I wrote this while I was sitting by a small river in the Ozark hills of Arkansas. It was so peaceful and quiet. The rippling of the water around the rocks had a soothing effect. Then, I took note of a fact that we all know—water goes around the rocks! When water meets an obstacle, it goes around it. It will twist and turn, follow a crooked and erratic course, rather than challenge the obstacle. Some people are like this. In order to have some so-called unity in diversity in religion, they will refuse to face the challenge that God’s truth presents. Paul said, “I buffet my body daily.” To become a Christian, and then live the Christian life, requires courage and stamina. It may mean the loss of friends, and relatives may turn their backs on us. Jesus stated that the way leading to life is difficult. It involves, among other things, abstaining from the works of the flesh and loving Jesus enough to completely obey Him. Are you on that way that leads to life? [Editor’s Note: In time, running water can erode its obstacles. May the influence of Christianity erode the ungodly world through the power of the Gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16). ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]

Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as spiritual people, but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:1). In almost every congregation, no matter where one worships, there are some people to whom we must speak carefully because they are just babes. They are not babes physically; they are babes spiritually. Mature Christians need to be patient and longsuffering with them. A new Christian, a novice in the Scriptures, may make mistakes, have incorrect opinions about Scripture and even harbor false beliefs on some matters of doctrine—simply because they have not yet had time to learn any better. Parents can remember the times when they were watchful for their infants, who would put anything and everything in their mouths. Infants don’t know any better, but they should, over time, learn better. We must teach them, and we must do so patiently. Unfortunately, it is also true that sometimes there are Christians in congregations who have been Christians for years, and they are still babes in Christ. They are untrained, unknowledgeable and yet physically (carnally) minded instead of spiritually minded. It was this that Paul addressed in 1 Corinthians 3 regarding the church at Corinth. He had patiently taught that congregation. “I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal” (1 Corinthians 3:2-3). This situation …

During the reign of Oliver Cromwell, the British government began to run low on silver for coins. Cromwell sent his men on an investigation of the local cathedrals to see if they could find any precious metals there. After the investigation they reported, “The only silver we could find is in the statues of the saints standing in the corners.” Cromwell replied, “Good; we’ll melt down the saints and put them into circulation!” Do we as saints today need to be put into circulation? In Luke 15:8-10, Jesus told the parable of a woman who lost a coin.  One Bible scholar explains: In Jesus’ time, unmarried women wore head bands to hold their scarves in place. A scarf could be pulled over the face if modesty was required or pulled back up over the hair if work was being done. The headband of an unmarried woman had nine coins, part of the woman’s dowry. At the time of marriage, a tenth coin was stitched to the band. This was a sign to the world that the woman was married. A woman who “lost a coin” had, in essence, lost her identity as a married woman. (Freeman) Now if a woman’s husband died, these coins would be valuable for the woman to help support herself financially. In the case of the parable, the woman lost one of her coins; the coin was not lost through its own mistake but probably by the woman’s neglect. For whatever reasons, the coin was lost, …

I’ve always liked the daytime better than the nighttime. Light provides some security, comfort and stability. Darkness creates doubt and insecurity. Walking in the light is easy; walking at night is difficult. In Ecclesiastes 11:7, Solomon noted that light is “pleasant.” He was talking about the joy of life. The dead do not see the light of day. They cannot use their “eyes to see the sun.” Therefore, all should have the glad to be alive attitude. This attitude teaches us that we should live life as follows. First, we should live life optimistically. Are we glad to be alive? Do we wake up each morning and thank the Lord for another day that we can “see the sun”? When one starts each day with pessimism, he will only see the bad. He will fail to see and enjoy God’s wonderful gifts. The pessimist doesn’t “see the sun” and fails to find any pleasantness in the light. Second, we should live life opportunistically. Earlier, Solomon had noted that death ends all opportunity (Ecclesiastes 9:4-7, 10). Each day, we should “seize the moment” and do good (Galatians 6:10). When your eyes see the sun, it means another day has been given to you. This means another day to work, “for the night is coming when no man can work” (John 9:4). Third, we should live life obediently. Each new day is also a new day to serve God. Solomon recognized that those who fail to fear God will face God’s judgment (Ecclesiastes 8:11; 11:9; 12:13-14). …

Some forty-five years ago, a close friend gave me The People’s New Testament by B.W. Johnson. It has simple explanatory notes and commentary on the Scriptures. It uses both the King James and the Revised versions in conjunction with Scripture cross-references. All are easy to use, and for this, I am thankful. I am a down-to-earth man and The People’s New Testament was the very tool I needed as I started my studies of the Word of God. Currently, the pages are loose and in need of rebinding. I use it all the time and teach from it. Sometimes, I say that my complete brain is in this testament; almost every page is loaded with personal notes I have written over the years. Although I really enjoy Johnson’s the People’s New Testament, I always remember that the Scriptures themselves are the final standard. My notes and B.W. Johnson’s explanatory remarks are just that, our view or understanding of the Scriptures. For the greater part, B.W. Johnson’s notes and my own annotations are correct and in accordance with the Scriptures. The point I am making is that the Word of God—the Bible—is the final and only true standard. We must not go beyond what is written. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV). Mistakes & Errors ArePart of Men’s Endeavors Johnson’s explanatory notes are the work of a …

My wife has, over the years, developed into a lover of plants. I know that she got it honestly, because her mother loved plants. I always said that her mother could take a dead limb of a plant, plant it in the ground and it would grow. Well, not surprisingly, the same is true of my wife now. We have plants planted in the yard; we have other plants that go back and forth from the yard to the house, depending on the time of year and temperatures. Then, we have the plants that are totally house plants. This early summer morning was an unusual morning. We slept in. I did not get up until about 7:30. At night, the shades in our den are often let down. A row of plants sits in front of the den windows. This morning after I “arose” from the bed, I sat in my chair and suddenly noticed something. It was a partly cloudy day and only occasionally was the sun peeking its head out from between the clouds. Suddenly, I looked, and it was as if fingers of the sun were reaching through the closed shades trying to open them, trying to make their way to those plants to bathe them in its life-giving light. I quickly pulled up the shades, and suddenly those plants were bathed in sunlight. It was almost as if the plants were grateful as their leaves and blooms were enveloped in the welcome warmth and sustenance of …

Interpreting the Bible is an in-depth subject that can’t adequately be covered in a brief article, so here I will just remind us of a few principles to remember so that we can make the most of our Bible studies. First, consider the original audience. Though the Bible was written for us, it was not written to us. Therefore, not everything will apply to us directly. For example, we are not required to build an ark like Noah, build a tabernacle like Moses or to have the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit like the first century church did. We still need to read those parts of the Bible and apply the principles found where possible (i.e., obedience, faith, service, etc.). Second, consider the timing. Some things were permitted or commanded under the Old Covenant that are not permitted or commanded under the New Covenant. For instance, the Old Testament commanded certain feast days to be kept and foods from which to abstain, while the New Testament gives no command for feast days or abstinence from food (except blood, Acts 15:29). Also remember that the accounts in the Gospel records took place under the Old Covenant; this is why the thief on the cross is not a valid argument against baptism, as some think, since neither had the church been established yet (Acts 2:47) nor had the Great Commission baptism been implemented yet (Mark 16:16). Third, consider the unity. The Bible was written by men as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 …

The ideal congregation practices liberality in both attitude and action, especially as such relates to spiritual labors. Observing the application of this ideal throughout the various subgroups of the congregation is most commendable for those so practicing. The apostle Paul, in commending liberality, encouraged the brethren in Corinth to sow bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6) and to “lay by him in store as God hath prospered him” (1 Corinthians 16:2). He set before them the sacrificial liberality of the Macedonians to motivate them unto similar action (2 Corinthians 8:1-7). Liberality may also be exercised in other contexts that are equally important, including spiritual labors in evangelism, edification and benevolence. May we better learn the art of liberality in mercy (Colossians 3:12) and compassion (Matthew 18:21-35). May we better develop loving concern for all men (Romans 13:8) and exercise liberality in the wise use of our time and talents (Matthew 25:14-30). May we be as the Macedonians who first gave themselves unto the Lord (2 Corinthians 8:5). Only then may we truly prosper. As spiritual efforts are implemented in our congregations, designed for both men and women, may we be as Isaiah and therefore affirm, “Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8).

The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 15:4, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Hope is something that seems to be in short supply these days. Every time a commercial break comes on television, it’s loaded with commercials designed to terrify you into buying a product or a service. Many have accused the Bible of doing exactly the same thing, and yet that’s not the message of the Bible at all! Now, understand that hell is very real, but the Messiah did not come to send anyone there. In John 3:17, it is revealed to us that “God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” The Lord Jesus Himself said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). The life He offers is one full of purpose, direction and hope. Further, this hope is not just for today, but it is for all eternity. It is a hope on which one can depend in the darkest of times. In a world full of broken people, dysfunctional families and corrupted nations, the hope of Christ is essential to our survival. Yet, there is more to life than mere survival. We must thrive, and the church of Christ has a vital role in the well-being of Adam’s race. The Gospel message is one …

Many fathers have taken their children on a boat to fish and to enjoy some time together. There is something calming about being on the water and away from the stresses and the problems of daily life. As one climbs into a boat or a ship and pushes off from land, there is time for enjoyable conversation, memories made and lessons learned. Throughout Scripture, God gave His people lessons from individuals on ships. In both the Old and New testaments, major Bible lessons are taught from ships as God dealt with sin, worry, faith and discipleship. Notice a few lessons we learn from some ships in Scripture. God Punishes Sin & Extends Grace As the wickedness of man increased in the earth during the days of Noah, God decided to cleanse the world with a global flood (Genesis 6:5-13). He was going to punish the rampant evil that was taking place and start over with a new family. As God was planning to destroy the wicked, He was not going to punish the righteous as well. God does not punish the righteous for the deeds of the wicked (2 Peter 2:9). Noah found “grace” (“favor,” ESV) in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8). The first ship in Scripture shows us that God will punish evil but that He also extends grace. It is interesting to observe the same Hebrew word used for ark in the account of Noah is the same word used for the basket in which Moses’ mother placed …

The Bible tells us of the Messiah who was born of low estate, cradled in a manger, heralded by angels, greeted by lowly shepherds and honored by rich wise men. He did all of this in order to come and rescue humanity from the penalty of sin. What He did rises above all earthly comprehension. Two thousand years ago, God Himself became human in order to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. When Jesus became a man, He understood and proclaimed that He was born to rescue. “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour” (John 12:27 NKJV). “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Let us praise our wonderful Savior—Jesus Christ—who was born to rescue all who will accept His offer of salvation. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved…” (Mark 16:16).

Regrettably, I do not now seem to find time to read as widely in classical literature as I might. However, yesterday I again picked up some of Shakespeare’s writings for a few moments and was impressed again with what I had noted many years ago when I read more from great authors. Practically everyone I remember would frequently allude to some biblical story or character. A person reading their writings without a familiarity with the Bible would have found it “flat, stale and unprofitable,” as Hamlet put it. The assumption of those great writers that their readers would be familiar with the Bible reveals a great deal about their own familiarity with it, as well as the great esteem in which they held it. A lengthy article could be filled with specific quotations from multitudes of great men of literature, art, sculpture, science and various other disciplines that show their respect or reverence for the Bible. It is at least as impressive to me to find literally thousands of allusions to some remote biblical circumstance with the awareness that their readers did not need a footnote with an explanation of the time and place of its occurrence. One might expect to find this in the writings of Alexander Campbell, Moses E. Lard or others of the great Restoration, or even those of the Reformation movement, but to find it so widely in men of general literary fame is instructive. If there is any one thing that more readily shows the …

Joshua called upon the people to “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”  (Joshua 24:15 NKJV). The people said they would not forsake the Lord and serve other gods, but Joshua further warned them, “If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, then He will turn and do you harm and consume you, after He has done you good” (vs. 20). As then, even today, we have to choose whom we will serve in all things religious. We must decide if we will do things according to God’s instructions or if we will choose to be like the world and do it the way we want to and not the way God said. Everyone who knows the Word of God understands the importance of putting God first always. In Moses’ later years, God sent him to deliver the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage. Moses didn’t go willingly at first. In Exodus chapters 3-4, Moses made several excuses for his unwillingness to choose God: (1) “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11). (2) “…when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent …

To believe in something or someone is to put full confidence in that object or person. It is to develop a sense of trust that prompts such confidence. This confidence is a regular part of life. We cannot function without it. The farmer plants seed with faith that the seed will produce a crop worthy of his efforts. Rocket scientists concentrate on mathematical formulae, expecting such computations to succeed into translating a theory into the action of rocket “flight.” Those who ride the rockets trust the scientists, engineers, mathematicians, builders and inventors who put it all together to get them safely into space and back to earth again. The new mother trusts the baby formula she buys, the customer his bank, a patient his doctor, the citizen his government and so on. This trust is necessary precisely because we cannot see the processes involved to accomplish what we need. So, we hear the testimony, examine the evidence in relation to past success and draw conclusions on whether the benefit of such trust is warranted. We do this knowing that accidents happen, nobody’s perfect, information is limited, and results cannot be totally guaranteed. All of this makes it rather ridiculous, then, to fail to believe in the Lord. With the Bible as His testimony and nature as His demonstration, faith in God is the only rational conclusion to draw. To call such faith a “leap in the dark,” which we would rather not make, reveals a prejudice against the Lord that …

Luke summarized the first church of Christ, established in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost following the resurrection of Christ: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). The term, “continued steadfastly” means to be devoted (Acts 1:14; 2:46; 6:4; Romans 12:12). There are four specific things, all spiritual in nature, to which these early Christians were devoted. In this article, we will examine the second of these. They were devoted to “fellowship.” The word “fellowship” refers to association, communion, joint participation and sharing together. The fellowship in which the early church continued was their joint participation in the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:9). The implied object of their fellowship is God (1 John 1:3, 7). Included in this sense of fellowship were concrete expressions of that joint participation and sharing (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35). One great example is the collection Paul took among the Gentile churches to help the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. The Greek word koinonia, usually translated “fellowship,” in those contexts is translated “contribution” (Romans 15:26) and “sharing” [“distribution,” KJV] (2 Corinthians 9:13). Fellowship must be important in our lives as well. No congregation can follow God without seeking and maintaining true fellowship (Ephesians 4:1-3). Christians should seek other Christians for encouragement and support. This is why assembling together is so important (Hebrews 10:23-25). How devoted are we to “fellowship”?

What is the worst of foes that wait on age? What stamps the wrinkle deeper on the brow? To view each loved one blotted from life’s page, And be alone on earth, as I am now. ~ Lord Byron Widows and widowers rank high among the people for whom I pray regularly. I can see their eyes light up when they speak of a departed mate. I also seem to see the hurt of loneliness. I cannot tell them I know how they feel, but I can point them to Psalm 139. The singer of Israel, likely David, realized God is present everywhere. He expressed this by asking two rhetorical questions. “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” (139:7). He confidently answered, “If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me” (139:9-10). Jesus knew the Father was always with Him. “Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me” (John 16:32). He expressed it on the cross in his dying moments. “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit’” (Luke 23:46). The Father did not leave his soul in Hades, but raised Him from the dead (Acts 2:31-32). Jesus delivered the Great Commission immediately …