1st Century Christianity in the 21st Century.

These parables emphasize rejoicing at the recovery of “lost” things. The original hearers were scribes and Pharisees who accused Jesus of “guilt by association” for fraternizing with those they considered sinners. They were scandalized that He would eat with such “unclean” people. By their standards, there was no way Jesus could be a truly “great” teacher if He associated with such people! The common thread in these parables was intended for their benefit. Most people then were very familiar with…

No limits! Two negative words. Usually, we do not like to hear the word “no”, and we do not enjoy having “limits”. But when you put the two words together, they became something very powerful. They then change their meaning. When it comes to evangelism and benevolence, the church has no limits. Now please understand me, we must stay within the commands of God; but when we stay within those limitations, the possibilities are unlimited. Jesus told his disciples to,…

By and large, Americans know so little about sheep, yet the Bible is filled with references to shepherds and their flocks. My nearly ten years of living in New Zealand allowed me to be around them. When I went to New Zealand, there were three million people living in that beautiful land and there were eighty million sheep! I remember driving to conduct a Bible study at a residence on one of the large sheep farms (in New Zealand they…

(Editor’s note: Adair Chapman was the oldest brother of our dear Forrest Chapman, and was a great source of encouragement in Forrest’s decision to preach the gospel. Also a gospel preacher, Adair “emigrated” to Dallas, Texas early in his preaching career, where he became both wellknown and well-loved for his great work in the kingdom.) Members of the church will often ask, “Is it necessary for me to attend church services?” No intelligent person would ask, “Must I eat every…