When Jesus was born, He was visited by wise men. Before they came to Him, however, they were instructed by Herod to reveal the location of the Messiah once they found Him (Matthew 2:7-8). However, they were warned of God to not return to Herod (Matthew 2:12). This caused Herod to go into a rage, and so he ordered the death of every male child two-years-old and younger that was living in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16). Miraculously, God had warned that danger was coming so that Joseph took the family down to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15). Matthew then said that Herod, in ordering the execution of the children, fulfilled a prophecy by Jeremiah. “Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not” (Matthew 2:17-18; Jeremiah 31:15). This quotation and application of Jeremiah’s prophecy has caused scholars, both liberal and conservative, a world of trouble. “St. Matthew, who is ever fond of accommodation, applies these words, Mat 2:17, Mat 2:18, to the massacre of the children at Bethlehem. That is, they were suitable to that occasion, and therefore he so applied them; but they are not a prediction of that event” (Adam Clarke). “Matthew does not mean that Jeremiah predicted the slaughter at Bethlehem; but that his words, though spoken as to another occasion, were so chosen of the Spirit that they might …

“Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:12). Paul commanded Titus that he should live soberly. What does it mean to live soberly? Webster defines “soberly” as “without intemperance, without enthusiasm, without intemperate passion; coolly; calmly; moderately, gravely; seriously.” While these definitions are good, Paul was actually painting a more colorful picture as to how we are to live. From the immediate context we can see that to live “soberly, righteously, and godly” is preferred to living ungodly with cares for worldly lusts. When we venture into the Greek, we can learn a little more information about what it means to live soberly. The Greek word translated “soberly” in the KJV is “sophronos.” Though this word is only found once in its adverb form, it can be found used in other parts of speech. One of those examples in found in Luke 8:26-36 (verse 35 in particular). And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee. And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not. (For he had …

The song titling this article, written by Anna Warner in 1860, has been a favorite of children for generations. Because of the beauty of its tune and the ease of its words, it has often been the first song learned by a child. Unfortunately, there is a problem with the perception of this song. The song itself is wonderful, and its message to children is precious. It is with adult responses to the song where the problem lies. I have heard song leaders get up to lead this song and make the disclaimer that they are going to “sing one for the kids,” as though for an adult to sing the song would be somehow silly or beneath one. I have seen adults who will belt out the words to their favorite songs but barely open their mouths when this song is sung, apparently embarrassed to be seen singing a “kids song” in public. Such attitudes and approaches show a terrible lack of understanding of both the song and the purpose of singing. This beautiful song is a wonderful tool to teach children about the love of Christ, but this is not a song for children only. Though the words are simple, the concepts of this song are deep and should be loved and bring joy to the faces of all who sing them. Consider the words of this song as they are found in our songbook, Church Gospel Songs and Hymns. Note the depth of emphasis the words present for the …

And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing. For the Lord will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you His people. Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way. Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king. (1 Samuel 12:21-25 NKJV) Saul was just named King of Israel in this passage. Israel had begged for a king, despite the fact that this was a rejection of the leadership of God. Right before this passage, they admitted their sinfulness in this. Samuel’s response was simple: Yes, you have sinned, but from now on be faithful! In the verses under consideration Samuel made several important points. Avoid Empty Things ThatCannot Profit or Deliver Samuel warned them not to “turn aside.” Oh, how often we let ourselves be diverted and overwhelmed by things that cannot profit or deliver. In contrast, if we stay the course, walking in the light, we will reap those things that are profitable. God Will Not Forsake His People God has chosen us in Christ today. We can …

Perhaps none of us would claim to have the strongest faith or conviction. There are times and circumstances that may test the level or strength of our faith. I know that my faith is much stronger than when I was a babe in Christ, but does it continue to grow and increase as it should? Ever think, “If I could have literally walked with Jesus my faith or conviction would have been so strong!” Just think of the many miracles we would have witnessed with our own eyes! Think of the joy that we would have felt as our ears took in His infinite wisdom! If we could have lived and walked with Jesus, how could our faith or conviction have been anything but strong? And yet, in Matthew’s account of the Gospel, we find four times where Jesus condemned the faith of His apostles and disciples, those whose faith should have been the strongest. First in Matthew 6:30. In the context of God’s providential care (caring for the things needful for the body), Jesus said to His apostles, “If God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” Second in Matthew 8:26. When it came to God’s protection over the elements of the world, as Jesus slept in a boat with His disciples, a storm came and they feared for their lives. Jesus was woken, and their concerns …

What brings happiness to someone may bring no fulfillment at all for another person. That’s because we are such a diverse people. The dictionary defines happiness as “a feeling of contentment coming from being and doing well or of satisfaction at having got what one wanted.” We’re all made up of different genes and chromosomes so we can’t possibly all want the same thing. We’re reared in different homes, states and countries, and we witness so many changes in values and upbringing from a family level to a national level. Standards and values can vary greatly in just a small area. Beginning in the home, much more may be expected of one child than what is expected of another one in the same family. Educational facilities may expect more from some students than from others. Some cities, counties, states and countries may require more of its citizens than others do. We get the idea. Because of all these variants, it’s difficult to pinpoint “happiness.” We do know that happiness is a state of mind that causes us to feel good at least temporarily. Every one of us has had that feeling at some time, and it may have come from a personal interaction with someone, a feeling of accomplishment, having received praise for a job well done or just personal satisfaction. This list of what makes one happy is certainly not meant to be complete, but these things give us food for thought. I submit to you that there is …

That there are hypocrites in the church is certain. Jesus said not to be like them (Matthew 6:5). Jesus will separate true Christians from the fakes (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43), and hypocrites will be punished in Hell (Matthew 24:51). Jesus said so; therefore, you can count on it. Here are a few questions for those supposed Christians and others who allow hypocrites to keep them out of or away from the church. These are valid questions. You may not answer them, but you will answer to God. Each one must give an account of himself before God (Romans 14:11-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11). God is the judge of all. Hope to see you in church – hypocrite or not!

Where we turn in times of trouble and trial says a lot about our character. It shows who we really are and the thoughts of our heart. Think about it. We see young children who have trouble, and they turn to guns, gangs and drugs. We see adults who turn to alcohol and drugs, illicit relationships or maybe cults. What about ourselves? When we have trouble with a relationship, where do we turn? Do we turn to God in our prayers for help and direction? Do we turn to the Bible for His wisdom in our lives? What about when we struggle with temptation or sin? Where do we turn? We turn to Jesus Christ our Lord Who is the Master and Who is willing to forgive us as we repent and confess. We turn to our Lord Jesus who is able to strengthen us in the power of His might. We turn to the Scriptures for help that cannot fail us. Or, do we turn to the darkness of the world to sustain and help us? Do we turn down the road that leads to death and destruction? We read in 1 Peter 5:10, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” We see where we can turn during days of trouble and trial. We need to look on God who is gracious to us, and …

In recent years, there has been a great push by some to enlarge and expand the role of women in the church. With this push, some are now asking whether women should be able to preach and to teach to a mixed group gathered for worship or even if it is acceptable for women to be appointed as “elders.” How are we to answer these kinds of questions? Certainly, there has been much ink spilled on this topic along with numerous debates. It is not my intention to engage every aspect of the debate, but to simply present some basic things to keep in mind regarding this issue. First, it is important to recognize and state clearly that women are a vitally important part of the body of Christ. They should never be made to feel like second class citizens or unimportant to the work of the body. Equality in Nature Women are seen in God’s eyes as equal in nature. God created both Adam and Eve in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-27). Men and women are both fully and completely human; neither is more nor less so. We also see an interconnectedness and interdependence in Genesis because the man is not complete without the woman, nor is the woman complete without the man. That’s what Genesis 2 is all about. God himself said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him” (ESV). This is not the time …

This fresh year lies before us. What will it hold for you? Frankly, you don’t know, and nor do I. However, freedom of choice was granted to humanity at the beginning, and it continues. What choices will you make? Joshua’s challenge echoes down through the ages. “Choose you this day whom ye will serve!” He concluded with this declaration: “…as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah” (Joshua 24:15). Today, I am issuing a challenge. Look not only at this year, but beyond. What do you envision for your after-death existence? Atheists smugly deny the existence of God. “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God” (Psalm 14:1; cf., Romans 1:20). The Jewish sect of the Sadducees denied the resurrection (Acts 23:8). However, the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is our assurance of our future resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:14; John 5:28-29). There is life after death. Many today ignorantly imagine that being “good” is sufficient to secure them a heavenly home. However, there is a response to heaven’s gift that is required to enjoy its benefit (Hebrews 5:9). The apostle Peter wrote to Christians concerning their future inheritance. By choosing to obey the Lord, a place is “reserved in heaven” (1 Peter 1:4). Some exclusive restaurants only admit those who have made reservations ahead of time. Heaven is similar. Only those who have a reservation will enter heaven. Heaven is a prepared place (John 14:2) for a prepared people. Have you reserved your place in heaven? …

Within the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave admonitions relative to the treasures we may accumulate (Matthew 6:19-34). With respect to temporal wealth, He exhorted us not to lay up treasures on earth (6:19). With respect to enduring wealth, He exhorted us to lay up treasures in heaven, for where our treasure is, there will be our heart also (6:20-21). In order to achieve this worthy spiritual goal, we must maintain an outlook of the soul that focuses on heavenly things (6:21). We have two choices relative to this context. We will either maintain a spiritual eye that is good, and thus be full of light, or one that is bad, and thus be full of darkness (6:22-23). We cannot maintain both at the same time. Divided service is impossible (6:24). The right choice is clear. Place the Lord first, and He will provide for us as needed (6:25-34). Therefore, with the Lord as our security, we are thus admonished not to worry about life, food, clothing and tomorrow. To worry is to be characterized by an extreme uneasiness of mind or fear about a possible or unforeseen occurrence. It is concern that has been overwrought. I suppose that all of us worry at times and find it rather difficult to not do so. Yet, we often seek out practical things that we can do to assist us in obeying this divine admonition, as well we should. I would like to suggest some things that we can do that may …

One of the most beautiful hymns ever composed (and a personal favorite of mine) is the hymn “All the Way My Savior Leads Me.”This hymn was written in 1875 by Fanny J. Crosby and Robert Lowry. The message of the hymn is the blessings and rewards that come to one who chooses to hear and follow (i.e., obey) the voice of the One who is both Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Both the appellations of “Savior”’ and “Lord” affirm that Jesus Christ is the Leader that all should (and must) follow in order to receive blessings from God in the here and the now as well as ultimately in eternity. “Savior” denotes the fact that Jesus Christ is the only One who can lead us out of sin (Matthew 1:23). “Lord” denotes that Christ must direct or govern our lives (Luke 6:46). Yet, there is a third great appellation applied to Christ which affirms that He is the perfect Leader for our lives, and that term is “Shepherd” (John 10:11ff; Psalm 23). The Bible describes us, as human beings, metaphorically as “sheep.” This is an apt description because sheep are creatures that cannot lead themselves; they need guidance. Sheep need a shepherd to guide them. The same is true of us as humans. The Bible plainly declares that it is not in man to direct his own steps (Jeremiah 10:23). Man needs guidance, spiritually; man needs a shepherd. Thanks be unto God that He has provided us with the perfect …

Over many years now, I have used the wording “true truth-seekers” in my public and private prayers. I ascertain that some folks are not honestly dedicated to the whole truth in some areas. Truth many times is in the “eye of the beholder” and what he has been told. Our culture plays a great role in how we respond to truth. For example, most people embrace the religion and political affiliation of their parents. We swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth in our courts of law. Yes, we recognize the value of truth. From a computer search, I found the following defining explanations concerning an all-important understanding of truth. Truth is, “The quality or state of being true. That which is true or in accordance with fact or reality. A fact or belief is accepted as true.” Throughout the ages and in all worldwide cultures, in spheres like law, religion and individual ethical or moral responsibilities, people have struggled with what is truth. Cultures that adhere to barbaric and cruel, backward laws are a terror to mankind. As I researched some material several years ago on my computer, by accident, I came across horrid videos. I viewed some folk being thrown into a ditch and burned alive because they were thought to be witches. This tragic act took place in Africa. Additional acts of repulsive crimes were also available for viewing. This type of deranged law and punishment was common in the dark ages and …

Our Lord said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). It is impossible to walk in the light while hating one’s brother (1 John 2:9-11). John explained that love for God is shown through loving one’s brethren. Claiming to love the unseen God while hating our very visible brothers is foolish (4:20-21). John went so far as to say that the brother who had what another brother needed and withheld it did not have the love of God in him (3:16-19)! Love is an essential ingredient in Christian service (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Paul concluded his discussion of love by saying, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). The apostle closed the letter urging the Corinthian brethren to, “Let all that you do be done with love” (16:14). Effective love in God’s family must be practiced to the fullest. Peter said, “have fervent love for one another.” Vine says “fervent” means strained or stretched out. Imagine one of your children has fallen in a river and is floating downstream toward a waterfall. As you run down the bank, you see a limb extending out over the river. You climb out on the limb and reach down, only to discover you cannot quite reach out far …

Notice the Words of Jesus recorded in Acts 20:35; “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” This Scripture emphasizes stewardship. A steward is a manager, an overseer or a caretaker. Every Christian is a steward. A steward is never the owner; he is always the manager of what is placed into his care! What areas of stewardships do we have? We have stewardship of time (Ephesians 5:16), treasures (Matthew 6:21) and talents (1 Peter 4:10)! The matter of stewardship extends to all areas of life, such as: spiritual gifts, family and all earthly possessions. Notice the blessings of being a cheerful giver! Privilege of Giving God expects us to give as we have purposed and prospered (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Notice two examples: Philippians, “an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.” Macedonians, “that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.” God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Promises of Giving God promises we will have an abundant abundance (2 Corinthians 9:6-10). Sowing (v.6): In this context it speaks of one seed producing many seeds as a way of referring to abundance. Yet, first the seed must be given away (i.e., sown)! Sufficiency (v.8): Christian giving affects all of life! God provides for all needs (Matthew 6:19-34). Seed (v.10): Giving is the natural result …

The hardest thing about the following list is trying to resist the temptation to write a paragraph or page about each reference listed. We shall try to list as concisely as possible every reference in the Bible we can remember that deals with admonitions, commands and examples of proper and improper conduct of parents, with a short comment on the lesson indicated. Note on Proverbs Proverbs is full of wise sayings that Solomon said should be taught to our children. We shall note a few of the outstanding ones: 4:7 – Get wisdom and insight; 4:17 – Shun evil companions; 4:24-27 – Talk and live straight; 5:8 – The value of chastity; 5:9-11 – The dangers of idleness; 5:14 – The danger of sowing discord; 10:19 – The value of restraining their language; 11:24-26 – The value of being liberal; 11:28 – Not to trust in riches; 23:30 – Not to be a winebibber or glutton; 24:21 – Fear and obey the Lord and earthly rulers.

What do children do for their mother on Mother’s Day? Young ones often draw pictures, pick some colorful “flowers” from the yard, offer lots of hugs and allow dads to let them treat mom for a meal. As they get older, it may be some more expensive flowers than in the past, a phone call or a corsage, along with cards and hugs. Hopefully, it is a reflection of appreciation for all that mom has done, for the love they share, which is something that is expressed more than one day a year. With the passage of time, it can be remembrances and reflections on a relationship that now is past but lives on in one’s heart, memory and the life. Being a mother, of course, involves bringing new life into the world. It is both a physical and an emotional experience, which lasts for a lifetime. It is filled with ups and downs, the need for discipline and forgiveness, and never-ending support. It’s being there for so many events in a child’s life, doing one’s best to fix matters gone awry and sharing in everything that happens, sometimes visibly and vocally, sometimes silently. It can seem to be a thankless task, but love motivates a mother to never give up. How appropriate, as Solomon pointed out, for her children to rise up and call her blessed (Proverbs 31:28). In our society today, there are all kinds of mothers and all kinds of children. There are forces at work that …

We are first introduced to Timothy in Acts 16:1. We are told that his mother was a Jewess, and his father was a Greek. We are also informed of the fact that he is a disciple and well-spoken of by the brethren in the surrounding areas. While we are not told much of anything about how Timothy became a Christian, we do know that his faith first lived in his grandmother Lois and in his mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5). It is a very simple question, yet quite profound: Where would Timothy be if his mother had not taught him, or if his mother was not taught by her mother? Think about all the lives Timothy impacted as he travelled with Paul and later as he did his own work in Ephesus. Where would all those be if Timothy had not been guided in the faith by his mother and by his grandmother? Influence can never be fully measured, but we know that it is quite powerful. Perhaps the greatest influence of all is that of a godly mother. 

“Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second” (Hebrews 10:9 KJV). Surely one of the most misunderstood pages in the Bible is the page between the Testaments. So many good, religious folks fail to really understand the divisions of the Bible. Because of a failure to rightly divide God’s Word, religion becomes extremely confusing. To young Timothy, Paul penned, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Without “rightly dividing” God’s Word, we can never understand the Bible. God’s revelation to mankind was meant to be understood! In fact, Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Our goal should be just that, to study God’s Word so that we can rightly divide it! The Old Testament has been taken out of the way, and the New Testament has been established for our authoritative law today. How do we know that? How can we be sure? Firstly, we know He taketh away the first because of the people. Interestingly, the Old Law was never given universally, but rather it was given to a specific group of people, namely the Hebrews (Jews). God, through Moses affirmed, “And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them. …