Turning the World Upside Down (Plain Bible Teaching)

December 18, 2015 by

Plain Bible Teaching: The First Ten Years

The following is an excerpt from the book, Plain Bible Teaching: The First Ten Years.

Though the world may see the preaching of the gospel as turning the world upside down, the reality is that we are trying to set aright what was corrupted by sin in the beginning. If we hope to be effective in restoring the souls of men back to God, let us avoid the gimmicks and games and simply do what Paul did – faithfully preach the word. “The gospel” – not our wit, humor, story-telling ability, or charisma – “is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16).

You can read more in Plain Bible Teaching: The First Ten Years. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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Trading Liberty for Security (Plain Bible Teaching)

December 17, 2015 by

Plain Bible Teaching: The First Ten Years

The following is an excerpt from the book, Plain Bible Teaching: The First Ten Years.

Unfortunately, despite the “free gift of God [of] eternal life” (Romans 6:23) and the “surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus” and attaining to “the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:8, 11), many are willing to trade the liberty in Christ for the temporary security found in the approval of men. But one who has the goal of pleasing men cannot also please God (Galatians 1:10). Furthermore, in forfeiting the freedom from sin that Christ offers, one becomes enslaved to sin (John 8:34; Romans 6:16).

Therefore, the liberty that one has in Christ – freedom from sin and freedom from the punishment for sin – is lost. However, the security that one hopes to gain when he trades away his liberty in Christ is only temporary. This security, rooted in the approval of men, can quickly be lost as man often deals treacherously with one another (Jeremiah 9:4-5; 2 Timothy 3:4). But even if the world does not turn its approval away, any security that might be found in this life will be gone when God finally brings this world to an end (2 Peter 3:10).

You can read more in Plain Bible Teaching: The First Ten Years. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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The Local Church is Capable (Plain Bible Teaching)

December 16, 2015 by

Plain Bible Teaching: The First Ten Years

The following is an excerpt from the book, Plain Bible Teaching: The First Ten Years.

The local church is capable of accomplishing what God intends. The church does not need to implement man’s ideas in place of, or in addition to, God’s. The church does not need the aid of human institutions or sponsoring churches. Christians do not need to form human organizations through which they can engage in spiritual works. They have the church for this. This is God’s design. We do not need to try to improve it.

Yet some will say, “Look at the good we can do” by engaging in some unauthorized practice. But we need to remember that what is good has been defined by God. The word of God is able to make us “adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). If we cannot find authority for a practice in the word of God, we cannot classify it as a good work. If something is a good work, it has already been authorized by God in His word.

Others might say, “We can do more this way.” Such a statement indicts God as providing something that is inferior to the inventions of man. Is God’s design inadequate? “Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty?” (Job 40:2). Who are we to say that we have come up with something superior to what God has given in the church?

We do not need to rely on our own wisdom (Proverbs 14:12). We simply need to trust in God that His way is best (Proverbs 3:5). Let us have enough faith and trust in God that we will not look for a better way. Instead, let us simply do things in the way He has directed, through the organization He has established.

You can read more in Plain Bible Teaching: The First Ten Years. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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Churches in Transition (Plain Bible Teaching)

December 15, 2015 by

Plain Bible Teaching: The First Ten Years

The following is an excerpt from the book, Plain Bible Teaching: The First Ten Years.

As local churches work to build themselves up, they are in a constant state of transition. Paul told Timothy of the importance of training others to help in this transition: “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

Local churches do not remain static. The New Testament records a very concise history of the church in Ephesus. It went from infancy (Acts 19:1-7) to maturity with elders overseeing the congregation (Acts 20:17). Afterward the church went through turmoil (Acts 20:29-30) and eventually apostasy (Revelation 2:4). Even if change is slow, every congregation is in transition. Every member will someday be a former member – they will either pass away (2 Timothy 4:6), move away (Acts 18:1-2; 1 Corinthians 16:19), or fall away (2 Timothy 4:10). But that does not mean that every congregation will be in a state of decline. Churches can grow in spite of this and must work toward doing so.

However, it is important that we understand that the future of our local churches is not completely in our control. Man has free will (cf. Joshua 24:15; 2 Corinthians 5:11). We cannot force people to convert or remain faithful. But we must do what we can. Paul said, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6). We must do the work God has given us to do.

You can read more in Plain Bible Teaching: The First Ten Years. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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Pray for Our Leaders (Plain Bible Teaching)

December 14, 2015 by

Plain Bible Teaching: The First Ten Years

The following is an excerpt from the book, Plain Bible Teaching: The First Ten Years.

The United States will eventually fall, whether this is in two years or two hundred years. But as Christians, we are part of a kingdom “which will never be destroyed” (Daniel 2:44). While being a citizen of the United States certainly has its advantages, we must remember that first and foremost, “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20).

We also need to pray for “all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Timothy 2:2). Why is “a tranquil and quiet life” important? Paul explained: “This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4). Liberty and security are the best conditions for the gospel to be spread. We must pray for our leaders that we might be able to enjoy our natural, God-given rights unhindered so that we may be able to influence as many people as possible.

You can read more in Plain Bible Teaching: The First Ten Years. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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