Long ago the prophet Hosea cried out, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children” (Hosea 4:6). The overall level of knowledge among members of the Lord’s church today could only be described as abysmal. It is becoming harder and harder to teach (in some ways), because it is necessary to provide so much background information on Old Testament history, the life of Christ or the Acts of the Apostles just so that the lesson will make sense. Our attention to basic facts, such as knowing the books of the Bible, being able to quote scripture and having a basic grasp of the scheme of redemption and the message of each book of the Bible, has given way to a general feeling of disinterest in what the Bible says because people are often content with what they feel about the Bible. We console ourselves in our ignorance by claiming that we cannot remember “all of that.” What amazes me is how much we can remember about other aspects of life while claiming a poor memory as an excuse for not knowing the Bible. While our children are learning computer skills and keyboarding at an increasingly early age, our expectations about their ability to learn Bible facts is dropping. While our teenagers are taking chemistry, physics and calculus, …

One of the most misapplied passages in the Bible concerns the eating of meat offered to idols. As Paul concludes his inspired discourse, he shows that there are certain things that could be right for one person and wrong for another, depending on the conscience of the individual. “Hast thou faith? Have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is if he eat, because he eateth not to faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:22-23). Unfortunately, many have taken this passage and perverted its meaning, trying to justify their own sinful actions. We must understand the true meaning of Paul’s instructions so that we will not be deceived by those lying in wait (Ephesians 4:14). Paul was not speaking of something that is sinful in and of itself, but of an action that could be perceived to be wrong by those who had once participated in it as a religious act. This then shows that Paul was speaking of the realm of personal judgment based on the individual’s attitude toward that action. There is nothing wrong with having a cow for a pet, but if one had been a Hindu before receiving the truth, it might violate his conscience since Hindus recognize cows as beings worthy of worship. The meaning that Paul is emphasizing is that one who does not have any problem with having a cow for a pet because …

In Exodus 3, we find the story of God appearing to Moses in the burning bush which was not consumed. Although we do not know all the lessons Moses got from the story, we find a few that we think may be of value to you. First, if we have enough spiritual interest and willingness to turn aside from our ordinary pursuits to hear a revelation from God, we may discover that God has a greater commission for us than he did for Moses. He was to help God in delivering people from the bondage of slavery to Pharaoh in Egypt. We have been commissioned to help in the delivering people from the bondage of sin in the entire world! To all too many of us, Matthew 28:18-20 is still just a passage to be quoted regarding something that was said by someone about 2000 years ago. You need to turn aside and see the burning bush! Second, before we can be fitted for the job, we must recognize the power and purity of God. “Take off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the ground where thou standest is holy ground.” Peter tells us, “Be ye therefore holy as he who called you is holy” (1 Peter 1:15). The fact that we are to “come boldly to the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16) does not deny the fact that we should serve God “with reverence and Godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28). I still remember a sense of shock I had …

We have all heard the expression “The Blame Game” in a variety of ways and in a number of different settings. Today men and women will go to any extreme to be free from the obligations enjoined upon them by God’s Word. Paul addressed the Galatians, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). It is stated in an unqualified fashion that we must support and/or be in position to give assistance to a brother or sister that stands in need, either physically or spiritually. Jesus in a poignant way stated, “for I was hungry, and ye did not give me to eat; I was thirsty and ye gave me no drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me not in, naked, and ye clothed me not; sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not” (Matthew 25:42-43). What a tragic commentary on the individual that was negligent in his duty to which Jesus would state, “Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as you did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not unto me” (Matthew 25:44). Blaming others in an effort to justify our omission to bear one another’s burden is the height of hypocrisy. Let us observe ways in which we play “The Blame Game.” 1. THE BLAME GAME IS PLAYED WHEN HUMAN TRAGEDY, ILLNESS OR DEATH OCCURS. Countless times when faced with human suffering, illness or death, we hear scores of individuals cry-out, “It is God’s …

Some of my fondest memories of childhood revolve around sunny Sunday afternoon. I grew up in the country. Both my parents came from large families. Their siblings were all married with children and lived nearby. Sunday afternoons regularly brought many of them to our house. Softball, badminton and horseshoes were typical afternoon pastimes. And the games were so frequent that grass didn’t stand a chance. Did my parents complain about the damage done to our lawn? Not once that I recall. In fact, they were almost always involved in the games. There is not enough money in the world to buy the memories I have growing up on Bunner Ridge. But, today I know parents who won’t let their children or grandchildren walk, let alone play on the lawn. Not long ago I read about a woman who bought a beautiful new dining room table which was finished with a special polyurethane varnish that guaranteed it to be waterproof, stain-proof and mar-proof. Unsatisfied, she bought a finely made cloth to protect the beautiful tabletop. Still not feeling safe, she purchased a quality plastic cover to protect the tablecloth. Then, to protect the new plastic cover she decided to eat off the old table in the kitchen. You may find it hard to believe, but I know people who are much like that woman. They won’t use their best china or their best silver. They’re saving them for a special occasion. I once knew a man who bought a new suit, …

This title for the Christ is used about 82 times in the New Testament. Mostly it is used by Jesus himself and deliberately chosen by him to designate himself more often than any other. Some liberal scholars have indicated that “Son of man” is not a correct rendering and that Jesus merely used an Aramaic term that means “anyone” or “every man” and thus there is no title intended. However, one only has to look at passages like Matthew 1:19; Luke 6:22; 7:3-4; 12:8; 19:10; John 1:51 and 6:27 to see that to change the expression would make these passages virtually meaningless. At first glance, it would appear that the title is used simply to show the humanity of Jesus in contrast to the title “Son of God,” which would show his deity, but when one looks closely at its usage, the title “Son of man” not only shows the identity of Jesus with man but also clearly identifies his deity. When one looks at its usage, it is also clear that Jesus chose to refer to himself as the “Son of man” not because it was a new title but because it was a term which was well known among the Jews and saturated with deep meaning before the time of Jesus. That the title was not new and was understood by the Jews to be a Messianic title is clearly seen in John 12:34, “We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth forever: and how sayest …

Some well intentioned people misuse Mark 9:38-40: John said, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we forbad him, because he has not been following us.” Jesus replied, “Do not forbid him, for no one doing a miracle in my name can quickly speak evil of me. He who is not against us is for us.” Some denominationalist and charismatic people assert that the message in Mark shows that no matter what doctrine a preacher sets forth, he is not to be criticized so long as he claims to be “for” Jesus. Those people praise diversity and pluralism in religion. They do not think that it is possible to be “against” Christ as long as they say they are “for” him. Truly none of those sincere people means to be “against” Christ, but Jesus’ preview of the judgment shows that being “for” Christ requires more than saying so: Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter into heaven’s kingdom, but the one who does the will of my heavenly Father. Many will say to me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name, and in your name have we not cast out demons, and in your name have we not done many miracles?” Then I will say to them, “I have never known you” (Matthew 7:21-23). Thus Jesus asserted that the only right way to know if one is “for” Christ is not by saying, “Lord, Lord,” but by doing “the will …

The Bible claims to be the inspired Word of God. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God …” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Greek word that is translated into the English word “inspiration” is theopneustos. This word means, “God-breathed or breathed out of God!” From the definition of this word, one can only conclude that the writer is claiming to be inspired of God and, further, that “each” word that he recorded was given to him by God! The Greek word that is translated into the English word “Scripture” is graphe. This word means literally “writings,” but, as used in this context, denotes “writings that are inspired.” Some would assert that God did not give the exact words to be recorded, but that he simply put a thought into the minds of the writers and then left the words to be used up to them. This false theory is called “thought inspiration.” If the words that were to be recorded depended upon fallible men, then the words are fallible. If their words were fallible, then it would be the case that the Word of God is not inspired at all, but, rather, based on judgments made by man! However, it is the case that the Bible not only claims “inspiration,” it claims “full, verbal inspiration,” i.e., “word-for-word inspiration.” The Old Testament claims such (2 Samuel 23:2) and the New Testament claims such (Matthew 10:19-20). First Corinthians 2:10-13 clearly teaches that revelation to man came from God through his Spirit that …

If the devil were to write his beatitudes, they would probably go something like this: Blessed are those who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians — they are my best workers. Blessed are those Christians who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked — I can use them. Blessed are the touchy who stop going to church — they are my missionaries. Blessed are the troublemakers — they shall be called my children. Blessed are the complainers — I’m all ears to them. Blessed are those who are bored with the minister’s mannerisms and mistakes — for they get nothing out of his sermons. Blessed is the church member who expects to be invited to his own church — for he is a part of the problem instead of the solution. Blessed are those who gossip — for they shall cause strife and divisions that please me. Blessed are those who are easily offended — for they will soon get angry and quit. Blessed are those who do not give their offering to carry on God’s work — for they are my helpers. Blessed is he who professes to love God but hates his brother and sister — for he shall be with me forever. Blessed are you who, when you read this think it is about other people and not you — I’ve got you too! Now, read Matt. 5-6-7!

According to Greek mythology, Cadmus came upon a terrible dragon that blocked his path. After battling and killing the dragon, he pulled out all its teeth and buried them in a field. Later, traveling back that same way, he was shocked to discover that each tooth had transformed itself into an armed giant! How could he possibly overcome these savage giants and pass through? Suddenly, a plan! Hiding behind a tree, Cadmus threw a stone — striking one of the giants. The giant, thinking one of the others had struck him, retaliated by hitting one of his fellow giants. Battle lines were drawn, the giants chose sides, the fight escalated, all were drawn into a bloody free-for-all. Soon, all lie dead or dying. Cadmus was then able to pass through the pitiful, fallen creatures with no danger of being attacked. As we all know, Greek mythology is just that, myth. Stories like this, however, do give great lessons that can be learned. The Bible tells us that Satan wants to walk through us as a “destroyer.” “Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer” (1 Corinthians 10:10). When we draw near to God and remain united as his people, the Devil is frustrated in his evil plan. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). God takes ordinary men and women and makes great giants of them. However, when giants fight, we become weak and …

Several years ago we heard the late and deeply respected Batsell Barrett Baxter preach a wonderful and moving sermon to which he gave the title that we have used above. Brother Baxter was attempting to get us to see that duty is not a bad motivation, but it can actually become a way of life for us when our duty toward God becomes the deepest desire of our hearts. When our desires come to correspond with the desires of God, then we find nothing painful about serving him in any capacity in our lives. In later times, we have come to call this “cooperation with God.” When one’s greatest desire is to comply with the commands of God, one finds nothing negative about doing so. If a person finds himself having the negative emotion of resentment because he must do the duty of God, then he may rest assured of the fact that duty toward God has not become his desire. If we, like spoiled children, must have a spoonful of sugar to make the medicine go down, when it comes to serving God, there is something seriously wrong with our attitudes toward God and things divine and spiritual, to say nothing of the fact that there is something wrong with our attitude toward his marvelous Word. Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer, came to this earth to do his duty toward God on behalf of mankind. So completely did he do that duty that he was able to say …

[The Forrest Hill News, Vol. 26, March 29, 2000, p. 2.] Often the question is asked, “Must I attend every service of the Lord’s church?” Some feel that attending one worship assembly each week meets the criterion of faithful membership. But the problem is one of the heart. The question should be: “How much do I love God; how much do I love the brotherhood; how much do I love my soul and the crown of life awaiting the faithful?” The Christian, therefore, will reason thus: One, I will assemble regularly, for to praise God demonstrates and proves my love for him and my gratitude for the marvelous sacrifice of Christ (John 14:15). To the Christian who lives in great anticipation of serving God day and night in his presence in heaven, the privilege of serving and praising him in the assembly cannot come often enough (Revelation 5:9-14). To have to miss the Bible study/worship brings deepest regret. Why, the Christian will die for Christ; certainly, he will assemble faithfully in his presence with the brethren! Two, I will assemble regularly, for this helps me to be my brother’s keeper (Genesis 4:9). It helps to strengthen my marriage (Song of Solomon 8:6; Matthew 19:6-9; Hebrews 13:4), helps me bring my children up in “the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4), helps me lead the lost to Christ (Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 7:4), helps me restore the erring (James 5:19-20), helps me love the brotherhood (Hebrews 13:1), helps me bear fruit (John …

Parenthood is the toughest job that anyone will ever love. The responsibilities are endless and the challenges are weighty. The greatest responsibility belonging to any parent who is a Christian is the task of bringing up a child who will render his life in obedience to the Lord. It has always been a serious matter of contemplation for parents (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Proverbs 22:6.) Our job includes helping them to know the Scriptures which are able to make them wise unto salvation (2 Timothy 3:15.) We must spend the time necessary to be the main spiritual tutor of our children, more so than the preacher or Bible class teacher (Ephesians 6:4.) There is no joy on earth comparable to that of watching a son or daughter obey the Lord in baptism and begin his or her walk in faith with Christ. I will never forget the day when I was privileged to immerse my two oldest daughters into Christ. Other parents have shared the same joy as they have witnessed their children obey the Gospel of Christ. Lately, we noted the obedience of a number of precious young souls as they have recently committed their lives to the blood bought way of salvation in Christ. It amazes me when I detect in some people a discouraging note that would render such events as little more than trivial. It seems to be the attitude of some that conversions are more noteworthy if they come from people who have no background connection with …

Like Paul, forgetting things which are behind and pressing forward Like David, lifting up my eyes to the hills from which my help comes Like Abraham, trusting my God implicitly Like Enoch, walking in daily fellowship with my heavenly Father Like Moses, suffering rather than enjoying the pleasure of sin for a time Like Job, being patient and faithful in all circumstances Like Joseph, turning my back on all evil advances Like Gideon, advancing even when my friends are few Like Andrew, striving to lead my brother to Christ adapted, The West Side Vision, Russellville, AR

Communication is sometimes a very difficult task. It is not uncommon for us to misunderstand someone as well as be misunderstood by someone else. We spend our lives communicating with people on a daily basis, and yet we still do not master the art of communication. For example, take note of some of the following real headlines written by professional writers (communicators). Police Begin Campaign To Run Down Jaywalkers Eye Drops Off Shelf Squad Helps Dog Bite Victim Miners Refuse To Work After Death Two Sisters Reunited After 18 Years In Checkout Counter Red Tape Holds Up New Bridge Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Killed Kids Make Nutritious Snacks Local High School Dropouts Cut In Half The above headlines bring a smile to my face and remind me how poorly we sometimes communicate. Not long ago, I read of a man who was visiting England, and who was invited to play in a game of Cricket. Since he never played, he asked for a summary of the rules. Here is what he was told: Oh, it’s quite a simple game, actually. You have two sides, one out in the field and one in. Each man that’s on the side that’s in goes out and when he’s out he comes in and the next man goes in until he’s out. When they are all out, the side that’s out comes in and the side that’s been in goes out and tries to get those coming in out. Sometimes, you get men …