In 1 Chronicles 29:10-15, King David thanked the Lord for all the blessings of life. He led Israel in a prayer of thanksgiving as they prepared to build the Temple and appoint Solomon as their new King. Verse 13 in that passage reads, “Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.” David’s prayer teaches us about the importance of thanksgiving! Thus, for what am I thankful? I am thankful for the blessed hope (v. 13). Blessed Hope equals “prosperous expectation.” It’s the Christian’s absolute certainty of future good. “Faith accepts, hope expects; faith appropriates, hope anticipates; faith receives, hope realizes; faith is always and only concerned with the past and present, hope is always and only concerned with the future.” The “blessed hope,” then, for which the Christian is looking is not an event, but a Person: Christ himself. “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness,” wrote Edward Mote. The return of our Lord is the great incentive for a pure and devoted life of service. Thus, God’s Grace strengthens the blessed hope: past, present and future. Past: God’s grace redeems us (v. 11); it brings salvation to all who will receive its wonderful and marvelous blessings. Present: God’s grace reforms us (v. 12); it is instructional in nature – teaching both denial (“leaving”) and determination (“living”). Future: God’s grace rewards us (v. 13); it is a reward from the Great (“megas”) God and Savior (i.e., rescuer, deliverer, preserver). I am thankful for the blood of Christ …

The Rich Young Ruler, whatever the reason, addressed Jesus with this profound truth, “Good Master” (Luke 18:18; Matthew 19:16). As the second person of the Godhead, Jesus is inherently good. As a teacher of righteousness, He was preeminently good. The biblical record declares that Jesus “went about doing good ”(Acts 10:38). Our Lord Himself declared, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:14). Master (“didaskalos”) means, “teacher.” Question: Is Jesus the Good Master of my life? Does He master my attitude, actions and abilities? Does He master my time, talents and treasures? Does He master my heart, mind and soul? Jesus is the Master Teacher (John 3:2; Matthew 19:16; 22:16-24). “Teacher” is found 29 times in the gospels, 90 times in its noun (teacher) and verb (teach) forms in the New Testament. Jesus taught in such a way that astonished those who heard Him. The reason being, Jesus taught with authority lacking in the other teachers in His day, who often only quoted other Rabbis. Jesus spoke with inherent authority – the authority of God’s revealed Word (Matthew 7:28-29). Therefore, the character, conduct and charisma of Jesus was manifested in that He practiced what He preached, He taught with authority, and He cared enough to sacrifice Himself for the world. Thus, multitudes flocked to His side and hung on every word that He spoke (i.e., “the common people heard him gladly,” Mark 12:37). Jesus is the Master Builder (1 Corinthians 3:10-11). Jesus is building our future home (John 14:1ff), faith home (Matthew 16:18, …

Paul identifies “love” as “the greatest of these” (1 Corinthians 13:13); however, consider other things that are great as found in God’s Holy Word. The greatest handicap: Fear (Hebrews 13:5; 1 Timothy 1:7). Fear paralyzes, whereas faith empowers. Fear imprisons, but hope liberates. Fear weakens, and love strengthens. The greatest day: Today (2 Corinthians 6:2). Life is short, death is sure, sin is the cause, and Christ is the cure! Our life is as brief as a vapor; therefore, seek Christ today! The greatest mistake: Giving Up (Philippians 4:13). When Christ is my strength, I can face tomorrow. Because he lives, all fear is gone! The greatest stumbling block: Ego (Galatians 2:20). Paul said, “…not I, but Christ…” Humility is a good thing! (See James 4:10; 2 Chronicles 7:14; 1 Peter 5:5). The greatest comfort: Heaven (John 14:1-6). Heaven is “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4). Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. Are you prepared? The greatest need: Forgiveness (John 1:29). If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer. However, our greatest need was forgiveness, and so God sent us a Savior. The greatest gift: Jesus (2 Corinthians 9:15). God is the greatest Giver; He gives the gift that is …

There are many great prayers recorded in Scripture: Solomon’s prayer (1 Kings 9), Abraham’s prayer (Genesis 18), Moses’ prayer (Exodus 32), Daniel’s prayer (Daniel 9), Paul’s prayer (Romans 10:1; Ephesians 1:15-23) and Jesus’ prayers (Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 23:34). Notice some points regarding prayers of our Lord. The Savior Prayed for Himself (17:1-5). His concern for Himself is actually a concern for the glory of the Father. The Savior Prayed for His Disciples (17:6-19). Jesus spoke of His mission among the disciples and their reception of it. The Savior Prayed for His Believers (17:20-26). He prayed for us. “United We Stand” is a powerful theme that has united Americans for decades and beyond. However, Jesus’ prayer for Himself, His disciples and all who would ever believe in Him is a unity far beyond patriotism; it is a unity of eternal magnitude.

The institution of the Lord’s Supper is found in Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25 and Luke 22:19ff. The Christians of the first century observed it weekly (Acts 20:7). Knowing its significance and observing it properly are most important (1 Corinthians 11:27). The Lord’s Supper is a dedication (1 Corinthians 11:25), “this cup is the new covenant in My blood.” Further, it is a proclamation (1 Corinthians 11:26a), “you proclaim the Lord’s death.” The Lord’s Supper is also an anticipation (1 Corinthians 11:26b), “you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” The inclination to forget is common to everyone (Deuteronomy 6:12; Jeremiah 2:32; 2 Peter 1:13-15). Forgetting is easy; thus, the admonition to remember appears often in Scripture (Ecclesiastes 12:1). God gave us the Lord’s Supper so we would not forget to dedicate (give God one’s all), proclaim (make known the Christ) and anticipate (long for Jesus’ return).

One preacher labeled 1 Corinthians 13:7 as “Love’s four sweet companions.” Four things love is: strong, believing, hopeful and enduring. These four amazing qualities define, determine and designate Christian love. Consider the four Greek words for “love.” “Eros” is passionate love, with sensual desire and longing. “Storge” means “affection” in modern Greek; it is natural affection, like that felt by parents for offspring. “Philia” means “friendship” in modern Greek, a dispassionate virtuous love, a concept developed by Aristotle. “Agape” means “love” in modern Greek, such as in the terms, “I love you.” Love Bears All Things (v. 7a) The word “bears” means “to protect… to guard… to shield.” Either way, Paul brings an important truth along with 1 Peter 4:8: “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.” Love does what is necessary to help a person. True love is eager to protect a person from harm, ridicule and embarrassment (cf. Genesis 9 – Noah and his sons, Luke 15 – Prodigal’s Father). Love Believes All Things (v. 7b) Love is not suspicious nor quick to misjudge others and is not always ready to believe the worst about another. Never believe a lie, but we never believe evil unless the facts demand it. We choose to believe the best of others. In believing all things, love makes a conscience choice to walk by faith rather than by what is seen. “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians …

We praise (Hebrews 13:15-16), preach (Romans 8:28) and pray (1 Timothy 2:1) about God’s great giving and goodness. He is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). For all His goodness we are eternally thankful! What are some of the great blessings and benefits given to us by God for which we should always be thankful? Thank God for His goodness (Romans 2:4). God’s goodness is intended to cause man to repent. Oh, how good God has been to us when we had no goodness, demanding His mercy (2 Corinthians 7:9-11; Acts 17:30-31; 2 Peter 3:9). Thank God for His love (John 3:16). John 3:16 has long been celebrated as a powerful and succinct declaration of the Gospel. Of the 31,373 verses in the Bible, it may be the most popular single verse used in evangelism. Thank God for His gift (2 Corinthians 9:15). If we really understand and appreciate the “indescribable gift” that God has given us, our lives will be saturated with gratitude; we will praise and proclaim His excellencies (1 Peter 2:9-10). Thank God for His blessings (Ephesians 1:3). Paul called for a blessing upon the Father (in the sense of recognizing His glory, honor and goodness), because the Father has already blessed the Christian with every spiritual blessing. Christians should be thankful for physical and spiritual blessings. Thank God for His grace and mercy (Titus 2:11-12). The ancient Greek word for “teaching” has in mind what a parent does for a child. It speaks of the entire training …

The Home is the backbone of society. Marriage is the most basic and influential unit in the world. The importance of marriage must be emphasized because each year there are more than half as many divorces as marriages. Recent statistics caught my attention: 1 of 3 marriages end in divorce, 1 of 50 marriages (where the ceremony is in a church building) end in divorce, 1 of 1105 marriages (who follow the Bible) end in divorce. The biblical pattern for marriage works! Therefore, consider what the Bible has to say about a God ordered marriage. The Nature of Marriage First, marriage is between a biological male and female. Genesis 1:27 says that God created “male and female.” The homosexual lifestyle is a deadly force against godly marriages. Second, marriage involves sexual union. God called it the “one flesh” relationship. This relationship must be saved for marriage and kept within marriage. Premarital sex and extramarital affairs are violations of God’s law (Hebrews 13:4). Third, marriage involves a covenant before God. Malachi 2:14 says, “She is the wife of thy covenant.” The Duration of Marriage First, marriage is a lifelong commitment. The time-honored words of Jesus express God’s desire for longevity in the marriage relationship: “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:4). Second, marriage is not eternal. Notice Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:30, “For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.” The Number of Parties …

The Book of Job is the story of a normal human being who was beset by misfortune and suffering. In James 5:11, he is pointed to as an outstanding example of steadfast faith in the way he handled severe trials. He provides specific life-lessons we can learn about for responding to trials in our lives. First Life-Lesson “Naked I came from my mother’s womb.” All of us come into this world with the same number of possessions – nothing! Second Life-Lesson “Naked I shall return there.” “How much did he leave?” asked one to another at the graveside. “He left it all,” was the reply. Possessions end at the cemetery (Luke 12:16-21; Matthew 19:23-24). Third Life-Lesson “The Lord gave.” The Lord can give because all belongs to Him (Psalm 50:9-12). We must overcome pride’s right hand – selfishness. Do you daily acknowledge God’s gifts to you? Fourth Life-Lesson “The Lord has taken away.” Often our favorite word is “mine.” Only when we truly trust the Lord can we accept that “the Lord has taken away.” We are clay in His hands (Romans 9:20-21). The lump does not question the amount of clay the potter adds. We must not cry out at the carvings done on us. How dare we lift up clay hands to heaven and question His works. We must trust His omniscience. Fifth Life-Lesson “Blessed be the name of the Lord.” We praise Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7) and has given us all good and perfect gifts …

The doctrine of repentance is taught throughout the New Testament. No one can be regenerated without repentance. Repentance cannot confer salvation or merit it in any way, but it does bring a person to a place where the forgiving grace of God can meet him. So, what does true repentance involve? A Change of Mind(Matthew 21:28-29;Luke 15:17-18; Acts 2:38) Repent (metanoeo) means, “a change of mind.” Repentance involves a change of mind – waking up to reality, seeing things as they really are, and recognizing the error of one’s ways – resulting in a change of action. Godly Sorrow for Sin(Psalm 38:18; Luke10:13; 18:9-14) There is another Greek word (metamelomai) that means to have remorse or regret. Repentance is associated with renewing the mind (Romans 12:2). When you know the truth, then, truth makes you free as you act on it (John 8:32; cf., 2 Corinthians 7:9-10). Confession of Sin(Luke 15:18-21; 18:13;James 5:16; 1 John 1:9) Confession is the acknowledging of sin. It means, “admitting oneself guilty of what one is accused of” (Vine’s 224). A person must humbly admit his or her need for God’s forgiveness and acknowledge one’s sinful actions. If one is not willing to confess sins, the love for this world reigns supreme in that person’s heart (Matthew 13:22). Confession is a command (James 5:16). God promises forgiveness to those who confess their sins (1 John 1:9). Forsaking of Sin(Proverbs 28:13; Isaiah 55:7;Matthew 5:29, 30; John 8:11) Repentance includes forsaking old patterns, habits, priorities and all things …

A well-known scientist named Herbert Spencer died in 1903. Spencer said everything that exists, exists in one of these categories: time, force, action, space and matter. Now consider Genesis 1:1. “In the beginning,” that’s time; “God,” that’s force; “created,” that’s action; “the heavens,” that’s space; “and the earth,” that’s matter. All that could be noted about everything that exists is said in the first verse of the Bible. Time “In the beginning.” God Himself was before the beginning: “Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting” (Psalm 93:2). Some are troubled by the questions, “Where did God come from?” and “Who created God?” The answer is found in the definition of God – that God is the uncreated Being, eternal and without beginning or end. Force “God.” This is the ancient Hebrew word “Elohim.” Grammatically, it is a plural word used as if it were singular. The verbs and pronouns used with Elohim should be in the plural, but when Elohim refers to the Lord God, the verbs and pronouns are in the singular. Action “Created.” The word “created” comes from a Hebrew word meaning “to call into existence something that previously had no existence.” That Hebrew word is only used of God. Only God can create. He created something out of nothing. We can make things, but we have to have something we can use before we can make anything. God created out of nothing. Space “The heavens.” A typical galaxy contains billions of individual stars; our galaxy alone (the Milky Way) contains 200 billion stars. Our galaxy is shaped …

Worshipers fall into two categories: (1) Those that have a worshipful experience, and (2) Those that simply go through the motions. Worship is not ritual, but experiential. Worship that is spiritual and truth-based will exhilarate the heart and life of the person gathered with those of like precious faith. The Bible teaches us about true and spiritual worship. Let’s look at Isaiah 6. Worship is an act of reverence (v. 1-2). Two extreme aspects of God are: (1) The transcendence of God (i.e., God is above and beyond anything earthly), and (2) The immanence of God (i.e., God is present in every part and moment of the created universe). Isaiah was overcome with God’s transcendence, and thus, worship begins with reverence. Majesty: “I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up” (v. 1). Greatness: “and the train of His robe filled the temple” (v. 1). Supremacy: “above it stood Seraphim” (v. 2). Holiness: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts” (v. 3). Glory: “the whole earth is full of His glory” (v. 3). Worship is an act of confession (v. 5). There is something about being in the presence of God that makes us aware of our own unworthiness (Luke 5:6-8). Isaiah came to this realization and exclaimed, “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, The Lord of Hosts.” Isaiah recognized that his guilt was genuine and so was the guilt …

The song “Heaven Holds All to Me” was written by Tillit Sidney Teddlie (1885-1987), a native of Swan, TX. He was baptized into Christ by A.M. Shelton at Golden, Texas in August of 1903, and he composed the song in 1912 on an envelope with a pencil stub, both of which he carried in his helper’s overalls while sitting under a hickory tree on his farm near Golden, north of Tyler, Texas. The Gospel Advocate Company copyrighted the song in 1932. It is probably brother Teddlie’s best-known Gospel song. During his lifetime, Teddlie was not only a songwriter and hymnbook publisher, but also he was a Gospel preacher for the churches of Christ. The Place “Heaven.” Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people (John 14:2). A little girl was taking an evening walk with her father. Wonderingly, she looked up at the stars and exclaimed, “Oh, Daddy, if the wrong side of heaven is so beautiful, what must the right side be!” The Principle “Holds.” We speak of people, places and things that hold our attention. Heaven is the desire of all God’s people, or the desire that all God’s people should have. “They desire a better country, that is, a heavenly” (Hebrews11:16a). Living by faith is much easier when we remember that this world is not our home. Our desire for heaven describes a strong longing. Going to heaven means Christians are finally with their Lord. The Parameter “All.” The desire for heaven is boundless and ever expanding. “All”describes …

The word “first” pinpoints priority; it identifies the importance of success and happiness. Remember, success is getting what you want while happiness is wanting what you get. The “first things” in life declare what’s most important. Thus, what are the most important things to a Christian; what’s first? Give God the first hour of each day. Begin each day listening to God (i.e., reading the Bible) and talking to God (i.e., praying to God through Jesus). Prayer and Bible study are irreplaceable. They are not mutually exclusive; they are totally and completely dependent one upon the other. Thus, meditate daily on God’s Word (Psalm 1:2) and pray with priority (1 Timothy 2:1). Give God the first day of each week. Christians honor the day of Jesus’ resurrection: Sunday (John 20:1). We assemble on the “first day of the week” (Acts 20:7) as did the early church. We assemble each Sunday and remember what the Lord has done for us (1 Corinthians 11:24-25); we honor, praise and glorify Him (Revelation 4:11; 5:12). The exhortation we receive from regular and consistent assembling is strengthening (Hebrews 10:24-25). Give God the first portion of your pay. Every blessing, physical or spiritual, is from God (James 1:17). He requires that we live as “faithful stewards” of all He gives us (1 Corinthians 4:2). Proverbs 3:9-10 communicates a powerful principle of priority: “Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” …

I was taught to pray, “God is Great, God is Good!” We sing and pray about it. Paul identified the “goodness of God” as a motivational factor in repentance (Romans 2:4). David said, “For the Lord is good, His lovingkindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations” (Psalm 100:5). What involves God’s Goodness? God Is Infinitely Good Infinity is the term used to describe something that cannot be counted or measured, and God is certainly limitless and immeasurable (2 Chronicles 2:5-6; Psalm 145:3; Jeremiah 23:24). God is good because this is His nature, and He is the standard of moral right. Yet, He also allows evil to exist. He is not the source or promoter of evil; He is the everlasting giver and demonstrator of goodness. His goodness is demonstrated by giving Jesus as the sacrifice for sin (1 Corinthians 5:7). God Is Intrinsically Good Intrinsic is the term used to describe something that is good-in-itself (i.e., good by itself). Thus, intrinsic good is good for its own sake alone; it is not a means to an end. It stands alone as being good, needing no aid or assistance. God’s “goodness” cannot be measured by human standards. It is so perfect and composed of so many numerous and diverse features or facets that it cannot be altered by outside forces. His “goodness” is eternal (Exodus 33:19; 34:5-6; Psalm 27:13; Matthew 19:17). God stands alone in supreme goodness. God Is Instrumentally Good Instrumental is the term used to describe something …

The Bible is an amazing book, a living book. It provides information that can be found in no other book. President Ronald Reagan pointed to that Amazing Book and said, “Indeed, it is an indisputable fact that all the complex and horrendous questions confronting us at home and worldwide have their answer in that single book.” Newsweek magazine (Dec. 27, 1982) on its cover wrote about that Amazing Book, “How one book unites us, divides us, and still defines us.” The Bible: Learn it, live it and love it! The Nature of the Bible(2 Timothy 3:16; Psalm 119:9-11; 1 Peter 1:20-21) The attributes that make the Bible a unique book include its Author, authority, accuracy, adequacy, appeal and agenda. It contains the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as given through prophets of God, and it can help us become like God to the extent we believe, love, obey and follow its teachings. The Scriptures are sufficient to inform the ignorant, to confute the erroneous, to reform the wicked and to guide and direct, support and comfort the godly. The Need for the Bible(1 Peter 1:23-25; James 1:18; John 5:24) The Bible addresses all the needs of the human being. It is essential for life, likeness, liberty, light and labor. It is the single most important book ever written. The Nourishment from the Bible (1 Peter 2:2) The Bible reveals and regulates the development God planned, the diet God provided, the disposition God prescribed and the diadem God promised. Read Matthew 4:4; when Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3, He showed that every word that …

The origin, accuracy and inerrancy of the Bible must be established before it can benefit the soul. Once established as a Divine message, then the soul can be addressed. Thus, how do we know and on what basis do we say that the Bible is the Word of God? The reasons are important and as follows. First, the Old Testament writers affirmed that they were speaking the Word of God and not the words of men. The phrase “Thus says the Lord” or an equivalent is found more than 2,000 times in the Old Testament (cf. 2 Samuel 23:1-3; Isaiah 8:1, 11; Jeremiah 1:9; 5:14; 7:27; 13:12; Ezekiel 3:4; Micah 5:10; Habakkuk 2:2; etc.). Consequently, the Old Testament speaks from the perspective of divine inspiration. Should we do any less? Secondly, the apostles regarded the whole of Scripture as the infallible Word of God (1 Corinthians 14:37; Galatians 1:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21). Notice the word “all” in 2 Timothy 3:16. Second Peter 1:20-21 informs us that the Holy Spirit did not provide an imperfect revelation! In the third place, Jesus without reservation endorsed the Scriptures as the inspired Word of God (Matthew 5:18; John 10:35; 12:48). Jesus taught that the whole of Scripture is inspired. Fourthly, fulfilled predictive prophecy unmistakably demonstrates the authoritativeness of Scripture (Deuteronomy 28:37, 63-65; Isaiah 13:19-22; Jeremiah 46:19-20; 51:37; Ezekiel 29:15; 30:6; Nahum 3:1, 4-6; Zephaniah 2:13-14; Luke 21:24). Fulfilled prophecy is evidence that God is the Author of the …

Today the resurrection of Jesus Christ often means to Christians nothing more than proof of life after death. It meant that to the early Christians, but it meant much more. The resurrection was the proof that Jesus was the Messiah of God. The Resurrection speaks of a living Savior. The angel said, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:4-5). Had Jesus remained in the grave and returned to dust, there would be no hope of deliverance from sin and death. The Resurrection tells us of the power of God. God’s omnipotence is clearly seen in the resurrection (Romans 1:4). Jesus lives by God’s power (2 Corinthians 13:4). The Resurrection guarantees our redemption. Righteousness and justification are accounted to those who have faith in God (Romans 4:24-25; 5:1, 9). The Resurrection is the foundation for the hope of life beyond the grave. See 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 6:14 and 2 Corinthians 4:14. Jesus’ resurrection is the promise of our resurrection. When our loved ones die in the Lord and pass into the invisible universe, there is hope. Christians have the same hope of life beyond death. The Resurrection gives assurance of the judgment. We know that there is a great day coming when God will judge all human beings that have ever lived (Acts 17:30-31). The resurrection gives us that assurance (John 5:21-29). When Jesus died, the disciples fled because there was no sense in risking one’s life in a lost cause. However, at the very depth of despair, they were …

Christianity stands or falls with the resurrection of Jesus Christ! Christianity is merely one religion among many without the literal, physical resurrection of Christ from the dead. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul wrote about the resurrection of Christ. Yet, why is the resurrection so important? First, it proves Jesus’ claims; He is Who He said He is! Secondly, it changes the meaning of our existence. Faith in the resurrection of Christ changes the way we live, think, believe and behave; it gives new meaning to every area of our lives. Thus, what is the significance that the resurrection of Christ has in our lives? The Resurrection Changes the Meaning of Faith! “And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!”(1 Corinthians 15:17). Christianity is based upon a historical fact: Jesus Christ died and rose from the grave! Since He conquered death, all claims, teachings, words and deeds are true; most of all, He is who He claimed to be – the Messiah. That changes everything, especially the meaning of faith! Faith is not just a sentimental wish list, a religious whim or “a pie in the sky” superstition. Instead, it is absolutely true, and God’s promises are all authentic! The Resurrection Changes the Meaning of Death! “If Christ be not raised, then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished” (1 Corinthians 15:18). If there is no resurrection, then the dead in Christ are gone forever. However, Christ is risen, and …

The church is Christ’s body of which He is the Head (Ephesians 1:21-23). It is made up of all baptized believers. “Church” comes from the Greek word “ekklesia,” which means “assembly” or “called-out ones.” The root meaning of “church” is not that of a building, but of people. Sometimes people disparage the church and say awful things about it; however, our thoughts and words should reflect respect, honor and appreciation. The church is right, and we must communicate the blessings and benefits of it; therefore, what is right with the church? The Foundation Is Right Everything must have a proper foundation, whether it is a marriage, a building or the church. Jesus built His church upon the foundation of faith (Matthew 16:13-19). The church has the right foundation because Jesus is that foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:20-21). The foundation of Jesus is solid as rock (Matthew 7:24-27). The Faith Is Right Doctrine is simply that which we teach. Some teach truth while some teach falsehood. Those who teach falsehood pervert the Word of God. Those who teach truth affirm the Word of God. It is the truth for which we should “earnestly contend” (Jude 3). The church has the right doctrine because Jesus is that doctrine (Acts 8:35)! The Fellowship Is Right Fellowship is the lifeblood of the church (Philippians 1:3-6; Acts 2:42). The early church spent time together in new family relationships in Christ. Over and over came the instructions: suffer together (1 Corinthians 12:26), rejoice together (Romans …

One of the greatest descriptions of the church of Christ is found in Ephesians 5:27 (i.e., “glorious church”). The church is blood-bought, rock-bottomed, Christ-built and hell proof. Thank God for the blood of Christ that purchased the church (Acts 20:28). May we live in such a way to always honor Christ’s Church! Glorious Servant-Leadership (Ephesians 5:23) The word “head” means, “authority” (F.F. Bruce). What kind of authoritarian is Christ? He exercises Headship with a Savior-style, servant-leadership; He leads with sacrificial love. Glorious Savior (Ephesians 5: 23) The greatest act of love known to humanity is the love of God in giving His Son on the Cross! In doing so, Jesus became the Savior of the World (1 John 2:1-2). Thus, His name is above every name in regard to salvation (Acts 4:12). Jesus is the only way to be saved (John 14:6). Glorious Submission (Ephesians 5:24) Worldly submission says, “You must submit to me, so here are the things I want you to do for me.” Godly submission says, “You must submit to me, so I am accountable before God for you. I must care for you and serve you.” True submission is agape love in action and it’s needed in the church! Glorious Sacrifice (Ephesians 5:25) Christ, like the Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), was sacrificed so the judgment of God might pass over us; however, when Christ was crucified, He became the supreme and final sacrifice for God’s people (Hebrews 9:26). He removed the sin of the world …

The joy of serving the Lord is unmatched in this world. Paul said, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.” People, things, worry and circumstances will often rob us of our joy! Paul identified four attitudes in maintaining Christian joy in Philippians: the single mind (1:21); the submissive mind (2:3); the spiritual mind (3:20) and the secure mind (4:7). Biblical joy (John 15:11; 16:24; 1 John 1:4) includes the joy of salvation (Psalm 51:12; Acts 8:39); the joy set before us (Hebrews 12:2; Matthew 5:12); the joy of suffering (Acts 5:41; James 1:2; 1 Peter 4:13, 16) and the joy of faith (Philippians 1:21, 25). Consider what the joy of faith involves. Personal Faith “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” When Saul (Paul) was converted to Christ, he considered it a personal conversion (Acts 9:6). Paul had been personally crucified with the Lord (Galatians 2:20). He knew the Lord personally (2 Timothy 1:12). Our faith must be personal in order to defend the truth (1 Peter 3:15). Only a person with a personal faith can say, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Purposeful Faith “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Like Paul, we must have the right purpose (live for Christ); we cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). Too many people are “double-minded” (James 1:8). Christians must focus on seeking first God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Joshua exemplified a purposeful faith, by saying, “As for …

The Mount Morgan gold mine in Queensland, Australia is one of the richest in the world. For many years, though, the original landowners lived in deep poverty on the mountain’s barren surface. Even though the vast wealth was out-of-sight, it was beneath their feet all the time. Similarly, many Christians live the same way. They plod along and struggle through their spiritual lives, laboring every step of the way. They are unaware of the vast riches God has promised them, and therefore, they do not claim them. Not only must we count our many blessing, we must also claim them. Consider the nature of blessings found in Ephesians 1:3. The Source of Blessings “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” God is the source of all blessings, both spiritual and physical! James said, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17). We should have the attitude of certainty and assurance because God’s resources are ours each day and always; He has and continues to bless us. The hymn writer put it this way, “O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son, and give Him the glory, great things He has done” (Fanny Crosby). The Sphere of Blessings “In heavenly places (i.e., “in the heavenlies”) in Christ.” Since our sphere (domain) of spiritual blessings is in heaven, we are strangers and pilgrims here on earth (1 Peter 2:11). The …

As the old adage goes, “Those who do not learn from history are bound to repeat it.” Such is true of Bible history as well. In fact, the examples of Israel are recorded in Holy Writ “…for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (1 Corinthians 10:11b). The people of God during Hosea’s day had left all that was good and right, and they quickly spiraled out of control. Hosea’s message was primarily to the northern kingdom known as Israel. That nation was on the brink of being carried away and spread abroad by the wicked Assyrian army. God was going to use Assyria to defeat Israel because Israel had collapsed morally, spiritually and religiously. Hosea’s message was surely written “for our admonition” today. Israel had collapsed morally. The morality and godly principles that the northern kingdom should have followed were swept away and overtaken by sin and moral depravation. Immorality included adultery (Hosea 7:4), alcohol (Hosea 7:5) and abominable leaders (Hosea 7:6-7; 8:4). So much was this immorality present that God affirmed that the “whole land” had left Him (Hosea 1:2; 4:1-3). Israel stands as a serious reminder, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34)! Israel had collapsed spiritually. Not only was the “world” depraved during Hosea’s time, but even many of them that were God’s children had forsaken Him (Hosea 7:13-16). The people of God had become complacent and slothful regarding their own …

I recently read an “eye-opening” illustration; it went like this: “A number of years ago a preacher delivered a sermon titled, ‘Twelve inches from God’. In it, the preacher maintained that many religious, ‘churchgoing’ people are indeed just twelve inches from God. You see the distance to which he referred was the approximate distance between the heart and the lips. Many profess a good religion with the lips, but their heart is just not in it.” Of course this eye-opening illustration is exactly to what Jesus was referring when He warned, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it written, this people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Mark 7:6). The difference in just twelve inches is immense! The difference between sin and salvation, humility and hypocrisy, sincerity and shams is found in those twelve little inches. On the surface, “lip religion” may look good, but it lacks the substance that genuine Christianity demands. Those who practice “lip religion” expose their hypocrisy in a variety of ways. They are quick to tell others how to live, but seldom do they follow their own advice. Jesus, referring to the scribes and Pharisees that sit in Moses’ seat, declared, “Therefore, all that they tell you, that observe and do. But do not according to their works, for they say and do not” (Matthew 23:3). They often did good works, but merely to be seen of men. Jesus said that the hypocrites of His day were …

The resurrection of Jesus Christ was the core of the Gospel message preached in the first century, and it remains the heart of the Gospel message throughout the New Testament. “And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty” (1 Corinthians 15:14). One simply cannot overemphasize the significance of the resurrection of Christ. Among other considerations, the hope of our resurrection depends upon the resurrection of Jesus Christ. “Knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you” (2 Corinthians 4:14). “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4). Why Jesus’ Resurrection Matters The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave, never to return thereto, is a critical aspect of Christianity. Had Jesus Christ not resurrected from the grave, there would have been absolutely no hope for sin-laden, lost humanity! Though Jesus Christ was the Son of God, without His resurrection human hopes would have been forever dashed. Though Jesus Christ was the long prophesied Savior or Messiah, without His resurrection He could have saved no one. Although Jesus Christ shed his precious blood on Calvary’s cross, without the resurrection its purchase price would have been …