Lewis and Clark’s famous expedition into the Louisiana territory is remembered and taught in American History classes because they did something no one had done. They blazed a trail through new territory previously undocumented and unknown to the people who lived on the eastern coast of the continent. Because of their success, the middle part of North America was opened to people looking to settle west of the Mississippi. If it had not been for the efforts of Louis and Clark showing people the way, they might not have had the confidence to strike out on their own. Spiritually speaking, we have a pioneer, a trailblazer, a “Lewis and Clark.” Hebrews 2:10 reads, “For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” A careful study of the original word “captain” is particularly important in understanding who Jesus was and what He has done for humanity. The original word in Greek is “archégos.” Strong’s simple definition is founder or leader. Helps Word-Studies reads, “properly, the first in a long procession; a file leader who pioneers the way for many others to follow. [It] “arxēgós” does not strictly mean ‘author,’ but rather ‘a person who is originator or founder of a movement and continues as the leader – i.e., pioneer leader, founding leader.’” When one breaks down the word, we find two underlying Greek words that really drive home the definition for …

In Mark 9:19, Jesus said to a father seeking help for a son tormented by an evil spirit, “Bring him to me.” The disciples had been approached first by the man, but they had been unable to cast out the “dumb spirit” (v. 17), which had tormented the boy from childhood (v. 21). Jesus healed the man’s son (v. 27), much to the dismay of His disciples (v. 28). The father, no doubt, rejoiced and was forever grateful, as surely also was the son. It is always a mark of wisdom to seek the help of the Lord. Bring your child to the Lord. “Lo, children are an heritage [inheritance] of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Fathers, “bring them [your children], up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21). Have them in “subjection” (1 Timothy 3:4, 12) so that they might be “faithful children” (Titus 1:6). Further, fathers, love your children’s mother, too (Ephesians 5:25)! Mothers, love your children and their father (Titus 2:4). Like Hannah, bring your child to Shiloh and present him or her to the Lord (1 Samuel 1), and that child will more likely bring you joy and not tears. Bring your cares to the Lord. Jesus warned, “Take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life…” (Luke 21:34). If you have no “cares,” you are an exceptional exception! The Greek is merimna, meaning division or distraction. Be forewarned. The Word of Christ can be and often is choked out by such “cares” (Luke 8:14; Matthew 13:22; Mark 4:19). What can we do? What are we to do? “Therefore …

Many theists, while debating atheists and agnostics on the problem of evil, have correctly observed that one reason God allows natural disasters is that He made the world as a testing ground for humanity to choose God and live. The created world points us to God. First, we can know that this world must have been caused by an all-powerful, uncaused cause. Paul confirmed: “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead” (Romans 1:19-20). Paul preached to the Athenians that God’s creation “has determined their [mankind’s] preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:26-27). Second, nature shows that we are not in control (Job 38-41). As much as Job wanted to meet God in person to prove his righteous character and his undeserved suffering, when God finally spoke to him through the “whirlwind” and asked him numerous questions about the creation of this world and the nature of its creatures, Job could say nothing further and dropped his oath of innocence (Job 40:3-5; 42:1-6). Third, while it is true that all natural calamities are not deliberately sent by God as punishment, we do know from Scripture that some calamities were sent to motivate God’s people to repent. Amos 4:6-11 serves …

I wonder, how important is our personal Bible to each of us? I anticipate that we would not hesitate to attach a great measure of importance to the personal edition of the Bible that we study from time to time. I am reminded of an email that I read several years ago that commented as follows. Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone? What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets? What if we flipped through it several times a day? What if we turned back to get it if we forgot it? What if we used it to receive messages from the text? What if we treated it like we couldn’t live without it? What if we gave it to kids as gifts? What if we used it when we traveled? What if we used it in case of emergency? That is something to make you go, hmm, where is my Bible? Oh, and one more thing, unlike our cell phones, we don’t have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill. Makes you stop and think, “Where are my priorities?” No dropped calls either! When Jesus died on the Cross, He was thinking of you! Though I do not know the identity of the author of the observations, he has given us something to ponder and apply.

In rightly dividing the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15), we must remember God has had three distinct plans, methods and dispensations in His dealing with mankind. The first, the Patriarchal Age, lasted from creation to Sinai and for a period of approximately 2,500 years. In this age, God spoke directly to the fathers. After selecting Israel as His chosen people, God gave them a law for the Israelites alone. This Mosaic Dispensation, from the giving of the Law at Mt. Sinai to the death of Christ, lasted approximately 1,500 years. Many of the things God had commanded at the first were incorporated into the Mosaic law. The Jews obeyed these instructions, not because they had been commanded by God in the Patriarchal Age but because God made them a part of the Law of Moses to which they were subject. Though we today have a new and a better covenant, Jesus included in His New Testament many of the principles found in the Mosaic Law. All believers live in respect of and in obedience to the new covenant because it is the will of God for man today. Again, we do these things, not because some of these principles were part of the Jewish law, because they are incorporated into the New Covenant. At the death of Christ, the Old Law (Mosaic Law) was fulfilled. Jesus took it out of the way to make room for a New Testament (Colossians 2:14). The new covenant had been prophesied (Jeremiah 31:31). …

Although we do not remember which song book we used as we sang about it, we feel sure that most of our readers will remember the song that says, “I shall know Him by the prints of the nails in His hands.” We have a feeling, too, that some of the poets or classical writers have alluded to the nail-scarred hands of Jesus as if they would be a mute witness of His love for us throughout eternity. One of my most beloved Bible teachers, the late R.C. Bell, tried to teach us that the body of Jesus that He showed Thomas and the other apostles was His glorified body that He now has. We doubted it 50 years ago and still do. The reason we bring it up now is not because we consider it worth an argument, but because we think it suggests a very important principle. We need constantly to examine our opinions and see if we can determine whether we got them from Milton, Moses, men, the Jesuits, Jews or Jesus. Our own conviction is that it may be better to be wrong about some trivial matter and have the right attitude toward truth than to be right about it and have the wrong attitude. We are not implying that it is more important to have the right attitude than it is to teach true doctrine, but we are saying that many false and dangerous doctrines have been believed because of a wrong attitude toward truth. …

Patience is a required trait and behavior for one to be a faithful Christian. We are struggling with this requirement today. We are accustomed to having our wants and needs immediately and are stressed and frustrated when we are required to wait. Many things in everyday life are instant and immediate that once were not that way. Communications, news, business services, fast food, travel, career change, etc. are quick and easy today. We seldom are required to be patient. This may not be a good thing, considering the teaching of the Bible concerning patience. Jesus stated in Luke 21:19, “By your patience possess your souls.” Patience is an essential element required for one to behave acceptably as a Christian. Consider Romans 5:3-4, “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance [patience]; and perseverance, character; and character hope.” James 1:2-4 states, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trails, knowing the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” Patience is required for one to possess all the traits to make one’s call and election sure (2 Peter 1:4-6). First century Christians were commended for their patience (1 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:4; Colossians 1:11; 2 Timothy 3:10). Leaders are commanded to be patient (Titus 2:2) in order to be sound and acceptable. Through patience we can inherit the promises (Hebrews 6:12) of God for a …

There is no doubt that evangelism is important. Jesus told His disciples to go everywhere teaching the Gospel (Mark 16:15). Jesus left His disciples a plan of how they were to begin in Jerusalem and eventually cover the entire Roman Empire with the Gospel message (Acts 1:8). The early church was successful with its evangelistic efforts from the start as they began in Jerusalem (Acts 2:37-41). Before long, they had as many as 5,000 men who were converts. When the church was scattered through persecution, Christians continued to teach the Word and successfully won people to Christ (Acts 8:4). Even in one-on-one encounters, we read of people being taught the truth and obeying the Gospel (Acts 8:26-40). I am convinced that many of us want to be better at evangelism. We want to share the truth about Jesus and not live in a state of constant guilt over our inability to reach some people with the Gospel. Sometimes, we are simply unsure of how we should go about talking to people about Jesus. In a culture that is drowning in “political correctness,” it is hard to know what will offend some people. Also, it seems that as secularism rises, fewer people are interested in the truth about Jesus Christ. Though the odds seem stacked against us, all hope is not lost. The more we know about the Bible, human nature and the times in which we live, the better prepared we will be to talk about Jesus (1 Chronicles 12:32). …

In 1 Peter 2:11, the apostle describes Christians as “strangers and pilgrims” in this world. In Hebrews 11:13, we read of the heroes of the faith: “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” It is very clear from Scripture that those who are the servants of God are set apart from the rest of humanity. There can be no doubt that God loves the world. John 3:16-17 tells of this remarkable love, but that does not mean He approves of the ways of the world. Jesus our Lord said in John 18:20, “I spake openly to the world,” and declared His kingdom to be “not of this world” in John 18:36. He also spoke regarding our relationship with the world in which we live. We come out from of this world, and we are now His. In John 17:16, we learn from the Master’s lips, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” So where is our true home? Where Jesus reigns right now – Heaven – is our home! We have also been left in this world with a purpose. In John 17:18, the Lord said, “As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” Remember John 3:16-17, which reads, “For God so loved the world, …

Job’s three friends were a comfort to him for a full week. They were silent, but there (2:13). When they spoke, they were “worthless physicians” (13:4) and “miserable comforters” (16:2). A little girl was “adopted” as a grandchild by a couple next door. The wife died; the girl went next door and sat outside with the old man for a couple of hours. When she came home, her mother asked, “What did you say to him?” “Nothing,” she said. “I just sat with him and helped him cry.” When death or other tragedies occur, often there are no appropriate words to say. To be of genuine comfort, just be there.

Although Abraham may have had many trials of his faith, the trial in Genesis 22:1-13 is expressly stated as a trial of his faith. He had exhibited his faith since he first learned of Jehovah and responded to His call to leave his home in Ur of the Chaldees. We know that it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6). Before faith is perfected or complete, it must be tried or tested, and that takes some kind of action on the part of the individual. Yet, just any kind of action will not do; it must be action ordained by God (James 2:21-24). Abraham, as the father of the faithful, had to be tested. The purpose was not to weaken or to destroy but to purify and strengthen (Job 23:10). Abraham had to realize that Jehovah is supreme and that man’s highest duty and blessedness lies in obeying Him. He had to be absolutely certain that Jehovah could be depended on to fulfil His promises regarding Isaac, even though he was offered as a sacrifice on the altar. Hebrews 11:17a provides for us a golden text. “By faith Abraham, being tried, offered up Isaac.” The manner in which Abraham met this great test should be a great encouragement to all of us. All men of faith must be tried if their faith is to be made perfect or complete. We are no exception. Genesis 22:1-2 presents the command to Abraham. Consider first, “And it came to pass after these things, God …

Every new year brings the desire to make changes in our lives. We do this to make life better for ourselves. Sadly, the desire soon wanes, and we go back to our old lifestyles. This loss of hope seems to be a constant problem with New Year’s resolutions. Money, time, effort and energy are spent on January 1st that are forgotten before February 1st. I recommend declaring a revolution as a solution to this problem. Revolutions bring about change. I know it is a change of wording; however, resolutions have been broken for so long that futility almost resides in the definition of the word “resolution.” Let us desire to make lasting changes in our lives. So, no more walking around wishing to be closer to God. Let us draw nearer to Him! Diet There are many people who start dieting to lose physical weight. We also need to start a diet in order to follow nearer to God. Jesus proclaimed, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). Hunger and thirst are two of the most pressing urges people experience. The account of Jesus and the Samaritan woman serves as an example of hungering and thirsting for righteousness. Jesus spoke to a Samaritan woman at a well while traveling through Sychar (John 4:4-26). During their conversation, the Samaritan woman believed Jesus to be the Christ (Messiah). She left her waterpot and went into the city. She gathered other people and brought …

Shortly before Jesus left this earth to return to Heaven, He had some final words to give to His disciples. Matthew 28:18-20 is often called the Great Commission passage, and it says, “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” These instructions are the final marching orders given to the followers of Jesus. While the missionary preachers of the New Testament did “Go” far and wide preaching the message that Christ commanded to be taught, there is a different view to the work of evangelism. The emphasis is not on the “going” but rather on “making disciples.” The emphasis in these verses is the main verb that is translated “make disciples.” That thought in these words is the driving force behind our discipleship and our evangelism. Jesus was telling us also as His followers to go along in life making disciples by baptizing and teaching others to obey. This is what discipleship is all about. Every one of us is to be involved in discipleship if we are followers of Jesus Christ. This is not just for those of who have special abilities for teaching and evangelism. This is for all of …

This is a question regarding your relationship to Christ and His church. It deserves an answer. An asset is an advantage, a useful and valuable resource. In finances, it is on the plus side of the ledger. A liability is a drawback, that which is not beneficial. It would be someone that is a disadvantage to the cause, an encumbrance, hindrance or impediment. Ask yourself, “If everyone in the church was just like me, what kind of church would this church be?” Would we have to call off some of the services or classes due to lack of attendance, or would we soon be having to put chairs in the aisle because you are inviting and teaching the lost? If you were not here next Lord’s Day, would the contribution drop dramatically because you are a liberal giver, or would there be little change in the total? Consider these questions: Do you teach (privately or in the classroom)? How are you using your talents? Is the worship God-centered and reverential because of your demeanor and conduct? In your relationships with the brethren, do you love from the heart, or do you just tolerate them? Do you spread gossip or only good news? Do you help or hinder a fellow Christian in his service to God? Are you a steppingstone or a stumbling block? How encouraging are you? In your daily walk, what impression do you leave with others? Do they view the church in a good way because of the …

Who remembers and mourns for those destroyed by a wicked nation? Who weeps for the fallen, the downtrodden, and abused? Whose eyes are fountains of tears for the slain of Israel? God. Oh, that my head were waters,And my eyes a fountain of tears,That I might weep day and nightFor the slain of the daughter of my people! (Jeremiah 9:1) Has God ever sought an escape from your nation? A strange idea to some, but one with a clear scriptural principle at its foundation. God spoke to Israel and said that He would dwell with them (Deuteronomy 14), but then God wanted a dwelling place in the wilderness, an escape from this nation, a place of solace where travelers would lodge, but where no one from Israel dwelt. Oh, that I had in the wildernessA lodging place for travelers;That I might leave my people,And go from them! (Jeremiah 9:2) What could make God want an escape from those whom He once sought? Has God changed? Does He no longer love these people? No. The people changed. The nation became corrupt. The people that were once defined by holiness, purity and loveliness bathed themselves in sin. For they are all adulterers,An assembly of treacherous men.And like their bow they have bent their tongues for lies. (Jeremiah 9:2-3) Wickedness is all the rage today. America, like Israel of old, has bent its tongues for lies. Religion is ancient fables. God a myth. Morality relative. Evil has become excellent. Abomination is overwhelmingly popular. …

As Christians, we are to be godly examples to the world and to demonstrate that we are servants of Jesus. Everything we say and do should be guided by the principles Jesus taught and lead us to speak and to act according to His will. At home, in public or on social media, we must always be aware of the fact that we represent Jesus. Therefore, we should conduct ourselves in an appropriate manner. This also means that our priorities should be kingdom matters. There are far too many who busy themselves with the concerns of the world over the concerns of our Lord’s kingdom. It is okay to worry about the government, but it is not okay to spend more time arguing about politics, and perhaps being ugly about it, than loving God and loving our neighbors. Christians, please, take time to do a self-evaluation from time to time to check and to make sure you are still walking the correct path (Matthew 7:13-14). Be concerned about government and other things, have hobbies, work hard and love your family, but be a Christian first.

Christians should be caring and loving, but how many Christians are truly loving and caring? As you read this piece, examine yourself to discern if, in reality, you are caring and loving. Here are a few benefits of loving and caring. Deliverance from enemies and troubles belong to those who do not oppress the poor (Psalm 41:1). To these kindhearted people belong preservation. “The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, and he will be blessed on the earth; you will not deliver him to the will of his enemies” (Psalm 41:2). For being caring, they will be strengthened and healed. “The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness; you will sustain him on his sickbed” (Psalm 41:3). In asking us to love our neighbours as ourselves, Christ requested us to be caring and loving. We are to care for the needy and love the poor. The apostle Paul penned, “Distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality” (Romans 12:13). Peter told all Christians to be caring also. “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tender-hearted, be courteous” (1 Peter 3:8). Peter went further, writing, “Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9). Share the blessing of God with other people. Encourage others spiritually and physically, within and without of the church (Galatians …

School started this week. Parents either have, or will have, searched for all the items the school says their child will need to have a productive year. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of preparing for a physical education, I want all of us to remember the importance of a spiritual education. We need to teach our children to hold God in reverence. The Almighty illustrated the futility of worshiping idols (Habakkuk 2:18-19). Then, He said, “But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him” (Habakkuk 2:20). Properly educated children will know the Creator and His limitless power (Genesis 1:1; Acts 17:24-25). Jesus’ model of prayer begins with, “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9). Children must be taught the value of respect for authority. Paul said the first command with promise was, “Honor your father and mother.” He preceded that with, “Children, obey our parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1-3). The wise man told his son to, “hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck” (Proverbs 1:8-9). Rebellious children were a danger to society and were to be stoned so all would learn to have respect (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). Successful people take responsibility for their actions. Children should be held accountable for chores, schoolwork and the study of God’s Word. Everyone will have to give …

Someone once said, “More people might do right if we could convince them that doing right is sinful.” Sometimes, it seems there is a measure of truth in this statement. There are many who run to sin, to fulfill its lusts and have their desires gratified. This thought is expressed time and again in the expression, “But everyone else is doing it; why can’t I?” We tend to equate popularity with approval. So many people doing something, permitting something or consenting to something can’t be wrong. Or can they? King Ahab of Israel had 400 prophets to act as his “yes men,” to justify his desire to do as he pleased. When asked if there was a prophet of God who could be consulted, Ahab responded, “There is still one man who can ask the Lord, but I hate him because he never prophesies good about me, but only disaster” (1 Kings 22:8). Translated, Ahab was saying God’s way often opposed his way, so he hired false prophets to justify his actions. This is reminiscent of what Paul wrote Timothy. “For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear something new. They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths” (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Jesus put it this way. “Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that …