This second study seeks to identify the elders (1) in the New Testament, (2) in the Jewish Synagogue and (3) in the Old Testament. Based on the explication of the terms and the implications of their usage, preliminary conclusions are drawn and a final challenge prepared.

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This third study seeks to trace the origin of the elders. If the Christian Church has not been modeled after the Jewish Synagogue, as we have contended, then from whence did eldership arise? In answer to this question, the First Mention Principle is used to ascertain preliminary conclusions based on the first references of eldership in the Old Testament. Certain liberties of application are exercised towards the end of the study in order to demonstrate the absurdity of argument often advanced by the Reformed Baptists.

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This fourth study is one of two parts which offers two reasons why the church is modeled after the family unit: (1) The family unit is the blueprint for all social institutions, especially the religious societies sanctioned by God; (2) The family unit is the backbone for social planning, as each organization (including the church) exists as an independent, intra-dependent and interdependent entity. Eldership within the early church cannot be rightly apprehended unless it be seen through the framework of eldership within a single house-hold.

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This fifth study is the second of two parts which offers a third reason why the church is modeled after the family unit: The family unit is the building-block for social government. Compelling parallels exist between the type of government established by God (1) among the luminaries: sun, moon and stars; (2) within the house-hold: husband/father, wife/mother and children; (3) within the church: pastor, deacons and members. At the root level, God’s design of church government is simple and sensible.

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A lecture on the Order of the Church: Its Success, Part 4.

The question answered in this study: Should a church measure her success based on duty or results? It is our conviction that results based measurements lead to a humanistic motive in carrying out the Great Commission.

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An exposition of Romans 5:1-11.

“By justification we mean that judicial act of God by which, on account of Christ, to whom the sinner is united by faith, he declares that sinner to be no longer exposed to the penalty of the law, but to be restored to his favor. Or, to give an alternative definition from which all metaphor is excluded: Justification is the reversal of God’s attitude toward the sinner, because of the sinner’s new relation to Christ. God did condemn; he now acquits. He did repel; he now admits to favor.” — A. H. Strong, Systematic Theology.

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The Apostle Paul uses the term “brethren” fourteen times with reference to the recipients of his letter. In this study, the letter as a whole is first expounded, providing a backdrop for the precepts announced in the text. The text itself is then unfolded with special emphasis on the peacefulness and faithfulness each believer is to demonstrate in his relationship with others. Encompassing the whole subject of Christian brotherhood is the Sovereign Grace of God that not only ushers a sinner into fellowship with Himself, but also sustains the saint in his relationship with the brethren.

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Two of the greatest challenges facing any church is the persecution brought against her by oppressors, and the perversion of truth wrought within her by deceptive members. It is Jude’s purpose to deal with the latter problem, wherein he provides a helpful guide in not only identifying the true Christian, but also exposing false professors. This study seeks to challenge the testimony of every professing believer, by bringing all claims to Christ under the scrutiny of His Sovereign Grace.

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An exposition of John 1:10-14.

Regeneration is the sovereign activity of God wherein the Holy Spirit implants the principle of a new life in the soul of man, thereby uniting that soul with the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Also called the New Birth, this activity is unrelated to the modern day Charismatic Movement; it is irrespective of water baptism; and it is not contingent on faith and repentance. However, those who are born again demonstrate their experience by water baptism and they exercise faith and repentance as fruits of the Holy Spirit. This study provides a Scriptural overview of this doctrine and gives special attention to the first reference.

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An exposition of Psalm 2:6-9.

These verses highlight the rule of authority retained by the Son of God. He is presented as the King of kings and Lord of lords, owning all people regardless of their attitude towards Him. His dominion is exercised either by redeeming those whom the Father has given to the Son, or else executing judgment upon those who remain in sin. The great question pursued in this study: In what way does the Son of God own you?

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