I’m sure most have heard someone make the statement, “Never say never,” and have repeated it ourselves. We may say, “I would never do such a thing,” and then find ourselves doing that very thing. Parents have confidence in their children so much so that they are guilty of saying, “My child would never…” only to have their child at some point do that very thing. Have we done that? Maybe we have come to realize that in taking a humbler view, such things seem to be less likely to occur as we refrain from confidently using the word “never.” As we view our “humanness,” the statements would be best couched in the words, “I hope it won’t occur.” However, is it true that we should never say never? In contrast, we should always remember the promises of God to help us through life. Titus 1:2 reads, “In hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began…” The phrase, “God, Who cannot lie,” signifies being free from falsehood. God’s nature demonstrates that He never lies. The reason is that God is completely righteous. Everything God has declared is trustworthy. Some of the things we hope won’t happen might unfortunately occur. However, when it comes to the eternal life that is promised to us through our relationship with Jesus, we can keep hope because our hope is in the One Who never lies. While often even Christians should never say never because sometimes we falter, God is

Many of us have memorized 1 Thessalonians 5:17, or at least have heard it quoted many times. Paul states: “Pray without ceasing” (NKJV). Someone told me we could state it another way, “Do not cease your prayer life.” What Paul encouraged was a spirit of prayer always accompanying us through life. What a wonderful blessing as we go through the activities of each day. We are mindful that God is fully aware of what is going on in our lives. We read in Colossians 4:2-4, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.” We need to pray often for open doors – opportunities to share with others the Gospel message about Jesus. Even though Paul was a prisoner, that did not cause him to lose his desire and hope for open doors for sharing the Gospel. As we go through life, we must look for opportunities with our hearts and eyes to take advantage of encounters we have in our lives to teach and influence others to love God and to keep His commandments (John 14:15).

I’ve been preaching nearly 60 years, and there is something that really concerns me. It is that those who were once faithful preachers, elders, deacons and other members have left the church for various reasons. When meeting with them, they respond, “I know what I should do.” I’ve often said, “If you know what to do, why not do it?” Then, silence. We are aware they know what to do because many were members for years, and many individuals were brought up in the church. What happened along the way? Who is responsible for their condition now? They are, of course. The blame game will not work, but we that are faithful still have a responsibility to them based on Galatians 6:1. “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (NKJV). Regardless of discouragements, disappointments, hardships or lack of love from brethren, don’t take it out on God. He is not to blame. Remember, there are many who have in the past and now care about your soul. Think of your parents who loved you, supported you and gave guidance throughout your life. If you remain unfaithful, you will neither see them again nor see all the redeemed of the ages. Don’t turn your back on the One Who saved you by sending His Son to die for you. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John

Many transitions are made in a lifetime. Leaving what was familiar and stepping into what may not be fully known can create some anxiety. However, life is filled with transitions. Not only are those transitions associated with movement from an old year to a new, but also with regard to day-to-day activities, school, jobs, relationships, economic status, etc. The thing that can make these transitions easier is through focusing on what does not change. In order to keep our bearings in life and to remain on the right path, we need to fix our eyes on what remains constant. We read in Malachi 3:6, “For I am the Lord, I do not change…” The nation of Israel needed change – to return to God – and the encouragement to do so was based on the consistency of God’s gracious and loving response when true penitence is present. God knows the heart and is eager to restore those willing to return. We know that we can expect good gifts from God. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17). Our Father never withholds from us what we need. Because of that, in the midst of a changing world, we are still trying to become what God wants us to be. Let us pray every day that we allow God to have His way with us, so that our lives (in spite

Just as it takes a certain number of inches to make one foot, so it takes certain things to make a Christian. The Bible is God’s measuring standard to tell mankind what is and what is not the measure of becoming a Christian and to exhibit Christian behavior (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The divine measuring stick – the Bible – says it takes faith (Hebrews 11:6), repentance (Acts 2:38), confession (Romans 10:9-10) and baptism (Acts 2:38) to make a Christian. This same measuring standard tells man it takes living soberly, righteously and godly (Titus 2:12) to practice Christian conduct or living.  All carpenters in the world simply claiming that 6 inches equals one foot (instead of 12 inches) would not make their claim true. All the preachers and professed religionists in the world merely claiming that one becomes a Christian before faith, repentance, confession and baptism won’t make it so either. How do your beliefs and practices measure up in light of the Bible?

When discussing the subject of salvation, some quote certain passages to the exclusion of others that also are relevant to the subject. For example, some will quote “…Whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:43 NKJV) and then make the claim this passage teaches that all one has to do to receive remission of sins is to believe. However, such assertions ignore other relevant passages, such as Acts 11:18, which teaches the essentiality of repentance. In addition, Acts 2:38 states, “…Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” The latter of these verses teaches that both repentance and baptism are essential in order to receive the remission of sins. Furthermore, Romans 10:9-10 teaches that both belief and confession of Christ are essential to salvation. What all this means, and what should be obvious to all, is that one must not ignore any relevant biblical passage on a given subject to have the truth on that subject. Even the devil quoted Scripture (Matthew 5:4-6). However, the devil will quote some Scripture to the exclusion of other Scriptures (Matthew 4:7). The New Testament teaches belief, repentance, confession and baptism for the remission of sins. Which Scriptures do you ignore?

The Bible says, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7 NKJV). This is true physically. One cannot sow potatoes and from that planting reap beans. This principle of reaping according to what is sown is also true spiritually. The Bible says the seed of the kingdom is the Word of God (Luke 8:11). If this seed (the Word of God) is planted in the 21st Century, it will produce the same thing it produced when planted in the first century – Christians and Christians only. When something other than the Word of God is sown in the hearts of people, something alien to the Word of God will be reaped. When the doctrines and the traditions of men are sown in human hearts, the result will be plants that the heavenly Father has not planted (Matthew 15:9). One cannot teach only the Word of God and produce anything except New Testament Christians. The seed of the kingdom will produce neither anything more nor less than members of the kingdom. The reason there are so many different churches today is because something other than the Word of God has been sown.

Our Lord taught that we are to be pure of heart. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). Paul said to Titus, “To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled” (1:15). The New Testament words translated “pure” mean, “uncontaminated, free of foreign matter or defilement.” Spiritually, the word means “free from foulness, guilt, corrupt desire, criminal or irregular passions.” The Old Testament uses a similar word, translated “virtuous,” four times. Boaz called Ruth virtuous, and in Proverbs, Solomon used the word to refer to godly wives. Today, we might use the words “real” or “genuine.” Contrary to today’s philosophy, the pure mind chooses what God chooses. Vocation, place of residence, recreation, language — all reflect the desire to have the mind of Christ. With a pure heart, I see my relationship with God as comforting, positive and joyful. I aspire to do His will – to be like Him. If I have real love and mercy for others, it comes from God and my love for Him. Purity of heart means mastery of self, not naïve innocence or perfection. Real purity is hardy, resilient and lasting. Innocence is easily deluded and vanishes when disillusionment comes. Perfection is impossible, and not understanding this fact can lead to disillusion. The perfection God wants is growth toward the ideal, but He loves us while we are trying. We do not have

What do you think about when partaking of the Lord’s Supper? What are we to remember? Is it right for us to do it in the right way? These are questions that should be asked. When I was young and it came time in worship to participate in the Lord’s Supper, we had a member who would very vividly and accurately bring our minds back to Calvary. It actually brought tears to his eyes as he recalled through what the Lord went. The reason for this article is to take notice of Scriptures that men read during the Lord’s Supper but fail to observe. Here is one reference in full. For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you; that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take eat, this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner, He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant of my blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man

I’ve been concerned for many years about why members become unfaithful. One verse that keeps coming to mind is Luke 9:62, which reads, “But Jesus said to him, ‘No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.‘” The setting for this verse has to do with individuals offering excuses when the Lord wanted them to follow Him. When I was a youngster, my grandfather, John Smith, was teaching me to use one of those old-fashioned push plows for his garden. He put the stakes in the ground and put a string from one end to the other of his plot. His instructions included keeping my eyes straight ahead. Looking in another direction meant crooked rows. Isn’t that the way it is with life? If we take our eyes off God’s Word or Jesus, our lives become crooked. My grandfather saw some crooked rows because I didn’t keep my eyes straight ahead. That meant that I had to start over. With this in mind, I would like to go in another direction from the viewpoint of members who are faithful and their feelings regarding those who leave. People become unfaithful for various reasons, and none of them are valid. We may never understand why they really leave. When people leave the fellowship, how do they think that makes members who remain feel? What are the faithful to think when other members no longer want to be a part of the fellowship?

During invitations offered today, preachers often say, “Let us know if there is a way that we can help you” or “If you have a need, let us know.” How are people being informed in our assemblies about the help that can come? What needs do those in the assembly have, and what does the recipient have to do? What about the plan God has for salvation? What application do we make to those who have the need of salvation? How are people able to reason about needs versus salvation if they don’t hear what to do? Their need is salvation. In our sermons and teaching, we may take some things for granted that we feel others should know. When I was a teenager, preachers would place on a blackboard or transparencies charts with these letters: H+B+R+C+B = Salvation. It went like this: Hear the Word (Romans 10:17), Believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (John 8:24), Repent of sins (Acts 3:19), Confess faith in Jesus Christ as God’s Son (Romans 10:9-10) and be Baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Nowadays instead, the ‘plan of salvation’ frequently has been reduced to, “Hear the Gospel and believe it,” and then, the other items in the plan may be mentioned. That is okay, provided all in our audiences understand what the Gospel is all about. Do we believe the average person knows what we are talking about? I’m not sure they do, unless we have explained it to them. When one believes the Word, what does that involve?

While living in Hanoverton, Ohio, there was a man who was terminally ill with cancer who decided to obey the gospel. We were thrilled with his decision to say the least. But, there were problems with baptizing him. He had tubes through his body that the doctors said could not get wet. Finally, I convinced the doctor that we would do all that we could to keep the openings from getting wet. How to do that was another problem. A fellow gospel preacher by the name of Glen Logston was preaching in Lisbon, Ohio at the time and I asked him if he could come over and assist me with the baptism. I had given this a great deal of thought and came up with the idea of using a Hefty garbage bag to put over him and tying it at both ends to keep the water from getting in. Well, we all got into the water very carefully, making sure that the bag did not leak. As we were about to baptize him, lowering him into the water, the bag filled up with air and did not permit us to completely immerse him. So, I quickly raised one leg on to the inflated bag and pushed with all my might to get him under. It worked!!! Glen could hardly keep from laughing as he watched me trying to push this man in a HEFTY bag down into the water. After baptizing him, we noticed that his head and feet

The story is told of a soldier who was caught attempting to sneak back into his camp one night. When taken before the commanding officer by the sentry that arrested him, the soldier explained that he went into the nearby woods to be alone in prayer. The officer immediately commanded the soldier to pray audibly in his presence. The soldier hesitated but was again ordered to pray. Whereupon he kneeled in the officer’s presence and prayed. At the conclusion of the prayer, the officer ordered the sentry to release the soldier, saying, “Any man who can pray like that must be spending a lot of his time in private, personal prayer.” Read the story in Luke 18:9-14. “The man who prays” possesses great faith in God. Only out of strong belief in God and his power to answer does one pray. Hannah, a famous Old Testament woman, prayed fervently for a son. In the midst of her prayer effort, she made a covenant with God. “O Jehovah of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thy handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thy handmaid, but wilt give unto thy handmaid a man-child, then I will give him unto Jehovah all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head” (I Samuel 1:11) The man who prays is one whose sole allegiance belongs to God (I Samuel 7:2-3). No wonder Israel lost the tables of the law and other precious articles contained in

I’m sure you have heard the humorous story of the little boy that wanted to sing the song of the “dumb” brother. His mother questioned him about what song had anything in it about that. And he replied: “Are you sowing the seed of the king ‘dumb’ brother.” That is not what brought this article to my attention. I just thought maybe some feel that sowing the seed of the kingdom is not very important. But, sowing the seed is the greatest of all works. Read Matthew 13: 24-30. In this brief parable, Jesus called the world a field in which good seed was sown. But, while men slept, the enemy came, sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. That’s the way the devil works. All the good we do is given opposition by the devil to defeat it. Notice in this parable that even though good seed was sown that the devil did his dirty work. The question that comes to my mind is this: Have we stopped sowing the seed of the kingdom? Have we forgotten our mission in the church? I was reminded recently, listening to a gospel sermon, that we often underestimate the teachings of Christ. His teachings are pure, holy and good. His words bring life, good character, nobility and a likeness to the Teacher. The power of the seed is seen in the fact that men’s lives are changed for the better. Men can become humble, truthful, loving, helpful, forgiving and kind.

Another example of churches trying to give people what they want instead of what they need is the advertising of “casual dress — come as you are to worship God. It’s okay to wear cutoffs and sneakers.” Not far from here, a young man served communion while wearing a T-shirt advertising a particular brand of beer. It is interesting that the word “profane” means “to take what is holy (such as God and the things of God) and treat them as common.” What a disgrace! Outrageous! What in the world was he thinking? We appreciate it when you wear clothes that are appropriate for the occasion. When asked what is appropriate to wear, I responded, “Just wear what you would wear to your best friend’s funeral.” Jesus is our best friend and we assemble to commemorate his death (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:20-26). Though we are not under the Law of Moses, it is interesting that the priests were not to have a casual attitude in their dress while engaged in worship (Exodus 39). We have a better covenant, based on better promises (Hebrews 8). Today, all Christians are priests (1 Peter 2:9). The clothing we wear is dictated by our attitude toward the occasion. We dress respectfully when attending a funeral. It is a solemn occasion. We choose appropriate attire when attending a wedding. I have never seen shorts, sneakers and T-shirts at either a funeral or a wedding. We wear casual clothes when working in the yard because we have

One of the foundational truths about worship is the non-use of instrumental music. It was recognized by pioneer preachers that the use of pianos and organs in worship was a Roman Catholic innovation. Bible study will reveal to us that instruments do not produce an authorized form of worship. All the passages in the New Testament that deal with music in worship mention singing only; instrumental music is not contained in what is written. It should be remembered that there are two kinds of music. There is vocal and instrumental. SINGING is vocal music. Most people know that to have instrumental music, you need an instrument. If the Lord had simply told us to make MUSIC, we would be at liberty to (1) sing, (2) play or (3) sing and play. But, based on Ephesians 5:19, we have instructions that are specific and we have no right to substitute by playing or to make an addition by singing and playing. The apostle Paul writes: “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (NKJB). In this passage, as elsewhere in the New Testament where any kind of music is mentioned for worship, the teaching is always and only to sing. We do not have a command, precept, example or a necessary inference in the New Testament to use any kind of instrument in our worship to God. To do so is sin. God is the DESIGNER and CREATOR of the heart, the divine instrument He has given

Recently, I was reminded again of the enormous skill it takes for a surgeon to perform major heart surgery. It is hard to fathom the skill it takes for a doctor to work on a man’s heart and the precision it must take to perform bypass surgery. Hundreds of bypass surgeries are performed each week in hospitals across the country. When I think of the people Jesus selected to be his apostles, he selected ordinary people. Four of these were fishermen, another a tax collector. We often think, even in the church, that we have to have “specialists” to perform some task. I believe when we want something done that has to do with eternity, we need to pick out the “ordinary” people to get the job done. God invariably has called ordinary people to make them extraordinary. Bear Bryant observed, “Potential never won a game.” Charles Hodge has stated, “Brethren, like our culture, are hunting for ‘stars,’ ‘hot-shot preachers,’ talented musicians, ‘gurus with spiritual enlightenment.’ No wonder the church is not growing.” He continues, “Simplicity, integrity, humility, holiness are never considered.” Writing to Christians, Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:9 wrote, “…For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.“ Concentrate on the words –“God’s fellow workers.” God’s design is that God’s people are to be workers in his vineyard. Not only that, but if our lives are in accordance with his will, we are viewed by God as fellow workers with him in accomplishing his purposes. You will

Most men are aware that there comes a time in their life when they just cannot resist the temptation to go to a car dealership and buy a new car. Men can find everything wrong with the old one, when a new one is a possibility. Entering the showroom, you can smell the “newness” of that automobile. It is shiny with new paint; everything is clean from the top to the bottom. We try to convince our wives that the old jalopy is wearing out from the inside out and from the outside in and that it is time to purchase a new one. The problem with all of this is that the “newness” soon wears off. The car is dirty and the “new” automobile begins having problems similar to the old one. Isn’t that the way with things in this life? They are only temporary! Isn’t that what our Lord taught in Matthew 6:19-21? Why is it that we think we can purchase “things” with the view that they are going to last and last and last? The question that we all need to ask ourselves is: What Really Counts? We all can remember the thrill of that new car, house or sofa. But, the “newness” has worn off and it is commonplace. New things soon lose their novelty. Solomon says it’s true of everything….”all is vanity.” Vanity means “breath.” It has the basic meaning of the brevity of the breath one can “see” on a cold morning. It is

The Book of Ecclesiastes reveals Solomon’s effort to evaluate the world. Having great wealth, power and wisdom, Solomon set out to test life. He used his keen mind in a search for the best life has to offer. He tried to discover how to maximize happiness and minimize sorrow. He sought to understand the world and wanted to unravel its mysteries and discover the meaning of all its workings, both good and evil (Ecclesiastes 1:12-13, 16-17). Solomon experienced this with his own life. He tried every kind of pleasure — the best food and drink, the best music and entertainment, the finest material goods, the most beautiful women. He took on great challenges and tried to improve everything around him. Solomon pursued happiness in every conceivable way (2:1, 3-10). Solomon, it seems, pursued happiness with as much zest, gusto and vigor as any man. Certainly, if anyone was ever both wise enough and wealthy enough to succeed, it was Solomon. The Bible states that Solomon’s glory — his riches, possessions and honor — was unexcelled (Ecclesiastes 2:9). No king has ever had more personal resources for the pursuit of happiness than Solomon. Yet, he failed. Whatever he tried, wherever he looked, he found frustration and futility. He discovered that pleasure, possessions or any endeavor would not bring lasting happiness (Ecclesiastes 2:11). He pursued happiness but found vexation, disappointment and emptiness. He ended his great quest, lamentably, hating life (Ecclesiastes 2:15-23). Let us notice what Solomon discovered. Solomon discovered the vanity

My first good paying job ($1.00 per hour) was for Thorne’s Super Market. The store was part of a chain of stores owned by Harry Thorne of Parkersburg, West Virginia. I began as a stockboy, putting the stock from the “backroom” onto the shelves. Then, I gradually worked my way “up” to sacker and then to cashier. During the interim, I did everything from being produce manager to cutting meat in the meat department (All for $1.00 per hour — no increase.) In those days, as it is today, it was not uncommon to have those with whom I worked to complain about working conditions. They had even given some thought to forming a union. But, it was always a period of examination to determine whether this was where I wanted to be in my life. During the last part of December and sometimes into the first part of January, we had to take inventory of all the stock, large as well as small items. Have you ever tried to count “small” items? It is time consuming, but I learned a great lesson in all of this. Regardless of the circumstances in life, we must take time out to examine it or, to say it another way, to take inventory or stock of ourselves. The most difficult thing for most of us to do in this life is to see ourselves as we really are. We like to kid ourselves about our condition: “My hair is not really that gray” or

The story is told of an old sheepherder in the hills of Idaho who was a faithful listener to one of the finer musical programs on the radio.  One night after listening to the concert, he wrote a rather unusual request.  He said: “I enjoy your program from New York every week, and I am writing to ask you a favor.  It’s rather lonely up here in the hills, and I haven’t much to entertain me, aside from the radio.  No other human beings are near.  Now I have an old violin which I used to play, but it has gotten badly out of tune.  I wonder if you would take just a moment on your program next week and strike “A” on the piano, so that I may tune my violin.” Well, at first, they only smiled about the letter.  But then they began to see something more than humor in it.  Was it perhaps a symbol of what they should be able to do with good music on the air?  They decided to use the letter on the broadcast.  And so that night they actually interrupted the program long enough to strike “A” on the piano in New York, while the old sheepherder in the hills of Idaho got the right pitch for his violin.  (Faith Amid Fear, by Peter Eldersveld, pg. 3) As I read that story the thought came to me that we need something like that in a spiritual sense.  Our world seems to be

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psa. 119:105). Without the Bible, man is without guidance and without authentic information as to his origin.  Without the Bible, man does not know where he is going or how to get there.  In spite of the value of God’s Word, many people are completely indifferent to its instructions.  As a result of this, many people are lost in more ways than one. First and most important, man is lost spiritually without the Bible.  Jesus taught his disciples: “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).  A knowledge of the truth is necessary if man is to be saved from his sins.  Peter was to speak to Cornelius “words whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved” (Acts 11:14).  The Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation, but only if it is learned, believed and obeyed. Second, the Bible provides for man a moral standard that is necessary for righteous living here upon the earth.  Without the Bible, there is no standard of morality.  Hence, without the Bible, man is lost morally and becomes as the animals of the forest and field. Third, the Bible gives us our origin.  It tells us that we are created in the image of God, and that we possess a soul that must spend eternity somewhere (Genesis 1:26-27).  Without the Bible, man reaches the conclusion that he originated as a one-celled creature along with all other animals.  This debases man and convinces

There are also examples of those who became believers in Jesus who were saved because their faith was active and working. When Christ made known the terms of salvation, he told his disciples, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be” (Mark 16:15-16) Let us notice some examples of believers who were saved. “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. . . . But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women”  (Acts 8:5, 12).  These believers were obedient to the command of Christ to be baptized. Another example from the New Testament is that of Simon, who, as a believer, obeyed the Lord’s command.  “Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip” (Acts 8:13). The Queen’s treasurer, when returning from Jerusalem, was joined by Philip who “preached unto him Jesus,” which resulted in this man asking to be baptized.  “And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.”  The treasurer confessed his faith in Christ and was baptized “and went on his way rejoicing”  (Acts 8:35-39) The Apostle John said, by inspiration, “But as many as received Him, to them gave He the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe

Many people accept the doctrine that all one has to do to be saved is to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  Is this teaching of the Bible? Numerous examples are recorded in the Bible of those who became believers of Christ, yet were unsaved.  James gave one such example as he described the condition of the demons:  “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe and tremble” (James 2:19). When Peter preached the first Gospel sermon on the day of Pentecost, thousands of Jews became believers as the Word of God was spoken.  But they were unsaved believers for they asked, “What shall we do?”  Peter answered these believers, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 2:38). Saul of Tarsus became a believer in Christ when the light from heaven blinded him on the Damascus road, but he was unsaved.  This believer asked Jesus, “What wilt thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:6).  The Lord answered, “Arise and go into the city and it shall be told thee what thou must do” (Acts 9:6).  The Lord sent Ananias to tell him what to do — “arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16).  Thus, he could NOT HAVE BEEN SAVED,  even though he was a believer, for he was yet in his sins. John recorded the story of a group of Jews who became believers in Jesus, yet they would not confess him (John

“Take it easy” is an oft-repeated expression. Many say it thoughtlessly. But it does reflect the philosophy of the age. It is the only principle of life some people have. Jesus told of a man whose greatest ambition was comfort and ease (Luke 12:19). In this great age of ease, we have labor saving devices galore. Life was hard and rugged for our fathers. It is soft and easy for us. This philosophy has afflicted all realms of life. Let us consider a few. It Has Affected Our Political Thinking It has converted strong statesman into cheap politicians who are in mad competition with each other to see who can offer the voters the most for nothing. Past civilizations have decayed and perished because their peoples became indolent, careless and wicked. Our American heritage stands in jeopardy today because our people wish to “take it easy;” because they love ease more than strength, and pleasure more than God. From the very beginning, God has commanded men to work (Genesis 2:15; Exodus 20:9; Ephesians 4:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:10). It Has Invaded The Realm Of Training And Disciplining Children To some the school has become a place for play and fun rather than a place to develop thinking andincrease knowledge.  The philosophy is: make life easy for them. Very little discipline.  No wonder we have developed a generation of softies who worship ease and pleasure (Proverbs 22:1; 29:15; Luke 2:52). This Attitude Has Also Invaded Religion Churches have gone all out to

There has been much discussion about satanic power and the influence Satan has on our lives.  There is even a church of Satan.  Years ago, there was even a movie “The Exorcist” – which tells in vivid detail the horrors of supposed demon possession. Flip Wilson promoted, through his television program, the statement: “The devil made me do it.”  Not too many years ago, a shirt company made quite a bit of money from that statement by selling shirts for children that read: “The devil made me do it.”  Parents thought it was cute to have their children parading around with that shirt.  The children really believed that they could just about do whatever they wanted to do because, “the devil made me do it.”  It seems that became such a mindset, that now nothing appears to be wrong anymore because “the devil made me do it.” Is the devil real?  Yes, he is.  If you were asked this question:  “What is the source of our temptations, troubles and evils?” what would be your answer? From the time of Adam and Eve until the present, everyone has been subject to temptations of the devil.  Even Jesus had to engage in conflict with him (Matthew 4).  He was able to resist those temptations because he knew the Word.  Each time he was tempted, he was able to meet it with “It is written . . .” The devil has the ability to make that which is good appear to be bad

By: Eddie Cooper Have you heard or read the following statement, “There are no absolutes?”  This is becoming quite common when someone wants to disregard law or authority of any kind. After purchasing a computer several years ago, I soon found out that “absolutes” are necessary.  In my reading, I found out that a computer is really very simple.  (Some may question that!)  Numbers, words, sounds and pictures can all be represented by codes, conventionally expressed as strings of zeroes and ones.  Computers are machines which carry out operations on such codes according to rules with which they are supplied.  Moreover, they do this quickly.  Information of all kinds, and in vast quantities, can be processed and communicated almost instantaneously.  But, woe to the person who tries to ignore the codes or breaks the rules.  CRASH!!!! Whether we like it or not, there are always absolutes that we have to deal with in life.  For instance, working mathematical problems means there are some absolutes.  All school children know that 2 + 2 = 4.  That is an absolute.  Men may try to manipulate all they want, but the answer is still the same regardless of what men may say the answer is.  In order to drive an automobile, there are some absolutes.  Before driving off in a car, one must absolutely have the keys (unless he is able to “hot wire” one), turn on the ignition and then he can drive off. When it comes to the matter of salvation, there are some absolutes.  One must have FAITH (Romans 10:17) and this

The Apostle Peter wrote:”Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation.  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:20-21).The prophet served as a spokesman for God.  He delivered God’s message to God’s people, and on occasion made predictions about future events.  It is a mistake to think that his primary role involved foretelling the future.  He was first a preacher, and then a predictor of coming events. The prophet’s message was inspired by the Holy Ghost.  His message was not his own, and thus was not open to private interpretation.  The New Testament offers tremendous insight into the understanding of prophetic predictions.  Frequently, the writers of the New Testament refer to events in the life and ministry of Jesus as taking place in fulfillment of prophecy (Matthew 1:22; 2:4, 15).  We can be certain that these men were fairly interpreting the prophet’s message, however, much of what we read today regarding prophecy is far removed from the prophet’s original intent. Today, a great deal is being said and written regarding events in the Middle East and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.  But, there is little connection between what is occurring now and what the prophets predicted. Passages like Isaiah 13:1-6 and Jeremiah 50:8-9 are often cited as proof that prophecy regarding Babylon (Iraq) is being fulfilled in our generation, but the