A scribe asked the Lord, “Which is the first commandment of all?” Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one, And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:28-31 NKJV) The “first,” foremost, chief and greatest commandment is for a person to love God with all of one’s being. This is the vertical relationship that mankind can have with Almighty God. This is the most important commitment that a person can ever make. The second commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” is horizontal; it is our relationship with our neighbor. The fulfillment of the second command is predicated upon one being in submission to the first commandment. The apostle John wrote, “And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also” (John 4:21). John also wrote, “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?” (1 John 4:20). As you can plainly see, these commandments are bound closely together. Now, if this is true regarding our brother and sister …

Most of us can identify with Paul in Romans 7. “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate” (15 ESV). “For I have the desire to do what is right, but I do not do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing” (19-20). If we do actually identify with Paul, the following statements are also true of us. “Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good” (16). “For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being” (22). I “hate” the sin that I am doing (15). “I have the desire to do what is right” (19). Paul cried out in anguish, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” Then, he answered his own questioning cry, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (24-25a). Yet, even after thanking God for his deliverance, he acknowledged the struggle continues. “So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin” (25b). His next words are, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (8:1). There are two stated qualifications to be one for whom there is no condemnation: be “in Christ Jesus” (8:1) and …

When worshiping the Almighty Creator of the universe, we would do well to follow the examples of the saints in the Holy Bible. God has made it very clear in His Word that He requires specific acts of worship towards Him. These divinely ordained precepts must be adhered to, or we will be guilty of offering Him vain or profane worship that is unworthy of His station. God is holy, and as such, He must be approached with the utmost reverence. Failure to do so is a serious matter, as we can see many times in Scripture. Nadab and Abihu were consumed with fire for their disobedience, and Cain was rejected for not doing what God commanded. Upon King Josiah’s discovery of the Law (2 Chronicles 32), he was so upset at the people’s failure of correct worship of God that he led the nation in repentance and did not rest until all was done according to God’s will! These examples should spur us to offer God our utmost in service to Him. So, let us ask ourselves. “What is our attitude in our worship to our Heavenly Father?” “Are we failing Him on any level?” “How can we improve our worship to show God the honor He is due?” First, we are told in John 4:24 that “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” Elsewhere, we are also told how to worship Him. “Give unto the LORD the glory …

The ideal congregation faithfully supports the various public services of the church. Even though multiple weekly services have not been mandated by the divine will, the availability of multiple services provides valuable opportunities to both worship and to be spiritually edified. Motivations to obey the biblical mandate of Hebrews 10:24-25 are abundant. By so doing, one (1) obeys the command to study (2 Timothy 2:15), (2) better possesses the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5), (3) is better able to always give an answer for the hope within us (1 Peter 3:15), (4) has opportunity to express thanks to and faith in our Father (Philippians 4:6; Hebrews 11:6), (5) is more diligent (2 Peter 1:5), (6) is better able to grow spiritually (2 Peter 3:18), (7) may deepen fellowship with brethren (1 Corinthians 12:14), (8) is edified (Ephesians 4:12), (9) may exorcize the love of the world (1 John 2:15-17) and (10) will be present in the habitat of the Lord (Matthew 18:20). Though biblically mandated, let us assemble regularly because of our responsive love unto the Lord (1 John 4:19), which compels us unto good works (Ephesians 2:10).

Judging is a hot topic, both in and out of the church. It is one of the Bible themes that, like a coin, has two sides. Some judging is sinful, yet judging is commanded. Jesus Is Against Speck Inspecting It is wrong to unfairly judge others. The Master plainly said, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again” (Matthew 7:1-2). His younger brother added, “Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou are not a doer of the law, but a judge” (James 4:11). It is wrong to judge others if we are guilty of the same things (Romans 2:1-2). We sometimes give ourselves a free pass but collect a heavy toll of another for the same action. Longfellow said, “We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done.” Bertrand Russell capsulized this hypocrisy when he said, “I am firm. You are obstinate. He’s pig-headed. I have reconsidered. You have changed your mind. He’s gone back on his word.” It is wrong to prematurely judge others (1 Corinthians 4:5). It is sinful to judge others in matters of opinion. Paul made this clear. “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? …

Criticism is both good and necessary, though it is often designed to be neither – that is a criticism of criticism! However, when properly offered, that is, gently, lovingly, cautiously and sparingly, criticism can be very valuable for both the one who gives it, the one who receives it and those who are affected by both those parties. Paul emphasized that those who are spiritual are to engage in a kind of loving criticism when he wrote, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). One can hardly talk with a friend or brother, especially about sin in his life, without being somewhat critical. However, we should all notice the qualifiers that Paul attached to such in this passage: “spirit of gentleness, considering yourself.” Hence, the necessity of both giving and receiving criticism is understood by all. However, there are certain kinds of criticism and certain conditions under which it should never be offered. In order for criticism to be just and profitable, the one doing it should make sure of certain truths. (1) He should be certain of all the facts involved. The presumption of knowing all that is going on in the hearts, minds and lives of others is an extraordinarily dangerous thing. Therefore, it is wise to ask questions and to make inquiries before offering any criticism at all. (2) He should make sure that what he is …

The account in 1 Samuel 16 reveals some great lessons about success and failure. Saul’s rejection and failure because of his turning aside from obedient faith is a warning to each of us. None of us can get so high on the scale of righteousness that we cannot fall. In verse 1, the Lord said to Samuel, “How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel?” There is a proper season and reason for mourning, and there is a time to stop. Even when Jesus said in Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn,” He indicated a time to be comforted. We should mourn for our sins, failures and mistakes, but when we repent and are forgiven, we should stop mourning. This does not mean we should forget them in the sense of pretending they were not so. Yet, there are those who cannot seem to stop mourning over sins that have been forgiven. It is proper to mourn for the dead. When they are gone and other tasks that need doing confront us, we should stop mourning. We do not stop missing them, but we should not continue to mourn. We should mourn for the loss of another’s soul. There comes a time when we should stop mourning. This does not mean that we stop being sorry for them, but we ought to stop spending time grieving about it as if we could do something about it. This relates to what Jesus said in Matthew …

In Luke 11:1, Jesus was asked by one of His disciples the above request. The answer is often referred to today as the Lord’s Prayer, and it is answered in Luke 11:2-4 and Matthew 6:9-13. However, it is improper to refer to this as The Lord’s Prayer. Our Lord Jesus prayed often, but our texts show this is a pattern for prayer and not an actual prayer. These two texts show the importance of proper prayer. If His disciples saw the need of being properly taught how to pray, shouldn’t modern man learn how to pray properly? Many times today, men are asked to lead public prayer, but too often, some give little thought, it seems, to the model Jesus gave. Some even use prayer time as a time to preach instead of praying. Shame on such! [I’m not amused when one leading prayer begins quoting Scripture to God! ~ LER.] The so-called Lord’s Prayer is not to be recited, but the principles in it are to be followed. The prayer is a pattern! Let’s now note the example given by our Lord. I’ll be using the text in Matthew 6:9-13. “Our Father which art in heaven…” Note prayers are to be addressed to the Father in heaven. They are not to be addressed to Jesus, and our Lord emphasized this in John 16:23, where He said, “And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he …

If a person is interested in going to Heaven, it most definitely matters what one believes about Jesus. I realize that John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” The passage speaks of “believing in him,” but inherent in that belief is Jesus is God’s only begotten Son. There are those who claim to believe in Jesus as being a true person that walked this earth, but some believe He was just another great religious leader. Still others believe Jesus was a prophet like Jeremiah, Daniel or Moses. Jesus left no doubt that He was more than any of these. In Matthew 16:13-14, we note, “When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, ‘Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?’ So they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets’” (NKJV). None of these, of course, were true. Jesus wanted to firmly establish that His followers knew exactly who He is. In Matthew 16:15-16 we find, “He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” There is the what is to be believed about Jesus, as shown by His next words. “…Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but …

Renowned atheist Bertrand Russell was asked what he would say to God if he had the chance, to which he responded, “Why did you make it so hard to find you?” Is God really that hard to find? People often announce that they’ve “found God.” However, is He really hiding? I submit to you that God is not hiding and that evidence for Him is all around and overwhelming. Yet, we simply must be honest to see it. For example, why does life only exist on planet earth? Is it luck as atheists claim, or is it by design of a supreme, supernatural being (God)? Why is it that only our planet is the perfect distance away from the sun, has the perfect rotation speed, perfect axis tilt, has the perfect atmosphere, etc.? How many “perfections” do there need to be before men for them to be willing to admit that this goes beyond luck and is designed? The evidence supporting Genesis 1:1 is present, but we have to be honest enough to admit it (Romans 1:20). Thomas Baxley is a young Gospel preacher, a husband and a father. He serves the Highway Nine Church of Christ in Piedmont, Alabama, USA.

Christians are good people. You can be a good person and not be a Christian, but you cannot be a Christian and not be a good person. Christians love their neighbors as themselves (Matthew 22:39; Luke 10:25-37), they speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), they serve one another (Matthew 25:31-46) and they behave properly (Galatians 5:19-21). People can do good or kind things in unloving ways, just as one can speak the truth in unloving and unkind ways. If we do good things with wrong motives, we are fooling ourselves if we think we are honoring God. Our goal as Christians is to do the will of God with good motives, including being good persons. Thomas Baxley is a young Gospel preacher, a husband and a father. He serves the Highway Nine Church of Christ in Piedmont, Alabama, USA.

The world has not gone crazy. It’s been that way for 6,000 years, and it shows no sign of changing. So, what are we as Christians supposed to do when the world is in such a mess? First of all, remember that God’s kingdom is not going anywhere (Daniel 2:44). The Christian’s citizenship is in Heaven. Therefore, don’t get too discouraged with what goes on down here. Secondly, our duty as Christians does not change with the shape of the world. We are called to be the lights of the world and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16). We are sowers tasked with sowing the seed (Matthew 13:1-9). We are to care for widows and orphans (James 1:27). We are to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, take care of the sick and visit those in prison (James 2:14-26; Matthew 23:31ff). Regardless of the state of the world, never forget that this world is not our home. Never stop loving God, and never stop loving your neighbor as yourself. Thomas Baxley is a young Gospel preacher, a husband and a father. He serves the Highway Nine Church of Christ in Piedmont, Alabama, USA.

What is the will of God for me? God’s will for me is the same as it is for you, your neighbor, your family and everyone else on the planet. God’s will is for all to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). God has done all He can do to accomplish this. Jesus came and died on the cross for our sins, rising on the third day as the Scriptures foretold (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). This event, as well as how to respond to it, was recorded and preserved for us today. It really is this simple; to find out God’s will for you, all you have to do is read the Bible. The real question is whether or not you will follow it. Humanity has taken something simple and contorted it beyond recognition – both by adding to what God said in some places and taking away from His Word in other areas. It’s our duty as Christians to help those in the dark to find their way into the light so that they may learn and obey God’s will. Thomas Baxley is a young Gospel preacher, a husband and a father. He serves the Highway Nine Church of Christ in Piedmont, Alabama, USA.

One song will spark a moment,One flower can wake a dream.One tree can begin a forest,One bird can herald spring. One smile can bring forth a friendship,One handclasp can lift a soul.One star can guide a ship at sea,One word can frame the goal. One vote can change a nation,One sunbeam can light a room.One candle can remove the darkness,One laugh will surely conquer gloom. One step is the start of a journey,One word will start an ardent prayer.One hope can lift the sagging spirit,One touch can let another know you care. One voice can speak truth and wisdom,One heart can know what is really true.One life can make the difference,You may be that one, it’s all up to you. Cliff Holmes has served variously over the years as a minister, a deacon and a song leader. He resides in Decatur, Alabama, USA.

How you put the words into my head, I cannot understand.You seem to open up my heart and guide my writing hand.I write of truth and love divine the true and living way.My words are merely mortal, as I think of you each day.Lord, let me never fail with paper and pen to say,Words of truth and beauty, as you lead me day by day.In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

When I enlisted in the military service of the United States of America some 64 years ago, we knew that we would have to stand duty as sentries (i.e., a watchman). We soon learned that there were certain orders – standing orders, as it were. The same orders applied to every sentry on every post to which a man might be assigned. Failure to understand and observe these orders brought sure and strict discipline to that erring watchman. Listed below are the eleven general orders that every sentry had to memorize in proper numerical sequence because he knew he could be called upon to recite them whenever asked simply by the number. A good soldier knew he had better know the number as well as the stated order. Below that list I have suggested a similar list of eleven general orders for watchmen in the service of the army of the Lord. Eleven General Ordersfor a Military Sentry Eleven General Orders for aWatchman in the Army of the Lord In comparison of these two lists, how would we stack up as watchmen for our Lord and our God? [Editor’s Note: Though not a perfect match, the two sets of “Eleven General Orders” above encourage a devotion and a degree of service worthy of every child of God. ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]

The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” [which means Teacher], “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” [which means Christ]. He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas” [which means Peter].” (John 1:35-42) It is interesting to see how people came to know Jesus in the days before He started His full ministry. They did not hear His sermons or see His miracles, but they simply were introduced by those who already knew Him. Andrew learned of Jesus from John the Immerser; Peter learned of Him from Andrew his brother. In the following verses, Jesus found Philip (sometimes thought to be the other of the two disciples mentioned here), who afterward found and told Nathaniel of the Christ. Those who came …

Jesus often encouraged His followers to be careful about certain things. We read words like “take heed,” meaning pay close attention to this. In Matthew 7, He warned to be careful how one judges. In Mark 4, our Lord said, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.” Jesus encouraged people who hear Him to judge, to understand and to measure what they hear, but to do so carefully because it will be measured to them the same way. We have to be careful how we hear. We must be careful what we hear. Yet, we must hear and judge based upon the Word of God. Take heed what you hear today. Aaron Cozort preaches for the Church of Christ in Collierville, Tennessee, USA. Starting in 2021, he is also the Internet consultant for and a partner in the production and circulation of Gospel Gazette Online.

Many people all around the world today are lonely and desire to be a part of a real family. They do not have families. For some reason or another, their families are gone. Jesus had a family in the physical sense, yet His family rejected Him at the beginning. Instead, He invites you and everyone else to be a part of a different family. Who belongs to the family of Jesus? Who does Jesus consider to be the most special to Him? Who gets the priority of Jesus’ attention? In Mark 3:35, Jesus said, “For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.” The relationship of Jesus’ real family revolves around a person’s obedience to His Father. Jesus made it clear that He will choose those who obey God above any physical bond on this earth. John 1:12-13 reads, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” Jesus elsewhere said that this birth comes by water and the Spirit – baptism. May I encourage you to be a part of the family – to obey God? If you have become obedient to God, may I welcome you to the family? Aaron Cozort preaches for the Church of Christ in Collierville, Tennessee, USA. Starting in 2021, he is …

At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus gathered disciples by saying, “Follow me” (Mark 1:17; John 1:43; Luke 5:27). Each man left his old life to begin a new one following Jesus. Our Lord invited anyone to be His disciple by denying oneself, taking up a cross and following Him (Matthew 16:24). However, there were two individuals who did not heed the invitation during Jesus’ earthly ministry (Mark 10:21-22; Luke 9:59-60). After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to the apostles (John 21). He asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Each time, Peter confirmed his love for Jesus. Each time, Jesus gave Peter a task to complete. After the third time, Jesus informed Peter of the type of death he would eventually suffer for Christ’s sake. Jesus invited Peter to “Follow me” once again. Peter saw John after he understood the suffering he would endure. He asked Jesus about John and if he would suffer the same. Jesus responded, “If I will that he remains till I come, what is that to you? You follow me” (John 21:22). In other words, “Focus on Me, not John.” The apostle Paul encouraged the Galatian brethren to “bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Some of the brethren were overtaken in trespasses. They needed someone to help restore their relationship to Christ. Paul cautioned those who sought erring brethren to use a ‘spirit of gentleness considering themselves lest they also be tempted’ (Galatians 6:1). Later, he emphasized, …

The apostle Paul’s instruction to Timothy and to us concerning Scripture is short and practical. With all of the division in the beliefs of the “Christian” community today, biblical guidance is needed. First, from 2 Timothy 2:14-17, we read: Remind them of these things and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene… These instructions are direct and easy to understand. The problem is that they are not easy to follow because much study is required to “rightly handle” the Word of God. Believers are unwilling to take time and make the effort to achieve this competence in knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures. Next, Paul made a straightforward statement concerning the comprehensive quality and authority of Scripture. In 2 Timothy 3:12-16, we read: Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you …

Each time the saints meet produces another opportunity to extend invitations to friends and loved ones. Some may wonder what good it does to invite others to join us. Two disciples of John asked Jesus where he was staying. The Lord immediately said, “Come and see.” Andrew not only accepted the invitation, but also invited his brother, Simon, who was named Peter by the Master. Jesus invited Philip to follow him the next day. Philip went and invited Nathanael, who lived in the same city, Bethsaida (John 1:35-51). These four, along with eight more, stood up on the Pentecost proclaiming the good news about the resurrected Messiah. About three thousand responded to their teaching (Acts 2:1-41). Our invitations can similarly impact the lives of untold numbers. An example of this is found in an invitation extended by one Christian girl to her friend to come to a Gospel meeting in Arkansas. The friend attended and obeyed the Lord by putting Him on in baptism. She later moved to Texas, where she met a soldier and taught him the truth. He, too, was baptized into Christ. He and the young woman who taught him got married. They wrote letters to his parents in Salisbury, Maryland. The parents also learned and obeyed the Truth. The young couple eventually settled in Salisbury where a church exists because of one invitation in Arkansas. Have you ever picked a dandelion and blown on the fuzzy looking ball? The little white seeds float on the wind, …

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life” (Galatians 6:7-8). The congregations in Galatia were facing challenges from false teachers, advocating one must observe certain elements of the Law of Moses in addition to life in Christ. Paul didn’t want them deceived into thinking such error was the will of God. People are often deceived into thinking something is right that is wrong (Hebrews 3:13), but God is never deceived, neither about truth nor our motives. God is not mocked, which literally means “to turn up one’s nose in scorn and hence to mock, deride.” To turn away from God, in heart or deeds, doesn’t fool God. It makes a mockery of Truth and of the life we have been called to live. Our lives are to be worthy of the calling of the Gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27). God knows the difference between a life lived for Him and a life lived for self. Really, these are the only two choices we can make in how we live. We’re either seeking ourselves or God; we’re either living by sin or by God’s good will (Romans 6:16). Satan would deceive us into thinking we can live for self but please God in doing so. It becomes easy to rationalize how that we …