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“Whosoever is Born of God Doth not Commit Sin” – 1 John 3:9
This article is found in the book: “Difficult Texts of the New Testament Explained” edited by Wendell Winkler pages 380-382. In this passage asserting that one begotten of God is incapable of a single act of sin? If it is, then it is in direct conflict with other plain passages in this very epistle. (Note 1 John 1:1-10). One basic rule of hermeneutics is that one can never correctly interpret one passage of scripture in such a way as to cause it to contradict another passage of scripture. To interpret 1 John 3:9 to mean...
Guard
Paul gave Timothy a duty in 1 Timothy 6:20, “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called.” The word “keep” has the idea of isolation; to watch; i.e. be on guard. The word “committed” has the idea of a deposit; i.e. trust. “Profane words” are empty words. The duty of Timothy is to guard that which was deposited into his trust. That is the Gospel, 2 Tim. 2:13-14, “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me,...Continue reading
What Can We Do?
This is an interesting question due to the political climate today. We think that we are just one citizen and what can we do to help. There is always a lot we can do. One thing for sure we do not need to do nothing! That is a sure way to lose ground and let the enemy do what they please. This is also an interesting question due to our religious climate today too. Yes, there are things you can do to help yourself and also help the church. What can you do? Here they...Continue reading
Must
This week I want us to consider the word “must.” Webster defines this word as “obligated, required, compelled.” Vine’s as “impersonal verb signifying it is necessary or one must.” Strong has “third person singular active present, it is necessary.” Then the finally dictionary Thayer defines this word as, “it is necessary, there is need of it, it behooves, is right and proper.” The word “must” is used 132 times in the King James Version of the Bible. The word that is translated “must” is used 104 times in the New Testament. This word is translated...Continue reading
Accepting Responsibility
Each Christian has responsibility placed into their hands when they became Christians. There is the responsibility of living right. Letting our lights shine to others round about us. There is also the responsibility to worship God. This is proclaiming Christ death until He comes again. We also have the responsibility to bear fruit. This fruit has to be the right kind of fruit. So we have responsibilities. Many are not willing to accept responsibilities at all. They have the idea that someone else can do the job. Look at that for a minute. If everyone...Continue reading
Paradigm
This is an interesting word and one that is used in the religious world today. It is tossed around to make a big impression on folks. I looked it up in the dictionary and was surprised at what I found. Many of the folks that are using this word tell us that we do not have “pattern theology.” What they mean about this is that we can do pretty much what we want because God did not give us a pattern for our work and worship in spiritual matters. These individuals usually want us to...Continue reading
From the Preacher
As we begin this New Year I have plans to do certain things this year. I hope that you have things you want to do and are making plans to get them done. I always plan to read my Bible through each year. I have a Bible that is set up to allow me to do this. I have searched for a Bible like the one I have and it is hard to find, not impossible though. So if you want to read your Bible through this year, I hope, the following will help you...Continue reading
Reasons I Quit Attending Games
Every time I went, they asked for money. The people I sat next to didn’t seem friendly The seats were not comfortable at all. I went to many games, but the coach never came to call on me. The referees made decisions I could not agree with. The game went into overtime and I was late getting home. The band played numbers I’d never heard before and it wasn’t my style of music. It seems the games are always scheduled when I want to do other things. I suspect that I was sitting nest to...Continue reading
“The Fingers of Prayer”
Glenn Hitchcock The “Fingers of Prayer” will help us remember who to pray for: Your thumb is nearest to you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loves ones is a “sweet duty.” The nest finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, ministers and our elders. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers. The next finger is the tallest finger. It...Continue reading
Something to Think about as the New Year Begins
As we enter this New Year there is much to look forward too but also much to contemplate. As I am writing this article there are just a few days left in the old year. I want us to contemplate what has happen to us this year. I could think of all that has happened to me and bring tears to my eyes. When I do this I consider this I also get to thinking about what has happened to others of the church family here. This has been an interesting year hasn’t it? But...Continue reading