Subscriptions for current issues of Truth Magazine are available at CEI Bookstore/TruthBooks.com. The most recent two (2) years are behind a paywall and available to paid subscribers. Subscribers receive a monthly email from MailChimp, announcing the availability of a new issue. 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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MONTHLY COLUMNS

EDITORIAL: The Peril and Prevention of Pride

by Mark Mayberry

Synopsis: Kings and commoners, the nations of men, and even God’s people are frequently filled with pride only to be brought low. Contemporary culture shakes its fist in the face of God, but Psalm 2 reminds us that He will have the last laugh.

MEDITATIONS: “The Eyes of the LORD are on the Righteous”

by Kyle Pope

Synopsis: As Solomon wrestled with the meaning of life, modern-day disciples sometimes struggle with questions. Let us turn to God’s word for answers.

WOMEN’S INSIGHTS: The Rock of My Heart

by Sherelyn Mayberry

Synopsis: Matthew Bassford and Glenda Schales have combined their lyrical talents in producing a memorable and moving hymn. Sherelyn reflects upon Scriptures that undergird this song of praise.

DOCTRINE: REFLECTIONS ON ROMANS: God Ruling the World by Hope

by David Flatt

Synopsis: Nearing the end of the Roman epistle, Paul concludes his overall thesis and comments upon his future plans.

PRINCIPLES OF PRAISE: The Need for Reverence

by Matthew Bassford

Synopsis: With the start of a new year, we begin a new column that focuses upon principles of praise. As a faithful gospel preacher and gifted writer of spiritual hymns, Matthew is well qualified to guide us in this study. Welcome, brother!

QUESTIONS and ANSWERS

by Bobby L. Graham

Synopsis: A reader asks, “Will animals exist in eternity on a reconstituted earth?”

ARCHAEOLOGY: Shining Light on Ancient Lamps

by Luke Chandler

Synopsis: Seeing ancient oil lamps helps us find greater meaning in Jesus’s teaching.

MONTHLY THEME

Reflections on Psalm 2: Introduction and Overview

by Evan and Marie Blackmore

Synopsis: As we sing, read, and pray from Psalm 2, we celebrate God’s triumph over His adversaries.

Reflections on Psalm 2: The Nations Rage

by Heath Rogers

Synopsis: Rebellious men defy divine authority, viewing Scripture as shackles. Insolence and insubordination will ultimately fail, while God’s word stands forever.

Reflections on Psalm 2: The Lord Responds

by Warren Berkley

Synopsis: God’s people can be confident that no enemy or enemies of God will ever defeat or destroy any purpose or plan of God.

Reflections on Psalm 2: The Son Rules

by Joe R. Price

Synopsis: The divine proclamation of God’s Son as His Anointed King prompts Christians to remain loyal to Christ when earthly rulers dishonor Him by denying His rule.

Reflections on Psalm 2: Reverence or Recompense

by Leon Mauldin

Synopsis: We each choose whether we will have a spirit of reverence and obedience to God’s Anointed or a spirit of rebellion and disobedience; God will judge us accordingly.

Reflections on Psalm 2: Christ, Our Refuge

by Curtis Pope

Synopsis: In this concluding article, Curtis contemplates our refuge in the Son (Ps. 2:12), comparing the city of refuge motif with the sanctuary we now have in Christ Jesus.

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