Summary In this episode, the hosts with guest George Beals, discuss the concept of unity in Scripture, focusing on how biblical actions can be categorized into prohibitions, requirements, and options. They explore the implications of these categories on worship practices and the divisions that arise from miscategorizing them. The conversation also addresses the importance of context in understanding biblical teachings, particularly regarding worship and fellowship meals in church buildings. The episode concludes with a reflection on the proper attitude required in worship and a preview of future discussions on biblical solutions to these issues. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Biblical Actions03:01 Exploring Biblical Prohibitions and Requirements05:46 The Role of Options in Worship08:57 Theological Liberalism vs. Anti-ism11:59 The Importance of Context in Worship15:00 Misunderstandings of Worthiness in Worship29:53 Conclusion and Future Discussions

Keywords Bible, unity, biblical teachings, authority, cultural context, silence, prohibitions, requirements, options Summary In this episode of the Florida School of Preaching Harvester podcast, the hosts discuss the importance of understanding how the Bible teaches to achieve biblical unity. They explore the three categories of biblical actions: prohibitions, requirements, and options, and emphasize the significance of Bible authority in all actions. The conversation also addresses the concept of Bible silence and how cultural context influences the interpretation of biblical teachings. The episode concludes with a call for further discussions on areas where misunderstandings may arise. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Biblical Unity08:39 Categories of Biblical Actions17:24 The Role of Authority in Actions25:47 Cultural Context in Biblical Teachings29:08 The Importance of Knowledge in Faith

Keywords Bible, unity, biblical teachings, authority, cultural context, silence, prohibitions, requirements, options Summary In this episode of the Harvester podcast, the hosts discuss the theme of restoring unity within the church, drawing insights from the book of 1 Corinthians. They emphasize the importance of refocusing on Christ, remembering one’s past, reviving love, practicing repentance, and reopening lines of communication as essential steps towards achieving unity. The conversation highlights that true unity is rooted in shared faith and love, transcending divisions based on worldly standards. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Unity00:54 Refocusing on Christ for Unity09:03 Remembering Oneself to Foster Unity16:17 Reviving Love as a Unifying Force25:08 The Importance of Repentance33:35 Reopening Lines of Communication

Keywords Bible, unity, biblical teachings, authority, cultural context, silence, prohibitions, requirements, options Summary In this episode of the Harvester Podcast, Brian Kenyon, Forest Antemesaris, and Steven Ford delve into the themes of unity and division within the church. They explore the seeds of division, emphasizing the role of carnality, pride, lack of love, fear of awkward conversations, and the binding of traditions and doctrines of men as significant factors contributing to disunity. The discussion highlights the importance of spiritual maturity, humility, and love in fostering unity among believers, while also addressing the challenges posed by worldly influences and personal biases.

Keywords Bible, unity, biblical teachings, authority, cultural context, silence, prohibitions, requirements, options Summary In this inaugural episode of the Harvest Seeds of Unity podcast, hosts Brian Kenyon, Forest Antemesaris, and Steven Ford delve into the critical theme of unity within the Christian brotherhood. They explore the scriptural basis for unity, emphasizing the importance of understanding what constitutes obligatory beliefs versus optional opinions. The discussion highlights the significance of humility, love, and long-suffering in maintaining unity, as well as the foundational doctrines outlined in Ephesians 4, including the seven ones of unity. The hosts also address the benefits of unity in the church and the impact it has on evangelism and the perception of Christianity in the world.

Title: If the Foundations Be Destroyed, Who Will Care for the Helpless, Orphan, Aged, NeedyArtist: Gossett, J. KennethAlbum: 1997 Florida School of Preaching LectureshipYear: 1997Track: 97-01Genre: Lectureship Title: Foundation Principles for the HomeArtist: Roney, SamuelAlbum: 1997 Florida School of Preaching LectureshipYear: 1997Track: 97-02Genre: Lectureship Title: Confusion Over the Authority of EldersArtist: Meador, JosephAlbum: 1997 Florida School of Preaching LectureshipYear: 1997Track: 97-03Genre: Lectureship Title: The Church and the HomeArtist: Winkler, WendellAlbum: 1997 Florida School of Preaching LectureshipYear: 1997Track: 97-04Genre: Lectureship Title: The Obligation To Support Faithful PreachersArtist: Nichols, FlavilAlbum: 1997 Florida School of Preaching LectureshipYear: 1997Track: 97-05Genre: Lectureship Title: Joseph in Pothar’s HouseArtist: Winkler, WendellAlbum: 1997 Florida School of Preaching LectureshipYear: 1997Track: 97-06Genre: Lectureship Title: How May We Know Who Is a Christian?Artist: Carlton, BritishAlbum: 1997 Florida School of Preaching LectureshipYear: 1997Track: 97-07Genre: Lectureship Title: The Obligation of the Church To Train PreachersArtist: Carr, B. C.Album: 1997 Florida School of Preaching LectureshipYear: 1997Track: 97-08Genre: Lectureship Title: The True Foundation For The Home, Civil State and ChurchArtist: Davis, DerrelAlbum: 1997 Florida School of Preaching LectureshipYear: 1997Track: 97-09Genre: Lectureship Title: Consequences Are Predictable When the Foundation of the Home Is DestroyedArtist: Black, V. P.Album: 1997 Florida School of Preaching LectureshipYear: 1997Track: 97-10Genre: Lectureship Title: Autonomy of the Local CongregationArtist: Woodson, WilliamAlbum: 1997 Florida School of Preaching LectureshipYear: 1997Track: 97-11Genre: Lectureship Title: Religious Division Destroys the Foundation of the ChurchArtist: Clemons, RobertAlbum: 1997 Florida School of Preaching LectureshipYear: 1997Track: 97-12Genre: Lectureship Title: Forced To Obey God Rather Than The Civil StateArtist: Sain, RichardAlbum: 1997

Apollos seems to be the first preacher mentioned in the New Testament who was not miraculously inspired by the Holy Spirit. He was “instructed in the way of the Lord … fervent in spirit … and taught accurately the things of the Lord.” Yet, he had one major flaw: “he knew only the baptism of John” (Acts 18:24-25). Thus, what he taught about baptism was not true. It was false. He taught false doctrine, but should he have been marked and/or withdrawn from as per Romans 16:17-18 or Second Thessalonians 3:6-15? No, he should not have, and this article explains why.

We often take time for granted, especially when making plans in our fast-paced world. This article examines James 4:13-17, and brings forth three benefits of keeping God in our plans.

Have you ever allowed your view of another brother or sister in Christ be tainted because of what others have said about that brother or sister? Have you ever taken somebody’s word concerning the failed spiritual condition of another brother or sister just because the person saying so was “reputable”? The Bible still teaches that verification is needed for accusations of sin to stand. This article explores the need for “two or three witnesses” so that we do not fall into the trap of making judgments about brethren without adequate evidence.

Influence can be a wonderful thing, especially when people to draw closer to God through it. We never know who is watching us or even the full impact of our influence. In this article, we explore the subject of influence and note a very heart-felt fruit of the influence of the Florida School of Preaching.

Based on the reaction of some Christians, it seems that too many think to disagree with them on optional matters is to disagree with Scripture. However, to treat a person’s opinion on matters of indifference or matters of expediency, as if it were the doctrine of Christ and make his or her opinion a matter of fellowship is sin (cf. 1 Timothy 4:1-5). This article, using Romans 14 as its base, will examine how we should receive one another as Christ received us, which means we should encourage one another despite our scruples, not condemn one another.

Since part of our mission as mature Christians, including preachers, is to restore the erring (Gal. 6:1-2), we must understand how and why the erring got to their current state in order to ascertain the best biblical strategy to restore them (cf. Rev. 2:5). In this article, we analyze three different kinds of people in error, and what the Bible teaches on how each should be handled.

Since part of our mission as mature Christians, including preachers, is to restore the erring (Gal. 6:1-2), we must understand how and why the erring got to their current state in order to ascertain the best biblical strategy to restore them (cf. Rev. 2:5). In this article, we show that since all error is not the same, all those in error are not the same, and thus will require different strategies.

Jesus is concerned about seeking the lost, and so should we (Mt. 28:19-20; Mk. 16:15-16)! We cannot be Christ-like if we are not concerned about bringing lost souls to a knowledge of the truth (Mt. 9:36-38; Jn. 4:19-26). This article provides an encouraging summary of campaigns in which our students were involved. Your support of the school and our students reaches far beyond the classroom! To God be the glory!

“Silence of the Scriptures” is a term used quite often in discussing Bible authority. What do people mean by that term? How does that term harmonize with biblical hermeneutics? In the previous issue of the Harvester, we examined major misunderstandings of how the Bible authorizes, including unscriptural views of “silence of the Scriptures.” In this article, we show examples from the Book of Hebrews of how “silence” was used and what the implications teach about authority from God.

“Silence of the Scriptures” is a term used quite often in discussing Bible authority. What do people mean by that term? How does that term harmonize with biblical hermeneutics? This article examines major misunderstandings of how the Bible authorizes, including unscriptural views of “silence of the Scriptures.” Understanding these views and their weaknesses will help us better know and appreciate how the Bible authorizes.

Unfortunately, depression and suicide and/or attempted suicide are increasing in society generally and even in the church particularly. For the January issue of the Harvester, we usually review the lectureship book. This year’s book had four chapters dealing with depression and suicide and how the church can help hurting families that are affected. All the excerpts from the book in this Harvester are from those four chapters and will give us great insight from a biblical perspective.

False teaching, like that experienced in first century Colosse, acts as if the Christ of the Bible is not enough to spiritually sustain people. Thus, false religion will come up with all kinds of rules and regulations while lessening true requirements of God to fill-in the alleged gaps. Paul addresses these doctrines, in part, by declaring each Christian is complete in Christ. This article will show why Christ makes us complete!

Have you ever heard an eldership or preacher base a universal policy on “It’s the safest thing”? It might be whether to conduct the wedding ceremony of someone entering their second marriage, even though it is Scriptural, or perhaps not attending or allowing the building to be used for a wedding whose cultural practices (such as “jumping the broom” or a non-lascivious bride/daddy dance) are not like the cultural practices of a majority of the members. Are these “safest thing” policies really based on Scripture or are they an indication of people not studying the Bible for themselves and conforming to the doctrines of men rather than the oracles of God? This article will explore some of the issues and dangers involved in these “safest thing” policies.

If Christians are not careful, they can be carried away into the errors of culture. The subject of homosexuality is one such area. While members of the church may not agree with the behavior, some will see nothing wrong with the “same sex attraction,” or desire, as long as those with such do not engage in the behavior. Is that okay according to Romans 1:26-27? This is but one of the “issues within the issue” addressed in the material covered by George F. Beals in his debate with Andy Oliver (of the United Methodist Church) over the morality of homosexual behavior. In this Harvester article is a brief review of the debate that took place October 27, 2022. A link is also provided so you can watch the debate yourself and make up your own mind.

The term “Messiah” occurs only twice in the New Testament, and both times it contains a brief explanation of what it means.: “Messiah … which is translated, the Christ” (John 1:41), and “Messiah … who is called Christ” (John 4:25). There are good reasons for this as we have shown in this series of articles. The first part of this study examined Old Testament background of the term “Messiah” and how the expectations of “Messiah” changed during the intertestamental period. The second part of this study considered the term “Messiah” in the first century and how it was viewed when the “voice of one crying in the wilderness” broke that silence and what that means for us today. This concluding part examines what “Messiah” meant to the first century church and what it means for Christians today.

Did you know the term “Messiah” is only found twice in the New Testament, and both times there is attached an explanation, “which is translated, the Christ” (John 1:41), and “who is called Christ” (John 4:25)? Why is that? In the first part of this study, consideration was given to some Od Testament background of the term “Messiah” and how the expectations of “Messiah” changed during the intertestamental period. The second part of this three-part series considers the term “Messiah” in the first century and how it was viewed when the “voice of one crying in the wilderness” broke that silence and what that means for us today.