Looking to the past for guidance to the future
Berean Church Of Christ
Acts 17:11; These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Mission Statement
Looking to the Past for guidance to the future
The mission of this site is threefold and simple, evangelizing, teaching, and raising finances to support overseas works. This is in keeping with the great commission as recorded in Mt. 28:18-20. What is not so simple however is that in the 46 years I have been a Christian I have come to real- ise that many of the doctrines and practices of the Church Of Christ of this day fall short of what was taught and practiced in the first few centuries. To- day's modern church seems to focus on the teach- ings and practices of the "Restoration Movement" of the 1830s started by Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone. Much like Martin Luther, they each brought much-needed light to a very dark house. We can not underestimate the good that each of these men did and at great personal cost to them- selves and their families. Unfortunately, in my estimation, the "follow through" was less than exemplary. As I began to study the Bible for my- self I personally became aware of many disagree- ments, some were small issues, some very large. As an evangelist, I take to heart the admonition that Timothy received from Paul as recorded in 2 Tim. 4:2-3, "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine." Today, the church thinks it "owns" sound doctrine thus making it all the harder to engage the breth- ren in dialogue. Now, if you are thinking 'this guy is looking for a fight,' think again. That means you don't know me. I also take to heart Eph. 4:14-15, "speaking the truth in love." I do not bludgeon people with the word of God, nor do I substitute the truth with what passes for truth today. Are you ready for the journey of a lifetime that will awaken your inner man or woman? Whether young or old (not too young mind you) it's not too late to learn some new tricks. Maranatha.
Everyone Welcome
When the Lord's church was established on the first Pentecost after the cross, it consisted exclus-ively of Jews. (Mt.15:24 / Jn.4:22) A decade or so later God revealed to Peter that the time had come for the admission of the gentile nations. This be-gan with the conversion of a Roman centurion by the name of Cornelius in Acts Ch. 10. This was God's way of saying that the gates of heaven were now open to one and all, regardless of your herit-age, culture, ethnicity, or previous religious be- liefs. The apostle Paul wrote, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Gal.3:28) When the apostle John was transported in the Spirit to heaven he saw, "a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes...." (Rev.7:9) The Bible says that "God is no respecter of persons; But in every nation, he that fears Him (respects) and does what is right, is welcome to Him." (Acts 10:35) Do not think that you have to "clean your-self up" before you can approach Him. Come as you are. He alone has the authority and the power to clean you. It is easier than you can possibly think. Sin is the issue that separates us from God (Isa:59:1-2) And scripture declares that Jesus came to become sin for us (2 Cor.5:21) "that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." Whatever your past, however lost, abandoned, or alone you might be feeling, realize that there is hope. Jesus is the spring of eternal hope. God's de-sire for you is to know and experience for yourself His overwhelming love He has for His created people. That includes you. Come, begin your journey here with me, your humble servant, evan-gelist Stephen Jarrard. Maranatha.
Restoration Reformation
Looking to the past for guidance to the future
Martin Luther's example of courage in address-ing the perceived errors of the Catholic religion has emboldened me to follow in his footsteps. There is a saying, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained." As a challenge to the Church of Christ in the twenty-first century I humbly present to you my version of Luthers' "95 Thesis" which I have renamed my "95 Propositions" as a challenge to foster some much needed dialogue.
Out of love for the truth and from a desire to el-ucidate it, humble evangelist Stephen Jarrard, res-earcher of sacred theology, and ordinary lecturer therein at Rockmart, Georgia, intends to dispute on them in that place, therefore he asks that those who cannot be present and dispute with him orally shall do so in their absence by letter (e-mail) in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
95 Propositions
1.Is "repentance of sin" a requirement for salvation?2.Are the 7 days of creation literal 24 hour days? 3.Do we live on a "New earth" or an "Old earth"? 4.Were there some type of "beings" before Adam? 5.Was the original sin the eating of an apple? 6.Was Cain the biological "seed" of Adam? 7.What became of the Garden of Eden? 8.Who was Cain's wife from the land of Nod? 9.Did Enoch write a book? Where is it now? 10.Was there a literal flood? Why, when, and how? 11.Who were the "sons of God" in Gn. Ch. 6? 12.Who were the Nephilim in Gn. Ch. 6? 13.Why did God allow Noah to eat flesh? 14.What was the meaning of the tower of Babel? 15.What was Babel built of and why does it matter? 16.Who was Melchizedek, king of Salem? 17.Sarah had 2 sons. Why is this important? 18.Why was circumcision chozen by God as a sign? 19.Sexual sin in Sodom and Gomorrah? 20.Jesus said "remember Lot's wife" Why? 21.What's significant of the Ake Dah binding Isaac? 22.Are the 7 feast days applicable to the church? 23.Are the 10 commandments binding today? 24.Are 9 of the 10 commandments binding today? 25.What did the temple signify, allegorically? 26.Will there be a third temple built in the future? 27.In Exodus when were the Jews declared saved? 28.Did Jesus fill King David's throne 2,000 yrs ago? 29.Do Enoch and Elijah play a role in the end times? 30.Is Job the oldest book of the Bible as some claim 31.Was all of Daniels 70 week prophecy fulfilled? 32.How many kingdoms in Nebuchadnezers dream?33.Malachi speaks of both tithes and offerings? 34.Is tithing still for today? Why or why not? 35.What is the difference between the two? 36.Is Mt., Mk., Lk., Jn. considered New Testament? 37.How many questions were asked in Mt. 24:3? 38.How many questions did Jesus answer? 39."No man knows the day or hour" meaning what?40.What is the "sign of your coming"? Click the button below to see the entire list
What We Offer
This site offers believers and unbelievers a safe place to explore the Bible and its teachings con-cerning two main subjects: Jesus, and you. Be pre-pared to have your preconceived dogmas, tradit-ions, creeds, and doctrines challenged by the truth of the Bible as it was understood by Christian leaders of the first century, and not by those who followed in the footsteps of Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone, two leaders of the restoration movement of the early 1800s. First, I am offering the public my two books (for a love offering) on the subject of Christ's second coming taken from Mt. 24:3, the second question, "What will be the sign of Your coming?" A link is provided to that page (click here/store) to receive the books. However, for those unable to afford the price, I offer a free PDF version on the page where I will be offering my PDF Bible lessons (click here/PDFS) covering a smorgasbord of topics that I am sure will generate many questions and comments. If you like them and feel compelled to share them with your church friends, family, or the general public, feel free to share them. Next, I am offering a page titled "Adopt a preacher" (click here) In it, I will provide a photo of many of the overseas preachers I have come to know and admire for their faithfulness while living under the greatest persecution, and deprivation, where simply being a follower of Christ marks one as an enemy of the State. Each month I will highlight one preacher, his family, and his church, along with photos. One such preacher, Ubeda Limma, from the province of Odisha, India, baptized over 900 people in 2003 and nearly 600 in 2024. Another offer available to you will be a link to my YouTube channel (click here) where I shall be posting new videos addressing a wide range of issues that never seem to see the light of day within the Brotherhood. I suppose the rationale is that these are "settled issues" and do not warrant reexamination. I am posting a special page to help raise funding to purchase 29 bicycles for the 29 preachers in Odisha, India who "walk by the foot" to accomplish their mission work. This will literally be extending the borders of the kingdom Of God in a very practical way. (click here) to read all about it. And lastly, on this website, my wife Marcia and I are planning separate blog posts. For my wife's post (click here) and for mine (click here). Marcia will be addressing issues concern- ing women, much of which will come from being married to me for over 43 years as well as from her experiences in the jailhouse setting where she taught the gospel to many women. I will be addressing doctrinal issues stemming from my two books, my PDFs, videos, and the "95 Propositions."
Study to show thyself approved
A workman that needeth not to be ashamed
Rightly dividing the word of truth
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
About Us
Born again (baptized) in a fish pond on a cold November day by Brother Charles Nicks and His wife Lucile about 46 years ago at a small community at Buck Creek nestled by the Nanta- hala forest between Hayesville and Franklin, North Carolina. I was born in 1948 in Brooklyn, New York, to an Irish, Catholic Family. I finished Catechism classes, Confirmation, and Holy Communion. What I knew about Jesus could be written on a postage stamp. Religion and I soon parted company. I joined the Navy to see the world. I was a Damage Controlman on board the USS Saratoga, CVA 60, the Navy's firefighters. While making my rounds on the afternoon fire watch, something prompted me to open a hatch near the bow of the ship while steaming somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Three decks down was an unmanned fuel transfer station. One of the large pumps had frozen up and was not spinning. Sparks and smoke were spewing upward toward the J.P.5 jet fuel and diesel oil lines attached to the overhead, directly above this pump. In minutes the at-sea fire party arrived as I called in the fire to the bridge. After the incident was mitigated I overheard the Chief petty officer in charge telling the Executive Officer that my actions had no doubt saved the ship which had about 5,000 men on board. He thanked me and shook my hand. I can not tell you from where I was spiritually at that time what made me go down that hatch to investigate. Only many years later did I become aware that there is a God who intercedes in the affairs of man, who loves us very much and watches out over "fools" and "sailors." Indirectly it was my career as a firefighter that brought me to a point where I realized that there was something that no one had told me about concerning man. "What is man, that thou art mindful of him." (Prov. 8:4) While attending junior college for my Fire Science degree I needed an elective that fit my schedule. World Religion 101 fit the bill. The instructor had just come back from an ashram in India. One of the required books was 'Be Here Now' by Baba Ram Dass. In the back of the book was a detailed list of mantras and meditations. Being curious I began practicing one of them in earnest not aware of what would happen. Slowly my consciousness began to grow as my percep-tion of reality began to shift in ways that defy explanation. Then one night, a night I will never forget, I was meditating at the firehouse when all of a sudden........BAM! From inside my head, behind my closed eyes was a steady stream of light coming from a source below and flowing like a stream in an upward direction. needless to say, I stopped meditating, opened my eyes, and sat in shock while seeking to understand what had just happened. It was Easter time and the airwaves were inundated with the story of the Passion of Christ. I began to wonder whether there was a connection. I found a Bible, which I had never read before, and that set me on the journey that led me to where I am today. Ev- idently, Satan (who I did not know was a real being at the time) did not want me going down that road and offered up some more tantalizing bait to encourage me to join forces with the "dark side." I received a visit from an entity that popped in unnanoun- ced in the middle of the room where I was having an esoteric conversation with a fellow worker. It didn't last long but I and my friend saw the same thing. This was no hallucination. I be- came a man on a mission. I wasn't sure at that time what that mission was, but I was determined to find out whatever the cost.
My wife Marcia was born into a mixed-marriage family with one parent Roman Catholic, and the other Baptist. Like many teens after high school, she was all too glad to be free from the endless rules and sense of rejection she experienced growing up with the stresses she felt as the only girl in the family of five children, the rest boys of course. Her spiritual boat was rocked one day when one of her brothers sent her a book exposing the corruption within the bosom of the Catholic Church. She quickly began her search for some answers and some truth that would make sense of matters that had been of little concern for her growing up. As happenstance would have it, a twisted journey brought her into the little town of Black Mountain where I was residing. By then she had three beautiful children that she adored. I had just decided that I was going to be a gospel preacher and as I was returning some library books in preparation to leave town I ran into her exiting the Ingles grocery store as I was on my way in. I caught up with her under a bridge and began telling her about my decision to become a preacher. She gave me a stare of shock as she told me that the past night she had a dream where she was destined to meet and marry a preacher. We were both in shock at that point. After several Bible studies together all her questions had been answered. I baptized her around 5:00 AM in Lake Tomahawk under the moon and stars.
As I look back and reflect on the path that led me to the know-ledge of Christ, the Bible, and His one church, as briefly detailed above, it is no wonder that my studies have led me to many diff- erent conclusions concerning the "doctrine of Christ" (2 John:8-10) that is being taught in the brotherhood. Had I been raised in the Church of Christ as most members have been, I would not have had the desire to question or challenge said "doctrine." As we look back to the time of Christ we need to ask, with whom did Jesus have an issue? Was it the pagan nations surroun- ding Israel? No! Was it the Greek and Roman philosophers who offered a different world paradigm? No! Was it the gentile Roman occupiers who made life unbearable? No! Who then? It was the religious leaders, that's who. Today it is not the Scribes and the Pharisees who need addressing, but the evangelists (preachers) and the elders (bishops) of the church. Since Barton Stone and Alexander Campbell in the mid 1800s doctrines were like warmed leftovers from the denominations that were tweaked here and there by the professors who taught in the Church of Christ schools, colleges, and universities. It seems no one had the unction or the ability to examine what the first-century Christian leaders knew and believed. But today with the internet at our fingertips (I mean that literally) we can know what the doctrine of Christ looked like back then. Oh my, what a differ-ence it is, what a difference it makes. Come and join me on a journey of a lifetime, back to when it all began, and see for yourself. That is assuming you are a seeker of truth. (Jn. 17:17) Are you ready for the "Light of the world" to reveal things to you that are hidden to most of the sheep? Are you ready for the truth that Jesus said will make you "free"?
Stephen George Jarrard, Evangelist
Me at 19 years old after USN Boot Camp
Marcia Jean Jarrard
Marcia at 19 years old
Disclaimer, Fair use
This website is owned and operated by the organization known as, Berean Church Of Christ, Inc. as falling under the legal guidelines of the "Fair Use" copyright law, section 107 defined as follows:
The fair use of a copyrighted work: including such use by reproduction copies or phono-records or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright. In determining whether the use made of a work in any particular case is a fair use the factors to be considered shall include:
The purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes:
The nature of the copyright work:
The amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyright work as a whole:
And the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyright work.
This organization has been as diligent and respectful of copyright law as is possible, but realize that breaches may occur unintentionally. Due to the educational, informative and transformative nature of this website we choose to exercise the "Fair Use" clause so as to not lose content relative to our mission. As such, we grant full use of any and all information found on this site for use in keeping with the stated mission, provided no changes are made to alter the fundamental teachings of Christ and the Bible.