DISCIPLE

Donald L. Norbie, Greely, Colorado, USA       A Jewish teacher of the Old Testament asked the Lord, ‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law? ’ Matt. 22:36. The Jews loved to argue about the finer points of their law. The Lord responded, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment’, Matt. 22:37-38.      To love God is not a commonly found religious requirement. Most religions are based on fear. The god or gods must be appeased so they will not hurt you. They are viewed as powerful and cruel, gods to be feared, but surely not to be loved. Worship consists of gifts and deeds to earn favor with these awesome, fearful spirits. To placate them some people have offered human sacrifices, even their own children. ‘They burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods’, Deut. 12:31. Moses spoke to Israel of their God, saying, ‘He...

 by Donald L. Norbie, Greely, Colorado, USA "And there a woman met him with the attire of a harlot and a crafty heart", Prov. 7. 10. Women who pursue what is called the world’s oldest profession dress in a way to advertise their wares. They are soliciting for sex and their goal is to entice the man. Their clothing is revealing, tight fitting and sensual. They advertise their availability and desirability. A very popular and wealthy dress designer was asked where he got the inspiration for his dress designs. He said that he visited the red light districts of a city and observed how the prostitutes dressed as they plied their trade. They knew how to attract men and to arouse their desire and became his models for design. And so in the Western world today many women flaunt their bodies, dressing like prostitutes. Women go to bars dressed seductively and drink with the men. Their dress may seem to be an invitation and many end up being raped later in the night. Too many ...

In a day when “progressive” is a word of commendation used to applaud a man, a method or even a local church, the idea of “going backwards” seems incongruous and wrong.    Recently, all articles in a religious magazine referred to the distinction of' believers as Conservative and Progressive.” We hope that the writer would not suggest that “conservative” and “progressive” were mutually exclusive. Yet as one read that title it was clearly implied that to be “conservative” one cannot be “progressive.” Certain words have a euphony and they sound well together, but they are totally unrelated. It is like asking which fruit one would prefer for dessert, “peaches or leeches.” Their poetry does not conceal their real nature. The implication that to be conservative was to be different than progressive is of course a false assumption.    It is a shocking thought to some that the time has come - indeed it is past time - for the assemblies of God's people to go ...

The Word of God gives light on every step of our way and in every department of our lives. We do not need to say, “I think,” when God has given us His thoughts in His Word. Happy is the child of God who can say with David, “How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God!” (Psalm 139:17).     God gives us clear guidance in all areas of our lives. In family affairs, the various responsibilities and privileges of husbands, wives, parents, children, masters and servants, are described in Scripture (Ephesians 5:22-6:9; Deuteronomy 6:5-7). A cause of disorders and troubles in many families and in the workplace is the neglect of these plain instructions. God expects our obedience in these everyday things, and even in the way in which we dress, modestly, not ostentatiously (see 1 Peter 3:2-5 and 1 Timothy 2:9-10).     The Word of God also tells us plainly how we should conduct ourselves in relation to others in our social and secular lives. Our duties to ...

The Word of God For Our Salvation     A man and his wife were sitting one night reading the Bible. Suddenly looking up, he said, “If this book is true, we are lost”. He resumed his reading. Before he had gone far he looked up again and exclaimed, “If this book is true, we may be saved!” Then a little later he said in a loud voice, “If this book is true, I am saved!”     Without the Bible we would never have known that we were lost sinners in God’s sight, or that God loved us so much that He gave His Son to die for us. We know this only because God’s Word has said it (Romans 5:8). Who would dare to say his soul was saved, his sins were forgiven, and that he was going to heaven, if God hand not said so in His Word?     But He has, and we believe it, simply because He said it. Surely that is enough. We do not need men’s opinions. God has spoken to us and we believe Him. We are “born again...by the word of God which liveth and abideth for ev...