May I kindly ask a few questions for your personal study and reflection? How many churches did Jesus promise to build (Matthew 16:18)? Did He say, “I will build a church?” Did He say, “I will build My churches?” Since Jesus promised to build His church (singular), how can we endorse and authorize religious division today? We have hundreds of different churches in our country. Each of them wears a different name. Each of them promotes a different and often times conflicting doctrine. Is this what the Lord had in mind when He made His promise? Is the church the same thing as the body (Ephesians 1:22-23)? How many bodies did Paul mention (Ephesians 4:4; cf. Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:20)? Since the church and the body are the same thing, and since Christ is the Head of the body, how can we teach different, yea even opposing, doctrines? Does the Head of the body contradict itself? How many faiths does Paul mention (Ephesians 4:5)?

The church is not in the banking business. Or is it? Having spent the last several years in fund raising for evangelistic works, one of the greatest frustrations I have met is congregations who are sitting on tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars that they are not using. Certainly every missionary and/or fundraiser would like to see congregations support “his” work, but it is understood that that’s at the discretion of the local eldership. God’s plan is that each congregation be autonomous, and therefore no eldership is obligated to support any specific work. On the other hand, they are obligated to support some work. One is reminded of the Parable of the Talents. Though this parable is often used to illustrate the need to use our abilities in God’s service, the “talent” in the text is a unit of money. The one talent man in the parable is faulted because he dug a hole and buried the money that he should have been using for his master. The reason he gave for his negligence was fear (Matthew 25:25). His master attributed it to laziness (vs. 26). The master then commanded that he be casted into the outer darkness because he failed to use that which was laid at his charge. Could it be that we have a real parallel in the Lord’s church today? It is certainly understandable that a congregation would want to have a reserve for cases of emergency. However, what could motivate a …

What is our relationship with the Holy Spirit in the present age? How does He dwell in us? How does He influence our lives? There is perhaps more misunderstanding of these questions in the modern religious world than on any other subject. The views many hold are based more on emotion and superstition than on Scripture. It is important to let the Bible answer. This may necessitate your forgetting some of the ideas you have previously held. First, remember that the Holy Spirit is a Divine Person, just as the Father and Christ are Divine Persons. With this in mind, remember that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit—all three—are said to dwell in us (2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 3:17; Galatians 4:6; 1 Corinthians 6:19). We know of the indwelling of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit because we are told this in the Scriptures. Notice again that Christ dwells in us “by faith” (Ephesians 3:17). Now read Galatians 3:2. Here we learn that the Spirit is received by the “hearing of faith.” The simple fact is that we know the presence of the Holy Spirit in the same way that we know the presence of Christ and the Father. This is not by feelings and experiences, but by faith that is based on the statements of the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit instructs, guides and influences us by means of the written Word of God. Jesus promised the Spirit to the apostles to guide them “into all truth” (John 16:13). …

The word “if” is a small word, yet it often carries strong meaning and is a point at which there is a need to make a decision. Following the word “if” is what the decision needed is about. The definition of “if” that should be noted is “that something may or may not happen.” All have used it at one time or another. For example, “if it does not rain today I will mow the yard” or “if it rains I will get in something from the store that is needed.” So we can see that the word “if” is important in our life. The Bible, God’s Word, uses “if” often so let us examine it for a moment. Cain brought an offering to God from the fruit of the ground. That was not what God had directed so God did not accept it, and the countenance of Cain fell, that is he was badly disappointed (Genesis 4:3, 5). Cain had thought that God would accept what he decided to offer. However, God did not condemn Cain, saying, “Why art thou wroth? And why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door” (Genesis 4:6-7). Cain was here told that he had made a mistake, but if he did well, obeyed God, then he would be acceptable. Cain was given a choice, and as we know he chose the wrong road. Elijah provides another example. …

Our society has become enamored with what is different, even in religion. For many, Christianity (what the world calls Christianity) is passé, and experiments with Eastern religions, such as Islam or Buddhism, are becoming more and more common. Of course, no matter what society thinks, Jesus alone is the way, truth and life (John 14:6). Scripture alone is God-breathed, and it alone reveals His will to us through His Son. Still, in a relativistic and subjective culture, almost anything goes. Christ alone is the answer to sin and the problems it creates. Think that these other religions don’t have problems with sin? That their worshippers don’t have problems with immorality, greed, hypocrisy and many of the things that have been leveled against the Christian faith? Think again. In Bangkok, Thailand, monks caught sneaking out of temples in disguise, to carouse in karaoke bars and consort with women, have sparked fears that Buddhist religious values are crumbling in the face of worldly temptation. One monk was disgraced after a newspaper featured him proudly showing off his collection of vintage Mercedes cars, bought with the help of donations made to his temple. Such reminds us of the words of Jeremiah, when he says, “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). On our own, we are ineffective in overcoming sin. Any religious system of human origin will fail, as it is incapable of removing …

About six years ago I wrote about a tiny flower that was blooming along side of the walkway where people in our town take their walks. It is situated under a large oak tree and just pushes itself up beside the sidewalk. This morning (July 15, 2008) as I took my walk, I saw it again. For six or so years this little plant has tenaciously clung to that spot through wind, storm and drought, and it is still there for the enjoyment and delight of those who happen to pass by and notice it. Surely, there is a lesson in that somewhere. I wonder how many people in the last six years have had numerous opportunities to hear the truth of the Gospel proclaimed, but who turned away from it and either stayed in, or turned to the hopeless doctrines of men, doctrines of which Jesus Himself said, “In vain they do worship me, teaching as their doctrines the commandments of men.” When told by His disciples that His words had offended the Pharisees He said, “Let them alone. They are blind guides of the blind, and if the blind lead the blind, they will both fall into the ditch” (cf. Matt. 15:1-14 – Read it all!). I also wonder how many who were faithful to the Lord six years ago have now, like Demas, forsaken Him because of their love for the world. These are the ‘used-to-be’ Christians. They bring shame to themselves and to the church by their …

And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. (Luke 17:11-19) My leg and hip are hurting today;My shoulder is also aching as well;Gas prices are way too high I say;I wonder if our economy will fail! I cannot afford what I’d like to do;It seems like this day is dragging by;Sometimes pleasures seem far and few;And I can’t help but wonder why. But then I stop and contemplate:I got out of my nice warm bed,I put food on my breakfast plate,I had a secure roof over my head, I said good morning to my loving wife,I climbed …

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 the apostle Paul wrote, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” A preacher by the name of Martin Rinkhard wrote the lyrics of the song, “Now Thank We All Our God” to be used as an expression of gratitude by his family at meal time. The unusual background of this song of praise was that it was written during the “Thirty Year’s War” when the preacher was conducting as many as forty funerals a day, including that of his own wife. Yet in spite of war and plagues, he was able to give thanks to God for his blessings. This true story amazes me but it does not surprise me. It seems that in times of extreme and difficult circumstances, people who believe in God can find in their heart expressions of gratitude. In contrast when a nation is greatly blessed with a bounty of material and physical substances there is a tendency of man to forget the source of such blessings. It was said that the Lord sent two angels to earth to gather the petitions and thanksgivings made by His followers. Both angels returned to heaven in distress. The angel bearing the petitions was truly weighed down with his burden. The other angel bringing the prayers of thanksgivings was nearly empty handed. The lesson is obvious and clear. Most of God’s children are more apt to make requests, petitions and supplications rather than the giving …

I do not know of any perfect people, do you? The narcissistic personalities may think they are perfect, but they are so mistaken. Most normal folks understand that we all have flaws, shortcomings. Some of us are painfully aware of our flaws and try to overcome and correct these character shortcomings. It is sad to realize that some folks will not or cannot recognize their negative character traits. I always chuckle at one of the Cheerios cereal TV commercials. Paraphrasing, the husband is reading from the Cheerios box, that the cereal will help one lose weight. His wife standing near and eating a bowl of Cheerios states, “Do I need to lose weight?” giving him one of those looks. The husband, flustered, says, “No, no the box.” With that look his wife asks, “What else does the box say?” Looking defeated, he quickly says, “Shut up, Steve.” With that wifely smile, his wife wins one again. I like both of them! Steve quickly recognized that he was misunderstood and better shut up. Way to go, Steve! We all need to watch our words. Words convey thoughts! When one is speaking to a stranger or one that does not know him too well, exercise caution. Further, we need to be aware that some people are always ready to jump on our mistakes and flaws. Some have hidden agendas coupled with their own character flaws. It should also be understood that our words and deeds should be pointed and accurate when we …

There was a story posted on a popular political blog about a dog who died in a house fire after alerting its owners of the impending disaster. Jeter, named for New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, was a 120-pound Great Pyrenees “rescue dog,” retrieved from the humane society in Shelby County, Ohio three years ago. Jeter had been starved and beaten as a puppy. His owner, Glenda Moss of Piqua, OH, had lost another Great Pyrenees to illness prior to rescuing Jeter. At about 6:00 a.m. on June 11, Jeter began poking and licking Glenda’s face as she slept. She tried to get Jeter off of her, but she quickly realized that things were not right. Hearing the crackle of fire and smelling smoke, Glenda jumped from her bed and alerted her son David, 19, that the house was on fire. David and Glenda ran out of the house with Jeter close behind. However, for some unknown reason, Jeter ran back into the house. Glenda and David chased him, but the smoke in the burning house was too thick—they could only stay in the house a few minutes. Jeter died. The blog that featured that story is viewed by approximately 23 million people a day. If only half of those people read the story of Jeter’s heroics, 11.5 million people got a small dose of inspiration. Surely a few million of them forwarded that story to friends and family via email. A few million probably told at least one person …

A few minutes ago, a well-known brother and I were discussing some of the wonderful elderships we have known, and he suggested that it would be a good thing for elders to get many of the retired preachers who are now available in many congregations, to serve as elders, for their knowledge, background and experience could be an invaluable help. That made me think of writing an article relating to the subject. Paul says in 1 Timothy 3:2 that one of the qualifications of the elders is that he is “apt to teach.” In some of the congregations I have served, I had to ask the question, “Apt to teach what?” Many years ago one of the elders where I was preaching asked me very seriously, “Why don’t we use instrumental music in the worship?” Not having learned the fine art of diplomacy nor having attained the suave demeanor that only comes after years of practice, I said, “I don’t know why you do not. It is probably because you are too stingy to buy a piano. But I do not because I do not have any Bible authority for it!” I wondered how he got to be an “elder” in the first place, and he told me that he had been appointed by a great evangelist and Bible teacher who had been there in a Gospel meeting. It sounded as if the preacher had come by and established the church and, not wanting to leave it without leadership, sort …

The Bible is a book of such historical accuracy that those with a liberal agenda will, often with extreme dishonesty, engage in what is called historical revisionism. In other words, when they find uninspired accounts of historical events that harmonize with the Bible, they will rewrite—revise—history to make it appear to contradict what the Bible says. Doctrinally, men have been doing this for hundreds of years. They have simply written commentaries on the Bible to explain away its plain statements in areas where they disagree with the Bible. In more recent times they have become “brave” enough to develop some new “translations” of the Bible with their revisions found in the English text. A prime example is the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—with John 1:1 being one of the most outstanding revisions. This same kind of revisionism is found among historical theologians, and they often base whole revisions on what they consider to be obscure words of the Bible. An example is the crossing of the Red Sea by the Hebrews when they came out of Egypt. Liberals do not believe in miracles, so they will not admit that such was involved in the crossing of the Red Sea. They claim the Hebrew word is obscure and can be translated with “Red” or “Reed.” The Reed Sea is a marsh—swamp across which the Israelites could have waded on their way to the southern border of Canaan. Rather than admit the possibility of a miracle, they picture the Hebrews slogging …

In our study of the church, we consider what God planned even before the dawn of time as we know it. Our minds are led by the Holy Spirit through the Scriptures to reflect upon what the matchless power of God has accomplished in years gone by, and we learn further what God is continuing to do in our lifetime and even up to the day Jesus returns with his mighty angels to draw the curtain of time. There is so much confusion prevailing in our day concerning the concept of the church because so many have drifted away from the original purpose and plan God had and has in mind for the church. My friend, we must avoid being bogged down by denominationalism or any other ism that leads us away from the simplicity of the Gospel and the church produced and sustained by divine power. God has called believers to be nothing more than Christians, to wear no other name than the name of the Holy One who redeemed us by his blood. When men become “hyphenated Christians,” that is, describing ourselves as being “Christian -__________ist,” we are following a plan that is foreign to the Holy Scriptures, and especially the New Testament of Jesus Christ that leads exclusively to eternal life. On this side of eternity, men, women and young people will always be plagued by false religion. It is one of Satan’s favorite tools by which he deceives folks into thinking their salvation has been secured. …