Hermeneutics (Brownlow-Dindy) April 29, 2021
Date: 2021-04-30T13:33:25Z Duration: 0:0:0
Hermeneutics (Brownlow-Dindy) April 22, 2021
Date: 2021-04-23T15:55:30Z Duration: 0:0:0
Hermeneutics (Brownlow Dindy) April 15, 2021
Date: 2021-04-16T17:52:05Z Duration: 0:0:0
Hermeneutics (Brownlow Dindy) April 1, 2021
Date: 2021-04-02T14:18:30Z Duration: 0:0:0
Hermeneutics (Brownlow-Dindy) March 18, 2021
Date: 2021-03-19T16:15:29Z Duration: 0:0:0
Hermeneutics (Brownlow-Dindy) March 11, 2021
Date: 2021-03-16T14:38:06Z Duration: 0:0:0
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.
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.
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!
“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.
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!
Which Divorce Does God Hate?
Over the last year, this writer has had several discussions with different brethren who were defending the position that God accepts remarriages that Jesus plainly calls adulterous (Mt. 19:9), as long as those marriages were entered before the couple became Christians. After all, they will say, God forgives sin when people are baptized into Christ. In these discussions, the people so arguing would say something like, “I can’t divorce her [the unscriptural wife] because God hates divorce, and I don’t want to do anything God hates.” Yes, the Bible indeed teaches that “He [God] hates divorce” (Mal. 2:16), but which divorce is it that He actually hates? God Hates Divorce From Scriptural Wives Malachi 2:16 is a passage that is twisted by those defending the position above. Malachi 2:10-16 deals with the corrupted family life of God’s remnant who returned to Palestine from captivity (cf. Ezr. 1:1-4; 7:1-10; Neh. 1:1–2:8). In this section of Malachi, the prophet identified two main reasons why their family life was corrupted. First, their family life had been corrupted by their religiously mixed-marriages (Mal. 2:10-12). Intermarriage with those of the surrounding nations was expressly forbidden under Israel’s law (Ex. 34:16; Deut. 7:3). Solomon’s violation of this law several hundred years prior to this time greatly contributed to Israel’s apostasy (1 Kgs. 11:1-13; Neh. 13:23-27). Since idolatry led to the Exile (cf. Hos. 7:8-10; 13:2), it should have been unthinkable for God’s remnant to tolerate this kind of apostasy again. Malachi reminded them that their common …
Free Slaves Liberating Captive Souls
Prior to becoming Christians, we were enslaved to sin. Now, we are free! From this setting of freedom, we must seek to liberate others captivated by sin!
Two Students Graduating May 15, 2022
Zachary Jones came to FSOP from the Lake Drive church of Christ in Vinton, Virginia, for whom Tommy Blewett (1986 FSOP graduate) has been preaching since 1988. Zachary became a Christian in 2018. Before enrolling in FSOP, he worked as an ice rink attendant. In addition to a high school diploma, he also attended the Secondary Academy for Success in Bothell, Washington. While a student at FSOP, Zachary served as our “tech guy.” He started school during the covid-19 pandemic, when FSOP installed new electronic equipment to maximize our online capabilities. Zachary was invaluable in helping us. After graduation, Zachary plans on working with Tommy and the Lake Drive congregation. Paul Walter came to FSOP from North Texas, having retired as chief of police after a twenty-seven year career with various departments in Mississippi and Oklahoma. He is a Marine Corp veteran. He is a licensed general contractor, plumber, HVAC, and electrician, and he has generously helped brethren with those talents. While a student, he was involved in Orange Street church of Christ’s Polk County jail ministry. He also went with Ted Wheeler on a mission trip to Ghana, West Africa. After graduation, Paul plans to return to North Texas and to work with his home congregation, Linden church of Christ, and other churches of Christ in that area as the need arises.
Six Steps for Minimizing Generational Friction
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.
Impartial or a “Face Looker”? (Part 2)
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.
Impartial or a “Face Looker”? (Part 1)
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!
Scriptural Use of Local Church Funds
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.
Rise of the Messianic Kingdom, A Preview of Our 2023 Lectureship Book
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!
Memories of Michael Elledge
Michael Elledge
July 1, 1960 – August 27, 2023
Faithful Christians Are “More Than Conquerors”
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 …
Thanks for Your Support!
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
Scripture Meditation
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!
Scripture Meditation
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!
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.
Impartial or a “Face Looker”? (Part 2)
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.
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!
Hermeneutics (Brownlow-Dindy) April 29, 2021
Date: 2021-04-30T13:33:25Z Duration: 0:0:0
Hermeneutics (Brownlow-Dindy) April 22, 2021
Date: 2021-04-23T15:55:30Z Duration: 0:0:0
Hermeneutics (Brownlow Dindy) April 15, 2021
Date: 2021-04-16T17:52:05Z Duration: 0:0:0
Hermeneutics (Brownlow Dindy) April 1, 2021
Date: 2021-04-02T14:18:30Z Duration: 0:0:0
Hermeneutics (Brownlow-Dindy) March 18, 2021
Date: 2021-03-19T16:15:29Z Duration: 0:0:0
Hermeneutics (Brownlow-Dindy) March 11, 2021
Date: 2021-03-16T14:38:06Z Duration: 0:0:0
Scriptural Use of Local Church Funds
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.
SPRING 2023 Registration is now Open
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.
Memories of Michael Elledge
Michael Elledge
July 1, 1960 – August 27, 2023
Faithful Christians Are “More Than Conquerors”
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 …
Thanks for Your Support!
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
Scripture Meditation
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!
Why Do Some Translations Have Jesus with a “Broken” Body?
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.
Six Steps for Minimizing Generational Friction
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.
Impartial or a “Face Looker”? (Part 2)
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.
Rise of the Messianic Kingdom, A Preview of Our 2023 Lectureship Book
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!
“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.
Why Do Some Translations Have Jesus with a “Broken” Body?
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.
Impartial or a “Face Looker”? (Part 1)
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!
Which Divorce Does God Hate?
Over the last year, this writer has had several discussions with different brethren who were defending the position that God accepts remarriages that Jesus plainly calls adulterous (Mt. 19:9), as long as those marriages were entered before the couple became Christians. After all, they will say, God forgives sin when people are baptized into Christ. In these discussions, the people so arguing would say something like, “I can’t divorce her [the unscriptural wife] because God hates divorce, and I don’t want to do anything God hates.” Yes, the Bible indeed teaches that “He [God] hates divorce” (Mal. 2:16), but which divorce is it that He actually hates? God Hates Divorce From Scriptural Wives Malachi 2:16 is a passage that is twisted by those defending the position above. Malachi 2:10-16 deals with the corrupted family life of God’s remnant who returned to Palestine from captivity (cf. Ezr. 1:1-4; 7:1-10; Neh. 1:1–2:8). In this section of Malachi, the prophet identified two main reasons why their family life was corrupted. First, their family life had been corrupted by their religiously mixed-marriages (Mal. 2:10-12). Intermarriage with those of the surrounding nations was expressly forbidden under Israel’s law (Ex. 34:16; Deut. 7:3). Solomon’s violation of this law several hundred years prior to this time greatly contributed to Israel’s apostasy (1 Kgs. 11:1-13; Neh. 13:23-27). Since idolatry led to the Exile (cf. Hos. 7:8-10; 13:2), it should have been unthinkable for God’s remnant to tolerate this kind of apostasy again. Malachi reminded them that their common …
Six Steps for Minimizing Generational Friction
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.
SPRING 2023 Registration is now Open
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.
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.
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.
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!
Memories of Michael Elledge
Michael Elledge
July 1, 1960 – August 27, 2023
Six Steps for Minimizing Generational Friction
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.
Impartial or a “Face Looker”? (Part 2)
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.
Scriptural Use of Local Church Funds
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.
Memories of Michael Elledge
Michael Elledge
July 1, 1960 – August 27, 2023
Faithful Christians Are “More Than Conquerors”
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 …
Thanks for Your Support!
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