“In everything give thanks; for this is God’s willfor you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). The fourth Thursday of each November, we will celebrate Thanksgiving. It’s a day set aside to remember how blessed we are as a nation [USA], and to give thanks for these blessings. Certainly, it is right for us to do so. As Americans, consider our standard of living, the degree of material prosperity we enjoy and all the other blessings of which we benefit by being citizens of this country. In other nations, poverty, the horror of war and terrorism, and a general uncertainty about life are grim realities of daily living. Even with all the problems our society faces, there is much for which to be thankful. The attitude of thanksgiving is basic to being a Christian. Scripture reminds us of the blessings we enjoy from God each day, and how grateful we should be. As Paul reminded the Colossians, we should have hearts “overflowing with gratitude” (Colossians 2:7). God is not only the source of our physical blessings (James 1:17), but all that is spiritual (Ephesians 1:3). Even in adversity, we can still give thanks. God can use times of trial to discipline us, to draw us closer to Him (Hebrews 12:5-11; 1 Peter 1:6-7). Even in distress, we know God is with us, to strengthen and help us along the way. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those …

The Bible teaches that Christians are a peculiar people (1 Peter 2:9). They are a peculiar people because they do not follow the standard set by the world, but they are trying to live by following the steps of Christ as they are taught (1 Peter 2:21). Christ said His followers are in the world but are not of the world, as He was not of the world when He was on earth (John 17:14-16). The apostle Paul wrote, our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Sure, on earth we are citizens of the country in which we live, and as Christians we are a responsible people in our nation. Our first responsibility, however, is to God, as Christ taught in Matthew 6:33. We must, therefore, try to live daily our lives on earth in such manner that through all our actions God`s name may be glorified (Matthew 5:16). As Christians we are also responsible to our fellow beings; Christ taught, “whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them” (Matthew 7:12). We want others to speak well of us and to do good for us, and so we should do likewise towards others. We do not want others to cheat us, to lie to us or to harm us in any way, and so we must first do the same to others. As Christians we owe a debt to our nation. We enjoy freedom and protection from evil and lawless men. Only a settled government can …

We are coming up on a time of year when well-intentioned people often spend too much for gifts, etc. We need to have a proper perspective in this matter. Did you know you can hold a coin so close to your eye that you can’t see anything but the coin? However, if you move the coin away from your eye, it becomes much “smaller” and the world around it becomes “larger.” It is all a matter of perspective, and you determine that perspective. It is also noteworthy that sometimes things become way too important to us, and we pass on that perspective to those around us (e.g., our children). We even let things come between God and us. Not good! In regard to proper perspective, money and possessions do not need to have first place in our lives. One writer said “getting all we can and canning all we get” can become an obsession. Nobody should be rebuked for being industrious and hardworking, but when the making and collecting of money and possessions becomes an end in itself, rather than a means to serve God and provide for our family, then we are holding the coin too close to our eye. It restricts our vision, our perspective. The Bible says, “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith…” (1 Timothy 6:10). Notice the passage does not say “money is the root of all kinds of evil,” but rather the love of …

If we had back in attendance at worship services, Bible classes and Christian activities the young people who grew up in the local church, each congregation would have to build larger rooms, auditoriums and activity areas to accommodate the numbers. It is a shame to lose anyone, but especially those who sat at the feet of teachers and parents who sought to guide them into faithfulness to the Lord. In spite of the efforts, too many children fell away, and the challenge of bringing them back is a great one. Some have developed unwholesome attitudes since departing. Really, there is only one thing which will bring the lost to the Lord. Abraham said to the rich man (Luke 16:19-31) when he asked for help from the dead for his five brothers lost back on earth: “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.” Then he added, “If they were not persuaded by Moses and the Prophets [the Word of God] neither would they be persuaded though one went unto them from the dead.” We substitute some things hoping good will come. It is good to be around those erring souls, to encourage them with parties and showers when they marry, and when they are about to bear children themselves, but rarely do these good events bring anyone to return to the Lord. It is good to plead for the cause of truth, the Lord’s sacrifice at the cross and all the other spiritual ideals that Jesus taught, but …

Many people today do not understand what it means to be an elder in the Lord’s church. Many have heard how certain denominations use the terms bishop or elder, and suppose that this is the biblical usage of the terms. It may be the case also that some do not understand the full scope of the work of an elder or a bishop. Herein, we will clarify the Bible’s instruction on how to choose an elder, and once in office, what the elder’s responsibilities are. We must first make some important distinctions in the names given for elders in the New Testament. Presbuteros is translated “elder”64 times in the New Testament, “old man”once in Acts 2:17 and “eldest”once in John 8:9. This word basically refers to an older man. It is mainly used when age is under consideration for eligibility for the office. The word episkopos is translated “bishop”four times (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 2:25) and “overseer” once (Acts 20:28) in the New Testament. This word denotes “a man charged with the duty of seeing that things to be done by others are done rightly, and curator, guardian, or superintendent” (Wharton 75). It is mainly used when work is to be considered for the office. Poimein is translated “shepherd”15 times in the Gospel records, twice as “Shepherd”(Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25), and once as “pastor”(Ephesians 4:11). This word when applied to the office of an elder basically comments on the serving nature of the elder to his flock of …

What did you worry about yesterday? Did your worry solve any problems? Worry is not only destructive to us spiritually, it is also foolish because it just does not work! Paul wrote to Christians at Philippi, “In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let you request be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6). If you are not a child of God, then take those biblical steps to become one so that you will be in a position to approach the Father in heaven, and as a loving Father, He can answer His child’s request. The antidote for worry is faith. Let us fill our hearts with faith which comes from hearing God’s Word, and foolish worry and anxiety will be crowded out. Such will help us to live victoriously every day.

As so often happens, an incident happened this week that I just could not get past for a while. The result of the unintentional incident was that one of the parties almost began to rail against the other. It was totally unnecessary and uncalled for. There was no basis for the “railer” to react in such a way. I realized that this person has a penchant for railing and causing contention and is one who takes exception to almost everything that is said or done. Do you know people like this? Probably so and it makes you realize that they do not understand anything about The Power of Positive Thinking, a book that was written by Norman Vincent Peale many years ago. Although Dr. Peale made some very good points in his book, all we need to do to eliminate the negative and accentuate the positive is to look to and obey God’s Word. The “wise man” said “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). So the way to do away with the negative, mean, hateful things is to fill our minds with positive, gentle, loving thoughts and attitudes. A person is capable of controlling his/her thoughts and actions. One cannot let outside influences make decisions for him about what and how he will think and act unless he is obeying God in those matters. If God is allowed to control your thoughts and actions, what does He say? What He says is “Put off anger, …

I did it last night. I wasted time that I can never get back. I replaced rest with restlessness, and the sweet serenity of sleep with tumultuous tossing and turning. When I should have been folded into the comforting arms of pleasant slumber, I was instead wrestling a discomforting demon from within my own mind. “What if this happens tomorrow, what will I do?” “What if this doesn’t happen tomorrow, what will I do?” “Why can’t I just come up with a plan, why can’t I know what to do tomorrow, if…” Questions of this sort slammed their way through the crevices of my mind. I tossed and turned and, I might as well say it, I worried. Worry overcame my thoughts, and drove the sleep far from me. Worry took the hours and twisted them from peaceful serenity to tortured agony. The saddest part is that, as is so often the case, I spent the night worrying about “what if” and “what if” never happened. Why would I ever let worry do that to me? I think I know. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is …

A short time ago, my son Daniel said his own prayer for the first time. It was of his own volition as he asked his mother at bedtime if he could say his own. In that prayer he thanked God for all the things little children do (and big adults should). He thanked God for everyone from Mommy to Grandpa to baby brother and the dog. However, the point that got Shea tickled and me thinking was when he thanked God for Jonah, David and Daniel. These are the men he has been studying in Bible class both on Sunday and Wednesday. It was, as it is often said, “out of the mouths of babes” that an important question came to mind. My question is this: “How often do we thank God for the believers of the past?” God could have very easily given a list of commands and requirements a mile long and left it at that. Yet, He chose not to do so. Instead, He gave us a series of examples, both right and wrong, good and evil, of how others throughout history have dealt with various situations and commands of God. He then, through the apostle Paul, relayed to us the reason for this. Paul states, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). We have numerous examples that show us the quality of life God makes available to man, …

In Philippians 4:4, Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice.” The Greek word here is “chairo.” I am not scholarly enough to make a proper distinction between “chairo,” “agalliao,” “euphraino” and “kauchomai,” all of which are translated “rejoice.” As I look at every word in the New Testament where any of these are used, I think I see some possible distinctions, though I know of no “authority” that supports my conclusion, or denies it. It seems to me that “chairo” suggests a feeling of joy or gladness related to thanksgiving. While “agalliao” is not significantly different, it seems to carry the idea of exultation, or a more lively expression of joy, such as leaping in gladness. Both expressions are used in Matthew 5:12, “Rejoice (chairete) and be exceeding glad (agalliasthe).” The term “euphraino” seems to carry with it the idea of rejoicing in the sense of making merry, such as having a good time at a party. That does not mean that it relates to just having fun, but we can recognize that there may be a difference in the kind of joy we have at getting with the family during the holidays and the kind of joy we have when a person obeys the Gospel. The term “kauchaomia” carries the idea of glorying in, and may even be used of boasting about a thing. This is the word Paul used when he said in Galatians 6:14, “God forbid that I should glory save in …

It is believed that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. Does this make it true? Is Islam the one and only true religion? Consider some contrasts between it and Christianity (the Quran and the Bible) which clearly demonstrates the superiority of Christianity over Islam. Involuntary Conversion vs. Freedom of Choice Converts to Islam often came as a result of Muhammad’s success as a conquering war leader. For instance, in the early days of his new religion, Muhammad and his few followers were forced to flee Mecca due to his monotheistic stance in a polytheistic culture. He returned to Mecca years later with “ten thousand men… As they approached the city one of the leading men of the town was captured and brought to Mohammad. He proclaimed the faith and asked Mohammad not to destroy the city. Mohammad told him he would spare the people if they would accept the faith. Accordingly, Mecca was taken with very little bloodshed” (Mattox 171). In contrast, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6-7), commanded His disciples to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9); even when Peter drew his sword to fight for Jesus at His arrest and betrayal, Jesus rebuked Peter saying, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:53). Jesus never forced anyone to follow Him (Matthew 11:28-30), and He allowed those who were following Him for the wrong reasons to turn back and no longer walk with Him …

How tragic truly it is that some cannot bring themselves to acknowledge their need and dependence upon Jesus. We are all familiar with the “macho” types at least some of which deny their need for anybody. They are overfilled with pride or a sense they can handle life and everything that comes with it on their own terms and by their own power, “thank you very much.” Consequentially, relationships on all levels, including the spiritual dimension, suffer. However, it is not weak to admit you need Jesus. Historically, there always have been men who have sought and “found” one excuse or another to excuse themselves for disallowing Jesus from becoming the principal person in their lives (Luke 14:26-27, 33). However, there is no reasonable basis for keeping Jesus locked out of one’s heart (Revelation 3:20). A heart hardened by sin is most often times the culprit. Jesus, whose wisdom and power surpasses our own is well able to bring benefits to our lives like none other (John 10:10). It was imperative for the Queen of the South to inconvenience herself in traveling such tremendous distance to investigate the reports of Solomon’s wisdom and fame. In Jesus we find one whose wisdom and glory extraordinarily surpasses that of King Solomon (Matthew 12:42). On one occasion, recorded by Matthew in chapter 8:23-27, Jesus was crossing the Sea of Galilee in a boat with His disciples when a terrible storm came, and they were afraid they were soon to be cast into the …

The Constitution of the United States is the greatest uninspired document that has ever been written by mere human beings. For two and a half centuries it has guided the American people very well and has been amended fewer than thirty times. This document has made us the most unique nation on the face of the earth, with our people enjoying more freedoms than the people of any other nation on God’s footstool. Every political officer of any import at all, swears to uphold the Constitution of the US. That is one reason why in 2003, many Americans were shocked to hear one of the justices of the United States Supreme Court, the court whose duty it is to interpret the Constitution as well as to uphold it, make the statement that the Court had begun to look to international law to guide their decisions. Speaking of the court, as well as most other liberal politicians in America, she said, “Our island or one-ranger mentality is beginning to change,” then added that justices “are becoming more open to comparative and international law perspectives.” Again, we emphasize that this came from a woman who has sworn before Almighty God to uphold the Constitution of the United States! Where does that great document give these justices permission to make decisions on behalf of the American people based on international law perspectives? The reason we are seeing so many out and out crazy decisions come out of Federal courts at every level is …

It is a historical fact that man departed from the original plan and structure of the church that we read about in the New Testament. To deny this fact is to deny verifiable evidence. The apostles, by inspiration, clearly foretold of the falling away. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.” (1 Timothy 4:1- 3) “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (2 Timothy 4:1-4) As we ponder the foretelling of this departure from the faith, the apostasy of the church of Christ, we ask: Is it possible to locate or identify a major factor that brought on this falling away? I believe we can! We know that congregations of the Lord’s people that were fully …

“If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you” (Romans 8:11). In 1920, the 18th amendment to our constitution was adopted to ban the consumption of alcohol. Most simply refer to this as “Prohibition.” However, thirteen years later the 21st amendment repealed the eighteenth, revealing to us the validity of the phrase “you can’t legislate morality.” While only partially true, it is true nonetheless. Why? Well, prohibition proved that alcohol was not the problem, just like guns, sex and gambling are not problems. As the old saying goes, “Guns don’t kill people. People kill people.” The problem is our lack of self-control, which would also be difficult to legislate. We do not need gun control or stricter laws about the availability of sex or gambling. We need more self-control. We need less of the flesh and more of the Spirit. Fortunately, our loving Heavenly Father has made us an offer that is just too good to refuse. You see, if you will allow it, God can come into your life, bringing control and godliness so you may be more like Christ. By His spirit we can be empowered to live above the evil influences of the world, and thus the problems that stem from them. In this day, let the Spirit of God live within you and have control.

The death of Christ is the most significant event in the history of humanity. It is the central event in the history of every individual. So few words are used to describe this enormously significant event. In Luke 23:33 we read, “And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.” These words speak of suffering, shame and sacrifice; treachery, trouble and triumphant; deceit, death and determination; sin, salvation and sacrifice. What does Scripture say about the location? First, it was near the city (John 19:20). Second, a garden was in its immediate vicinity (John 19:41). Third, it was near some public thoroughfare (Matthew27:39). However, we do not know its exact location, why it had such a name as “skull” or if it was “on a hill” as the song indicates. Skulls were probably lying about. It was a place of public execution, and it possibly had a skull-like feature. Nevertheless, it was a terrible place and the name was certainly appropriate with the events that took place there. The names “Golgotha” (Hebrew) and “Calvary” (Latin), both mean “skull.” The location of this “place of a skull” (Matthew27:33) is a matter of dispute, but evidence favors “Gordan’s Calvary.” It is a few hundred feet northeast of the old Damascus Gate outside the old city walls (Hebrews 13:12). The pronoun “they” refers to the soldiers in this passage. However, according to …

In the religious world, including both those who profess faith in Christ and those of other religions, most believe that there are many ways to heaven. They explain that even though different roads may be taken, all are headed for the same destination. That sounds good, but it is not what the Bible teaches. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me” (John 14:6). Jesus was saying emphatically that there is but way to heaven, and that He is that way. Who said there are many ways to heaven? Jesus did not make such a statement, and neither do those who know what the Bible teaches on this subject. Those who say that there are many ways to heaven are those who believe in many doctrines not found in the Scriptures, and those who believe in “gods” of religions other than Christianity. On one occasion Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that enters not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber” (John 10:1). Now I did not say that, but Christ said it. He is the way to heaven, and He is the one who says that when a man tries to enter by another way he is a thief and robber. Why? Because that person is trying to follow a way that Christ has not authorized. It is true that, in …

The statement was made by a friend of mine that if one does something in religion and one’s conscience does not offend him, that religious act is acceptable to God. No doubt this is the general belief among many people today. Most of us have seen the scene of an angel and a devil vying at the same time for the control of a person’s conscience and actions. It is agreed that the conscience is a guide in religious matters. Even in the realm of opinions, a person must not act contrary to his/her conscience, otherwise it becomes a sin. This would be the understanding of what Paul wrote in Romans 14:23, “But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.” While the conscience is recognized as a guide, the question is, can it be trusted as the acceptable authority in religious matters? The “Conscience is the testimony and secret judgment of the soul, which gives its approbation to actions that it thinks good, or reproaches itself with those which it believes to be evil; or, it is a particular knowledge which shows us what is good, or evil; and conscience tells us when we have done the one or the other” (Cruden’s Complete Concordance). We should note carefully that the conscience does not make laws and regulations, but rather it simply abides by what it has been taught, whether good or bad. The conscience …