Ben Church of Christ

One of the greatest challenges that man throws at the Genesis account of the creation of all is the age of the earth. Science has some interesting data to present - much of which works in favor of the creation account. Let's consider some of them.....

When Christ does return, what are the events that will take place? The last book in our New Testament, the Revelation is the foundation of this idea of the righteous being removed from the earth while the unrighteous remain for 7 years of tribulation.  Let's take a look at this writing to see if we can uncover what is being "revealed." 

Wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, pestilence, etc? Are these events signs of the second coming of Christ? Let's take a read through Matthew 24 where these events are discussed as an answer to a question asked of the Apostles. What was that question?

Man is made in the image of God. While this does not refer to the physical, there are attributes of God that we can consider. Christ shares four important, yet somewhat challenging illustrations to help us make application. Let's look at the principals of turnning the other cheek, giving your coat and your shirt, going the extra mile, and helping the needy.

The nation of Israel has a long history including one of a "religious" nature. As God's Chosen People of the Old Testament period, does that relationship hold in today's times? And is there a significants of this nation in the future and perhaps even more-so the second coming of Christ? 

Grace and Mercy are significant in our relationship with our Maker. While they are common topics, perhaps we can have an even greater understanding. We look into an example where Christ extends mercy to one "caught in the very act" of sinning.

Our Bibles are split with an Old and New. What is the relationship and how do we use each? Is the Old still binding? In Part? In Whole? Let's consider....

Christ stated that he didn't come to destroy the old law but to fulfill. Frequently, he was accused of not following the old law, yet not only did he follow it, he took then weaknesses of the old law and made a complete, perfect law. We consider this concept of filling the void that existed in the old by the actions and teachings from Christ.

The concept is known as "Once Saved Always Saved." It is shared by a number of predominate denominations. Let's take a look at a little history of this concept and then dive into God's word to better understand what is taught there. 

Is salvation a free gift? Am I saved By Grace? Is there anything required of man to access that grace? One can think that one is either saved by works or faith, but that these two are opposite extremes, competing against one another. Could it be that they are working to the same end? Let's consider the balance that has been put between the grace of God and the duties of man.

Emotions play a vital part in every aspect of our life. But where do they go in our worship of God? Can they be trusted? Let's consider some examples and make application to be certain our decisions are based on the most reliable resources. 

Living in the "United" States of America, we struggle with division, it seems everywhere we turn. And certainly, this is the case when we consider Christianity. Yet, Christ plead for unity. The Apostles, on the great commission, accomplished it. Yet we have some that celebrate the many faiths that exists. Let's remind ourselves why unity is important and some of the basic concepts that Christ left...

Sin is transgression, trespass, missing the mark - we commit something that goes against our God or we omit something that he has asked of us. Sin puts a wall, and separates us from our God. Yet God, in his infinite grace in love for man, gave a plan whereby that relationship can be restored. What is forgiveness and what simple steps are necessary for us to find it?

Today we consider the authority that comes from silence. Certainly commands of God stand, but what about all the things he didn't say. While this might appear to be open to do anything, we don't dare live in a world that plays by these rules. Why would God?

There is a broad way and a narrow way, an easy path and a harder path. Both are eternal choices with one leading to life and the other to death. Let's consider this teaching of Christ on how many will be saved....

The thief on the cross was promised paradise. Was that heaven? Is this the pattern for our steps to be ushered thru those pearly gates as well. Let's consider some assumptions and some non-assumptions about that event just before Christ entered through the gates of hell (death).

Grandparents can seem to be more mellow than parents allowing more things to slip when watching their grandkids. Does God have this same mindset when it comes to what he has asked? Achan is our character of focus during our consideration...

Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Faith comes by the Word of God. What happens to faith when knowledge increases? Let's consider....

I loved open-book tests in school. Even more so I loved when the teacher made the comment "this will be on the test." I felt that I had an advantage and passing was not as challenging as the unknown. We have the book - that will be opened - and the test will be given on judgment day. Are we prepared for it?

We might recognize idols from Hollywood or historic documentaries, but surely there is no idol worship in the modern world - or is it? Idols take the place of God, and there are several things that can take priority in our lives. Let's consider.....

The Apostles were given charge to go preach the Gospel, the Holy Spirit would be their guide, bringing all things into remembrance and given the power to show signs to the non-believers. The laws they taught, as led by the Godhead would binding to God's people, and the laws they released would no longer be applicable. Are we binding what has been loosened? 

Does adhering to what God has asked us to make us a legalist? Does drawing hard lines between right and wrong cross a similar line and make trying to do right in essence wrong? Are we no better than the self-righteous Pharisees? Let's consider...... 

Just the term "Bible" uttered in a mixed audience can bring about immediate opposition. A recent graduation speech stirred members of a community in Ohio. Let's consider this along with what Paul asked the Galatians about being offended from "Biblical Principles."

One would think that Christians are part of the solution - not the problem. Yet when we consider the outcomes of some of the prominent teachings in Christianity things look differently. 

We are saved by Faith. We are saved by Works? Is that possible? How do these (along with God's Grace) work together? Let's consider.....