Jesus desired mankind to live not just any way of life, but rather live the ‘abundant life’ (John 10:10). He came for that expressed purpose. He noted that if we love Him (14:15), we will keep His commandments. If we keep His commandments, we are hearing Him (10:27-30), and while following Him nothing can ‘pluck us out of his hand.’ However, what if we are not listening to the Shepard? Simon Peter allowed Jesus to change his life; Paul allowed the same; Lydia allowed Jesus to change her life. What is the key? Allowance. If any of our number is living two styles of life – one for Sundays and another for workdays, why not try the ‘abundant life’? Not just because of the Judgment someday (12:48), but because so much more good in this world can be done by those who are living the ‘abundant life.’ Where truth, love, mercy, joy and peace thrive, there are better families, communities and churches. Where deception, hatred, unkindness, sorrow and war thrive, there is none made better. These will really make a maze in life, which is confusing as well as far from the betterment of life.

So read the headline in the DeSoto Appeal Wednesday. The Freedom From Religion Foundation complained about prayers over the public address system at sporting events and other school functions such as graduations. The district responded immediately. No more prayers sanctioned by the schools. Actually this has been the policy since July, 2008. It just was not followed. There is no legal battle to be fought. The Supreme Court apparently settled the question in the past. If the interpretation of the law is correct, the public schools have their hands tied. Emotions rise quickly with such news. The issue is more complex than we want to admit. To see clearly through the frustration, anger, and other emotions on either side is not easy. First, the increasing absence of God in the public square is an obvious symptom of the secularization or our society. Government is a tool being used but it is not the cause. The cause is not one. There are many – material prosperity, moral decline, weak biblical teaching, a growing lack of faith in the God of Scripture, a world view that is human centered and not God centered. As a people, a nation, we are not the people of faith we once were. The government reflects what is happening in our society. We Christians find ourselves in a situation new and strange to us. Second, Christianity, the church, does not depend on the government for its strength and its survival. The church of the apostles and Jesus Himself were …

Why does the news you read in the paper, see on TV or read on the Internet always sound so bad? I once had it explained this way. Our news focuses on the negative because it is out of the ordinary, atypical, not an everyday occurrence. Tornadoes, then, are newsworthy for several reasons (the ecological impact, the economic impact, the human perspective, etc.). Yet, tornadoes do not happen every day, so they arrest our attention, especially if they happen where we live. The point being made is that not everything happening in the world is bad. Of course, bad things do happen. We should not, however, allow the bad to keep us from seeing the good. An objective perspective is needed. The same can be true spiritually. Elijah complained to God, “The Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left…” (1 Kings 19:10). Elijah was viewing the world through Jezebel’s threat to kill him. His response to God was, “Nobody serves you but me, and they’re trying to kill me!” Obviously, the situation was bad in Israel, but not all bad. God reminded Elijah there were 7,000 in Israel who had not worshipped Baal (1 Kings 19:18). God gave Elijah a more objective perspective. It is easy to sit back and complain about problems, real or imaginary, in the Lord’s church. That the church has problems is, no doubt, true. We need, however, to keep an objective perspective; …

Recently, the Lewisville (TX) church of Christ hosted its annual “Sending Them Off With Prayer” night. During this gathering, the church prays for everyone involved in the beginning of a new school year. This year, the Lewisville church added something new: Bibles were given to all of the children who were entering the first grade. These rising first-graders were called to the front of the building with their parents and were presented with a Bible by the minister, Jeff Jenkins. Jeff related some of the responses from these first graders: “One of our parents sent me a picture of her little girl in bed the night before her first day of school and she is holding her Bible.” “Another one of our students came up to me during the next church service and said, ‘Mr. Jeff, look, I brought my new Bible!’” “Another parent sent me the following story about her daughter: ‘Avery was so excited tonight when she received her Bible at church. She quickly noticed it had a map in the back. She looked up at me and said, Mommy, look, it has a map; now I will never be lost.’” Jeff smiled and thought, “You are right… This Bible is your map so you will never be lost.” The Bible, God’s Word, is our map. It reveals where we are, where we are headed and our desired destination. The Bible reveals that we are lost in sin, and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Yet, the Bible also reveals that God …

Singing has always been a part of our family. When I was about 6 or 7 years old, my folks tried to interest me in music by making me take piano lessons. The only song I remember was Porcupines Have Prickly Quills to the tune of Haydn’s Surprise Symphony. Also about that time, a brother in the church encouraged me to get up and “lead a song” at a Sunday afternoon singing. As I went back to my seat, I said something to the effect, “I’ll never do that again.” A little later, when my brother and I were still in elementary school, our parents sent us down the street to a lady that taught music lessons. That was not the favorite way to spend a Saturday morning for two little boys! As we grew up, church music became a big part of our lives. We would, of course, sing in church services. However, it was not uncommon for the young people to go to somebody’s house for a “singing night.” In addition, we were blessed to attend a Christian school. I sang in the chorus and learned to love music even more. I love to sing with singers who have learned to read music, have good voices and who also love to sing. Over the years, I have often noticed that some in the church do not seem to enjoy singing. They will often not participate in the worship in song. Can God be pleased if we do not participate in that avenue of …

I have six children – three that I am blessed to be able to hold today, two that were lost in the womb, and one I look forward to holding in November. I have experienced some of the joys and sorrows of being a parent, and I am sure I will experience many more as the years pass. This morning, it was through watery eyes that I read of a family who lost their infant child last night because of health complications with his heart. The sorrow and pain they are enduring cannot be described nor explained with mere words, but at the same time, there is also hope in the opportunity in eternity to see that child again. As I was contemplating these things this morning, another thought entered the mix. We are made in the image of God. Mankind was created with a soul, with cognitive abilities and emotional spectrums similar to our Creator. He has given us reason and logic, love, anger, compassion, desire and many other processes that are similar in nature to His own. That being the case, I believe we often overlook the means by which we can see how God feels when He loses a child. When we lose a child, someone we created, someone we loved and cherished, for whom we sought to provide and care, who we would give anything to protect, even if it meant our own lives, what does it do to us? It causes grief and agony, sorrow …

Some seem so anxious to avoid hell that they forget to celebrate their journey to heaven (cf. 2 John 1:4). Therefore, what is the real joy of good living? You know that your sins are forgiven (Romans 8:1). This happens when you commit yourself to Christ in faith, repent, confess Jesus as the Son of God and baptism. David was “a man after God’s own heart,” but he broke 40% of the 10 Commandments on one particular occasion. Yet, the God who forgave David’s sins will forgive your sins, too (Psalm 32:1; cf. 1 John 1:9). God forgives the sins of those that are penitent, baptized believers (Acts 2:38). You know that you have someone to help you along life’s way (Hebrews 2:18). The word “aid” (“succor” KJV) means “to help” or “come to the rescue.” Jesus promised to be with His disciples “even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20). Jesus knows our struggles (Hebrews 4:15). You know you are engaged in the greatest work in the world (2 Timothy 4:5). After all, investment determines involvement. We will be greatly involved in that which we invest our time, treasures and talents, and it will pay dividends for time and eternity (Psalm 23:6; cf. 1 Timothy 4:8, 15-16). You know that you are living by the best set of rules in the world (James 1:21-25). If we live by the rules of the New Testament, we shall never go wrong. The Word of God is like a mirror in which we see ourselves …

Matthew 6:19-24 is a commentary on the first 18 verses of the chapter. When Jesus tells us not to lay for ourselves treasure on the earth, He is speaking about those who practice their righteousness to be seen of men. Those who are all about fame and notoriety care little for the afterlife, but have concerns with how they are perceived in the here and now. When their piety becomes a show, they are storing up for themselves treasure on earth. The problem is that there is little security down here. Thieves break in and steal, and moth and rust destroy things stored down here. If we wish to have everlasting treasure, we must store riches in the most secure location – heaven. In heaven our treasure cannot be stolen, nor can it be destroyed by moth or rust; and remember that where your treasure is, that is where your heart is, too. The way to ensure you are storing up your treasure in heaven is to make sure that your eyes are clear and healthy. We are not speaking of literal eye health, of course, but spiritual eye health. If the eye is healthy, the body will be full of light; if the eye is bad, the whole body will be full of darkness. You cannot serve two masters. A clear eye recognizes this and serves God, and no one or nothing else. A bad eye tries to have God and something else. Those who practice their righteousness to be seen …

This country is only as good as its citizens. For the country to be better, its citizens must become better citizens. If we expect to stand the test of time, this nation must work toward making this country morally and physically strong. Likewise, the church can and will become better if the individual members begin the process with themselves. Therefore, to make the church better, each member must realize that he or she is important to the work of the church. The body cannot function properly without each of its members contributing (1 Corinthians 12:20-26). Our Lord expects all of us to do what we can to strengthen and nourish the church. “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16). Each member must be willing to help the church grow. After you realize your importance to the church, you must then start to do something for the church. The obligations of the church can most easily be placed into three categories: (1) Evangelism – teaching the Gospel to the lost. (2) Edification – encouraging the existing members and (3) Benevolence – helping the needy to get those necessary things for everyday living. To that end, each member can contribute in a multitude of ways. Perhaps the easiest thing to do is to “be kind to one another, …

Ancient words have a place in a modern world, and especially the Book of 1 Corinthians is applicable today. First of all, the Bible is still active and powerful. Hebrews 4:12 (ESV) reads, “For the word of God is living  and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.“ The “ancient words” revealed by the Holy Spirit through inspired men are still the “power of God to salvation” as they reveal to us the great and glorious Gospel message. We must walk in these words, with hearts that are filled with faith, motivated by love and obedient to the message. Secondly, the letter to the Corinthians was written to a troubled congregation. Paul loved them and expressed that love, despite their myriad of problems. He called them brethren, and he addressed them as saints. They had been sanctified by the blood of Jesus. I do think that some points need to be noted, though. 1. The Corinthian church had problems with: division, eating of meats, the “covering,” misunderstandings concerning marriage, misuse of the Lord’s Supper, fighting over the spiritual gifts, denying the resurrection (have I left anything out?). 2. Not every member was involved in the false ideas and teaching. Some, like the house of Chloe, were standing strong against the problems in the church. 3. Paul did not say, just keep doing what you are doing, grace will …

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 …

The agnostic is a type of infidel who says that he does not know that there is a God, as Christians believe, and honestly says, “I don’t know.” The atheist is the more arrogant when he says, “I know that God does not exist.” In so saying, he holds a most ridiculous position. In order to know that, he must know everything that can be known, for if there is one thing he does not know, God may be the very One he does not know. Thomas A. Edison, in his day, is credited with saying that in scientific fields man had not “touched the hem of the garment.” Tremendous advances in scientific knowledge since his day have proved him correct. Neither has man yet learned all there is to know. To know there is no God, the atheist must have been everywhere in the universe, else God may be in the one place he has not been. If there are limits to the universe, man has never been able to see such, much less travel to the end. Hence, before any man can deny the existence of God, he himself must be a god; he must declare that he has been everywhere and absolutely knows everything. Infidels deny that the idea of God ever entered the world through human reason, and that there is no such thing as divine revelation, and certainly not by experience, then how could the idea of God ever be conceived by man? If there is no …

As far back as I can remember, our brethren have effectively denied the doctrine called “Impossibility of Apostasy,” “Security of the Believer,” “Perseverance of the Saints” or “Once Saved Always Saved.” The doctrine was the natural outgrowth of the Calvinistic doctrine of “Hereditary Total Depravity,” and an integral part of what is sometimes called the TULIP theory. Without examining each of the five parts of the theory, the idea of the whole thing is that since man is totally depraved, universally lost, God sent His Son to die for a limited portion of mankind who must respond to the irresistible grace of God, then must persevere and be saved eternally, else God’s whole plan is negated and His promise invalidated. The purpose of this article is not to refute the theory, which is false in every point, but to point out a Bible truth that is sometimes overlooked in the process of pointing out the falsity of the Calvinistic theory. There is a sense in which it is true that once saved we are always saved! The failure to realize that truth has caused much unnecessary worry on the part of many Christians. That is, I have had persons come to me with this problem: “I committed a sin before I became a Christian, and I want you to pray for my forgiveness, because it still bothers me.” I have replied something like this: “I cannot, for God has no record of it. He has forgotten it, and if I …

Centuries ago there was a sect of Gnosticism known as Docetism, which taught Jesus was only a spirit, not human. Today, some think Jesus could not experience pain or be tempted since He was also deity. The Bible teaches Jesus had a physical body (John 1:1-14). Those who think that Christ did not have a physical body should remember the disciple Thomas. He would not believe Jesus was resurrected until “…I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side…” When Thomas examined His body, he exclaimed “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:25, 28 NKJV). If Jesus were only spirit, it would invalidate both His death and resurrection, which has serious consequences. The apostle Paul wrote, “For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable” (1 Corinthians 15:16-19). The temptations and suffering of Christ were part of His preparation for being our High Priest. “Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He …

What a wonderful thought for our minds to focus upon and to be actively engaged in contemplation. It is a noble thought, a healthy and most worthy one. It gives the faint-hearted cheer and encouragement in a moment of trial. It empowers the struggling to make the right choice in a time of temptation. However, this is no time for self-satisfaction by having the realization we are heaven-bound. Together, we must continue to diligently sow, water and “bring in the sheaves” for our Master. It is undetermined on our part just how many more souls may yet be won to Christ as we reach out in love with the Gospel of the everlasting kingdom. “Together” is used with purpose in the title of our considered topic. In God’s superior and infinite wisdom, He has so arranged that we be “together” in fellowship with Him and with one another. Deity’s plan is for God-fearing, Christ-following, Spirit-filled believers to walk the Christian walk together in love and unity as dear children (Ephesians 5:1-2). Satan’s objective is to get us off by ourselves where we feel we are isolated, alienated and all alone without a Christian friend to care. There is strength in numbers, but only when God is among the number. May we continue to walk together along the straight and narrow path (Matthew 7:13-14). We need God. We also need each other. “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the …

Since the first predictive prophecy was made by God Himself and recorded by Moses in Genesis 3:15, man has been enthralled with prophecy, especially that which is both promissory and predictive. It would appear that one of the greatest apologetic tools at our disposal is that of prophetic promise. For if a promise is made centuries, years or even months before an event transpires, God must be responsible, since no man can see into the future. The Bible is replete with prophetic promises; consequently, it must be true that there is a God who has revealed Himself through inspired writings. In Isaiah 65:23-24, we find one of the most magnificent, heart-warming and winsome prophetic promises ever recorded. The inspired prophet wrote, “They shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth children for trouble; for they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them. It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” Here, in a section of remarkable prophecy concerning the coming of the kingdom (church) and the nature of it, Isaiah wrote a further description of the peaceable kingdom in which he included the promises of God for those who would enter it. Christians need to review these promises from time to time. Working very hard at something and failing brings great disappointment and heartache to the laborer. Hence, the promise that citizens of the kingdom of Christ will not …

I am a simple fellow! Why should we complicate things that are easy? Some folks seem to enjoy the complication and making everyday jobs difficult. I have also observed that trouble-free and daily jobs are overlooked. A task unassigned is a task that does not get done. Many a job becomes a great chore because the basics were not done. I am sure you can think of occasions when folks look at each other and say, “I thought you were supposed to do that?” Let’s “Keep It Simple.” We are also aware that religious creeds that guide one’s belief system can also be very complicated. Let’s keep it simple and go back to the source of our Christian belief system. Someone may ask, “What is that source?” The answer, plain and simply is the Bible. The Bible is divided into the Old and New Testaments. We do not live under the Old Law. It has been nailed to the cross, “having blotted out the bond written in ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us: and he hath taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:14 ASV). Manmade Religious CreedsUnnecessarily Complicate Christianity Let us note the last paragraph, Volume One, Preface, page VI, “The Creeds of Christendom with History and Critical Notes” in Three Volumes, Sixth Edition, edited by Philip Schaff and revised by David S. Schaff. May this repository of creeds and confessions promote a better understanding among the Churches of Christ. …

In a recent posting on our son-in-law’s blog, he wrote of asking our oldest grandson what different parts of the church building were. Of course, as a proud grandpa, I thought that all of the responses were very insightful. Like all grandparents, I was sure that our grandson would know more about the church building where his family worships regularly than any other six-year-old in the universe. (Of course that would also be true with regard to our three-year-old, our two-year-old and both of our less that one-year-olds!) In particular, I found the following response to be very interesting: Baptistery – “Where somebody goes into God’s family (they have to believe and they have to hold their breath).” I am not sure that I have ever read where one of the biblical requirements of baptism is the ability to hold one’s breath, but it surely would be a very practical thing to do. That would be true, of course, only if a person submitted to the type of baptism described in God’s Word. While many in the religious climate of our day accept a variety of “modes” of baptism, those who desire to follow the will of God will recognize and submit to only one. By definition, description and depiction, baptism is immersion. The word “baptism” is an anglicized word. Translators took the Greek word baptizo and/or one of the forms of that word and “invented” an English word where one had never existed before. According to Vine’s Expository of New Testament Words (89), this …

Several years ago while studying in my office, the telephone rang. When I answered, a lady inquired if a certain person was there. I replied in the negative. She asked, “Is this the Church of God?” I answered, “This is the church of Christ.” She replied, “Oh, I have the wrong number.” I then said, “I want to assure you that this is the church of God.” This short conversation made me realize once again how denominationalism has really confused matters regarding biblical terms applicable to the church of the Lord. In fact, it made me feel uncomfortable to answer the lady in the manner I did. While I did not deny that this was the church of God, realizing the confusion this would cause, I answered by saying this was a church of Christ. I knew if I answered in the affirmative to her question, she would not understand as to why the party she was asking for did not work here. What would you say if someone asked you if you were a member of the church of God? Now, think before you answer, and why would you answer in the way that you would. Could it be that you would not want to be associated with another religious group? Would you be truthful and unashamed by answering in the positive? Several years ago, I preached a sermon relative to the undenominational nature of the church of Jesus Christ. I emphasized the scripturalness of using all the biblical …

Most of those today who believe in Christ speak of “The Lord’s Prayer.” They say it in their worship, and they sing it. Those who do not use it in these ways are questioned and criticized. The prayer that is referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer” is found in Matthew 6. There, Jesus says to His disciples, “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen” (Matthew 6:9-13). In our discussion of this prayer, it is not our intention to be different simply for the sake of being different. It is not our desire to be negative and to disturb people. Yet, we must point out that this is not “the Lord’s prayer.” It was never intended to be His prayer, and the Scriptures do not designate it as “the Lord’s prayer.” So, what is the purpose of these verses, and how should they be used by Christians today? In this setting, Christ was teaching the disciples about worship. First, He was condemning the motivation of the hypocrites in their giving. Many of them were giving of their alms only to be seen of men. Some would even …

Given by Jonathan Edwards in 1758 when he was president of College of New Jersey (now Princeton University), his famous sermon “Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God” was preached several years before (1741) in Enfield, Connecticut. This was not a sermon, but I feel that we as Christians could very easily adopt these five resolutions and give scriptural support for them. Resolved: To live life with all my might while I live. Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 9:10 that there is no work or thought or knowledge in the grave! In Ecclesiastes 12:14, Solomon again penned that God will bring every deed [work] into judgment whether good or bad! Thessalonians 2:16-17 reads, “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation, and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work.” Jesus said, “I must work the works of Him who sent me…” We note the work of Christians whenever we sing the song “To the Work.” In Revelation 14:13 we find, “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead, which die in the Lord from henceforth, Yea, saith the Spirit, that they shall rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” Faithful Christians live their lives with all their might as long as they live! Resolved: Never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in any way we can [a …