In this article and the next, we want to look at a few of the more common misconceptions about God’s plan for our salvation. We’re Saved By Grace Alone Through Faith Alone Some denominations teach that this is a “most wholesome doctrine” and “full of comfort.”  But it is not from God.  This common teaching [...]

This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men (Matt. 15.8, 9). Simply Christians When the church of Christ was established in Acts 2, Luke tells us that Peter commanded the people to “repent and be baptized [...]

Beginning with this article, and for the next several, we want to discuss what the Bible teaches concerning salvation.  If at any time you desire to have a personal study about your salvation, contact us and we will study with you (contact info above). We are lost in sin and Jeremiah tells us that we [...]

by John R. Gentry What do you think of when you hear the word church?  The word church is used in many different ways by people today.  The word church is defined as those called out for a specific purpose.  It simply means the people whom Jesus has called by the gospel: “To this he [...]

2010: The Year To End … and Begin! by John R. Gentry One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Phil. 3.13, 14, ESV Possessing a productive, profitable life often [...]

Tongue-Speaking ??? Since the Charismatic movement began sweeping through much of the denominational world in the 1960’s, the issue of whether or not a “born-again Christian” can “speak in tongues” has been discussed and debated. Questions surrounding “Holy Spirit baptism” have also arisen. “What saith the Scripture?” Can people “speak in tongues” today? In Mark [...]

5 Views of Mark 16.16 We’re going to take a break from our scripture memorization and think about something I came across in my notes the other day. The Five Views of Mark 16.16 The Catholic: “He who believes not and is baptized shall be saved.” The Atheist: “He who believes and is baptized shall [...]

Name: Christian Acts 11.26; 26.28 1 Pet. 4.16 We’re cheating this week with three memory verses instead of two, but you can do it. These three verses comprise the totality of the New Testament’s usage of the word “Christian.” What can we learn about a Christian from these texts? And when he [Barnabas, JRG] had [...]

OUR NEED TO BE IMMERSED INTO CHRIST John R. Gentry Baptism is one of the more controversial subjects in religion. Different denominations teach different things concerning the mode and meaning of baptism. Whenever it is brought up, people generally frown or act disgusted and think, “Why is he bringing this up again? People have been [...]

The Kingdom (Eph. 5.5; Col. 1.13) For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Eph. 5.5 (29) The kingdom of Christ is the kingdom of God. This passage not only [...]