Studies, Notes, Other Resources . . .
We invite you to browse here . . .
We think you will likely find some things very elementary to you, and (hopefully) some
other things which will stimulate your study. We do not consider any of our
materials to be the authoritative word on their subjects - just where the Lord
has led us so far. You may find errors (substantive, typographic), but they are
not intentional. If you go further . . . please handle it with prayer.
Spiritual Warfare - War is on!
If you weren't aware of that, likely, you are already a casualty!
Seriously, many Christians of our generation are moving blithely through life,
totally unaware of the war raging around them. That's a real pity,
because, the more followers of Jesus who enlist and fight battles in the
heavenlies, the sooner it will end. This study is still in draft form, so
we would welcome your suggestions for improvements. This is pretty heavy
reading, so you may want to take it in hitches. We plan to break it up
into smaller bites in its final draft.
Compelling thoughts! Besides the war itself, this in-depth look at the
relationships between mankind, Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit, angels, Satan,
demons, and the creation suddenly makes clear what had been a very muddled
picture. Why was Adam's punishment so great? Was Satan lying when he
promised Jesus "all the kingdoms of the world" for bowing down to
him? What is the relationship between followers of Jesus and the entire
creation?
Many believe that before our Savior returns to earth for
one final time that the physical nation of Israel must be
restored to the land God promised through Abraham, Isaac,
and Jacob, and that the temple with its system of animal
sacrifices must also be restored. Not only do certain
churches devoutly believe and teach variations of these
doctrines, nations build foreign policy and treaties around
that belief. Is it true? In The
Biblical Return of Israel,
Dr. Robert L. Whitelaw takes a scholarly look into critical
scriptures dealing with these promises. It is well
worth your while to read and to share this study with your
friends.
God's
Leadership -- Most groups of Christians in most churches have
unique "leadership". Quite a number even take the form of a
hierarchy or a bureaucracy. In the first century, it was much simpler
than that. With Jesus as the "chief shepherd", shepherds were
identified to "watch the flock". That was about it. Join
us in this study.
Holy
Spirit Studies
Part 1
Holy
Spirit And Christians -- An introductory treatise on biblical
portrayals of the Holy Spirit in the lives of God's family. It may or
may not be what you have believed, but we promise it to be thought-provoking,
and calling for meditation and consideration.
Part 2
Holy Spirit, Spiritual Gifts,
Spiritual Myths -- a comparison of biblical teachings with many
current beliefs and myths about the Holy Spirit in the lives of God's
family. Sure to provoke further study.
"It
Seems To Me . . ."
This phrase became almost universal while The
Examiner was being published on paper in the last half of the
1980s. It was the header of a popular "column" written by Art
Thompson, then of Southeast Florida.
The phrase indicated in a subtle way, that the thoughts contained in the
column were his opinion only. But, you may read and see for yourself some
of the nuggets of insight into Divine Inspiration contained in the brief
commentary. Sometimes written with a pen dipped deep into the well of
sarcasm; other times he paints with light humor; at still other times, his
thoughts are bathed in pathos. Come join us.
Additional ones are still being written, and plans are to publish them on this
site as they become available.
King James' Version - Extensive
excerpts from The Revised New Testament and History of Revision, written by the
head of the Revised Version revision company. Highly critical of the KJV. With
editor's notes.
The Lord's Supper (Communion) - Its
Purpose; Its Frequency; Its Symbols - By Art Thompson. An in depth,
scholarly study of a practice revered by Christians of all areas of the world
for almost 2,000 years. Peels away some myths about the communion, believed
mostly in the United States. Contains an extensive bibliography, with author's
notes. Many rare sources have lengthy quotations for the reader's benefit.
If you would prefer to go directly to the bibliography, use this link: The
Lord's Supper - Bibliography. You will find this bibliography to
be much more than just a listing of books and articles the author researched to
write the book above. In this bibliography are lengthy quotations of some
controversial topics so you can see quotations in their entire context, and
judge the content for yourself. Many sincere and capable authors and
researchers give us only the research segment they quote in their
materials. If we want more, as we often do, we must find the book for
ourselves. Many of these sources quoted are rare. This may be your
only encounter -- ever -- with some of them.
Most know that our Lord's Supper has its roots in the deep and historic
traditions of the Hebrew / Jewish
Passover. To most Christians (and many Jews, as well), the
traditions and practices that guided Jesus and his disciples through that last
historic night, remain shrouded in a lack of knowledge about it. Learn
more here.
Revival! - Documents,
articles, research notes, links, relating to revival since (and including)
Pentecost.
"Can
I Be Just A Christian?"
- Charles Baugh has posed the question many have asked through the
centuries. Each time the question is faced with serious intentions,
something revolutionary happens.
Some Contrasts
- Some study
notes for anyone, but particularly useful for some who question the doctrines
and traditions of Churches of Christ, Christian Churches, Disciples of Christ,
and some others. This study contrasts current concepts ("Now") with
biblical concepts of the 1stcentury disciples ("Then").
(We plan other articles on various subjects to follow . . . Do you have
suggestions for topics?)
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