July /August 2016 The Spirit Begotten “ If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NAS). Listen to audio: Only 144,000, of the estimated 20 billion people that have ever lived, are to become members of a New Creation, with all its possibilities, privileges, blessings, and glories. Yet none of those who lived prior to the death and resurrection of Jesus could participate in the calling to […]
July /August 2016 An Influence Within “If the spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His spirit that dwelleth in you … For as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:11-14). From a discourse by John T. Reed Listen to audio: God’s spirit — what is it, how is it manifested […]
July /August 2016 Children of God “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God” (Romans 8:16). David Stein Listen to audio: In a court trial, a matter of truth is established through the testimony of witnesses. Each one is carefully examined so the particular truths of each one’s testimony is demonstrated. Without such witnesses, no conviction can be reached. Consequently, the value of bearing witness is evident. The church of Christ is called to a […]
July /August 2016 Let Us Examine Ourselves “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Paul Mali Listen to audio: Although no Christian can achieve all of these lofty goals perfectly while in the flesh, they are a good measure of our growth in the narrow way. (1) Spiritual hunger (Matthew 5:6). (2) Inner distaste for those things condemned of God (James 4:4). (3) Conscious effort to transform oneself (Romans 12:1-2). (4) Compulsion to share […]
July /August 2016 Volume 98, Number 4 Teaching by Stories “And the disciples came and said to him, ‘Why do you speak to them in parables?’ ” (Matthew 13:10, NASB). Jeff Mezera Listen to audio: The three synoptic Gospels include parables given by Jesus. John’s gospel does not include these. However, John records that Jesus used many metaphors to convey his teachings, such as the vine and the branches, the bread of life, the many mansions, and the lesson of the Good […]