November 1998

Is Membership Essential?

[The article below is from the May, 1982 issue of Plain Talk. In our day, it seems many people want the church to do exclusively for them. It is good to remember that, while God has given us the church, we owe the church a debt of membership and participation. Church membership seems like such an easy concept, but there will be floaters and those who deny its necessity. We commend the following to you Editor.] more...

The Pope and Biblicism

In a recent encyclical entitled "Fides et Ratio" (Faith and Reason), Pope John Paul II lashes out at what he terms "biblicism." According to the pope, "biblicism" is the tendency "to make the reading and exegesis of Sacred Scripture the sole criterion of truth." more...

Sound Doctrine

In the second chapter of Paul's letter to Titus, he begins to offer practical advice on teaching for this young preacher. In these instructions, he makes an important point about the need for "sound doctrine." more...

Teamwork

It is high school football playoff time in Texas, and that means the opportunity to see football as it was meant to be played. But at a recent game, the scene I witnessed among parents was reminiscent of many churches. more...

Parents and Marilyn Manson

By the time this issue is released, Dallas will have undoubtedly survived an invasion by Marilyn Manson, the latest purveyor of shock-rock. With his strange makeup, all-black attire, a new, purposely androgynous look, and lyrics which are decidedly anti-Christian, many perceive him as a real threat to society. more...

The Preacher's Pen

I've just completed one of the longest weeks of my life. Everything that could possibly be due, need to be done, or demand my attention called on me for completion this week. If I listed everything that I had to do in the last seven days it would take up all the space for this article! Truthfully, sometimes I didn't think I'd get it all done, or live through all the deadlines and pressure. But I did. more...