Posts from October 2020

“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us” (2 Thes 3:6). Of all the commands given to the church, perhaps the one most ignored or refused by restorationists is that of withdrawing from disorderly members, commonly called “practicing church discipline.” Congregations that practice church discipline are few, and those who withdraw from unruly members…

Like its predecessor, 2 Thessalonians gives considerable space to Jesus’ return. In 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12, Paul speaks to the judgment that will take place when Jesus returns. In chapter 2, Paul returns to the time of Jesus’ return. Whereas in 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul speaks of the Second Coming as a thief in the night, in today’s reading he speaks of an event that must precede the Lord’s return, namely the manifestation of “the man of sin,” also called “the…

Have you ever pounded fufu? Do you even know what that means? I asked that very question to a group of Christians in Ghana, West Africa some years ago. Everyone in the room knew exactly what I was talking about, because pounding fufu is something that everyone in Ghana has done or witnessed. If you don’t know what it means to pound fufu, then it is certain that you’ve never done it. Have you obeyed the gospel? Do you know…

We began our comments on this epistle by noting that the primary emphasis and theme is “Jesus is Coming!”. The latter part of chapter 4 reassures the brethren that those Christians who have died will be no means be left behind when Jesus returns. Chapter 5 then opens with the timing of the Second Coming. Paul reminds them of their own knowledge that Jesus will come as a thief in the night. This is not the only text that speaks…

We live in a world of immodesty, rampant immorality and unbridled debauchery. Lest we be deceived, we should know that though this may be a recent mark of the United States, it is certainly nothing new in the world. As bad as things are or appear to be in the States, it still doesn’t compare to many statements of those in Bible times. When God destroyed the world with water, it is said that the thought and intent of EVERY…

Chapter 3 opens with a moving statement from Paul to the Thessalonian brethren. Upon hearing of the Thessalonians’ willingness to suffer persecution for the faith (2:14), Paul said he ‘couldn’t stand not knowing’ and, being willing to be left in Athens alone, he sent Timothy to inquire of their situation and encourage them concerning the faith (3:1-2). Paul was relieved to receive Timothy’s good report of the church’s faith and love. He also reciprocated their great desire to see him,…

Several years ago, I had a conversation with a sweet lady who lamented concerning her “pastor,” “He’s a fine preacher, but not a very good pastor.” I don’t know how the present one-man pastor system started, but it certainly didn’t do the world or gospel preachers any favors. It can’t be found in principle or practice anywhere in the New Testament. One boast among members of the churches of Christ is the claim of “scriptural church organization.” That is, the…