Jan 06 2025
1997 FSOP Lectureship – If The Foundations Be Destroyed, What Can The Righteous Do?
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
Oct 01 2024
By the Mouth of Two or Three Witnesses
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.
Sep 16 2024
Are Differences Of Opinion In Optional Matters Sin?
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.
Sep 16 2024
Lost Brethren Are Not the Same (Part 2)
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.
Sep 16 2024
Lost Brethren Are Not the Same (Part 1)
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.
Sep 16 2024
The Mission Field Is Right Outside Our Door … And Everywhere!
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!
Sep 01 2024
Salt of the Earth and Light of the World
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.
May 03 2024
“Silence of Scripture” Exemplified From the Book of Hebrews
“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.
May 02 2024
Considering Again Bible Authority And “Silence of the Scriptures”
“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.
Apr 26 2024
A Reasoned Hope: Firm unto the End
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.
Jan 26 2024
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!
Dec 13 2023
Is the “Safest Thing” Really Scriptural? (Or Is It a Reflection of Brotherhood Politics, Leading to Binding What God Did Not?)
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.
Dec 14 2022
A Review of the Beals – Oliver Debate Homosexuality and Christianity
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.
Nov 30 2022
Why Was Jesus Called the Christ? Part 3
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.
Nov 02 2022
Why Was Jesus Called the Christ? Part 2
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.
Oct 04 2022
Why Was Jesus Called the Christ? Part 1
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? This first of a two-part article will, among other things, explain why … but it is nothing new, a perfectly scriptural term hardly used because of its cultural corruption into a meaning that God never intended!
Aug 31 2022
Understanding Translation Essentials Should Reduce Controversy
Why do discussions about translations, especially when critical of the KJV, often become “fighting words”? Since when is a rational discussion about anything biblical among truth-seeking brethren off-limits? Why have churches split and preachers been hired or fired based on “KJV-only” teachings? This article seeks to lessen controversy and promote unity by addressing three essential things that all translations, biblical or secular, need. When these things are understood, the controversy should lessen. Much of why translations read differently is not “liberal versus conservative,” but what does the evidence support? May we always justify our conclusions based on sufficient evidence!
Aug 02 2022
“Rulers of the Gentiles” Are Not the Model for Local Churches
Too many in the body of Christ, from leadership to new converts, think of the church as if it were a mere secular institution, a kingdom of the world, run by “rulers of the Gentiles.” This attitude shows in many ways, from the way they approach church assemblies to the way “business meetings” are conducted. This article will help us refocus on the spiritual nature of the church and its leaders.
Jun 20 2022
Conception, Culture, and Christ’s Church
Sometimes people who have only known their culture think it is the moral norm. Thus, any major change to that culture is taken as the end of civilization as they know it. Enter Roe v. Wade. What effect has it had on culture? What effect would its overturning have on culture? Regardless of the “cultural norm,” if God has determined something to be inherently sinful, no culture can make it morally acceptable!