We are moving the subscription service for current issues of Truth Magazine to CEI Bookstore/TruthBooks.com. The most recent two (2) years will be secure behind a paywall, and will only be available to paid subscribers. Subscribers will receive a monthly email from MailChimp, announcing that a new issue is available. If you are already a paying customer and have not received a link to download the newest version of Truth Magazine, please contact Mark Mayberry.

Contents

In my editorial for the December issue of Truth Magazine, I explore the topic of “Expectations, Exceptions, and Excuses.” God expects full obedience. While extenuating circumstances may occasionally hinder us, we must not use such exceptions to excuse apathy or neglect.

Kyle Pope contemplates the different meanings attached to the expression, “No Problem,” depending upon our age and background in his meditations column. In life and matters of faith, when people use the same words with different concepts in mind, the result is confusion and chaos. This makes it crucial that in biblical interpretation, we allow the Bible to define its own terms.

In the Women’s Insights column, Lindsay Mast focuses on “Running the Race by Fueling Well.” Serious athletes recognize the need for a balanced, healthy, and proper diet. Similar principles apply in the spiritual realm. Is your soul feasting on the word of God, or are you binging on junk food?

In the Doctrine column, David Flatt’s article is entitled “Glorifying God with One Voice.” Focusing on the text of Romans 14-15:7, David considers the inspired apostle’s instructions for unifying saints of differing personal convictions.

In the Church column, Phillip E. Stuckey concludes our study on worship by addressing giving. Are we showing God honor and reverence each Lord’s Day by giving generously, willingly, and joyfully to the church?

In the Q-n-A column, Bobby Graham fields a reader question, “What does it mean when the Bible says that the temple’s veil was rent asunder (Matt. 27:51)?”

In the Archaeology column, Trent and Rebekah Dutton lead us on a virtual tour of “Masada and the Dead Sea,” two locations that showcase the rugged landscape of the Jordan Rift Valley’s southern end, where many significant Biblical scenes unfold.

The December issue of Truth Magazine is an open issue, containing an assortment of articles:

Lipscomb’s New Lanier Center for Archaeology, by Daniel H. King, Sr. While these changes at Lipscomb University are interesting from an academic standpoint, from a spiritual perspective, they reflect a continued denominational drift among brethren.

Selecting Leaders Wisely, by Keith Hamilton. A google search on “leadership” yields 2.6 billion results. Instead of searching the internet for inspirational quotes on this subject, let’s turn to God’s word for guidance.

Knowing God, by Craig V. Thomas. Paul’s highest calling was to “know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death” (Phil. 3:10). To attain the resurrection from the dead, we must share the same mindset.

From time to time, we provide brethren with the opportunity of addressing significant issues from different perspectives. Accordingly, we include these two articles relating to the observance of the Lord’s supper. These include “COVID and Communion,” by Mark Mayberry, and “Answering Erroneous Arguments re the Lord’s Supper,” by Chris Reeves.

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.

If you have not yet subscribed to Truth Magazine, we encourage you to do so. The magazine is available as a printed monthly journal and accessible through various digital platforms (Amazon Kindle, ePub, and PDF versions, and through your favorite web browser).

We are moving the subscription service for current issues of Truth Magazine to CEI Bookstore/TruthBooks.com. The most recent two (2) years will be secure behind a paywall, and will only be available to paid subscribers. Subscribers will receive a monthly email from MailChimp, announcing that a new issue is available. If you are already a paying customer and have not received a link to download the newest version of Truth Magazine, please contact Mark Mayberry.

MONTHLY COLUMNS

EDITORIAL: The Blessings of Marriage, by Mark Mayberry

MEDITATIONS: Review of The Chosen (Season 1), by Kyle Pope

WOMEN’S INSIGHTS: TEACHING CHILDREN: The Law of the Learning Process (Part III), by Aleta Samford

DOCTRINE: REFLECTIONS ON ROMANS: Transformed by Faith, by David Flatt

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST: The Lord’s Supper, by Mark Mayberry

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: Is it scriptural to argue that a Christian should not marry a non-Christian? by Bobby L. Graham

THEME ARTICLES: Avoiding Sexual Immorality

Adultery and Fornication, by Phillip E. Stuckey

Sexually Suggestive Activities, by Corey Willis

Immodest Clothing, by Ron Halbrook

Abortion, by Daniel H. King, Sr.

Homosexuality and LGBTQ Issues, by Matthew Bassford

Gender Confusion and Roles, by Mike Willis

I appreciate the excellent articles that have been submitted this month. We trust that you will be admonished, instructed, and uplifted through reading this useful material. If you have not yet subscribed to Truth Magazine, we encourage you to do so. The magazine is available as a printed monthly journal, and also accessible through a variety of digital platforms (Amazon Kindle, ePub and PDF versions, and also accessible through your web-browsers).

Yours,
Mark Mayberry

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.

If you have not yet subscribed to Truth Magazine, we encourage you to do so. The magazine is available as a printed monthly journal, and also accessible through a variety of digital platforms (Amazon Kindle, ePub and PDF versions, and also accessible through your favorite web browser).