Little Things, Part 2   Introduction We’re all familiar with the crucifixion scene; Jesus was crucified between two thieves. We also know that from Luke 23:42-43, one of the thieves said, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” In general, this passage gets a lot of criticism because people use it to state that baptism isn’t essential. But we’re not looking at that subject in this article. Instead, I want to point out the little thing that gets unnoticed in this particular scene.   The Two Thieves The crucifixion scene is shown in three of the four gospels: Mt. 27:44; Mk. 15:32; Lk. 23:39-43. We’ve already looked a little at Luke’s account, let’s now turn to the other two. In Matthew 27:44, it says, Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing. And in Mark 15:32 it says, "Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from ...

  Little Things, Part 1   Introduction In Hebrews 4:12, the writer says, For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.   (ASV) One of the things I’ve noticed in studying scriptures is that sometimes certain phrases might be hidden from you as you go through it. Then one day, it suddenly stands out from the text and you say, “Oh, I didn’t notice that before.” I’ve had this happen to me a few times and it’s usually not until someone else will point out a verse, or a statement, that you never noticed before. Not that you’ve never read it before, mind you, but it’s something that never caught your attention until now. For whatever reason; which is why I believe in the “living and active” part of Heb. 4:12. It makes you want to go back to the bible and read it again and more often. These are ...

  Silence of the Scriptures, Part 3   Introduction We’ve been looking at the silence of the scriptures; when something hasn’t been revealed. In Deuteronomy 29:29 it is written, "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. If God didn’t give an answer, we shouldn’t look for one. Furthermore, it doesn’t enhance our salvation in any way if we did find one. In this article we will look at the command given by God and the fact, that with the silence, certain things are then permitted. Provided that it are used as an expedient (or aid) to accomplish the command.   Definition of Expedient Webster Dictionary~1913 , Hastening or forward; hence, tending to further or promote a proposed object; fit or proper under the circumstances. Desirable, advisable, advantageous.   OT Example Noah builds the ark. Noah was commanded to build the a...

  Silence of the Scriptures, Part 2   Introduction A mother is about to bake a cake. She sends her 18-year-old son to the store to buy a gallon of milk. She hands him a ten-dollar bill and tells him she wants the change when he returns. The son heads to the store and then returns 20 minutes later with the gallon of milk, a 2-liter bottle of soda, and 3 candy bars. Dutifully, he hands his mother the milk and change. Upon seeing the change, she asks him why he bought more than the milk. His response, “You didn’t say I couldn’t buy them.” How often do people have that same approach to religion? A lot may deny it, but when you see their practice, it becomes very obvious. People do more or differently than what the scriptures teach.   Bible Examples Build yourself an Ark— In Genesis 6:12-14 we see the story of Noah and the building of the ark, So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. And God ...

  Silence of the Scriptures, Part 1   Introduction In Deuteronomy 29:29, it is written, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” What this means is that everything that is written in the bible is for us; if it’s not there, then it doesn’t matter. People find it hard to believe that God would keep certain things a secret from us; as if it necessary for us to have that knowledge.  It’s a shame that people think that if it isn’t revealed to us that we are responsible to find out the answers ourselves.    Bible Examples of “Not revealed” What was the forbidden fruit? In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve are in the Garden of Eden and being tempted by the serpent. Eve informs the serpent that they can eat the fruit of any tree except for the one in the middle; not even touch it (vs. 3). Now, let’s look at verse 6, So when the woman saw t...

 This week's article comes from  Shane Carrington of La Vista Church of Christ Why Four Gospels? Have a great week!

  This week's lesson comes from Collegevue church of Christ. The speaker is, Greg Gwin.