The Sadducees were one of the Jewish sects in the New Testament. They, along with the Pharisees, originated in the intertestamental period. They were not as large a group as the Pharisees, but they did wield a great influence upon the people. In the early history of the Pharisees and Sadducees, a great rivalry existed between them as to from which group one would claim the office of High Priest. The Sadducees won control. However, because of their opposing teachings, the rivalry did not end. The Sadducees, in spite of their relationship with the priesthood and the Temple, must be considered as extremely liberal in their teachings. They differed from the Pharisees in the things they believed and taught. Let’s notice some of these things. The Sadducees denounced the resurrection, angels and spirit. “ …Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess both” (Acts 23:8). “The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection…” (Matthew 22:23). There are references in the Old Testament to angels, spirit and resurrection (Genesis 16:7; Exodus 23:20; Psalm 31:5; 49:15; 104:4; Ecclesiastes 12:7). Therefore, the Sadducees did not believe what was set forth in the Old Testament. They discarded the oral traditions of the Pharisees. The Sadducees demanded that only the written Law (Pentateuch) was authoritative and they rejected oral traditions of the Pharisees. This, of course, conflicted with the teaching of the Pharisees who taught that God had given both the written and the oral

Why is it that we find time to read the newspaper, magazines, etc., but can’t find the time to read, study and meditate upon God’s Word (1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 2:15; Psalm 1:1-3)? Why is it that we faithfully attend ball games, business related meetings, social gatherings and club meetings, but we are not faithful in attending all the services of the church, including Sunday and Wednesday evening (Hebrews 10:24-26; Acts 2:42)? Why is it when it comes to politics, we don’t mind letting others know what we are politically, but then we are afraid and embarrassed to let others know that we are Christians, members of the church of Christ (1 Peter 4:16; Romans 16:16)? Why is it that we are so concerned about the physical things of this world, and we neglect spiritual things (Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:1-3; 1 John 2:15-17)? Why is it that we are so concerned about whether or not animals are being mistreated, but we are not concerned when unborn babies are being killed every day (Romans 12:9-10; 13:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21)? Why is it that we can sit at a ball game or in front of the TV for two to three hours and not even nod, but the moment we sit down in our place in the worship services, we are “gone” (John 4:24; Psalm 122:1)? Why is it that we as parents will make sure that our children will be in school every day possible, but then we are not so

A question was recently raised concerning a “Homecoming Dance.” Specifically, should a Christian young person attend his or her “Homecoming Dance”? I know and realize that there are many activities at high school in which a young person can be involved. There are some activities that would be fitting and permissible in which a Christian young person may engage. However, that does not mean that every high school activity is an activity in which a Christian young person should be a part. How does one determine what activity or activities to engage in at school for a Christian young person? Should we make that determination based solely upon the fact that… For the Christian young person, what one does, in what he or she participates and supports is not determined by the school system, by what is popular, by what friends may or may not do, but solely by the Word of God (2 Peter 1:3; Colossians 3:17; 2 Timothy 3:15-17). The child of God (young or old) is to be different (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:3-6; 12:1-2). We live in this world, but we do not live by the standards of the world. To answer the question dealing with attending the “homecoming dance,” one must first deal with whether the “modern dance” is something in which Christian young people should engage. To answer that question should help us in answering the question concerning “homecoming dances.” Are there any precepts and principles from the Bible that will help us in dealing

In today’s news, one hears much about what is called “same-sex” marriages. What is promoted by such is a man married to a man or a woman married to a woman. What about such marriages? Are they approved of God? In discussing such issues, many want to leave God out of the picture. Some are more concerned about the feelings and the thinking of man than the will of God. As we turn to the Bible, we can see, understand and know how God feels about so-called “same-sex” marriages. The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female. And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are not more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. (Matthew 19:3-6) Concerning marriage, God from the beginning ordained that it was to be male and female to be joined together. In Genesis 2:18, we read that God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” What was it that God gave to man to be his help meet? Was it some animal? No! Was it

[Bulletin Briefs March 2004 reprint of Bulletin Digest] It is that time of the year when young people are thinking about “The Prom.” There are some young people and parents who consider the prom as one of the highlights of the school year. They look forward to it with great anticipation. Some do not see any problem with “The Prom” and other modern dancing. It is tragic and sad to hear of some young people who claim to be children of God attending such activities. To make it even worse, some parents will encourage and condone such. Yes, such is tragic as well as sinful (2 John 9-11). “The Prom” with its modern dancing is no place for a child of God. Notice some reasons why that is the case: Dancing is condemned in the Scripture. When you read of the works of the flesh as listed in Galatians 5:19-21, Paul said that they who “do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Please consider two of the things mentioned: “Lasciviousness” and “reveling.” Lasciviousness is described as “filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon). Reveling is a “jovial feast with music and dancing” (Liddell Scott Greek Lexicon). When one understands the meaning of these words, it is evident that dancing and “Proms” are condemned in the Scripture. Dancing causes lewd and lustful desires. You cannot obey “Flee also youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22); “…neither be partakers of other men’s sins; keep thyself pure” (1 Timothy

[Gospel Gleaner, Vol. 16, No. 3, p. 17.] In today’s news, you hear much about what is called “same-sex” marriages. What is promoted by such is a man married to a man or a woman being married to a woman. What about such marriages? Are they approved of God? In discussing such issues, many want to leave God out of the picture. Some are more concerned about the feelings and the thinking of man than the will of God. As we turn to the Bible, we can see, understand and know how God feels about “same-sex” marriages. “The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:3-6). Concerning marriage, God from the beginning ordained that it was to be male and female to be joined together. In Genesis 2:18, we read that God said, “And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which