I have observed over many years that the true action of discipleship has been waning among true Christian believers. We have forgotten how or have been just too busy to “make disciples” (Matthew 28:19 NKJV) in our neighborhoods, workplaces or everyday everywhere. The Lord Jesus came to earth to save all who would hear, believe, repent, confess His name and be baptized. When He went back to the Father, He left His disciples with the responsibility to “Go… make disciples.” He trusted them to do that. He left no Plan B. If His disciples had not carried out His command, you and I would not know the Lord Jesus as we do, and salvation would elude us. A great work of making disciples has been done in the intervening years between the departure of our Lord and now. However, with a world population growing as it is, we need to be aware of the following. I am not some fanatic saying that we need to forsake all and go into some foreign land as missionaries. Rather, we need to lift our eyes and see the “fields… already white for harvest” (John 4:35). We need to see the fields around us and to swing the harvesting sickle while we still have the breath of life.

“As a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7 NKJV). From this, we quickly understand that one must guard his heart from evil because the Wise Man said that if one thinks about evil, he will be evil. One can’t be consumed with evil within and not have it come to the surface and affect his life and the lives of others. In his teaching on love, the apostle Paul instructed brethren that when one loves the way he ought to love, he “thinks no evil” (1 Corinthians 13:5). The love and respect that one has for God and for others will cause him to keep not just his actions but also his thoughts pure. In keeping with this thought, David asked God for help as he said, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). When we think godly thoughts and strive to live godly lives, there will be no room for the bad thoughts and actions that Satan uses to lure those who will follow him. God won’t leave us to our own devices in this matter of what we think, say and do. He will always be there for us if we put Him first in our lives. Just look at what he told Jeremiah. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future …

Due to denominational error, the Lord’s people have stressed hard the necessity to worship the Lord according to the pattern of the New Testament, and rightly so (1 Corinthians 4:6). There is the how, but what about the why? To answer this with a wave of the hand and grunt, “Because it is commanded,” admits a spiritual ignorance that is not pretty. We respond to God just because He says so? Really? Humanity has a hunger for God. We don’t just wonder; we ache for His fellowship. To have His attention is a delight. To act like the only relevance that we have toward God is a rule book calls into question our very understanding of what we call God Whom we worship. The Word of God is the one true revelation we have, but what it reveals is much more than commands. Psalm 8 begins and ends with what can be said is a call to worship, “O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens!” (v. 1 NKJV). Revelation 4 also reveals the magnificence of God. The Name is excellent because the One so called is excellent. His glory fills creation because God is magnificent. “…Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!” (Isaiah 6:3). To contemplate God in spirit and truth drives us to our knees in fear, amazement, breathless wonder and humble realization that we get to know …

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36 NKJV). Consequently, “Jesus is Lord, my redeemer. How He loves me! How I love Him!” There are tremendous biblical truths embodied in the beautiful words of this song. The Lordship of Jesus implies several important essentials in regard to the relationship that He maintains to each Christian and to the church. The word “Lord” has among its many meanings, “a person having great power or authority; owner; ruler; master.” As used in the Bible, “Lord” means the relationship found between master and servant, between the king and his subjects, and between the head of the family and each family member (1 Peter 3:6). Jesus plainly defined the practical implications of the term when He said, “But why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). Acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as “Lord” ought to manifest itself in obediently doing what He commands. Those listening to Jesus the Lord while He was upon earth had the same difficulty that plagues our lives. They were willing to give Jesus this title pointing to honor, respect, competency and power, but they still wanted to live as they chose and not be accountable to Him as their Lord. They felt it should be enough to elevate Him without having to then subject themselves to Him. They desired Him as their Savior but …

Text: “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11). Introduction: Discussion: Conclusion:

Every parent has had to deal with at least one child who has tried the limits of parental authority. Hopefully, parents step up and let their children know that the parents rather than the children control the home. This is biblical, and God expects parental leadership of children. Ephesians 6:1-3 says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: ‘That it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth’” (NKJV). Sadly, there are homes where there is neither discipline nor boundaries for a child’s behavior. The rearing of a child is the responsibility of the parents. Some people in our society have relinquished these responsibilities to others. Instead of children being raised by godly parents, they are being raised by a society that is headed into spiritual destruction. Why is it so important that children be trained to obey their parents? Consider the following several reasons. Children should be trained to obey their parents because it teaches respect for authority and the need for obedience. A person needs to understand the need for authority and its proper role in society. If parents allow their children to walk all over them, children will assume that other authorities will respond in the same manner. Children grown into adults find out very quickly that this is not the case. Children should be trained to obey their parents because it teaches a child to revere his …

Paul wrote, “Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away” (1 Corinthians 13:8-10 NKJV). “That which is perfect” must refer to the completed, written revelation of God (James 1:25). This is so because of the following reasons. First, that which is “in part” clearly refers to the miraculous gifts, represented by “prophecies… tongues… knowledge.” Second, since “that which is in part” is compared with “that which is perfect,” then to whatever “that which is in part” refers must be the same subject as “that which is perfect,” only to a lesser, partial degree. Otherwise, the comparison would be senseless (like comparing apples with oranges). Third, the illustrations Paul used to emphasize growing from immaturity to maturity involve intellectual processes (1 Corinthians 13:11) and being able to see something vaguely as opposed to seeing it clearly (1 Corinthians 13:12). Fourth, Paul designated the seeing vaguely time-period as “now” (in Paul’s day of the miraculous) but “then” (a time in Paul’s future) clear vision and knowledge would be available. Twice in 1 Corinthians 13:12 is the “now… but then” construction used. Thus, when “that which is perfect” (the completed, written revelation of God) came (and it did at the end of the first century), “that which …

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians NKJV). We cannot always control our circumstances, but we can control our reactions to them. The Bible does not say be thankful for all circumstances but in all circumstances. When my first wife died, I could not be thankful for her death, but I could be thankful for the 62 years we had together as man and wife. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). That does not say that everything that happens is good, but that whatever happens, God will work it with all other things for our good. We, therefore, can give thanks for the good God brings. [God’s vantage point exceeds that of humans, and like with an unimaginably giant jigsaw puzzle, through His providence, He puts all the pieces in the right places to accomplish His will. ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor] When any faithful child of God dies, we can rejoice at the joy they experience. Christians have “the hope of the resurrection” (NRSV). Our corruptible will become incorruptible, our mortal will become immortal, and our dishonorable will become glorious, guaranteed by Christ’s resurrection!

The first time we read about Isaac where the evidence suggests that he probably was an older teenager or young adult is in Genesis 22. That is the chapter where God told Abraham to sacrifice his “only son.” Before we go on, note that Abraham would have had to cut a lot of wood for a sacrifice as large as Isaac, which most likely was loaded onto the one and only donkey they took with them. Now if you continue to read between the lines, it’s obvious that Isaac was not some small child. First, he endured a three-day walk over rugged terrain. Second, though the mountain to which Abraham was going was “afar off” (Genesis 22:4 NKJV), he obeyed his father’s command to carry the heavy wood. Third, he knew enough about proper sacrifices to recognize that something was amiss, which he called to his father’s attention. Now, here’s where the record gets really interesting. It appears that the young man willingly allowed his father to bind him so that he could be the sacrifice. Perhaps Abraham, probably with tears in his eyes, explained to him that he was only doing what God said, submitting to His command to sacrifice his only son. Anyway, Isaac was old enough to run away like most young men his age would have, but instead, he had the humility to obey his father and God, even to the point of death (Philippians 2:8). Where would Isaac have learned such amazing humility? The religious …

King Solomon said, “The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her hands” (Proverbs 14:1 NKJV). How? For one, sensible women do not expose their families to the foes by their utterances, and they do not engage in physical combat with others. “He who loves transgression loves strife, And he who exalts his gate seeks destruction” (Proverbs 17:19). A prudent woman bridles her tongue, realizing that life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). A sensible woman is a wise woman who builds her house by being industrious, providing for the family (Proverbs 31:10-31). Sensible women seek unity at home, in the church and everywhere (Ephesians 4:3). This is because in unity there is peace, rest of mind, growth and progress. “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion” (Roman 12:16). They serve the Lord persistently as Anna did, without allowing troubles and trials to obstruct their devotion, commitment and loyalty to God (Luke 2:36-38). Indeed, sensible women are godly women, seeking the things of the Lord always and first. Are you a home builder or a destroyer? Be a builder of good things. Be sensible and wise. Rely on God’s in errant Word in whatever you do.

How many storms have you weathered? Anyone who has been on the water very much probably found himself in a storm. Few people enjoy boating across a tempestuous lake, let alone a sea. I imagine many more prayers enter God’s throne room during terrible storms than when fishing on beautiful days. Jesus and His disciples found themselves in a storm one day (Mark 4:35-41). During this storm, Jesus slept on a pillow in the stern of the boat. The disciples were distraught at the sea. The winds blew and the waves beat into the boat, filling it with water. They woke Jesus asking, “…Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38 NKJV). Jesus stood in the midst of the boat. He spoke, “…Peace, be still! …” (Mark 4:39). The winds and sea became calm. He asked, “…Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). The disciples were amazed at Jesus’ power. What can we learn from this event in the life of Jesus? We do not need to allow the difficult times of life to define us. We are not quitters and doubters. We are the children of the Almighty God. Let us put our hope and trust in Him, always.

Joshua’s first action as leader was to direct overseers to urge the people to make provisions to enter Canaan in three days (Joshua 1:2, 10-11). He reaffirmed the promise of the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh to help conquer the land west of Jordan before returning to the east bank (1:12-18). Then, Joshua sent spies to secretly survey Jericho and the surrounding land. They went into the house of Rahab, a harlot living on the city wall. The king heard two Israelites had entered Rahab’s house and sent to have her turn them over. She lied, saying she did not know they were men of Israel and they had left as soon as darkness fell, about the time the gates would be shut. She urged the king’s men to pursue them, saying they should be able to overtake them. They went toward the fords of the river and the gates were shut (2:2-7). She had come to believe in the true God due to the miracles He had worked to deliver Israel. She hid the spies in drying stalks of flax, making it March or April when the river was at flood stage. Rahab’s faith is seen in her words to the spies. She said, “I know that the Lord has given you the land…for the Lord your God, He is God of heaven above and on earth beneath” (2:9-11 NKJV). Her faith is also seen in her works of receiving the spies peacefully and …

Introduction: Body: Conclusion:

Jesus spoke about the false teachers. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. (Matthew 7:15-20 NKJV) These teachers did not teach the truth. Similarly, Jeremiah 23:16 warned in his time, “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They make you worthless; They speak a vision of their own heart, Not from the mouth of the Lord.’” Jesus warned the people to be careful of the servants of the devil, who can look like servants of God; the apostle Paul identified this problem, too. “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). False teachers can be known by their fruits or their works and by the things they do and what they want …

The second and third chapters of the book of Revelation feature short letters addressed to seven cities (churches) in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). All of them were offered encouragement as they faced the various trials that come with daily life but also the extreme challenges that particular time period presented. Of the seven, however, five were also told they had some problems that needed to be addressed, or else. Or else, what? What does that mean? Simply put, if these churches did not fix their particular problems, they were going to have to answer to Jesus in a manner of judgment; in other words, they would fall from grace. This is why it is so important that we look out for one another and encourage each other as we travel the road of life on our way to the other side. There are many detours that can be taken and many different obstacles in our paths. However, don’t give up, and don’t get sidetracked. If you find yourself fighting a particular problem, fix it!

“Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:13 NKJV). “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching” (1 Timothy 4:13 ESV). Paul wrote 1 Timothy to his “child in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2) around A.D. 63-66. He wrote this letter to him from Philippi, as Timothy was left to continue the work of preaching the Gospel in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3) and to charge certain ones not to teach any different doctrine than what had been revealed by inspiration. This is why Paul used the imperative mood, the language of command, to Timothy in devoting himself to the public reading of Scripture. Only the inspired Word of God reveals the truth of the Gospel, then as well as now, and enables one to stand firm in the faith that it produces (Romans 10:17). Much like what Jude wrote to his readers, we are to “…contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3 NKJV). It was necessary, then, for Timothy to continue to exhort the brethren there to continue in the Word. It is also interesting, in passing along this instruction to Timothy, that Paul chose the term “devote” in regard to the reading of Scripture to the congregation assembled together (public reading). The Greek term is prosecho, which literally means “to hold the mind or the ear toward someone to pay attention.” As a nautical term, it meant to …

There are many reasons to love and appreciate our God. However, one of the primary reasons to adore and to praise God is because He always keeps His promises. God is a God who cannot lie (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2). It is impossible for God to lie, and therefore, we can place our hope firmly in Him (Hebrews 6:18). The truthfulness of God should motivate God’s people to see Him as the trustworthy God who always delivers whatever He says He will. When God promises us something, we can be sure that it will come to pass. In this article, let us notice a few of the promises that God made to us and allow our faith to be bolstered as we contemplate His execution of those promises. God’s Abiding Presence One of the things that God promised His people is His abiding presence. When Joshua replaced Moses, God promised Joshua that He would be with him wherever he went (Joshua 1:9). We read later of Joshua’s success, which was no doubt based upon the presence of Yahweh (Joshua 21:43-45; 24:29-31). When Jesus came into the world, it is said He would be called Emanuel, which means God with us (Matthew 1:23). As Jesus’ earthly ministry was ending and He was preparing to ascend back to the right hand of God, He promised His disciples that He would always be present (Matthew 28:20). The promise of Jesus’ continual presence was not just true for those present when He uttered those …

I must admit it; sometimes I get lost! I never get lost intentionally, but somehow it still happens. When traveling, especially in places to which I have never been, I get turned around, go in the wrong direction and sometimes even repeat those same steps many times. It always amazes me how just one small wrong turn can throw me completely off course. Thankfully, there are lots of helps to aid us in keeping on the right course when traveling (GPS, maps, signs, etc.). Without these helps, I would spend more time lost than on the right path. There are some things that a person must know, even given the great helps of travel, in order to navigate safely and successfully. The same is true when it comes to navigating each day, not physically, but spiritually. Sadly, not all the signs, GPS coordinates and maps are always correct. In fact, there are signs all over the place spiritually that will most certainly cause us to stray off course if we do not remember certain navigating essentials. What does it take to navigate successfully through life? Firstly, we must have a destination. No one can simply just get in a vehicle and drive somewhere without knowing where he or she wants to go. This should be obvious, but amazingly many are trying to navigate through life with no idea where they are heading! Just think for a moment of the chaos in which people would find themselves if they simply got in a car and started …