Articles

Articles & Study Papers

by Larry J. Walker

P.O. Box 36, La Pine, Oregon 97739 USA

Table of Contents

Church Government - What does the Bible Say?

What form of government, if any, does the Bible spell out for the Church of God? Should it be hierarchical? Is centralization the answer? Or is "local autonomy" a better way? Or is any form of structure necessary or appropriate? The topic of church government must be viewed in the larger context of what the Church is and how it differs from other organizations.

See Also:

Points on Church Government
The purpose of this study paper is to address specific concerns and claims regarding church government. All findings will be based on honest and thorough investigation of the scriptures, especially those in question.

Godly Governance (Doctrinal Team Study Paper)
Government, in the hands of God, is a tremendous blessing, insuring peace, orderliness, goodness and security for its subjects. Likewise, government, when in the hands of humans guided by God, extends the same blessings to all social institutions—family, school, community, business, nation or church. However, government, in the hands of self-serving humans, invariably ends in a curse, fomenting strife, abuse, fear, distrust, confusion and uncertainty.

Only God’s Bailout Plan Will Solve our Economic Problems

We have been shocked, sobered and scared by recent economic developments in the U.S. Much has been written and discussed regarding these problems and what to do about them.

For those people who spent money they didn’t have on things they couldn’t afford, the so-called American Dream was simply a fantasy that has turned into a nightmare for them, for the entire nation and for the rest of the world. Another one-liner asserts: “Unless your income exceeds your outgo, your upkeep will be your downfall.”

The Meaning of "Paradise"
What did Jesus promise the thief on the cross in response to his dying request, "Remember me when you come in your kingdom"? Jesus assured the man, "You shall be with me in Paradise." Many use this passage to document their belief that heaven is the reward of the righteous. But is this what Jesus meant? Just what is "Paradise?" Let's take a closer look at this classic section of Scripture to find out what it really means.

Tale of two Citations
Many claim that Ephesians 2:15 and Colossians 2:14 do away with the laws of the Old Testament. Properly understood, these passages reveal critically important truths of New Covenant theology that uphold the law of God for New Testament Christians.

Pentecost
As is the case with all of the Holy Days of the Bible that offer "a shadow of things to come" in the plan of God (Colossians 2:16-17), Pentecost is rich with meanings for us today. It celebrates the fact that we have received "the firstfruits of the Spirit" (Romans 8:23) and that God's people are "firstfruits" of God's spiritual creation (James 1:18) in anticipation of a special spiritual harvest yet to be reaped. In fact God has a much larger harvest in mind even beyond this early "firstfruits" harvest.

The Real "Lord’s Supper"
Many churches conduct a service they call "The Lord's Supper." Variations of this ceremony are also dubbed "Communion" and "Eucharist" in other churches. What does "Lord's supper" refer to? The expression occurs only in 1 Corinthians 11:20. Could this be the official name for the new ceremony that Jesus instituted for the Church? If so, why is this term found only in this one passage of scripture? What about "Communion" and "Eucharist?" What does the Bible say about this most important subject?

What Does it Mean to be "Born Again"?
What does it mean to be "born again?" Does it refer to an event that occurs in this life? Or does it occur at the resurrection?

The Promise of the Parakletos
How should we understand what Jesus meant in John 14 regarding the promise of a "Helper" or "Comforter"?

Understanding the Fortress Mentality
A few years ago, during the doctrinal crisis we were engaged in at the time, I found myself battling an emotional reaction that I had never experienced before. In the midst of a heavy bombardment of theological material, I felt a wave of fear sweep over me. My thoughts went something like this: "What if we are wrong?". Maybe we are just a bunch of wet-behind-the ears, smart alecks who don’t know what we’re talking about. Maybe the mainstream churches are right after all."

Pro’s & Cons of Godly Leadership
We all experience leadership—both as leaders and as those being led. Leadership can be found in the home, on the job and in church. Leadership is a fundamental part of being an elder. The principles of God’s law are the same in any frame of reference.

Head-to-Head and Heart-to-Heart
Communication is one of the most important processes of human life, yet in many ways an area of the greatest need for improvement.

Paul and the Holy Days

A Critical Look at Colossians 2:16-17

Further Information on Colossians 2:16-17

The Story of Rest, The Rest of the Story

Which Commandments Did Jesus Break?

What Do you Mean, "New Covenant"

Points & Lessons from Jerusalem Conference (Acts 15)

Seeing the Big Picture

Summary Points on the Law & Covenants

Church Government, What Does the Bible Say?

Let’s Stop the Rancor Over Rank

Why Can’t We All Be Together?

"Called" and "Chosen"

These study papers may be freely duplicated and distributed in the interest of truth and understanding. Any commercial use of this paper without the written permission of the author is strictly prohibited. Comments and constructive criticism are always welcome. Address Larry J. Walker, P.O. Box 36, La Pine, OR 97739.