his spouse for fornication and one whose spouse has died, to remarry.
Affirm: J. T. Smith
Deny: Robert Waters

After more than forty years of writing and preaching the gospel and seeing brethren argue various issues with little accomplishment, it has become apparent to me that until brethren understand Bible authority many discussions will continue to be, for the most part, fruitless. I see truth and unity among brethren as being of utmost importance, which is why I put together this workbook to be distributed freely to the glory of God.

In these charts the reader is presented with Two Major Views and is asked to make a decision as to which is the right one.  There are four lessons that direct the reader to a better understanding of the Bible's teaching regarding marriage and divorce.

In Paul's 7th letter to the Corinthians he deals with questions asked by Christians regarding marriage.  Historically, this chapter has either been ignored or twisted to harmonize with what is thought that Jesus taught on the subject. This material deals with the issue Jesus was dealing with and the reader soon realizes Paul's clear teaching do not contradict Jesus' teachings.  This is a verse by verse study of the chapter but the reader will be left with a basic understanding of what the Bible teaches regarding marriage and divorce.

First, the Bible is inspired of God and when properly translated and understood, it contains no contradictions. Informed Christians understand this and do not pit one passage against another, knowing that to so do is not only bad hermeneutics but also negatively reflects on the integrity of God.

It is imperative that we not strip biblical passages from their context. Yes, when Jeremiah stated that Israel was God's wife and He was calling her back, they were indeed married to each other. However, once the certificate of divorce had been given, the marriage ended.

It is important to “rightly divide” the Bible. This involves understanding that there is an Old Testament and a New Testament. 

2 Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Both testaments are referred to as law, but neither stands alone and one complements and completes the other. The “old law,” known as the Law of Moses (Josh. 8:32), was a covenant between God and Israel. While it was inspired of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17) and has timeless laws, like marriage and divorce, its days, as the covenant between God and His people, were numbered.  The Old Testament’s replacement was prophesied by the prophet Jeremiah. Jer 31:33

Because of false teachers few will find the way to eternal life.  False teachers are telling people that all one must do to be saved is believe.  That James said that “even the devil’s believed and trembled” (James 2:19) should be a red flag to all who seek truth. If there is more to it than faith, then those they deceive are not going to be among the “few” that find eternal life.

While the apostle Paul teaches that Christian men are to love their wives (Eph. 5:25) and the women are to honor their husbands (Eph. 5:22), he does not teach that the divorced may not marry – but to the contrary.  (1 Corinthians 7:1, 2; 8, 9; 27, 28)

In his first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul answered questions regarding divorce and marriage. Unfortunately, many have it ingrained in their heads that Jesus taught that the divorced may not marry lest they commit adultery, and they therefore cannot receive Paul’s clear teaching. Others suggest that the divorced may marry if they instigated the divorce for adultery. That neither of these teachings is true is evident from the fact that Jesus was an Old Testament prophet who taught the Law of Moses that allowed a divorced woman to marry. Although Jesus is currently being charged by His “friends” with teaching contrary to the Law there is no indication that the Jews, who were His enemies, believed He did. Jesus did take issue with the false notions of the Jewish teachers, but not with Moses, who was inspired of God in his teachings.

Waters’ First Affirmative:

“The Scriptures teach that all divorced persons may marry today with God's approval.”

By divorce(d) I mean, “The legal ending of a marriage.”
By “may marry” I mean the divorced person, being “loosed” and no longer “bound,” has God’s approval to have a spouse, which is accomplished by marriage.

The idea that Jesus taught “only one reason for divorce,” and that no divorce is achieved unless it is executed for that reason, is totally absurd! This doctrine has numerous hermeneutical problems and benefits no one but the devil, who is the author of it (1 Tim. 4:1-3).

Many great gospel preachers understand biblical hermeneutics and generally use it properly to learn and to teach. But some are not consistent—they do not follow the rules when studying and teaching on divorce and marriage. First, it seems that in the latter case many are not concerned with biblical harmony and what makes sense. They seem not to care how their teaching reflects on God, who is fair and just. Second, good hermeneutics requires that we study in the right chronological order, but this one is usually totally disregarded. God taught about marriage as far back as Adam and Eve. Later, the Law of Moses was given to regulate the people. It contained the divorce law, which was given to protect women, and God confirmed its definition and that it came from Him by using it Himself (Deut. 24:1, 2; Jer. 3:8). These laws (marriage and divorce) are timeless and continue to this day.

This lesson is on PATIENCE, which is one of the Christian graces that are listed in the 1st chapter of 2nd Peter. I cannot think of a virtue that is more desperately needed, or harder to produce in our lives, than patience. Peter tells us to add to our FAITH, Virtue, to virtue Knowledge, to knowledge  temperance and to temperance PATIENCE. Another reason patience is so important is that we need it to develop these other characteristics or graces that precede and follow patience in the list.  It is doubtful that the passage is intended for us to think we are to work on these things only in the order given.  ALL of these are to be added to our faith, and PATIENCE is needed to develop them.

This lesson is on PATIENCE, which is one of the Christian graces that are listed in the 1st chapter of 2nd Peter.  I cannot think of a virtue that is more desperately needed, or harder to produce in our lives, than patience. Peter tells us to add to our FAITH, Virtue, to virtue Knowledge, to knowledge Temperance and to temperance PATIENCE. Another reason patience is so important is that we need it to develop these other characteristics or graces that precede and follow patience in the list.  It is doubtful that the passage is intended for us to think we are to work on these things only in the order given.  ALL of these are to be added to our faith, and PATIENCE is needed to develop them.

It is not uncommon or infrequent that we get emails that offer hope of making or receiving a lot of money.  “Just send me all your personal information and it will be coming your way.” Gullible, greedy people fall for the scam and wind up helping to make the scammer wealthy. We must watch out for scams but not let the fact that they are out there keep us from offers that are legitimate. What is being offered to you on this day (if you don’t have it already) is no joke and no scam. This one I'm talking about is real.

Paul wrote these words to the church at Corinth: “Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth” (1 Cor. 10:24). This could be taken two ways: 1) seek to TAKE someone else’s wealth; or 2) don't just seek wealth for yourself but also for others. The former is what scammers do, but the latter is the obvious truth to Bible students. We are to seek wealth for others. This is not talking about helping others build their bank account or portfolio. It's about helping them become wealthy in a much different and better way. It's about great wealth that is no scam; and with a little help, and some effort on your part, it will easily come your way, if you don’t already have it.

2 Cor. 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

The primary duty of an evangelist is to preach the gospel. However, the Scriptures give details as to what is involved in this preaching.

We begin this lesson by reading two relevant passages:
2 Tim. 3:16 Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. 17 That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work. 

Paul’s command, designed to help accomplish this, is for disciples to:
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

"Rebuke" and "reprove"!
What an unpleasant duty is involved in these two words!  But this is a duty that is too often neglected and with serious consequences. Imagine a world in which no efforts are made to help others become a better person, better spouse, better employee, better citizen, or a more faithful and useful Christian in Christ’s kingdom.

The three highlighted words in 2 Timothy 4:2 go together.  It is not enough to reprove or rebuke someone for something; it should be followed with instruction and exhortation to help with making the needed change and/or doing what is requested.

Acts 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

The words of the letter to Timothy that we just read were written by Paul as he was guided by the Holy Spirit to instruct this young gospel preacher regarding his duties.

The command is especially applicable to evangelists or ministers today; but as “go ye into all the world and preach the gospel” applies to all, to the degree we are capable (based upon the talents God has given us), the command to Timothy applies to us all as well.

Sadly, it has often been ignored, overlooked, or disregarded by members of the church but with no little consequence.

The primary duty of an evangelist is to preach the gospel. However, the Scriptures give details as to what is involved in this preaching.  The lesson begins with the reading of two relevant passages:

2 Tim. 3:16 Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. 17 That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

"Rebuke" and "reprove"!  What an unpleasant duty is involved in these two
words!  But this is a duty that is too often neglected and
with serious consequences. Imagine a world in which no efforts are made to help others become a better person, better spouse, better employee, better citizen, or a more faithful and useful Christian.

The three highlighted words in 2 Timothy 4:2 go together. It is not enough to reprove or rebuke someone for something; it should be followed with instruction and exhortation to help with making the needed change and/or doing what is requested.

Acts 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

God has always had the problem of keeping man in his place and keeping him thinking like He wants him to think. 1. I want to read some verses and select one or two verses from these upon which we'll base our study. 1 Cor. 1:18-29. In this study we look at several examples of things that man considers to be foolish but which God uses to confound the wise.

To know God means more than merely having NOWLEDGE, or even an UNDERSTANDING of God—it involves being OBEDIENT TO GOD.  When we have knowledge of God & obey Him, we THEN know God in a sense that is DIFFERENT from the case of only having knowledge.

Following the Great Commission…disciples went about preaching
the Gospel.  The preaching resulted in men asking what they must DO.  We have three recorded incidents in the Book of Acts where people who HEARD the preaching asked the question that is the subject of our lesson. I invite your careful attention that we may find the answer to the question in the words of men who wrote exactly what GOD inspired them to write.

Have you been trouble with fear and worry? If so, this lesson may be helpful. We do not like the feeling of FEAR, and WORRY is something we all would like to totally dismiss from our lives.

We want to live in peace and in harmony with ALL – with no worries.
The word “peace” is found 429 times in the KJV, which is an indication of its importance in our lives.
 
Our lesson…is to help us defeat fear so that we may have peace regardless of all the troubles that we see facing the world, as well as our own personal problems.

Have you been troubled with fear and worry?  Most of us have. This lesson is to help us deal with it.  We do not like the feeling of FEAR, and WORRY is
something we all would like to totally dismiss from our lives. We want to live in peace and in harmony with ALL – with no worries.  The word “peace” is found 429 times in the KJV, which is an indication of its importance in our lives.
Our lesson…is to help us defeat fear so that we may have peace regardless of all the troubles that we see facing the world, as well as our own personal problems.

The main points of this full length outline on truth
:
1. The meaning of truth, to include “what truth is not.”

2. The importance of truth.

3. Sayings about truth.

4. Scriptures that relate to truth.

5. Scriptures that reveal truth’s attributes.

6. “Buy the truth and sell it not”.

7. Truth may feel good, or it may HURT.

8. Why truth hurts?

9. How to obtain truth.

10. Truth saves, but it must be obeyed.
.
11. The source of truth never changes.