Truth Magazine October 2020

Monthly Columns

My editorial, entitled “God Gave Gifts to Men,” introduces the theme of the October issues. God bestows gifts on humanity, but these blessings are spoiled by sin. Victory comes through abstaining from every form of evil (1 Thess. 5:22) and avoiding fleshly lusts that war against the soul (1 Pet. 2:11).

In his meditations column, Kyle Pope addresses “Zechariah and the AD 70 Doctrine.” Zechariah encouraged the remnant that returned to Jerusalem and foreshadowed the coming of Christ. Kyle offers a contextual explanation of the 14th chapter, which affirms that God will defend spiritual Zion against her adversaries.

In the Women’s Insights column, Sherelyn Mayberry considers the hymn, “I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord.” From a biblical standpoint, the church and the kingdom identify the same realm, but from different perspectives. Let us consider the blessings of kingdom citizenship and embrace its related responsibilities.

In the Doctrine column, David Flatt concludes his three-part examination of “God’s Selection and Reshaping a Remnant.” Despite Israel’s widespread rejection of the Messiah, there was still hope for Abraham’s descendants. David discusses how God employed the Gentiles to fulfill His covenant promises and redeem a remnant.

In the Church column, Matthew Bassford ponders, “Praise as an Act of Worship.” Are we fulfilling the mandate, expressed initially in Psalm 22:22 and later quoted in Hebrews 2:12, that says, “I WILL PROCLAIM YOUR NAME TO MY BRETHREN, IN THE MIDST OF THE CONGREGATION I WILL SING YOUR PRAISE”?

In the Q-n-A column, Bobby Graham responds to a reader from Chile who asks, “Can an unbeliever baptize someone who wishes to become a Christian?”

In the Archaeology column, Barry Britnell ascends Arbel, a mountain in Israel, located in lower Galilee near Tiberias. Mount Arbel overshadows the Sea of Galilee, the Plain of Gennesaret, and the Via Maris, an ancient trade route connecting the north and south. From atop these cliffs, believers are reminded of the universality of God’s love.

Theme Articles: Abstaining from Evil

The theme section of the October issue of Truth Magazine is entitled, “Abstaining from Evil.” It is the first in a two-part series that focuses upon sins that are common to humanity. The following topics are addressed:

“Alcohol, Drug Abuse, & Other Judgment Impairing Behaviors” by Bruce Reeves. According to reports, alcohol abuse and dependence claim an estimated 100,000 lives and cost U.S. taxpayers over $249 billion each year. Yet, the spiritual costs are far more significant. God calls us to a higher path and purpose.

“Smoking, Vaping, & Other Addictive & Destructive Behaviors” by Robert Harkrider. Whatever the habit may be (whether illegal narcotics, liquor, tobacco, or any other misused thing), if it destroys the body or becomes one’s master, it damns the soul.

“Gambling, Slothfulness, & Other Wasteful Behaviors” by Kevin Maxey. Paul counted himself as a servant of Christ and a steward of God’s mysteries (1 Cor. 4:1-2). Are we trustworthy or slothful? Are we wise or wasteful? How are we using the limited resources that have been entrusted to us?

“Theft, Cheating, Lying, & Other Dishonest Behaviors” by Kyle Pope. Sharing a relationship with God involves showing Him reverence and respect, and being trustworthy and truthful in our dealings with others. Are we individuals of integrity, or are we deceitful and devious?

“Cursing, Swearing, & Other Corrupt Expressions of Speech” by David Dann. Profanity in speech and lifestyle is a form of evil that is closely connected to irreverence and lack of interest in the things of God. Do you value things of value, and is this underlying sense of respect communicated in your speech?

“Overcoming Worldliness Through Transformation (Rom. 12:1-2)” by Scott Willis. Contemporary culture rejects the good news of salvation and seeks to impose corrupt conformity upon all. Yet, by allowing God’s word to operate in our lives, we undergo a spiritual metamorphosis and are changed for the better.

Invitation

Our goal, “Taking His Hand, Helping each other home,” describes our mission and motivation. We hope that you will benefit from these informative, Bible-based articles.

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