Ironworks

  Can we understand the Bible in the same way? Let’s face it, we are unique individuals with diverse backgrounds. We think differently from one another at times. What about the Bible? Is it possible for each of us to differ when it comes to the eternal truth of God? The Bible teaches God’s Word is truth (cf. Psalm 119:160; John 17:17). Thus, we understand that God’s Word is absolute truth. So, why do so many groups, including many educated men, disagree with the Lord’s church? One might say, “We cannot understand the Bible the same way and that is okay.” I find this remarkable, considering all the interactions we have in a day that require us to make the right interpretation. For instance, if you were to head up to the turnpike, once you go through the gate at Afton, you have a choice. If you were intending on going to Tulsa, you would cross the overpass, if you were intending on heading to Joplin, you would take the first right and not cross the overpass. Is it possible for all ...

  A true mirror does not lie. It is not a broken mirror that distorts the reflection of the one who gazes into it. It is not a fun house mirror that distorts our height or width. It is not a mirror that is to be looked at from diagonally above, which makes it seem like it has disappeared. A true mirror is intended for one to stand in front of and look into, reflecting a true image. The Bible is the truest of mirrors. James recorded, "For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a mirror: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth away, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But he that looketh into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and so continueth, being not a hearer that forgetteth but a doer that worketh, this man shall be blessed in his doing."  (James 1:23-25) The Bible is a mirror of the soul. When we look into the Bible, we each learn to look for the needs of our souls. When we look into the Wo...

                    The Bible is the Word of God. It is the only approved standard by which men must live to be right in the eyes of God. We must treat the Word of God with the utmost respect, not because it is just another book, nor is it merely words printed on the page with a human origin. The Bible is authored by the Holy Spirit of God, and we must listen to what He has said concerning His Word. We must be careful first and foremost never to add nor take away from God’s Word.   A Command Under Moses A command was given to the Jewish nation in the law of Moses first. “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish from it, that ye may keep the commandments of Jehovah your God which I command you” (Deut. 4:2). God delivered this Law on Sinai as the only approved standard by which Israel would live. It was the supreme law of the land and any question or dispute that needed to be resol...

            “I will not be a part of the church any longer because it is full of hypocrites.”  Have you ever heard such a statement? It is a deeply distressing thing to hear when all you want is for a dear brother or sister to make it to heaven. To be a hypocrite is to be walking contrary to God’s will, and contrary to what is best for you and your fellow man. In this article, I want to explore hypocrisy, what it is, and how to prevent this sin.  What is Hypocrisy?           Hypocrisy is the act of pretending to be something that you are not. Judas is a classic example of a hypocrite. He chose evil and had betrayed the son of man, and he kissed him appearing to be righteous (cf. Matt. 26:49). Peter also was hypocritical in that he denied the Lord to make it appear he was not with Him (cf. Matt. 26:69-75).  The Pharisees and scribes were known for their hypocrisy, inasmuch that Jesus repeatedly called them su...

                    When we hear the word “church”, several things may come to mind.  What do you think that the religious world thinks about that word? What do you think that those who do not follow any type of religious group think about it? It is evident in conversations with people that for the most part people think of a building and not what the church actually is. Often times you will hear people say they are “going to church.” What do they mean by this simple statement? They mean that they are going to worship, but they use the word church interchangeably with the thought of going to a building. Is the church a building? Or is it something more? Can we go to church? Is the church really the building of Christ? Do we need the church?           First, let’s consider the word that we get our word “church.” In the original text (Greek), the word is ekklesia. It means “called out.” The chur...

          In 2021, I began work with Matt McBrayer on our first book, Conformed or Transformed: Issues Hindering the Church. We decided to write that book to address complex issues within our brotherhood in a way that could be utilized in bible study in congregations and in members' homes.  We published this book on August 2, 2022, and we have been greatly encouraged by the good reports we have received from readers.       We decided to call ourselves Ironworks based on Proverbs 27:17 which reads, “Iron sharpeneth iron; So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” This is exactly the mission that we had in mind when we began writing. We are happy to announce that this work is growing, and we are eager to produce more and more content.       In 2023 we have made a plan to begin and release a podcast that is focused on questions and answers to Bible questions. We both have made efforts to do this in con...

  Honesty is the best policy. This is the old adage that many people have valued for many years. In our employment we are expected to be honest. To be dishonest would be an offense that could lead to punishment including dismissal from that work. How many of us want to deal with dishonest people in commerce? None of us do. We recognize that honesty plays a large role in dependability, faithfulness, and love.  Lying in every instance is a sin, and, because of that, we must avoid lying at any time.  Occasionally, there are members of the Lord’s church that lie to one another. This takes varying forms. Some brethren will overtly lie. This can be premeditated or compulsive. The intent is what makes it such. This would be the case if a brother or sister seeks to defraud another. This, in most cases, would be very infrequent. Lying is condemned in such a clear fashion it seems almost elementary regardless of one's maturity in Christ. However, the events of Acts 5:1-11, in p...

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away from them. Hebrews 2:1       I doubt you have ever intended to be carried away.  Yet, it still happens. You missed a turn on a long road trip and got off track. You in fact probably just thought, “I will just enjoy myself a little bit, I will enjoy the scenic route.” Then all of a sudden you are not where you thought you would be. Not many of us intend on just drifting off course, but it is common.      As New Testament Christians, we have never intended on a decreased Biblical knowledge. We never intended on the doctrines of demons being preached from some of the pulpits. We never intended our children to abandon the faith, yet it still happens. We find that good intention does not equate to an intentional faith.       The Hebrew writer reminds us that we ought to give more earnestly, heed to the things which we heard, lest...

“For Ezra had set his heart to seek the law of Jehovah, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and ordinances.” Ezra 7:10 Ezra was one of many individuals that we find in Scripture who truly sought to be intentional in their service to the Lord. Ezra made a conscious effort to set his heart to seek the law, to do it, and to teach it. What a fantastic example!  One of the best ways that we can be intentional in training our children is to follow the example of Ezra. Fathers, as the spiritual leaders of your households, are you in your own time seeking the law of the Lord (the perfect law of liberty (Jam. 1:25)? Is your personal study intentional? Do you have a plan? Parents, are you doing the perfect law of Christ? When you do something with intention you know exactly why you have done it. When you seek the Law of Christ, it will be seen in the actions you carry out in your life. When we do the will of God, others will take notice. The examples of doing the will of God puts l...

  And when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents. 1 Kings 12:16               We all want favor, from our parents, our spouse, and our supervisors. Each of us enjoys being valued and appreciated. When there is no favor, value, or appreciation, we feel like we are outsiders. It makes us feel like we have no hope. This can teach us much about Godly leadership in the world, our homes, and the Lord’s church. In first Kings 12, we see the son of Solomon, Rehoboam, is now king of a united kingdom of the 12 tribes of Israel.              At the beginning of his reign, Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came and made a request of thei...

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24     What do you do when you hear some form of information? You may accept it as factual, or you might not believe it at all. When we are young, we may not believe the stove is hot. In fact, possibly the orange glow of the burner or open flame is appealing to the eye and the warmth is nice feeling on a cold day. However, if you chose to touch it, you will certainly be burnt and certainly believe what your mother may have warned you about. Belief is established when presented with truth, yet, when we hear truth, we have the option to believe it or not.      In matters of faith, belief is an integral part of the God's plan for saving man. Last week I wrote about hearing, and that it is the basis of that plan. We must hear, but what do we do once we hear? If we are...