My experience with the subject of giving could be called a paradox. For years as a young husband and father, struggling to support a growing family, I would resist, even become upset every time the subject of giving came up. I readily admit that part of the problem was that I knew that I was not giving to support the cause of Christ as I should. However, there was another problem. So many times when the end of each year was approaching, the preacher would be asked by the elders to preach a sermon on giving. At times, the sermon would be based upon the budget, which the elders had apparently already prepared, or would be an apologetic approach to the subject. On one occasion, the preacher even apologized, saying, “I promise not to touch on this subject again this year.” I began to study the subject of giving from a biblical standpoint. I immediately recognized that we were creating an attitude of necessity, which is exactly what the Bible teaches not to do. “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). What constitutes a cheerful giver? Do you remember the first time you had an opportunity to give a gift? What prompted that action, if not love? Love for a mother, father, friend or sweetheart makes the giving of a gift an exciting and cheerful act. How different from giving out of a …

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). My oldest son is such a blessing. Oh! He is a teenager and sometimes falls prey to those teenage issues, which, if let go, can become serious. However, he is such a blessing. There are several things that we do together and in which I find great joy, as does he. One of those things is fixing our vehicles when they break. Fortunately, that is not often. However, this weekend I have a few things to take care of for one of our older vehicles. They are small repairs, but the kind that take some time and a second pair of hands. Last night I approached my oldest son about helping me out and he anxiously said, “Yes.” That, of course made me glad. However, then I told him I would pay him a little money, because I know he has been saving for a while for a piece of musical equipment that he wants. I figured we could both win in the deal. I get the help I need, he gets some money to add to savings, and we get to share our lives and know one another better. He refused! As a matter of fact, he said, “It just doesn’t seem right that I should get paid for helping your fix a vehicle …

A recent radio program carried the story of a man who was walking behind the campus of a nearby State College when, in the distance, he saw what looked like a huge “treasure chest” filled with gold and silver, shimmering in the sunlight. Upon closer inspection, however, he discovered that the “treasure” was actually a collection of “trophies” of every shape and size that had been piled high in a dumpster! The college was simply repeating a ritual of clearing their shelves and cabinets of all the old trophies, plaques and awards received over the years in order to make room for the next generation of college students. As he gazed upon the glittering spectacle, he realized how these trophies in the dumpster might accurately represent all the worldly achievements, ideals and struggles of man such as fame, popularity, wealth and power. He could see their ultimate end – to be discarded eventually as “worthless” and then crushed and ground to dust! Gleaning a lesson from a sporting event with application to living the Christian life, the apostle Paul wrote: “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.They do it to get a crown that will not last; But we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:25). The trophies of the world will not last (see 2 Peter 3:10), but Christ offers to us an “Imperishable Crown” – the crown of life (James 1:12). One day, each of us will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. …

Recently while watching “Good Morning America,” my attention was drawn to a story about the “most gruesome murder in Los Angeles history.” They began showing diagrams and pictures of a husband and wife who were murdered in their own home by their two sons. I couldn’t look; it was too brutal. The story described the “mental, emotional and sexual abuse” of the two boys by their parents. At that point, my heart sank, and I know that my only action should be to drop to my knees and thank Almighty God for blessing me with faithful Christian parents. There are some things one witnesses that promises to change our lives forever, that will change our thoughts and actions. This particular story has done that. From that day, I pledged to begin and end each day thanking God for the good Christian home in which I was raised. I grew up in a home where I never heard my mother and father yell at one another; furthermore, I never heard them exchange a cross word. My parents didn’t drink alcohol; they didn’t smoke or take drugs. Cursing was never heard, and fighting was absolutely forbidden. Prayer began and ended each day; it preceded each meal and every aspect of our lives. Christ was the center of our home and God’s Word the standard by which we conducted our lives. I was taught by their words and their actions to love, respect and forgive. I was taught the importance of responsibility and commitment — …

Back when tropical storm Bill came through our area, I was driving on Highway 98 east of Destin a few miles. Off of the road about twenty or thirty yards was a large hand-painted sign, which simply said, “ARK.” With all of the rain that came with Bill, one might have expected to see some critters going that way two by two. Seriously, though, we all know that God promised that He would never again destroy this old world by flood. However, He did not promise that He would not destroy it. In fact, He promised that He will destroy it by fire. In 2 Peter 3:10, Peter described it this way: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” This will also be the time of judgment. On that great Day of Judgment, there will be no arguments, no excuses and no second chances for those who are unprepared to meet God. All the talk one hears today about “Rapture” or “Tribulation” of the Premillennialists is nothing but the nonsense of men’s doctrines. The Word of God does not teach it. The song says, “Are you ready for that day to come.” ARE YOU?

Revelation 3:15-16 reads, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot; I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” This was written to the church at Laodicea. This also means, of course, that Jesus knows each of us individually inside out (Hebrews 4:13). The whole of our lives lie openly before him; nothing remains hidden. The Lord gave an evaluation of the congregation at Laodicea. The church was neither hot nor cold. Trench says that the Lord is expressing deep regret at this condition. Jesus is not saying that He wished that they had never come under the influence of the Gospel, but rather He is giving emphasis to His disappointment to their lukewarmness, over their lack of zeal and concern about spiritual matters. Notice verse 16. “So because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth.” Lukewarm (chliaros, one of the various forms of chlio) means, “to become warm, liquefy, melt” (Thayer). Here the word is used metaphorically to express a condition that produced nausea. A beverage that is hot or cold could be refreshing; but a drink that is tepid and lukewarm produces only nausea and vomiting (Leviticus 18:28; 20:22). The Lord was saying, “Your half-hearted, hypocritical lives make me sick.” He charges that they are neither cold (Psuchros) nor hot (zostos – boiling). They were attempting to make a deadly compromise. There can be no real commitment to Jesus if a person decides to remain cold at the same …

What criteria do many people use when it comes to “choosing a church”? For some, size, special programs, location and facilities are the most important qualities they consider. Questions like “What will this church do for me? What does this group offer our children? What does this congregation provide for our needs?” are raised. Looking for a church home has become much like shopping for a new car. Certainly, the above concerns can have a place for consideration in determining a church home. However, there is something else that needs to be considered, something that should be considered before anything else. While felt needs take priority for many people’s search for a church, if we accept Scripture to be authoritative, truth must be one’s first and foremost concern. While many people place subjective feelings above objective truth, God doesn’t. It does matter what an individual believes, and what a church teaches and practices. Scripture tells us there is one faith, not many, which saves (Ephesians 4:5), which was delivered once for all (Jude 3). Scripture also reveals there is one church that Christ established, not many (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4). Before anything else is considered, one should ask if a local congregation of the body of Christ, in doctrine and practice, seeks to be what Scripture teaches, what Scripture commends it to be. It is, after all, the Lord’s church. There is no denying that Christians should be friendly, loving and caring. We should seek to strengthen and encourage each other. We …

Yes, if you understand first of all that God desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:3-4), that He gave His only begotten and beloved Son to die for the whole world that through faith in Him we could be saved (John 3:16), and Jesus, by the grace of God, died for every man (Hebrews 2:9). However, does the fact that “the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11) mean that everyone will be saved presently and in eternity? Not according to the words of Jesus Christ as found in Matthew 7:13-14: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (NKJV). This is one of the saddest statements that Jesus made during His ministry. In contrast to the “many” who will be lost, there will only be a “few” who will be saved. However, the church of our Lord should preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the entire world so that people from every nation, tribe and tongue can know of God’s love for them (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16). It is the responsibility of each hearer to respond to the good news and believe in Jesus Christ and obey the commands of the …

There is a commercial for a type of garbage bag that caught my attention the other day. On one side of the screen is a muscular young man, and on the other side is a little old man. They are stuffing garbage bags. The muscular young man’s bag busts and everything falls out, but the little old man’s stays strong. They put up a screen that says, “Wimpy, Wimpy, Wimpy” about the young man’s bag. It is cute, but it makes a point that they may not even mean to make. True strength is found in those who make use of the correct tools, who have the inner strength, courage and wisdom to go to the right source for true power. In Ezekiel 22:30, God is lamenting through the prophet that He cannot find any man to stand in the gap and stop the onslaught of evil in the country of Israel. I truly believe that we need men (and women) today who will stand in the gap for God. We need those who will stand in the gap for our country. No matter what is being said in all the world, the fact is that “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” It breaks my heart to hear, even some members of the Lord’s body, spouting the politically correct nonsense that religion should not be considered when we think about our government. If Christians forget our faith, and stop standing for God, then our nation …

In the first two chapters of Job, tragedy strikes Job on every side. From Chapter 3 through Chapter 37, Job fights the battle of the mind. Why does God permit suffering? Answer: In order to have a choice we have to have something to choose between. Therefore, God permits the opposite of Himself to exist, Satan. Thus, the opposite of God’s nature also exists, evil. With evil or sin comes suffering. Job 12:7-12 tells us to learn from the beasts, birds, earth and fish. What is it we are to learn? Romans 8:17-25 reveals Christians are “joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together,” and Paul penned, “consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” The creature and creation are waiting for the deliverance “from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” Satan allows us a choice between good and evil. Nature teaches this to us in its daily struggles. Our daily struggles are caused by the two natures dwelling in us. Romans 7:21-23 says when we want to do good, evil is present with us, and we have a war between flesh and spirit. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places,” reveals Ephesians 6:12. …

There are many religious teachings and practices, popularly accepted, that are completely without scriptural support! Many assume what they’ve heard or been told is right, but ideas assumed to be true can be entirely false. Many religious concepts and thoughts, assumed to be biblical, are completely wrong, and actually unbiblical and anti-biblical! Some examples: There are many other examples we could cite of men and women acting religiously without divine authority or sanction. Let us approach any religious concept and practice with one thought: “What does the Word of God say about it?” Let us, in our desire to please the living God be driven to the Scripture to know God’s will. Anything else is insufficient!

Several years ago, I had a dog that was hit by a car. Her leg and hip were broken in the accident. Obviously, she was in a lot of pain. So when I picked her up to take her to the vet, do you know what she did? She bit me! I was only trying to be kind and help, but she bit me. Same song, second verse. Have you ever tried to reach out to someone who was obviously in pain in an effort to help him or her? When you have done so, have you ever been “bitten” by those you’re trying to help? If so, I wouldn’t be at all surprised. You see, I’ve come to realize that hurt people hurt people. Therefore, here are two challenges. (1) Don’t let your fear of being “bitten” keep you from doing good for others. Seldom does doing good and helping another come without cost. (2) When you’re hurting, and someone tries to reach out to you and offer you help, resist the urge to “bite,” and graciously accept help, understanding that he or she is seeking your good.

All believers of the Word of God, the Bible, must consider the need to use the sum of truth on any biblical subject. “How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them” (Psalm 139:17). With the biblical principle of using the sum of truth, let us study and consider the examples of conversion in the Book of Acts. Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41). (1) There was preaching. (2) People believed or were “pricked in their heart” (verse 37). (3) Repentance is mentioned (verses 37-38). (4) Confession is not mentioned. (5) Baptism is mentioned (verses 38-41). (6) Remission of sins appears (verses 38-47). Samaria (Acts 8:5-13) (1) People believed (verse 12-13). (2) There is no mention of repentance or confession. (3) They were baptized (verse 12-13). Eunuch (Acts 8:35-39). (1) He believed (verses 36-37). (2) There is no mention of repentance. (3) He confessed Christ (verse 37). (4) The eunuch was baptized (verse 38). (5) He rejoiced (verse 39). Saul (Acts 9:17-18). (1) No mention of belief, repentance or confession appears here. (2) Saul was baptized (verse 18). (3) His sins were washed away (Acts 22:16). Cornelius (Acts 10:34-46) (1) He believed (verse 43). (2) No mention of repentance or confession appears. (3) Cornelius was baptized (verse 48). (4) Remission of sins was promised (verse 43). The Jailer (Acts 16:31-34). (1) He believed (verse 31). (2) No mention of repentance or confession appears. (3) The jailer was baptized (verse 33). Lydia (Acts 16:13-15). (1) Belief and an open heart appear here (verse …

Probably, a working definition of the terms with which this article is titled would be: “Character refers to what a person is; reputation is what people in general think he is.” Often, they may be about the same, for the old saying that you can fool some of the people all the time and all of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all the people all of the time is probably true. All of us are probably aware of persons whom we have considered as “honest as the day is long.” However, when some situation arose that was revealing, we discovered that the night came all too soon. It is sad that throughout the brotherhood there are those who can fly 1,000 miles to speak on a lecture program about the value of personal evangelism, but have never been known to walk across the street to set up a Bible study. There are those who write excellent articles for what we think are some of the best papers in the brotherhood, but whose moral qualities are such that those who know them best trust them the least. There are those who seem to float around like buzzards looking for something rotten to feast on, and when they cannot find anything rotten, try to make it that way with innuendo, perversions and sometimes outright lies. We have not yet discovered why they seem to fit so well into the description given in Romans 1:29-30, “full of envy, …

One of the greatest mistakes that students of the Bible in modern times can make is to interpret the Bible as if it were written to men living in the 21st century. Though the Bible is a timeless book, it was not written to any of us living beyond the 1st century. Interpreting the Bible as if it were written to us will cause no end of trouble. If you think that is an overstatement, just give some attention to the foolishness that is being palmed off on the American people by the Premillennialists. Consequently, we must always remember that the New Testament was written to the people and churches to whom the various books are directed. Some will immediately criticize that we are saying the Bible does not apply to us. Nothing even remotely like that has been said — nor will it be! While the perfect Book containing all that pertains to life and godliness was not written to us, it was most assuredly written for us. Every book of the Bible was written to fit the historical context existing when it was written. Sometimes we recognize that, but often we do not. In all probability, we do not because of our effort to get back to the Bible in all things spiritual, as nearly as humanly possible, doing things as they were done in apostolic times. We also recognize that not all that was done in apostolic times affects us in any way today. For example, we all very willingly admit that Paul traveled by ship and …

A few years ago, in one of the local shopping malls, a man of extraordinary skill and vision brought in a large section of a specially chosen log, and with patience and precision, he used his chain saw to carve out a remarkable resemblance of the legendary Coach, Paul “Bear” Bryant, of football fame. The massive structure was truly breathtaking in its resemblance to Coach Bryant. Multitudes of awe-struck folks stood with mouth open and eyes glaring at the marvelous statue. The artist’s attention to minute detail and realism was uncanny! However, Alas! A little time and the normal wear and tear of aging took its toll, and the lovely work had to be removed. Big cracks began to emerge, and discoloration took place in numerous areas. As magnificent as the structure had been, there came a time when it had to be removed rather than become an embarrassment to the mall and the artisan. The Old Testament abounds with God’s instructions regarding the numerous “idols” with which Israel seemed to be smitten. The Israelites made idols of wood, stone, metal, and many times of precious gems, gold and silver. No matter how professional the artisans were, the objects of their efforts were still “made with hands” and could neither speak, hear nor do anything at all. They were inanimate objects, made by human hands, and not worthy of any worship or adoration. Although the Jews were often found running from one idol to another, they were without excuse for …

We live in a world that revels in ambiguity. Webster defines “ambiguous” as: “Having two or more meanings; doubtful; being of uncertain signification; susceptible of different interpretations; hence, obscure. It is applied to words and expressions.” Ambiguity revolves around uncertainty, making someone unsure of what should be done or why something is being done. It is specifically described as being applied to words and expressions, the things that we write and say. Ambiguity has long been the politician’s best friend. Politicians are able to make promises about anything they want, but never have to explain what they mean or how they intend to pay for all of these glorious additions to life and luxury. Unfortunately, many times, those who are ambiguous make things sound so good that many people do not even pick up on the ambiguity. They are happy to go along, thinking they are following one thing, when in reality they are swallowing something else entirely. The most exasperating aspects of ambiguity are found in another area – religion. It has become commonplace in our religious society, today, to make everything biblical ambiguous. There is no way truly to understand what God wanted to say to us because He wasn’t intelligent enough to be able to give it in a way that we could understand it, or at least so the perceived argument goes. Yet, is God really ambiguous in the Bible? Has God really given us doubletalk and unclear terminology of which we cannot come to a …

A good friend of mine in Oklahoma City concludes nearly every conversation we have by telling me to “Be Nice.” He is a nice guy himself, and he encourages me not just by saying the words, but by the way he lives. Something happened to me today that reminded me of the importance of being nice. I learned again why it is important for us to be kind to others. I was up early this morning preparing for a lunch meeting in Houston. I drove down to LUV field, got on the plane and flew down to Houston. I had rented a car through Priceline (which I always try to do because it saves mucho bucks!). On the way from Houston Hobby to the rental car facility, the driver informed those of us on the bus that there might be a wait getting our cars. It seems like they weren’t prepared for as many renters as they were getting today. I was beginning to think, “That’s what I get for using Priceline!” When he pulled up to the facility to let us out, my heart sank. There were people standing all over the lot – in the premium, full-size, mid-size and compact sections. There must have been about thirty people or groups of people waiting. As I got out of the bus, I could hear people complaining with serious anger. I began to think that I would miss my meeting. They were bringing out only one car at a time. …

There is one God, the Father, who is above all. There is one Jesus, the only begotten Son of the Father. There is one Holy Spirit. There is one Bible, not to be tampered with. There is one faith, which has been revealed from heaven. There is one body, the spiritual family of God. There is one Head, which governs the body. There is one Lawgiver. There is one hope unto which Jesus’ disciples are called. There is one baptism, the baptism of the Great Commission. There is one Gospel, the power of God unto salvation. There is one cross around which all men must gather. There is one Judge of all men. There is one fountain of love, which is God. There is one Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. There is one mind, the spirit of unity, unto which Jesus’ disciples are called to embrace the doctrine of Christ. There is one strait gate and one narrow path that lead unto eternal life. There is one wide gate and one broad way, which lead unto destruction. God has words of caution for us living in this modern, pluralistic society. God has words of rebuke for the false prophets and teachers who advocate there are many ways to heaven. Jesus says to all of us, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

In Matthew 22:34-40, Jesus was asked by a lawyer of his day, “Master, which is the great commandment of the law?” Jesus responded, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Jesus tells this man that the greatest commandment is for one to love God with all their heart, soul, and mind. This involves far more than simply saying that we love God, but requires of us the willingness to do all that God commands in the way He commands it to be done. It is unfortunate that many who say they love God believe they can then do whatever they desire and God will approve. Such is not the case. Part of showing that we love God is also seen in our treatment of one another (Vs. 39). If we love God, we will look out for the welfare of others as much as our own. Are we fulfilling the greatest command in our lives?