2002 – Volume 13
Abraham and Melchizedek
Abraham's faith is well known. We remember him for his prompt obedience to leave his own country and go to a land God would show him. We remember the promise made upon his father's death for the blessing of all the families of the earth. God honored him for his faith and readiness to sacrifice his only son. The perception of these men of [...]
The Song of Solomon
This book is unique among the books of holy writ. It is a story of love, in tender, romantic language, which Hebrews recognize as a story of love between God and Israel, and Christians recognize as a story of love between Christ and his Church. It is frequently read at Passover season by the Jews, in commemoration of God's loving favor at the Exodus, [...]
A Star Called Wormwood
Islam, Orthodoxy, and Catholicism in Prophecy The third church, the third seal, and the third trumpet together weave a tapestry that shows the challenges God’s people have met and triumphed over through Christ. Yet, their historic importance is relevant to our day, for a star called “Wormwood” and the church in Pergamos directly relate to the challenge of terrorism and warfare in Afghanistan that [...]
Parables of Jeremiah
We generally do not think of parables in the Old Testament, but there are many. Among the major prophets Isaiah has 3 parables, Jeremiah 10, Ezekiel 23 and Daniel 5. Among the minor prophets there are some 14 others. We will con- sider some of the parables in the book of Jeremiah. Like Isaiah, Jeremiah prophesied to the two tribe Kingdom of Judah. At [...]
The Book of Job
The following article is the last portion of a comprehensive treatise on the Book of Job, available electronically, as a Word file, from the author, at cahcbs@aol.com. Here we begin with Elihu's Response to Job. ELIHU'S PREFACE - CHAPTER 33:1-22 Although he plans to criticize Job, Elihu is almost apologetic in approaching him. Before addressing the main problem, he makes clear to Job that [...]
The Book of Job
(Continued from previous issue ... full text available electronically from the author at chagensickl@attbi.com) DOCTRINAL SIGNIFICANCE Perhaps the main importance of the book of Job is to answer the simple question as to why a loving God permits evil. Viewed from this standpoint, job represents mankind grappling with the facts of sin and death around him. As representing man, Job can only be used [...]
Wycliffe’s Work
John Wycliffe’s life is summarized in the Columbia Desk Encyclopedia as follows. “1328-1384, English religious reformer, educated at Oxford. He boldly asserted that Christ is man’s only overlord, that the clergy should own no property; that the Scriptures are the supreme authority; that many Church doctrines (notably transubstantiation) were false. His teachings were spread by his “poor priests” and influenced John Huss. He brought [...]
Measuring Time
Our use and reference to time have both a general or accommodative framework as well as a level of very precise meaning. The expression, “Arrival will be at 6 pm when the sun sets” may be understood quite differently for a meal invitation, a train schedule or a scientist monitoring an atomic clock. A child may say, “I am five and a half” when [...]
The Defense of Truth (Proper and Improper Methods)
"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy" (James 3:17). Question: May it be inferred from this text that purity of doctrine is placed first above all other considerations and that the defense of truth comes before peaceableness? In endeavoring to resolve this [...]
Transition
With this issue we welcome Bro. Richard Doctor to the staff of Beauties of the Truth, who has agreed to accept the duties of Managing Editor. Bro. Jerry Leslie, who has served in this capacity for several years, suggested a change, in the spirit of humility, but has agreed to continue on the editorial board. The members of the board wish Bro. Doctor the [...]
The Flood and the Days of Noah
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The Letter to Pergamum
Revelation 2:12-17. Truth or Compromise? Pergamum is the third church of Revelation. It was located about 55 miles from Smyrna, the second church of Revelation. Pergamum was some 15 miles from the Aegean coast, and a mile or two from the Caicus River. Beyond all other cities in Asia Minor, Pergamum was fitted by nature to be a royal city. It was planted at [...]