Way of Life Literature
Publisher of Bible Study Materials
Way of Life Literature
Publisher of Bible Study Materials

Friday Church News Notes
FEMALE “MINISTER” TO LEAD WORSHIP AT 2022 SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION (Friday Church News Notes, May 20, 2022, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The Southern Baptist Executive Committee tweeted on May 10 that Abbie Maggio will be leading worship at the Southern Baptist Convention 2022. Maggio is “Worship Arts Minister” at Redemption Church, Saraland, Alabama. At Redemption Church, the male ministry leaders are called “pastors” while the females are called “ministers,” perhaps to avoid the Southern Baptist Convention’s Scriptural ban on female pastors. Regardless of the title, it is not Scriptural for a women to lead a mixed.. Read More
FEMALE “MINISTER” TO LEAD WORSHIP AT 2022 SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION (Friday Church News Notes, May 20, 2022, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The Southern Baptist Executive Committee tweeted on May 10 that Abbie Maggio will be leading worship at the Southern Baptist Convention 2022. Maggio is “Worship Arts Minister” at Redemption Church, Saraland, Alabama. At Redemption Church, the male ministry leaders are called “pastors” while the females are called “ministers,” perhaps to avoid the Southern Baptist Convention’s Scriptural ban on female pastors. Regardless of the title, it is not Scriptural for a women to lead a mixed.. Read More

The Bible’s Strong Emphasis on Prayer - May 19
The following is excerpted from Effectual Prayer in Perilous Times, a new Bible course available from www.wayoflife.org -
Nothing is more important in the Christian life and ministry than effectual prayer.
In light of the following Bible facts about prayer, it has rightly been said, “No prayer, no power; little prayer, little power; much prayer, much.. Read More
The following is excerpted from Effectual Prayer in Perilous Times, a new Bible course available from www.wayoflife.org -
Nothing is more important in the Christian life and ministry than effectual prayer.
In light of the following Bible facts about prayer, it has rightly been said, “No prayer, no power; little prayer, little power; much prayer, much.. Read More
Demas vs. Timothy - May 18
“For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia” (2 Ti. 4:10).
We must consider the situation. Paul was in prison awaiting his execution. This was his final epistle. “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Ti. 4:6-7).
Demas was one of Paul’s co-workers. He had ministered with Paul in Colosse (Col. 4:14). He was mentioned in Paul’s epistle to Philemon (Phm. 1:24).
Demas is named. When Paul spoke of Demas’ apostasy, he used his name. He didn’t speak of him anonymously.
Demas is named publicly. Paul wanted Timothy and everyone reading his epistle in the churches to know about Demas. Paul didn’t try to hide what Demas had... Read More
“For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia” (2 Ti. 4:10).
We must consider the situation. Paul was in prison awaiting his execution. This was his final epistle. “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Ti. 4:6-7).
Demas was one of Paul’s co-workers. He had ministered with Paul in Colosse (Col. 4:14). He was mentioned in Paul’s epistle to Philemon (Phm. 1:24).
Demas is named. When Paul spoke of Demas’ apostasy, he used his name. He didn’t speak of him anonymously.
Demas is named publicly. Paul wanted Timothy and everyone reading his epistle in the churches to know about Demas. Paul didn’t try to hide what Demas had... Read More
It is impossible to obey the Bible’s commands to mark and avoid false teachers and also to be ecumenical in any sense.
Scoping Out False Teachers - May 17
The following is excerpted from the Way of Life Commentary Series, Romans, www.wayoflife.org -
Paul shows the way of protection (“mark them ... the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them,” Ro. 16:17).
There are three things that are essential to protect the churches from error.
First, the believers must be taught the doctrine of the Word of God.
This is the fundamental protection. It is by means of “sound doctrine” that the mouths of false teachers are stopped so that they cannot corrupt the brethren (Tit. 1:9-11). Each church must build up the saints to be skillful Bible students, able to rightly... Read More
The following is excerpted from the Way of Life Commentary Series, Romans, www.wayoflife.org -
Paul shows the way of protection (“mark them ... the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them,” Ro. 16:17).
There are three things that are essential to protect the churches from error.
First, the believers must be taught the doctrine of the Word of God.
This is the fundamental protection. It is by means of “sound doctrine” that the mouths of false teachers are stopped so that they cannot corrupt the brethren (Tit. 1:9-11). Each church must build up the saints to be skillful Bible students, able to rightly... Read More

Friday Church News Notes
DISNEY MARKET FREE-FALL (Friday Church News Notes, May 13, 2022, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The following is excerpted from “Disney’s Market,” PJMedia, May 4, 2022: “David Ng at Breitbart is reporting that The Walt Disney Company has lost a whopping $63 billion in market capitalization over the past two months. ‘Shares of Disney have plummeted 23.5 percent since the start of March, falling from $145.70,’ Ng writes. ‘Market cap is down $62.6 billion, from $265.3 to $202.7 billion.’ ... Disney’s stock has performed poorly over the past several months, dropping 30% over the past year. Much, though not all, of this stems directly from Disney’s decision to speak out on Florida’s Parental Rights in Education bill, which the legislature passed into law and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed at the end... Read More
DISNEY MARKET FREE-FALL (Friday Church News Notes, May 13, 2022, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The following is excerpted from “Disney’s Market,” PJMedia, May 4, 2022: “David Ng at Breitbart is reporting that The Walt Disney Company has lost a whopping $63 billion in market capitalization over the past two months. ‘Shares of Disney have plummeted 23.5 percent since the start of March, falling from $145.70,’ Ng writes. ‘Market cap is down $62.6 billion, from $265.3 to $202.7 billion.’ ... Disney’s stock has performed poorly over the past several months, dropping 30% over the past year. Much, though not all, of this stems directly from Disney’s decision to speak out on Florida’s Parental Rights in Education bill, which the legislature passed into law and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed at the end... Read More
The Idolatry of Music - Updated May 12
On May 4, Evangelist John Van Gelderen published a report entitled “The Idolizing of Music,” at his Revival Focus blog. Following is an excerpt:
Over the years and again recently, I have become aware of some who make music the litmus test of fellowship. What I have observed does not target extreme differences, for those who have embraced musical extremes typically do not remain close enough to warrant talk of separation. Rather, it involves debatable matters. Yet for some, their view of music is held as a fundamental of the faith, and their moving beyond biblical proportion is divisive. If it is overkill (which I believe it is), it fits in the category of carnality—the divisive carnality condemned in the third chapter of First Corinthians. Strange it is . . . using carnality to fight perceived carnality.
This music litmus test is an over-prioritization of music. For many, it is assumes a one-style-of-music-only position... Read More
On May 4, Evangelist John Van Gelderen published a report entitled “The Idolizing of Music,” at his Revival Focus blog. Following is an excerpt:
Over the years and again recently, I have become aware of some who make music the litmus test of fellowship. What I have observed does not target extreme differences, for those who have embraced musical extremes typically do not remain close enough to warrant talk of separation. Rather, it involves debatable matters. Yet for some, their view of music is held as a fundamental of the faith, and their moving beyond biblical proportion is divisive. If it is overkill (which I believe it is), it fits in the category of carnality—the divisive carnality condemned in the third chapter of First Corinthians. Strange it is . . . using carnality to fight perceived carnality.
This music litmus test is an over-prioritization of music. For many, it is assumes a one-style-of-music-only position... Read More

The Hip-Hop Deathstyle - May 12
Rap/hip-hop* is aggressive music, both in its lyrics, in its sound, and in the attitude of the rappers, and it is not surprising that it has produced great violence. It is so morally filthy that a large percentage of the lyrics cannot be quoted and practically none of the videos can be shown in decent company, and it screams rebellion and insubordination. Probably no other one influence has so defiled black culture. It is doubtless a major contributor to inner city violence, juvenile delinquency, and the destructive phenomenon of absentee fathers.
(* Attempts have been made to distinguish rap music from hip-hop music, and it has been said that rap is the music and hip-hop is the lifestyle, but the terms are commonly used as synonyms. The Grammys for the Hip-Hop.. Read More
Rap/hip-hop* is aggressive music, both in its lyrics, in its sound, and in the attitude of the rappers, and it is not surprising that it has produced great violence. It is so morally filthy that a large percentage of the lyrics cannot be quoted and practically none of the videos can be shown in decent company, and it screams rebellion and insubordination. Probably no other one influence has so defiled black culture. It is doubtless a major contributor to inner city violence, juvenile delinquency, and the destructive phenomenon of absentee fathers.
(* Attempts have been made to distinguish rap music from hip-hop music, and it has been said that rap is the music and hip-hop is the lifestyle, but the terms are commonly used as synonyms. The Grammys for the Hip-Hop.. Read More
A Refutation of Replacement Theology - May 11
“And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the LORD their God” (Leviticus 26:44).
“For I am with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished” (Jer. 30:11).
“Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock. For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he. Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow.. Read More
“And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the LORD their God” (Leviticus 26:44).
“For I am with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished” (Jer. 30:11).
“Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock. For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he. Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow.. Read More

America a Christian Nation? - May 10
America is a nation deeply influenced by Christianity and the Bible, but this does not add up to a “Christian nation.”
I love America, and I love American history, and I have read widely on this subject, including many dozens of biographies of America’s most influential early leaders as well as more recent ones.
It can surely be said that America is a Christianized nation in the sense that there has always been a strong Christian influence, using the term “Christian” in a general sense. America has been a nation of churches, a nation of Bible owners, a nation of Bible readers, a nation that has witnessed.. Read More
America is a nation deeply influenced by Christianity and the Bible, but this does not add up to a “Christian nation.”
I love America, and I love American history, and I have read widely on this subject, including many dozens of biographies of America’s most influential early leaders as well as more recent ones.
It can surely be said that America is a Christianized nation in the sense that there has always been a strong Christian influence, using the term “Christian” in a general sense. America has been a nation of churches, a nation of Bible owners, a nation of Bible readers, a nation that has witnessed.. Read More

Friday Church News Notes
STATUE OF GODDESS ANAT DISCOVERED IN GAZA (Friday Church News Notes, May 6, 2022, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - A Palestinian farmer in southern Gaza recently discovered the head of a statue of Anat, a Canaanite goddess. The head is 8.6 inches high and is crowned with a serpent (Ancient Origins, Apr. 26, 2022). A sister of Baal, Anat was one of the fertility mother-goddesses that were worshipped by orgies. She was also the goddess of war against Baal’s enemies. “Anat appears as a fierce, wild and furious warrior in a battle, wading knee-deep in... Read More
STATUE OF GODDESS ANAT DISCOVERED IN GAZA (Friday Church News Notes, May 6, 2022, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - A Palestinian farmer in southern Gaza recently discovered the head of a statue of Anat, a Canaanite goddess. The head is 8.6 inches high and is crowned with a serpent (Ancient Origins, Apr. 26, 2022). A sister of Baal, Anat was one of the fertility mother-goddesses that were worshipped by orgies. She was also the goddess of war against Baal’s enemies. “Anat appears as a fierce, wild and furious warrior in a battle, wading knee-deep in... Read More

How Evil Communications Corrupt Good Manners - May 5
The following is excerpted from the new Way of Life Commentary Series on The Corinthian Epistles:
The failure to separate from sin and false teaching was a major problem in the church at Corinth, and this had brought spiritual and moral harm. Paul returns to this theme twice in the second epistle. Compare 2 Co. 6:14-18 and 11:1-4. Separation is a major theme of Paul’s other epistles. See also Ro. 12:2; 16:17; Eph. 5:11; Php. 3:17; Col. 2:8; 1 Ti. 6:3-5; 2 Ti. 2:16-18, 22; 3:5.
S eparation is spiritual protection. It is necessary. Most churches today do not obey these commands. They say this is too strict, too hard. That is because so many.. Read More
The following is excerpted from the new Way of Life Commentary Series on The Corinthian Epistles:
The failure to separate from sin and false teaching was a major problem in the church at Corinth, and this had brought spiritual and moral harm. Paul returns to this theme twice in the second epistle. Compare 2 Co. 6:14-18 and 11:1-4. Separation is a major theme of Paul’s other epistles. See also Ro. 12:2; 16:17; Eph. 5:11; Php. 3:17; Col. 2:8; 1 Ti. 6:3-5; 2 Ti. 2:16-18, 22; 3:5.
S eparation is spiritual protection. It is necessary. Most churches today do not obey these commands. They say this is too strict, too hard. That is because so many.. Read More
Fundamentalism's Warrior Spirit - May 4
The following is excerpted from The History and Heritage of Fundamentalism and Fundamental Baptists, www.wayoflife.org -
Fundamentalism as a movement had serious weaknesses, as we have documented in this book, but the strength of Fundamentalism was its stand for the infallible inspiration of Scripture, its testing mindset, its zeal for the truth, its willingness to fight for the truth, to defend the truth, to preach against error as well as for truth, and to separate from error.
This is biblical and right. In fact, no Christianity that lacks this is biblical and right.
“Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:128).
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and.. Read More
The following is excerpted from The History and Heritage of Fundamentalism and Fundamental Baptists, www.wayoflife.org -
Fundamentalism as a movement had serious weaknesses, as we have documented in this book, but the strength of Fundamentalism was its stand for the infallible inspiration of Scripture, its testing mindset, its zeal for the truth, its willingness to fight for the truth, to defend the truth, to preach against error as well as for truth, and to separate from error.
This is biblical and right. In fact, no Christianity that lacks this is biblical and right.
“Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:128).
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and.. Read More

Moody and the Chicago World’s Fair - May 3
The following is excerpted from The History and Heritage of Fundamentalism and Fundamental Baptists, www.wayoflife.org -
Moody was unceasing in his evangelistic zeal. When the Chicago World’s Fair was held in 1893, Moody saw an opportunity. It was called the World’s Columbian Exposition because it was held on the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s first expedition to the Americas. The world was coming to Moody’s door, and he would be ready. “Many Chicago believers argued for a boycott because the World’s Fair was open on Sundays and the Parliament of Religions at the Fair would showcase the world’s various religions. Moody, instead, saw an opportunity for evangelism” (Vincent, The MBI Story).. Read More
The following is excerpted from The History and Heritage of Fundamentalism and Fundamental Baptists, www.wayoflife.org -
Moody was unceasing in his evangelistic zeal. When the Chicago World’s Fair was held in 1893, Moody saw an opportunity. It was called the World’s Columbian Exposition because it was held on the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s first expedition to the Americas. The world was coming to Moody’s door, and he would be ready. “Many Chicago believers argued for a boycott because the World’s Fair was open on Sundays and the Parliament of Religions at the Fair would showcase the world’s various religions. Moody, instead, saw an opportunity for evangelism” (Vincent, The MBI Story).. Read More

Friday Church News Notes
ELON MUSK BUYS TWITTER ON FREE SPEECH PRINCIPLE (Friday Church News Notes, April 29, 2022, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - On April 25, Twitter announced its agreement to be sold to Elon Musk for $44 billion. On that occasion, Musk made the following statement, “Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, and Twitter is the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated. Twitter has tremendous potential--I look forward to working with the company and the community of users to unlock it.” If this does result in greater freedom of speech and Twitter stops taking sides in political/social issues, it will be a victory over the leftist orientation of big social media. We suspect it will.. Read More
ELON MUSK BUYS TWITTER ON FREE SPEECH PRINCIPLE (Friday Church News Notes, April 29, 2022, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - On April 25, Twitter announced its agreement to be sold to Elon Musk for $44 billion. On that occasion, Musk made the following statement, “Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, and Twitter is the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated. Twitter has tremendous potential--I look forward to working with the company and the community of users to unlock it.” If this does result in greater freedom of speech and Twitter stops taking sides in political/social issues, it will be a victory over the leftist orientation of big social media. We suspect it will.. Read More