Truth Magazine January 2020

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: Bible Authority, by Mark Mayberry
MEDITATIONS: “Perverted Persons” in the Temple, by Kyle Pope
WOMEN’S INSIGHTS: Purify Us, by Sherelyn Mayberry
DOCTRINE: Reflections on Romans: God’s Good News, by David Flatt
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST: The Church in Prophecy, by David Dann
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: The Brothers of Jesus, by Bobby L. Graham
ARCHAEOLOGY: I’ll Grind These Stones to Make My Bread, by Luke Chandler

THEME: BLESSINGS OF TECHNOLOGY
Article 1: Beneficial Online Resources, by Tim Matheny
Article 2: Review of Logos, by Steve Wolfgang
Article 3: Review of Accordance, by Jared Saltz
Article 4: Discussing Spiritual Issues Online, by Matthew W. Bassford
Article 5: Keeping in Contact, by John Mayberry
Article 6: Teaching the Bible by Video Conferencing, by John Gentry

Summary of Contents

In my editorial for the January issue of Truth Magazine, I focus on “Bible Authority.” When the chief priests and the elders asked Jesus, “By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?” (Matt. 21:23), they acted with ulterior motives. However, the question is, indeed, vital.

In his meditations column, Kyle Pope addresses, “Perverted Persons” in the Temple.” While the homosexual lifestyle is widely promoted today, it has always been inconsistent with God’s plan and purpose. Kyle surveys this subject, noting that the ancients (like moderns) sought to justify such behavior as sacred and holy.

In the Women’s Insights column, Sherelyn Mayberry meditates on the hymn, “Purify Us” (Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs #576). Purification is a life-long process to which we must be consistently committed: “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Cor. 7:1).

In the Doctrine column, David Flatt offers “Reflections on Romans: God’s Good News.” The gospel is God’s good news to humanity. It was anticipated by the prophets but revealed through the person of Jesus Christ.

In a new column devoted to studying “The Church of Christ,” David Dann considers “The Church in Prophecy.” Many disparage the church, treating it as inconsequential. Yet, Scripture declares that it reflects God’s manifold wisdom—formulated before the foundation of the world, foreshadowed in the prophets, and fulfilled on the day of Pentecost.

In the Q-n-A column, Bobby Graham fields the question, “Were the brothers of Jesus, mentioned in Matthew 12:47, His natural brothers or His cousins?” Bobby explains how flawed assumptions of Roman Catholicism have created confusion on this subject.

In the Archaeology column, Luke Chandler writes an interesting article, entitled, “I’ll Grind These Stones to Make My Bread.” Grinding stones were used in the most mundane of activities, preparing one’s daily bread. Yet, the differences between then and now are fascinating.

The theme section of the January issue of Truth Magazine is entitled “Blessing of Technology.” Serving as a follow-up to the November issue on “The Internet Generation,” we offer the following articles:

“Beneficial Online Resources” by Tim Matheny. This article highlights online resources, which are very usable and low-cost, that Christians can access to be more effective in their personal Bible study and publicly presenting the word of God.

“Review of Logos” by Steve Wolfgang. Logos Bible Software is promoted as “Your Personal Bible Study Assistant.” Many students of God’s word rely upon Logos for quick access to 100s or 1000s of resources and performing in-depth study of Sacred Scripture

“Review of Accordance” by Jared Saltz. The Accordance Bible Study Software provides powerful, primary-language capabilities and a host of other tools and resources for those who want to study the Bible better, faster, and more deeply.

“Discussing Spiritual Issues Online,” by Matt Bassford. Even though online conversation about spiritual issues has gained a bad reputation, when we approach it with the proper attitude, we can accomplish great good.

“Keeping in Contact” by John Mayberry. Let’s explore how brethren can use modern tools to improve group communications within the local body.

“Teaching the Bible by Video Conferencing” by John Gentry. Teaching the Bible by video conferencing allows for efficient use of money, time, and reach when studying with someone in person is not a viable option.

Considerable planning and preparation have gone into this collective effort. We trust that you will be admonished, instructed, and uplifted through reading this good 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).

Truth Magazine December 2019

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: How Can Unity Be Achieved? by Mark Mayberry
MEDITATIONS: “The Two Shall Become One Flesh” by Kyle Pope
WOMEN’S INSIGHTS: Lessons from a Road Trip by Deborah Towles
DOCTRINE: Romans: An Introduction by David Flatt
FAMILY: Cultivating Discipleship in Our Children by Corey Willis
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: What was the Urim and the Thummim? by Bobby L. Graham
ARCHAEOLOGY: Capernaum: The Village of Jesus by Trent and Rebekah Dutton

THEME: Completing the Course

Article 1: Whole Motivation by Warren E. Berkley
Article 2: Tribute to Richard King by Jerry King
Article 3: The Dangers of Wordliness by Tim Matheny
Article 4: What in the World? by Chris Reeves
Article 5: Sheep that Are More than Conquerors by Constant Coulibaly
Article 6: Jesus and the Psalms: The Divine Son in the Psalms by Stephen Hutcheson

In my editorial for the December issue of Truth Magazine, I address the question, “How Can Unity Be Achieved?” The biblical Godhead includes a plurality of Beings (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) united in perfect Oneness. Believers should aspire to similar unity of aim, a collective recognition of authority, and comparable agreement in action. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity!” (Ps.133:1).

In his meditations column, Kyle Pope focuses on the phrase, “The Two Shall Become One Flesh.” When asked about divorce, Jesus reaffirmed God’s original intent on marriage, as expressed in Genesis 2:24. Early Christians recognized in His teaching an explicit prohibition of polygamy.

In the Women’s Insights column, Deborah Towles looks at “Lessons from a Road Trip.” In addition to fielding the question, “Are we there yet,” parents are encouraged to use road trips as opportunities to explore and discuss parallel spiritual lessons of the Christian’s journey toward heaven.

In the Doctrine column, David Flatt offers an “Introduction to Romans.” As we begin a new series, this article gives background information on the apostle Paul, his writing style, and introduces his letter to the saints in Rome.

In the Family column, Corey Willis suggests ways of “Cultivating Discipleship in Our Children.” The concept of discipleship comes from the Greek root “math-” which is suggestive of the discipline required of all who would faithfully follow Christ, including both parents and children.

In the Q-n-A column, Bobby Graham contemplates the Urim and the Thummim, objects used by the high priest in providing a divine answer to inquiries.

In the Archaeology column, Trent and Rebekah Dutton visit Capernaum, a small fisherman’s village located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, which served as a temporary home for Jesus during His earthly ministry.

We did not have an assigned theme in this issue of Truth Magazine but offer an assortment of articles from brethren, grouped under the heading, “Completing the Course.”

Warren Berkley writes on “Whole Motivation.” When our principal goal is to fear God and keep His commandments, our motivations are multi-leveled and inner-connected.

Jerry King offers a tribute to his father, Richard King, who recently passed away. Brother King was a lover of the truth, which caused him to love preachers of the truth and small churches that struggled to support the truth.

Tim Matheny reflects on “The Dangers of Wordliness,” cautioning against over-reliance upon a single definition of a Bible word or phrase, without respect to its context.

Chris Reeves draws lessons from recent current events, including an astonishing statement by Richard Dawkins, and an unexpected slip-up by Chick-fil-A.

Constant Coulibaly, the evangelist for the Lord’s church in Brighton, England contemplates “Sheep that Are More than Conquerors.” Combining the imagery of sheep (docile followers) with conquerors (victorious warriors), brother Coulibaly reminds us of the great promise given to the faithful.

Finally, Stephen Hutcheson submitted an article on “Jesus and the Psalms: The Divine Son in the Psalms.” The Psalms, as expounded and expanded by the New Testament, offer an apostolically-approved pattern for Christian praise.

We trust that you will be instructed, and encouraged by reading this good 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 readable through your web-browsers).