Carried Before the Father

By: Tony Clay, Associate Editor There is a feeling that every person wants to avoid. That is the feeling of being forgotten. A child playing a sport continues to look over at his parents to see if they are watching and if they saw him or her score. A worker wonders if his or her effort went unnoticed by the supervisors. A struggling Christian wonders whether anyone sees the battle he or she is quietly fighting. One of the most beautiful pictures in the Old Testament is found in the clothing of the high priest. When Aaron entered the Holy Place, he wore a breastplate containing twelve stones, and those stones were engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel. God said, “So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel…over his heart, when he goes into the holy place, as a memorial before the LORD continually” (Exodus 28:29 NKJV). Think about that. When the high priest went before God, the people were symbolically carried over his heart. Their names were not left outside. They were represented before the Lord. Yet, as meaningful as that picture was, it was still only a shadow of something greater. Aaron could carry names on stones, but Jesus knows His people personally. Aaron entered an earthly holy place, but Jesus has entered Heaven itself. Aaron eventually died and had to be replaced, but Jesus “continues forever” and has “an unchangeable priesthood” (Hebrews 7:24). That means the faithful Christian is not forgotten …

The Church Is Important!

By: Rodney Nulph, Associate Editor We are living during a time in history when spiritual things are often held in disdain. In fact, much of our world today has eradicated God and spiritual guidance from everything. As such, many people are growing up in a society and often never assembling with any religious group, let alone with the church purchased by the blood of Jesus (Acts 20:28). As a result of this lack of “church going,” many hold the false idea that they can have Christ without ever being a part of His church. For example, I recently heard a denominational preacher say, “Accept Jesus into your heart and then find a Bible believing church with which to worship.” While this statement may sound good on the surface, it is false to the core. Firstly, a person can never “accept Jesus into his or her heart.” However, one can “obey the Gospel” (Romans 10:16; 2 Thessalonians 1:8). Secondly, when a person obeys the Gospel, Jesus adds that soul to the church (Acts 2:47). Therefore, when one is saved, he or she is added to the church, and when one is added to the church, that one is saved. You cannot be saved without being added to the church, and you cannot be added to the church without being saved! The church of our Lord is where the saved reside. If a person walks away from the church, he walks away from Jesus, and thus forfeits his salvation. The church, then, …

The Death of the Lady

By: Louis Rushmore, Editor Merriam-Webster defines “death,” in part, as: “1a: A permanent cessation of all vital functions…5:a The passing or destruction of something inanimate.” The same source provides some synonyms for “death,” “demise, doom, curtains, casualty, extermination, ending, killing, expiration and ruin.” “The Death of the Lady” herein corresponds to the cessation of vital function and the destruction of something inanimate and intangible, and yet, something manifested. This “death” relates to the demise, doom, ending, expiration and ruin of something precious in the sight of God. The word “lady” includes this meaning: “3:b A woman of refinement and gentle manners…” Synonyms for “lady” include, “madame, maiden, woman, girl, miss and damsel.” There was time gone before when a lady was a woman who exhibited ladylike traits of  blushing modesty, feminine reserve and moral discretion. While there have always been societal black sheep who skirted around common decency, hardly can a lady be found in our modern age. The image of a lady has for the most part simply died—dissolved and disappeared in our time. The death of the lady manifests itself variously today. First, it is understandable that little girls, young women and older ones, too, may choose to wear slacks and similar clothes according to their activities and personal preferences. However, regularly wearing trousers of some sort may rob girls and women of the experience of preserving their modesty when wearing dresses or more revealing clothing. By and large, little girls have no sense of respectability when sitting, …

Let’s Take Them Back!

By: Louis Rushmore Several symbols and mottos have been hijacked from their original and appropriate meanings, instead to represent either a rallying point for immorality or so construed as to become catchphrases by religious persons. Christians hesitate to use those symbols and mottos. While there may be several additional examples, please consider these three. The Rainbow Almighty God, the Creator (Genesis 1:1) established the rainbow at a specific time in history for a particular reason. Following the universal flood during the days of Noah, God assured mankind through Noah that He would never again destroy “all flesh” by such a flood. “Thus I establish My covenant with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” And God said: “This is the sign of the covenant which I make between Me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the …

The Gospel Reenacted

By: Louis Rushmore, Editor What is the Gospel? By divine inspiration, the apostle Paul concisely described the Gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, which reads as follows. Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you — unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. (NKJV) Thus, we discern that the Gospel, boiled down to its basic essence, relates to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, Who is the Christ. The function of the Gospel, once obeyed, is salvation, which is possible by the removal of sins. Concerning Jesus Christ, Hebrews 5:9 reads, “And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” Contrariwise, people who do not obey the Gospel remain in their lost, sinful condition (Galatians 3:1; 5:7). “In flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:8). “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will bethe end of …

The Appointment We Cannot Escape!

By: Rodney Nulph, Associate Editor “It is appointed unto man, once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). No one likes to talk about death. It makes us uncomfortable and often raises questions we simply cannot answer. God has not revealed everything to us in the realm of death and the afterlife. The truth is that anyone who has passed from this life is not able to come back and tell us about what adventures lie ahead. Therefore, we often wonder, question and even sometimes worry about leaving this earth. Although God has not revealed everything about death and the afterlife, He has revealed enough for the faithful to have peace and confidence regarding the appointment we cannot escape. Death is a surety! Often just understanding that we are not meant to live in this earthly tent (2 Corinthians 5:1–2) forever helps us to better cope with death. Our physical bodies are only designed to last for so many years (Psalm 90:10). The wise man, by inspiration, affirmed: All things come alike to all: One event happens to the righteous and the wicked; To the good, the clean, and the unclean; To him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice. As is the good, so is the sinner; He who takes an oath as he who fears an oath. This is an evil in all that is done under the sun: that one thing happens to all. Truly the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil; …

Our Dented World

By: Louis Rushmore, Editor Last Saturday night, I fell and damaged a few things on my way to the floor. One of the wounded items was a small globe, which at one time, suspended magically, it seemed, in the air without touching anything else; magnets provided an invisible push/pull effect on the sphere. Now, this little world bears indentations from being crushed. Sorry about that Canada and Alaska, the Arctic, Russia, China and Scandinavia. Sorry about that Antarctica and the southern third of South America. Of course, those places in the real world were not affected simply because my little globe has a series of dents. However, in a spiritual sense, the real world in which we live is dented or damaged because of sin in the lives of people worldwide (Romans 3:10, 23). Sin committed by Adam and Eve resulted in changes to the created world and a damaged relationship of the first pair with God (Genesis 3:16–22). Since then to the present, sin has continued to be a separator between mankind and God (Isaiah 59:1–2). Similarly to the consequences of Adam and Eve, sins multiplied along with the increasing human population until God decided to bring about a universal flood in the days of Noah, which involved the ultimate climate change of all time, as well as the topographical reshaping of planet Earth (Genesis 8:20–21). On the spiritual side of things, God essentially pushed the reset button and restarted human population with Noah’s family (Genesis 6–8). Throughout the …

The Gathering Beyond the Grave

By: Rodney Nulph, Associate Editor There is absolutely no doubt that one day it will be my turn and yours to leave behind family, friends, foes and fortunes to keep our appointment with death. “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). The greatest assembly to have ever assembled will be gathered together that day! “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him…” (Matthew 25:31–32a). The Judge of all the earth (Hebrews 12:23) will be on the bench, and the decisions and choices we have made in this life will determine our unending outcome in eternity. “Only one life, and it will soon be past, only what is done for Christ will last”! According to Scripture, this gathering beyond the grave will be quite an event! It will be… A Sudden Gathering The Holy Spirit was clear that “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:52). For the saint, this gathering is a time in which he has been longing (Philippians 3:20–21). It will be a gathering full of excitement as we see our Savior and begin our eternal stay (1 Thessalonians 4:17). However, this sudden gathering will be a surprise for the sinner …

It Makes Sense!

By: Louis Rushmore, Editor One of the chief reasons why I place my confidence in the existence of God, in His creative involvement in the entire universe and in the Bible is because it makes sense. It makes sense especially in contradistinction to any and all alternative views regarding God, the universe and the Bible. It makes sense that an eternal, intelligent and superpowerful Being has always existed and will always exist. Something had to exist first, since nothing begets nothing. Furthermore, something also had to cause the universe, including you and me, to come into existence. Persons not willing to admit the existence and the power of Almighty God may argue that it’s matter that has always existed. However, lifeless matter by itself could never be responsible for what exists in the physical world because (1) our experience with matter is that it breaks down rather than regenerates itself or generates anything else, meaning that matter is not eternal, (2) matter by itself lacks a cause by which the universe could come into existence, (3) lifeless matter lacks the intelligence to create the intricately designed universe, from the galaxies and solar systems to the complexities of the human body. The eternal, intelligent and superpowerful Being Who has always existed and Who will always exist is God. By the word “God,” we mean divine attributes or characteristics, which are shared by three persons—God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Think of it this way. Over eight billion persons comprise the …

Jesus Is Like No Other!

By: Rodney Nulph, Associate Editor In his July 15, 1838 “Divinity School Address” in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Ralph Waldo Emerson said speaking of Jesus, “…whose name is not so much written as ploughed into the history of the world…” Emerson’s premise was that Jesus’ life and teachings left an indelible mark on history, like a plow turning soil, demonstrating a deep, transformative power that changed the world. All sane men must agree and see the truth in what Emerson contended. Even a cursory view of His life leaves a lasting impression upon the searcher that Jesus no doubt was a supernatural amazement. There is simply no one who ever walked this earth like Jesus! Consider firstly, His conception. God’s providential law from the Garden of Eden until eternity dawns has been the same for everyone from Cain to the last person born prior to the Lord’s return. That law is unavoidable and undeniable! A man’s “seed” must come into contact with a woman’s “seed” (Genesis 3:15) in order for the life of a human being to begin. Life begins at conception, and without the union of these two “seeds,” humanity cannot exist. However, not so with Jesus. The Holy Spirit prophesied some 700 years before our Lord’s conception that “…a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14b). Never in the history of humanity had this phenomenon ever previously occurred and neither since the day our Lord was conceived has it ever occurred …

It’s Hard to Convert Others IF…

It’s hard to convert others with the Gospel if it hasn’t changed you! Obeying the Gospel rests upon Bible-derived faith (Romans 10:17), which acknowledges that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God (John 8:24). Bible faith must be demonstrated—acted out in one’s life (Hebrews 11; James 2:14–26). Bible faith—not the casual mental assent that many people pledge—leads honest hearts to repent of sin in their lives (Romans 3:10, 23; Acts 2:38), conforming to the Word of God (Romans 12:1–2). Subsequently, the soul seeking salvation happily acknowledges his faith in Jesus Christ as Redeemer (Romans 10:9–10). Only then may a person be baptized for the remission of sins as he imitates the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord (Romans 6:3–5). Next comes the lifelong pursuit of spiritual maturity (Hebrews 5:12–14; 1 Peter 2:2) and service to our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 6:7). The faithfulness of a child of God must persevere even if so doing results in one’s death (Matthew 10:28; Revelation 2:10). However, it’s hard to convert others with the Gospel if it hasn’t changed you. Whomever fails to resort to God’s Word—God’s operator’s manual for humanity—by which to order his or her life cannot expect others to use God’s Word to transform their lives. Lacking stable Bible faith due to a lack of Bible study (2 Timothy 2:15), that person is ill prepared to encourage others to bring their lives into compliance with Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16–17). If it’s obvious that one has not repented of all of …

The Challenge of Golden Rule Living

By: Rodney Nulph, Associate Editor Much of what God expects of His children involves having the right relationship with others. In fact, much of the teachings in the Gospel accounts that record the Words of Jesus deal with relationships with others. Matthew 5:21–48 is a lengthy section on our proper behavior toward our fellow people. The “second commandment” mentioned by the Lord involves one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:34–40). Even the Judgment scene recorded in Matthew 25:31–46 is made up of situations involving others. While relationships with each other, in and out of the church, are sometimes difficult, Jesus gave the most productive way to get along with others. It is often referred to as The Golden Rule. “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). Luke’s account similarly records, “And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise” (Luke 6:31). Contemplation “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you…” How many relational problems could be avoided if we simply asked ourselves, “How would that make me feel if someone did that to me?” or “How would I feel if someone said that to me?” How often would we condemn ourselves in our dealing with each other if we had a recording of our words and deeds to others? Simply put, sometimes we just do not really contemplate these things. In the very first part of the Golden Rule, Jesus …

You Are a Soul, and You Have a Body

By: Louis Rushmore, Editor Naturally, Christians and most people probably think of themselves primarily from a physical perspective. After all, we are “flesh and blood” (Matthew 16:17; 1 Corinthians 16:15), and we reside in a physical world in which worldly people also live. Of course, as God’s children (John 1:12; 1 John 3:1), Christians are called upon not to adopt the ways of world. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2 NKJV). “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world” (1 John 2:15–16). Since we are ourselves physical creatures (Genesis 3:19), not living like worldly people proves to be a great challenge. When Christians succeed in ‘overcoming the world’ (John 16:33; 1 John 5:4), only then, can they “shine as lights in the world.” “…You may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). Jesus acknowledged the awkwardness of His disciples necessarily living in the world without succumbing to its allurements. “I have given them Your word; and …

The Greatest of These Is Love

By: Rodney Nulph, Associate Editor As Paul finished one of the greatest chapters in the New Testament, his inspired pen revealed the answer to life in general and, certainly to the Christian, life specifically. In his inspired treatise on love, Paul concluded, “…the greatest of these [faith, hope and love] is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). What would life be without love? Everyone longs to love and to be loved. The story of Norma Jean Mortenson illustrates this truth quite well. Norma Jean was one of the most famous people of her time, but her story is one of the greatest tragedies, too. Norma’s mother, due to serious mental illness, often found herself in mental institutions, which made it impossible for her to take care her of her daughter. As such, little Norma spent much of her childhood in foster care. In one foster home, when Norma was just 8 years old, a boarder in the house raped this young girl and then paid her a nickel to keep silent. However, Norma told her foster mother, hoping to get the help she so rightfully deserved. However, heartbreakingly, the foster mother badly beat Norma Jean and told her that the boarder paid good money for rent and Norma was strictly told to never speak a bad word against that man again. As time passed, Norma grew into a beautiful young lady. Norma went to Hollywood with hopes of becoming an actress. Certain Hollywood big shots discovered Norma and promised her that they …

Set Your Affections on Things Above

By: Louis Rushmore, Editor (continued from December 2025) 1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:1–2 NKJV) Schaff’s Popular Commentary contrasts the “seek those things which are above” of verse 1 with the “set your mind on things above” of verse 2, suggesting that the former pertains to outward action while the latter refers to the discipline of the mind. “‘Seek’ pointed to the outward conduct, this [“set”] carries the injunction to the inward thought and controlling desire” (Schaff’s). In any case, ‘seeking those things which are above’ and ‘setting your mind on things above’ are inseparably tied together; they are a package or necessary components forming a single unit. Really, ‘setting the mind on things above’ precedes ‘seeking those things which are above’; ‘setting one’s mind on things above’ is the catalyst or the motivation to “seek those things which are above.” “Risen with Christ, they were to set their affections on things above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God, and not on things on the earth. The two could not go together” (Darby’s). “That is, concentrate your concern on the eternal, not the temporal” (Bible Knowledge Commentary). “You must not only seek heaven; you must also think heaven” (Lightfoot, qtd. in Thomas Constable’s Notes). “To set the mind upon him in the affections is to direct the thoughts, desires, and affections …

The Power of Lust!

By: Rodney Nulph, Associate Editor Several years ago, a Scranton, Pennsylvania man was looking for a crack pipe to fulfill his addiction. He went out of his house and in the driveway sat his girlfriend’s car, under which he crawled and cut a piece of brake line to make the pipe he wanted. His girlfriend, the mother of five children, drove off sometime later not knowing what had been done. Having no brakes and unable to stop, she crashed her car and died. What caused this terrible scenario to occur? There are numerous items that brought about this terrible tragedy, but the root cause of this, as well as most all sin, is lust. When we hear the word lust today, we often limit our thoughts to moral perversions such as fornication, adultery, pornography and other sexual sins. While lust certainly includes these, lust is not limited to these alone. In fact, a study of the power of lust may prove that we all struggle with this sin at times. Clarification. What is lust? Lust has as its focus gratifying and pleasing oneself, which often leads to lethal actions to fulfill a person’s desires without consideration of the consequences. Lust springs forth from selfishness and greed. Someone has correctly said that lust is simply not being content with what God has provided for us. Ouch! That definition is not too kind. People lust for different things. For example, Esau lusted after food to the degree that he was willing to …

Worldview

By: Louis Rushmore, Editor “Worldview,” according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, means, “a comprehensive conception or apprehension of the world especially from a specific standpoint.” There exist many worldviews, some of which are antagonistic to each other and still more that exist side by side but differing in categorization. There are political worldviews relative to a nation or nations, a hemisphere, or the entire world. Other worldviews pertain to cultures, philosophies, theories, science or religion. Each person prioritizes worldviews in his or her own mind from most cherished to least valued. Even worldviews that can rightfully coexist must undergo an ordering process from more important to lesser importance. The Christian’s worldview, based on what God through the Bible conveyed, must subjugate all other worldviews beneath it. Yet, often even Christians and the churches of Christ struggle with placing the Christian’s worldview above and foremost before all other worldviews. Just what are some of the characteristics of the Christian’s worldview? Well, first, spiritual matters surpass physical considerations (Matthew 6:33). That’s hard to achieve—very hard to do—in view of our physical existence in the physical world and universe (John 6:27). Irrespective of in what nation or under what form of government the children of God may live, Christians must obey the laws of the land (Romans 13:1–7), except on the occasions when there is a direct conflict between what man demands of us and what Almighty God would have us to do or not to do (Acts 5:28–29). Christians must embrace the worldview that puts God’s …

Continue in Them

An aged apostle of the faith, nearing his last section of the marathon for eternal life, instructed his “son,” “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16 NKJV). Amazingly, and quite sadly, is the fact that we live in a world where the truth has been decimated and facts have been resigned to a person’s own feelings or what one perceives as true. This lethal philosophy is known as postmodernism. Postmodernism is a late 20th Century movement characterized by broad skepticism, subjectivism and relativism. In other words, whatever you feel is truth becomes truth whether it is truth or not. This has plagued our world in general and in religion in particular. However, God does not subscribe to such! Paul, guided by the Spirit of Truth, reminded young Timothy that doctrine (teaching) must be obeyed and taught. By implication, we see that there is a definite doctrine concerning spiritual things, and that doctrine can be known. Furthermore, that doctrine must be shared in order for both the sharer and the student to be saved. Let us note more carefully about this doctrine of which Paul wrote. The Definition The two words most commonly translated “doctrine” in the New Testament are didaskalia and didache. Didache, translated as the word doctrine, is used some 29 times in the New Covenant. These words all center around the idea of teaching. In Holy Writ, doctrine is the body of truth that is taught. Therefore, …

Biblical Spectacles

After acknowledging that the Bible is God’s message to humanity and that He providentially preserved it for us, the challenges remaining are (1) to understand the Almighty’s communication to mankind and (2) to apply it properly as our Creator requires His created, earthly human beings to do. Establishing that the Bible is, indeed, the Word of God and that He has preserved it for men and women of all times are additional and, if necessary, precursor studies to the present theme of this article. Likewise, demonstrating that God is the Creator and that we are part of His creation is another study, which is also preliminary and preceding our current topic. Herein, our task is to show that we humans can accomplish correct biblical interpretation of God’s Word. Thereafter, we mortals must muster the courage and the willpower to mold our lives accordingly where applicable (Romans 12:1–2). God is the original Communicator, and as Creator, too, He created humans as communicators, both able to understand communication and to engage in communication with other communicators. God communicates with us through His inspired and holy Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20–21), and we can communicate with Him through our prayers (Matthew 6:6) and our conduct, which He observes (Proverbs 15:3). Consequently, God has never left mankind without sufficient divine communication, which He has always expected humankind to understand and to exhibit in godly living and service. Hence, the Bible is not a collection of secret codes to be unraveled by a few clever persons. God meant for the Bible …

It’s All About the Product!

Have you ever purchased something that came from the store wrapped in a spectacular package? I sometimes feel as though some products may be a little less expensive if companies did not place so much value and emphasis on the wrapping. After all, it is the product inside that is really what is important. For the most part, the package, once the item is removed, is simply discarded. Why? Because it is all about the product not the package that houses the item. Significantly, the same is true spiritually speaking. To a congregation that sometimes got caught up in the packaging (1 Corinthians 1:10ff), Paul reminded, “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 KJV). Notice carefully that the emphasis in Paul’s life and ministry was on the product (Christ) and not the packaging (men)! Let’s examine this concept more closely. Paul’s preaching was all about Christ. “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord…” (2 Corinthians 4:5). Someone has correctly said, “You can gauge the effectiveness of a sermon by how long it takes for Jesus to show up.” Like the Greeks of antiquity, our …

The Bridge Is Out!

“Warning, Warning, the Bridge Is Out!” That reminds me that decades ago the robot in the old television show Lost in Space (aired from 1965 to 1968) similarly and frequently uttered a warning. He would say, “Danger, Will Robinson.” Yep! Every time the robot said, “Danger, Will Robinson,” a new danger was about to reveal itself. Fortunately, Will Robinson was alerted, and he successfully circumvented each dangerous circumstance. In the real world, dangers threaten us within our physical and earthly environment. Even more importantly, dangers threaten us in the spiritual realm, too (1 Peter 5:8). Prepared before hand by the Word of God, we can persevere despite confrontation with spiritual dangers (1 Peter 5:9; Ephesians 6:13-17). Imagine that you are standing alongside a road, and you are aware that the bridge is out just a little east of you. Traffic coming from the west doesn’t seem to know of the danger as it rushes toward the perilous void in the roadway. Would you frantically attempt to wave down the rushing vehicle, or would you hesitate, knowing that the driver and passengers might react angrily if you impede their travel? What ought you to do? After all, the occupants of the car might hurt your feelings. What would you do? Most of the world is traveling at breakneck speed toward an abyss far more tragic and eternally more hurtful than an automobile crash into a canyon—as bad as that would be. Christians stand on the side of life’s road as they observe the masses traveling the broad …

Pure Religion

True Christianity is a religion of the heart. While the outward actions matter, if the inside is not changed, the outward means nothing. Jesus capsulated this truth when He reminded the woman at Jacob’s well that true worship must be done in spirit and truth (John 4:24). “Truth,” which is the action of worship, meets with one’s “spirit,” which is the attitude of worship; they combine to please the Father and uplift the worshiper. This combination is seen in every aspect of the Christian life. What we do matters, but why we do it and how we do it matters as well. When the half-brother of Jesus picked up his inspired quill to write one of the most “practical” books on Christian living, he affirmed that “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27 NKJV). This classic verse on pure religion gives us the inspired details of how to truly live the Christian life that pleases God. Firstly, pure religion involves looking up “…before God and the Father…” God must be the object and motivation for everything we do. Sometimes people will have a motivation to do “good things,” but God is absent in that drive, which makes their efforts vain. Christian “good works” are only good if God defines them as such. Paul made it abundantly clear when he penned, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the …

Statements of Conviction: I Am Ready Not Only to Be Bound But Also to Die (Acts 21:10-14)

nd as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.” (NKJV) The apostle Paul took everything seriously, starting with his misguided, lethal persecution of Christianity. He wrote of himself, “For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God” (1 Corinthians 15:9). Paul noted some of the same confession in Acts 26:9-11. Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in every …

The Father Drew Me!

In a recent discussion, a man asked me if I believed that folks can only come to Jesus if the Father draws them. I said absolutely! Then, the discussion centered around not “if” the Father draws mankind to Himself, but “how.” Jesus told a group of dissenting Jews that “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:44 KJV). A truer statement has never been uttered! There is not one single soul on earth that can come to Jesus unless He is drawn and persuaded. How, though, does God draw and persuade? The Father drew me to Jesus by His Law. In the very context in which Jesus made the above true statement, Jesus went on to say, “It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me” (John 6:45). Notice carefully, “being taught and learning” are the direct result of hearing. Thus, logic drives us to the irrefutable conclusion that hearing God’s Law is essential to being drawn to Jesus, and without hearing God’s Law, one could never be drawn to the Savior! The Holy Spirit guided the apostle Paul to articulate it like this: “…and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?… So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:14b, 17 …

Statements of Conviction: I Am Ready Not Only to Be Bound But Also to Die (Acts 21:10-14)

And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.” (NKJV) The apostle Paul took everything seriously, starting with his misguided, lethal persecution of Christianity. He wrote of himself, “For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God” (1 Corinthians 15:9). Paul noted some of the same confession in Acts 26:9-11. Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in every …

How Sweet, How Heavenly!

It is quite obvious that the world in which we live is anything but unified. Ours is a divided society. Sadder yet is the lack of unity that exists among religious people. In most communities, even those communities that are rather small, there exists several different religious groups—all claiming to give honor to Jesus, and yet, teaching different things. God is not happy with religious division. In fact, He hates division! In John 17, Jesus prayed that this religious division would not be seen, because if religious division occurs, people lose sight and confidence in Jesus (John 17:21). God is the God of unity! The Father sent the Son in order to make unity (2 Corinthians 5:19). The church in Corinth, many Centuries ago, was faced all kinds of division. God was not pleased, and He sent a letter by the quill of the apostle Paul to correct the division. The Holy Spirit’s response to division will help us to be united. The Possibility of Unity Paul’s inspired ink begins with affirming, “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10 ESV). Notice carefully how clear Paul was that religious unity is possible! Many today seem to love religious division and are heard to say, “You believe your thing and I will believe mine.” However, that is the very opposite of what Paul …

God’s Redemptive Plan

God’s Part Love (John 3:16) Grace (Ephesians 2:8) Mercy (Titus 3:5) Gospel (Romans 1:16) Christ’s Part The Blood of Christ (Revelation 1:5) Our Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5) Holy Spirit’s Part Revelation (2 Peter 1:20–21) Man’s Part Bible Faith (John 8:24) Repentance (Acts 17:30) Baptism (1 Peter 3:21) Obedience (Hebrews 5:8–9) Purity (Revelation 22:14) Faithfulness (Revelation 2:10) Love (1 John 2:10) Hope (Romans 8:24) Works (James 2:24) Endurance (Matthew 10:22) Confessing Christ (Romans 10:9–10) Being Born Again (John 3:3–5) Laying Aside Evil (James 1:21) Preaching (1 Corinthians 1:18, 21) Calling on the Name of the Lord (Romans 10:14) Knowledge of the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:15)

The Trumpet Must Be Sounded!

In correcting the abuse of the miraculous gift of tongue speaking, Paul used an everyday illustration that all would have understood. “For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will  prepare for battle?” (1 Corinthians 14:8 NKJV). The context is that those who had the gift of tongues were not to use it unless there was an interpreter, because if the language were not known and was not interpreted, the words would seem to be sheer nonsense. The illustration of a trumpet giving a distinct and certain sound was so applicable in Paul’s day because they were used frequently in antiquity. In Bible times, there were specifically three groups of people who used trumpets with regularity: watchmen, warriors and worship leaders. Trumpets were used by watchmen to warn (Jeremiah 6:1; Isaiah 58:1). Warriors used them to sound the battle alarm (Judges 7:19-20), and trumpets were used by worship leaders to call people to assemble (2 Chronicles 13:12; Numbers 10:8). When Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, he used the trumpet to illustrate the Word of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 1:8). Like a trumpet, the Word of Lord must sound forth! Consider the analogy still further. Like a trumpet, the Word of the Lord must be plain! When a trumpet sounds forth in the way it is intended to sound forth, there is no question as to what instrument is playing. I have quite an untrained ear to discern instruments and music, but I can always pick out a trumpet. It gives …

It Matters to God!

Many things pop up in families (e.g., between parents and children or between spouses) that don’t really matter at all. Often, other issues underly the petty stuff said to be the explanation for disagreements. Family members do well to reserve their dissent and enter into serious discussions about genuine concerns. Some things, however, do matter, and no compromise can be justified (e.g., modesty, morality). The Bible – God’s operator’s manual for humanity – must be the final and indisputable Word regarding especially biblical (i.e., doctrinal) topics. Some things do matter, and some things matter to God! Christians ought to consider whether their thoughts, words and actions matter to God. We can discern whether each of these matter to God by consulting (i.e., studying) His holy and inspired Scriptures. God made man after His own image, and one of the traits we share with God is the ability to communicate (e.g., with other humans, as well as between God and us). He communicates with us through the Bible, and we communicate with Him through prayer. The Bible is God’s instrument of communication between Himself and humankind, and He intends for us to understand it. Though a few passages may present us some difficulty, the Bible is not a collection of cryptic messages, codes and mysteries strung together for God’s amusement and our confusion. We can know what matters to God, and what matters to God is immutable or unalterable, absolute, permanent and final. Remember, no one can win an argument with God – and so, don’t try! …

When the Brook Dries Up

One of the extreme frustrations that some Christians face is not understanding that God’s ways are different from man’s ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Man can only see one dimensional and is even limited in that view of life and its circumstances. God often gets blamed for not loving us or not protecting us when we encounter a difficulty, especially if that difficulty is monumental in size and hurtful. In fact, some have erroneously concluded that God does not exist because a loving God surely would not allow suffering (i.e., “atheism’s ‘unanswerable’ argument”). We see in 1 Kings 17 a narrative unfold that shows more than just one dimension. Due to the wickedness of Ahab and the nation, God withheld rain and dew from the land for three and one-half years (1 Kings 17:1-2; James 5:17). At that time, God instructed Elijah to camp by the brook Cherith and take his sustenance of water from that brook. It was also at this time that God sent ravens with bread and meat to provide Elijah’s food sustenance (1 Kings 17:4-6). Can you just picture that scene? Imagine Elijah cross legged on the banks of Cherith, warm sunshine on his face, full belly of bread and meat, with cool, refreshing, pure water in abundance. Life is good! However, each day that brook seemed to flow a little more slowly, and eventually “the brook dried up” (1 Kings 17:7). I am not sure what Elijah was thinking, but I am sure that if I were …

Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things

I’ve never been athletic, and besides, my environment as a youth didn’t lend itself to participating in team sports. So, even in school gym classes or for recesses between classes, when some sort of game was afoot, I didn’t volunteer, and I was always one of the last students picked for a team. A little later in life during military bootcamp, I didn’t volunteer for anything and tried my best to somehow be invisible in the middle of the group. Some people go throughout their entire lives and never step forward for anything. Perhaps, they have the notion that they’re just ordinary people who are unable to do extraordinary things. Several Bible characters exclaimed that they were just ordinary people when, for instance, God called upon them to do extraordinary things. Moses was such a person. Moses Moses is the first Bible character who comes to my mind who was reluctant to accept an extraordinary challenge presented to him by God. He certainly was qualified and well-schooled. “And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds” (Acts 7:22 NKJV). He knew that God would use him to deliver Israel from slavery in Egypt (Acts 7:25), but he acted initially on his own timetable instead of waiting for God to send him. Consequently, following his failed attempt, Moses fled to the land of Midian to avoid Pharoah, who wanted to kill him (Exodus 2:15). Forty years passed, and Moses was a sheepherder and a family man in Midian. Then, on God’s timetable, He called …

A Hidden Treasure!

Have you ever found something that was worth a great sum? Stories surface now and then about “supposed” gold shipments that were lost and never recovered. A favorite pastime of many today is magnet fishing. A large, powerful magnet attached to a heavy-duty rope is thrown into the water (often from a bridge) and dragged across the bottom in hopes of finding a sunken treasure. Some claim to have found some interesting items. Discoveries sometimes include bolts, screws, canon balls, firearms and jewelry; even bikes and larger items have been discovered. It seems that many folks are searching for hidden treasures. Long before magnet fishing and lost gold, Jesus told the narrative of a truly hidden treasure. In the great kingdom parable chapter, Jesus related, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” (Matthew 13:44 NKJV). The lessons taught in this short verse are valuable indeed! Firstly, note the fortune, “Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure…” This parable would certainly have attracted the attention of first century hearers because every village had its story of men who had become suddenly rich by finding some hidden hoard that had been hastily concealed in time of war or trouble. Fleshly minds place a high value on things that simply are not really valuable in the final analysis. We all are guilty of that at times. The …

Unconditional Faithfulness in God: Faithfulness through Self-Doubt

Unconditional faithfulness in God can undergird faithfulness through self-doubt. Christians, because they have unconditional faithfulness in God, have a support system available to them that is far superior to any other to which anyone could possibly appeal. We have something that worldly people and non-Christians simply do not have. We have God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit in our lives. We know this from the Holy and Inspired Scriptures – the Word of God, the Bible. One dictionary defines self-doubt as “a lack of faith in oneself: a feeling of doubt or uncertainty about one’s abilities, actions” (“Self-doubt”). Though we may not think so, “Everyone experiences self-doubt” (Tartakovsky emphasis added). Self-doubt is a common concern generally shared by people everywhere. Yes, even bullies, sports stars, public speakers and loud, pushy or bossy persons also encounter moments of self-doubt. “Self-doubt shows up in different ways. It might manifest as seeking advice or validation for decisions because we don’t trust ourselves” (Tartakovsky). A little self-doubt, instead, may lead one to reexamine himself or herself and to reevaluate a method or the evidence supporting what he or she says or does. To that extent, some self-doubt may be a positive thing. Usually, though, self-doubt has an inhibiting effect. “…Self-doubt ‘can lead to a persistent need for reassurance, leaving you feeling anxious unless others are providing it…’ It can leave people paralyzed when making decisions, fearing they’ll pick the wrong choice. They might get stuck on everything from which career …

The Shadow of the Almighty

When actor Jimmy Stewart enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, his father gave him a letter and enclosed a copy of Psalm 91. Through the years, Psalm 91 has become known to many as “The Soldiers’ Psalm” – and with good reason. Even in more recent years, American troops in Iraq have been known to read Psalm 91 before going on patrol. Psalm 91 is a unique Psalm in many ways. One of the unique features found in Psalm 91 is that in the latter part (vs. 14-16), God spoke, giving a commentary on what the writer had just penned. While God’s promises and protection are available to all, we do not receive them passively. When we are actively connected to the Father, we can truly experience the amazing “shadow of the Almighty” like never before. Sadly, many try to experience God passively or at a distance, but those who “draw near to God” are assured that God will draw near to them (James 4:8). Psalm 91 is all about an intimate relationship with God. Notice the beauty. The Closeness (Psalm 91:1-2) Notice carefully the words that the Psalmist used to portray this intimate relationship with God. “Dwell” comes from a Hebrew verb that literally means “to sit down; to stay.” This is not a “quick visit” with God now and then but rather a life that is centered on fellowship and a close relationship with Him. I cannot help but think of what Jesus said regarding the Vine and the …

Unconditional Faithfulness in God: Faithful through Sickness

Unconditional Faithfulness A dictionary definition for the word “unconditional” is “not conditional or limited: absolute, unqualified” (“Unconditional”). Synonyms include complete, flat-out, all-out, definite, out-and-out, total and unmitigated. Hence, unconditional faithfulness in God is a permanent state of immovable loyalty to God no matter what may transpire in one’s life. That’s exactly what Jesus Christ calls upon each Christian to embrace, and He encapsulated that posture in Revelation 2:10. It reads, “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (NKJV). We may want to appeal to this verse merely to teach that the heavenly reward follows a life of faithfulness, and of course, it does. However, our Lord meant much more than such a light application. Notice particularly the words “suffer,” “prison,” “tribulation” and “death,” among other significant words. The Greek for “suffer” indicates a painful experience. The word “throw” carries the connotation of violence. “Tested” has to do with an examination, to be scrutinized or to be disciplined (cf., 1 Peter 3:14-17). “Tribulation” means pressure and is sometimes translated as persecution. “Ten days” is a figurative expression representing an indefinitely long time. Do you realize, then, Revelation 2:10 is more than a pleasant and optimistic view of faithfulness and eternity to come? Revelation 2:10 denotes serious and lethal consequences of practicing Christianity in an …

The Freedom of Letting Go

Think with me for a moment; is it more difficult for you to accept God’s forgiveness, to forgive others for things they have done to you or to forgive yourself? I am quite sure that these can be difficult at times for each of us. However, one area of forgiveness that seems to be difficult for many is learning to forgive oneself. When we do not learn to forgive ourselves, guilt, shame, worthlessness and a lack of joy often manifest themselves. If we do not “let go,” our past can haunt us to the point of wasting the life we currently have. If you are like me, you are prone to remember things that you wish you would have done differently, words you wish you had said differently and reactions that you wish you did differently. Because we are all human, we all have those things in our past. How can we learn to let go? How can we learn to have the freedom of letting go? Recognition One important thing we must do first is to recognize that we are all human! There was never a perfect human on earth except for Jesus Christ. Therefore, since we are all human, we will do human things, and unfortunately humanity is good at sinning (Romans 3:10, 23). Recognizing our own humanity can help us to recognize that those around us are also human. That will help us to develop patience, kindness and forgiveness toward others as well. Was that not exactly what the apostle Paul referenced …

Circumstantial Evidence

Various resources define circumstantial evidence as follows: “Circumstantial evidence usually is that which suggests a fact by implication or inference…” (“How Courts Work”); “Circumstantial evidence is indirect evidence that does not, on its face, prove a fact in issue but gives rise to a logical inference that the fact exists” (Cornell Law School); “indirect evidence that tends to establish a conclusion by inference…” (Collins English Dictionary); “evidence that tends to prove a fact by proving other events or circumstances which afford a basis for a reasonable inference of the occurrence of the fact at issue” (Merriam-Webster.com); “The second type of evidence is circumstantial evidence – statement(s) or information obtained indirectly or not based on first-hand experience by a person” (“Investigation”). On its own, circumstantial evidence allows for more than one explanation. Different pieces of circumstantial evidence may be required, so that each corroborates the conclusions drawn from the others. Together, they may more strongly support one particular inference over another. An explanation involving circumstantial evidence becomes more likely once alternative explanations have been ruled out. …Circumstantial evidence is used in criminal courts to establish guilt or innocence through reasoning. …A popular misconception is that circumstantial evidence is less valid or less important than direct evidence, which is popularly assumed to be the most powerful, but this is not the case. Many successful criminal prosecutions rely largely or entirely on circumstantial evidence, and civil charges are frequently based on circumstantial or indirect evidence. The common metaphor for the strongest possible evidence in any case – the “smoking gun” – is an example of proof based on circumstantial evidence. …In practice, circumstantial evidence can have an advantage over …

The Beauty of the Yoke

When troubles come our way for being faithful to the Lord, we sometimes miss the joy and beauty of what is happening. If you are like me, you do not like trials and persecution any more than you would like a sharp piece of metal in your eye! However, unlike metal in the eye, trials that come as a result of being faithful are beneficial and helpful. Nevertheless, perspective is the key to seeing the beauty in these burdens. In Matthew 11:28-30, our Lord invited all who are wearied and burdened to come to Him, and He would provide rest. However, part of that request involves the “taking” upon us “His yoke.” At face value, a “yoke” does not sound too appealing! Yet, if we consider this yoke through the eyes of the spiritual, we see a different picture. Firstly, the yoke of Christ is a symbol. A yoke was made of hand-hewn wood designed to fit the neck and shoulders of the particular animal that was to wear it in order to prevent chafing and to join two animals together to share the burden. The yoke had become a symbol in the ancient world for submission. When we take the yoke of Christ upon us, we submit and surrender our freedom and will to His will, but we also join ourselves to the One with Whom we can share the burdens of life! The idea of submission is further depicted in Christ’s words, “and learn of me.” One who is under the yoke of …

Torn Fabric

“Moreover those who work in fine flax And those who weave fine fabric will be ashamed [confounded]” (Isaiah 19:9 NKJV). Did you ever notice how much torn fabric appears upon the pages of inspiration? For thousands of years, culture in the Bible lands included the common practice of tearing clothes one was wearing at a time of great distress (Genesis 37:29; Judges 11:35; 2 Kings 5:7; 6:30; 2 Samuel 13:19; Ezra 9:3; Esther 4:1; Acts 14:14), grief (Genesis 37:34; 2 Samuel 1:11; 13:31), humility (1 Kings 21:27-29; 2 Chronicles 34:27) or severe agitation (Matthew 26:65; Acts 22:23). Matthew 9:16 even provides practical instruction for patching torn fabric. My parents struggled to clothe my three brothers and me, but they never would have sent us to school with tears in our clothing. Today, however, holey clothes that my family would have decommissioned for regular wear are sold that way for astronomical prices. How times have changed!  Yet, there is something much more important than the tattered clothes people wear now. Tragically, the moral fabric of contemporary society is so badly torn that one must wonder if it could ever be restored. This torn fabric manifests itself in nearly universal disregard for any and all authority, in widespread all manner of crime and violence, in a general disregard for the sanctity of human life, and in open hatred toward Almighty God, His Holy Word and the children of God. “Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, …

To Depart and Be with Christ Is Far Better

The apostle Paul was such a warrior for Jesus Christ! In his inspired letter to Christians in Philippi, he penned, “For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better” (Philippians 1:23 NKJV). Paul knew that leaving this earth, filled with its sorrow, heartache, pain and frustration would be a joy, because he knew where he was going in eternity. A person’s entire outlook toward death changes when he or she obeys the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In many ways, for the Christian, because of God’s amazing grace, death is simply a door, a “step” (1 Samuel 20:3) away from the tempest into a calm and peaceful reward. I am certain that is why Paul reminded brothers and sisters in Thessalonica that Christians do not “…sorrow as others who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Hope is what separates Christians from the world! Consider with me just a few of the reasons why it is far better to depart and to be with Christ. Firstly, departure brings relief. A person does not have to live very long on earth to understand that our earthly bodies are prone to physical pain and emotional strain. One of the major emotional diseases of our culture today is anxiety and depression. Physically, cancer, heart problems, kidney failure, liver struggles, broken bones and a multitude of other physical pains surround us all. Yet, departing this life, as a faithful child of God, relieves us from all those plagues. It is almost impossible …

Pre-Denominational Christianity

As a fluke when looking for information for this article, I typed “predenominational” into an Internet browser. To my surprise, I found the following quotation in the first entry on the first page. I was taken by surprise to find it on Baptist “debate forums.” It is a carefully worded and accurate representation of what the churches of Christ (Romans 16:16) are supposed to be pursuing. However, the paragraph below was penned by someone in 2010 from Indiana who veiled his identity and noted his affiliation with a house church. A predenominational Christian is a Christian or disciple of Christ who seeks to base all of his religious beliefs and practices upon the New Testament itself, starting with the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. He desires to recover original New Testament Christianity, or the faith once delivered unto the saints. He is neither Catholic nor Protestant and rejects any and all Catholic and Protestant traditions that are inconsistent with or contrary to the New Testament, no matter how deeply-entrenced (sic) these traditions may have become. His overriding goal is to be true to Christ and true to the New Testament. (adisciplinedlearner) The first response and immediately on the same day as the post by adisciplinedlearner was highly critical and an unapologetic defense of religious confusion among believers in Christ, which has resulted in the existence of the Catholic Church and a myriad of denominations and nondenominational churches – as well as endless doctrines that conflict with each other …

A Royal Banner

“There’s a royal banner given for display to the soldiers of the King. As an ensign fair, we lift it up today, while as ransomed ones we sing. Marching on, marching on; for Christ count everything but loss; for the King of kings, toil and sing, neath the banner of the cross.” Christians are so blessed to lift up the ensign (flag or banner) of our King! A banner or a flag defines and identifies the ones under that banner. Thusly, as we raise high the banner of Christ, we identify with the Savior of the world and allow His will to define us and to shape us. A royal people (1 Peter 2:9) under the royal King’s banner is how Christians live each day. This past week, the White House’s south portico was draped with a Pride Flag between two U.S. flags to honor so-called “Pride” month. This ungodly action was done in an attempt to identify our American government as godless and as a call to all Americans to honor those who identify with the LGBTQ+ agenda. There are several problems with that attempt, but one major problem is that not all Americans and no true Christians rally around such disgraceful banners. Shortly after the children of Israel left Egypt on their way to the promised land, they encountered an enemy of God’s people, the Amalekites. After God defeated this arch enemy, Moses built an altar and called it Jehovah-nissi, which means “The Lord is my banner” (Exodus 17:15). How comforting …

The Heart of a Servant

Friday evening, May 15, 2015, Bonnie Sue Rushmore was very weak. Bonnie and I both knew that she was losing her three-year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. It was a common occurrence for us to travel two hours away to a hospital for fluid in her abdomen to be drained or to otherwise stabilize her before returning to our home. Sitting in the loveseat in our living room and covered with a blanket, Bonnie engaged in what turned out to be her final conversation with me. My dear wife must have realized that she was closer to death’s threshold into eternity than I grasped. After all, I had grown accustomed to the medical visits that somewhat rejuvenated her. This time, however, we would not be leaving the hospital together. Bonnie uttered the following words in an almost shocked tone. “But I’m not done, yet!” She wasn’t bemoaning her frailty and premature death on account of personal or selfish reasons, which would not have been the least unreasonable. Her words on the page could be misconstrued and lead one to the assumption that she thought death was not near for her. Instead, Bonnie lamented that by dying she could no longer serve our Lord Jesus Christ on earth. She was always and fully immersed in the service of Christ. Since I was an evangelist and Bonnie was my wife, Christian service was a way of life for us and for our three children. In addition, Bonnie and I were missionaries to India, …

In Christ Jesus

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:1 NKJV). The inspired phrase, “in Christ Jesus,” that Paul used here is an interesting one indeed. Interesting and yes, it is even a bit heartbreaking when one considers all the definitions given by mankind that have been assigned to this phrase through the years. What does being “in Christ Jesus” really mean? To understand the truth, we must allow the Truth to define and illustrate its’ own terms. No manmade definition of this phrase or any other biblical phrase is fitting! While many folks would agree wholeheartedly that being in Christ is necessary to be saved, many people seem to have different meanings as to what that phrase actually means. If I were to assign my own definition to this phrase, I certainly would add to the confusion. So instead of letting mankind decide, why not let God speak? Firstly, God speaks of the importance of being in Christ Jesus. Paul was clear that all spiritual blessings are found only in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). The only place where redemption is found is in Christ! After reminding humanity that all of us are in spiritual trouble due to our own sinning and falling extremely short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23), then, Paul encouragingly penned that we can be “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). Later in the same book, …

I’ve Heard the Word “Gospel”

“I’ve heard the word ‘Gospel,’ but I don’t know much about it,” the young female cashier remarked as she tabulated my charges for three dress shirts I was buying. She had heard the word and could pronounce it, but she didn’t know what it meant. It seems that everything these days involves one’s email address. Examples include digital receipts for restaurant or hardware store purchases, online shopping, accessing medical portals and paying utility bills. Usually, store personnel and customer support representatives cannot pronounce, spell or even are aware of what the two words in my email address mean – Rushmore@GospelGazette.com. I understand that many people today are unfamiliar with the word “gazette” or how to spell it, though even a local newspaper where I live still uses “Gazette” in its masthead. However, it is nearly unfathomable that the populace around us is entirely oblivious to what the Gospel is all about. Even the thesaurus associated with the Microsoft Word program with which I’m writing this article does not even have one synonym for the word “gospel.” All of this is symptomatic of a world that is lost! Although not merely a generational circumstance, especially younger generations have little to no knowledge about God, His Word or His church. The world does not have a moral compass and does not subscribe to divine standards, which ought to result in godly living. Christianity simply does not resonate with most of the people we encounter – even in our nation that was once …

Be Fully Equipped Against Satan’s Methods

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11 NKJV). A song we sometimes sing is “Soldiers of Christ, Arise.” One verse of this song states, “Stand, then in his great might, with all his strength endued; But take to arm you for the fight, the Panoply of God.” The Greek word for “panoply” (πανοπλία) refers to the full equipment of the heavily armed foot soldier, including both offensive and defensive weapons. Every Roman soldier going to battle would take special care to be thoroughly equipped and prepared since his life literally depended on it. This word appears in the New Testament, not literally for a soldier fighting on the battlefield but in a spiritual sense. Paul encouraged the Ephesians to put on the “whole armor” or panoply of God. They were not to take just some of the equipment needed to fight but all the weapons available. To not have all the resources God offers leaves one vulnerable to attack from Satan, which could be fatal spiritually! Having the full or complete armor God provides enables one to stand against the devil’s methods (Ephesians 6:11). From the breastplate of righteousness to the sword of the Spirit, God has provided us all the spiritual equipment needed to overcome sin and so that we can be victorious in daily Christian living. Paul wasn’t romanticizing warfare when he used this term. He had in view the harsh and stern …

Be Not Conformed

Times are changing! In order for the children of God to bring glory to Him in all we do (Colossians 3:23-24), we must work diligently at not becoming like the world around us. Paul reminded the saints in Rome, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2 NKJV). We live during a time when many in the world have become seemingly more negative, harsh, critical, angry and downright hateful. Please understand, I am not suggesting that the world today is worse than it has ever been (consider Noah’s day or Lot’s day, etc.), but this world is worse than I personally have ever seen it. However, I do not want to camp on the condition of the world around us but rather to exhort and to encourage us to be different than our society. What are some practical ways for us to “not be conformed” to this world? Firstly, refuse to complain and protest about things over which you have no control. Let’s face it; life on earth is anything but fair, and that does not change just because one becomes a Christian! The world is set on complaining and protesting that things are not fair and never will be this side of eternity. Christians can easily get caught up into this trap of negative complaints about things over which they have no control. There is an overriding principle for …

Life Is Messy!

Life is messy! Dictionary definitions for the word “messy” include “confusion,” “disorder,” “lacking precision,” “extremely unpleasant or trying” (Merriam-Webster), “embarrassing,” “difficult,” “characterized by moral or psychological confusion” (Dictionary.com), “Exhibiting or demonstrating carelessness” (American Heritage) and “out of control” (Urban Dictionary). All of those descriptions paint images that plague every human’s life to some degree sooner or later or even all together. Life on earth is messy in so many ways. Life is messy regarding the various and infinitesimal ways in which often life does not unfold just as one expects or desires. Circumstances in which people find themselves often have serious and unending consequences. Much of the time, the debacles that dot individuals’ lives also relate to sins or unrighteousness (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8) – what God through the Holy Spirit inspired Bible specifies as lawlessness (1 John 3:4). Life is messy, today – just as messy with sin as it was preceding the universal deluge in the days of Noah (Genesis 6-8) or in Sodom and Gomorrah prior to God’s fiery judgment on them (Genesis 19). For many young children, life is messy because of something that happened in their homes or otherwise in the environment to which they were subjected. Dreadful incidents they may have experienced can affect them for decades or even for the rest of their lives. These events may range from physical, emotional or sexual abuse, exposure to war or violent crime, poverty, famine, deprivation of education or medical attention, and a …

I Believe in Jesus

As Philip’s sermon came to its climax, the Ethiopian asked “…what hinders me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:36 NKJV). The answer Philip gave and the response are insightful. “…‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he answered and said, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God’” (Acts 8:37). Every person who is baptized into Christ answers that same question with the same answer. If you were asked to explain what it means to believe in Jesus, how would you answer? I often think about how I could encapsulate exactly what I believe about Jesus. In a nutshell, here is what “I Believe in Jesus.” I believe that Jesus is real! The evidence for the fact that Jesus of Nazareth was (but still is) a real person is overwhelming! This evidence clearly appears in the biblical accounts. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life,  ̶  the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us; that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:1-3 ESV). The Gospel accounts are permeated with evidence of what Jesus said and did before …

You Will Be Missed Because Your Seat Will Be Empty

The latter part of 1 Samuel 20:18 reads, “…you will be missed, because your seat will be empty.” King Saul’s son Jonathan said that to and about David. Those words, though, bring to mind questions and things to ponder beyond the context of Jonathan’s words. First, like David, will we be missed because our seat at the table will be empty after we die? Are we the right kind of husband or wife, father or mother and friend that family and friends will miss us when we are gone? Or, do we make no difference in the lives of our families and associates? Maybe, on the other hand, we make the wrong kind of impact on the lives of those around us. “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged” (Colossians 3:18-21 NKJV). Will you be missed because your seat will be empty? Secondly, will we be missed among other servants of our Lord Jesus Christ? While no one is irreplaceable, the absence of a devoted child of God engaged in many good works will leave a void in the ranks among the soldiers of Christ. After your passing, will fellow soldiers need to close the ranks, or will there be no noticeable deficiency amongst fellow laborers harnessed for the cause of Christ? “This is a …

He Also Made the Stars

On a night so clear it seemed as though you could reach out and catch a handful of moonbeams, a little girl studied the stars and said, “Daddy, if Heaven is so pretty on the wrong side, think of what it must look like on the right side!” I can’t wait; can you? Just imagine the beauty and joy of Heaven. Yet, while we are watching and waiting for heaven (Titus 2:13; 2 Peter 3:12), God is so kind to allow us to have so much beauty here. Late the other night, I was able to see the wrong side of Heaven’s beauty in the innumerable host of heaven (Jeremiah 33:22). I could not help but to be captivated by God’s amazing creation, and I thought about what Moses wrote. “God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also” (Genesis 1:16 NKJV). Have you ever wondered why? Why did God make the stars? I am certain my finite mind will not know all the reasons, but I can think of a few. God made the stars because it was logical. God is a God of logic and reason! His amazing creation should cause us to know that God exists. Anyone who honors the law of rationality (to justify conclusions with adequate evidence) is truly “without excuse” (Romans 1:20). Any rational, clear-thinking person, seeing the stars, must truthfully see and recognize that “the heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1). It is estimated that there …

Location, Location, Location

Location, location, location. “The point is that location is so vital to real estate, it takes up the top three spots on the list of things you must consider” (Charron). “In a nutshell, location, location, location means identical homes can increase or decrease in value due to location. The saying is repeated three times for emphasis, and it is the number one rule in real estate, though it is often the most overlooked. You can buy the right home in the wrong location” (Weintraub). A dictionary definition for “location” reads, “1a : a position or site occupied or available for occupancy or marked by some distinguishing feature… b(1) : a tract of land designated for a purpose” (“Location”). Irrespective of where we live on the Earth – possessor of expensive real estate or owner of none – there are only two locations fitted for the eternal habitation of souls. Our Lord Jesus Christ said that He is preparing a “place” – a location – in “His Father’s house” for His followers. “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3 NKJV). That eternal abode has been in preparation “from the foundation of the world” (Matthew …

What Kind of Person Do You Want to Be?

What kind of person do you want to be? There are so many different facets of who anyone of us is in relationship to other people, as well as regarding our relationship with the God of Heaven. Briefly, consider what kind of person you want to be, generally, just as a person. In addition, if married, what kind of a spouse do you want to be? As a child (of any age – everyone is a child of parents, also of any age), what kind of person do you want to be? If you have brothers or sisters, what kind of a person do you want to be to your siblings? Are you an employee or an employer? What kind of a person do you want to be as an employee? What kind of a person do you want to be as a coworker? If an employer, what kind of a person do you want to be to your employees? Beyond that, what kind of a person do you want to be to your neighbors? What kind of a person do you want to be as a citizen in your community and nation; are you a good earthly citizen? More importantly, spiritually speaking, what kind of a person do you want to be as a good citizen in the kingdom of Heaven; what kind of person do you want to be as a Christian? To a large degree, one’s environment impacts a person as he or she develops into the …

Sectarianism Is Closer Than You Think!

There were two categories of Jewish sects anciently: religious and political (McClintock and Strong). Pharisees, Sadducees and Essenes were examples of Jewish, religious sects, whereas Zealots and Herodians were examples of Jewish, political sects. All together, “there were 24 sects in Israel” (qtd. by Weiss). It is no wonder that early on the Roman Empire mistakenly viewed Christianity as a Jewish sect (number 25) when Jews and Christians were expelled from Rome (Acts 18:2), and even the Jewish sects supposed that Christianity was the newest Jewish sect (Acts 24:5; 28:22). Incidentally, the Greek word translated “sect” is often translated “heresy” (Acts 24:14; 1 Corinthians 11:19; Galatians 5:20; 2 Peter 2:1), owing to the meaning of the word, “division.” The sectarian or divisive mentality characteristic of first century Judaism likewise infected early Christianity, too (1 Corinthians 1:12-13). Sadly, the divisive attitude characteristic of Judaism at the time of our Lord’s ministry and later common during the time of the apostle Paul’s ministry is rampant among both denominational people (or sectarians) and God’s people today as well. The multiple sects or divisions within the churches of Christ in modern times is hardly a secret from any informed person, non-Christian or Christian. My point is this. Passages in the New Testament that criticize sectarianism apply to God’s people or Christians first and before they apply to any other groups. Yes, Scripture that condemns sectarianism applies in principle to denominational churches, too, but those verses were spoken originally to God’s people. Therefore, they apply to God’s people today also, and by extension, they apply to non-Christians as well. The Pharisees and the Sadducees, for instance, …

Enemies of Jesus

If there ever were a person to love, Jesus is the One. In fact, given His wonderful attitude and actions, it is difficult to understand why anyone would not love Him! How could anyone be an enemy of Jesus? Ironically, before Jesus ever walked on the earth, inspired prophets attested to the fact that not everyone would love Jesus. “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool’” (Psalm 110:1 NKJV). “He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief…” (Isaiah 53:3). One could certainly understand Jesus having enemies if He were a scoundrel, but Jesus was nothing of the sort. Yet, the New Testament verifies that many hated Him. “Therefore, the Jews sought the more to kill him…” (John 5:18). Some even plotted and schemed to put Jesus to death (John 11:53). Sadder still, Jesus knew many hated Him (John 15:18-20). He did nothing to deserve hatred, and yet, many hated our Lord. Why? Why did Jesus have enemies? Firstly, Jesus has enemies because of what He believed. Jesus’ belief system was based on heavenly guidance. Jesus was and is the full embodiment of truth (John 14:6). Everything He taught was truth (John 17:17), and He demanded that those who follow Deity to completely believe that same truth (John 8:31-32). He perfectly and meticulously lived the truth that He taught (Acts 10:38; John 6:38; Hebrews 5:8-9). Jesus also clearly told others that abiding in truth was the only way …

Our Many Sins

I’m sure you’ve noticed that public prayers in our assemblies often follow a familiar sort of jingle – the same words in the same order with nearly a melodic feature, almost resembling a chant. Sometimes, we suspect that the words and their definitions just might be foreign to the speakers’ own vocabularies, but they’ve heard prayers prayed that way time and time again over the years. On some occasions, the prayer may come across so quickly as though the play button on a recorder were pressed – only that the speed was set to faster, which results in run together words so that there’s a good possibility that neither the speaker nor the hearers could discern what was said. We and others around us have the same needs regularly, of course, and so we surely will pray about the same things frequently; nevertheless, public prayers ought to be meaningful to the one leading them as well as to the ones who hear them. Before each public prayer that I lead, I pray to God in advance that the prayer I’m about to express will be acceptable to Him and useful for those present. Regarding public prayers, we often hear something like this. “Dear God, please forgive us of our many sins.” Bible class after Bible class and worship after worship, we may hear something of that nature uttered – “forgive us of our many sins.” Elders, preachers and other members petition God habitually with the words, “Forgive us of our many sins.” Naturally, we do not …

The Paralytic Carried by Four

The Bible is a mirror in which we, as humans, often see ourselves. The inspired narratives in God’s Word reveal the good and the bad of mankind, and they reveal the fact that we are all similar in many ways. In Mark 2:1-12, Matthew 9:2-8 and Luke 5:17-26, God gave the account of a paralyzed man who was brought to Jesus by four of the paralytic’s friends. These friends could not get to Jesus due to the crowd, and so they climbed upon the roof and tore away at the structure so they could lower this helpless man to Jesus. Of course, the outcome was wonderful! The paralyzed man had both physical restoration as well as spiritual restoration by coming into the presence of Jesus. Amazingly, in this account, we see ourselves in one of these classes. Which class are we? Firstly, there are the helpless. “…one sick of the palsy” (KJV), “a paralytic” (NKJV) (Mark 2:3). Palsy is an abbreviation for paralysis. This man was helpless, in that he could not walk and move about like his contemporaries. He was doomed with no hope in and of himself. That somewhat describes you and me. Spiritually, I am helpless! All of us are completely spiritually paralyzed due to our sins and transgressions (Romans 3:10; 23). We cannot atone for our own sins and are doomed to a painful and miserable life and death apart from Divine help. Secondly, there is the healer. “…they came unto him…” (Mark 2:3). The “him” here is none other …

Conviction and Conversion in the Home

The Christian home is critically important to the conviction and to the conversion desperately needed and often lacking in the churches of Christ. Sermons and classes, despite how militantly and faithfully they may be presented, will not convert the church to Christ until conviction and conversion undergird the Christian homes of the local congregation. The brotherhood of Christ – nationally and internationally – will not excel and model conviction and conversion to Christ unless and until those concepts characterize Christian homes. Life in the kingdom of Jesus Christ must become a completely encompassing new way of life for each Christian. “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4 NKJV). There is no greater transformation in one’s life (Romans 12:1-2) about which we could read in Scripture than in the life of Saul of Tarsus – better known after his conversion as the apostle Paul. He went from being the most avid persecutor of the Lord’s church to being its most vocal advocate (Acts 9:20-21; 22:19-20; 26:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:9; Philippians 3:6; 1 Timothy 1:13). “I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women” (Acts 22:4). Total surrender of self to Jesus Christ – Lord, …

Dehydrated!

Margaret Bradley, a native of Boston, a University of Chicago medical student and a veteran marathon runner, died from heat exhaustion and dehydration during a July 2004 27-mile day run in the rugged terrain of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Although Miss Bradley was a seasoned runner, the sweltering Arizona heat literally drained her system of the needed moisture to survive. Dehydration can be fatal! The more I research and learn about the health of the human body, the more amazed I am at how common dehydration really is. In fact, some even go so far as to say that 75% of Americans live each day chronically dehydrated. While I am concerned about my physical hydration, there is a more serious dehydration than that of the physical body. Spiritual dehydration not only causes us many problems on this earth but in eternity as well. Many centuries ago, at Jacob’s well, on the outskirts of Sychar, Jesus encountered a Samaritan woman who had come to fill her water jar. However, her hydration problems were much more serious than what she realized. As Jesus looked deep within her soul, He saw her dry, dehydrated spiritual life and offered her “living water” (John 4:10 NKJV). There are numerous parallels between physical thirst and spiritual dehydration. Firstly, like physical dehydration, spiritual dehydration can be forgotten. Personally, I must remind myself regularly to hydrate my body. In fact, if I do not set a reminder, some days I will drink very little water, and before I …

He’s Everywhere!

“He’s Everywhere” (1966) is the title of a Gospel song by Sonny James. It was about seeing God everywhere and in everything – from a baby’s smile to the wind that blows – and so forth. Also, “Everywhere” (1987) was a love song by the British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac; more recently (2022), the song was used in a commercial to promote Chevrolet electric vehicles. “He’s Everywhere,” referring to God, implies His omniscience – the divine characteristic of being all knowing – as well as His omnipresence – the divine trait of being everywhere. Truly, Almighty God is omniscient and omnipresent – “He’s Everywhere.” God “knows all things” (1 John 3:20 NKJV). “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3; cf., 5:21; Jeremiah 32:19; Job 34:21; Hebrews 4:13). God is everywhere – “not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27), and He fills all of creation (Jeremiah 23:23-24). “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell [Hades], behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me” (Psalm 139:7-10). Satan, however, does not possess divine characteristics; he is not equal with God but is a created being as were all the …

A Marvelous Model

The apostle Paul was a steadfast soldier in the Lord’s army. His inspired writings keep us on track and encourage even the most discouraged of saints. However, Paul needed encouragement too! He was human and faced struggles that are common to all mankind. In fact, dare I say that Paul faced even more difficult hardships than most Christians will ever face (2 Corinthians 11:25-28). Despite his struggles, Paul had some brethren who seemed to encourage him to keep pressing on even when times were bleak. Brethren like those in Philippi, Rome, Thessalonica and other locations as well encouraged Paul. In fact, when Paul wrote his first letter to those in Thessalonica, he told the brethren that they were “examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe” (1 Thessalonians 1:7 NKJV). Their godly influence and faithful example were heard of all around (1 Thessalonians 1:8). Why were folks so encouraged by this local assembly of Christians? What made this congregation of God’s people such a marvelous model of what authentic Christianity is all about? Paul explained, “For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10). Their Christianity was authentic because it involved at least three necessary qualities. Firstly, there was an alteration. “For they …

Teaching Methods

Teaching methods vary, and some are more effective than others, while some are useless in communicating the Word of God. The following, essentially at least, are teaching methods that have been for a long time and are still discoverable in – of all places – various congregations of the churches of Christ. Discern for yourself which teaching methods are worthy undertakings versus those that are culpable for memberships which have been historically and are still largely ignorant of the Bible’s directives and promises. Though every child of God necessarily begins his or her new life in Christ as a babe (1 Peter 2:2), remaining as a babe in Christ is spiritually dangerous because such a one is unprepared to distinguish between “good and evil” (Hebrews 5:12-14). Can apostasy from the one, true church of the Bible be far off for any congregation of spiritual babies (1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:1-3; 4:3-4; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)? I’m Chasing Rabbits, Inc. I’m Chasing Rabbits, Inc. is when the teacher voluntarily, or is drawn by his or her class, goes everywhere and nowhere at the same time. It is pointless to turn to the announced biblical text since that is not where things are headed, and, frankly, the whole class period may expire without ever even reading the passage that was supposed to be the objective. I’m Chasing Rabbits, Inc. is great for an endless series of classes, but the end result is completely pointless as a means of knowing God’s Word more perfectly …

Spiritual Conversations

Someone correctly said that sharing our faith involves tact, and “the best kind of tact” is always “contact”! Christianity is a lifestyle to be lived and to be shared with everyone we meet. Effective evangelism begins with conversation and often this is the most difficult place to begin when it comes to our everyday cohorts. Few folks will approach us and directly say, “I would like to have a spiritual conversation with you.” As such, far too many Christians never have spiritual conversations because we sometimes have no idea where to begin. Yet, spiritual conversations are not as difficult as we may think. How can you and I be more efficient in our contact with others as we share the Gospel with the lost? Firstly, we must have a good awareness. Christianity is an antennas up way of life. We are always looking for opportunities and for open doors. Sometimes these doors of opportunity take many months or even years to fully open. Good awareness begins with people’s needs. For example, divorce, death, discouragement, disease and disaster are all potentially open doors for evangelism. This world really needs a healthy dose of others who truly care and are willing to get dirty to help out. Is there someone you know who has a need? Has someone recently lost a loved one, a job or is distraught about the condition of the world? Be aware of those around you; often they will be longing for us to stop and take time to really care, and that caring can …

Epicenter(s)

The word “epicenter” pertains to the center point above an earthquake. However, “epicenter” is used often figuratively as, “The focal point of a usually harmful or unpleasant phenomenon or event; the center” (yourdictionary.com). As I listened to the news this morning, the broadcaster referred to San Francisco as the epicenter for the United States for instances of monkeypox, and he cited New York City and Miami as epicenters for this disease in other parts of the country. Furthermore, in each of those epicenters, monkeypox first and primarily infects homosexual communities. Thousands of years ago, Sodom was an epicenter for homosexuality, for which cause God destroyed it and neighboring cities (Genesis 19:1-29). God could not find even 10 righteous souls in Sodom (Genesis 18:24-33). Genesis 19:4-5 identifies the specific sin by which the city of Sodom defiled itself, and the NIV uses plain, unmistakable words. “Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom – both young and old – surrounded the house. They called to Lot, ‘Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.’” Prior to the Law of Moses or Judaism and under Patriarchy, God condemned homosexuality or sodomy. The word “sodomy” comes from the city of Sodom, which God destroyed because homosexuality was commonplace there. That decisive, punitive action by God against Sodom as the epicenter for homosexuality should cause residents of San Francisco, New York …

The Way

Christianity was referred to in the first century as “the Way.” In fact, as Saul of Tarsus was still breathing out threats against the church, Saul went to the high priest and desired to go to Damascus and find those of “the Way” and bring them back to Jerusalem for trial (Acts 9:1-2). Several years later, Paul came to Ephesus and spoke boldly in the synagogue for three months, but some to whom Paul preached were hardened and began to speak evil of “the Way” (Acts 19:8-9). Of course, the insightful Bible student understands that “the Way” is none other than Jesus (John 14:6), and those who follow Him become part of “the Way” (Galatians 3:27; 2 Corinthians 5:17). “The Way” is used in contrast to all other ways! There is but “One Way” to please our heavenly Father. Sadly, today many believe there are many ways to please God, but that is completely foreign to the Bible. Becoming part of “the Way” occurs neither by chance nor by accident. Being in “the Way” requires thoughtful and scriptural obedience. The Way begins with knowing. “It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me” (John 6:45 NKJV). Under the Old Testament, a person was simply physically born into a Jewish family and became part of God’s chosen race. However, becoming part of “the Way” is different (Jeremiah 31:31-34). One must come to the knowledge of the …

Something We Do

When I was a young boy, I learned about reverential worship through my Catholic upbringing. Worshipers entered the church building through a short foyer, finding themselves almost immediately in the sanctuary or the place of worship. Even before crossing the threshold separating the sidewalk from the interior of the edifice, each person quietly and reverently prepared himself or herself to arrive in what to him or to her was the equivalent of the throne room of Almighty God in Heaven. We felt as though we were in the very presence of God, Who deserved to arrest our complete attention along with our purposeful intention to worship Him. We strove to demonstrate our humility before and to express our awe of our Creator God. For the time spent there, our entire focus was on worshiping Almighty God. The mechanism for fostering reverential worship, however, was of man’s design – a sanctuary. Under the authority of the Old Testament rather than under the authority of the New Testament, God did recognize a sanctuary (Leviticus 19:30), but He does not now authorize a holy place (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19). A sanctuary is “…in religion, a sacred place, set apart from the profane, ordinary world” (“Sanctuary”). As such, the sanctuary was always holy irrespective of whether worship were occurring. Despite the external encouragement to conduct oneself reverentially, true worship of God under Christianity demands of worshipers reverence toward Almighty God, even  without an external mechanism. Nevertheless, “Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world …

At War

A recent email came to me regarding prayers for our brethren in Ukraine. Christians, as well as all others in that region, are in a detrimental situation as Russia invaded their land. The images of war are unsettling, unnerving and show us just how fragile peace and harmony in life can be. While we are praying for Ukraine’s safety and protection, especially those of the household of faith, there are spiritual lessons to be learned from war. War Is Destructive! Most objective observers can clearly see that Russia invaded Ukraine without provocation. Simply because of who the Ukrainians are and because of who Russia is, destructive war was inevitable. For simply being in Ukraine, people are being uprooted, maimed, killed and emotionally changed forever. Many will likely flee to other countries to sojourn in places that are not their homes. Spiritually, the application is valid. Simply because of who we are as Christians and who the devil is as our enemy, we are in a daily spiritual war that is devastatingly destructive as well. Sometimes God’s people ask, “Why me?” We must understand that darkness hates light (1 John 3:19-20) and, as such, Christians are always at battle with spiritual wickedness (Ephesians 6:12). We are not home as we fight this daily battle here on planet Earth (1 Peter 2:11-12). Our home is in Heaven (Colossians 3:1-3), and this place of sojourn is merely a battlefield to defend the Master’s cause (Matthew 28:18-20). Sadly, we must understand that this spiritual battle, like …

This Present Evil Age

Galatians 1:3-4 reads, “Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age [“world” KJV], according to the will of our God and Father” (NKJV). To a greater or a lesser degree, every age since sin entered into the world has been a “present evil age.” However, there have been several occasions throughout history where sinfulness resulted in a tipping point with God, whereupon He exacted widespread retribution upon sinners. A tipping point is “the critical point in a situation, process, or system beyond which a significant and often unstoppable effect or change takes place” (“Tipping Point”). No one can deflect God’s wrath when He determines to react against an “evil age.” Some Significant HistoricalTipping Points with God A staggering percentage of 100% of humanity at the time – Adam and Eve – were banished from the Garden of Eden for their sin of disobedience (Genesis 3:23-24). Hundreds of years later, nearly 100% of humanity was killed in the universal flood of Noah’s days (Genesis 7:21-23). “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually… The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence” (Genesis 6:5, 11). God, therefore, “condemned the world” (Hebrews 11:7), sparing only “eight souls” (1 Peter 3:20). The sin of homosexuality (Genesis 19; Jude 7), …

We Must Obey God!

One of the games I remember from my younger years was quite the illustration. In a group of young people, one person would be the “coach,” another would be the “walker” and the rest were all “distracters.” Here is how the game would unfold. The “walker” would be blindfolded and tasked with walking across a room filled with all kinds of obstacles. Beside the “walker” was the “coach” who would direct and guide the “walker.” Sounds easy enough, right? Well, placed around the room were the “distracters,” and their job was to confuse the “walker” and shout louder than the “coach” so that the walker would never make it successfully across the room. The “walker” often would simply be overwhelmed with too many commands and not be able to navigate the room at all. The only way the “walker” could be successful was to focus on the “coach” and block out the “distracters.” It was quite an ordeal but very illustrative of life’s journey. You see, the only way to truly navigate this life successfully and reach our eternal destination is to block out the distracters and listen solely to the Coach! After being specifically told not to preach and teach by the authority of Jesus, the apostles were faced with a similar dilemma. “But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men’” (Acts 5:29 ESV). This powerful principle was their priority, and the same must be our priority today if we are ever to reach …

The Mormon Spoof

Doubtless, many Mormons are sincere and morally good people. However, there are several critical matters of which Mormons and the public need to be apprised. Truly, with only kindness in my heart and the best interest of others I submit the following evidence for consideration. Origin of the Bookof the Mormon In 1812, Solomon Spaulding took his fictional manuscript entitled, The Manuscript Found, Or the Book of the Mormon, to a Pittsburgh printer, Sidney Rigdon. Rigdon declined to publish the book but made a copy of it before returning it to Spaulding, who died shortly thereafter. In 1829, Rigdon met Joseph Smith and introduced him to the manuscript, The Book of the Mormon. In 1830, Rigdon and Smith began the Mormon Church based on The Book of the Mormon (M’Clintock and Strong 801). Other resources doubt this origin of the Book of the Mormon and simply relegate it to flagrant plagiarism from various sources by Joseph Smith. A good case can be made for this origin of the Book of the Mormon, too. In either case, the presentation of the Book of the Mormon by Joseph Smith, from which he molded a new religion, was the work of a deceiver. It is not of divine origin! Joseph Smith Joseph Smith, founder of Mormonism, and other Mormon prophets have made numerous prophecies and statements that contradict The Book Of Mormon, other Mormon teachings, the Bible and reality. Just this one subject, following, from Mormon writings themselves illustrates the unreliability of the founder of Mormonism and its earliest leaders. The following two references …

Mormons Have No Defense!

A past advertising campaign by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) alleged that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. Advertisements in the TV Guide and commercials on television made this unsubstantiated and remarkable claim. When challenged to defend these assertions, however, the Mormon local district president responded but declined to defend the Book of Mormon. Also of note was the letter itself, which both misrepresented our correspondence and Mormon doctrine. Consider the following observations regarding a letter addressed to him and his reply. (1) We did not challenge the Mormons to debate “the differences between our churches” (though we could have). We asked them to defend their public assertion that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. (2) Though the Mormons claim they do “not engage in public debates,” at one time they did (e.g., Gatewood-Farnsworth Debate). It is easy to make baseless assertions, and it is no wonder the Mormons refuse to defend their claims – because they are unable to do so. (3) The Mormons say they prefer to preach “the Gospel of Christ” instead of debate, yet they reject the Gospel (New Testament) in favor of the Book of Mormon. (4) The empty claims of Mormonism are directed only to those who “would listen and accept” Mormon “precepts.” Others who hedge or question blind surrender to Mormonism are refused an explanation. The apostle Peter, though, wrote that we should be ready with answers regarding the Christian faith. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be …

Alone and Forsaken

Have you ever been lonely? Have you ever felt as though there was no one on whom you could lean – no one to share your burden, no one to wipe your tears as they rolled down your sad face? I am sure we have all faced moments like that in life. Being alone is not a good feeling. Interestingly, Leviticus 16 describes the Day of Atonement, on which day the high priest would go into the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle all alone to offer sacrifice for his own sins and for the sins of the people. No one could accompany him there; it was all up to him, alone, to enter and complete the task at hand. Bible students can see the beautiful picture God was painting in this “type” of lone sacrifice of which our High Priest is the antitype. As Jesus entered the Most Holy Place to offer Himself as the sacrifice for sin, ironically, He did not make an offering for His own sins but for ours only. Jesus left His family, friends and even His foes to sacrifice Himself all alone. Although Jesus knew of His lonely plight before it began, still He entered all alone and forsaken! From His burden-filled, lonely heart came the saddest words ever heard, “My God My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34). All alone and forsaken shows a number of things. His Association. “My God, my God…” It is surely bad enough to be forsaken by a mere acquaintance, …

Because Jesus Said So!

Introduction Jesus Christ has all authority everywhere, all of the time – period! End of story! “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth’” (Matthew 28:18 NKJV). God the Father bestowed that authority on the Christ (Matthew 11:27; John 3:35), and He will retain that authority until the end of time when He returns it to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24-28). Jesus Christ delegated authority to His apostles (Matthew 16:19; 18:18; 2 Corinthians 13:10; Ephesians 3:3), and the Holy Spirit empowered them (Acts 2:1-4) and additional divinely inspired penmen (2 Peter 1:21). However, for the theme of this article, we will neither allude to them nor to the holy epistles they penned. People who cherish red-letter editions of the New Testament and revere the words of Jesus Christ over the rest of Scripture fail to realize that even the Word that our Lord conveyed to His disciples came from God the Father (John 17:8; 14:10; 17:14). Nevertheless, we will forego appealing to any but the words of Jesus Christ to accommodate persons having affection for red-letter New Testaments, as well as regarding the theme –  “Because Jesus Said So!” Salvation Nothing on this earth is more important that the salvation of souls! This material world and everything in it is temporary and will not endure eternally. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great …

A Proper Perspective

Life is all about perspective. “Your perspective will either become your prison or your passport” (Steven Furtick). The way we look at and respond to life’s challenges is so vital to our faithfulness as children of God. Difficult times can lead us closer to or farther from God, depending upon our focus and perspective. Centuries ago, our brothers and sisters in Christ were facing some of the most difficult challenges they had ever faced as Christians. A real danger was before them. That danger was not so much the persecution they were facing but the possibility of their trials wearing away at their precious faith to the point of apostasy. The Holy Spirit charged and inspired Peter to help these brethren obtain a proper perspective during such times. The inspired penmanship of Peter is recorded in the two books that bear his name, 1st and 2nd Peter. The proper perspective of which Peter wrote centuries ago is the same recipe to help us to have a proper perspective today. Peter reminded our brethren about redemption, “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19 NKJV). These persecuted saints were precious. How do we know that? God had “redeemed” them, which literally means to secure the life of a slave by paying a price. We, as well as they, were …

What Is Legalism?

Introduction What is legalism, or who is a legalist? The terms “legalism” and “legalist” have been and continue to be brandished about freely by public speakers and penmen alike. Who is a “legalist,” and what is “legalism” is the question of the day. The answer seems to depend on what part of the road you’re on, which way you’re facing, and whether or not you’re moving in either direction. Some preachers, teachers, and elders have been dubbed “legalists” because they dared to proclaim the whole counsel of God and refused to accept denominational theories as doctrine. Others have been called “legalists” because they insist on the Lord’s standard of conduct for Christians. (Reeves 41) “Brethren with a liberal attitude toward biblical teaching make accusations against the church for adhering to what the Bible – and especially the New Testament – teaches. They say, ‘Teaching obedience and commandments is legalism’” (Gardner 13). “It is fashionable today to characterize anyone who is concerned with biblical doctrine as pharisaical. The biblical condemnation of the Pharisees; legalism has been misread as a denunciation of doctrinal precision” (MacArthur 5). “…The charge liberals make against those who wish to follow the Bible and allow it to be their strict guide in doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16-17). They claim we are guilty of the same sin as the Pharisees of Christ’s time – legalism” (Suiter 23). “Christians today are called ‘legalists’ when they obey God – as if obedience was a terrible sin” …

It’s Later than We Think!

Have you ever had a morning where you just did not want to wake up? I would guess we all have been there at one time or another. How about a morning where you thought it was only 5:00 a.m. but then realized it was actually 7:00 a.m.? It was later than you thought it was, and then, chaos ensued. Physically, success in life demands that we wake up and get the day started, despite our lack of desire sometimes to do so. We have all heard the familiar cliches, “Wake up and smell the coffee,” “Wake up and smell the roses” or “The early bird gets the worm.” Everyone most likely sees the importance and the value of physical sleep. However, there is a time to wake up and become alert and active. Spiritually, the same is true. Christians are to be awake and alert to the things going on around them and to be active in the work of the King, always watching and praying (Matthew 24:42). While I am certainly not a “doom and gloom” preacher, there is a time for us to be reminded that “It’s later than we think.” Consider the following observations. The Reminder. God’s two-edged sword is the Christian’s spiritual alarm clock. This wonderful alarm clock has no snooze button and does not rely on mankind to keep it running and set correctly (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21, et al.). Paul’s inspired quill reminded, “Do this, knowing the time, that it is already …

Remaining Spiritually Involved and Focused

An important part of remaining spiritually involved and focused as Christians is to remember who we are as the children of God, from where we came out of the hopeless depths of sin, where we are going (i.e., to spend eternity in God’s house) and how to get there. In addition, we must never take our eyes off of the heavenly horizon toward which we are marching – step after step, day by day, every day and for the rest of our lives. Remember, Peter began to sink, as he stepped out of the boat on the Sea of Galilee – when he took his eyes off of Jesus (Matthew 14:29-30). Likewise, we ought to never take our eyes off of Jesus! He will lead us to God the Father in Heaven (John 14:6). Who are we as the children of God? We are washed, sanctified and justified, the apostle Paul taught (1 Corinthians 6:11). Formerly, you and I were those despicable and wretched sinners Paul described in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. We remember all too well from where we came before becoming the children of God. You and I believed that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God (John 8:24) and were immersed in water for the remission of our sins (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21) – thereby spiritually contacting the shed blood of Jesus Christ when we imitated the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord through Christian baptism (Romans 6:3-5). The blood of Jesus Christ saves sinners from their sins (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; Revelation 1:5). By the blood of our Lord we were extricated from the miry pit of …

My Old Man

My old man was something else! Sometimes he lied, had a bad attitude or disposition, let his temper flare, didn’t always use nice words and was most difficult to be around. Then, though, I was taught the Gospel of Jesus, and as I grew in the faith, my old man became less noticeable. Please understand it wasn’t that he completely disappeared, but he would not rear his ugly head quite as often as he once did. Although many do not like to talk about it, the truth is that every one of us had a less than desirable old man. In fact, Paul pulled no literary punches about the old man that everyone of us used to be. “…There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10 NKJV). A little later, the same inspired penman reminded us of what happened to that rascal of an old man we used to be. “Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin” (Romans 6:6). There are some interesting observations I have noticed about my old man to which you may be able to relate. My old man must be crucified daily. One of the most frustrating things I have observed about my old man is that there is a daily struggle for who is in control. I sometimes feel as though my old man is under my control, only to see the situation …

Christianity in a Hostile and Challenging Environment

Persecution of Jesus Christ Jesus Christ Himself confronted a hostile and challenging environment, culminating in a heartless and brutal beating – scourging – leading up to His crucifixion on Calvary’s hill (Mark 15:15). Roman scourging ignored the constraints of Jewish scourging by not limiting the number of blows administered. Romans inflicted wounds on hapless victims with “whips of leather cords knotted at the ends and weighted with pieces of metal or bone” (Eerdmans). In preparation for the scourging, the doomed soul was stripped of his clothing except perhaps for a loincloth, and his hands were fastened to a short post – arching his back toward his attacker. In the case of capital punishment, the Romans employed scourging to weaken the condemned so that he would not live long when fastened to a cross. Yet, the variables of the degree of scourging and the endurance of a person might permit the crucified to linger for days in unimaginable agony and relentless pain before he expired. Following His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus had a sleepless night of trials preceding the scourging, possibly also a contributing factor to the sooner than expected death of Jesus on the cross (Mark 15:44). In any case, the body of Jesus was a tattered, bloody mess – nothing anyone ought to experience and inconceivable that the Creator in fleshly form would willing endure such ill treatment by His creation – man. However, there was more to come – the crucifixion. Iron nails were driven …

The Way to a Man’s Heart

I am sure most have heard the old saying, “A way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” This is usually repeated in the context of the method in which a woman can attract a man. In many cases, this saying may be true physically speaking. However, Jesus spoke about the true way to a man’s spiritual heart and that is through his ears. Matthew 13 records this truth in a convincing way. The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-15) helps us to understand the importance of hearing and shows what and how we hear affects our spiritual make-up. The Parable of the Sower was so named by Jesus Himself (Matthew 13:18) and is one of two parables that Jesus interpreted for us (the other was the Parable of the Tares, Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43). What can we learn from the Parable of the Sower? The Seed The seed is clearly the Word of God (Luke 8:11). “Seed” is often used to describe the Word of God on many occasions (1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 3:9; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Why is this comparison used? Firstly, seed is alive and has great potential, just like God’s Word. God’s Word is living (1 Peter 1:23; Hebrew 4:12), is powerful (Romans 1:16) and produces fruit. It wins souls to Christ (Romans 1:13), produces the fruit of holiness for those who apply it (Romans 6:22), produces the fruit of Christian character (Galatians 5:22-23) and produces the fruit of good works …

The Great Sales Meeting

Sometimes, because they have products or services to market, businesses have sales meetings to pep up the sales force. Some of these sales meetings may resemble high school sports pep rallies. Companies insist that their salespeople have an emotional commitment to promoting their products or services. Some of the most productive salespeople maintain a high degree of company loyalty and are convinced that their company’s products or services are uniquely superior to all competitor’s products or services. Often, salespersons have quotas or goals that they must achieve regularly. Those quotas or goals are set just beyond salespeople’s grasp – requiring them to stretch and reach for the objectives. The more often a salesperson or sales team achieves its quotas or goals, the more useful that salesperson or sales team is to the company. Many times, salespersons are motivated by incentives or rewards. Cold, hard cash – money – is an ever-popular favorite! Sometimes vacations to exotic locations entice salespersons to reach or to exceed their quotas (e.g., “Hawaii or Bust!”). Of course, there is always the negative incentive of being fired for either poor personal performance or for being a poor team player. Are you beginning to see some similarity between being proficient salespeople and being fruitful children of God – Christians? The parallel between a salesforce and evangelistic Christians should be apparent. References to emotional commitment, loyalty, a superior product, goals, regularly, team, fired, poor personal performance and poor team player easily relate to the exercise of one’s Christianity. God is an equal opportunity employer. Every Christian is God’s salesperson. The whole world is the market. God has an incomparable product …

I Love the Lord

Sometimes in the midst of discipleship, the most fundamental and most important facet is lost, the need to love the Lord. Although it may sound a bit elementary at first, loving the Lord is at the heart of everything we do or do not do as disciples (Matthew 22:37-40). Some view only discipleship as a bunch of “do and do nots.” Viewing our service to God considering just “rules” makes our Christianity very mechanical and ritualistic. Quite clearly, that attitude takes away the joy of serving God. This was the greatest downfall of the Pharisees. They viewed their following God as a removal of the heart and volition, as they boiled their relationship to God down to simply a bunch of rules (Matthew 23:23). Why are you a disciple? Why have you made the choice to follow Jesus? The Psalmist summed up an amazing reason for us to consider. I love the Lord, because He has heard My voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live. The pains of death surrounded me, And the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me; I found trouble and sorrow. Then I called upon the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I implore You, deliver my soul!” Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; Yes, our God is merciful. The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me. (Psalm 116:1-6 NKJV) Like the Psalmist, I love …

A Whole, New Way of Life

Introduction Christianity is supposed to be a whole, new way of life from what one was prior to becoming a Christian! Obviously, the overt public sinful ways – immoralities, filthy language, drunkenness, lying, addictions, dishonesty – must be replaced with godliness – a whole, new way of life. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:1-2 NKJV). Even good, moral people must exchange their way of living for a whole, new way of life. Yes, though children may be raised by Christian mothers and fathers, they, too, must recognize that Christianity demands of them a whole, new way of life. “There were certain characteristics of the former life that remain no more in the new life in Christ. We, at one time, lived only to fulfill our lustful pleasures. We were led by the spirit of disobedience rather than a spirit of submission. We, indeed, were led about by the course of the world, just like everybody else” (Robison). Christianity cannot be inherited; sons and daughters must embrace Christianity fully on their own. The conviction and conversion of parents cannot be bestowed upon their offspring. Each child becoming accountable must act out his or her own conviction and conversion. The thrust of the hymn, True-Hearted, Whole-Hearted, must resonate within each child of God. Christian Transformation How the Christian transformation occurs is clearly manifest in Romans 6:3-6, which reads as follows. …

First Things First!

One day, an expert was speaking to a group of business students. “Okay, time for a quiz,” he told them, pulling out a one-gallon, wide-mouthed mason jar, setting it on a table in front of him. Then, he produced about a dozen fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a time, into the jar. When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, “Is this jar full?” Everyone in the class said, “Yes.” Then he said, “Really?” He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel. Then he dumped some gravel in and shook the jar causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the spaces between the big rocks. Then, he smiled and asked the group once more, “Is the jar full?” By this time, the class was onto him. “Probably not,” one of them answered. “Good!” he replied. He reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand. He started dumping the sand in, and it went into all the spaces left between the rocks and the gravel. Once more he asked the question, “Is this jar full?” “No!” the class shouted. Once again, he said, “Good!” Then he grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour it in until the jar was filled to the brim. Then he looked up at the class and asked, “What is the point of this illustration?” One eager boy raised his hand and said, “The …

When Does Life Begin?

Introduction Legally in the USA since the Roe v. Wade ruling by the US Supreme Court in 1973, human life does not begin and is not lawfully protected until the time of a live birth. Abortions of unborn babies were legalized in the United States. Contrariwise, “under state law [Florida], destroying a sea turtle nest or eggs is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to a $5,000 fine and/or five years in prison” (“Stiff Penalty”). “What is the penalty for destroying an eagle egg? Penalties include a maximum of five years and $250,000 fine for felony convictions and a maximum $10,000 fine for civil violations and $250 for marking violations. Fines double for organizations. Rewards are provided for information leading to arrest and conviction” (Ford). How odd it is that turtles and eagles are actually turtles and eagles and aggressively protected by law before they’re hatched (comparable to a live birth), but unborn babies are neither recognized as humans nor protected by law before they are born! What could be more ludicrous and inequitable than that? Hardly any other conduct than aborting unborn babies more clearly demonstrates what the apostle Paul called “without natural affection” (Romans 1:31; 2 Timothy 3:3 KJV); the single Greek word rendered “without natural affection” “means hard-hearted towards kindred” (Biblesoft’s). September 1, 2021, the State of Texas banned abortions in its jurisdiction whenever a fetal heartbeat can be detected – generally at six weeks. This relates to the question, “When does life begin?” For Texas, until some judge or court overrules that state’s law, life legally begins when an unborn baby’s heart begins to …

Some Will Depart from the Faith

Surely, one of the most troubling and heartbreaking scenarios within our fellowship is to see someone “depart from the faith.” Sadder still, at least to me personally, is when one departs from the faith and then attempts to defend “doctrines of devils” and begins “speaking lies” concerning God’s Truth (1 Timothy 4:1-2). What causes a person to abandon the Truth and to attempt to defend false doctrine and error? While there are most likely many “causes,” consider the following as possibilities. Insult. One thing that causes some to “depart from the faith” is a bitter experience among brethren. Maybe a person feels he got a raw deal from an eldership or suffered an insult or an emotional injury from another member of a congregation. Sadly, such insults are anything but pleasant. Not every eldership conducts itself kindly, not every preacher is always as tactful as he should be, and not every member is as compassionate and courteous as he or she ought to be either. Even Christ, our example, suffered greatly at the hands of so-called friends (i.e., Judas, Peter, the Jews, et al.). Jesus reminded us that there will be heartaches and offences (Matthew 10:24-25; 16:24). Paul had to write an entire letter to a congregation that was not kind to one another (1 Corinthians). However, we must remember that while sometimes our experiences with other Christians are not always what we wish, we are not attached to the Truth or the church because of other members! We are attached to the Truth and added to the church …

God’s Family

The word “house” in some verses of Scripture refers to “family” and, hence, equates to “the family of God” – “God’s family.” “But if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15 NKJV). The house of God or the family of God, in our time, pertains to the church of the Bible – “the churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16) or “the church of God” (1 Corinthians 1:2). Jesus Christ is the “High Priest over the house of God” (Hebrews 10:21); our Lord is the older Brother to Christian brothers and sisters, and to Him we turn for guidance. The apostle Peter also referred to “the house of God” (1 Peter 4:17). Sometimes other figures represent the church or the house of God – God’s family. “And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:22-23). “And He is the head of the body, the church…” (Colossians 1:18). Several additional figurative expressions also equate to God’s family, though we will not consider them presently. One becomes a member of God’s family through the process of adoption. All we who genuinely are Christians have become brothers and sisters to our older Brother and natural Son – Jesus Christ. God determined before …

The Church of Christ Is All About…

All kinds of ideas are put forth when the subject of the church comes up in religious circles. Some view the church as a “social club,” while others view it like a grocery store – you pick the one that just feels right and where you can get the most for your money. Sadly, some fail to even consider the church from the Bible or consider the church in light of God’s design and demands. Because of this, the church is often looked at as nonessential, unimportant or optional. However, when one views the church through the eye of inspiration, one can see what the church of Christ is all about. Firstly, the church of Christ is all about liberation. Please do not misunderstand; it is God alone Who pardons and liberates mankind from his sin. The church does not save, but rather the church is where the saved are placed and reside. Scripture abounds with this fact. When Paul wrote to the shepherds of Ephesus, he reminded them that the church was “purchased” with the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28; cf., 1 Peter 1:18-19). Christ liberated mankind when He “gave Himself up” (Ephesians 5:25). The essentiality of the church is clearly seen in her purchase price! One cannot truly be liberated unless Christ liberates him or her and places one’s saved soul in the church where Christ is Head of the body (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18), where Christ is King of the kingdom (1 Timothy 6:15; Colossians 1:13) and where Christ is the …

Never Too Lost to Be Saved

With keen interest, I observed on social media recently the statement, “Nobody is ever too lost to be saved.” How true! Yet, Christians generally are not as accepting as they ought to be toward some people who have repented of their sins. In a sense, God looks at all sins similarly in as much as any sin for which a sinner does not repent will cause him or her to be lost eternally (Romans 3:10, 23). Even a sin less obnoxious to human sensitivities – like telling a lie – can keep a soul out of Heaven (Revelation 21:8). Note that Jesus Christ classified liars alongside of murderers, the sexually immoral, practitioners of witchcraft and idol worshippers. However, God hates some sins more than He despises other sins, and He refers to them as abominations (Proverbs 6:16-19); lying is in this list, too. Nevertheless, it is not the telling of a lie on which we want to focus our attention presently. Instead, let’s notice from Scripture some penitent souls whose former sins, which if they were the sins of people today, that church members would be reluctant to forget, though God chooses to forget sins for which contrite souls repent (Isaiah 43:25; Jeremiah 31:34; Hebrews 8:12; 10:17). First, consider 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, which reads: Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites [male prostitutes], nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards [intoxicated ones], nor revilers [verbally or physically abusive persons], nor extortioners will inherit the …

Who Is a Christian?

A person does not have to go far in the world today to hear the word Christian being used to refer to a host of people. In fact, the word Christian is used to describe almost anyone who is even the least bit moral. Other times, Christian is used to describe a person in contrast to a Muslim or a Buddhist. Often, our nation is referred to as a Christian nation. However, the way the world defines a particular word is not always the same way God defines that word. Then, from God’s perspective, who is a Christian? As we consider this important subject, please remember, it is not you or me who decides who is a Christian, but God and His Word will clearly make that determination! So, who is a Christian? The Fallacies  Sadly, many in our world today believe they are Christians simply because they believe something about Jesus. However, we can know that this is not the case, for God’s Word reminds, “Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue” (John 12:42). “Just believe” many will tout, but they clearly forget James’s warning, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe and tremble” (James 2:19). Some claim to be Christians simply because they are religious. However, God’s Word reminds us of a man who traveled to Jerusalem from Ethiopia …

Arguing with God

Arguing with God is an extremely bad idea! It’s an argument one simply cannot win. Sadder yet, passing from life to death with an unresolved and ongoing argument with God is eternally lethal – a fate far worse than death. There are several incidents recorded within the Scriptures that essentially represent arguments between humans and God. Beginning with Adam and Eve, things have never fared well for anyone who violated God’s instructions or in essence argued with God (Genesis 3). Eventually, nearly the entire human race was expunged from the face of the earth in the universal flood in the days of Noah and his family (Genesis 6-8). Later, not even the Israelites – a favored nation with God – refrained from arguing with God. Notable examples during the 40-year wilderness wandering include: complaints on the western shore of the Red Sea as the Egyptian army neared (Exodus 14:10-12); complaints about the availability of water (Exodus 15:24; 17:2; 20:1-5) and food (Exodus 16:2-3, 12-13); the Golden Calf idol (Exodus 32); profane fire kindled by Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2); dissension of Aaron and Miriam against Moses (Numbers 12); refusal to enter Canaan and determination to return to Egypt (Numbers 14:1-4); Korah’s rebellion (Numbers 16); Moses’ sin at Kadesh (Numbers 20:10-13); complaints against God that prompted Him to send fiery serpents among the people (Numbers 21:4-9); and fornication and idolatry in Moab (Numbers 25). Failing to follow divine instructions, God responded on one occasion, “…How long do you refuse to keep My commandments …

And Be Ye Kind

“And be ye kind one to another…” (Ephesians 4:32a). Every command that God gives is always for our best interest! Sadly, sometimes humanity never realizes that the demands and the prohibitions that God outlines in His Word are given so that God’s crown creation – mankind – may live abundant lives both here and in eternity (John 10:10). We find ourselves in a mixed-up world with emotional, mental and psychological illnesses, which are sometimes more prevalent and more widely seen because God’s Word is not being honored and revered. God’s way is always the best way! God’s law of kindness is no exception. We are living in a world where kindness is not the norm, and sadly it is affecting our society in a seriously negative way. Consider with me the importance of God’s law of kindness. Firstly, the demonstration of kindness. The Bible is inundated with actions of kindness. One of the early ones was shown by Pharoah’s daughter (Exodus 2:5-10). This young Egyptian lady knew the law her father implemented and enforced. “…Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river…” (Exodus 1:22). Kindness, spurred by compassion for baby Moses, caused this Egyptian to behave in an unusual way. Notice carefully, saving this child was not the norm; it was anything but the norm. In fact, the norm was to follow the law and slay every Hebrew male child. Kindness changed it all! Even prior to this act of kindness is another almost unbelievable action on the part of Joseph (Genesis 37:12-36). After being abandoned, sold, betrayed and …

Thank You for Saving Me

Even after six years, a trigger can unexpectedly and from almost any source ignite a teary twister of emotional emptiness within my very core. That ignition may result, for instance, from the lyrics of a song on the radio, an unanticipated scene in a movie, mail arriving addressed to my late wife Bonnie, fixing my gaze on her photos, going to some of the places and doing some of the things we had done, or simply reminiscing with others or just with myself about our lives and adventures. The loss of my soulmate and the wife of my youth (Proverbs 5:18), though somehow more tolerable with the passing of time, nevertheless, remains an open wound of which I’m always at least nominally conscious. Bonnie was 16 years old and I was 19 years old when we wed. Evidently, I was the husband of her youth, too, and we grew up together. We reared three children, with hardly an idea of what we were doing. Any successful attainments they may have accrued doubtlessly occurred despite our best efforts in parenting. My family and I traipsed across and crisscrossed several states over nearly half a century while I preached the Gospel of Christ. Later in life, Bonnie and I trekked through tropical environments in Asia and South America as missionaries – until and even after cancer afflicted my lifelong sweetheart. Three days before embarking on yet another excursion abroad for up to two months, we got the results of Bonnie’s routine checkup. …

I Can’t Believe I Did That!

Are there things in your life for which you have great regret? Almost certainly if any of us could go back and relive certain times in our lives, we would do things differently. Hindsight is 20/20! Most likely, we all can remember times when we acted in an undesirable way or said some words that were less than sweet. Sometimes when we think of such times, we think to ourselves, “I can’t believe I did that!” Sadly, those occasions often bring feelings of guilt and shame to the point that it affects our current thoughts and actions. In fact, sometimes these thoughts bring on depression, a sense of worthlessness, and sometimes even worse. In the Spring of 1959, an Air Force major entered a Texas mental institution for the second time. He had tried to commit suicide twice, and he had been arrested for forgery and robbery. For years, he had been drinking heavily, and his marriage had disintegrated. Yet only 15 years before, he had been a model officer, headed for a promising career. One momentous event precipitated the major’s plunge; he flew the plane over Hiroshima when the first atom bomb was dropped. Shortly afterward, the major began to be haunted in his dreams by throngs of Japanese men, women and children. Then, his own life began to collapse. The psychiatrist who treated him said that the major was subconsciously trying to bring punishment from society to atone for the guilt he felt over Hiroshima. Unresolved guilt was …

Liar, Liar Pants on Fire!

“Liar, liar, pants on fire!” is a familiar childhood refrain. Somewhere the other day, I stumbled on this catchphrase augmented with the suggestion that it would be more interesting if liars’ pants actually did ignite in fiery flames when they told lies. Just imagine such a spectacle. Where might one train his vision to witness that phenomenon? I can envision it now. While watching the evening news broadcast, suddenly the anchorman’s trousers bursts into flames. Certainly, political speeches would be a lot more interesting if the politicians’ pants began smoking and then flamed whenever they lied; doubtlessly few would escape being singed. Surely, nearly every car salesman (and most other smooth-talking salespeople) would appear charred and emit a burnt aroma. The religious arena wouldn’t be spared either; how many denominational pastors as well as some Gospel preachers would find themselves on fire when they spewed forth untruths instead of the unadulterated Word of God? The burning hot pulpits behind which those heralds stand to speak lies might combust and serve as kindling; how many church houses would evidence fire and smoke damage? Telling lies has become so commonplace that one is almost naïve to believe at face value anything anyone says. For instance, the so-called good guys (e.g., police, leading characters) in family television programs tell lies all the time, as though that was normal and a right thing to do. Friends, God takes a whole different viewpoint to telling lies. Lying is not a trivial matter, but rather, it …

Every Judgment Parable

I don’t know precisely when or where, but a few decades ago, I heard the late and esteemed brother Guy N. Woods remark that every judgment parable in the New Testament is not about bad things done, but rather they are about good things left undone. “…in the judgment parables spoken by the Lord, all of them dealt with those who did nothing, or little, as was the case with the foolish virgins and the one talent man (Matt. 25:1-30)” (Hearn 79). Someone in each judgment parable is condemned for not doing something rather than for doing something wrong. Personally, I find that thought scary. The judgment parables of our Lord, then, highlight the sin of omission. Along this line of thinking, the divinely inspired writer James penned, “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (4:17 NKJV). It’s frightening to contemplate the sins of which I may be guilty personally because of laxity on my part “to do good.” Certainly, we see in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) the concept of personal responsibility to act out our alleged loyalty to our Lord Jesus Christ. The wicked servant in that parable was not accused of committing heinous sins such as fornication or murder. Instead, he was a wicked servant because he omitted his obligation to do the work of a servant to his master. The parable begins with the master of the estate entrusting three servants respectively with five talents, two talents and one …

Gender Confusion and the Bible

Cultural winds are gusting wildly in our current day. Certainly, transgender is a hot button issue today. Transgender is defined as “denoting or relating to a person whose sense of personal identity and gender does not correspond with their birth sex.” From Hollywood to Washington and in every place between, we see this cultural pandemic exploding. Sadly, children from a very young age are exposed daily to transgender people, many of whom are these young people’s mentors, teachers and parents. As such, some young people are confused as to their own gender and are often left to decide their gender based on personal preference. As we begin, please understand that this author is neither hateful nor bigoted toward those who are not certain what gender they will choose. As a Christian, though, I am both sympathetic and scriptural minded. Christians must stand up, and they must lovingly, patiently and scripturally teach the truth about gender and the Bible. First, let us notice the deception about gender. Some say that birth is responsible for gender confusion. “They are just born that way” many will tout. In fact, the clinical term for gender confusion is “dysphoria” meaning an unease or dissatisfaction with one’s birth gender. Gender dysphoria is the feeling that one’s emotional and psychological identity do not match a person’s biological sex determined by birth. Psychologists have noted two different types of gender dysphoria: “Early onset” and “Rapid onset.” Early onset can be seen in children as young as 2, while rapid onset is usually seen a bit later in a child’s …

Following Jesus

Following Jesus is not for the faint of heart! A somewhat sad, but very telling narrative occurred between our Lord and some would-be followers in Luke 9:57-62. Each of these individuals had a “reason” why he could not immediately follow Jesus. Some of the reasons given seem somewhat justifiable from the human standpoint. However, no reason that we could ever give for not following Jesus is justifiable in the eyes of the Lord. For those who truly want to follow Jesus, there is a daily price that must be paid (Luke 9:23). However, what is involved in that daily price? What does following Jesus really entail? Firstly, following Jesus includes doctrine. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine…” (John 7:17). Doctrine is teaching or instruction and is the guideline for how we walk (1 John 1:7; 2:6). No one can follow Jesus acceptably and walk by some other standard of authority (2 Thessalonians 3:6). Doctrine is so essential in following Jesus that many of the religious folks in Jesus’ day were condemned for changing divinely given doctrine (Matthew 15:8-9). So important is doctrine that Peter demanded, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God…” (1 Peter 4:11a). Checking doctrine regularly (2 Timothy 2:15; 1 John 4:1) is so important because Paul warned that some will change the pure doctrine into a “doctrine of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1; cf., Galatians 1:6-9). Because one cannot follow Jesus without proper doctrine, Paul exhorted Timothy, “Till I …

Back to the Bible

The Bible is the sole authority for all we practice religiously! Nothing else and no one else is as authoritative as the Word of God – the Bible. The New Testament or Covenant of Jesus Christ (the part of the Bible that primarily applies today) is reliable because the Godhead designated Jesus to possess all authority. “While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!’” (Matthew 17:5 NKJV). “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth’” (Matthew 28:18). All we do in religion is to be done in the name of or by the authority of Jesus Christ. “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17). A children’s book character ran around telling everyone that the sky was falling. Of course, he was mistaken, and the evidence did not support his claim. Since then, “the sky is falling” has become a phrase that represents an erroneous hysteria. However, dear Readers, there is a sense in which the sky is falling, and it has been falling for many decades in our own time. Generally, the sky is falling in religion, politics and society – in the United States of America as well as around the world. Once the Bible was the chief …