Self-government, self-propagation, and self-support— these are the characteristics of an independent local church established according to the teachings of the New Testament. A New Testament church governs its own affairs, chooses its own leadership, supports its own programs, and plants new churches with the same characteristics. This is what it means to be an “independent” … Read More
Practical Pauline Missions: Paul’s Mission to Pisidian Antioch
Acts 13:14–52 provides an account of the apostle Paul’s mission visit to Antioch in the province of Pisidia. His visit to this Antioch came on the heels of his departure from Antioch of Syria (13:2–3) and a seemingly unsuccessful start on the island of Cyprus (13:4–13). Paul’s first journey for the gospel of Jesus Christ … Read More
Practical Pauline Missions: Paul’s Mission to Philippi
In Acts 16:6–40 Luke describes Paul’s approach to what he encountered in that particular locality. As we examine Luke’s report we need to realize that we are not New Testament apostles. However, their example can instruct us. The book of Acts, as history, presents description as opposed to prescription—in other words, the book does not … Read More
Abraham: A Bible Expat
We refer to individuals living in other lands as expats (expatriots). They reside as aliens in countries where they are not citizens. Actually, the Bible repeatedly speaks of God’s people as resident aliens. Abraham is perhaps the most familiar Bible expat. We ought to contemplate the implications of Abraham’s alien status in regard to how … Read More
