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).
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).
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
In my editorial, entitled, “Contemporary Tribalism vs. Christian Unity,” As protests and riots have buffeted our nation, the fabric of society has frayed. Many now question the assumptions that bind us together. Yet, Christ is the answer to societal ills, and He calls us to spiritual unity.
In his Meditations Column, Kyle Pope ponders the promise of “No Condemnation.” Under what conditions can we enjoy the assurance of experiencing “no condemnation?” The gospel reveals that those “in Christ” can have this hope, but it also clearly defines what it means to be “in Christ.”
In the Women’s Insights Column, Lindsay Mast offers the second article in her series on “Running the Race: When the Course Isn’t Clear.” “As 2020 keeps throwing its pandemic punches,” she asks, “How can we continue to run well when the course is full of fog, obstacles, and even danger?”
In the Doctrine Column, David Flatt continues his “Reflections on Romans.” His article is entitled, “God’s Selection & Reshaping a Remnant (Part 2).” The concept of a remnant is central to understanding God’s dealings with humanity: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be like the sand of the sea, it is the remnant that will be saved” (Rom. 9:27; cf. Isa. 10:22).
In the Church Column, Mike Willis looks at “Preaching as an Act of Worship.” Preaching was an essential part of worship assemblies in the New Testament church. Renouncing the denominational emphasis on entertainment, let us reaffirm our commitment to hearing and obeying heaven’s message.
In the Questions and Answers Column, Bobby Graham responds to the following inquiry: “How does one respond to the idea that the New Testament epistles are simply ‘love letters’ having no authority behind them?” Bobby reminds us that the gospel message comes from the King of Kings.
In the Archaeology Column, Luke Chandler shares information about a recently unearthed statues of a “Canaanite Fertility Goddess.” Ancient and modern cultures share a common emphasis on sexuality, debasing a divine gift, corrupting character, and dishonoring God.
THEME SECTION
The September issue of Truth Magazine is an “Open Issue,” i.e., a collection of articles that have been submitted by various faithful brethren.
Article 1 is entitled “Leadership Involves Being and Doing Habits” by Keith Hamilton. Our brother reminds us that leadership occurs whenever we influence the thinking, behavior, or development of another person.
Article 2 is entitled “A Messenger of Satan” by Howard Whittlesey. When a messenger of Satan hounds a man about his departure from God’s path, our Savior is only a prayer away from penitence and resolution with which Satan cannot cope.
Article 3 is entitled “Are the Elements of the Lord’s Supper Essential or Incidental?” by Ron Halbrook. The Bible contains a pattern for the work, worship, and organization of the Lord’s church. Ron asks, “Does the pattern concept include the elements of the Lord’s supper, which Jesus instituted on the night of His betrayal?”
Article 4 is entitled “Is It Really about Race? What Did Jesus Say?” by Dick Blackford. As our society experiences a renewed period of civil unrest, we are reminded that there is something more important than race that needs our undivided attention—namely, the cultivation of one’s character.
Article 5 is “A Review of the Neubauer-Reeves Debate on the AD 70 Doctrine” by Shawn Chancellor. The AD 70 doctrine is a heretical approach toward Scripture. It imposes an artificial grid upon our understanding of the sacred text, with the result that nearly every page of the Bible is subjected to radical reinterpretation.
Article 6 is “In Memory of E.M. Chandler” by Forrest Morris. Brother Chandler (May 9, 1930-July 6, 2020) was a beloved member of the Lord’s church—faithful, always encouraging, and supportive. His infectious smile and delightful sense of humor brought joy to friends, family, and fellow Christians.
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).
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
PRIDE GOES BEFORE DESTRUCTION by David Dann. This month, we asked David to select and assign the theme topics and to compose a related editorial. He focuses upon pride—a subtle tool of the devil that can easily destroy the Christian’s relationship with God.
“ELEMENTARY PRINCIPLES” by Kyle Pope. Like the foundation of a building, “elementary principles” serve an essential purpose. However, they are not an end in themselves but a starting place for future growth.
TEACHING OUR CHILDREN: THE LAW OF THE LEARNING PROCESS (PART II) by Aleta Samford. Children become excited and feel empowered when they are part of the teaching process, which in turn will aid the learning process. It is so rewarding to hear groans of disappointment when the bell rings for class to end!
REFLECTIONS ON ROMANS: GOD’S SELECTION & RESHAPING A REMNANT by David Flatt. While we may know the overall history of God’s people, we may not accurately discern its meaning. Paul clarifies a misreading of Israel’s history and demonstrates how God’s selection and reshaping of Israel were just.
LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY by Robert Harkrider. Prayer is one of the greatest privileges of a Christian. Nevertheless, to be assured that God hears us, we must apply the Lord’s teaching regarding acceptable prayer.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS by Bobby Graham. A reader inquires, “How should I answer the radicals in “People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals” (PETA) when they protest eating meat?”
THE MOUNT OF OLIVES by Trent and Rebekah Dutton. The Mount of Olives served as an entry and exit point for Jerusalem, a cemetery for the Jewish faithful, and a quiet place for Christ to commune with His Father. The Old and New Testaments ascribe notable significance to this mountain.
Monthly Theme
The theme section of the MONTH issue of Truth Magazine focuses on the “Perils of Pride.”
WHAT IS THE ALLURE OF PRIDE? by Steven J. Wallace. Let us consider five fallacious ways that Satan entices men to manifest a spirit of arrogance and sinful pride.
PORTRAITS OF PRIDE by Jesse Flowers. Solomon warns us that “pride goes before destruction” (Prov. 16:18). This truth is powerfully illustrated in the lives of various individuals who serve as portraits of pride in the pages of Scripture.
PRIDE IN THE HOME by Shane Carrington. While arrogant pride divides and destroys families, humble thankfulness strengthens our families in time and toward eternity.
PRIDE AND THE LOCAL CHURCH by Heath Rogers. Just as pride leads to the downfall of individuals, Satan exploits pride in his efforts to destroy local congregations.
PRIDE AND PREACHERS by Bruce Reeves. While teachers of God’s word should be confident in the Scriptures and zealously proclaim Christ, they must do so with the attitude of Jesus (Phil. 2:5).
OVERCOMING PRIDE by Kevin Maxey. One of the worst characteristics of contemporary culture is the casual attitude many manifest toward worship; Jason calls us back to the biblical pattern.
A great deal of planning and preparation has 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 soon to be accessible through your web-browser).
