The Stone-Campbell Movement to restore the ancient faith, worship, and practice to the church grew to over 200,000 Christians within a half-century. The idea people could read the Bible for themselves and simply follow what the Spirit revealed, appealed to independent-minded Americans. Its common-sense approach to interpretation and rejection of denominational creeds and names let… Read More »
In the time between Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses and the Declaration of Independence, men like Francis Bacon (1561-1626) and John Locke (1632-1704) emerged during a period historians call The Enlightenment (1600-1800). Bacon’s scientific method and Locke’s common-sense approach to religion created an atmosphere in which the Bible could be read and interpreted using reason. The… Read More »
If the Lord wills, we will examine the history of the Restoration Movement in our Bible Study period next Sunday. As a way to prepare, here is a brief outline of major events in the history of Christ’s church (Matthew 16:18). Apostolic Period (AD 30-150): The doors to the church of Christ were opened 49-days… Read More »
Are you tired of the same old routine during this quarantine? Boy! I know I am. Aren’t you ready for a change of scenery? Well, sometimes we can feel that way about the Lord’s church. We can get tired of the same old, same old and we want to shake it up a little. That… Read More »
What must I do to be saved? The short answer is, “Believe in God and obey Him.” It was true of Adam and Eve. It was true of Abraham, Moses, and Joshua. It is true for me today. What is required of people is to meet the conditions our Lord reveals to us. Does my… Read More »
During a recent segment on the Grace And Truth radio show, I talked about Bible translations1. The reaction I received was positive, so I thought I would go over a few study aids to compliment a good Bible. First and foremost: Buy a good Bible with cross-references, a concordance, and maps (if available). Make sure… Read More »
“grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.”-John 1:17-18 The word revelation has a mysterious aura to many beginning Bible students. Especially when it comes to the 27th book of the New Testament that we refer… Read More »
My kids are just like everybody’s kids. They are pretty sure I am just a mean, old man with an arrogant attitude about other religious groups. “Dad, why do you think you’re so right?!?!” Sound familiar? Let’s take a look at what’s going on when we hear this kind of claim. They Had Some Help: … Read More »
Our Bible classes at North Second Street are purpose-driven. First and foremost, they are intended to develop the Christian discipline of regular Bible reading combined with teaching and discussion. What we study is given direction by our desire to cover the entire Bible. It is quite an undertaking but we are closing in on our… Read More »
My father’s family comes from a long line of “one-cup, non-Sunday school, non-located preacher” churches. My great grandfather, J.S. Bedingfield, was a well-known preacher among these brethren. There has been quite a bit said, shouted, and written about the Greek text of Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, and I Corinthians 11 over the years… Read More »
