As citizens of the United Sates, we live in a society that is characterized by change. People are not satisfied with the status quo for very long, and become bored without rapid change and progression. Many of us want new cars, new homes, new toys, new clothes, new tools, new mates and new entertainments. Of course, change can often be a bad thing. Sadly, this obsession with change can be easily observed in religion and ethics. Truth is now considered relative by many, and therefore, right and wrong are simply a matter of personal perspective. Sinful behavior is to be tolerated, not repented of and spoken against. In our present cultural framework, God is a myth, the Bible is a fairytale storybook at best, and Christianity is often an unhealthy way of living. It is interesting that many talk of tolerance, but are far from being tolerant of God, His Word and his faithful people. Things sure have changed a whole lot in the last several decades. The erosion in the ethical fabric of our nation has led to a so-called “post-Christian nation.” As the Lord’s body, we must not allow ourselves to be fooled or deceived by this mentality of change and progression. We must remain firmly grounded in the Word of our awesome God. It is imperative that we all recognize that there are essential changes to be made, but other things that must not ever be changed. What Must Change? Change can be a very good and …

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame” (1 Peter 2:4-6 ESV). Living stones? Well that sounds kind of archaic. I mean, who builds with stones anymore? Homes have been built with them. Office buildings have been made of giant piles of stones. We don’t make storage sheds out of stones. Oh! You will find the occasional wall in some parts of the country, where stones are found in abundance, being fabricated using stones. Today, we usually build with very different materials, many of them manmade. We use concrete, brick and steel. We use wood or some recycled composite material. Seldom do we use stones extensively anymore. So, why talk about the church in terms of stones or living stones? Even in the days of Christ, much of the building was done with brick formed from clay and baked. There are, of course, several reasons. First, stones are not manmade. They are of God. Second, stones will last much longer than the many manmade or fabricated materials that are used today. Just take a good hard look at the ancient ruins …

From time to time I have had the privilege of looking through a preacher’s Bible. I am referring to that Bible which has been used by a preacher for many years. They are often easy to pick out among others. One of the first things noticeable is the Duck Tape holding the cover together or the rubber bands around the outside to keep notes, bookmarks and even pages from falling out. Speaking of pages, they are stained along the edges from many years of fingers seeking knowledge of God. You will not hear the crinkle of a new Bible here. This Bible has circles and arrows pointing out one verse from another. Some places are underlined and others are highlighted. CIA code breakers would have a hard time figuring out the pattern of how verses are marked and referenced. Greek words are scattered everywhere. So many notes can be found in the margins that you might think a whole book could be written from them alone. In fact, some have; Wayne Jackson wrote a book titled Notes from the Margin of My Bible. Thumbing through a Bible such as this is humbling. It becomes a diary and testament to one man’s love for his God. The weight and responsibility of a teacher of God’s Word can be felt within the lovingly worn pages. I asked once, “How do you decide what verses to highlight? Are they just special to you or do you have some other pattern?” You see, I was interested so I …

Why is it that we find time to read the newspaper, magazines, etc., but can’t find the time to read, study and meditate upon God’s Word (1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 2:15; Psalm 1:1-3)? Why is it that we faithfully attend ball games, business related meetings, social gatherings and club meetings, but we are not faithful in attending all the services of the church, including Sunday and Wednesday evening (Hebrews 10:24-26; Acts 2:42)? Why is it when it comes to politics, we don’t mind letting others know what we are politically, but then we are afraid and embarrassed to let others know that we are Christians, members of the church of Christ (1 Peter 4:16; Romans 16:16)? Why is it that we are so concerned about the physical things of this world, and we neglect spiritual things (Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:1-3; 1 John 2:15-17)? Why is it that we are so concerned about whether or not animals are being mistreated, but we are not concerned when unborn babies are being killed every day (Romans 12:9-10; 13:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21)? Why is it that we can sit at a ball game or in front of the TV for two to three hours and not even nod, but the moment we sit down in our place in the worship services, we are “gone” (John 4:24; Psalm 122:1)? Why is it that we as parents will make sure that our children will be in school every day possible, but then we are not so …

We get used to seeing blood at an early age. When a little one scrapes a knee, cuts a finger, etc., the blood oozes. As one gets older, more severe injuries occur and the blood sometimes flows freely from a body. The dictionary describes blood as “the liquid in veins, arteries and capillaries of vertebrates. Blood is circulated by the heart and carries oxygen and digested food to all parts of the body and takes away waste materials.” From this definition, we understand that blood is essential to maintaining life. I myself am a living phenomenon. On October 8, 2005, I suffered a ruptured abdominal aorta aneurysm and I “bled out.” An average-size man’s body contains approximately 10-12 pints of blood and I was given 33 units to get me going again. Statistics show that only about 10% of people who have an “aaa” survive, so I understand how close I came to losing physical life and know how very much God has blessed me. Yet, that’s not the intent of this recap; the aim is to help us understand how very vital blood is to life. This was so from the beginning of time. The first mention of blood in the Bible is in Genesis 4:9. “The Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel your brother? …The Lord said to Cain, What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries to Me from the ground.” These words were spoken following the act of Cain killing Abel. Then, …

Many times during the course of my 85 years, I have come face to face with seemingly insurmountable difficulties. Some of these turned out to be imaginary; some of them were very real. Some of them passed into oblivion quickly, and some of them endured for great lengths of time. In parallel, I’m reminded of the two old country boys who were trying to impress each other with their vast storehouse of knowledge about girls. One of them observed, “Now, pretty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clean to the bone. Pretty is sure to pass away, but that old ugly just keeps hanging on.” In a remote but comparative way, that’s how troubles and treasures come into, and abide in our lives. Some are fleeting, some are steadfast. Some bring happiness and others bring tears. In the annals of recorded history, I would dare say there have been few people who ever confronted more or harder trials than the apostle Paul. Consider, “…In labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft” (2 Corinthians 11:23). He then continued to relate a staggering account of tragic abuses. ‘Beaten by the Jews five times with 39 stripes. Beaten with rods three times. Stoned once. In three ship wrecks. A day and a night in the deep. In endless journeys.’ Listen to his next words: “In perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by my own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils …

“People radiate what is in their minds and in their hearts. If a man feels kindly and obliging, his neighbors will feel that way, too, before long. But if he scolds and scowls and criticizes—his neighbors will return scowl for scowl, and add interest!” (Eleanor H. Porter, 1868-1920) An interesting word, “scowling.” It is defined in part, “To wrinkle or contract the brow as an expression of anger or disapproval.” To scowl is defined in part as “an angry or bad-tempered expression.” Probably most of us have observed a person scowling. It isn’t a pretty sight to behold. It turns one off, does it not? According to the quote by Eleanor H. Porter, we radiate what is in our minds and hearts. A scowl is a dead giveaway to one’s overall outlook. Akin to the tendency of scowling is a scoffer. This is one who jeers or mocks, thus treating something and/or people with contempt and has an expression of mockery and derision. The attitude of derision is part of a scowling stance. People with dispositions of contempt cannot be team workers. In debating the right or wrong about any proposition, one must have a gentleman or a lady-like attitude. Our demeanor coupled with the desire to do the right thing is a must. Rudeness and scoffing must never be part of the solving of problems. Strong negative attitudes joined with my way or else have to be avoided. Even though it is becoming a rare character trait among many, …

The verb “bow” is defined as, “to bend the knee or body, or incline the head, as in reverence, submission, salutation, recognition, or acknowledgement.” For many folks, even the thought of bowing is distasteful. They would rather be shot than to humble themselves before someone else. So what is your opinion about bowing? Please ponder the following points. Each of us has chosen to sin, and we deserve punishment. Yet, Christ willingly came, took on Himself flesh (John 1:14), and went to the cross in our place. While on the cross he said, “It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up his spirit” (John 19:30). Jesus voluntarily bowed his head and died for us all. “Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11). Please look again at these verses and notice the recurring word “should.” We all “should” bow! Now fast forward to the end of time when “we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of God” (Romans 14:10). “For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, to me every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess to God” (Romans 14:11). Now take note that the word “shall” occurs twice. On that final day, every knee shall (no …

The question is asked, “Is it all right to observe holidays?” There are some that do not regard any observances or customs during this time of year, and they have their reasons. There are things about certain holidays that we should not observe simply because they are not in keeping with what the Bible teaches and would confuse our neighbors. Romans 14:5–8 says: One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. Clearly, there is nothing wrong in observing a holiday. It is the manner in which we remember the holiday that could present a problem. For instance, if we celebrated Halloween with the idea that there really were ghosts and monsters, then we would be teaching lies. Yet, to use it as a time to dress up in costumes and have fun, then there is no real danger. Christmas has often been observed …

In unison, we join with the psalmist when he declared his desire to praise our majestic Creator as we acknowledge we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). God made us so as to have emotions, and then, through non-verbal communication, express these through a variety of facial expressions that are created by involuntary muscle movements or muscle positions in the skin. At times, we communicate positive messages, but sometimes quite the opposite. A smile, for instance, can show approval; it also can indicate a sense of well-being and inner joy. It is easily distinguished from an angry look, a snarl or scowl. A number of emotional expressions enable us to “talk” to a foreign citizen without speaking a word. When God commissioned Jeremiah and prepared him for his prophetic office, He anticipated the difficult challenges Jeremiah would face in discharging his responsibility to faithfully declare God’s message to a wayward people. God comforted the young man when He said, “Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord” (Jeremiah 1:8). God knew beforehand what Jeremiah would be up against sometimes while preaching: hard looks, consternation or hatred. Just as verbal communication proceeds from the heart (Matthew 15:18-19), so does the non-verbal. Facial expressions convey so much to others. What is the nature of the messages we are sending to others within the body of Christ during the week or during times of meeting in the assembly? Do we convey that we …

Parents wishing to protect their children growing into adulthood must keep vigilant watch on the reading material filling the minds of their offspring. One young mother looking for a welcome home gift for her 13-year-old daughter went to a bookstore. She discovered “hundreds of lurid and dramatic covers.” The books were filled with “vampires and suicide and self-mutilation” (Gurdon). Many of the books written for young people aged 12 to 18 contain kidnapping, incest, brutal beatings and intimate relations between minor aged young men and other males (Gurdon). The safest way to protect your children is to be proactive by reading a book before your they read it or sitting down to read books with them. This would even be a good practice regarding the textbooks our young people bring home from school. The only way to know what is going into the minds of your children is to keep track of what they are reading, watching and songs to which they listen. The wise man told his son, “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). He also said, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. ‘Eat and drink!’ he says to you, But his heart is not with you” (23:7). Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). Our Lord, in a discussion with the Pharisees, stated, “Brood of vipers! How can you, …

One of the many benefits of living the Christian life is fellowship. “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Once added to the body of Christ, we find encouragement and edification among those with whom we share like precious faith. When we read of the establishment of the church on the day of Pentecost, we learn from that day forward that fellowship was a most beneficial part of the Christian’s way of life. “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized; and that same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and in fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:41-42). Fellowship means that they continued to share in those matters which were of a common concern or interest. It was mutual participation as they carried out the duties that related to the welfare of the individual members and the church. “They had all things in common,” reads verse 44b. What were some of the things that they held in common? They were those things which they possessed in common or in which all may partake. All Christians share in the hope of heaven for example. We come together each Lord’s day and worship God, give …

No doubt, we all have of heard of a ‘gated residential community,’ but have you heard of a ‘gated church’? Well, the church is not really ‘gated’ but the property is sometimes ‘gated’ to keep unwanted people off of the premises who might break into the building or to enter the grounds for immoral purposes. I have heard of some churches having fences around their parking lot in order to keep would-be thieves from breaking into the automobiles while the members were worshiping. For the first time to my knowledge there is a church of Christ in the city where I live that has installed a gate to keep cars and trucks from entering their property except during their worship assemblies. The famous city of Jerusalem, the center of the Jewish worship, was indeed a literal, ‘gated’ city as mentioned in the Bible. In the New Testament we find several references to ‘gates’ being mentioned. The first one I desire to observe is the “narrow gate” that is found in the words of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 7:13-14. In most instances, you will have to be invited into a ‘gated community’ before receiving permission to enter the premises if you do not live there. The “narrow gate” that Jesus mentioned is open to all who will accept His invitation that He extended as found in Matthew 11:28-30. “Come unto Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you …

Homiletics (Gr. homiletikos, from homilos, to assemble together) in theology is the application of the general principles of rhetoric to the specific department of public preaching. The one who practices or studies homiletics is called a homilist. Homiletics is the study of the composition and delivery of a sermon or other religious discourse. It includes all forms of preaching, viz., the sermon, homily and theological instruction. It is further defined as the study of the analysis, classification, preparation, composition and delivery of sermons. Different from a speech or a public address, which is usually for the entertainment of an audience, the sermon is the proclamation of God’s eternal Word. The preacher has nothing worthwhile to say if he does not minister from the Holy Scriptures. Such a proclamation may take the form of evangelistic preaching, encouragement or theological teaching, but it must always be firmly established and built upon the Bible. Teaching (Romans 12:7) William Glasser (psychologist) said that we learn by: Encouragement (Romans 12:8) Paul encouraged people to practice what they had been taught. Those who are taught but not exhorted become “lazy sheep” that only take in and never live the Christian life. Those who are exhorted but not taught become excited and active, but have no depth or understanding of what they do and will burn out quickly or work in wrong ways. Preaching includes exhortation and practical application. Evangelism (Ephesians 4:11) Someone said, “It is easy to determine when something is aflame—it ignites other material. Any fire that does not spread …

This past week I was reading an article on the Internet, taken from Salon online magazine. Albert Mohler writes, “Is an unborn baby ‘a life worth sacrificing?’ The question is horrifying, but the argument was all too real. In a recent article, Mary Elizabeth Williams of Salon.com conceded what the pro-life movement has contended all along — that from the moment of conception the unborn child is undeniably a human life. And yet, Williams argues that this unborn human life must be terminated if a woman desires an abortion. The child is a life, but, in her grotesque view, ‘a life worth sacrificing.’” A life worth sacrificing? It applies not only to the unborn child, but now to those who might have birth defects the parents don’t want to deal with. It applies to the elderly when they are considered a burden to their children or to society. Such is what happens when God is removed from the equation. Life is no longer viewed as sacred, having no value above those of the current conventions of the age. Life, however, does not create itself from nothing; nothing can’t bring something into existence. David is correct when he said, “For it was You who created my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well” (Psalm 139:13-14). We must defer to God when it comes to life, for …

In August of 1976, a group of Christians conducted a campaign in Dover, New Hampshire. They knocked on 30,000 doors. They received many different kinds of responses to their efforts. Many said, “No thanks, we are Catholics.” Others said, “We are set in our religion.” Some said they were too old to change. One woman said she was a home Baptist. What she meant was that she was a Baptist but didn’t go to church. I am afraid we have some home Christians. They have obeyed the Gospel in the past. Oh, they come on Sunday morning but not on Sunday night. They do not come to mid-week Bible study or go to Gospel meetings and vacation Bible schools. They never go to see the sick or teach the lost. They just like to stay at home, and they will stay in their eternal home (hell) forever! Concerning the one talent man who stayed home and did nothing, Jesus said, “And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30).

What difference is there between a Christian who attends services only occasionally and a person who won’t become a Christian? Very little! Both are in rebellion to the Word of God. Turning to Hebrews 10:23-27 we read: Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. How many Christians can read or listen to these verses and still take the attitude that some do is beyond my understanding. I must conclude that they really don’t realize how terrible hell really is – or else they have the attitude that the Scriptures are lying! By the way, these Scriptures are not speaking only of the Lord’s Day assembly. Historical research reveals that persecution came to Hebrew Christians as even this was being written. Some had begun forsaking the regular, sometimes daily, assemblies. The writer is saying don’t be like those. Continuing to assemble they would gain strength and could indeed provoke each other to love and to good works. “And fear not them …

It was almost fifty years ago, but I still remember the conversation. It went about like this: “Billy, why don’t you come into the church? It would make your parents so happy. You are a good boy. You would not have to give up anything. You just need to complete your obedience in baptism.” “No,” Billy replied, “Not now.” Almost half a century has passed and Billy is still not a Christian. However, this question may be raised: If he had decided to “come into the church” to make his parents happy upon the assumption that he did not have to give up anything, but simply to “complete his obedience” in baptism, what would he have been? The truth is, he probably would have been in about the same condition that thousands are who are connected with the Lord’s church in one way or another. Let us examine in more detail some of the implications of the plea of that precious person who was trying to help Billy become a member of the church about which you can read in the Bible. First, “Why don’t you come into the church?” This does not even begin to be the kind of question the apostles asked. The idea began with the concept that the church is an organization into which a person decides to come in order to be saved. It is “the Ark of Safety,” similar to the ark into which Noah and his family, along with some choice animals, escaped …

The Bible is the final authority. Many want to appeal to uninspired creeds, church tradition, prophets or the purported voice of God Himself. Once again, the Bible is the final authority. The problem with uninspired creeds is the very fact that they are uninspired. It does not matter how old they are, they hold no authority when it comes to matters of faith. Many hold to the church’s traditional interpretation to the Bible over what the Bible actually says; this is simply an invitation for eisegesis (making the Bible say what you want it to say). Some hold to prophets, but the problem is that there are no more prophets, and there have not been any since, at the very latest, the very beginning of the second century. What about those who hear God speaking to them? I’ve learned that you can’t tell people they don’t hear something, so the real question is, “How can you be sure that it is really God speaking?” The only way to know is to verify it with what is written. If God is really speaking to you, He won’t contradict Himself; otherwise that would make Him a liar and the author of confusion. Also, once the Bible is read to verify what is ‘heard,’ you’ll find that God no longer communicates to us in that fashion, but only through the Bible. Let us rest on the authority of the Bible, and not go beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6).

After Christ ascended back to heaven (Acts 1:9-11), the eleven apostles returned to Jerusalem to await the fulfillment of the Lord’s promise concerning the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (cf. Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8). Others convened as well, and during these days, Peter stood up and said: “Brethren, it was needful that the scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spake before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to them that took Jesus” (Acts 1:16). The apostle then proceeded to quote Psalm 69:25 as an inspired prophecy of this circumstance. Subsequently, Matthias was selected to replace the fallen Judas. There is a very important point within this context which relates to the concept of the inspiration of the Scriptures. First, Peter affirmed that David’s prophecy regarding the apostasy of Judas, and his subsequent replacement, was spoken by the Holy Spirit. The statement declares the divine origin of the message. It also indicates that the Holy Spirit is a divine Person. Second, it asserts that David was the medium through which the Spirit operated in the conveyance of the message (cf. 2 Samuel 23:2). [Note: this also refutes the theory, advocated by some, that Psalm 69 was composed during the period of the Babylonian Captivity.] Finally, the passage observes that the end result of this process was the production of “scripture.” Thus, underline these phrases or terms: “scripture fulfilled,” “Holy Spirit spake,” and “mouth of David,” and then, in the margin of your Bible, note these points: Holy …