Common or general faith, the faith by which all people function every day, helps illustrate the way faith governs all things in time and eternity. In order to understand how faith governs in the affairs of life, it is necessary to discuss the word of God. As followers of Christ, we believe that God has[…]
An Introduction to Faith
The 2016 theme for Zion’s Outpost Restoration Branch is on faith. By studying the principles of faith and learning to live by faith, it is hoped that we can grow into a more Christ-like people. We have a calendar for 2016 with a series of monthly themes. These themes are designed to help the members[…]
Thoughts on Oblation
[Explanatory note: These comments were made at the observance of the Lord’s Supper on January 3, 2015 at Zion’s Outpost Restoration Branch. The Lord’s Supper had been administered just prior to these remarks.] Then said he also concerning him who bade to the wedding, When thou makest a dinner, or a supper, call not thy[…]
Why divisions – Part 3
Why divisions – Part 3: “To do thy will…” (Updated February 14, 2016) In Review In Why Divisions – Part 1, the cause of divisions in the church is introduced, which is our carnal or old nature – that which is born of the flesh. Recall, for example, how it is written, the carnal mind[…]
“Why Bethlehem?”
Last week our friend Faye Shaw told Pam and me about Migdal Eder, the Tower of the Flock. This reportedly was the place where lambs to be sacrificed in the Temple at Jerusalem were born and kept until the appointed time. A number of Bible students apparently now believe that this is the place where[…]
Why divisions – Part 2
Why divisions – Part 2: “There must be also divisions among you” (Updated February 14, 2016) The underlying source of divisions in the church was introduced in its scriptural context in the first part of this series, Why Divisions – Part 1. The matter was summed up by Paul, the Apostle of Jesus Christ, when[…]
Why wear the crown
As I awoke this morning, a line from “Do Lord, oh do Lord, oh, do remember me” was running through my thoughts, except the words were turned around a bit. Instead of hearing this line as it is typically sung: If you can’t bear the cross, you can’t wear the crown I kept hearing this[…]
Why divisions – Part 1
Why divisions – Part 1: “Are Ye Not Carnal?” (Updated February 14, 2016) Why are there so many divisions in the church? Is it not because we are yet carnal? This was the reason Paul, the Apostle of Jesus Christ, identified for the divisions in the church at Corinth (cf. I Corinthians 1:10). For ye are[…]
An Appointment with the Woman I Would Marry
Upon arriving at Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, in the fall of 1978 I had a dream of the woman I would marry someday that continues to increase my understanding and appreciation of marriage. Most importantly, it continues to focus my attention on our Lord’s commitment to marriage and His personal involvement in this sacred[…]
Give Sacrificially
Mark 12 47 And after this, Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury; and many that were rich cast in much. 48 And there came a certain poor widow, and she cast in two mites, which make a farthing. 49 And Jesus called his disciples, and[…]