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A Monthly Journal Dedicated To Teaching First Principles SPECIAL ISSUE: THESE ARE PRECIOUS The word “precious,” as used in the Scriptures, means costly and of great value, as things are held in honor, being dear to us. 1) THE WORD “PRECIOUS” IS USED MANY TIMES IN THE SCRIPTURES. If you would start reading in Genesis and read through the entire Bible, you would encounter the word “precious” more than 70 times. Although the Lord only has to say a thing one time to make it meaningful, it’s repetitiveness surely calls our attention to the word. 2) THE WORD “PRECIOUS” IS OFTEN MISUSED. Folks can be heard talking about a ‘precious house’ or a ‘precious dress.’ The word of God has reference to things more valuable than these. 3) THE WORD “PRECIOUS” USED IN A GENERAL SENSE. The Old Testament refers to a number of things in a general way as being precious. Things of heaven (Dt. 33:13). Fruits of the earth (Dt. 33:14-16). The souls and lives of men (1 Sam. 16:21). Volume 4 Number 12 DECEMBER 2006 Johnie Edwards Jewels (2 Chr. 20:25). Thoughts of the Lord (Ps. 139:17). Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding (Prov. 3:14-15). 4) TEN PRECIOUS THINGS. This special issue of Back To Basics takes a close look at what the Scriptures have to say about ten pre- cious things. The precious word (1 Sam. 3:1). The precious Christ (1 Pet. 2:4-8). The precious blood (1 Pet. 1:18-19). The precious death (Ps. 116:15). The precious substance (Prov. 12:27). The precious seed (Ps. 126:5-6). The precious unity (Ps. 133:1-3). The precious trial of faith (1 Pet. 1:7). The precious faith (2 Pet. 1:1). The precious promises (2 Pet. 1:4). Please take the time to read each of these “precious” articles and make application to your own life. Back To Basics

Transcript of Back To Basics - Truth Magazine to Basics/Volume 4/Vol4_Num12.pdfBack To Basics, published by...

Page 1: Back To Basics - Truth Magazine to Basics/Volume 4/Vol4_Num12.pdfBack To Basics, published by Edwards Publishers, is a 16-page monthly journal dedicated to teaching first principles.

A Monthly Journal Dedicated To Teaching First Principles

Special iSSue: TheSe are preciouS

Theword“precious,”asusedintheScriptures,meanscostlyandofgreatvalue,asthingsareheldinhonor,beingdeartous.

1) The Word “Precious” is used Many TiMes in The scriPTures. IfyouwouldstartreadinginGenesisandreadthroughtheentire Bible, you would encounter the word“precious”morethan70times.AlthoughtheLordonlyhastosayathingonetimetomakeitmeaningful, it’s repetitiveness surelycallsourattentiontotheword.

2) The Word “Precious” is ofTen Misused. Folkscanbeheardtalkingabouta‘precioushouse’ora‘preciousdress.’ThewordofGodhasreferencetothingsmorevaluablethanthese.

3)The Word “Precious” used in a General sense. TheOldTestamentreferstoanumberofthingsinageneralwayasbeingprecious.

Things of heaven (Dt. 33:13).

Fruits of the earth (Dt. 33:14-16).The souls and lives of men (1 Sam. 16:21).

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Volume 4

Number 12DECEMBER 2006

Johnie Edwards

Jewels (2 Chr. 20:25).Thoughts of the Lord (Ps. 139:17).Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding (Prov. 3:14-15).

4)Ten Precious ThinGs. ThisspecialissueofBack To Basics takesacloselookatwhattheScriptureshavetosayabouttenpre-ciousthings.

The precious word (1 Sam. 3:1).The precious Christ (1 Pet. 2:4-8).The precious blood (1 Pet. 1:18-19).The precious death (Ps. 116:15).The precious substance (Prov. 12:27).The precious seed (Ps. 126:5-6).The precious unity (Ps. 133:1-3).The precious trial of faith (1 Pet. 1:7).The precious faith (2 Pet. 1:1).The precious promises (2 Pet. 1:4).

Please take the time to read each ofthese“precious”articlesandmakeapplicationtoyourownlife.

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Back To Basics

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Volume One Contains all twelve issues printed in 2003. Seven of the issues are devoted to a special theme: The Basics of Bible Baptism, Identi-fying the One True Church, Eternal Punish-ment, Basic Lessons in Bible Authority, The All-Sufficiency of the Scriptures, Why I Be-lieve, and The Worship of the Church.

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The preciouS WordJohn Isaac Edwards

Back To Basics - December 2006

Special Issue: These Are PreciousJohnieEdwards......................................................1

The Precious WordJohnIsaacEdwards................................................3

Lessons From An Older WomanMelbaEdwards......................................................4

The Precious ChristDonnieV.Rader.....................................................5

The Precious BloodJoeR.Price...........................................................6

The Precious DeathDavidMcPherson..................................................7

The Precious SubstanceJohnieEdwards....................................................8

The Precious SeedT.SeanSullivan.....................................................9

The Precious UnityJohnIsaacEdwards..............................................10

The Precious Trial Of FaithLarryR.PingII....................................................11

The Precious FaithCraigThomas......................................................12

The Precious PromisesBobDickey..........................................................13

Kids Activity PageAleishaEdwards..................................................14

Index To Volume Four......................................16

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1 Samuel3:1records,“...AndthewordoftheLordwaspreciousinthosedays;therewasnoopenvision.”TherearemanyreasonswhythewordoftheLordispreciousandshouldbeprecioustoyou.

1)Precious Because of WhaT iT has done. HaveyouconsideredwhatthewordoftheLordhasdone?“BythewordoftheLordweretheheavensmade;andallthehostofthemby thebreathofhismouth”(Ps.33:6). ThereisawesomepowerintheLord’sword,“Forhespake,anditwasdone;hecommanded,anditstood fast” (Ps. 33:9). The expression, “Godsaid”isfoundtentimesinGenesisone(vv.3,6,9,11,14,20,24,26,28,29),showing“...thattheworldswereframedbythewordofGod...”(Heb.11:3).ItisbythewordoftheLordthatwearehereandeverythingexists.

2)Precious Because of WhaT iT does. ThewordoftheLordisnotadeadletter,“ForthewordofGodisquick,andpowerful...”(Heb.4:12).ThewordoftheLordhaspowertoac-complishmany things. Itgives life (Mt.4:4),makes clean (Jn. 15:3), sanctifies (Jn. 17:17), buildsupandgivesaninheritance(Acts20:32),producesfaith(Rom.10:17),reconciles(2Cor.5:19),upholdsallthings(Heb.1:3),discernsthethoughts and intents of the heart (Heb. 4:12),begets(Jas.1:18;1Pet.1:23),saves(Jas.1:21),andbringsaboutgrowth(1Pet.2:2).SurelythewordoftheLordispreciousbecauseofallthatitdoes.

3)Precious Because of WhaT iT Will do. ItisbythewordoftheLordthatwewillbejudgedinthelastday.Jesussaid,“Hethat

rejectethme,andreceivethnotmywords,hathonethatjudgethhim:thewordthatIhavespo-ken, thesameshall judgehimin the lastday”(Jn.12:48). ThewordoftheLordwilldecideourdestiny,whetherwehear thewords“enterintothejoyofthyLord”(Mt.25:23)or“departfromme”(Mt.25:41).

SincethewordoftheLordisprecious,weneedtohearit,believeit,obeyit,andteachittoothers.

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Back To Basics - December 20064 (148)

leSSonS From an older WomanMelba Edwards

“W

om

en

...T

ea

ch

ers

Of

Go

od

Th

ing

s”

(T

itu

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:3)

Geneva DeFord, a dear sister ofeighty-four years, just passed from this life.ShewasafaithfulmemberoftheEllettsvillechurch of Christ. This wonderful Christiantaughtmemanythingsbyhergreatexample.

1) you are never Too old To learn. Afewyearsagowehadasignupsheetforwomenwhowantedtolearnhowtomakethecommunionbread.Geneva’snamewasonthatlist.Shewasabouteightyatthattime.Shelearnedhowtomakethebread.SheknewhowimportanttheLord’sSupper isandthat theelementsare tobepreparedcorrectly.

2) you are never Too old To BrinG soMeone To chrisT. Oneof thegoals of the Ellettsville church of Christisforeachfamilytoteachonethegospelduringtheyear.GenevaprayedtoGodthatbeforeshediedshewouldbringsomeonetotheLord.ShefoundIleneHammer.IlenecametoseveralserviceswithGeneva.Withaninvitationtostudymore,IleneopenedupherhomeandwebeganstudyingtheHome Bible Study. After thelast lesson,onthefollowingSunday,IlenewasbaptizedintoChrist.WethenbeganstudyingGrowing In Grace And Knowledge. Three otherwomen from the complexwhereGenevalivedjoinedinourstudyonseveralocca-sions.I’mremindedofthewomanatthewellinJohn4:29whenshesaidtothemenofthecity,“Come,seeaman,whichtoldmeallthingsthateverIdid:isnotthistheChrist?”GenevawasnotafraidtoletothersknowaboutChrist.

3) you are never Too old To MeMorize The scriPTures. At one ofthe classes, Geneva said she was tryingtomemorizesomeversesintheBibleandwantedmetoseeifshecouldquotethem.She memorized the first five verses of Psalm 103whichread,“BlesstheLord,Omysoul:and all that is within me, bless his holyname.BlesstheLord,Omysoul,andforgetnot all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;Whoredeemeththylifefromdestruction;who crowneth thee with lovingkindnessand tender mercies; Who satisfieth thymouthwithgoodthings;sothatthyyouthisrenewedliketheeagle’s.”

4) you are never Too old To search The scriPTures daily. Genevasaidoccasionallyshe’dgotobedandrealizeshehadn’treadherBiblethatday.She’dgetupandread.SheknewabouttheBereans,inActs 17:11, who “...received the wordwithallreadinessofmind,andsearchedthescripturesdaily,whetherthosethingswereso.”

These are just a few of the thingsGeneva taught. I wish all who read thisknewthisgreatlady.I’mremindedofAnna,aprophetess.“Shewasofgreatage...andshewasawidowofaboutfourscoreandfouryears,whichdepartednotfromthetemple,but servedGodwith fastings andprayersnightandday.Andshecominginthatin-stantgave thanks likewiseunto theLord,andspakeofhimtoallthemthatlookedforredemptioninJerusalem”(Lk.2:36-38).

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Back To Basics - December 2006 (149) 5

The preciouS chriSTDonnie V. Rader

The Christ is called “precious” threetimes in 1 Peter 2:4-8. The word translated“precious” in these verses is used five times in theNewTestament.Itmeans“dear,morehon-orable,...inreputation”(Strong’s). Vine’ssaysitmeans“heldinhonor.”Thus,Christissaidtobedear,heldinthehighesthonor.Let’slookcloser at 1 Peter 2:4-8 to find the answer to the followingquestions.

1)To WhoM is he Precious? Christ is precious to God (v. 4).Heisgivenaplaceofprominenceandpreeminence.Heisconsideredvaluabletoonewhosevaluescount.WhilemanrejectstheChrist,GodconsidersHimprecious.Christ is also precious to those who believe and obey (v. 7).Thisverseshowsthatonewhobelievesisonewhoobeys.Noticethecontrastbetween“believe”and“disobedient.”Thisisamatteroftoppriority!Christisthemostvaluedtoonewhobelieves.Thisexplainswhysomedon’tobeyorremainfaithful.Theydon’tholdChrist as precious, esteemed, and valuable!Whenone’sattendanceisnotwhatitshouldbeandtheirinterestislaggingbehind,theproblemisthevalueheplacesuponChrist.

2)Why is he considered Precious? He is living (v. 4).Hehasreallifeasopposedtothelifelessstonesinthecontext.Hegiveslifetothosewhohear(Jn.5:25).He was chosen by God (v. 4).GodchoseHimtobetheheadofthechurch(Eph.1:22-23).GodchoseHimtobethesavioroftheworld(Mt.1:21).GodchoseHimtobethejudgeoftheworld(Jn.5:22).Our sac-rifices are acceptable through Him (v. 5).Heisour High Priest, through Whom our sacrifices are offered(Heb.2:17;3:1;4:14).Heisourmedia-

tor(1Tim.2:5).He is the chief cornerstone (vv. 6-7).Thechiefcornerstoneisthemostimportantstoneinabuilding’sfoundation.Fromitallotherstonesaremeasuredandlaid.Itunitestwowalls(JewsandGentiles)together(Eph.2:18-22).ItisanhonortobeinthesamewallwithHim(v.5).WhatanhonortobeastonelaidinthesamewallwiththeChrist,thechiefcornerstone.He shed His blood for us (1:18-19).Without thesheddingofHisblood,wecouldnotbesaved(Heb.9:22).

3)WhaT do We do WiTh The Precious chrisT? Wearetocontinuallycome(v.4).Thisdoesnotrefertoone’sinitialcomingtoChristinobedience,buttoacontinuallycomingtotheLord. Marshall translates this“approaching.”Williamstranslatesit“keeponcomingtohim.”Thayersaysitmeans,“Toattachone’sself toChrist, to come to a participation in the benefits procuredbyhim.”Thisverseis“Indicatingaclose...andanhabitual (presentparticiple)ap-proachandanintimateassociation”(Vincent’s Word Studies of the New Testament).Tocontinu-allycometoChrististheideaofdedicationanddevotion.IfweconsidertheChristasprecious,wewillhavenoproblemwithdiligentservice.

IfwedonotholdChristasprecious,Hewillbecomeastumblingstoneoverwhichwewillfall(vv.7-8).

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Back To Basics - December 20066 (150)

The preciouS BloodJoe R. Price

Bloodisthevehicleoflife;withoutitwewilldie.WhenGodgavemankindanimalsfor food He said, “But you shall not eat flesh withitslife,thatis,itsblood”(Gen.9:3-4).Godexplained,intheLawofMoses,“Ihavegivenit(theblood,jrp)toyouuponthealtartomakeatonementforyoursouls;foritisthebloodthatmakesatonementforthesoul”(Lev.17:10-11).Withoutthesheddingofblood–thegivingoflife–thereisnoremissionofsins(Heb.9:22).TheanimalbloodshedonIsrael’saltarofburntofferingwasashadowofthebloodoftheLambofGodwhotakesawaythesinoftheworld(Heb.10:1-4;Jn.1:29). The blood of Christ is superior to thebloodofbullsandofgoatsbecauseanimalbloodcannever takeawaysins (Heb.10:4). Christdiedonceforsins,butanimalswerecontinuallyofferedforsinsunderMoses’law(Heb.10:11-12).Christ’sbloodremovessin,butthebloodofanimalscontinuallyremindedIsraeloftheirsin(Heb.10:17-18,3). ThevalueofthebloodofChristalsosur-passesthatofsilverorofgold,forsuchtemporalthingswillneversavesinners:“…knowingthatyouwerenotredeemedwithcorruptiblethings,likesilverorgold,fromyouraimlessconductreceivedbytraditionfromyourfathers,butwiththepreciousbloodofChrist,asofalambwithoutblemishandwithoutspot”(1Pet.1:18-19).

1)The Blood of chrisT is Precious Because iT is sinless. “...asofalambwithoutblemishandwithoutspot”(1Pet.1:18-19).Jesusnevercommittedsin,but“offeredHimselfwith-outspottoGod”(1Pet.2:22;Heb.9:14).Thebloodofonesinnercannotsaveanothersinner;only a sinless sacrifice would do. His suffering

anddeathwas“thejustfortheunjust,thatHemightbringustoGod”(1Pet.3:18).

2)The Blood of chrisT is Precious Because iT shoWs God’s GreaT love for us. “ButGoddemonstratesHisownlovetowardus,inthatwhilewewerestillsinners,Christdiedforus”(Rom.5:8).JesusdiedforHisenemiesandforHisfriends(Col.1:19-22;Jn.15:13).ThereisnogreaterlovethanGodsending“HisonlybegottenSonintotheworld,thatwemightlivethroughHim”(1Jn.4:9-10).

3) The Blood of chrisT is Precious Because of WhaT iT accoMPlishes. ThebloodofJesusredeemsusfromsin.Hecame“togiveHislifearansom”forsinners(Mt.20:28;1Tim.2:6).ThroughHisblood,wehaveredemption,theforgivenessofsins(Eph.1:7;1Pet.1:19).ByHisdeathandsubsequentascensiontoheaven,Jesusobtainedeternalredemptionforus(Heb.9:11-12).Hisbloodcleansesus“fromdeadworkstoservethe living God” (Heb. 9:14). His church, pur-chasedandcleansedbyHisblood,livestoserveGod(Acts20:28;Eph.5:25;1Pet.1:15-19).

4)The Blood of chrisT is Precious Because iT is availaBle To you. Christ“gaveHimselfaransomforall”(1Tim.2:6).IfyoubelieveJesusistheSonofGod,youmustnotdelay,butrepent,confessyourfaithinHim,andthen“ariseandbebaptizedandwashawayyoursins”(Acts22:16).ThebloodofJesuswashesawayyoursinswhenyouare“baptizedintoHisdeath”(Rom.6:3).

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Back To Basics - December 2006 (151) 7

The preciouS deaThDavid McPherson

“And as it is appointed unto menoncetodie,butafterthisthejudgment”(Heb.9:27).Deathisanappointmentmenmustkeep.Whetherone’sdeathispreciousornotdependsupontheirmanneroflife.LongagothePsalmistdeclared,“PreciousinthesightoftheLORDisthedeathofhissaints”(Ps.116:15).Noticethatthe“preciousdeath”isthedeathoftheLord’ssaints;thosewhoaregodly,pure,holy,etc.Foryour death to be precious, certain conditionsmustbemet.

1)The Precious deaTh is for Those Who live in The lord. OnecanonlyliveintheLordbybecomingdeadtosin.“Likewisereckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeeduntosin,butaliveuntoGodthroughJesusChristourLord”(Rom.6:11).Dyingtosininvolvesbelief(Jn.8:24),repentance(Lk.13:3),confes-sion(Rom.10:10),andbaptismfortheremis-sionofsins(Acts2:38).Theonebaptism(Eph.4:5)putsapersonintoChrist(Gal.3:27).ThecontrastbetweenbeinginChristversusoutofChrististremendous.Paulspokeofitsaying,“Whereforeremember,thatyebeingintimepastGentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircum-cisionbythatwhichiscalledtheCircumcisionin the flesh made by hands; That at that time yewerewithoutChrist,beingaliens from thecommonwealthofIsrael,andstrangersfromthecovenantsofpromise,havingnohope,andwith-outGodintheworld:ButnowinChristJesusyewhosometimeswerefaroffaremadenighbythebloodofChrist”(Eph.2:11-13).OutsideofChrist;withouthope;nothingpreciousaboutthedeathofoneinthatcondition.AreyouinChrist,livingintheLord?WillyourdeathbepreciousinHissight?

2)The Precious deaTh is for Those Who die in The lord. “AndIheardavoicefromheavensayinguntome,Write,BlessedarethedeadwhichdieintheLordfromhenceforth:Yea,saiththeSpirit,thattheymayrestfromtheirlabours;andtheirworksdofollowthem”(Rev.14:13).Notallthedeadareblessed,onlythose“whichdieintheLord.”Buthowdoesonediein the Lord? As previously noted, they must first liveintheLordandthenremainfaithful.An“onagain-offagain”relationshipwiththeLordwillnotcutit.Atthetimeofone’sdeparturefromthislife,afaithfulstandingisrequiredforittobeprecious.JustasJesusencouraged,“bethoufaithfuluntodeath,andIwillgivetheeacrownoflife”(Rev.2:10).Areyoudoingthat?AreyoutrulyloyalandcommittedtothecauseofChrist?Willyourdeathbeprecious?

Paul,havinglivedanddiedintheLord,leftabeautifulexampleofhowtofacedeath.HetoldTimothy,“ForIamnowreadytobeoffered,andthetimeofmydepartureisathand.Ihavefought a good fight, I have finished my course, Ihavekeptthefaith:Henceforththereislaidupformeacrownofrighteousness,whichtheLord,therighteousjudge,shallgivemeatthatday:andnottomeonly,butuntoallthemalsothatlovehisappearing”(2Tim.4:6-8).HiswasapreciouslifeofsubmissiontotheLord’swilltotheend.Andthushisdeathwasverypreciousindeed.

MayGodhelpeachofustosolivethatourdeathwillbepreciousinHissight!

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Back To Basics - December 20068 (152)

The preciouS SuBSTanceJohnie Edwards

Haveyoueverthoughtthatyoursub-stancecouldbeprecious?Thewisemanpenned,“Theslothfulmanroastethnotthatwhichhetookinhunting:butthesubstanceofadiligentmanisprecious” (Prov. 12:27). Substancemaybedefined as “material possessions; goods; wealth” (American Heritage College Dictionary).Agoodexampleofaman’ssubstancecanbeseeninthatJob’s“seventhousandsheep,threethousandcam-els, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred she asses,andaverygreathousehold”werecalled“substance”(Job1:3).

1)a diliGenT Man. Noteveryone’ssub-stanceisprecious.Thetextsays,“...thesubstanceofadiligentmanisprecious”(Prov.12:27).Thecontextofthistextisacomparisonofaslothfulmanandamanofdiligence.Aperson,whobyhonestyand industry,hasacquiredhisposses-sionsashehasbeenblessedby theLord; thatman’ssubstanceisprecious!

2)SuBsTance MusT Be oBTained ProP-erly. Stolensubstanceorsubstancegotteninawrongfulmannerwouldnotbeprecious.PaultoldtheEphesians,“Lethimthatstolestealnomore:butratherlethimlabour,workingwithhishandsthethingwhichisgood,thathemayhavetogivetohimthatneedeth”(Eph.4:28).Everwonderwhatyourhandsarefor?“...workwithyourownhands,”PaulwrotetheThessalonians(1Th.4:11).Theapostlefurtheruttered,“Forwehearthattherearesomewhichwalkamongyoudisorderly,workingnotatall,butarebusybodies”(2Th.3:11).Paul,letmeaskyou,“whatshouldthesefolksdo?”“NowthemthataresuchwecommandandexhortbyourLordJesusChrist,thatwithquietnesstheywork,andeattheirown

bread”(2Th.3:12).Supposetheydon’t,Paul?“...neithershouldheeat”(2Th.3:10)!

3)suBsTance MusT Be used riGhTly. Foroursubstancetobecalledprecious,wemustuseitintherightmanner.Wecannotuseoursub-stanceforgamblingpurposes,bribery,drinkingstrongdrink,orasthelostboy,who“...wastedhissubstancewithriotousliving”(Lk.15:12).Somegoodusesofoursubstance:

“Laybyinstore”asPaulcommandedtobedone on the first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:2), insupportingtheworkofthechurch.

“Provide for his own” just as Paul wroteTimothy(1Tim.5:8);lesthebe“worsethanan infidel!”

“Give to him that needeth” to fulfill our re-sponsibilitytoothers(Eph.4:28);“...andletnotthechurchbecharged”(1Tim.5:16).

“Layuptreasuresinheaven”asJesustaughtintheMountainmessage(Mt.6:19-21).It’sbeensaid,whatwereallyhaveiswhatwegivetoothers. Earthlytreasuresrust,maybecome moth eaten, corrupt, and may bestolen,buttheyareprotectedfromsuchwhenlaidupinheaven.Forafterall,“Forwhereyourtreasureis,therewillbeyourheartalso”(Mt.6:21).AgoodpassagetomemorizeandpracticeisLuke6:38.Tryit.

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Back To Basics - December 2006 (153) 9

The preciouS SeedT. Sean Sullivan

Psalm126:5-6reads,“Theythatsowintearsshallreapinjoy.Hethatgoethforthandweepeth,bearingpreciousseed,shalldoubtlesscomeagainwithrejoicing,bringinghissheaveswithhim.”Sowing“preciousseed”intears,inourcontext,isanallusiontoafarmerwithapre-ciousamountofgraintofacetheburdenofpre-paringthelandandplantingtheseed;fromwhichtheabundanceoftheharvestwillgrow.Histearsmaybe theburdenof theworkor thedistressoverplantingallthatremains.Thepreparationand planting are actions of faith based on thepromiseofreapingjoyatharvest.TheScripture’swisdomisoftenaparadox.Theideaof“sowinginsorrow”and“harvestinghappiness”doesnotseemright.Today,manyseektobeconstantlyentertained, filled with prosperity, centered on self, and distracted from their spiritual needs.Becauseofmankind’sdenialofsorrow’shumil-ity,manyaremissingoutonthepromisesofthepreciousseed.

1) The Precious seed. Our preciousseedforsowingisthewordofGod(Lk.8:11).InJames1:17,wearetoldthatthewordofGodisa“goodandperfectgift.”Withthisword,wehaveprecious things revealed: the identityofGodasourCreator(Gen.1-2;Acts17:23-27),aneternalGod(Rev.4:8),aGodoflove(1Jn.4:7-8),agiverofprovidentialcare(Mt.6:25-33),aGodof truth (Ti.1:2; Jn.17:17),andaGodofjustice(Acts17:31).TheWordalsorevealsthepurposeofmankindinthecreation:thatwemightruletheearth(Gen.1:26),thatwemightseekourCreator(Acts17:27),thatwemightdoHiswill (Eccl.12:13),andthatwemight loveHim(Mk.12:30).Thesefactsareall“preciousseed”thatmustbesowninourhearts.

2)PreParinG The land. ThewordofGodwillnotgrowinaheartthatisnotprepared;soinhumilityandtearswemakereadyourheartstoreceiveGod’sinstruction.Thetearsmaybecaused by many factors: recognition of ourdestitution without God, the guilt of our sins,thepainofneededchange,ortherealizationofallthree.ItisonlywhenwepresentourselvesbrokenbeforeGodthatHewillbegintobuildusup(1Pet.5:6).

3)PlanTinG The seed. ReturningourthoughtstoJames1:17,considerthecontinuedcontext: We find the necessity of gathering the seed(theperfectwordofGod)butalsoweareinstructed toplant thatseed. Inverses21-25,we find the promise of our souls saved and our righteousworksblessed.WeplanttheseedbygivingourselvescompletelytothewordofGod(1Tim.4:15-16).

4)reaPinG Joy. Thegreatdayofharvestwillcome—adayinwhichourfruitswillbeprovenastheyreapourreward(2Cor.5:10).TheJudgmentwillbeadayofterrorforthosewhohaveentertainedtheirlifeaway.Forthosewhohavesownthepreciousseed,theharvestwillbefullofrejoicing.

Haveyoupreparedthesoil?Haveyouplantedthepreciousseed?Areyoureadyfortheharvestday?

306B W. Main St.Newbern, TN 38059

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Back To Basics - December 200610 (154)

The preciouS uniTyJohn Isaac Edwards

“Behold,howgoodandhowpleasantitisforbrethrentodwelltogetherinunity!Itislikethepreciousointmentuponthehead,thatrandownuponthebeard,evenAaron’sbeard:thatwentdowntotheskirtsofhisgarments;AsthedewofHermon,andasthedewthatdescendeduponthemountainsofZion:fortheretheLordcommandedtheblessing,evenlifeforevermore”(Ps.133:1-3).

1) The lord Prayed for uniTy. Je-sus petitioned the Father, “That they all maybeone;asthou,Father,artinme,andIinthee,thattheyalsomaybeoneinus:thattheworldmaybelievethatthouhastsentme”(Jn.17:21).Disagreementanddissensionaswellasfeudingand fighting impede the work of evangelism and makeamockeryoftheLord’sprayer.

2) as a Body, The lord’s church deMands uniTy.“Forasthebodyisone,andhathmanymembers,andallthemembersofthatonebody,beingmany,areonebody:soalsoisChrist” (1 Cor. 12:12). Paul’s comparison ofthechurchtothephysicalbodyhelpsusseethatthere must be unity among the Lord’s people.MembersoftheLord’sbodyaretobe“temperedtogether”(1Cor.12:24),with“noschisminthebody”(1Cor.12:25).

3)division is condeMned in The BiBle.Everychurchneedsagood1Corinthians1:10be-seeching,fromtimetotime,“thatyeallspeakthesamething,andthattherebenodivisionsamongyou;butthatyebeperfectlyjoinedtogetherinthesamemindandinthesamejudgment.”Variance(strife,discord,contention),emulations (enviousandcontentiousrivalry),strife (self-seekingam-

bitions),seditions (dissension),heresies (party-makingspirit) anddivision inevery form,areamong “the works of the flesh” and “they which dosuchthingsshallnotinheritthekingdomofGod”(Gal.5:19-21).Thosewhocausedivisionsaretobemarkedandavoided(Rom.16:17-18).God hates sowers of discord among brethren(Prov.6:16-19).

4)soMe requireMenTs MusT Be MeT in order for uniTy To Be oBTained. Unity is noaccident.Itistheresultofbrethren“walkingbythesamerule(Phil.3:16),“speakingastheoraclesofGod”(1Pet.4:11),“doingallinthenameoftheLord”(Col.3:17),“notthinkingofmenabovethatwhichiswritten”(1Cor.4:6),and“followingafterthingswhichmakeforpeace”(Rom. 14:19). Unity cannot exist where these requirementsarenotmet!

5) uniTy Will cause The lord’s church To GroW. Thenumberofthedisciplesmultiplied, in the first century, as brethren were ofoneheartandofone soul (Acts4:32;6:7).Churcheswhereeldersactwithouttheapprovalof each other, where needless controversy isallowed to circulate, where brethren bite anddevouroneanother,wherefalseteachingistoler-ated,whereindividualsbindwhereGodhasnotboundandmake issuesof thingswhichoughtnotbearechurchesthatdonotgrow!Ifsuchisgoingonwhereyouareamember,youneedtoput a stop to it immediately. Unity, based upon divine truth (Jn. 17:17), is far too precious toallowanyonetodisturbordisruptit.

“Endeavouringtokeeptheunityof theSpiritinthebondofpeace”(Eph.4:3).

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The preciouS Trial oF FaiThLarry R. Ping II

Peter penned, “That the trial of yourfaith”is“muchmorepreciousthanofgoldthatperisheth” (1 Pet. 1:7). There is no doubtingthisdivinelyinspiredstatement.Butwhatisnotcompletelyrevealedinthisverseiswhythetrialoffaithispreciousandwhatthetrialbrings.Tothatend,weofferthisarticle.

1)iT BrinGs PaTience. Jamessubmitted,“that thetryingofyourfaithworkethpatience”(Jas.1:3).Theideahereisendurance,theabilityto last through the difficult times of the Christian’s life.Thisisthesame“patience”writtenaboutin2Peter1:6.Eachtimeourpersonalfaithistriedandtested,andwesuccessfullybearup,ourendurance(patience) increases. Asour age increases, thehopeisthatourpatiencewillaswell.Remem-berthewordsofJesusChristwhenHesaid,“Inyourpatiencepossessyeyoursouls”(Lk.21:19).Wouldn’tyousaythatpatienceandenduranceareimportant?

2)iT BrinGs oThers To God. Rememberthe three young men of the fiery furnace in Daniel 3?Theirfaithwasthreatenedwiththeultimatesacrifice, a furnace made seven times hotter (v. 19). Theirfaithallowedthemtosay,“wewillnotservethygods,norworship thegolden imagewhichthouhastsetup”(v.18).Afterallwassaidanddone,andthethreeyoungmenexitedunscathed,itwasapparenttheirsuccessfultrialoffaithhadanimpact.Thekingsaid,“thereisnootherGodthatcandeliverafterthissort”(v.29).Whenyourfaithistried,whowillyouaffectandhow?

3)iT BrinGs a hoMe in heaven. Abra-hamdesired“abettercountry”andacity“whosebuilderandmakerisGod”(Heb.11:10,16).He

ensuredthathecouldgettherebyexercisinghisfaithunder the severestof trials. TheHebrewauthorpennedthatAbraham,“whenhewastried,offeredupIsaac”(Heb.11:17).WouldyourfaithallowyoutoundertakesuchataskrequestedbyGod? Abrahamhasbeenpassedon for centu-ries,butthathasnotstoppedGodfromdeclaringHimselfasthe“GodofAbraham”(Mt.22:32).IfyouarelookingforthatHeavenlycity,itwillcomepartlyasaresultofyourfaithperseveringthrough difficult trials.

4)iT BrinGs Glory To God. Ultimately, thetrialofourfaithispreciousbecauseitbringsGod“praiseandhonourandglory”(1Pet.1:7).Afterall, this is thegreatest reason forourex-istence. Whenothersseeus last throughthosechallengingtimeseffectively,theywonderwhy.Then they come to find out that it is our undying faithinourFatherandCreator,andthelightshinesonGod.Mayiteverbe!

Alwaysconsiderthetryingofyourfaithapreciousthing.Nevergiveupandnevergivein,justkeeponobeyingGodandremainingfaithfultoHim!

800 Trail Ridge Ct.Mooresville, IN 46158

Send To The PhilippinesWe have received a number of requests from Filipino brethren for Back To Basics, but the brethren are unable to pay for the cost of the paper. Contact us if you would like to cover that cost for them.

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The preciouS FaiThCraig Thomas

2Peter1:1reads,“SimonPeter,abond-servantandapostleofJesusChrist,TothosewhohaveobtainedlikepreciousfaithwithusbytherighteousnessofourGodandSaviorJesusChrist.”HerePeterdescribesthefaithofChristiansasa“precious faith.” Webster defines things precious ashaving“greatvalueorhighprice,”“highlyes-teemedorcherished,”orsomethingthatis“highlyrefined.” I submit to you that each of these defini-tionsapplytoour“likepreciousfaith.”

1)GreaT value or hiGh Price. Tounder-standthatour“likepreciousfaith”isof“greatvalueorhighprice,”weonlyneedlookatitsobject,itscost,anditsresult.TheobjectsofourfaithareGodandHisSon(Heb.11:6;Rom.3:22).Itisthroughthe“pre-ciousfaith”thatwe“believethatHeis,andthatHeisarewarderofthosewhodiligentlyseekHim”(Heb.11:6).And,itisthroughthe“preciousfaith”thatwe,asdidtheEthiopianeunuch,“believethatJesusChrististheSonofGod”(Acts8:37)and“thatbelieving”we“mayhavelifeinHisname”(Jn.20:31).Mankindcountsmany thingsprecious: jewels,worksofart,antiques,etc.And,wemeasurethevalueofthosepre-ciousthingsbytheircost.Thatbeingtrue,thensurelynothingisofgreatervaluethanour“preciousfaith”becauseitwasonlymadepossibleatthegreatestofallcosts!Our“preciousfaith”costJesus,asLincolneloquentlystated,“thelastfullmeasureofdevotion”;forHe“diedforoursins”(1Cor.15:3);He“hisownselfbareoursinsinhisownbodyonthetree”;andHe“purchased”us“withHisownblood”(Acts20:28).Noother cost could possibly have satisfied God’s wrath (Rom.3:25)whilesimultaneouslydemonstratingtheunfathomabledepthsofHisloveforus!(Rom.5:8)Truly,man’smostvaluablepossession(Mt.16:26)wassecuredwithGod’smosttreasuredasset…“HisonlybegottenSon”(Jn.3:16)!But,Oh!Theresultsofour

“preciousfaith”aresoveryextraordinary!Consider,we are “justified by faith” (Rom. 3:28); we are “sancti-fied by faith” (Acts 26:18); we receive the “righteous-nessofGod…throughfaithinChrist”(Rom.3);wearemade“sonsofGodthroughfaithinChristJesus”(Gal.3:26);andChristdwellsinourhearts“throughfaith”(Eph.3:17).And,thenultimatelycananythingbemore“precious”than“receivingtheendof[our]faith-thesalvationof[your]souls”(1Pet.1:9)?

2)hiGhly esTeeMed or cherished. Iownathreefootbytwofootpanoramicphotographofthestart of the very first Indianapolis 500 Mile Race in 1911. Icherish thatphotographandhighlyesteemitthroughtheextremecareIgiveit.Butthatphoto-graph’svalueincomparisontothe“preciousfaith”isnothing!The“preciousfaith’s”valueemanatesfromitsobject,itscost,anditsresult.Yousee,our“pre-cious faith”couldhavenogreaterobject thanGodandHisSon;itcouldhavenogreatercostthan“HisonlybegottenSon”;anditcouldhavenogreaterresultthan“thesalvationof[our]souls”.Forallofthosereasonsitisworthyofourhighestesteemandshouldbecherishedwitheveryresolveofourbeing!

3)hiGhly refined. Wouldyoubuyadia-mondorgoldringthathadnotbeentestedforpurity?Surelynot!Likewise,our“preciousfaith”isoflittlevalue until it has been thoroughly tested and purified bythetrialsandtribulationsoflife(1Pet.1:6-9).In-steadofdreadingsuch,letusrather“count[them]alljoy…knowingthatthetestingofyourfaithproducespatience”(Jas.1:2-3).Foronlythenwillwebe“foundtopraise,honor,andgloryattherevelationofJesusChrist”(1Pet.1:7).

350 Pineridge Ln.Sandusky, MI 48471

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The preciouS promiSeSBob Dickey

In2Peter1:4,wearetoldthattheLordhas“giventousexceedinggreatandpreciouspromises.”ApromisefromGodissomethingwerelyonwithabsolutecertainty.ThesegreatpromisesaretimelesstreasuresforeveryChristian.

1) noTe hoW PeTer descriBes TheM. Theyarepreciouspromises.Peterusesthiswordseveraltimesinthetwoepistles:preciousfaith(1Pet.1:7;2Pet.1:1),blood(1Pet.1:9),stone(1Pet.2:4-6),Lord(1Pet.2:7),aswellaspreciouspromises(2Pet.1:4).

2)noTe ThaT he uses soMe addiTional adJecTives in descriBinG These ProMises. Notonlyaretheyprecious,hesaystheyarenotjustgreat,butexceedinglygreat.Peterreallypilesupthead-jectivestoimpressourmindswithhowwonderfulthesepromisesreallyare!

3)noTe ThaT The TexT of 2 PeTer 1:3-4 shoWs us a Wonderful PicTure. Wemightcallthispicture“TheBankofHeaven.”Wecanlearnhere“whatwehavein”(viewedfromthedivineside):“exceedinggreatandpreciouspromises,”nextsee“whatwecandrawout”(viewedfromthehumanside):“allthingsthatpertaintolifeandgodliness,”andthen“whatwemustdowithwhatwedrawout”:“thatwemightbepartakersofthedivinenature.”

4)There are several facTors ThaT helP us To deTerMine The GreaTness or WorTh of ProMises. First,thereisthevalueofthethingpromised.Immediatelyweseeinthetextthatthesepromisesarepreciousbeyonddescriptionandre-alization.ThesewonderfulblessingsoftheLordincludesuchthingsasescapingthecorruptionoftheworld(v.4),becomingpartakersofthedivine

nature(v.4),makingourcallingandelectionsure(v.10),aswellashavinganentrancesuppliedintotheeternalkingdom(v.11).Second,thereisthecharacteroftheonewhopromised.WeareassuredthatthesepromisesaregrantedbyHimwhocannotfail.PeterhasdescribedHimbywordsthatshow“the righteousnessofourGodandSavior,”andspeaksof“hisowngloryandvirtue”(vv.1&2).Thepromisesofmenarealwaysweakandsubjecttothewhimsoftheonemakingthem;theyoftenfail,arefaulty,orcannotbekept.ButthepromisesofGodareassureandcertainasHisownrighteouscharacter.Third,thereistheconditionsattachedtothosepromises.WetrustGod’spromisesbecauseweknowHerequiresonourpartwhatanylovingchild of His could fulfill. He has granted these preciousthingstous,butHeletsusknowthatwemustdoourparttohavethetrueblessingofthemall.HetellsusthatHeexpects“diligence”onourpart.Hecallsuponusto“supplyoradd”certainvirtuesaswegrow.Heletsusknowthatifwe“dothesethings”(v.10)wenotonlywillnotstumblebutwewillcertainlyhavethereward.

5) so GreaT and so Many are God’s ProMises. Wecouldnevermentionthemallhere,butconsidersomeweshouldneverforget.Thereissalvationfromourpastsins,accesstocleansingforgiveness forourpresent sins,answers toourprayers,helpintimesoftemptation,theassurancethatallworksoutforgood,restfromlabors,andeternal life. Whatexceedinggreatandpreciouspromises!

491 E. Woodsdale Ave.Akron, OH 44301

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Back To Basics - December 200614 (158)

“Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14).

The BibleThe Bible is the word of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Aleisha Edwards

Kids Activity Page

The following Bible words are not in order. Look in 1 Thessalonians 2:13 to help you write the words in order on the lines below.

in

as

it

is

truth

theword

ofGod

“_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____

_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____, _____ _____ _____

_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____”

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Back To Basics - December 2006 (159) 15

Edwards Publisherswww.edwardspublishers.com 1-800-889-0338

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Growing In Grace And KnowledgeThis13-lessonserieshasbeenpreparedwiththenewconvertinmind.Thematerialhelpsnew Christians “grow in grace, and in theknowledge of our Lord and Saviour JesusChrist”(2Pet.3:18)..............................$4.25

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Download samples and place secure orders online!

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Back To Basics - December 200616 (160)

index: By auThor

Adams, BobbyBagsOfDistractions............................................76

Adams, Connie W.The Need For Unity Among Brethren...................6LeadingPublicPrayer.........................................21MentalDivorce.................................................125

Adams, PaulKidsActivityPage..............................................10KidsActivityPage..............................................22KidsActivityPage...............................................34KidsActivityPage..............................................46KidsActivityPage...............................................58KidsActivityPage...............................................70

Corley, JoeWhyWeBelieve.................................................77WhyWeBelieve..............................................101WhyWeBelieve..............................................133

Dickey, BobThePreciousPromises......................................157

Duvall, DanielBeingAnExampleAtSchool...........................95

Edwards, AleishaKidsActivityPage.............................................82KidsActivityPage..............................................94KidsActivityPage............................................110KidsActivityPage...........................................126KidsActivityPage...........................................142KidsActivityPage...........................................158

Edwards, DebbieTeachingTips....................................................140

Edwards, John IsaacU.S. Carries Out 1,000th Execution........................3TheModelPrayer................................................15FaithOfTheLutheranChurch.............................27TheMusicPassages...........................................38HandClapping&VocalPercussion.....................39HistoryOfMechanicalMusicInWorship.........42TheEstablishmentOfTheLord’sHouse...........51TheSoulWinningChapter..................................63WhyAreWeNotWinningMoreSouls?............66TheLord’sSupper,NewTestamentStyle!..........75ProverbsForSchool............................................87IsEverythingWorship?........................................99What Standard Shall We Use?.........................115ATalebearerVersusAFaithfulSpirit...............131

ThePreciousWord...........................................147The Precious Unity...........................................154

Edwards, JohnieHeBeingDeadYetSpeaketh...............................1SpecialIssue:AcceptablePrayer..........................13ConditionsOfAcceptablePrayer.........................18AndHeAddedNoMore.......................................25SpecialIssue:MechanicalMusicInWorship.........37AnsweringAdditionalArguments......................44SettlingTheMechanicalMusicIssue....................45SpecialIssue:SoulWinning.................................61RepentanceBeforeFaith......................................73SpecialIssue:BackToSchool................................85IsDrinkingASin?................................................97SpecialIssue:Marriage,Divorce,AndRemarriage..113KindOfMindsNeeded.......................................129SpecialIssue:TheseArePrecious.........................145ThePreciousSubstance.....................................152

Edwards, Johnie PaulChristOnDavid’sThrone.....................................7PrayingPositions................................................14TheImportanceOfBaptism.................................26Fellowshipping Error.......................................50

Edwards, MelbaInstructionToYoungMothers...............................4WomenWhoPrayed...........................................16ThingsTheBibleCallsSweet...............................28WhenFamilyHasBeenWithdrawnFrom..........52WomenCanBeSoulWinners...............................64BasicCommandsForWives.............................100PreparingForMarriage......................................116AnotherMilestone.............................................132LessonsFromAnOlderWoman.........................148

Eldridge, DavidOur Worship Unto The Lord.................................29SchoolSupplies.................................................88DoesTheMarriageLawApplyToNon-Christians?.122ForOfSuchIsTheKingdomOfGod.................143

Foster, MattAnotherTestamentOfJesusChrist?...................138

Gibson, Marc W.TheOneTruth....................................................30ModernAttacksOnTheBibleAndChristianity....78

Gwin, GregDefining Bible Terms..........................................117

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Hafley, MorrisTheLord’sPrayer.................................................20

Halbrook, DavidInterview With Head Of The Episcopal Church USA........................................................................104

Hahn, JamesThatFormOfDoctrine......................................32

Harris, Raymond E.DivorceForEveryCause....................................120

Himmel, FrankCanTheGuiltyPartyRemarry?..........................124

Kay, KevinIsAllOfLifeWorship?.......................................106

Leber, Jason T.Unity Of The Spirit Or Unity In Diversity?........141

Martin, Allan E.CreationVersusEvolution#2................................9

Mauldin, LeonMustAdulterersSeparate?..................................123

McPherson, DavidWhoTurnedOnTheWipers?...............................53FirstCenturySoulWinners.................................65ThePreciousDeath..........................................151

Monts, SteveNotEveryone’sDoingIt!....................................86

Morrison Jr., David C.OurClothingAndOurMessageAtSchool.....89

O’Neal, TomWhyShouldIBeASoulWinner?.......................68

Osborne, HarryDressingForWorship......................................108

Osborne, RyanShowingRespectAtSchool...............................93

Peterson, CarlBiblical Applications Of Infinity.......................136

Ping II, Larry R.BibleEndurance..................................................59ThePreciousTrialOfFaith................................155

Ping, LelandFacingDrugsAndAlcoholAtSchool................92

Price, Joe R.ThePreciousBlood............................................150

Puckett, Franklin T.“FaithOnly”TextsInContext...........................102“FaithOnly”TextsInContext#2......................134

Rader, Dathan V.MakingFriendsAtSchool..................................90

Rader, Donnie V.TheRichYoungRuler...........................................5ElementsOfAcceptablePrayer..........................17The“Psallo”Argument........................................40TheBloodOfChrist..........................................49SoulWinningProspects.......................................69Let’sNotForgetTheRedemptiveSystem!...........83PracticalLessonsFromGenesis.......................105MarriageAndTheBond...................................121PracticalLessonsFromGenesis#2....................137ThePreciousChrist............................................149

Richardson, DanExceptYeRepent.................................................55

Sullivan, T. SeanBeingAChristian...................................................8ThreeToolsOfSuccess........................................57ThePreciousSeed.............................................153

Tebault, TomSalvationAccordingToTheBible.......................56

Thomas, Craig V.CastingTheFirstStone.......................................33ChariotsOfFire..................................................81ThingsToAvoidAtSchool...............................91ThePreciousFaith............................................156

Waldron, BobMatthew19:9...................................................119

Webb, MikeWhoCanMarry?..............................................118

Williams, ShaneNoExcuse..........................................................54

Wood, BrianLikeATree........................................................107

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Back To Basics - December 200618 (162)

index: By Topic

BaptismTheImportanceOfBaptism.................................26ThatFormOfDoctrine........................................32

BibleModernAttacksOnTheBibleAndChristianity.....78

Capital PunishmentU.S. Carries Out 1,000th Execution......................3

ChildrenKidsActivity Page...........................................10KidsActivityPage............................................22KidsActivity Page...........................................34KidsActivity Page...........................................46KidsActivity Page...........................................58KidsActivity Page..........................................70KidsActivity Page..........................................82KidsActivity Page..........................................94KidsActivity Page........................................110KidsActivity Page.........................................126KidsActivity Page.........................................142ForOfSuchIsTheKingdomOfGod..................143KidsActivityPage...........................................158

ChristTheBloodOfChrist...........................................49

ChristianBeingA Christian.............................................8NoExcuse..........................................................54ThreeToolsOfSuccess.......................................57BibleEndurance................................................59LikeATree........................................................107KindOfMindsNeeded...................................129ATalebearerVersusAFaithfulSpirit.................131AnotherMilestone...........................................132LessonsFromAnOlderWoman........................148

ChurchEstablishmentOfTheLord’sHouse....................51

Continual CleansingWhoTurnedOnTheWipers?...............................53

DeathHeBeingDeadYetSpeaketh..................................1

DisciplineWhenFamilyHasBeenWithdrawnFrom...........52

DoctrineAndHeAddedNoMore........................................25ThingsTheBibleCallsSweet..............................28Biblical Applications Of Infinity..................136

DrinkingIsDrinkingASin?..............................................97

EasterQuestions&Answers...........................................47

Episcopal ChurchInterview With Head Of The Episcopal Church USA.....................................................................104

Eternal LifeQuestions&Answers......................................111

EvidencesWhyWeBelieve..................................................77WhyWeBelieve..............................................101WhyWeBelieve..............................................133

EvolutionCreationVersusEvolution#2................................9

Faith“FaithOnly”TextsInContext...........................102“FaithOnly”TextsInContext#2.....................134

FellowshipFellowshippingError...........................................50

GenesisPracticalLessonsFromGenesis......................105PracticalLessonsFromGenesis#2.................137

Instrumental MusicSpecialIssue:MechanicalMusicInWorship......37TheMusicPassages..........................................38HandClapping&VocalPercussion......................39The“Psallo”Argument.......................................40HistoryOfMechanicalMusicInWorship...............42AnsweringAdditionalArguments......................44SettlingTheMechanicalMusicIssue...................45

KingdomChristOnDavid’sThrone......................................7

Lord’s SupperQuestions&Answers...........................................11TheLord’sSupper,NewTestamentStyle!............75

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Lutheran ChurchFaithOfTheLutheranChurch............................27

Marriage, Divorce, And RemarriageSpecialIssue:Marriage,Divorce,AndRemarriage..113What Standard Shall We Use?..............................115Preparing For Marriage.....................................116Defining Bible Terms....................................117WhoCanMarry?.................................................118Matthew 19:9...............................................119DivorceForEveryCause....................................120MarriageAndTheBond.....................................121DoesTheMarriageLawApplyToNon-Christians?..122MustAdulterers Separate?..............................123CanTheGuiltyPartyRemarry?...........................124Mental Divorce...........................................125Bible Questions &Answers............................127

Mormon ChurchAnotherTestamentOfJesusChrist?...................138

MothersInstructionToYoungMothers...............................4

Old TestamentChariotsOfFire....................................................81

Original SinBibleQuestions&Answers................................35

ParentingBagsOfDistractions...........................................76

Personal EvangelismSpecialIssue:SoulWinning.................................61TheSoulWinningChapter..................................63WomenCanBeSoulWinners................................64FirstCenturySoulWinners..............................65WhyAreWeNotWinningMoreSouls?................66WhyShouldIBeASoulWinner?..........................68SoulWinningProspects......................................69

PrayerSpecialIssue:AcceptablePrayer..........................13Praying Positions.............................................14TheModelPrayer.................................................15WomenWhoPrayed...........................................16ElementsOfAcceptablePrayer..........................17ConditionsOfAcceptablePrayer.....................18TheLord’sPrayer...............................................20LeadingPublicPrayer.........................................21Questions &Answers......................................23

PreciousSpecialIssue:TheseArePrecious........................145ThePreciousWord............................................147ThePreciousChrist..........................................149ThePreciousBlood..........................................150

ThePreciousDeath...........................................151ThePreciousSubstance....................................152ThePreciousSeed...........................................153The Precious Unity...........................................154ThePreciousTrialOfFaith................................155ThePreciousFaith...........................................156ThePreciousPromises....................................157

PreachingLet’sNotForgetTheRedemptiveSystem!............83

RepentanceExceptYeRepent..................................................55

SalvationSalvationAccordingToTheBible......................56RepentanceBeforeFaith...................................73

SermonsSomeThingsToBeFoundInChristians...................2LivingBelowInThisOldSinfulWorld..................74TheyThatWereReady...........................................98God’sLawConcerningMarriage,Divorce,AndRemarriage...........................................................................114BiblicalExamplesOfBountifulGiving............130

Teachers & TeachingTeachingTips.................................................140

Teachings Of ChristTheRichYoungRuler...........................................5CastingTheFirstStone.......................................33

UnityThe Need For Unity Among Brethren.......................6TheOneTruth.......................................................30Unity Of The Spirit Or Unity In Diversity?...........141

WivesBibleCommandsForWives...........................100

WorshipOur Worship Unto The Lord..............................29IsEverythingWorship?......................................99IsAllOfLifeWorship?.....................................106DressingForWorship........................................108

YouthSpecialIssue:BackToSchool...............................85NotEveryone’sDoingIt!....................................86ProverbsForSchool...........................................87SchoolSupplies....................................................88OurClothingAndOurMessageAtSchool..........89MakingFriendsAtSchool..................................90ThingsToAvoidAtSchool...................................91FacingDrugsAndAlcoholAtSchool..................92ShowingRespectAtSchool.................................93BeingAnExampleAtSchool..............................95

Page 20: Back To Basics - Truth Magazine to Basics/Volume 4/Vol4_Num12.pdfBack To Basics, published by Edwards Publishers, is a 16-page monthly journal dedicated to teaching first principles.

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