In this second part of “Can the Biographies of Jesus Be Trusted?,” Vince continues to set forth evidence and reasoned conclusions as to why we can trust the Gospels as accurate and historically reliable. Jesus is exactly whom He said He was!

The historical accuracy of the Bible has been the scrutiny of many critics for centuries, especially as it relates to the life of Jesus. This article, the first of two parts, gives further proof and insight as to why we can trust the Gospels’ historical accuracy. Nothing else compares in the magnitude of evidence for the accuracy of the New Testament!

Michael Elledge July 1, 1960 – August 27, 2023

As Paul concluded Romans 8, he asked, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” (Rom. 8:37). The apostle made clear that no physical adversity can separate us from Christ’s love. Paul listed (1) “tribulation,” which is trouble, hard circumstances, suffering (Rom. 2:9; 5:3; 12:12; 1 Cor. 7:28); (2) “distress [anguish, ASV],” which is difficulty, trouble (Rom. 2:9; 2 Cor. 6:4; 12:10); (3) “persecution,” which is being “hunted down” for following God (Mt. 13:21; Acts 8:1); (4) “famine,” which is hunger (2 Cor. 11:27); (5) “nakedness,” which is without sufficient clothing, poverty (2 Cor. 11:27; Rev. 3:18); (6) “peril [danger, ESV]” (2 Cor. 11:26); and (7) “sword,” which is a literal sword, but can also be used figuratively for war, violent death, execution (Mt. 10:34; Lk. 21:24; Acts 12:2; Rom. 13:4; Heb. 11:34, 37). Paul experienced all of these (2 Cor. 4:8-12; 11:23-29). Physical adversity has always been the lot of those who follow God (Rom. 8:36 cf. Ps. 44:22). Suffering is a sign not of failure but of God’s will (Mt. 5:10-12; Jn. 15:18-20; Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 3:12). Over all these, God makes us “super-conquerors” (Rom. 8:37)! Paul, by the Holy Spirit, invented this word, by taking the word for “conquer” and adding the prefix “hyper.” Thus, Paul taught Christians, through Christ’s love, are “hyper-conquerors,” or “we overwhelmingly conquer” (NAS95). Victory takes place through suffering, not apart from it, and God even works through harsh realities (cf. Rom. 8:28). The victory comes not in escaping suffering or

By God’s grace, we started our 55th school year August 7, 2023! This would not be possible without your supporting us as you have since our very first semester began September 5, 1969. We know there are others, like ourselves, who understand people are separated from God because of sin (Isa. 59:1-2), that Christ’s blood is the only thing that can take away sin (Rev. 1:5), that obedience to the gospel is the only way to contact Christ’s blood (Rom. 6:3-4), and that getting the good news into the world is the only way people can be reconciled to God (Mk. 16:15-16 cf. 2 Cor. 5:17-21). Our mission is to train men from the Bible to be preachers of sound doctrine in order to strengthen the church and to reach the lost. Thanks for being “fellow workers for the truth” (3 Jn. 8)! —Brian

Among the very basic prerequisites for spiritual growth is meditation on Scripture. This article will show the need and the fruit of meditating on God’s word!

Have you ever wondered why, if not a bone of Jesus would be broken (John 19:36), some brothers will constantly mention the “broken body” of Jesus when presiding over the Lord’s supper? Why do some translations contain the word “broken” in Paul’s explanation of the Lords supper and some do not (1 Cor. 11:24)? The answer may surprise you. This article contains a simplified version of the answer.

We have reached a crucial time of conflict, culturally speaking! Not only as it relates to the church versus the world, but, even more significantly, there is conflict among some congregations within themselves. Much of this stems from generational tensions that view Scripturally optional matters in different ways. Some seem bound by traditions no matter the cost, while others seem to automatically discard traditions for no other reason than that they are “old.” This article focuses on resolving the generational tensions so the local church can maximize its influence for good within itself and among its outside community.

For people not familiar with the King James Version, the term “respect of persons” will probably be misunderstood. Yet this is a very important concept we MUST understand and apply! In Part 1 of this study, we examined the meaning of the term in its Old Testament background. In this article (Part 2), we examine occurrences of “respect of persons” in the New Testament and how those apply to the Christian’s daily living.

If you are not familiar with the King James Version, the term “respect of persons” will probably be misunderstood, yet this is a very important concept we MUST understand and apply! In this article, we will explore the meaning of the term in it’s Old Testament background so we can better understand its relevance and why Christians must possess this character trait under the New Testament!

For what things has God authorized local church funds to be used? This question is important and has been the subject of unnecessary divisions in the Lord’s church. This article will give principles from Galatians 6:6-10 that, when applied, should help us to understand God’s will and be more united in the expedient use of local church funds.

What a wonderful 48th annual lectureship, “Rise of the Messianic Kingdom”! Thanks to all who participated in-person and online! In this Harvester is a review of the lectureship book. “Rise of the Messianic Kingdom” is a study on the Book of Acts as fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies to Israel concerning the Messianic kingdom. An added bonus to this year’s book is much material on the Holy Spirit, truths that many, even among brethren, have not heard because of “theology bias” and/or censorship. Make sure to order your book today!

Subject: Registration is now Open  Registration is now open for the Spring 2023 Semester. Visit {school site link} to view the schedule of classes and Register.