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).