The Traditional Home

The world is changing right before our very eyes! Just in the past 10 years, America has seen some big changes to our culture, the church, the home, industry and a host of other areas. Not all change is bad; for example, technology is a rapidly changing item that seems to make life easier. However, some change is not only harmful to America but sinful as well. One of the areas that is rapidly changing for the worse is the family and home. Not only are many embracing this change, but some are even promoting it. The traditional home is under serious attack! The traditional home by definition is simply a home where father and mother are both present, living together, married to each other, loving one another, and together rearing their children. Sadly, some scoff at the traditional home while others are vehemently opposed to it. In fact, there is a movement in America to change and to transform the traditional home. As such, more than ever, God-fearing, Bible-believing people of faith must rise up and defend the traditional home. We do not defend the traditional home because it is traditional but rather because it is designed and defined by God Almighty! Firstly, consider the plan for the traditional home. Mankind has no authority to change what God has planned. God’s plan from the very beginning of creation was for one man to be married to one woman for life (Genesis 2:21-25). When His opposers tried to trap Him, Jesus brought their attention right back …

Immorality as a Social Problem

Immoral practices are prevalent in the United States today and represent a social problem. We begin by defining “immorality.” Webster defines it as a quality inconsistent with purity and good morals. Also, wickedness or unchastity are synonymous with immorality. A leading senator sternly warned, “When people are allowed to trample upon the rights of others it will eventually follow that the rights of everyone will be rendered meaningless.” Crime, disrespect for laws, civil strife, the growing idea of something for nothing, courts that fail to protect innocent citizens are things, says Georgia’s Democratic Senator Herman Talmadge, that “can eat the heart out of America” (U.S. News and World Report, June 27, 1966). A far greater moral problem in the United States today than the above mentioned is the growing trend toward widespread illicit sexual practices. Perhaps, never in the history of mankind has there been a more overpowering need for all people of all nations to heed the exhortation of the prophet Isaiah. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. (Isaiah 1:18-20) A recent national magazine portrayed the life and philosophy of a 22-year-old co-ed from the …

Can We See the Bible Alike?

When Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, he demanded, “Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren be followers together of me and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample” (Philippians 3:15-17). The Holy Spirit, through Paul, expected the saints at Philippi to see the Bible alike! They were to walk “by the same rule,” denoting a standard or a pattern. That pattern or standard is God’s Word. Sadly, many today see the Bible in different ways. Some interpret it one way and others another way. However, the Bible does not mean different things to each reader. If it meant different things to different people, there would be no way we could “walk by the same rule,” for we would all have different rules – different standards. Nevertheless, that is exactly what is happening in our world and sadly, in some cases, even in the church. The question “Can we see the Bible alike?” begs an answer. The Facts The very Book we are discussing affirms that we can see the Bible alike. In fact, to say that the Bible means different things to different people is to completely misunderstand its contents. Moses affirmed that we can all see the Bible alike when he penned, “The secret things belong …

The Greater Tragedy

Dictionaries define “tragedy” as, “a disastrous event: calamity” (“Tragedy,” Merriam-Webster) or “a lamentable, dreadful, or fatal event or affair… disaster” (“Tragedy,” Dictionary.com). There have been too many tragedies throughout human history to even begin to list them, but let us briefly note a few of them to demonstrate the nature of human tragedies that, unfortunately, have plagued and will continue to beset mankind. The American Civil War spanned the years 1861 to 1865, and between 620,000 to 850,000 died directly and indirectly as a result (Nasaw). That tragedy was one of the topmost catastrophic events ever to transpire in the western hemisphere, and its ramifications continue to this day in the United States of America. “The RMS Titanic, a luxury steamship, sank in the early hours of April 15, 1912, off the coast of Newfoundland in the North Atlantic after sideswiping an iceberg during its maiden voyage [from South Hampton, England to New York, USA]. Of the 2,240 passengers and crew [of 900] on board, more than 1,500 lost their lives in the disaster.” Only about 705 persons survived. (“Titanic”). The Titanic and the Lusitania were the two largest luxury ocean liners ever constructed at the time they were put into service. “Lusitania met its tragic end on May 7, 1915, when a torpedo fired by a German U-boat sunk the ship, killing nearly 1,200 of the 1,959 people on board and precipitating the United States’ entry into World War I” (“Titanic”). World War I from 1914 to 1918 resulted in 20 million deaths, a little …

Our Fellowship in Christ

Possibly now, more than ever, our fellowship in Christ is being attacked. Personally, I believe true fellowship in the Lord’s church has been under attack for a long time. However, especially since the onset of the Coronavirus, fellowship has suffered greatly. Folks have been “forced” to “hole up” and be separate from others, which is a direct attack on the fellowship we need in Christ. The biblical word “fellowship” is defined as a “partnership, companionship, camaraderie.” It is a beautiful closeness that only can be experienced and enjoyed by those who are in fellowship with God. What is our fellowship in Christ all about?  Firstly, let us note the plan. God’s plan for the early church was quite clear. “And they continuing daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart” (Acts 2:46). Notice some of the elements of this plan. Their fellowship was frequent: “And they continuing daily…” This could quite possibly be one of the clearest reasons why some congregations never experience the beauty of real fellowship; they are simply never together. Our meeting together for worship and Bible class can never achieve the closeness that meeting together daily can bring. How can we really know and love one another if we simply just cross paths on Sunday? Their fellowship was also friendly: “with one accord… with gladness and singleness of heart.” It was an enjoyable experience for these Christians to be together. They were not cliquish, clamoring …

Who Knew What When?

“Who Knew What When?” is a common international news headline. Let’s explore “Who Knew What When?” concerning, “Who in the first century believed Jesus’ kingdom was spiritual?” As the first century A.D. began, there was an air of expectancy among the Jews that the long-prophesied kingdom of the Messiah was about to be established (Isaiah 2:2-3; Daniel 2:26-45). The fourth earthly kingdom from the time of and including the Babylonian reign under Nebuchadnezzar – the Roman Empire – had been ruling the Jews for a little less than 100 years. Therefore, the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus of Nazareth created quite a stir among the Jews as John and Jesus both began preaching that the kingdom was near (Matthew 3:1; 4:17). The Jews expected an earthly kingdom comparable to the kingdom as it was when Solomon was king. Israel desperately wanted to overthrow Roman rule and occupation of their homeland. Therefore, many Jews were aroused by the preaching of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. They wanted to take Jesus by force and make Him their earthly king (John 6:14-15). However, many of the Jews turned away from following Jesus Christ once they realized that He did not come to establish a physical kingdom (John 6:66). “Who Knew What When?” Many of the Jews who formerly were stirred by preaching about the kingdom were among the first to understand that the nature to the kingdom about which John the Baptist and Jesus of Nazareth preached was spiritual rather than physical …

God Will Be with You

There’s no telling what a person carries within him or herself. No one really knows the pains one has experienced in life, how much one has suffered or how deep the hurt may go. No one knows through what a person is going while not giving up. If we are really honest, no matter the front we all may have before others, everyone has had matters in life that can be termed negative, hard, heartbreaking and discouraging. No one is immune to trials and temptations; how each one deals with what such brings to life is what makes us unique. Those issues of life that bring such to a person may not always have to be life-threatening or fall in a severe category. We can be towers of strength at one time, but at another time, we may break down over similar matters. The cumulative effect of trials can wear one down as well. How much seems to be too much can depend on a great many factors, but it happens. Even some of God’s most faithful servants at times found themselves discouraged and in need of strength. Elijah needed God to help him regain a positive outlook on his ministry (1 Kings 19:4). The apostle Paul had times in his life when God encouraged him not to give up (Acts 18:9; 23:11). Not letting go of God is a key ingredient in finding one’s way out of the struggles of life. Satan’s great tool of discouragement is often tied to …

Standing on Holy Ground

There is an ever-present disrespect for God and spiritual things in our world today. One of the areas that shows this disrespect for God is in the use of His name. As I listen to young and old alike, television shows, commercials, see texts and read emails, I am both appalled and offended at the disrespectful and vulgar way in which God’s name is so flippantly and vainly used. Sadly, this vain use of God’s name easily rubs off on Christians as well. In Exodus 3, Moses encountered God in the burning bush that was not consumed. God thundered from that fiery shrub, “…Draw not hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground” (Exodus 3:5). God placed a warning to Moses and to all mankind that when we deal with Deity, we are before Holiness and should stand in reverential awe before Him! There is no more “holy place” than the very name of Almighty God. Sadly, we are living in a time when instead of taking off our shoes regarding the name of God, mankind is tracking up His holy name. Consider with me this holy ground and our attitude toward it as we consider the name of God. His name is revered! The Godhead was clear in giving the Law to Moses and Israel that God’s name was to be respected. The third commandment was clear, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will …

What Did the Thief Know?

Fourteen verses provide all the information biblically available about the two “robbers” (NKJV) or “thieves” (KJV) who were crucified alongside of our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 27:38, 44; Mark 15:27-28, 32; Luke 23:32-33, 39-43; John 19:18, 32). Luke, however, distinguishes between the criminals, one being impenitent and the other being penitent. Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying,  “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43 NKJV) The penitent ‘malefactor’ (KJV) is a curious Bible character. Who was he? How did he come to be executed for his crimes? Especially, what did the thief know about the kingdom of Jesus Christ? Obviously, this condemned man knew about the ministry of Jesus Christ and possibly about the ministry of John the Immerser who preceded our Lord. “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!’” (Matthew 3:1-2 NKJV). “From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’” …

Why Do We Worship?

Man is a worshipful being! No doubt the desire to worship something greater than ourselves was placed within us by an Intelligent Designer. Although the desire to worship is innate, humanity cannot determine proper actions with which to pay homage to our Creator without a Divine Standard. Thus, God’s Word dictates to man what is acceptable in the realm of worship. Jesus emphasized that worship must be “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). However, sometimes people attempt to worship according to their standards rather than God’s Standard (Leviticus 10:1-3). Not only are the actions (Truth) of worship necessary, but the attitude (spirit) must be right as well. When the actions and the attitude are right, worship accomplishes great things! Worship exalts God! Surely the greatest accomplishment of worship is that it exalts and extols God Almighty! God is more than worthy of any praise and adoration we can give to Him. “For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the people are idols: but the Lord made the heavens. Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place” (1 Chronicles 16:25-27). When Isaiah saw the throne room of God, he heard the seraphim declaring, “…Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory” (Isaiah 6:3b). John, the revelator, saw and heard a very similar chorus that included the four and twenty elders saying, “Thou art worthy, …

Stumbling Over Simplicity

The apostle Paul rebuked the Corinthian church for stumbling over “the simplicity that is in Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:3 NKJV). Chapter after chapter of the epistle of 1 Corinthians shows in how many areas of Christianity those first century brethren stumbled over simplicity. The apostle used the debacle with Eve in the Garden of Eden to illustrate the nature of stumbling over simplicity. The New Testament is longer and more comprehensive than the simple instructions God gave the first pair, but nevertheless, they stumbled over simplicity. After all, how hard could it have been for Adam and Eve (1) to tend or to till the Garden, (2) to keep or to guard it (Genesis 2:15) and (3) to refrain eating from a single tree (Genesis 2:17)? That’s it! What could have been simpler? There are several notable biblical examples of stumbling over simplicity. One such instance pertained to a Syrian commander named Naaman. He was a leper, and desiring to be healed, Naaman traveled to meet the prophet Elisha. However, the prophet did not respond as Naaman expected. Then Naaman went with his horses and chariot, and he stood at the door of Elisha’s house. And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.” But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, “Indeed, I said to myself, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on …

The Bible’s Mistakes?

A recent Gallup poll showed that only 24% of Americans believe the Bible to be the literal Word of God. This is the lowest in Gallup’s forty-year tracking. The number of those who view the Bible as merely secular stories and history (some of which they think is false) has risen to 26%. Sadly, far too many people are losing confidence in the Bible. Someone has said, “If I were Satan, I would put as many barriers around the Bible as I could. I would plant thorns and hedges to frighten people away.” Truly, that is exactly what Satan is hard at work doing today. Doubt, skepticism and outright disbelief regarding God’s Book are so popular in our world. Unfortunately, these doubts and disbeliefs are often founded upon bias and prejudice. Many who claim that the Bible is “full of mistakes” and “inaccurate” have never honestly and rationally read and studied its contents. Another point to consider is that when bias and prejudice are the core of a person’s conclusion, truth cannot really be seen for what it is. Many volumes have been written to answer these Bible critics verse by verse, and yet, most will never take the time or the effort to peruse such written documents. Is the Bible really filled with mistakes? Is the skeptic right in his conclusion that the Bible cannot be trusted? This author outrightly and boldly affirms that the Bible is 100% trustworthy, and there are no mistakes in the Book God has …

The Written Word

“But the word of the Lord endures forever. Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you” (1 Peter 1:25 NKJV). In no way comparable to the inspired Word of God, nevertheless the written word of God’s children shares some of the same characteristics. First, whatever biblical literature Christians produce ought to be filled with “sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13) derived from the Word of God—the Gospel. Second, the written word of God’s servants is durable. Written material is always ready whenever and wherever the reader is ready for it. In some cases, this may be many years (e.g., the Bible itself). In the middle of 2020, a church secretary from Anchorage, Alaska informed me of an article written about “Encouragement” by Bonnie Rushmore, which appeared as parts 1 and 2 in two successive church bulletins. That article by my late wife was published in 2002 in Gospel Gazette Online—13 years before her death and 18 years ago now. Maybe not classified with the Bible character Abel, however, Bonnie “being dead still speaks” (Hebrews 11:4 NKJV). The written Word and the written word, too, are durable. Third, the written word of God’s servants travels well. Also in 2020, I received an email from overseas, I presume, in which the writer offered lauds regarding Gospel Gazette Online. He wanted me to know that the magazine was his library from which he draws substance for his television programs, sermons and Bible classes. Alaska or Africa, for instance, are places to …

Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). To rightly divide the Word of Truth, one must use certain principles of interpretation. Sadly, some approach the Bible in a completely different way than they would approach any other book. While the Bible is certainly not just “any other book,” the rules of interpretation are universal in nature. Context is key when it comes to understanding any communication. This is certainly true when it comes to rightly dividing the Bible. How does one go about properly interpreting God’s Word in its context? Firstly, there is the age context. When one begins to study the Bible, the first thing necessary for an honest interpretation is to determine in which age the penman was writing. There is the Patriarchal Age (creation to Sinai). Key figures during this dispensation were Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. There is the Mosaic Age (Sinai to the cross), which included great men like Moses, Joshua, David, Isaiah and Jesus. Lastly, there is the Christian age (cross to Judgment Day), which included people like Paul, Peter, John and Luke, as well as includes you and me. At one time, God spoke in different ways (directly to the Fathers in Patriarchy; through the Law of Moses in the Mosaic Age or in Judaism), but now God speaks to us through His Son (Hebrews 1:1-3). Therefore, religious authority to which we must turn is not what Moses …

Cotton Candy Preaching

Empty oratory, cotton candy and meringue are each sweet tasting, and yet, none of them have any nutritional value. They simply are not healthy! In fact, a diet of such is toxic! I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:1-5 NKJV) This first century exhortation is no less needed today in the twenty-first century. Next to false teaching (1 John 4:1), hollow homilies, fluffy with “smooth words and flattering speech” (Romans 16:18), which are undergirded by philosophy and endless personal analysis, immeasurably harm the collective of the church and Christians individually. Alas, however, rare is the preacher or teacher these days who will in a straightforward manner undertake the pronouncement of a portion of “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). Book, chapter and verse preaching is neither any longer promulgated nor tolerated by the majority of present-day preachers or teachers and their auditors. Gone are the …

God Hath Not Given Us a Spirit of Fear

“For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV). These were Paul’s inspired words to a preacher who, no doubt, was facing some fearful times. Paul was imprisoned for a second time, which imprisonment would result in his death, when he wrote his second letter to Timothy. Can you imagine the fear that must have passed through Timothy as he considered his mentor and “father” in the faith, Paul, no longer being there on whom to lean? Timothy was most likely filled with apprehension, anxiety and doubt. Paul’s words were sent to Timothy to remind him that God does not want His children to live in fear. Fear is a crippling, debilitating, spiritual disease that can overcome and control us. There are numerous things that fear brings about, none of which are good for the Christian and his work for God. Fear is a prison. When Adam and Eve sinned against God, they were fearful and hid themselves from Him (Genesis 3:8). Fear becomes a prison where people work diligently to hide from everyone, especially from God. Fear becomes a prison wherein we hide, trying to avoid anyone and everyone. Fear will immobilize us to our full potential and keep us from growing. A person who is fearful seldom attempts to do anything outside his comfort zone because he is locked up in a prison of allowing fear to control and contain him. If we allow it, fear will …

One Race and One Body

One Race Acts 17:26 informs us that God “…made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth…” (NKJV, KJV, YLT, etc.). Other translations of the same verse read somewhat differently but teach the same truth. “…he made of one every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth…” (ASV). “…he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth…” (ESV). “From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth…” (NIV). “…He made out of one source material every nation of mankind to inhabit the entire surface of the earth” (Wuest’s New Testament Expanded Translation). (The derived Greek text from which the KJV and similar translations were translated relies on a large quantity of manuscripts, while the ASV and other translations depend on a derived Greek text from three or so older manuscripts, therefore,  supposedly of higher quality.) Irrespective of the translation above to which one turns respecting Acts 17:26, it ought to be obvious to every Bible-believer that actually there is only one race—the human race. Dissimilarities of skin pigmentation, hair color, eye color, physique, ethnicity, culture, language, gender (i.e., male or female), age, economics, education, social status, habitat and such like are relatively irrelevant and do not alter the fact that every person is a part of the human race. Everyone—who has ever lived, is now living or who shall ever live—has Adam and Eve as his or her first biological, ancestral parents (Genesis 1:28). …

Pray without Ceasing

The Bible is replete with the command to pray. God has filled His Book with promises that are connected directly with prayer. Prayer is such a unique privilege and wonderful blessing for the child of God. Yet, we often struggle with prayer. Surprisingly, the disciples of Jesus struggled with prayer as well (Luke 11:1). I sometimes struggle with prayer; do you ever struggle? What makes this spiritual discipline such a challenge for many Christians? Consider the following. Inadequacy. We sometimes struggle with prayer because we feel as though we are inadequate to pray. Sometimes prayer is thought of as a practice for the spiritually elite; in other words, if I feel weak, how could I ever approach God? Yet, it is during those bouts of weakness and uncertainty that we really need time with our Father (1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6). While we are quite inadequate in and of ourselves, with the power of our High Priest, we can “come boldly to the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:15-16). Do not let your feelings of inadequacy prevent you from praying without ceasing! Ignorance. We sometimes struggle with prayer because we simply do not know how to pray. Just think for a moment; how do people usually learn to pray? Most often we learn from hearing others pray. While that is not necessarily a bad way to learn, we can seldom go deeper into prayer than those from whom we have learned. Sometimes as children, we are taught quaint prayers like “Now I lay …

What Relationship Does Fasting Have to Christianity?

Amusing myself at least, I have contemplated from time to time that contemporary Christians often add an “e” to “fasting,” resulting in “feasting.” Certainly, the favorite type of fellowship freely observed by Christians today involves a fellowship meal. We love to cook, and we love to eat! First century fellowship, though, also included being “fellow workers” (Romans 16:3), “fellow prisoners” (Romans 16:7), “fellow citizens” (Ephesians 2:19), “fellow heirs” (Ephesians 3:6), a “fellow soldier” (Philippians 2:25), a “fellow servant” (Colossians 1:7) and a “fellow laborer” (2 Thessalonians 3:2). Christian fellowship includes a partnership with the Godhead (1 Corinthians 1:9; Philippians 2:1; 1 John 1:3), a partnership in the Gospel (Philippians 1:5), a partnership in worship (Acts 2:42) as well as a partnership with the children of God (Galatians 2:9; 1 John 1:7). Fellowship may also include participation in the sufferings of Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:10). Fasting, however, differs from feasting and other aspects of fellowship. “Fasting, deliberate abstinence from food for stated intervals, and undertaken as a religious exercise, has long been practiced by man” (Woods, Volume 1, 252). “…Fasting is a Bible subject. It is mentioned quite frequently in the Scriptures” (Ashlock 2). In practice by the Jews during the time of the ministry of Jesus Christ, our Lord regulated the action rather than implemented it as a feature of Christianity. Regarding Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus “…removed fasting from the realm of public activity and classified it as a matter of private devotion” (Woods, Volume 2, 146). “Fasting for the Christian is …

During Times Like These

Living in a world filled with uncertainly is like trying to stand in a pool of quicksand, and many are sinking under its pull. COVID-19 has brought a new type of uncertainty and uneasiness to our communities. Almost everyone, in some way, is feeling the effects of this terrible virus. Americans are affected from a shortage of many daily necessities (toilet paper, hand sanitizers, etc.) to increased unemployment as well as store and school closings. Getting through such times, for most, is a great challenge. How can a person possibly pillow his head at night during times like these? Where can we turn amid such uncertainty? Christians can turn to God’s Word in general and Psalm 91 in particular. Would you, Dear Reader, take just a couple minutes to read Psalm 91 and consider some helpful observations from it? Firstly, God is our shadow (vs. 1). “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” When we consider the nature of a shadow, we learn that a shadow is over us and far beyond the spot where we currently find ourselves. As humans, we cannot know for sure what lies ahead of the here and now. What will tomorrow bring? Will I suffer sickness, disease or failure? What a metaphor for the God we serve! God sees more than we can ever see, and God knows more than we can ever know. We can rest easy, even during trying times, knowing that …

To Whom Shall We Go?

There was an occasion during the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ when many of His disciples turned from Him (John 6:41-66). “Then Jesus said to the twelve, ‘Do you also want to go away?’ But Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God’” (John 6:67-69 NKJV). Within Peter’s response is the rhetorical question that should resonate with every child of God, “To whom shall we go?” To whom shall Christians turn in the face of every adversity and life challenge, today? To whom shall we go? Mankind in Jesus’ day commonly viewed everything from a physical and a literal perspective, and people were reluctant to make spiritual applications or to appeal to spiritual solutions to their problems and needs. Things haven’t changed much from then to now! To whom shall Christians turn when they face personal health crises and their own mortality? Yes, we can and should avail ourselves of medical treatments to help deal with physical challenges. Yet, ultimately, our bodies wear out, and we arrive at the stage of life when the expression “patch, patch, patch” appears to be the order of the day every day. None of us will get out of this world alive—unless Jesus returns before we expire. “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is …

Walking with God

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). In my estimation, there is no better place to “see” the heart of God than through the Psalms. The Psalms, which fall into the poetry section of our Bibles, are made up of 150 Psalms, divided into 5 different books. The Hebrew word for Psalms means songs of praise, and many of the Psalms are just that. The entire 150 Psalms are thought to be composed over a 1,000-year period. While God is ultimately the Author (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21), He used several different human penmen to record His Words. David is attributed with writing 73 psalms in this collection, while Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Heman, Ethan and Moses are the other penmen of this great assortment. Each of the five books of the Psalms has a unique literary structure. Every book begins with our relationship to the Lord, and each book ends with a doxology (expression of praise) to the Lord. As we briefly note each of these five books, we shall see a unique place that God occupies in our everyday affairs. Firstly, in Book 1 (Psalms 1-41), we see God beside us. A great example of this is found in Psalm 1. Here the man who walks beside God is like a “tree, planted by the rivers of water.” This man is flourishing, prospering and growing because he walks beside …

The Signs of the Times

There’s nothing like a catastrophic event to capture the imagination of people and fuel prognostications of fiery pulpiteers regarding the end of the world. The signs of the times are thought by many to signify the imminent return of Jesus Christ and end-times. These assumptions are based on a misunderstanding of or, in the case of religious leaders, sometimes the outright abuse of Scripture, namely Matthew 24:6-7. “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places” (NKJV). Though the apostles did not realize it yet, they essentially asked Jesus Christ two different questions in Matthew 24. “…Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3). They could not perceive of the massive Temple in Jerusalem being so utterly demolished that not one stone remained upon another except that the entire world would be destroyed also (Matthew 24:1-2). Nevertheless, our Lord answered the two questions posed by the apostles, first regarding the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and secondly about the end of time when Jesus’ Second Coming would occur. It is important to observe that Jesus repeatedly cautioned His disciples not to be fooled by pretenders—false christs (Matthew 24:4-5), “false prophets” …

Love Not the World

Possibly one of the greatest temptations for Christians is to become enamored and captivated with the world in which we live. Worldliness is surely a sin that will take many Christians to a devil’s hell when eternity dawns. John’s admonition was so clear. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of the Father abideth forever” (1 John 2:15-17). Through the pen of the apostle John, the Holy Spirit set forth five important points for our consideration. The Prohibition: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world…” The “world,” as is used here, refers to the sphere of evil that is so very present on this terrestrial ball. Sin abounds all around us, and it seems as though little good and few righteous things are part of this world today. The “prince of the power of the air” certainly has left his sinful mark upon much of what we encounter every day! The Possibility: “…if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Some flirt with this world as though they could never fall from …

If Not Now, When? Salvation

If not now, when will you obey the Gospel? Yes, that’s right. Those who do not obey the Gospel will remain lost. By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, both the apostle Paul and the apostle Peter warned that those who do not obey the Gospel will be lost eternally. Second Thessalonians 1:8 teaches that Jesus will return at His Second Coming “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” (NKJV). First Peter 4:17-18 presents a warning to Christians that also declares the consequences of not obeying the Gospel. “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” Both passages of Scripture paint a dreadful picture of eternity for anyone who does not obey the Gospel. There will never be a more “convenient time” to obey the Gospel than the present. The Roman governor Felix heard the Gospel proclaimed, but he put off to some later time to become a Christian. “And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, ‘Go away for now; when I …

Love Thinketh No Evil

In contrast to the passing age of miraculous gifts, Paul, by inspiration’s pen, wrote of love. While miraculous gifts were about to cease when Paul penned 1 Corinthians 13, love was a permanent blessing of the church. “Love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13:8a). The power of love is clearly seen by Paul’s introductory remarks (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Without love, nothing else really matters! One of the wonderful characteristics of biblical love is that it “…thinketh no evil” (1 Corinthians 13:5b KJV) or “is not…resentful” (ESV). Firstly, consider the interpretation. The word translated “thinketh” comes from a Greek verb (logizomai) that is an accounting term, which means to “credit someone’s account.” Therefore, to “think no evil” is to not hold grudges or past hurts done to us by others. There are always enough hurts in life to go around! If a person is not vigilant and diligent, a long ledger of all the hurts done to us by others can be impressed upon one’s mind. Then, bitterness and resentment ensue, and before long, we are so consumed with hurt that we cannot see anything else. Secondly, consider the demonstration. The Old Testament patriarch Joseph demonstrated what it really means to “think no evil.” After being laughed and scorned and on the verge of being murdered, Joseph was sold into slavery. Joseph was treated more severely than most people would treat a criminal. Did Joseph have a right to become bitter from the human perspective? Just imagine your own flesh and blood doing to you what Joseph’s …

If Not Now, When? Self-Edification

Introduction When I was a very young married man, my late wife Bonnie and I along with our first child, Rebecca, moved to Memphis, Tennessee. We lived in a cottage behind a church building, in which were living a brother and a sister who had been placed into foster care. Bonnie and I were new parents ourselves, and we had become foster parents, too. It wasn’t long until a third child was introduced into the home, a 13-year-old boy; the other two children were maybe six and 11. The boys shared a room in which were bunk beds—one over top of the other. The younger boy who had already been there informed the new arrival that the bottom bunk was already occupied and that the older boy had to climb up to the top bunk. That arrangement, though, lasted only one night because the new kid was a bed-wetter! The younger boy who the day before insisted that the older boy take the top bunk now adamantly demanded that he would have the top bunk and that the bed-wetter would have the bottom bunk. However, even that sleeping arrangement was not entirely satisfactory because the bed-wetter would turn on the light in the middle of the night to take the sheets off of his bed—which disturbed the sleep of the other child. We really didn’t know what to do, but neither did we want him sleeping the balance of the night on any other furniture in the house. Sadly, we …

Is It Still a Gift?

Perhaps you heard recently about the gift Garth Brooks and his wife, Trisha Yearwood, made to a couple who attended his concert recently. During a particular song, one of the attendees proposed to his girlfriend, which attracted everyone’s attention to them, including Brooks, who stopped his performance. Brooks then announced he and his wife would pay for their honeymoon, if they would go to Hawaii. Later, representatives from Brooks contacted the couple to get their information and fulfill his promise to them. The offer was given freely to this couple, something the singer was under no obligation to provide. While the story received coverage focusing on the generosity of the singer, no one has protested the condition placed on it, that they had to go to Hawaii to receive the free honeymoon. You might argue, “Are you crazy? Who would quarrel over that? Hawaii is a wonderful place to have a honeymoon!” So, the requirement included to receive the free honeymoon is a non-issue. No one questions the motives of Garth Brooks, and no one contends that this engaged couple, by attending his concert, earned the honeymoon. Even with the stipulation of where the honeymoon was to be, it is considered a magnanimous gift. I wonder why, then, when God freely offers us the gift of eternal life through His Son, the religious world protests the condition of obedience that God places upon it. Is it not still a gift we have not earned and that we do not deserve? …

The Christian and Social Media

Do you remember the time before the flood of social media? Times may have been a bit simpler and much less cluttered. It seems that today many are glued to their computers, phones and tablets—tweeting, posting and tagging anything and everything under the sun. Social media has flooded our world! It keeps people informed, inspired and in tune to the world around them. Almost everyone is involved in social media of some type. While social media, like any other tool, is neither bad nor good in and of itself, it depends on how social media is used as to whether it is positive or negative. Let’s examine some of both good and bad of social media. Pitfalls of Social Media There are certainly many spiritual dangers to avoid when involved in social media. Gossip is a real pitfall for those involved in social media. Unfortunately, some confuse the clothesline for Facebook and “air their dirty laundry” and the laundry of others as well. Social media is somewhat of a breeding ground for things that are really none of our business. “A forward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends” (Proverbs 16:28). “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles” (Proverbs 21:23). How true are these passages especially in relation to in what some involve themselves through social media? Remember, not everything you see on your social media feeds are things to which you should respond or with which you ought to become involved (cf., Matthew 7:12). …

If Not Now, When? The Appointment of Elders and Deacons

Introduction If not now, when will congregations lay the groundwork for and progress to the appointment of elders and deacons in the Lord’s church? Every generation in every place where the church assembles, doubtlessly, Christians have faced the challenge of attaining spiritual growth. Such was the case in the first century, too. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (Hebrews 5:12-6:2 NKJV) Are Elders & Deacons Necessary? First, we need to determine from Scripture if it is necessary for congregations to have elders and deacons. If God’s Word instructs congregations of the Lord’s church to appoint elders and deacons, then it is not optional. Admittedly, the early church for a time did not have elders and deacons. The first mention in the New Testament of the presence of elders …

The Importance of Family Prayer Time

Communication is the key to the success in any human connection. In fact, communication is a basic building block in relationships between individuals. Because that is true, it should not come as a surprise that in order for families to have a strong faith, talking to God together is essential. Most families pray at the “appointed” times such as bedtimes and mealtimes. However, setting aside some special opportunities through the week to pray together can have lasting, positive eternal effects for your family. While there are many more benefits to family pray time than I can list in this article, consider the following for motivation to begin or to continue to pray together in your family. Firstly, family prayer time initiates appreciation. Part of prayer is praising and thanking God for His manifold blessings that He gives each day (Psalm 105:1-3; 138:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18; James 1:17). Sadly, we live in what has been labeled “a thankless society.” Yet, praying together causes families to stop and think about the blessings they have been given. Someone has correctly said, “He who thinks, thanks.” Interestingly, a heart filled with gratitude causes us to be happier and much more optimistic. When your family joins together in prayer, discuss some of the many blessings that God has given, noting some blessings that are extra special personally to family members. Surely, the very fact that we can pray with our families is a reason to thank God! Secondly, family prayer time inspires agreement. When a family sets …

Hospitality

The phrase “given to hospitality” (Romans 12:13) appears under the NKJV subheading of “Behaving Like a Christian.” The apostle Peter also wrote about the Christian obligation to be hospitable. “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9). One of the qualifications for becoming an elder is practicing hospitality (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8). All Christians are commanded to be hospitable, but especially elders (and their wives) must possess this attribute (along with others) to qualify for appointment as elders (complemented by their wives). “A husband who is ‘given to hospitality’ would have a difficult time entertaining guests without the cooperation of his wife. Much depends on the hospitality of the lady of the house” (Grider 902). “Hospitality is a joint effort of husband and wife, working together to make guests feel comfortable and welcome” (Bumbalough 24). Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the apostles Paul and Peter as well as the writer of Hebrews (Paul or someone else) in five verses of Scripture in the New Testament explicitly require Christians to demonstrate hospitality in their lives. The exercise of hospitality in one’s Christian life is not optional! Sadly, though, due to the busyness of modern living, especially in the western world and in any metropolitan setting globally, hospitality is seldom practiced anymore. The entire Bible is filled with examples of hospitality besides instructions in both testaments to perform it. An early notable account of hospitable treatment of others appears in Genesis 18 through the persons of Abraham and Sarah. Then the Lord appeared to him by the …

The Enduring Word

Things just don’t last! Most items we purchase today are simply disposable, and usually we dispose of them more quickly than we hoped. From children’s toys to automobiles, things do not last and endure. However, one of the great evidences that the Bible is from God is the lasting nature of it. God’s Word has gone face to face with numerous obstacles, and yet the Word of God remains! The Bible is truly the enduring Word. Consider the following. The Bible has endured time. The apostle Peter referred to the Bible as “the living and abiding Word of God” (1 Peter 1:23). God’s wonderful Book has endured century after century without fail. The original writings of Scripture were penned upon parchments, papyrus and other very fragile materials. While those materials were transient, the message was not! The Scriptures that we lovingly hold today were meticulously hand copied by Scribes for generation after generation, and yet these sacred writings remain without flaw or error. Early man was somewhat limited in his resources, but in spite of those limitations, the power of God shines through as His Word has remained intact. Of all the writings of antiquity, no other book has as much textual evidence as does the Bible. Only a few copies of Julius Caesar’s works remain, but thousands of manuscripts of the Scriptures endure. Mankind has only one or two copies of Aristotle, Plato, Tacitus and other ancient authors, and yet the Bible is extensively documented and remains a complete whole. Interestingly, we …

Remember Lot’s Wife

A few decades ago, I preached for a small congregation perched on the ridge and border between Virginia and North Carolina. I so loved those Blue Ridge Mountains. Apparently, the congregation was more interested than I was in the wall clock at the back of the auditorium. Hence, I hung a framed message just below the timepiece, which simply read, “Remember Lot’s Wife.” Years later after my family had moved away from there, the little sign remained just where I had placed it. I don’t know if it still complements the clock today. The episode regarding the flight of Lot, his wife and two of their daughters ahead of the impending divine destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is well known. It also was well known in Jesus’ day so that He simply could say, “Remember Lot’s wife” (Luke 17:32 NKJV). The next verse defines His reference to Lot’s wife thusly, “Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.” In the context, Jesus contrasted the normal things people do and the possessions they cherish with spiritual pursuits. It is not wrong necessarily to be about the ordinary affairs of life (1 Timothy 5:8) and to have even many possessions or to be wealthy. Yet, especially things and wealth are often snares to even the children of God (1 Timothy 6:7-10). There is a proper sequence and estimation of importance to spiritual interests versus one’s temporal activities and possessions (Matthew 6:33-34). Why did …

Is My Name Written There?

One the great hymns often sung for “teaching and admonishing one another” (Colossians 3:16) is a song entitled, “I Know My Name Is Written There.” This song was written by Daniel Sidney Warner, a denominational preacher in the Church of God in the late 1800’s. This song centers around the “Book of Life.” The Book of Life is a very special book that God revealed throughout the pages of inspiration. The things that God revealed about this wonderful book are comforting to those who have obeyed the Gospel and are remaining true to it. The Book of Life—Past The first mention of the Book of Life came from the pen of Moses. In fact, Moses offered to have his name erased from this book for the sake of Israel. “And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written” (Exodus 32:31-32). As noble as Moses’ intentions were, thankfully, for Moses’ sake, God does not operate in such a way. David went to the other extreme and asked God to remove the names of David’s enemies from the Book of Life. “Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous” (Psalm 69:28; cf., Isaiah 4:3; Daniel 12:1; Malachi 3:16). From various other Old Testament passages, it …

Church Buildings

The early church did not own church property and had no meetinghouses of its own apart from the homes of members and public places. The birthday of the Lord’s church in Acts 2 found the church and the other disciples in a public place, probably on the Temple grounds, whereupon about 3,000 souls were able to respond favorably to the preaching of the Gospel of Christ. The church frequented the meeting area of Solomon’s Porch thereafter (Acts 3:11; 5:12); the apostles had been there previously with Jesus Christ (John 10:23). Later, some disciples had gathered for prayers in the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark (Acts 12:12). It was also customary for followers of God to assemble in quiet places outdoors, such as among trees and near a river (Acts 16:13). The New Testament epistles show that the church often met in the homes of fellow Christians. “Likewise greet the church that is in their house…” (Romans 16:5 NKJV). “…Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house” (1 Corinthians 16:19). “Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house” (Colossians 4:15). “To the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house” (Philemon 2). Perhaps the first church building of sorts, and it was in a cave, devoted to the assembly of the church is dated about 200 years after the establishment of the Lord’s church. Archaeologists …

Looking Back

September 11 is a very special and memorable day indeed! On that day, 2,977 lives were lost, and countless other lives were forever changed by the events of “9-11” that took place on American soil 18 years ago. September 11, 2001 marked a day that will surely always be remembered. Many are made to reflect where they were on that day. Some can recall what they were doing when the air waves came alive with the horrific news that airplanes were crashing into our most awesome structures. Then and the days following, I vividly remember many desiring to turn back to God. The little congregation of which my wife and I were a part was filled the Sunday following these events. However, shortly after those days, many minds began to forget God once again, just as many had done prior to that day. Tragedy has a way of causing folks to look upward. However, as tragedy gives way to time, many begin to look everywhere but up! As I look back to the awful events of “9-11,” I see the same truths that some have forgotten. As we look back, we should always remember the following. God is the only control! Especially during times of calamity, we sometimes forget this awesome truth. No matter what happens, it is God Who is still in control of everything! Job, in answering Zophar, clearly stated the truth that in God’s hand “is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind” …

Know that We Know

The word “know” appears 32 times in 1 John (NKJV). Brock Hartwigsen observed in 1 John “that man can know 23 different things” (19). He enumerated: We can know Jesus (2:3; 5:20). We can know that we know Jesus (2:3). We can know we are in Jesus (2:5; 5:20). We can know it is the last times (2:18). We can know all things (2:20). We can know the truth (2:21). We can know that Jesus is righteous (2:29). We can know that everyone that does righteousness is born of God (2:29). We can know the when Jesus appears we shall be like him (3:2). We can know that Jesus was manifested to take away sins (3:5). We can know that we have passed from death unto life (3:14). We can know that no murderer has eternal life (3:15). We can know that we are of the truth (3:19). We can know that God dwells in us (3:24; 4:13). We can know who has the Spirit of God (4:2). We can know God (4:6). We can know  that we dwell in God (4:13). We can know when we love the children of God (5:2). We can know that we have eternal life (5:13). We can know that God hears us (5:15). We can know that God will answer our prayers (5:15). We can know that we are of God (5:19). We can know that Jesus has come (5:20). Two different Greek words are translated as “know” in 1 John—ginosko and oida. “The differences …

In the Lord’s Army

The church of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is not for the faint of heart. Religion, especially in today’s world, is viewed as a passive way of life. However, God’s Book, the Bible, paints a far different picture of what Christians are to be. One of my favorite analogies that God uses for His people is the parallel to a soldier. Throughout the New Testament Scriptures, God placed serious emphasis on the militancy of His church. Someone has correctly said that the only thing necessary for evil to flourish is for good men to do nothing. Surely, that is why God placed such emphasis on His people to be militant and not passive. Therefore, each Christian is enrolled in the Lord’s army and, as such, has certain responsibilities. Let us scripturally consider some of the responsibilities that each Christian has in the Lord’s army. Firstly, the Lord’s Army is a choice. Nearing the end of his life, Joshua spoke of the individual choice in serving God, “…choose you this day whom ye will serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). Jesus closed the Revelation with emphasizing this choice, “…And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17b). In the Lord’s army, there is no “drafting.” There are no soldiers in the Lord’s army who are there by accident! It is a personal, conscious choice to enlist in the Lord’s army. While God would prefer all men to enlist, each person has a …

Demons

Introduction Aside from historical and contemporary fascination with demons, demons are also a biblical topic. However, much of what worldly people believe concerning demons has no basis in either factual evidence or biblical reference. “The problem for the modern world, then, is not demon possession but demon obsession!” (Mosher, “Demons (1)” 4). The English words “demon” and “demons” appear 88 times in the NKJV, including four times in the Old Testament (Leviticus 17:7; Deuteronomy 32:17; 2 Chronicles 11:15; Psalm 106:37). Deuteronomy 32:17 and Psalm 106:37 refer to a ‘malignant demon.’ The other two citations derive from another Hebrew word and mean “shaggy,” particularly a “he-goat.” Therefore, 55 times that Hebrew word appears, owing to the definition and contexts, it refers to goats, and twice it is translated as “satyr.” Also due to the contexts of Leviticus 17:7 and  2 Chronicles 11:15, what elsewhere refers to goats is translated as “demons” in those instances. Demons Existed “Daemon” translated “demon” appears 13 times in the New Testament. “Daimon” appears only in Matthew 8:31, meaning a “demon” or “an evil spirit.” “Daimonion” appears in the New Testament 63 times and is translated as “demon.” The verb “diamonizomai” means possessed by a demon and occurs 13 times. The adjective “diamoniodes” means demonic, used only in James 3:15. “The existence of demons is taken for granted in the gospel accounts and nothing is said concerning their origin” (Gulledge 5). “Even the enemies of Jesus admitted the fact of His casting out demons, though they wrongly …

Sins of the Tongue

You can change your world, by changing your words! The words we speak are so very powerful. Sadly, Christians can use the tongue to their own and to others’ eternal harm. The warnings God sets forth in Scripture regarding the tongue are many. “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18 ESV). “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble” (Proverbs 21:23). “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit” (1 Peter 3:10). For further study, consider Proverbs 18:21; 20:19; 26:20; James 3. A seemingly faithful child of God can become unfaithful very quickly by the misuse of the tongue. As God’s children, what are some of the sins we must be vigilant not to do? While the following will certainly not be exhaustive, we shall seek to address some of the more common sins of the tongue. Gossip Someone has correctly called gossip the reputation assassin. Often gossip is thought of as sharing something untrue about another. In fact, this author has personally heard Christians attempt to defend gossip by saying that what they repeated was true. However, the biblical idea of gossip is not just repeating false things about another, but it can entail repeating true things as well. “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter” (Proverbs 11:13). “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love: …

Placing Membership

Some accommodative language doesn’t appear in Scripture despite corresponding to biblical topics. For instance, though the word “trinity” doesn’t appear in the Bible, what it represents is certainly taught in the Holy Writ—God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:32-33; 1 Peter 1:2). The phrase “youth ministry” isn’t in the Bible either, but many passages in both testaments address youth (Deuteronomy 6:2, 5-9; 1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 2:22; Ephesians 6:4)—their responsibilities and especially parental responsibilities toward them. “Placing membership” is another phrase that simply is absent from the pages of inspiration. Yet, it is apparent that each Christian has an obligation to a local congregation, as we will see. Someone converted by the Gospel might be assumed to be a new member of a local congregation of the Lord’s church with which he or she has had contact leading up to his or her baptism. However, such an assumption or even knowledge of a member of the church moving into a community is not automatically acknowledged by either the individual or the local church. It seems that some members of the church desire to get lost in the crowd and conceal themselves in anonymity when relocating to a new area of the country. Perhaps they want to be amenable to no eldership. They may consider themselves members at large—whatever that may be—but it is not a biblically defensible position. Maybe this sort of Christian does not want to shoulder any responsibility that …

In the Lord’s Army

The church of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is not for the faint of heart. Religion, especially in today’s world, is viewed as a passive way of life. However, God’s Book, the Bible, paints a far different picture of what Christians are to be. One of my favorite analogies that God uses for His people is the parallel to a soldier. Throughout the New Testament Scriptures, God placed serious emphasis on the militancy of His church. Someone has correctly said that the only thing necessary for evil to flourish is for good men to do nothing. Surely, that is why God placed such emphasis on His people to be militant and not passive. Therefore, each Christian is enrolled in the Lord’s army and, as such, has certain responsibilities. Let us scripturally consider some of the responsibilities that each Christian has in the Lord’s army. Firstly, the Lord’s Army is a choice. Nearing the end of his life, Joshua spoke of the individual choice in serving God, “…choose you this day whom ye will serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). Jesus closed the Revelation with emphasizing this choice, “…And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17b). In the Lord’s army, there is no “drafting.” There are no soldiers in the Lord’s army that are there by accident! It is a personal, conscious choice to enlist in the Lord’s army. While God would prefer all men to enlist, each person has a …

Claptrap

Synonyms for “claptrap” are “nonsense,” “humbug,” “drivel,” “hogwash” and “twaddle.” “Clap” means to strike two things together to produce a percussion noise, such as with one’s hands to applaud or to produce applause. There is neither biblical precedent nor authority for clapping or applause in Christian worship. Clapping or applause in Christian worship is a trap into which even many Christians and congregations become snared in their efforts to be modern and contemporary. Hence, regarding the assembly of the saints, clapping is essentially claptrap, nonsense, humbug, drivel, hogwash and twaddle. Clapping or applause belongs in secular settings whereby an audience commends performers for their performances, rather than in a holy, solemn, religious assembly for worship. Likewise, applauding baptisms adds secularity to the most important decision that any soul can make, hardly fitting for the occasion. It is regrettable that some have introduced clapping into our Bible classes and assembled hour of worship. Such removes the dignity and solemnity of the occasion. Such is surely not pleasing to God or to the serious worshipper. Paul discusses conduct when the whole church is assembled (1 Cor. 14:23ff). “Let all things be done decently and in order” caps the discussion (v. 40). (Taylor 22) Handclapping is often associated with other innovations into the assemblies of the churches of Christ, including children’s church, house churches, contemporary services, praise teams, testimonials, instrumental music, multiple simultaneous worship activities, dimming lights, lifting hands, solos, choirs, claims that all of life is worship, women assuming public worship roles, …

Relationships in the Church

The church of the New Testament is made up of relationships. One of the greatest joys of the Christian life is to have eternal relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ (Philippians 1:3). While these relationships are but a foretaste of Heaven itself, sometimes these relationships are not what they should be scripturally. Often, differing personalities are the root cause of problem relationships in the church. How should our relationships be as “fellow heirs” and “partakers of his promise” (Ephesians 3:6)? The Holy Spirit did not leave us to guess how we are to treat one another in the church. Firstly, consider inspiration’s instructions on the matter. God was not silent about how our relationships should be in His family. In fact, the New Testament is inundated with “one another” passages. “Be at peace with one another” (Mark 9:50), “don’t grumble among one another” (John 6:43), “be like-minded one toward another” (Romans 15:5), don’t bite, devour, and consume one another (Galatians 5:15), be kind, tenderhearted, and forgive one another (Ephesians 4:32), “love one another” (John 13:34; 15:12, Romans 13:8). One cannot study the New Testament with an honest heart and miss the fact that inspiration’s instructions are clear about our treatment of one another. Healthy relationships in God’s family are propagated when each member is sincerely concerned about one another! Secondly, consider the divine demonstration on the matter. There is no better example on healthy relationships than that of our Master, Jesus Christ! It was written of Jesus, “…having loved his own which …

Youth Ministry

Turn in your Bible to any passage of Scripture that mentions the “Trinity.” Are you there yet? I’ll wait, but how long must I wait? Have you turned to even one verse of Scripture that uses the word “Trinity”? Why not? Don’t you know your Bible? Where in the Bible can you find the word “Trinity”? If you do know your Bible, you are aware that the word “Trinity” does not appear anywhere in Scripture. Yet, the Bible does teach about what we refer to as the Trinity—three persons in one Godhead. There are numerous verses of Scripture that refer to one, two or three persons of the Godhead or Trinity (Matthew 1:18). Concisely, some passages mention all three persons of the Trinity together at once (Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19; Acts 2:33; 10:36-38). Our word “Trinity” and the biblical word “Godhead” are equivalent (Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9; Acts 17:29 KJV). So, though the word “Trinity” does not appear in the Bible, nevertheless, the Bible teaches about the Trinity. Likewise, the phrase “Youth Ministry” does not appear in the Bible. However, the Bible does teach about what we call “Youth Ministry,” using other words. Youth Ministry Begins in the Home Children debut in the home—years before there is any prospect of their church membership. Furthermore, the home has the primary responsibility for attending to the needs of its children—all physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs. Any responsibility that the Lord’s church may have regarding children of its members is secondary and occurs later than the introduction of children into their families. Children …

The Great Invitation

“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden…” (Matthew 11:28a). This is without doubt the greatest invitation that has ever been given! Of course, the One Who gave this invitation really desired and desires that everyone will accept it. “For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16). Most everyone would like to enjoy what this invitation brings—rest, forgiveness, joy, peace, love and among other wonderful blessings, an eternal home in Heaven when life as we know it is over. While it is true that we can never earn this invitation (it is freely given), each one must accept the invitation on God’s terms. Sadly, not everyone has the spiritual ambition to accept our Lord’s invitation. What is involved in accepting this Great Invitation? Firstly, there must be an awareness. In order to accept Christ’s invitation, one must be aware of his or her condition. If one is not aware that he “labors” and is “heavy laden” without acceptance of this invitation, then why would anyone “come”? On another occasion, Jesus put it this way, “…if any man thirst…” (John 7:37b). If one does not know he is thirsty, why would he seek water? Sadly, many folks are walking around “spiritually dehydrated” and never even know it! On still another occasion, Jesus said, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst…” (Matthew 5:6a). Until we are aware that without Christ our spiritual bellies are “growling,” we can never accept the Great Invitation! Secondly, there must be an apprehension. Simply stated, …

The Importance of the Printed Page

Various Forms ofCommunication (Media) Today, there are many avenues of communication or streams of media. The word “communication” refers to the transfer of information, and certainly regarding the Gospel, that ought to be our objective as Christians, members of the Lord’s church, teachers, preachers and missionaries. The word “media” owes its origin to the field of advertising about 70 years ago; “media” refers to the process of expression. In a sense, we Christians have a product to advertise—the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel is the best product and beyond comparison to anything else one could promote on earth. Especially when one thinks of mass media, several methods come to mind where numerous people have to them advertised the Gospel of our Lord, to whom are communicated the Word of God. There is teaching or preaching where particularly for the latter several persons comprise an audience. Mass evangelism may resort to the media of radio, television, the printed page, the Internet and magnetically recorded as well as digital audio or visual messages. Typically, one presumes that the communication method or media portal that he uses is superior to all others. I once heard a televangelist among us boldly proclaim to a packed auditorium that only TV was worth the investment of the Lord’s money to reach the world’s population and that no other form of media deserved notice or use by the Lord’s church. Such an arrogant attitude is wrong on so many levels! I have had radio programs, and I have participated in television programs stateside and abroad. However, my niche is in writing or use of the printed …

A God Who Never Sleeps!

A song that is found in many of our different hymn books has a line that goes something like this, “There’s an all-seeing eye watching you, everyday mind the course you pursue.” The ever-present eye of God is an irrefutable fact. The Psalmist rhetorically asked, “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?” (Psalm 139:7). “He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:3b-4). While God’s omniscience and omnipresence are known facts, sometimes we may forget these attributes of God, especially when we find ourselves in difficult times. The prophet Habakkuk seemed to have forgotten about the awesome fact that God is everywhere all the time, and His power never wanes, nor does He sleep! Habakkuk felt as though God was not hearing his pleas and may have even forgotten about the heinous sins that Judah was committing (Habakkuk 1:2-4). In this interesting dialogue between the prophet and God, God reminded Habakkuk that although it may seem that He was not active, such is never the case! God answered Habakkuk (1:5-11) and powerfully reminded him that He sees all, knows all and will vindicate the righteous and bring vengeance upon the unrighteous. Just exactly Who is this God Who never sleeps? He is amazing. “Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you” (Habakkuk 1:5). Mankind simply …

Spray Paint!

The fundamental meaning of “modest” (1 Timothy 2:9) is to be “orderly” or “decorous.” Yes, then, modesty includes both being insufficiently dressed as well as being overdressed. The meaning is broad enough to include deportment—actions and words. Regarding modesty as it pertains to clothing, clothing was originally implemented for two purposes—to conceal the human form and to protect one from the elements (Genesis 3:7, 21). God exchanged Adam and Eve’s fig-leaf aprons with animal skins. Such tunics, irrespective of the material from which they were made, usually extended from the shoulders to the ankles. God determined in the Garden of Eden what constitutes modest dress—for both men and for women. Often these days, however, clothing neither conceals the human form nor protects one from the weather. When the human form is not concealed—too much skin is exposed, or clothes are essentially painted on one’s body—what passes for clothing is counterproductive to the original purpose of clothing, and it is immodest. First Corinthians 12:23 presumes that especially the children of God will modestly cover their “unpresentable parts.” For decades, clothing worn in public by the masses—and even by Christians, also—has been too revealing to correspond with biblical modesty. Tight-fitting clothes, low-cut blouses, short skirts and shorts, sundresses, spaghetti straps, off the shoulder shirts, bikinis, crop tops, low-rise pants, ripped or distressed jeans, and so forth are not biblically modest. No one ought to wear such things in public, and especially Christians should never be characterized by such immodesty. Even more widely today, much of the clothing selected by the masses, and unfortunately …

Anger, The Devil’s Playground!

We live in an angry world! Far too many people spend their time being angry and irritated about things over which they often have no control. Although being angry is not a sin (in fact Paul reminded, “Be ye angry, and sin not…” Ephesians 4:26a KJV), anger is a dangerous playground of the devil, especially for those seeking to follow Christ. Anger that spirals outside of its healthy limits can destroy and hurt the child of God. There are essentially three serious dangers regarding uncontrolled anger with which each Christian must be familiar and work diligently to avoid and overcome. The first dangerous level of uncontrolled anger is bitterness. Every human being has had situations in his or her life, which if left unchecked, can result in bitterness. Often, anger causes us to play the “victim” of our circumstances and our pasts, which becomes a breeding ground for bitterness. Bitterness usually stems from things that happened to us which are unfair. A very difficult lesson to learn is that life is filled with unfair situations! For example, it is not fair for a parent to have to bury his child. It is not fair for a person to be diagnosed with cancer, especially a young person. It is not fair for a little baby to be abandoned and abused. However, even when unfair circumstances come our way, it behooves us to deal with them properly in order to not allow anger to take root and permit bitterness to grow. We have …

Making It Real

My God is real and ever-present with me—always and everywhere (Psalm 139:3, 7-10; Jeremiah 23:23-24). Yes, I pray upon rising in the morning (Psalm 88:13), for each of three meals daily (Matthew 6:10) and before I retire for the evening (Psalm 55:17). I pray at other times, too (Matthew 6:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:17), such as for my sins (Luke 11:4)—known and unknown (1 John 1:7-10). My prayers are thankful (1 Timothy 4:3-5), and they often include requests of special blessings for others (Colossians 1:3). Through prayer, I (merely an animated lump of clay, Isaiah 64:8) glorify God as my Creator (Isaiah 40:28). I know that He is aware of me (Matthew 10:29-31), and I am aware of Him day and night every day. Of course, like all other mortals, I falter and fail (Romans 3:10, 23) from time to time, especially if God’s presence in my life is somewhat dimmed through worldly distractions or when my emotions are heatedly aroused over some incident. I try to minimize interferences that would obscure my vision of God at my side (or me at His side, actually). I endeavor to corral my passions that essentially would knock God out of the way by some outburst—if He could be moved by such a one as I am. Awake and even in slumber, I remember my God, for He is real in my life. I struggle (Romans 7:19-25) onward to embody His righteousness (2 Timothy 2:22), not looking backward to sinful ways for which I have …

A Lost Generation

Whereas the Book of Joshua is about triumph, the Book of Judges is about failure. Joshua was such a powerful figure with an immense amount of influence that he was able to stabilize God’s people for two successive generations. “So the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the Lord which He had done for Israel” (Judges 2:7 NKJV). However, the very next generation fell away from God into indisputable apostasy. When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel. Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served the Baals; and they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; and they followed other gods from among the gods of the people who were all around them, and they bowed down to them; and they provoked the Lord to anger. They forsook the Lord and served Baal and the Ashtoreths. (Judges 2:10-13) What happened? Several factors combined led to the downfall of the people of God. Now this is the commandment, and these are the statutes and judgments which the Lord your God has commanded to teach you, that you may observe them in the land which you are crossing over to possess, that you may fear the Lord your …

Where Was God When Stephen Needed Him?

Can you imagine yourself in Stephen’s situation? From among the thousands of Christians in the city, the Christians in Jerusalem had chosen him and six other men to serve in a very special way (Acts 6:1-6). The apostles themselves had appointed him to his new work as one of the deacons. Along with the other six men, it was his responsibility to supply food to poor widows every day; and he had to be careful to do it in a way that was fair for all of them. His faithfulness in this work helped lighten the load of responsibilities that the apostles were carrying. It helped them give their full attention to teaching and preaching the Word of God. As a result, many more people were led to Christ (Acts 6:7). Now, the enemies of the truth were throwing stones at Stephen (Acts 7:57-59). The pain was terrible, and death was near. He had served God well in relieving the suffering of other people, but God did not choose to spare Stephen from suffering and death at the hands of these wicked men. It is reported that an atheist once asked a Christian, “If there is a God, why didn’t He help Stephen when his enemies stoned him to death?” The Christian replied, “God did help Stephen—by giving him the grace to pray for his murderers.” The Lord does not promise to totally protect Christians from all problems and pains on earth. Sometimes, He does remove the trouble, and yet, …

Why Study the Psalms?

The Book of Psalms is a divine, therapeutic resource that, if studied diligently, will bring the reader closer to the heart of God. The Psalms are truly a wonderful treasure! The Puritans would sing the Psalms as they made the treacherous sea journey from religious tyranny to freedom. Charles Spurgeon, in his masterful work, The Treasury of David, clearly communicated the value of the Psalms when he penned, “The delightful study of the Psalms has yielded me boundless profit and ever-growing pleasure” (preface). “When I approach the Psalms, I feel the impulse to say, ‘Take off your shoes for you are standing on holy ground’” (Yates ix). Studying the Psalms is a valuable study for Christians today. Firstly, the Psalms are filled with power. Life is difficult at best! As such, we often need a word of hope and encouragement. The Psalms are filled with this divine power. How many times has Psalm 23 been read and meditated upon during life’s losses? Countless funerals and hospitals have been inundated with this encouraging Psalm. In addition, Psalm 91 has often been referred to as the 9-1-1 call directly to the throne room of the Almighty. Psalm 121 reminds its readers of the dependability of God and that He constantly cares for us. These are but a “drop in the bucket” of all the Psalms that display this power to help in times of hardship. For further study, see Psalms 27, 37, 46, 51, 119, 139, et al. The Psalms are filled with power! …

Contradictory Christianity

Many Christians today profess belief in God and an allegiance to His revealed will—the Bible, but their conduct contradicts their profession. The Bible is not only a dead letter to those who disregard it and consequently disallow it an influence in their lives. The Bible essentially is equally a dead letter to even Christians who disregard it and disallow it a meaningful influence in their lives. Jesus Christ noted during His ministry some who thought of themselves as His disciples and as children of God, who nevertheless, did not substantiate their discipleship through compliance or obedience of divine directives. “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46 NKJV). Contrariwise, Jesus said, “…blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28). Likewise, James penned: But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:22-25) The apostle John continued the discussion about the correlation between one’s profession and obeying divine instruction. Now by this we know that we know Him, if …

The Difficult Art of Listening

Are you a good listener? Listening is a true learned discipline that many of us would have to admit we are still working on. I want to be a better listener! I want to truly learn this wonderful discipline, to really be able to help people and myself better. Listening well is more difficult than it may seem, whether in a counseling situation or in a conversation. You likely think you are better at it than you really are. If we can master its art, it becomes our most effective tool in solving problems, changing attitudes and motivating others! It is often so difficult to really listen to another person’s feelings, hurts, disappointments, joys or concerns. Why? Usually, we are busy thinking of what we will say or how we will react to the other person’s statement or question. The Good Book clearly states, “…let every man be swift to hear…” (James 1:19b). What are some practical ways I can be a better listener? How can I be “swift to hear”? Firstly, focus your attention. If we are not focused on the conversation at hand, we can never be good listeners. We are often far too focused on our reaction, our answer or our feelings that we are distracted on what another is really saying. Learn to repeat back exactly what the other person has stated to make certain that you heard him or her correctly. Phrases like, “So are you saying” or “Did I understand you correctly?” will really help with your …

Alternate Reality

Wikipedia says, “The phrase alternate reality often serves as a synonym for a parallel universe” (“Alternate reality”). “A parallel universe is a hypothetical self-contained reality co-existing with one’s own” (Wikipedia, “Parallel Universe”). Some cosmologists and physicists imagine the existence of one or more parallel universes alongside of the physical universe in which we live. From science fiction to science fact, there is a concept that suggests that there could be other universes besides our own, where all the choices you made in this life played out in alternate realities. The concept is known as a “parallel universe,” and is a facet of the astronomical theory of the multiverse. The idea is pervasive in comic books, video games, television and movies. (Space.com) Neuroscientists observe in patients with mental disorders their imaginary worlds, which often intersect imperceptibly with the real world. Furthermore, “Neuroscience shows us that we all create our own concept of reality” (Jacobs). In addition, there are many people, today, who appear to be in their own little worlds or self-made universes, which are running parallel or even on a collision path with reality. Not surprisingly, anecdotal evidence especially notes young people, who have immersed themselves totally in video games, are increasingly unable to distinguish between a fantasy world and the real world. Also, children who have been overly sheltered or showered with an overabundance of material gifts fail to mature properly—leading them to experience a sort of alternate reality and not preparing them for the real world. All of these …

Why Congregations Do Not Grow

Healthy things grow! When a tree is planted, growth is expected. When a small fawn is born, growth begins almost immediately. The same is true of God’s people. Healthy congregations grow! However, some congregations of the Lord’s church are not growing; in fact, some are “dying on the vine.” Why do some congregation grow while others do not? When an entity is supposed to grow and does not, it behooves us to ask, “Why?” By understanding the reason(s) for non-growth, we can more easily make the proper adjustments and prescribe the cure. Below are three possible “growth limiting obstacles.” Firstly, blurred mission is an obstacle to growth. Sadly, some congregations have forgotten that God’s plan for His people is to tell the “old story” to those we meet! We often sing about “sending the light,” but far too often some congregations are busy with everything except sending the light. We make sure the youth group is pampered and entertained, the older folks are enjoying the activities with which they are afforded and the young married couples enjoy each other’s “Red Lobster” night. Yet, we forget the main objective for Christ’s church. While I am certainly not against wholesome fun and fellowship of fellow Christians, that is not the main objective for Christ’s kingdom. I once heard a brother in Christ say that we must adapt to “compete with denominations.” Dear friends, we have never been nor will we ever be in competition with denominations! Ours is a spiritually defined, divine mission (Matthew28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; …

Out of the Closet

We live in a time when homosexuality and every other vile sin has come out of the proverbial closet. Not only so, but homosexuality, pornography, murder, abortion, fornication, adultery and such like adamantly demand that Christianity get into the closet—hide there and shut up! Notably, history has a way of repeating itself, and not usually in a morally good way. The first-century, Bible world was steeped in all manner of sin and debauchery. Then, like today, Christians faced the daily challenge to eschew evil and to pursue righteousness. “Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it” (1 Peter 3:11 NKJV). For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. …Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:17-21) Despite the spiritual pitfalls of all sorts that had engulfed the world by the time Christianity dawned, men and women obeyed the Gospel of Christ and came out of every kind of despicable sin to become the children of God. Do you not know that the unrighteous will …

Blessed Is He that Readeth

“The studious perusal of the Sacred Volume will make better citizens, better fathers, and better husbands” is a quote that has been attributed to Thomas Jefferson. That quote has come under attack by some as something someone heard him say, but not a direct quote of the former President. Whether Jefferson said it or not does not take away from the truth of the quote. Reading, studying and applying the Bible will always make mankind better! In giving the Revelation, Jesus reminded, “Blessed is he that readeth…” (Revelation 1:3). While Bible reading is often encouraged among religious folks, many times newcomers to the Bible have no idea where to start or how to start. May I offer some suggestions in the reading of your Bible? Firstly, read regularly. To become a proficient Bible reader, one must make the necessary time to read. God’s Word is our spiritual food (1 Peter 2:2; Matthew 4:4; Job 23:12) that nourishes our thoughts, deeds and way of life. If we do not eat the proper food physically, our bodies suffer, and if we do not eat the proper food spiritually, our spirituality suffers. D.L. Moody was once told by a man that he just did not have time to read the Bible every day. Mr. Moody replied, “My friend, if you are too busy to read the Bible every day, then you are busier than Almighty God ever intended any human to be, and you had better let some things go, and make the time!” …

Please, Baptize Me!

Without the companions of conviction and conversion, true redemption or salvation remains elusive. Firm conviction and authentic conversion will lead a person to obey the Gospel even when it may be inconvenient or dangerous to do so. Zealous disciples of Jesus Christ left something on purpose—a worldly lifestyle, a family religion, maybe even family or possibly a vocation. “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37-38 NKJV). The apostles left even honorable occupations (e.g., fishing) to more effectively devote themselves to fulltime service in the ministry of our Lord. What the apostle Paul suffered illustrates the extent to which conviction and conversion can manifest itself in unmitigated Christian zeal. “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:7-8). Much earlier, the apostle Peter contemplated the sacrifice that he and the other apostles were experiencing in the face of conviction regarding and conversion to the Christ. Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I …

Holy Ground

When God enlisted Moses to free God’s people from Egypt, He appeared to Moses in a bush, though engulfed in an inferno, which was not consumed (Exodus 3:1-4). As Moses approached this awesome scene, God warned Moses of the sacredness whereon he stood. “Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground” (Exodus 3:5; cf. Acts 7:33). Years later, the Captain of the Lord’s Host (pre-incarnate Jesus) appeared to Joshua with the same message. “Loose thy shoe from off thy foot: for the place whereon thou standest is holy” (Joshua 5:15). These two awesome occasions remind readers that the real estate where God is present is sacred, sanctified and holy beyond man’s inventions. Today, there is no physical real estate that is holy. There is no longer any such thing as a holy building or a holy hill. Even the buildings in which we often worship are not “sacred.” The question is then, “Is there any sacred real estate today?” While there is no sacred real estate in the physical sense, the sacred real estate whereon we must tread lightly is the Word of God. Because God gave us the Bible, we must approach it as sacred and holy. We must never open its pages with a flippant attitude, for when we study Inspiration, we are “standing on holy ground”! Consider the following. Firstly, note the statements. The statements God’s Word makes for itself show that it is indeed …

Scofflaw

A scofflaw is “a contemptuous law violator” (Merriam-Webster) or “1. a person who flouts the law, especially one who fails to pay fines owed. 2. a person who flouts rules, conventions, or accepted practices” (Dictionary.com). There’s a lot of that going around these days. It seems that almost no one obeys the rules or respects the laws of the land. On every hand, multiple people simultaneously openly violate laws, their only remorse, if any at all, merely being that they were caught and penalized. The volatile, reckless Israelite history about which one reads in Judges 21:25 appears to be the general attitude shared by contemporary people. “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (NKJV). There is hardly a roadway anywhere where a driver obeying the speed limit isn’t at least passed by a hoard of traffic zipping along with excessive and unlawful haste. Several speeders, though, bully other drivers by tailgating, blowing horns, flashing headlights, shouting obscenities, making offensive gestures or sometimes simply by forcing their way through with a crash-and-burn mentality (get out of my way now or else because I don’t care whether either of us lives or dies!). Often, drivers of vehicles overtaking other cars on Interstate highways are fully involved in their cell phones—texting or pushing digital buttons—combining speed and inattentiveness. Other driving violations are too numerous to enumerate all of them (e.g., running red lights and stop signs, parking in fire zones, etc.), but suffice …

With the Spirit and with the Understanding Also

Christianity is a singing religion! God’s people sing. In fact, singing is a commanded act of worship (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). However, for the faithful child of God, singing goes far beyond the command. One of the great ways in which private and public worship is given to the Almighty is by raising our songs of praise. The faithful live by the wisdom of James. “…Is any merry? Let him sing psalms” (James 5:13b). The apostle Paul, by inspiration’s pen, declared that our singing must be done “with the spirit and with the understanding also” (1 Corinthians 14:15). While most Christians understand the need and the requirement for vocal singing as per the New Testament pattern, this author is fearful that the spirit and the understanding part of that pattern often is not considered. What did God mean when He demanded that our singing was to be done with spirit and with understanding? Firstly, “spirit and understanding” include concentration. In the immediate context of 1 Corinthians 14, Paul was dealing with people who were zealous for certain things (i.e., miracles), but they were not interested in the spiritual edification of others (cf., 1 Corinthians 14:12). The entire reason for the miraculous gifts at Corinth was so that understanding and enlightenment could come to all, not just to those who were using the gifts. Although the miraculous has ceased today, the principle is still the same. One result of vocal singing is to edify (build up spiritually) the worshippers (1 Corinthians 14:16). …

From Loincloths and Back Again

Among other things (i.e., introducing sin into the world among humanity, Genesis 3:6; Romans 5:12), Adam and Eve initiated the very first clothing line. “Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings” (Genesis 3:7 NKJV). In place of “coverings,” some translations render the original language word in this place as “aprons” (KJV, ASV, RSV) or “loincloths” (ESV). Hebrew lexicons concur with the context here that Adam and Eve fashioned for themselves loincloths. The first pair’s loincloths barely qualified as clothing, hanging from the waist and merely concealing their genitals. Nevertheless, aware of their nakedness, Adam and Eve endeavored to clothe themselves, howbeit, crudely. Their efforts, though, were unsatisfactory to God, Who became the first fashion critic. Therefore, He replaced their loincloths with a more expansive covering. “Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics [“coats” KJV, ASV] of skin, and clothed them” (Genesis 3:21 NKJV). God introduced the first fur or leather clothing line, and the first intimation of the death of animals resulted from human sin in the persons of Adam and Eve. Unlike loincloths that hung from their waists, the “tunics” or “coats” hung from the first pair’s shoulders. The “tunics” or “coats” were robes or long, shirt-like garments extending at least to one’s knees and possibly to the ankles. God did not consider the fig-leaf loincloths as sufficiently modest or an orderly arranged covering to conceal one’s nakedness. God has not changed His …

Thus Saith the Lord

Churches of Christ (not a “brand name” but a designation) have long been known for having Bible authority for all we teach and practice. Of course, this concept originated with God, not the church (Colossians 3:16-17). In fact, no true doctrine ever originates with the church, but rather the church becomes and remains the true church as it upholds and supports biblical teaching (1 Timothy 3:15). If we fail to uphold and hold fast to “sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1), then we cease to be the Lord’s church (Hebrews 3:6)! Just claiming to be the Lord’s does not make it so (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46). Often when we speak of the preceding passages, we refer to those in the denominational world. While it is true that these passages would apply to denominations, it certainly has application to us! When Jesus spoke these words and the inspired penman recorded them, denominations were not yet in existence. Therefore, to whom originally were these passages directed? They were directed to disciples and followers of Jesus—those who would become the church. Brethren, we need to make personal application here. Just because we claim allegiance to Christ does not make it so. Our teaching and practice must be the same as that of the apostles and of Christ (Acts 2:42). We must make certain we have Bible authority for what we teach and practice. Do we? What about doctrinally? It is quite heart-breaking to see the doctrinal differences among those claiming to be the New Testament church. From music, the qualifications …

Why Have You Forsaken Me?

Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34 recorded one of Jesus’ statements on the cross not long before He died. The account in the Gospel According to Mark reads, “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’ which is translated, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’” (NKJV). These words are a quotation of Psalm 22:1, where we find, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning?” David’s Psalm 22 is noted for being Messianic and prophetic about the sufferings of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Through all the adversity described therein, nevertheless, an unfailing confidence in Almighty God concludes Psalm 22. The questions arise, “Why did Jesus on the cross utter, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’”; “What did Jesus’ statement mean?” and “In what sense did God the Father ‘forsake’ Christ on the cross?” Scripture does not answer these questions for us specifically. Hence, commentators are perplexed and provide varying explanations. Like some similarly difficult biblical passages, it is easier to declare what the passage does not mean than it is to confidently affirm what it does mean. As such, for instance, the notion is rejected that the divine side of our Lord separated from the human side, leaving only the abandoned, suffering and confused human on the cross. Instead, following are some of the best observations from commentators that offer plausible and …

The Winter of the Heart

With the excitement of the season’s first falling snow behind us here in the north, comes the potential doldrums of the freezing, blowing winds and piles of cold snow. This time of year creates a feeling of cabin fever for many. A feeling of sadness and boredom is created as one waits for the weather to become less abrasive and more bearable. So too, this feeling can also be felt in a Christian’s walk with God. No matter what we are feeling, God is there, and He is real. It is not hard to feel closeness to God when things in our lives are going smoothly. When the bills are being met, our loved ones are healthy, we are surrounded by friends, we feel we are wanted and needed by others, and we have happiness, God feels real and near. Albeit, life is not always so pleasant. A real test of faith is when one is feeling distraught, empty of joy and full of pain, but he continues to walk with the Almighty. When prayers seem to go no higher than the ceiling and no answers are in reach, yet one continues to give God glory and honor, this is the true test of faith! Perhaps you are dealing with a difficult struggle in life and are feeling this winter of the heart. Don’t give up! You are not the only one who has felt this way. God referred to David as “a man after My own heart,” and still …

Monkeying Around

The statement, “Some of my ancestors may have hung by the neck, but didn’t any of them swing by the tail,” is attributed to William Jennings Bryan. Of course, Mr. Bryan made that affirmation in direct opposition to the popular theory of macroevolution. “Macroevolution” pertains to purportedly large, complex changes that supposedly resulted in the formation of species. Contrariwise, “microevolution” relates to minor changes within a species, and it is an established, observable fact. For instance, breeding animals or plants results in variations but no new species. Likewise, trait variations in human offspring manifest themselves in different body sizes and shapes, a variety of graduated skin tones, dissimilar heads of hair, etc.—all within the scope of microevolution. Commonly, macroevolution is abbreviated to simply, “evolution.” Rather than being a proven, scientific fact, macroevolution is only a theory for a number of reasons. First, macroevolution is not observable, and it cannot be demonstrated even under laboratory circumstances. Yet, science refers to a body of knowledge ascertained by observation and experimentation. Second, macroevolution opposes proven, scientific facts (e.g., life does not spring forth from non-life; life forms do not change from one species to another species—cats don’t turn into dogs, and dogs don’t turn into cats). Third, macroevolution cannot explain the origin of either matter or energy, much less show that lifeforms change into different species. Fourth, the fossil record does not show even one of the millions of so-called missing links, which macroevolutionary theory implies would be necessary for the development of and for the diverse species that exist or have existed. …

It Is All about Him!

We live during an age known as the “entitlement age.” In other words, mankind feels as though he is entitled to certain blessings regardless of whether he works for them or not. For example, many believe they are entitled to have food, whether they work for it or not. These same ones often feel as though they are entitled to someone giving them shelter, even if they are lazy and unwilling to fulfill certain requirements. In fact, “I deserve that” is a phrase that is often heard or at least portrayed by some. This mentality has entered into the arena of worship as well. Sadly, many believe that worship is about them and what they like or do not like. Ironically, even some leaders in the church have become more concerned with offending someone than offending God. This is clearly seen in leaders catering to the whims of people instead of appealing to the Word of God. While it should never be our intent to purposefully offend others, we must first be concerned with what God desires. Worship is not about us, it is all about God! Worship is not about my personal comfort or what I prefer or do not prefer. The question we must answer is, “Why should we worship?” Why do we worship the Creator and Sustainer of Heaven and Earth? Why is it all about Him and not about me? Firstly, it is about God because God is consecrated! The idea of “consecration” from the biblical perspective refers to holiness and purity. God is holy; it …

The Family Tree that Matters Most

Years ago and for several years on and off, my late wife Bonnie and I researched our respective family trees. We relied on a number of resources, including extended family records and interviews of family members as well as electronic databases. Subsequently, we even visited some sites where our forefathers had lived decades previously. We amassed a mountain of information, copies of records and antique photographs. Everything was neatly tied together in a comprehensive computer software program or mounted on all of the available wall space in one room of our home. Bonnie and I traced our respective families back several generations. I was able to follow my ancestry hundreds of years backward and even discover distant family members of yesteryear in Europe. We uncovered marriages, births, religious faiths, occupations, travels across the United States, government service, deaths, achievements and criminal records. Some of it was very interesting while other bits of information were disappointing. There were some proverbial skeletons, too. The missteps of some of our ancestors and the misadventures of some of our more contemporary kinfolk diminished our formerly keen interest in our research. Today, the walls of a spare bedroom and boxes on shelves in the laundry room comprise the residue of researching our respective family trees. However, there is another family tree of which I am a member that is more important and of greater interest to me these days. Though I was the oldest of four brothers in my immediate family growing up, now, I …

Dealing with Discouragement

No matter who you are, what you do or do not do, or where you live, everyone, from time to time, faces bouts with discouragement. Sadly, often even spiritual people are plagued with discouragement. Discouragement drains a person’s zeal and steals the joy he or she should have. Discouragement stagnates congregations, individuals and good works. Confidence and hope are lost when discouragement is present. Discouragement arises from a multitude of circumstances. For example, if a person spends too much time viewing or listening to the news in our world, discouragement can come. If a person’s ideas or thoughts are shattered by another, discouragement is often the result. If a young person feels like no one likes him or her or that he or she is a “black sheep,” discouragement comes. Sometimes rude and condescending words from others (even from other Christians) bring about discouragement. Sadly, discouragement can come from others who are supposed to love us and to build us up instead of tear us down. Regardless of the circumstances, we all face times of discouragement. Let’s face it; when discouragement comes, life can be very difficult. While this author certainly does not have all the answers regarding discouragement, the following are a few that have helped him during difficult times. How can we better deal with discouragement? Firstly, we must think better! While discouragement is very real, sometimes the thoughts we think are not so real. For example, sometimes our minds can “run wild” regarding another’s actions or words. Then, as we ponder, …

Put It Down!

Alarmed that a woman has written a religious article that a man might possibly read, some loving brethren have consigned us—me as an Editor and a Publisher as well as women who may write—to a devil’s hell. Often such ‘judgment’ (James 4:12) is pronounced anonymously, too. Is that “cowardly” (Revelation 21:8) as well as not “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15)? The supposition is that an article written by a woman if read by a man is to “usurp authority over the man” (1 Timothy 2:12 KJV). “Usurp” means to “dominate.” A woman who wrote an article and who is not present were a man to pick up and read a piece of literature in which a woman’s article appears cannot possibly dominate over a man. The sister is not forcing anyone to do anything or even to read the article. Furthermore, if a man were to feel (subjective emotion) dominated by a woman whose article he was reading, he can and ought to put it down immediately! He certainly should not violate his conscience (Romans 14:23). By all means, put it down! The New Testament does make a distinction between the religious roles of women and men. For instance, sisters in Christ must remain silent in the worship assemblies (1 Corinthians 14:34), except for their part in congregational singing (Ephesians 5:19), confessing their faults (James 5:16) and professing Christ (Romans 10:9-10). Further, Scripture forbids a woman to teach or have dominion over a man (1 Timothy 2:12). Yet, a sister in …

The God of Second Chances

There are certain things in life that can occur where there is no possibility of a second chance. Once someone steps off a 10-story building, there is no turning back, no second chance. Once a person puts a firearm to his head and squeezes the trigger, there is no going back, no second chance! It is sobering to realize that “there is but a step between me and death” (1 Samuel 20:3). Some choices never permit a second chance! How often, Dear Reader, did you do a certain thing and then later wish you had a second chance? Second chances seldom are reality. However, when it comes to one’s spiritual life, there is a sense in which many do have a second chance. Why? Because God is the God of second chances. Consider the following. Firstly, The Expressions. The Bible is inundated with words that speak of God’s longsuffering, patience and willingness to give His crown of creation a second chance. The Psalmist so eloquently penned, “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth” (Psalm 86:15). To a rebellious, sin-filled group of God’s people, Micah affirmed, “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy” (Micah 7:18). How could anyone ever forget the words of the apostle of second chances? He penned, “The Lord is not slack concerning his …

Refusing and Choosing

“By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin” (Hebrews 11:24-25 NKJV). God-given religion throughout the ages has always called upon mortals to refuse and to choose. Mother Eve did not refuse the temptations of Satan, and consequently, she chose to disobey God (Genesis 3:1-6). Even today, faced with manifold temptations in every direction in the ungodly world (2 Peter 2:5; 1 John 2:15-17), the child of God must refuse to succumb to temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13) and choose to abide in the Word of God (Romans 6:17). The very journey to salvation requires one to refuse every sin of which one may be guilty. Following a Bible-based faith (Romans 10:17), a person must repent of past sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30). Repenting is refusing to any longer be characterized by sin. The child of God can no longer be categorized as a sinner (i.e., someone who habitually sins) because Christians no longer live the way they did formerly before obeying the Gospel. “Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God” (1 John 3:9 NKJV). The phrase “does not sin” is present tense in the Greek, which usually refers to a continuing action. Hence, though the child of god may commit “a sin” from time to time (1 John 1:8, 10; 2:1), sinning is not his lifestyle any longer. He …

The Three-Fold Office of Our Lord

Jesus Christ was certainly a man, but oh so much more than a man! Jesus was both fully Divine (God) and fully human (man). This embodiment of humanity and Deity is known among theologians as hypostatic union. Obviously, nowhere else has this dual nature ever been reality than in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Since Jesus became man for us, while still remaining God, it makes Him uniquely qualified to perform certain duties for those who are redeemed by His blood. There were three main offices that were necessary to bridge the gap between sinful man and Almighty God—prophets who exclusively spoke for God, priests who exclusively sacrificed to God and kings who exclusively supervised under God. Jesus fulfilled all three of these offices perfectly! Christ as Prophet A prophet of God is one who reveals God, speaks for God and communicates God’s truths to the people. God’s prophets both forthtold (preached current situations) and foretold (predicted future situations). Undoubtedly, Jesus flawlessly performed this when He came to “reveal the Father” (Matthew 11:27) and to reverberate God’s will (John 8:28; 12:49-50). God revealed to Moses that some future day Moses’ prophecies would no longer be authoritative, but the “Prophet like unto Moses” (Deuteronomy 18:15) would be the prophet that mankind would heed. Years later, the Holy Spirit guided Peter to quote Moses and apply that prophecy to Jesus Christ. Additionally, Jesus refers to Himself as a Prophet (Matthew 13:57-58; Luke 13:33). Truly, never a prophet spoke like the Prophet Jesus (John 7:46)! Christ as Priest …

The Grace of God

Mortals must participate with the Godhead to obtain forgiveness of sins. In the absence of biblically authorized human involvement in one’s salvation, a person remains a spiritual castaway (John 3:18). God’s saving grace is available to all men (Titus 2:11), but it must be properly appropriated to oneself. Under Christianity, several New Testament passages relate to man’s part to receive human salvation. They are not mutually exclusive. Neither do various verses regarding redemption present multiple-choice options. Instead, Scriptures work together in providing instruction about correctly addressing mankind’s sin problem. They complement each other. Psalm 139:17 illustrates the collective worth of God’s Word on any subject. It reads, “How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!” (NKJV). Faith saves (John 3:15, 36), but faith alone does not save (James 2:24). Rather, believers have “the right to become the children of God” (John 1:12). Baptism saves, though most of the religious community denies that plain biblical teaching (1 Peter 3:21; Acts 22:16). Yet, merely going through the act of immersion in water for the remission of sins does not save one from sins (Acts 19:1-7; Luke 3:3). Grace saves, but in relationship to one’s faith (Ephesians 2:8). Mercy saves, but in relationship to one’s baptism (Titus 3:5). Confessing Christ saves (Romans 10:9-10), but does it save apart from faith, baptism, grace, mercy or any other contributor to human redemption? No! Repenting of one’s sins pertains to one’s salvation, too (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30). Hope (Romans 8:24), endurance (Matthew 10:22; Revelation 2:10) and being born again (John 3:3-5) are involved in redemption …

Baldness and Bears

The Old Testament was written for our learning (Romans 15:4). What a curriculum the Old Testament can be for those of us on this side of the cross. Such a valuable lesson comes to us from 2 Kings. Let’s set the backdrop before we approach. Elijah the prophet had been translated into Heaven by a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11). Elisha’s request of a double portion of Elijah’s spirit was granted. Elisha crossed back over the Jordan River, heading toward Jericho. The sons of the prophets met Elisha and requested a search for Elijah’s body, which after three days was not found (2 Kings 2:16-18). Elisha purified the waters of Jericho and headed for Bethel, where he met some young men. Those 42 young men began to mock Elisha, saying, “…Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head” (2 Kings 2:23b). The Hebrew word used here is a generic term that can encompass anyone from an infant to a mature man—the context being the deciding factor. This term was used of Joseph when he was 30-years-old (Genesis 41:12). This term was used of Joshua when he was 45 (Exodus 33:11). Thus, given the context, these young men were certainly not innocent little boys. Now given the location of this event, Bethel, it is not surprising that a prophet of God would meet with insult. Bethel was one of the two cities where Jeroboam had set up a golden calf (1 Kings 12:32). It is no surprise, then, …

Twisting the Trinity

The word “trinity” does not appear in the Bible. However, what the word “trinity” represents is taught abundantly throughout the Bible. “Trinity” refers to the three Divine persons in the one Godhead (Acts 17:29; Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9). Sometimes, the individual Persons of the Godhead appear in a single verse of Scripture (Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19). Usually, though, one or two persons of the Godhead may appear in a biblical passage (Matthew 17:1-5). Each Divine Person of the Godhead is equal to every other Person in the Godhead. Nevertheless, each Person of the Godhead occupies specific roles. Each Person of the Godhead (i.e., God-the-Father, God-the-Son [Jesus Christ] and God-the-Holy Spirit) has distinctly different functions. In concert, the three Members of the Godhead participate in such a way as to interact in an organized fashion as one God or Godhead. God exhibits unity not paralleled on earth by humans. There is only one humanity, but there are billions of persons who comprise that one humanity. There is only one God or Godhead, but there are three Divine Persons who comprise that one Godhead—or possess the qualities and attributes of God or Deity. Other studies can concentrate on the sundry activities of the Persons of the Godhead. Herein, we want to consider human activity toward the Godhead. Particularly, how ought we mortals act in worship respecting the Godhead? Observations of late discern what appears to be a twisting of the Trinity respecting mankind’s worship of God. This is apparent in primarily two areas: (1) prayers and (2) singing. The underlying reasons …

The Way of Transgressors Is Hard

Proverbs 13:15, from which the title of this article comes, we would know to be true even if we did not read it in the Bible. This truth can be learned from experience, from a study of history or from observation. Sin is by its very nature difficult. While the devil certainly attempts to paint a different picture, sin always reaps a harvest of trouble! Sometimes sin’s consequences are delayed in coming (Ecclesiastes 8:11), but they will always come. Despite this guarantee, many go on in sin and bring upon themselves the “hard way.” God’s Word is inundated with references to sinners who failed to heed this truth. Firstly, consider Cain. He transgressed regarding the matter of worship. God was clear on what He wanted concerning worship (Hebrews 11:4; Romans 10:17). However, Cain did what many continue to do today. He self-reasoned that God would accept whatever it was Cain gave. Sadly, how many today attempt to worship God based on their own desires? God is clear on the matter of worship (John 4:24), and regardless what man says will not change that fact! Cain’s transgression, like all transgressions, had to be punished. God rebuked Cain (Genesis 4:10-12) and expressed the hardship of his sin. “And Cain said unto the Lord, My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; …

Not Just Another Book

There are two perspectives from which one can discern that the Bible is not just another book. First, the Bible considered as simply a specimen of literature is without peers. This primarily pertains to an external analysis of the Book and contrasting it with anything and everything else ever written. Secondly, the Bible is superior as well to every other book from internal evaluation of it and in contrast to every other book ever penned. This pertains to the inescapable acknowledgement by honest hearts of the divine origin of the Bible. From every reflection, the Holy Word of God—the Bible—is not just another book. The most revered ancient secular manuscripts rely on a handful of copies far removed from the originals for their contemporary existence. On the other hand, the Bible’s contemporary presence and content results from an expansive, incomparable foundation of many thousands of witnesses. The type of witnesses to which we refer are thousands of ancient manuscript copies of the Bible books in the original biblical languages of Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek; thousands of antique translations of the Bible in various languages; numerous lectionaries (worship service Scripture selections); and the writings of the so-called Church Fathers over several centuries following the commencement of Christianity (i.e., defenses of Christianity and early commentaries). The Bible is the best attested literary work on earth with neither peers nor any other writing even close to being as thoroughly validated as it is. Obviously, the Bible is not just another book! Most books do …

The Bible, A Book for All!

The Barna Group recently completed an interesting survey, which found that the Bible plays an important role in the American armed forces, even for military personnel who aren’t particularly religious. Some service members who do not regularly read the Bible often turn to the Book during difficult times in their service to our country. Researchers found that 37 percent of non-Bible readers in the military read the Good Book when they are looking for comfort; 30 percent read it during a deployment, and 17 percent read it when they are separated from family. These results show that even among folks who are not regularly filled with Scripture, Scripture still brings a source of help that nothing else can provide. Of course, folks who are regular students of God’s Word have already learned this wonderful blessing and continually draw from His Holy Precepts. Interestingly, whether a person is a believer or an infidel, the Bible is truly a Book for all! Consider the following. Firstly, for the atheist, the Bible is a book of condemnation. The atheist affirms that he knows God does not exist. While any reasonable, logical person understands clearly that statement could never be proven, there are still some who promote this sad theory. However, the evidence for the existence of God is overwhelming! By means of natural revelation (the creation), God has not left Himself without witness (Acts 14:17), so much so that His existence is clearly seen and there is no excuse for someone to not believe in God (Romans 1:20). Therefore, …

Church Membership

The late brother T. Pierce Brown once wrote the following profound and biblically accurate statement: “Church membership is the byproduct of salvation.” Some folks in their minds divorce church membership from salvation, but in reality, there is an inseparable, biblical link between them. One cannot enjoy salvation without church membership, and one cannot have actual church membership without first having been saved from his or her past sins. Despite what individuals might imagine, church membership and salvation are permanently tied together. The very process by which one enters into salvation is the identical process by which one enters into church membership. The New King James Version reads, “…the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). Other translations, referring to church membership, read, “…the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47 English Standard Version). That process leading to salvation and church membership culminates at immersion (Romans 6:3-5) or baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38, 41). Contrary to what general denominational dogma stipulates, water baptism does save from sin (1 Peter 3:20-21). Jesus summarized the divine plan for human redemption in Mark 16:16 as faith plus baptism equals salvation. Corresponding to the physical act of baptism, at baptism, the Holy Spirit places the saved into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13), which is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18) of Christ (Romans 16:16). Hence, salvation and church membership are the same activity. Therefore, to decry …

My God Is Real!

My God is real! Since my God is real, and I am a servant of my God, I must show in my life that my God is real. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8 NKJV). Christians need to conduct themselves the way they ought to conduct themselves as a natural consequence of being Christians. If a creature quacks like a duck, walks like a duck and looks like it is a duck, it might be a duck. Likewise, Christians ought to sound like Christians, walk like Christians and look like Christians. Any behavior or speech contrary to Christian behavior and speech does not evidence that one is a Christian. Lip service alone is hypocritical and unworthy to be associated with Christians. “Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men’” (Matthew 15:7-9). Christians must follow through with the Gospel by implementing it in their lives. “But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:25). “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” …

How Can One Identify the Church of Christ?

A local church that belongs to Jesus Christ will have several biblical characteristics about which one can read upon the pages of the New Testament. For instance, does it identify itself with a biblical description or name? Or, does it align itself with a manmade doctrine or some man in the name that it chooses for itself? Biblical designations or names for the church in the New Testament include “churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16) and “the church of God” (1 Corinthians 1:2). Assemblies of Christ or assemblies of God would still be biblically correct since the word “church” means an “assembly.” However, there are additional biblical characteristics of the church of the Bible, such as what is taught about the plan of salvation. Our Lord summarized the scheme of redemption in Mark 16:16, citing that belief or faith plus baptism equals salvation. With this the balance of the New Testament agrees when discussing human salvation (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Peter 3:21). There are still other characteristics of the church of the Bible, such as how it is organized. The New Testament church was congregational with each church being autonomous or self-governing in accordance with inspired instruction (Acts 14:23). When fully organized, a congregation was led by a plurality of elders appointed over the local congregation according to divine qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-11). Elders guide or shepherd the flock of God for the Chief Shepherd—Jesus Christ (1 Peter 5:1-4), and they must account to God for each …

Sin Wears a Mask!

“But exhort one another daily, while it is called To Day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end” (Hebrews 3:13-14). The exhortation and warning was given to Christians to remind us of the possibility of becoming “hardened” through the deceitfulness of sin. The word “deceit” means to “give a false impression, whether by statement, appearance, or influence.” Sin is altogether deceitful! It never parades itself in its true light. In fact, sin wears a mask to fool its victims. Sin wears a mask of beauty. On the outside, sin is very attractive. Consider the serpent’s appeal to Eve, “…ye shall be as gods…” (Genesis 3:5b). That sounds great! Interestingly, the serpent also used an item that was apparently good to view, “And when the women saw that the tree was… pleasant to the eyes…” (Genesis 3:6b). This fruit, whatever it was, was attractive. It looked good and something that Eve desired. On the outside, it was beautiful, but inside its appearance was dreadful! When was the last time this world has ever portrayed sin for its ugliness? Satan paints alcohol as cool and inviting, pornography as sexy and alluring, affairs as exciting and youthful, drugs as sophisticated and wise, and fornication as hip and happening. However, once the mask is removed, the real picture is horrible. Homeless people addicted to drugs and alcohol without a family, love or even …

Always Aware

Reality is more real today for me than it has ever been in all of the decades preceding the present. Losing the wife of my youth (Proverbs 5:18), as well as growing old (Psalm 90:10), has transformed my thinking from a focus on my worldly existence to the otherworldly pursuit to be with God for eternity in His house. That is, what really matters has changed from the consideration of temporal stuff to eternal things. For the past 45 years, I thought I was seeking “first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33), but I see more clearly now than ever before. To the best of my ability, everything that I think or propose to do I filter through the lenses of a consciousness of whose servant I am, from where I have come and to where I relentlessly purpose to go eternally. The child of God ought to be ever alert to the fact that he or she is a Christian. We must be consistently vigilant to discipline our minds that they, as well as our actions, conform to the biblical instruction of the New Testament. To the Bible the children of God need to appeal—daily—for divine guidance (Psalm 119:105). Resorting to God’s Word as a fixer upper or to effect damage control after acting out of sync with Bible teaching is unprofitable and a misuse of Scripture. Organizing a person’s thoughts and activities throughout one’s daily waking moments to correspond with God’s mandates is also a precursor to orderliness …

Why Do Some People Leave God?

When one considers both the goodness and severity of God (Romans 11:22), it behooves us to ask the question, “Why do some people leave God?” God’s goodness should cause a person to fall to his knees in loving adoration for all the continual blessings God bestows. On the other hand, God’s severity should cause a person to continue to walk with God and to stay close to Him to avoid the terrible wrath of a just God. There are many reasons why some people leave God. While I am certain the following is not an exhaustive list, I submit that most reasons fall into one of the following three areas. Firstly, some people leave God because of sin. Obviously, sin separates and divides a soul from God (Isaiah 59:1-2), but often those same sins keep a person from ever coming back. The devil makes sin look so appealing and rewarding. Sin can seem so appealing and rewarding that many believe a sinful life is the “in thing” and to do otherwise would be dull and boring. Thus, some love sin and have no desire to turn back to God. “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved” (John 3:19-20). Alexander Pope is credited for correctly saying, “Vice is a monster of so frightful mien, As to be …

Overwhelming Circumstantial Evidence

“Circumstantial evidence is evidence that relies on an inference to connect it to a conclusion of fact—like a fingerprint at the scene of a crime. By contrast, direct evidence supports the truth of an assertion directly—i.e., without need for any additional evidence or inference” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumstantial_evidence). Another source further defines “circumstantial evidence” to be “evidence in a trial which is not directly from an eyewitness or participant and requires some reasoning to prove a fact” (emphasis added, https://dictionary.law.com/Default.aspx?selected=191). In a sense, God is on trial as to His very existence. What do the facts establish? Does sufficient evidence exist to prove the existence of God? If God exists, has He provided mankind any guidance respecting this life or eternity to come? In the legal sense, there is no direct evidence establishing the existence of God. By that, we mean no one living today has had or presently experiences direct communication with or observes God. Claims to the contrary by some people lack credibility. God has in the past interacted directly and dynamically with humanity, but no evidence exists that He operates amidst us openly today—providentially and unseen, yes, but not directly and visible (e.g., not with ongoing Bible miracles). Therefore, if there is evidence, today, for the existence of God, it must be indirect or circumstantial evidence. Does circumstantial evidence sufficiently prove the existence of God? There are two primary lines of circumstantial evidence that absolutely, beyond the shadow of any doubt prove the existence of God. Together, they provide overwhelming circumstantial evidence of the …

An Overview of How We Got the Bible

Introduction The following notes represent An Overview of How We Got the Bible because, on one hand, of their brevity compared to the vast amount of detail that is available to be sifted regarding this topic. Secondly, the following are summaries and excerpts from more extensive works on the subject of others who doubtlessly are more eminently qualified to lecture at length about How We Got the Bible. Nevertheless, it is hoped that the material herein is satisfactory to introduce to teachers and preachers How We Got the Bible, as well as to provide the right amount of acquaintance with this matter for other Christians. This study has been rewarding for me, and I have optimism that students of the Bible who pore over these pages will be enriched, too. The Inspiration of the Bible Unless divine inspiration is the source of the Bible, how we got the Bible is of little consequence and is merely a matter of idle curiosity. However, since the Bible exists as a result of divine inspiration, understanding how we got the Bible is an essential part of having and maintaining a proper regard for the Bible. “The Bible…is God speaking. He has spoken, and the Bible is the result. … Hence it is of the highest importance that we know whether or not we have the real Bible today, and if so, how it has come down to us” (H.S. Miller 3). Truly, 2 Timothy 3:16 refers to the divine source of the Bible when it says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…” …

“I Beseech Thee”

Throughout God’s Holy Word, the word “beseech” is used many times. In fact, there are some 64 occurrences of this word in the KJV Bible. The word is sometimes translated from a compound verb that means to “call to one’s side.” It carries with it the idea of an admonition or a serious entreating. It is as if the writer is coming to another’s side to plead and beg for a response. The apostle Paul used this phrase many times throughout his inspired letters. He loved his brethren (2 Corinthians 2:4), and Paul wanted them to heed God’s admonitions to grow and become stronger in their spiritual walk. Let’s consider three of those occasions. Firstly, Paul beseeched the brethren to serve. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1). Although people can do a multitude of things with their lives, everything pales in comparison to serving the living God. Paul would also remind the brethren at Corinth that even their very bodies belonged to God and should be used in service to Him (1 Corinthians 6:19-21). He later exhorted the same brethren to “be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…” Still today, Paul, through the inspired text, continues to beseech men to be busy serving. Secondly, Paul beseeched the brethren to segregate. When we think of Christianity, we often think of unity. While among faithful brethren …

Soul Conscious

“Male pattern blindness” is a phrase that I have heard on occasion being muttered by some woman, maybe even my wife, regarding men and perhaps me in particular. That expression is likely to occur, for instance, if I were unable to find something in the refrigerator, although whatever for which I was searching was plainly in view. (I tend to think, however, if there is such a thing as “male pattern blindness,” there must also exist sometimes “female pattern blindness.”) Someone else might utter another idiom when something obviously visible cannot be discovered, such as, “If it were a snake, it would’ve bitten you!” All of us, I suppose, on occasion are oblivious to what should be obvious to us. Most of the time, though, our “blindness” when trying to locate something is relatively unimportant and pertains to mundane matters associated with daily life. Yet, it is a serious human failing when we appear to be blinded to spiritual matters, which pertain to one’s eternal life. It is alarming when the children of God seem to have little concern for their own spiritual wellbeing and even less interest in the spiritual welfare of other people. The priority of seeking spiritual pursuits ahead of material needs was clearly stated by our Lord Jesus Christ. “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these …

Fantastic Fathers

Scripture is filled with people from whom we can learn a great deal. When it comes to the challenging vocation of fatherhood, there are certainly a few fantastic fathers in Holy Writ that come to mind. Interestingly, no human father has been or will ever be perfect. While true perfection is beyond our reach, we certainly can labor and grow to become the fathers that our Creator expects us to be. Three fathers from God’s Word teach us three character traits necessary to raise godly children. Firstly, Moses teaches us about resolve. Moses was commissioned to lead the children of Israel to Canaan. This task soon became next to impossible due their tenacious ways. However, even during the most difficult times, Moses kept his hand to the plow and did not quit. Raising godly children is anything but an easy task. So many forces are pushing against us. Therefore, Christian fathers must have a determined resolve to execute their God-given duties in a manner that God would approve, the world notwithstanding! Daddies, do you have the resolve to stand against the filth of Hollywood? How about the clothing of Vogue? Do you have the resolve to stand against the political correctness of women’s liberation? Fathers, we must determine before we are ever faced with these that we are going to be God’s men, today, tomorrow and forever! Secondly, David teaches us about repentance. David was a man of many great spiritual traits. When we speak of David, we often speak of his involvement with Bathsheba …

Is the Church Broken?

Is Christianity cracked? Is the church broken? Has Christianity been marginalized? Is the church ineffective and irrelevant, today? In one sense, “Yes,” Christianity has stress fractures, the church has been severely damaged, Christianity has been sidelined in the lives of most people, and the church has become an extraneous and unconnected historical tidbit from the past, but stuck in an apathetic present day. For many people nowadays, Christianity and the New Testament church have no practical application. As a world religion, Christianity faces stiff challenges (through sheer numbers and militancy) from other world religions, such as Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and atheism. Most of the world’s population is either completely unaware of or outright rejects without the least consideration of Christianity. What passes for Christianity in the eyes of global populations frequently does not fairly represent Bible teaching and is associated with godless characteristics of western civilization (e.g., general immorality, consumption of alcohol, immodest attire). On the world stage and according to international discernment of what typically represents itself as Christianity, “Yes,” Christianity is cracked at best, the church is broken, Christianity deserves to be marginalized, and the church is irrelevant. Denominational divisions and degrees of active or bygone antagonism between church groups heightens for observers from outside of Christianity the notion of an incapacitated world religion that derives its name from Jesus Christ. Doctrinal discord between church organizations adds to the confusion for adherents to other world religions as well as muddles the minds of those who fall under Christianity’s …

The Truth about Sin!

Unfortunately, we are surrounded by a world that has in many ways come to love sin. In fact, the love of sin is so prevalent in society that sin is often glamorized and glorified. What was commonly known and accepted as sin has now come to be recognized as sensible. The wide acceptance of sin in our culture today echoes the words of the weeping Prophet of old, “…Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? Nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush…” (Jeremiah 6:15; 8:12). The picture that is being painted for our young people is persistently chipping away at our morality today, besides not the truth regarding sin. Only God determines what is sin, and only God will paint the real portrait of what sin does. The apostle of love penned, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4). Firstly, God reminds us that sin will take you farther than you want to go! King David’s involvement with sin certainly teaches us this lesson (2 Samuel 11-12). When David sinned by committing sex outside of the marriage relationship, do you think he ever thought that sin would take him down a path of murder, death of a child, another wife for which to care and great distress for the rest of his life (Psalm 32; 51)? You see, the picture that was painted for David while he viewed Bathsheba from the roof-top was one of excitement, …

Deacons Serve

Deacons are “servants” of the local congregation rather than “leaders” of the church. Instead, God determined that fully organized local congregations of the Lord’s church are to be led by “elders” or “bishops” who have been appointed in accordance with divinely stipulated biblically recorded qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). Only indirectly, then, do deacons lead, comparable to the distinction in roles that God ordained between men and women for the home and for religion—today, the church (1 Corinthians 11:3; 14:34-35; 1 Timothy 2:11-14). Hence, the qualifications for “deacons” pertain to males rather than to females (1 Timothy 3:8-13). Therefore, deacons do not have a leadership role in the Lord’s church above that of any other faithful male member. Deacons are not “junior elders,” and being a deacon does not necessarily mean that someday he will be promoted to being an elder. A deacon is a servant, and any decisions that he may make in keeping with his special assignment from the elders are likewise with the general permission of the elders. Those decisions are expected and necessary for carrying out his assigned responsibility in service to the congregation. Nevertheless, following, we purpose to examine what the New Testament reveals concerning the qualifications, appointment, work and office of deacons. The English words “deacon” and “deacons” appear only five times in the Bible (“deacon,” 1 Timothy 3:10, 13; “deacons,” Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8, 12). The two related Greek words translated “deacon” and “deacons” together appear about 67 times. The Greek diakonos is translated …

Dealing with Guilt

There is little question that guilt is a great destroyer of joy, especially for those who are trying to live with the cross in view. Guilt, whether real or imagined, often leads people to bitterness, low self-esteem and hostility. While guilt can be a good thing (when it leads someone to repentance, Acts 2:37), it is often a feeling that stagnates Christians and drains people of the joy that they should have in Christ. Let’s consider what God has to say regarding the important subject of guilt. Firstly, we must understand the reason for guilt. Guilt is produced by sin. Remember the first couple way back in Eden? What caused them to “hide” from God? Instead of meeting God in the cool of the day, as apparently was their daily custom, they hid from God, but why? They were guilty and filled with shame. Sin had opened their eyes to their nakedness, and they were afraid (Genesis 3:7-11). Consider also, the Lord’s own disciple, Judas. What caused him to leave all the opportunities that were before him and to take his own life? It was the guilt and shame of betraying Jesus. Guilt is directly linked to sin. We often allow sin to reign in our lives, and when our consciences have been trained properly, guilt is the byproduct left behind. Even Peter was not exempt from guilt. In spite of the fact that he vowed to die with the Savior, he denied Jesus. His guilt overtook him, and he went and …

God’s Guide Book—the Bible

For some people, the Bible is merely a neglected, dusty ornament in their homes. Within its pages one may find chronicled such things as births, deaths and marriages. Amongst Bible leaves, as though the volume were some sort of filing cabinet, tucked away for future reference are newspaper clippings and county fair ribbons. Still other Bible sheets evidence colorful stains of flowers (from a memorable occasion) pressed between them, dried and preserved. Infrequently, bedtime stories may be related from the biblical text, but that is the closest episode to actually using the Bible in a meaningful and spiritual way. Instances when the family Bible was nearer than atop a high bookcase shelf, it served as a coffee table coaster or a paperweight. Unfortunately, in those households, the Bible might as easily be used for a doorstop. For these families, the Bible is anything but “God’s Guide Book.” Oppositely, another home’s occupants might profess dignified regard for the Bible. Each family member likely has his or her own personal copy of Holy Writ. However, “the sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17) may lie like a discarded battlefield weapon of a fallen soldier, howbeit on a pew in the local church’s meetinghouse. Home devotionals may be sporadic at best or non-existent at worst. The home’s inhabitants may imagine that one or more hours spent among fellow Christians in an assembly for Bible class or worship can satisfactorily fortify a person spiritually, but that will prove to be inadequate to offset Satan’s minions among whom we …