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    What Has Happened To Good Old Fashioned Morality? 

    Published on 03-26-2013 10:32 AM  Number of Views: 128 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. Liberalism,
    4. Sin,
    5. Immorality

    by Tom Wacaster

     There is no doubt that when Jesus walked upon this earth that it was a time of immorality and ungodliness. Matthew provides us with our Lord's very own words regarding the sinfulness of those who lived at that time: "But he answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the heaven is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to-day: for the heaven is red and lowering. Ye know how to discern the face of the heaven; but ye cannot discern the signs of the times. An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of Jonah. And he left them, and departed" (Matthew 16:2-4). Of particular interest are the words, "evil and adulterous generation." Even the most superficial study of the history of the Roman Empire, and particularly the Empire during the time of Christ, will affirm ...
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    Curious Facts About the Bible 

    Published on 02-19-2013 11:41 AM  Number of Views: 193 
    1. Categories:
    2. God, the Bible, Heaven and Hell,
    3. Hermeneutics

    by Tom Wacaster

    House to House issue #1, Volume #18, had an article setting forth some interesting Bible facts. Of particular interest were the numbers associated with certain facts about, though not necessarily in, the Bible. There are 1260 promises in the Bible, 6,468 commands, 3,294 questions, 31,102 verses, and 773,692 words. No information is given as to who actually counted all of these various notes of interest, and I can assure you that I have no immediate (or long range plans) to authenticate the accuracy of these figures.

    Digging a little deeper, I found some interesting triplets that appear in God's word. Jude was evidently fond of using triplets and even a causal reading of that short epistle will reveal the following groups of three: "Mercy, peace, love"(verse 2); three examples of punishment seen in Egypt, disobedient angels, and the cities     ...
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    Site Remains Open... Forums, Blogs and Groups are Closed 

    by
    Sonnie
    Published on 12-21-2012 11:50 AM  Number of Views: 6510 

    It is unfortunate that it has come to this point, but for several reasons I will no longer continue the forums, blogs and groups area of the site. It will strictly be a resource tool for members of the church and others interested in learning the Truth about the Bible by way of articles, lessons, commentaries and links to other helpful sites. The congregational listings have been removed. It is too difficult to verify if a congregation is sound and/or if it will remain sound, but I will be happy to try to help others find a sound congregation if you are looking. There will be no public discussion or comment area... however, we will continue to accept registrations for membership to the site. The PM (Private Message) system will remain open and can be used for those that desire to have a private Bible study... or to ask a question about an article, lesson or anything else. And no... this has absolutely nothing to do with the Mayan calendar... that is simply coincidental.

    I sincerely appreciate all the brothers in Christ that have helped with the site over the years. If any of you are interested in helping with articles, please let me know.

    May God bless you and keep you forever!

    Sonnie

    Taking Christ Out of Christmas 

    by
    Sonnie
    Published on 12-15-2012 01:00 AM  Number of Views: 667 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. Thus Saith the Lord,
    4. False Doctrines,
    5. Authority of the Scriptures

    Republished from previous years:

    The traditions and practices relevant to Christmas have been celebrated religiously and secularly for thousands of years. Since about the fourth century many Christians have celebrated Christmas as the day Jesus Christ was born, marking the birth of Christ as a religious ceremony. The pagan festivals for which many of the traditions of Christmas originate reach back several thousand years. Some of the most popular customs today include decorating Christmas trees, sharing meals with family and friends, exchanging gifts, waiting for Santa Claus to deliver a bag full of toys to the children and occasionally attending church services. Coincidentally, the state in which I live, Alabama, was the first of the U.S. states to make Christmas a legal holiday in 1836. President Ulysses S. Grant declared it a federal holiday in 1870.

    Christmas is not however, without its controversies. Over the recent years we have begun to see the ...
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    Do I Have To Be Right About Religion? 

    Published on 11-19-2012 10:06 AM  Number of Views: 435 
    1. Categories:
    2. Rightly Dividing the Word,
    3. Thus Saith the Lord,
    4. Preaching the Word

    by Tom Wacaster

     Sincerity does not make something true. History is replete with examples of people who were sincere, but were sincerely wrong. Saul of Tarsus is one good example of this. No doubt you have heard that Charles Duell, Commissioner of the United States Patent Office in the 19th century, made the statement that "Everything that can be invented has already been invented." I do not doubt the man's sincerity. But just because someone says something does not make it true. When our children were little toddlers our son would get upset because his sister would call him a "girl." In tears he would complain to mom and dad. My response was simple (or at least I thought so): "Tommy, are you a girl?" "No," would come the reply. "Then why does it upset you when something is said that you know is false?"

    That may be an oversimplification of an obvious fact that     ...
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    Choices and Consequences 

    Published on 11-17-2012 10:14 AM  Number of Views: 312 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. Faithfulness,
    4. Obedience

    By Charles Box

     God has given man the power of choice. Consequences come with each choice that we make. Good choices improve our lives and bad decisions make our lives more difficult. God sets before us a blessing and a curse and challenges us to "choose life." "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live." (Deuteronomy 30:19) The choices that you make have an eternal impact, not only on you, but also on your descendants. Moses wrote, "Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known." (Deuteronomy 11:26-28) Those who ...
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    THE UNALTERABLE TRUTH OF GOD 

    Published on 11-16-2012 09:46 AM  Number of Views: 295 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. Christianity,
    4. Authority of the Scriptures

    By Charles Box

    Religious truth came by Jesus Christ; therefore everything that we do religiously must be authorized by the Lord. John wrote, "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:17) The description of the true Christian is very short and simple. A true Christian is a person who walks by faith. "For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7) Christians have both the obligation and the privilege to walk by the unalterable truth of God. We must seek to establish God's authority for what we are to believe and do in all religious matters. All things done by Christians must be done "in the name of Christ" or "by the authority of Christ." Paul wrote, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." (Colossians 3:17) The Bible is the standard of faith for the Christian. "So ...
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    The Voice Crying In The Wilderness 

    Published on 11-14-2012 10:56 AM  Number of Views: 334 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. What Must I Do To Be Saved?,
    4. Preaching the Word

    By Charles Box

    The work of John was to prepare the way for the Lord. He was not trying to impress the world and he did not conform to the world around him. From John we learn that we must be in the world but not of the world. John's food and clothing was far from being fashionable, even in his day. "John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey." (Matthew 3:4) He called sin sin and demanded repentance. "Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn ...
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    Some People Will Believe Anything 

    Published on 11-12-2012 09:17 AM  Number of Views: 368 
    1. Categories:
    2. False Doctrines,
    3. Evolution,
    4. Atheism

    by Tom Wacaster

     I never cease to be amazed at the absolute gullibility of people in general. It was P.T. Barnum who said "a sucker is born every minute" (or something along that line). The gullibility of the human race makes fertile soil for the con-artists and shysters who prey upon the unsuspecting. Politicians make promises during campaign seasons, and the masses believe those promises in spite of the fact that few of those promises are ever kept.

    The religious landscape in our country, and throughout the world, is a living testimony to the gullibility of mankind when it comes to religion. The unbelievable is not only believed but embraced by a great multitude; and it seems that the more foolish a doctrine, the more it is embraced. If men in general loved the truth and rejected error, most, if not all of the religious cults that have arisen in the last couple of centuries would never have gotten off the ground.     ...
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    Principles of An Abundant Life 

    by
    David Hersey
    Published on 11-05-2012 05:10 AM
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living

    Principles of An Abundant Life
    Introduction:

    Our generous God promised the people of old an abundant life if they would follow His voice. (Ezekiel 34:12-15, 25-31) Our Lord Jesus made a similar promise to us in John 10:9-10. Christ wants His followers to possess a rich, meaningful life. What principles govern that abundant life?
    Text: Psalms 119:57-64
    ...
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    CHRIST MADE DISCIPLES 

    Published on 10-22-2012 12:38 PM  Number of Views: 279 
    1. Categories:
    2. What Must I Do To Be Saved?

    By Charles Box

    Those who became disciples of Jesus learned His doctrine and followed Him as teacher. Christ must be viewed as Master and His followers must be "learners" or "disciples." "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20) On what possible basis do we have any right to tell anybody they should change their whole way of thinking and acting and become a disciple of Jesus Christ? We teach based on the authority of Jesus Christ. Disciples are to be made for Jesus all over the world. By the authority of Jesus Christ we can preach His message to person in every place. True discipleship is expressed in Luke 14:27. Jesus said, “"And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be ...
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    Coming Home 

    Published on 10-08-2012 11:09 AM  Number of Views: 364 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. Christianity,
    4. Immorality

    by Tom Wacaster

    Returning from a mission trip brings its challenges, not the least of which is the physical adjustment to a time zone that is almost eleven hours behind the place you just left. Sometimes I really struggle with adjusting my biological clock to the clock on the wall, and the reality that, while your body tells you it should be six o'clock in the morning, the sky outside tells you it is nigh unto dusk. When I woke up in Bangaluru Thursday morning it was 6:00 A.M. there, but it was 7:30 P.M. Wednesday night here at home. It would be almost 40 hours before I would be able to lay my body down for a decent rest. Going that far, that fast, does not seem to be a part of what God intended for our physical bodies. Of course, the "slow boat to China" may be easier on the body, but it really chews up a lot of time. So, until my body adjusts to the Central Time Zone, I'll take advantage of those wee hours of the morning when I can't sleep     ...
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    Just A Servant Of The Devil? 

    Published on 10-06-2012 11:19 AM  Number of Views: 396 
    1. Categories:
    2. Christian Living,
    3. Church of Christ,
    4. Christianity

    By Charles Box

    We are either serving our Mighty Creator or we are serving Satan. Most people never consider that they are actually Satan’s servants instead of servants of God. The majority are, in truth, servants of Satan. “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14) There are some who openly confess that they are Devil worshippers; the majority of Satan’s servants somehow think that they are following the God of Heaven. There is no middle ground; you are either on God’s side or on the Devil’s side. Satan is often mentioned in our Bible. The term “Satan” is in 49 verses in our King James Bible. “Devil” is in 57 verses. Satan is identified by many other names and expressions in the Bible. Here are a few: (1) Abaddon (Revelation 9:11), ...
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    LIES CHANGE A FAMILY FOREVER ---- GENESIS TWENTY-SEVEN 

    Published on 09-23-2012 11:02 PM  Number of Views: 416 
    1. Categories:
    2. Sin

    By Charles Box

    There is no such thing as a little lie and the harm done by a lie can never be told. Imagine the harm done by a mother and a son as they deceive an old, blind husband and father. Esau was a profane man. “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.” (Hebrews 12:14-17) Esau’s mother and brother were liars and deceivers. Rebekah and Jacob deceive Isaac in order to secure the blessing for Jacob. The Bible says, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Galatians ...
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    Ignoring The Real Authority 

    Published on 09-17-2012 04:04 PM  Number of Views: 397 
    1. Categories:
    2. Liberalism,
    3. Authority of the Scriptures,
    4. Homosexuality,
    5. Immorality

    By Tom Wacaster

    Our Western Civilization is the product of a respect for authority in general and Divine authority specifically. America did not just "happen." Our system of government is an adaptation of the principles of right and wrong established in God's word and embodied in a "Constitution" that not only respected the God given light, but applied it to every facet of their lives. It is unfortunate that the political and ethical left fail to grasp this undeniable truth. Over the past 50 years this political and ethical left has managed to move from what folks considered the "fringe" of society to the mainstream of American thinking. By capturing control of the media, the education system, and our political parties, they have managed to convince otherwise sensible folks into believing that there is no truth, that you and you alone are the master o f your fate, and that one can take the plunge into the twin ...
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    I Was Born Gay... God Made Me This Way 

    by
    Sonnie
    Published on 09-16-2012 09:27 AM  Number of Views: 656 
    1. Categories:
    2. Sin,
    3. Homosexuality

    I have heard or read it quite often, “I was born gay… God made me this way”… thinking to myself, who has corrupted your mind into thinking such nonsense? It sure wasn’t God! Who has led you astray to believe such a lie? As I sat at my desk across from a young lady who is a lesbian, she explained to me that there was no doubt she was born a lesbian. She stated that she knew this because she would never have made the choice herself to be a lesbian. She would have never chosen a life where she is ridiculed and belittled. Astounded, I could not understand why someone would not change from a lifestyle they would not have chosen, but her thinking is that it is the only way she can be happy.

    Yes, I have read about the so-called scientific proof that some people are born homosexual. However, there is a lot of false and misleading information on the Internet and in print. If you continue researching, there is also evidence that disputes the scientific proof that is claimed, ...
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    The Combined Gospels 

    by
    Bill Reed
    Published on 08-28-2012 06:54 AM
    1. Categories:
    2. New Testament

    Brothers, Sisters & Friends:

    I just completed a project of combining all four gospel accounts into one body of text. This represents a total combination, arranged both chronologically and with topical headings. If you ever wanted to read, study, or just have a helpful tool like this, then I sincerely hope that you find this useful and enjoyable.

    This work is attached as a PDF file, and there's further explanations on this overall work in the Appendix at the end of the document.

    This work is totally public domain, so please feel free to send it on to everyone you may want to.

    Best...Bill Reed

    ...
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    JUST SOME THINGS THE LORD HATES? 

    Published on 08-26-2012 09:48 AM  Number of Views: 642 
    1. Categories:
    2. Sin

    By Charles Box

     Today we turn in our Bible to a passage of Scripture that lists seven things that God hates. All seven of these things are hated by God because any one of the seven can mar the godliness and beauty of a life. "These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren." (Proverbs 6:16-19) God hates these things because they violate every principle of decency and morality. They are sins against God and also against man. These things are the epitome of what is hateful to God. They provide for us a summary of wickedness. Earlier in the Book of Proverbs God had expressed His hatred against evil. “For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous. The curse of the LORD ...
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    A New Generation of Tobacco Addicts 

    Published on 08-25-2012 10:30 AM  Number of Views: 750 
    1. Categories:
    2. Smoking,
    3. Sin

    by Tom Wacaster

    The war between the tobacco industry and those who are fighting for a smoke-free society is, once again, in the news. A number of years ago the tobacco industry lost a major class action law suit on behalf of individuals who suffered the harmful effects of smoking and/or other tobacco related health issues. Involved in the lawsuit were health organizations, government entities, and a number of individuals. As a result the tobacco industry agreed to pay billions of dollars in health related benefits in order to ward off a complete defeat [of course the lawyers got the biggest piece of the pie, but that is a matter for a different article]. Included in the agreement was the removal of any advertizing that appeals especially to youth. Also included in the settlement was an agreement that cigarette packages would need to include wording that was a little more forceful as to the harmful effects of smoking and chewing tobacco. It would no longer be acceptable to ...
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