By Kevin Cauley

The message of the gospel of Jesus Christ is still the same today as it was two thousand years ago. In the book of Hebrews we read, “Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). It is based upon this solid fact of scripture that the principles of restoration are preached. If the gospel message is the same today as it was two thousand years ago (and it is) and if mankind is the same as he was 2000 years ago (and he is), then the gospel is relevant to mankind today. When planted in the hearts and minds of man, it will produce the same thing that it produced 2000 years ago-Christians. This is due to the preservation of the gospel of Christ throughout the centuries. Jesus said that his word would not pass away (Luke 21:33). Jesus also said that his gospel was like a seed (Luke 8:11). Today, we know that a seed contains the genetic information of the plant from which it originated. And when the same seed is planted the seed will produce the same kind of plant from which the seed came. But what if a scientist got a hold of the seed and genetically modified it? Today we have scientists who are genetically modifying plants so that they will live longer, grow in dryer climates, produce larger fruits, and change the original characteristics of the seed. This can produce a better plant and increase the production of the species. It would be substandard because it would not contain the original qualities of the perfect seed. The resulting project would be abandoned and discarded because no improvements can be made to the original. But sometimes, scientists can act in such a way that they believe they are improving something when they are harming it. Such was the case with the tonsil. For years and years, doctors removed tonsils from young children thinking that they were improving their lives. However, recent medicine has shown that the tonsil is an important part of the body’s immune system. As a result, it is much rarer today to hear of a child’s tonsils being removed. This can be true genetically as well.

By Mike Riley

Years ago, a well-known comedian made the following statement in determining one’s financial position: “When you go to work, if your name is on the outside of the building, you are rich. If your name is on your desk, you are middle-class. If your name is on your shirt, you are poor.

By: Bill Jackson

The Christian is to live a well-ordered life. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). As time goes on, we are even more convinced that balance is the key to successful living for the Lord. Balance is the key for elders, as they take care that material and financial considerations not overshadow their spiritual functions. Balance is the key for preachers, that social and administrative duties do not overshadow their study and teaching responsibilities. And balance is the key for the individual child of God, that the business of daily temporal concerns does not overshadow his obligations as a faithful and working member of the body of Christ.

By Mike Riley

The following are some significant truths about our Lord and Savior that we should give thought to as children of God (Romans 8:16; Gal. 3:26; 1 John 5:2);