Articles
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Articles
2014 Campaign Reflection
July 20, 2014Door Knocking Campaign Distributes Many Fliers Wow! What an awesome week we have enjoyed together! A special thank you goes out to the campaigners from Wood Avenue Church of Christ in Florence, Alabama who joined us in the work. There…
50 Shades of Facebook
February 22, 2015You may have missed this in the news cycle, but the social-media giant, Facebook, made an interesting announcement last week. In the midst of so much controversy about granting special rights and privileges to homosexuals in America, Facebook has added…
A Christ Centered Religion
December 6, 2014Christ Centered Religion - No creed but Christ, no head but Him, and no law but His! We can never overemphasize the importance of being obedient students of the Bible. In God's great scheme for the salvation of man, He provided…
A Christian View of Death
December 7, 2012For most people, nothing is more frightening than the thought of dying. Is it the end? Does it hurt? What about eternity? Do we cease to be? What happens when we die? These and a myriad of other questions flood our minds when…
A Confident Faith
January 19, 2013Jesus indicted the Pharisees saying: "All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and…
A Crazy World
June 9, 2013If I know myself, and I am reasonably sure I do, I don’t harbor ill will in my heart toward a single human being. I try to treat everyone as I would want to be treated. I’m not perfect, and I don’t…
A Friend of the Father
February 27, 2014Scripture calls Abraham a "friend of God." One such characterization is made of Abraham in James 2:21-24. The verses say, "Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see…
A Good Example
May 24, 2015A good example says more about us than what we say. The apostle Paul wrote to two young preachers. Both were encouraged to set good examples. Timothy was admonished: "Let no man despise your youth, but be an example to…
A Just Man
September 6, 2012We know very little about Joseph, the husband of Mary One thing we do know is that he was a just man! Matthew wrote of the birth of Jesus: Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary…
A Lesson from Our Past
September 6, 2012Hardships of worship in seventeenth century Connecticut Diana Ross McCain, writing in Early American Life (October, 1989), described the hardships of worship in seventeenth century Connecticut. Church attendance was almost universal since it was required by law of young and old alike, unless…
A Lesson from our Past
June 8, 2014Learn from our past. Seek to be Christian, and Christian only. Diana Ross McCain, writing in Early American Life (October, 1989), described the hardships of worship in seventeenth century Connecticut. In our past, Church attendance was almost universal since it was…
A Little Bird Told Me
June 21, 2013Have you ever been surprised when somebody fond out something you said or did, even though you thought no one else knew? When asked how they knew, their response usually is: “A little bird told me.” Obviously a bird cannot…
A Little Bundle Of Joy
September 8, 2012A little girl had been naughty all day. Her mother had finally taken all she could stand and sent her daughter into the back yard to fetch a switch from the willow tree. Ten minutes later the little girl still…
A Little R and R
April 19, 2013Everybody loves a little ‘R and R.’ We all work very hard, and from time to time need rest and relaxation. A little ‘R and R’ is needed for our physical health. A little ‘R and R’ is needed for…
A Matter of Interpretation
November 24, 2012It is rather commonplace for those who come in conflict with the scriptures to go on the offensive. They usually charge that the Bible is outdated or irrelevant in their case. Further, they argue that those who oppose their view…
A Matter of Life and Death
December 21, 2014What could be more important than a matter of life and death? How about eternal life and eternal death? Harry Houdini (March 24, 1874-October 31, 1926) was considered to be one of the world’s greatest magicians. He performed many escape…
A Need to Worship
September 6, 2012Worship was an important part of first century Christianity The Lord's Day (Sunday) was a special time of remembrance and celebration. Christians came together to partake of the Lord's Supper as a memorial to the broken body and shed blood of Christ the…
A New Life
September 6, 2012Jesus Christ can provide a fresh start No matter what may haunt a man from his past, Jesus Christ can provide a fresh start, a clean slate, a new beginning. That's really what conversion is all about. When a man looks…
A New Man
February 1, 2015The concept of being a new man has spiritual connotations. "He started an exercise program a few months ago, and now he is a new man." "He had by-pass surgery two years ago, and he’s been a new man ever…
A Reason to Believe
February 9, 2013"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to everyone that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15). Is faith a…
A Salute to Graduates
May 4, 2014Graduation time is a very important milestone in a young person’s life. Our congratulations to each of our graduates on this milestone in their lives. On the one hand, it spells the end of many long, arduous years of study. But, on…
A Sense of Urgency
April 19, 2015Feel a sense of urgency when it comes to evangelism. As we approach the start of the 19th Annual Madisonville Church of Christ Bible Lectureship, I find myself thinking more and more about the theme of this year’s program -…
A Speckled Ax
March 6, 2013One of my favorite books is the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. In it Franklin tells about a man who wished to buy an ax with the whole surface ground as bright as the edge. The smith consented to grind it…
A Time to Die?
March 29, 2015There will be a time to die for each of us. None of us like to think about it, but we know there is no escape. Someday we are all going to die, and we have no way of knowing…
A Voice from the Past
April 11, 2015What can the voice from the past teach us? Isaiah, a prophet of Israel and a voice from the past for us, seven centuries before Christ, warned his nation of impending disaster. The moral foundations of Israel were crumbling, and…
Abuse of Our Freedoms
December 8, 2012Last week, one of my brethren gave me an old church bulletin, in which there was printed a short article titled, “The Four Freedoms Abused.” Although the material in it was a bit dated, I thought that the points it made were…
Acceptable Worship
April 19, 2015Acceptable Worship in God's Eyes "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). To suggest that all worship is acceptable and approved by God would be contradictory to the…
Addicted to the Ministry
September 9, 2012In one of those marvelous passages that we so often overlook a beautiful compliment is paid an early Christian family. Paul said of the household of Stephanas, "they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints" (1 Corinthians 16:15).…
Age Does Not Matter
September 22, 2012Harvey Lehman, in his book Age And Achievement, insists that a man reaches his peak of achievement at about 35. According to Mr. Lehman, the peak age for: - painters is about 34 - playwrights is about 35 - philosophers…
Agur’s Last Request
August 16, 2014What would you want as a last request? People often make a last request. Often, it is recorded in their last will and testament. They want certain things to happen after they die. Also, they may have goals to reach before…
All Lives Matter!
January 18, 2015The message that "All Lives Matter" is a Biblical message. The latter half of 2014 was marred by violence in different parts of our country, as protests erupted over allegations of racism within certain law enforcement organizations. It was alleged…
Among the Truly Rich
January 5, 2014I consider myself among the richest people in the world. I have been richly blessed. In one sense, my possessions probably aren't worth a great deal, but in another, they are priceless. For instance, take my coffee cup. I've had…
An Abundant Life
May 10, 2015God's promise of an abundant life in Jesus Jesus provides an abundant linfe. In John 10:10, Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." The context in which this verse…
An Accurate Picture of Jesus
January 11, 2014According to the thinking of some religious people, Jesus found fault with very little in society. He only found fault with the fault finder. He only criticized the critical. He had intolerance only for the intolerant. As a result, we…
An Army of One
January 11, 2015Even when Christians just act on their own, being an army of one, they can accomplish great things. In the New Testament, the Lord’s church is said to be many things. In the book of Ephesians alone, it is called,…
An Atheist’s Dream House
May 11, 2014Last week, I was privileged to preach in a Gospel Meeting at the Minksville Church of Christ, in Harrison County, Ohio. You won’t find Minksville on a map of Ohio, because it is not even an unincorporated town. It is a point…
An Easy Job
June 14, 2015Fault-Finding is an Easy Job Someone has written: "Nothing is easier than fault-finding; no talent, no self-denial, no brains, no character are required to set up in the grumbling business." Fault-finding is an easy job because it requires no preparation…
An Effective Preacher
October 7, 2014What makes an effective preacher? Acts 18:24-28 - "And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus..." In describing Apollos and his work, Luke, by the inspiration of God,…
And He Died…
July 4, 2015He died... "And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died" (Genesis 5:5). Seven times in the fifth chapter of Genesis we read the words "and he died." Someday the same will be…
Antioch: the Mission-Minded Church
September 23, 2012Antioch: the Mission-Minded Church In the seventh chapter of the book of Acts, we read of the beginning of violent persecution against Christians in the church at Jerusalem. A gospel preacher named Stephen was the first to be martyred for…
Antiquated or Outdated?
July 11, 2015Is the Bible Outdated or Antiquated? Times have changed since Jesus walked the paths of Galilee. How could his message be relevant in a modern, technological society? The Bible is outdated! You've heard the arguments before. At first these assertions sound…
April Showers Bring May Flowers
April 5, 2013As the month of April is now underway, the phrase “April showers bring May flowers” is common. If it continues to rain as much as it already has this month, the flowers should be very beautiful! Nature is just of…
Are We Still Under the Law of Moses?
February 23, 2014The answer to the above question is crucial to our understanding of the church. Why? Because many people look to the Old Testament to justify their particular brand of religion. Such things as special "holy days," the burning of incense…
Are You Afraid?
March 2, 2014Fear can be good or bad. It is foolhardy to have no fear. It is debilitating to fear everything. I think I have met some folks at both ends of the spectrum. I've known a few people who, at least…
Are You Forgetful?
January 13, 2013It has often been said that the older a person gets, the more forgetful he or she is. Do you feel that way? Have you ever lost your car keys? Have you misplaced your cell phone? Can you name all…
Are You Out Of Your Mind?
September 27, 2013It seems like less and less people are getting along these days. Players have different ideas on how to approach a game than their coaches; politicians can rarely agree on issues; family members can’t reunite due to lifestyle differences. Sadly,…
Are You Ready to Die?
August 1, 2015"And it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). Approximately every twenty-two seconds someone in this country dies. In the time it will take you to read this brief message more than two…
Are You Running?
April 24, 2014Habakkuk 2:2 - “And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” Habakkuk lived in a time of violence, iniquity, grievance, spoiling, strife and contention (Habakkuk…
Are You Sorry?
September 6, 2013It has often been said that the two hardest words to utter in the English language are “I’m sorry.” We all make mistakes, yet it is difficult to admit when a mistake is made. It is also hard to help…
As a Thief in the Night
September 17, 2012As a Thief in the Night - 2 Peter 3:10 When will the world come to an end? This question has preoccupied the minds of men for centuries. Some have sought the answer in the night sky. Others have tried…
As Good As His Word
November 10, 2012Do not swear at all. Jesus taught, "...you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.' But I tell you, Do not…
As Good As I Can Do
September 22, 2013My grandchildren (they’re seven now) recently had friends over for a play date. As they sat down to dinner that evening Andy said to their guests, “We have to have a prayer before we eat. I’ll say it.” He proceeded to thank God…
Ask and Ye Shall Receive
June 14, 2013Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you (Luke 11:9).” There are a lot of things in this world we ask for, but do we get all of them? Is there something you wanted and asked for and…
Attitude is Better Than a Pill
September 6, 2015The good attitude of a merry heart can be better medicine than a pill. "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones" (Proverbs 17:22). We are what we think. Solomon said of man,…
Avoid Foolish Disputes
March 7, 2015Foolish disputes over a dress? Recently on Facebook, a picture of a dress has sparked foolish disputes. What color is the dress? Even Fox News has gotten involved! Some say the dress is blue, others say it is gold; some…
Avoid Hypocrisy – Walk the Talk
January 3, 2016“The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not” (Matthew 23:2-3). Jesus offered those words of…
Baptism is a Burial
October 5, 2014Baptism is an immersion, or a burial, in water. I was reading a 1936 history of Beech Grove, Tennessee a few years ago. It revealed an interesting fact about certain Confederate Soldiers who and their burial around the region. It seems…
Be of Good Cheer!
April 19, 2015Christians have good reason to be of good cheer. Bible class teachers, preachers, song leaders, elders, deacons, and all Christians may need encouragement at times. For some, this ability to encourage and offer good cheer is a special gift that…
Be Thankful
August 22, 2015Recognise your blessings and be thankful. Paul wrote: "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Genuine gratitude must be expressed. When we are truly grateful, we cannot help…
Be Thou an Example
July 12, 2015Our Best Example Is Jesus We may learn many things by watching others and learning from their example. Kids watch their parents or older kids, and copy their behavior. Students may follow examples in textbooks to learn how to solve…
Bear it in Mind
October 18, 2013When I was six years old, I wanted a very unusual present: a pulpit and a microphone. Since this was very unusual, my parents kept the matter in mind. Sure enough, when the time was right, I received a short, hand-crafted…
Bear with Me
May 4, 2014Bear with this article as you read it. What kind of impression did you just get? Are you wishing you would already read what the point of the article is? What does a person mean when he says, “Bear with…
Beautiful Feet
May 25, 2014Feet that work for God are beautiful feet. Let me give a big “Thank You!” to everyone who came out yesterday and participated in work day at the church building. There were many things that needed to be done, both…
Before whom will you confess Jesus today?
April 28, 2014John 9:21-22 - “But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. These words spake his parents, because they…
Belief of Demons
January 25, 2015Do you have the belief of demons? Not good enough! James 2:19-20: "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe - and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith…
Bereavement
October 6, 2012When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had…
Better Suffering
January 31, 2015Is it better suffering from doing good or better suffering from doing evil? Is there a difference? Suffering is a part of normal everyday life. When we make mistakes, we must suffer the consequences. We expect that. When we do something…
Beware of Things
October 13, 2012"And he said unto them, take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth" (Luke 12:15). The story is sometimes told of a country boy who was invited…
Beware of Things
June 22, 2014Beware of things and coveting them. "And he said unto them, take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth" (Luke 12:15). The story is sometimes told of a country…
Bible Study Attendance
July 25, 2013It seems like the growing trend in today’s society is to skip Bible class and attend just the worship service. Perhaps the kids cannot get ready in time; people have to leave early to get to work; others simply just…
Biblical Morality
September 6, 2012Our postmodern culture argues that the Bible is an outdated, irrelevant text Our culture, therefore, argues that it is wrong to appeal to the Bible as an authoritative standard for morality. Robert Williams, in his book, Just As I Am: A…
Biblical Preaching
October 22, 2012"So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading" (Nehemiah 8:8). There were three characteristics of preaching involved in the work of Ezra (Nehemiah 8:8). Those…
Blinded by a False Theology
September 27, 2015Starting with a False Theology in mind blinds us to the Truth of God's Word. One would be hard pressed to find any doctrine in the New Testament more clearly set forth than the doctrine of baptism. Both Jesus and…
Brought About by Godly Sorrow
September 18, 2012"I'm Sorry" People say, "I'm sorry" all the time, but with varying degrees of meaning. Some say it to express sorrow for having been caught in wrongdoing. Next time, these people will be more carful, so they do not get…
By Thy Words
September 6, 2014"For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned" (Matthew 12:37). You can tell an awful lot about people just by listening to them talk for a few minutes. Consider thy words. What…
Can Baptism Be Sprinkling, Pouring, or Dipping?
September 19, 2012According to Webster's Dictionary, baptism is "a Christian sacrament marked by ritual use of water and admitting the recipient to the Christian community." Most denominations teach that baptism may be administered either by sprinkling water on one's head, by pouring…
Can People Be Baptized in the Holy Spirit?
June 28, 2015Can people be baptized in the Holy Spirit? This question has been asked with great frequency, since I first started answering questions on the radio, twenty years ago. It seems to be of keen interest to those who are not…
Can We Still Believe in Jesus?
September 6, 2012Oh, I can't believe that... Around of the 19th century Bruno Baur, theologian historian, concocted the notion that Jesus lived. According to Baur, Jesus was entirely mythical. He argued that Christ was simply a mental invention of a few century drew their concepts…
Can We Still Believe in Jesus?
November 3, 2012Around the middle of the 19th century Bruno Bauer, a German theologian and historian, concocted the notion that Jesus never lived. According to Bauer, Jesus was entirely mythical. He argued that Christ was simply a mental invention of a few…
Can You See Yourself?
August 24, 2014Can you see yourself in these parables? A certain man who had two sons came to the first and said, "Son, go work in my vineyard." The young man answered, "I will not,” but afterward repented and went. Then the…
Cause to Weep
November 9, 2014Until we all embrace God's laws and live by them, there will be cause to weep! The Bible speaks of tears being shed on many occasions. David had cause to weep when he learned of the death of Absalom (2 Samuel…
Chasing The Wind
July 20, 2014Does life have meaning? Can we find hope and happiness? Are we just chasing the wind? The book of Ecclesiastes is one of the most interesting in the Old Testament. Some think it offers a somewhat skeptical and pessimistic view of…
Choices
May 30, 2015Our most important choices are regarding Jesus. A young man applied for a job on a farm. The farmer had one question for him. "Are you willing to work hard?" The young man assured the farmer that he could count on him…
Choose to See the Good
February 15, 2015I choose to see the good stuff! The prophets of doom and gloom are everywhere. The economy is in the tank. Hundreds of thousands have lost their jobs. Every day we face the threat of another terrorist attack. Crime is…
Choose Your Friends Wisely
March 2, 2014A person’s friends can reveal a lot about him. By associating with good people, a person becomes better; by associating with bad people, a person might get into trouble. It is always a struggle to see who has more influence:…
Christ and His Church
September 28, 2014One cannot accept Christ and reject His church, or accept the church and reject Jesus. The two are inseparable. "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it" (Ephesians 5:25). It is impossible to…
Christ and His Kingdom
September 6, 2012Not of this world "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world"…
Christ’s Sufferings and Our Consolation
December 7, 2014We will hve both affliction and consolation during our walk with God. Christ suffered for us. He endured persecution, and ultimately lay down His life on the cross for our sins. Because He was willing to do so, we can find…
Christian Conduct
October 12, 2014Are our lives characterized by Christian conduct? "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit,…
Christian Example
October 17, 2015Set A Christian Example Paul admonished Timothy: "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). Everyone sets an example.…
Christian Participation in Government
September 5, 2015Should the child of God become involved in politics and government? To hear some people talk on social media, it seems that one is committing sin to complain about anything political or to differ from what any person in politics…
Christianity is Not a Holiday Religion
September 6, 2012Not a holiday religion Today, December 25, the world will pause to remember, amidst the gifts, the greatest gift of all - Jesus Christ. He is what Paul called God's unspeakable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15). I am always thankful when men are…
Christmas MythBusters!
January 7, 2013(originally published in December 2012) Now is the time of year when people all over our land pause to remember the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. There is not necessarily anything wrong with taking time out to focus…
Church Growth
October 26, 2014People may not have expected it, but God provided church growth when they were scattered. "...they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word" (Acts 8:4). One cannot help but admire the dedication of early Christians. Everywhere they went they preached,…
Church Scandals
October 25, 2015For several years now the Catholic Church has been rocked by scandals. Literally hundreds of individuals have come forth claiming to have been sexually abused by their priests. Many of them were children at the time the abuse occurred. It…
Citizens Have Obligations
August 13, 2015Obligations of Citizens Discharge your obligations as citizens in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel The McCord Translation of the Everlasting Gospel says in Philippians 1:27, “Finally, discharge your obligations as citizens in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel, so…
Citizens of the Kingdom
April 11, 2015You are a citizen of a kingdom, not an island affecting only yourself. There was a time, not that long ago, when news traveled slowly. That time is no more. Now we are inundated with information almost instantly about anything…
Cleanse Your Way
November 7, 2013Here is a “dirty joke”: A pig wallowed in the mud. Here is the clean version: The pig took a bath! Baths physically cleanse us from dirt that we may either see or not see. We go a lot of places…
Color-Blind
December 28, 2014God is color-blind. In Jesus Christ all racial, religious, social, and cultural barriers are destroyed. Palestine, twenty centuries ago, was a divided land much like it is today. Division on the basis of race, social standing, and sex were all…
Come and Go Christians
March 1, 2015Come and Go Christians are Indefensible. I have real trouble understanding the "revolving door mentality" which seems to pervade the thinking of so many. I refer to these people as "come and go Christians". I see it all the time,…
Come and See
October 4, 2013Have you ever heard someone tell you that they saw something, and you just didn’t believe it? Someone may say, “There’s a zebra in the bathroom!” Naturally, a zebra would not be in a bathroom; therefore you would not believe…
Comfort One Another With These Words
September 17, 2012Comfort One Another With These Words - 1 Thessalonians 3:18 What hope is there for us, when last day comes? People who don't have a proper relationship with the Lord dread the coming of the end of the world, and…
Commitment
March 30, 2014When Lou Holtz was serving as head football coach at Arkansas, he was contacted by Ohio State and offered the job of head coach for the Buckeyes. When he turned down the offer a reporter asked, "I understand that they've telephoned you…
Confidence in the Gospel
October 17, 2015Early disciples were bold, full of faith and had confidence. They were not self-conceited, presumptuous, arrogant, head-strong, or offensively boastful. They merely possessed the confident, calm assurance that faith provides. Notice these examples from the pen of Paul: “And we…
Confidence in The Lord
August 2, 2015Put Your Confidence in The Lord Is there someone who you cannot put confidence in? When that person lets you down, how do you feel? The wise man wrote, “Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like…
Contrast in Character
November 30, 2014Will we imitate the character of Diotrephes or Demetrius? The choice is ours. "I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say. For this reason, if I come, I will call…
Corinth: the Troubled Church
September 23, 2012Corinth: The Troubled Church Paul, in the middle of his second missionary journey, was forced to leave Thessalonica for his own safety, when the Jews there became homicidal toward him (Acts 17:10). They pursued him to Berea, so he was then…
Culture Wars
September 5, 2012The devil is very real He is determined to do anything and everything he can to make discipleship just as difficult as possible. He has always operated that way. First century Christians were misunderstood, maligned, and frequently mistreated, yet they held their ground,…
Daily Struggle
August 18, 2013I think I have a pretty good grasp of how a Christian ought to live. And, if I know my heart, I really do try to live by His standards. Yet, there are occasions when, like everyone else, I fall short. There…
Danger of Extremes
October 25, 2015When eyeglasses were first introduced they created quite a stir. Doctors opposed them as harmful to the eyes, and the clergy insisted that trying to restore failing eyesight by artificial means was an act of defiance against God. Both saw…
Day of Small Things
November 17, 2013One hundred years ago faithful Christians assembled for the first time on this corner (6th and Washington Streets in Marietta, Ohio). They were compelled to move from the West Side to this spot in 1913 because of one of the worst floods…
Day of Worship
September 15, 2013The Seventh Day Adventists, and a few others, argue that the day on which Christians are to assemble for worship is Saturday, not Sunday. The proponents of Saturday, or Sabbath Day worship support their stance based entirely on the demand: “Remember the Sabbath…
Dealing with Discouragement
November 8, 2015On leaving office, in an address to members of his administration (August 9, 1974), President Nixon gave the following advice. “Always give your best, never get discouraged, never be petty; always remember, others may hate you. Those who hate you…
Destroying the Works of the Devil
December 29, 2013The devil has sinned from the beginning. Jesus spoke to the Jews and Pharisees in the temple. Not understanding God was His Father, they claimed to be children of Abraham. When Jesus contradicted this, they began to say that God…
Different World
September 1, 2013I know times are changing. Every generation sees change. Much of it is for the better. I prefer an automobile to a horse and buggy. I’d rather use a computer than a typewriter. There are any number of changes I find personally appealing…
Different!
September 6, 2012Men and women are different Someone has illustrated the difference between men and women this way. "A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband. A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife." Probably an over…
Divided Assemblies
February 22, 2013A growing phenomenon in the modern religious scene is the notion that, in order to appeal to young people, churches must divide their worship assemblies into smaller groups, which cater the perceived needs of specific ages. Some “small groups ministries” involve the…
Do All in the Name of the Lord
September 17, 2012Do All in the Name of the Lord - Colossians 3:17 Authority must be granted. Have you ever acted in someone else's name? It is quite a common thing for people to be given the "power of attorney" over someone…
Do Not Lie
September 6, 2012A certain woman, preparing to entertain guests, went to a small neighborhood grocery store to buy food. She stopped at the meat counter and asked the attendant for a large fresh chicken. He reached down into the cold storage compartment, grabbed the last…
Do the Right Thing
September 15, 2013In the fifteenth Psalm, King David posed an important question: “Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill?” (Psalm 15:1). In essence, he was asking, “Who will be in Heaven?” In response to his own question,…
Do You Believe God?
December 13, 2013Many people make promises they cannot keep. Often we hear of how someone is going to do something, but they either do not do it at all, or do it in an unexpected way. After so many times of expectations…
Do You Believe In God?
November 10, 2012Most acknowledge faith in a Supreme Being. If the statistics can be believed, more than ninety out of every one hundred Americans believes in God or some higher power. When asked, most folks are quick to acknowledge faith in a…
Do You Believe?
November 17, 2012A little boy visited Sunday School for the first time. There he heard about Moses and the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. Back home that afternoon, his mother asked him what he has learned in Sunday School. "Well, Mom," he…
Do You Ever Wonder Why?
October 6, 2013In my work I spend a lot time dealing with grieving families. Death is always sad. There is a natural sense of loss and sorrow connected with death. Even our Lord wept when he went to the tomb of his dear friend, Lazarus…
Do You Know Where You Are Going?
March 23, 2014If you ask the captain of a ship what his next destination is, he will tell you in one sentence. He knows where he is going, how he will get there, and how long it will take. On the other hand, suppose…
Do You Need a Reminder?
January 11, 2014Have you ever tied a ribbon around your finger, only to forget what that was supposed to remind you of? Note pads, voice recordings, sticky notes, highlighters, and other products are for our use to remember something very important. It…
Does God Hear Our Prayers?
November 3, 2013The Bible confidently affirms that God hears and answers prayer. "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive…
Does it Matter?
August 2, 2014Truly, does it matter? It depends what it is! Teddy Roosevelt is said to have told the following story about two men who were talking politics. One asked the other, "Why are you a Republican?" The response came back, "Because…
Does It Say That?
March 6, 2013Have you ever the term, "Chimney Corner Scripture?" This means something thought to be in the Bible, though is not. People often say something like, “it’s in the Bible somewhere…”, when the truth is, it isn't in the Bible, or the Bible…
Does the Bible Contradict Science?
February 1, 2015Does the Bible contradict science, or is the Bible confirmed by science? It depends what you accept as science. Many people today hold to the misapprehension that the Bible contradicts scientific fact. The truth is that the Bible does not contradict…
Don’t Be Ashamed!
March 15, 2015Don't be ashamed of being a Christian. Christianity is under assault. Prayer has been banned from the classroom. Religious symbols have been prohibited on public property. The Ten Commandments have been removed from public display. Christians are regularly maligned. Michael…
Don’t Worry
January 25, 2015Christians don't worry the way the world does, even though God has not promised to shield us As citizens of the United States of America, we are blessed beyond our capacity to appreciate it. We live in a time and…
Don’t Believe Everything You Hear
February 22, 2015Do you believe everything you hear? Or do you check it out? At the end of every episode of Reading Rainbow, Levar Burton would say, "...But, you don’t have to take my word for it." The kids would then give…
Doubting Thomas
January 17, 2016A hundred years from now what will others remember about us? Probably nothing! That is the truth unless we do something really noteworthy. Men come and go almost without notice. Only a few are remembered long after life has ended, even among the…
Dust You Are
September 6, 2015“…For dust you are, and to dust you shall return (Genesis 3:19).” These words were said to Adam after he sinned before God. Earlier, God had “formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the…
Educating Our Young
February 22, 2013More than twenty-four hundred years ago Socrates said, "Could I climb to the highest place in Athens, I would lift my voice and proclaim: 'Fellow-citizens, why do ye turn and scrape every stone to gather wealth and take so little…
Emblems of the Supper
May 1, 2013The common practice in the churches of Christ is for the Lord’s Supper to consist of bread, which is unleavened, and grape juice, which is unfermented. As is the case with most everything that is done in the worship of the Lord’s church, we do this, not because it is…
Ephesus: the Church That Left Its First Love
September 23, 2012Ephesus: The Church That Left Its First Love During the return segment of his second missionary journey, the apostle Paul made a quick stop in the city of Ephesus (Acts 18:19). He preached in the synagogue there and his fellow…
Everything Works Together for Good
August 23, 2013One verse that has been on our hearts lately is Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” We can see…
Expecting the Unexpected
July 6, 2014What are you expecting? Over the years my family and I have learned we should be expecting the unexpected. Many a family outing, vacation, or dinner out has been interrupted by some development we were not expecting. It may be…
Facing the Future
April 19, 2015Are you facing the future with confidence? Over the years I have learned to expect the unexpected in facing the future. Many a family outing, vacation, or dinner out has been interrupted by some unexpected development. James, the brother of…
Fact or Fiction?
July 13, 2014Is evolution fact or fiction? A response to an article in TIME (April 8, 1996) included the following: "Creationists would have us believe the 'theory' of evolution is questionable. In fact, evolution is as incontrovertible as the orbiting of the…
Faith and Knowledge
July 20, 2014Faith is an essential element in our response to God. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently…
Faith or Superstition?
August 2, 2014Superstition and Faith are often incorrectly associated. A superstition is defined as “1 a: a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation b: an irrational abject…
Faithful Witness
June 29, 2014A faithful witness tells things as they are. a faithful witness tells the truth, no matter what. When a person is accused of a crime he did not commit, he needs a lot of help to be acquitted. He needs…
False Teachers
July 28, 2013The Bible offers many warnings concerning the dangers of false teachers.They have always presented a problem for God’s people (2 Peter 2:1). They always will (1 Timothy 4:1-3). Jesus warned of them saying, "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in…
Fear and Trembling
February 28, 2015When a person is very afraid, a natural response is to shake. Hence the reference to fear and trembling. One may experience fear, and tremble either inwardly, outwardly, or both. One example found in the Bible is that of the…
Fellow Workers for the Truth
June 15, 2014We can be fellow workers for the truth, even in different places. Today I am sad that I am not with you there at Gahanna-Jefferson, but I am glad to be working here at Fort Hill. Soon the campground will…
Final Words
August 9, 2014Take to heart the final words of Paul. Several years ago a young lady tried to cross a water covered road in her automobile and was swept away. As the force of the water carried her car further and further…
Foolish Questions
November 16, 2014Don't waste your time with foolish questions. A young man, seeking to entrap the Scottish preacher, John McNeil, sent the following note to the preacher with the request that it be answered publicly: "Dear Mr. McNeil, if you seek to enlighten…
For We Walk By Faith, Not By Sight
September 17, 2012For We Walk By Faith, Not By Sight - 2 Corinthians 5:7 The human mind can so easily be tricked. Many years ago, I visited a museum of science and industry in Columbus, Ohio, where I got to see a…
Forgiving the Forsaking
November 2, 2014Perhaps one of the toughest acts of Christianity is that of forgiving. When one has wronged us, we need to be willing to forgive them. Peter asked Jesus how often one should be willing to forgive, even up to seven…
Form or Substance?
December 6, 2015The apostle Paul wrote to the young preacher Timothy: “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving,…
Freedom
August 16, 2014The Human Heart Longs for Freedom Every 4th of July our nation celebrates Independence Day. I am grateful for the holiday and what it represents. I have difficulty imagining what it would be like to grow up in any other…
Freedom
July 4, 2015Value Your Freedom Today (7/4/15) our nation celebrates Independence Day. I am grateful for the holiday and what it represents. I have difficulty imagining what it would be like to grow up in any other environment. It is the longing…
Freedom in Christ
July 6, 2014Only freedom in Christ can break the binding shackles of sin. Over 200 years ago, the United States of America gained its independence from Great Britain. July 4th marks the celebration of this freedom in America. On July 4, 1776 the…
Galatia: Churches Besieged by the Old Law
September 23, 2012Galatia: Churches Besieged by the Old Law Galatia was a geopolitical region located in the central portion of what is today the country of Turkey. The apostle Paul is known to have visited Galatian cities like Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra…
Getting on Target
January 4, 2015Have you been getting on target to reach the important goals you set for your life? What do you want out of life? How do you define success? What goals have you set for yourself? How are you getting on…
Giving of our Means
August 1, 2013When one thinks about the Bible doctrine of giving, money is usually the first thing that comes to mind. In 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, the apostle Paul succinctly stated that giving of our means is supposed to be part of the worship that Christians offer to God. “Now concerning…
Giving of our Talent
August 1, 2013“For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.” - Matthew 25:29 Paul, in praise of the Christians of Macedonia, wrote: “How that in great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their…
Giving of our Time
August 1, 2014“See then that ye walk circumspectly , not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” - Ephesians 5:15-16 How much of your time do you give to God? Sure, you may give a generous amount of your money…
God Gives the Increase
June 22, 2014God gives the increase when we do our part. Last week was a wonderful, if tiring, week at Fort Hill camp and I was happy to be able to participate. There were 111 campers, 50 staff members, and 8 cooks. All…
God is in Control
May 17, 2015Rember That God Is In Control This past week many of us were affected by the fierce storms that passed through the area. Some of us were even under a tornado warning for a brief period of time. Most of…
God, the Father – The “First Person” of the Godhead
September 21, 2012One of the most commonly held misconceptions about God, the Father is that many people think of Him as the "Head" of the Godhead. But, there is no such thing as a hierarchy in the Godhead. Jesus often spoke of…
God, the Father – The Name of the Lord
September 21, 2012Most of the time, He is simply called, "God" (Romans 15:30; 2 Corinthians 13:14). This is one reason why some people see Him as the "Chairman" of the Godhead. But, this view is mistaken, since all the members of the…
God, the Father – The Object of Our Devotion
September 21, 2012In John 4:23-24, the Scriptures make it clear that God, the Father, is the one to whom we express our devotion, in worship. Certainly, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are part of our worship services, but it is the Father…
God, the Holy Spirit – The “Third Person” of the Godhead
September 21, 2012God, the Holy Spirit - The "Third Person" of the Godhead As the "third" member of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit is no less important, nor is He of lesser stature than the Father and the Son. Within the context…
God, the Holy Spirit – The Source of Inspiration
September 21, 2012The Bible is not merely the product of ancient near eastern wisdom (2 Peter 1:20). The Scriptures came directly from the mind of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The wisdom of God was transmitted to Earth via the Holy Spirit, who…
God, the Holy Spirit – The Spirit of God
September 21, 2012The Holy Spirit seems to be the only member of the Godhead that has no proper name. Unlike Jehovah and Jesus, the Holy Spirit is known by a more informal designation. But, just like the other two members of the…
God, the Son – “Only Begotten”
September 21, 2012Many modern critics of the Bible assert that Jesus was merely a man who was chosen by God to be the Messiah. Even in ancient times, people were confused about the nature of the Christ. "There was a man of…
God, the Son – The “Second Person” of the Godhead
September 21, 2012A popular misconception about Jesus Christ is that He is the complete embodiment of the Godhead and that the Father and the Holy Spirit are manifested in Him. This view denies the Biblical doctrine of the Godhead by arguing that…
God, the Son – The Name of Jesus
September 21, 2012When the prophet Isaiah wrote about the name of the Messiah, he listed several terms, which describe many of the characteristics of His nature. "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government…
God’s Word
August 24, 2014You can accept the Bible as God's Word. I accept the trustworthiness of the Bible. I have confidence in the Scriptures. Peter said of the prophets of the Old Testament: "And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you…
Good Medicine for any Ailment
September 19, 2014A merry heart is still good medicine! "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bone" (Proverbs 17:22). We are what we think. Solomon said of man, "as he thinketh in his heart so…
Good News
May 11, 2014I picked up the paper this morning to look for good news. I found none. There were stories about death and destruction, crime and misery, drugs and sex, but no good news. Floods and tornadoes, poison gas and destructive bombs, alcohol abuse and…
Good News for Everyone
September 1, 2014Do you really believe the good news? Somewhere not far from Bethlehem shepherds watched over their flocks at night. Suddenly the angel of the Lord appeared. The brightness of his glory struck terror in their hearts. Then the angel spoke…
Gracious or Ungracious?
October 11, 2012GraciousUngracious.pdf GraciousUngracious.docx Jesus was gracious, even as a child - Luke 4:22. Christians should emulate Him. Are you being gracious? Gracious Acceptable Accommodating Affable Amenable Amiable Amicable Approachable Appropriate Attentive Becoming Befitting Careful Charming Cheerful Cheery Chivalrous Civil Civilized Companionable…
Greatness of America
October 27, 2013For some nine months in late 1831 and early 1832, Alexis de Tocqueville and his friend, Gustave de Beaumont, toured America studying prison reform. They traveled throughout the country talking to people from all walks of life. So impressed were they with what…
Have You Been Baptized?
November 24, 2012I doubt that there is anything more clearly stated in the New Testament than the command to be baptized. John, the son of Zacharias and Elizabeth, commanded it. In fact, for nearly two thousand years, he has been identified as…
Have You Got the Right Directions?
February 9, 2013Technology of the modern world can be both a blessing and a curse. When everything works as it should, it’s a blessing - when things go wrong, it’s something else. Take, for example the bizarre case of Sabine Moreau, a 67-year old…
He Cares About Me
February 22, 2015God Cares About Me "Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time…
He is Alive!
December 7, 2012In my work as a gospel preacher I have been called upon to conduct many funerals. I have tried to keep accurate records for each individual including date of birth, date of death, and place of burial. Without a great…
He’s Coming Again!
March 22, 2015Jesus Christ is coming again. Be ready. Christians find great comfort in the promise that Jesus Christ is coming again. His return is either stated or implied more than three hundred times in the New Testament. For almost two thousand…
Headed Our Way
September 6, 2012Legalize same-sex marriage? If I'm not mistaken, nine states and the District of Colombia have now legalized same-sex marriage, and if the Ohio Freedom to Marry Coalition has its way, Ohio will be added to the list. An effort is currently underway…
Heaven’s Heartbreak
June 14, 2015Let us not be the cause of God's Heartbreak The story of Hosea and his heartbreak is one of the most insightful in the Bible. Hosea married Gomer. To this marriage three children were born: Jezreel (the Lord sows or…
Heed the Warning
May 24, 2015Heed the Warning from God There are many kinds of warnings that are available to us in this world. A siren sounds when a tornado has been sighted. A horn blows before an accident is about to occur. An announcement…
Hell is Real
March 9, 2014Hell is one of the most abused words in the English language. Could it be that folks just don't understand how serious hell is? The devil has deceived many into believing that it is just one big joke. But hell is real!…
Hell, Fire and Brimstone
May 11, 2014Because the LORD could not find ten righteous people in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, He destroyed them. He did so by raining brimstone and fire on them from out of the heavens (Genesis 19:24). Imagine how wicked the…
Home as God Designed It: Husbands and Fathers
September 25, 2012Husbands and Fathers The man's role in the home, as husband and father, is frequently misunderstood in our society. God has ordained that men and women must fulfill specific roles and responsibilities, in order for the home to function properly.…
Home: As God Designed It – Children
September 25, 2012Children: An Heritage of the Lord There is no doubt that children are a special blessing in any family. For the first seven years of our marriage, my wife and I struggled with the painful frustration of childlessness. We knew…
Home: As God Designed It – Wives and Mothers
September 25, 2012Wives and Mothers The woman's role in the home, as wife and mother, is frequently maligned in our society, to the detriment of families everywhere. Many regard a woman's life to be wasted, if she foregoes a career, in order…
Hosea and Gomer: A Living Lesson
August 25, 2013Hosea was a prophet of the Lord who lived and worked in Israel—the northern kingdom, in the period of time when God’s people were divided into two kingdoms. Israel was composed of ten tribes of the Hebrew people, who separated themselves from…
How Can We Know That the Bible is the Word of God?
October 6, 2012The Bible claims to be the word of God. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of references to that fact in Scripture. The apostle Paul wrote that "all scripture is given by the inspiration God" (2 Timothy 3:16). It was…
How Do We Confess?
September 18, 2012For an answer, we had better consult the Word of God. The title of this article may seem like an absurd question, but there are some preachers who teach that the confession of our faith in Jesus Christ is something…
How is Your Reflection?
April 26, 2015Your reflection reveals you and shows where you need to improve. We often look at our reflection. At times we may see ourselves reflected in water; other times we look in a mirror. Are you fully satisfied with what you…
How the Bible Authorizes – By Approved Example
September 25, 2012By Approved Example What makes an example an approved example? There are a number of examples of tradition and practice in the New Testament, some of which are imitated by the modern church and some of which are not. How…
How the Bible Authorizes – By Direct Statement
September 25, 2012By Direct Statement At first glance, this may seem to be the simplest of all the ways in which the Bible authorizes. After all, if the Bible says that a thing is so, then it is so, right? Well, it…
How the Bible Authorizes – By Necessary Inference
September 25, 2012By Necessary Inference What about those things with which the Bible does not deal directly? How can we know that it is sinful for Christians to smoke cigarettes, or abuse drugs like morphine, when such things did not exist in…
Humble Living
September 5, 2015Humble is defined as “not proud or haughty: not arrogant or assertive.” One problem that many people in our world have today is the inability to be humble and express humility. People are so self-centered that they are unable to…
I am Resolved
December 28, 2014What have you resolved in your mind? In 1896, Palmer Hartsough penned the following words: “I am resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the world’s delight; things that are higher, things that are nobler, these have allured my sight. …
I Did a Terrible Thing
March 8, 2015Everyone has done a terrible thing at some point. We are all guilty. Are there skeletons in your closet? Is there a terrible thing, or more than one, in your past which you want to keep in the past? Have you…
I Don’t Understand
May 31, 2013It is not unusual for a person to begin a conversation with someone who does not understand what they are saying. “We’re on two completely different pages!” is a common response. This could be for many reasons, such as having…
I Hear a Voice
April 6, 2014Perhaps you have heard of people claiming that they hear voices in their heads. They do not necessarily see anyone, but somebody somewhere tells them to do (or not to do) something. There was a time when Jesus called upon…
I Heard It Through The Grapevine
July 19, 2013A comedian once said that there are three “tell-alls” in any neighborhood: Telephone Telegraph Tell the town gossip! When a message is sent through the right channel, it is quickly received. Thus, we often hear something “through the grapevine.” There…
I Think…
November 24, 2013Solomon admonished: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6). Later he wrote: "There is a way which seemeth right unto a…
I Will Pray
February 23, 2014“Father, in the morning unto Thee I pray; let Thy loving kindness keep me through this day. At the busy noontide, pressed with work and care, then I’ll wait with Jesus till He hear my prayer. When the evening shadows…
I Wonder
September 6, 2012"God will not permit man to have a knowledge of things to come; for if man had a foresight of his prosperity, he would become arrogant and careless; and if he had an understanding of his adversity, he would become listless and despairing"…
I’m a Creationist… Are You?
September 17, 2012A creationist worldview holds back innovation and scientific understanding? Recently, in a video posted on YouTube by a science advocacy group, called "Big Think," former TV show host and scientist, Bill Nye voiced his concerns about how a creationist worldview…
I’m Dead
February 10, 2013Yes, the words, “I’m dead!”, can be spoken by a living person. For example: A student may say this upon taking a test not studied for A player may say this when the opposing team looks bigger and stronger In…
If I Had Only Known
September 1, 2014"If I had only known then what I know now, what a difference it would have made." Now eighty, and life quickly passing him by, he could see how wrong he had been. If he had only known then. Hindsight…
Immorality
March 16, 2014A survey some years ago revealed that most Frenchmen no longer believe they sin. They make mistakes or commit errors, but they do not sin. Sin and immorality are not part of their vocabulary. Sadly, the same can be said of our…
Importance of the Assembly
March 2, 2014"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for…
In The Likeness
October 8, 2014Romans 6:5 - "For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection" Therefore, those baptized for another reason - in another likeness - are not in…
In the Name of The Lord
August 15, 2015"Do All in the Name of the Lord" “What-e’er you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord; do naught in name of man or creed, do all in the name of the Lord. Do…
Incomprehensible!
July 18, 2015It Is Incomprehensible That We Should Fully Grasp The Mind Of God The human brain can contain only so much information before it is overloaded and information becomes incomprehensible. When the brain does get overloaded, it may feel as if…
Indisputable Facts – I
September 6, 2014Although baptism is said to involve the sprinkling, pouring or immersion of one in water, it is admitted that in the New Testament baptism involved a burial or immersion of the convert in water. Baptism is called a burial (Romans…
Indisputable Facts – II
September 13, 2014The advent of choirs, the use of solos, and various other forms of religious entertainment were late comers to the worship of the church and lack any New Testament authority. The Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature (Vol. VI,…
Intolerance
February 23, 2014I am not a political person, but I do pay attention to the basic arguments the politicians put forth. One of the things that I have noticed is that one party in particular is frequently urged to be more tolerant…
Is God Seen and Heard in Us?
December 30, 2012Parents need to be very careful around children. Little eyes are watching and little ears are hearing everything—yes everything! How many times has a child repeated something the parent wished had not been said? How many times has a child…
Is God’s Grace Limited to the Churches of Christ?
February 16, 2014In the March, 2014 issue of The Christian Chronicle (an international newspaper for the churches of Christ; published by Oklahoma Christian University) an article appears on page three, which is titled, “Muscle, a shovel and thousands of baptisms” (sic.). As you may…
Is The Bible a Lewd Book?
October 22, 2012Some time ago the Associated Press (Brooklyn Center, Minnesota) reported that Gene Kasmar, an atheist, had filed a petition with the Brooklyn Center Independent School District in which he argued that the Bible was unfit for the eyes of children.…
Is the Bible the Rule Book for the Church?
April 23, 20142 Thessalonians 3:6 - “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition that he received of us.” Is the Bible…
Is The End Near?
November 15, 2015Every time hostilities erupt in the Middle East, the prophets of doom and gloom kick into high gear. “It’s just what the Bible predicted. It won’t be long until the Lord returns. The signs are pointing to His coming!” I…
It Came to Pass
November 22, 2015When asked what their favorite verse in the Bible was someone replied, “My favorite verses are all those passages where the words “it came to pass” are found.” The expression is actually used 453 times in 452 verses in the…
It Can Not be Part True and Part Myth
October 11, 2014“For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark.” - Matthew 24:38 Jesus said that Noah lived and the flood happened…
It Happens in Three Days
April 5, 2015What can happen in three days? There is a popular saying that goes, "it always happens in threes." Another saying goes, "the third time’s a charm." Interestingly, there were several events in the Bible that occurred in three days. In…
It is Hip to Call Evil Good and Good Evil
July 19, 2015It May Be "Hip" To Call Evil Good, But God Says, "Woe Unto Them That Call Evil Good, And Good Evil" In Isaiah 5:20, the prophet of the Lord pronounced "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil;…
It Is Not Progress
September 6, 2012Society has lost ground The past one hundred years has seen more change than any century in recorded history. The advances in technology have been phenomenal. We've entered the computer age. And, it is impossible to predict what lies ahead. I guess some…
It Isn’t So!
September 6, 2012A devout religious faith is abnormal? Not so! William James, noted American psychologist and philosopher, wrote nearly 100 years ago, "There can be no doubt that as a matter of fact a religious life, exclusively pursued, does tend to make the person…
It’s a Crazy World
September 6, 2012Some time ago I read a story in the Columbus Dispatch about a child-custody case in which the parents were in disagreement over their daughter's education. The mother was insisting on home-schooling her daughter, and the father was just as insistent that the…
It’s My Pleasure
October 31, 2013“It’s my pleasure!” This is often said after someone does something nice for somebody else, or gives them something they always desired. Perhaps you have said it yourself a few times. A giver should take pleasure in giving as much…
It’s Not Hopeless!
January 5, 2014Every once in a while I encounter someone whose life is filled with guilt. "God can't love me anymore," they argue. "I've been too wicked." My heart goes out to these folks. They desperately want to rid themselves of their…
Jerusalem: the First Church
September 23, 2012Jerusalem: the First Church "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come…" (Acts 2:1). This was the fiftieth day after the day after the Sabbath of the Passover, which is better known as Pentecost (Leviticus 23:15-16). It was one…
Jesus and Basketball
December 21, 2012I had never thought of Jesus as a basketball player, but Mark Eaton, center for the Utah Jazz, did. He said: "I think Jesus would have been a great basketball player. He would have been one of the most tenacious…
Jesus Our Savior
September 19, 2014We are all drowning spiritually. And, there is a Savior. But sadly, most reject his help. It makes no sense. Have you ever been lost? It’s a frightening thing to be lost and alone and need a savior! Maybe as…
Jesus, An Accurate Picture
May 30, 2015We need an accurate picture of Jesus in order to be like him. According to the thinking of some religious people, Jesus found fault with very little in society. He only found fault with the fault finder. He only criticized…
Jumping to Conclusions
February 2, 2014As the story goes, a lady invited several friends to a mushroom and steak dinner. When the maid opened the can of mushrooms, she discovered a slight scum on the surface. Since the guests were expected shortly and there was no time to…
Just a State of Mind
September 6, 2012A woman summoned her waiter and requested that he turn the air-conditioning down. Minutes later, she summoned the waiter again, asking that the air-conditioning be turned up. As her complaints continued, a man seated at the next table said to the waiter, "She…
Just a Symbol
September 28, 2014Baptism is much more than just a symbol. Over the years I have written many times regarding the subject of baptism. It is no secret that we in churches of Christ preach that baptism is essential to our salvation, not…
Just for Fathers
June 16, 2013Getting home late, after a very hectic day at the office, dad had just settled down in his easy chair, newspaper in one hand and a cool glass of tea in the other, when his four year old came down the hall…
Just Grow Up!
October 5, 2014Are you a mature Christian, or do you need to just grow up? Every parents wants to raise children to be mature adults. This involves growth in five specific areas encompassing the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual development of…
Keep My Commandments
September 17, 2012Keep My Commandments - John 14:15 We keep the commandments of Christ because we love Him. Obedience is a crucial part of our relationship with God. Jesus has said, "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into…
Kepler’s Courage
September 26, 2012Kepler spent many years of his life trying to prove a hypothesis Johannes Kepler was a German astronomer, born in 1571. He lived in a time when astronomy and astrology were merged into a single field of study and he…
Laborers for the Harvest
August 9, 2014Send forth laborers. Matthew says of Jesus, "But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd" (Matthew 9:36). It was then that Jesus said…
Laodicea: The Lukewarm Church
September 23, 2012Laodicea: The Lukewarm Church The origin of the church in Laodicea is obscure, to say the least. Some theorize that it was established while Paul was teaching in Ephesus and "all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of…
Last Words
January 10, 2016If you had just one more opportunity to speak to someone dear to your heart, would you choose your words carefully, or would you be casual and flippant in your speech? Would you speak of the important or the trivial?…
Let Freedom Ring
July 6, 2014Let freedom ring. Freedom in our country and, even more importantly, freedom in Christ, freedom from sin. On July 4th this nation again celebrated Independence Day. I am grateful for the holiday and what it represents. I have difficulty imagining…
Let God Be True, But Every Man a Liar
September 17, 2012Let God Be True, But Every Man a Liar - Romans 3:4 Who do you trust? Your parents? Your best friend? Your preacher? Do these people always tell you the truth? Do they always give you the best advice? Are…
Let No Man Deceive You By Any Means
September 17, 2012Let No Man Deceive You By Any Means - 2 Thessalonians 2:3 How can we keep from being deceived? In a world that is inhabited by so many competing religious institutions, how can anyone be sure that his faith is…
Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide
October 13, 2013What we call a “conscience” is defined by some as a “sense of ought,” which compels us to do what we believe to be right and to shun what we believe to be wrong. It has been depicted as an angel perched…
Life and Death
May 24, 2015The Bible Sheds Light on Life and Death Hebrews 9:27 reads, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." Sooner or later, every human being experiences death. Death is the inevitable end of…
Life Is Not Fair!
July 5, 2013How many times have you heard the expression, “life isn’t fair!”? Sometimes you may even agree with that yourself. We often wonder why bad things happen to good people, and vice versa. The truth is, we are the ones that are…
Life Isn’t Fair
February 9, 2014He had a large and adoring family, was one of the wealthiest men in his community, and was as honest as the day is long. A decent and God fearing man, he seemed to have it made. Then disaster struck. All ten of…
Life Without Meaning
September 6, 2012"Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless" (Ecclesiastes 1:2). This is not a skeptical and pessimistic view of life, but a poignant refutation of materialism. Wealth, power, pleasure and fame are all fleeting. Solomon, generally acknowledged as the author, observed: "I…
Living with Guilt
September 6, 2012Guilt can be good or bad Guilt (self-reproach and feelings of responsibility for an offense) can be a good thing, or a very bad thing. It's good when it leads to repentance and reformation. It's bad when it prevents us from moving…
Locusts
September 27, 2015Would locusts cause you to repent? Locusts were the eighth plague that the LORD sent over the land of Egypt (Genesis 10:3-19). Pharaoh’s servants pleaded with him to allow Moses and Aaron to depart from them, but to no avail.…
Look Up, Not Down
May 3, 2015Do People Look Up To Us? Have you ever felt that someone was always looking down on you? Maybe you felt short, young, or inexperienced. You just wished there was something you could do to change the way others look…
Look What I Found
May 18, 2014The book of Ecclesiastes is full of things Solomon has learned. He wishes to share his wisdom with his readers. His wisdom came from God, and thus includes many things we all need to know. Throughout his book, Solomon tells…
Lord, Teach Us to Pray
February 8, 2015Many today do not properly understand what prayer is and how they ought to pray. Answers can be found in the words of our Lord. Jesus taught His disciples how to pray on at least two occasions. These are recorded…
Make the Most of Today
May 17, 2015Make the Most of Today Dale Carnegie observed, "One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the…
Many Believed
November 2, 2014Many believed when they examine the evidence with a fair and open mind. As Peter and John made their way to the temple one afternoon, they encountered a lame beggar. The apostles had no money that day, but they had something much…
May The Lord Do What Seems Good To Him
August 25, 2013During David’s reign, the Ammonites, assisted by the Syrians, confronted the army of Israel. Joab, captain of Israel’s army, with the Syrians on one side and the Ammonites on the other, divided his forces between himself and his brother Abishai. He then said…
Maybe They Are Born That Way?
February 15, 2015Sin results from life choices, not because people are born that way. Much has been reported lately about an effort that is being put forth to allow "transgender" students at Madisonville North Hopkins High School to use the restroom of…
Men and Women in the Church
December 14, 2014The church is the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18), and includes both men and women (Acts 5:14). Paul explained to the Corinthians that there is one body, yet that body is made up of different members with different…
Missing Words
May 19, 2013Billy Graham, in his book Approaching Hoofbeats, wrote: After the people had heard Peter's sermon at Pentecost, "They were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37). Then "Peter replied, 'Repent…
Money Is Not The Answer!
June 15, 2014Can money fix everything? No. Money is not the answer. For a long time this nation has operated upon the false premise that more money can fix about anything. But, does the evidence substantiate the claim? Absolutely not! Billions and billions of…
Moral Integrity
November 3, 2012A. W. Tozer has written: "One of our great tasks is to demonstrate to the young people of this generation that there is nothing stupid about righteousness. To do so, we must stop negotiating with evil. We Christians must stop…
Moral Integrity
July 21, 2013We Christians must stop apologizing for our moral position and start making our voices heard... A. W. Tozer has written: "One of our great tasks is to demonstrate to the young people of this generation that there is nothing stupid about righteousness. To…
More Thankful
August 15, 2015Decide To Be More Thankful - With Thanksgiving, Let Your Requests Be Made Known To God Many years ago I heard a story about two young men riding a motor cycle up a hill when the motor suddenly died. At…
Mothers and Memories
May 12, 2013"Precious father, loving mother, fly across the lonely years; and old home scenes of my childhood, in fond memory appear. Precious memories, how they linger, how they ever flood my soul; in the stillness of the midnight, precious, sacred scenes unfold." Some…
Moved with Compassion
October 22, 2014God motivated saints are moved with compassion to care for the needy and help when they can. Every contact with the lost is an opportunity for evangelism. Mark 6:34 KJV - "And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people,…
Musings on Marriage
June 2, 2013June used to be the month for weddings. Times have changed and one month is almost as popular as another anymore. Nevertheless, when June comes around marriage is still on the minds of a lot of folks. Weddings are stressful, but happy…
Must We Be Baptized?
January 6, 2013Jesus said, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19). "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that…
My Goal
September 28, 2012I have always been a regimented kind of guy. I like routines. I need a schedule, and I have been that way for as long as I can remember. My week is fairly routine. Monday, in addition to going to…
My Words Shall Judge Him in the Last Day
September 17, 2012My Words... Shall Judge Him in the Last Day - John 12:48 It is intimidating to appear in court. Have you ever stood before a judge, in a court of law? I have, and I can tell you from my…
Nathanael as Christ
March 6, 2013Nathanael is perhaps best known for asking, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth (John 1:46)?" When told to come and see, he began to approach Jesus. As he approached, Jesus said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom…
Never Give Up
November 17, 2012Haddon Robinson tells the following story. I hope you appreciate it the way I did. It was New Year's Day, 1929, and Georgia Tech and UCLA were battling it out in the Rose Bowl. Georgia Tech fumbled the football late…
No Big Deal
January 27, 2013Do you remember the story of Kelly Flinn? If not, Kelly Flinn was the Air Force's first female B-52 pilot. She was the "poster woman" for women in the military, but her career came to a crashing halt when the…
No Cancellations
November 3, 2012"And it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). Approximately every twenty-two seconds someone in this country dies. In the time it will take you to read this brief article more than two hundred deaths…
No Cause for Stumbling
January 19, 2014Do you know of anyone that is clumsy? Perhaps at one time or another we have bumped into something. Even though the coffee table has been there as long as we can remember, we still bump into it occasionally. Do…
No Compromise – Be a Daniel
August 15, 2015Be a Daniel - No Compromise "...he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he…
No Divisions
December 13, 2012Paul, in 1 Corinthians 1:10, wrote a passionate plea, “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly…
No Ordinary Man
October 19, 2014Examine the evidence. You will be forced to admit Jesus was no ordinary man. He was the Son of God! One night a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, called on Jesus. "Rabbi," he said, "we know you are…
No Problem with God, Just Religion
September 5, 2012TIME, in its November 21, 2011 edition, asked ten questions of Sting (born Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner), the famous English musician, singer songwriter, activist, actor and philanthropist. Among them was this query: "When asked your religion, you write "devout musician." Does that mean…
No Rule Changes
October 11, 2014Expect No Rule Changes from God. “And I besought the LORD at that time, saying, O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in…
Noah’s Faith and Ours
July 27, 2014Noah was saved through his faith; will your faith save you? Recently, Brother Brian Giselbach conducted our gospel meeting on “Foundations of Faith.” His last lesson was centered on helping us when our faith becomes weak. One person that came…
Non-Denominational Christianity
September 6, 2012We are very accustomed to choices A casual stroll down the aisles of a local supermarket will quickly illustrate this point. I am amazed at the variety of options available when it comes to something as simple as pork and beans, potato chips,…
Non-Denominational Christianity
January 19, 2013We are very accustomed to choices. A casual stroll down the aisles of a local supermarket will quickly illustrate this point. I am amazed at the variety of options available when it comes to something as simple as pork and…
Non-Denominational Christianity
July 19, 2015Non-Denominational Means Unity Non-Denominational Christianity means no factions. It means Unity. The acceptance of denominationalism has done more to prevent Christian unity today than any other single factor. The word denominationalism implies division. It is a disposition or mindset toward the…
Not Fair
December 13, 2015It was not fair. He had a large and adoring family, was one of the richest men in his community, and was as honest as the day is long. A decent and God fearing man, he seemed to have it all.…
Nurture and Admonition of the Lord
July 5, 2015Parents are responsible to teach about Biblical marriage. Parents, have you considered the fact that it is now entirely up to you to teach your children about Biblical marriage? Once upon a time, in our society, the Biblical definition of marriage…
Oaths – As Good As His Word
August 9, 2015Let Your Yes by Yes and Your No be No. Jesus taught, “...you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.'…
Obedience Through Suffering
January 26, 2014Sometimes it is very hard to do something that somebody else wants you to do. Parents want their children to make their beds, clean their rooms, take out the trash, or set the table. Teachers want their students to do…
On Mother’s Passing
September 6, 2012Sometime ago I read Roland H. Bainton's book, Here I Stand, A Life of Martin Luther. In it Bainton recorded the following regarding Luther's daughter Magdalena. When Magdalena was fourteen years old, she lay upon her deathbed. Luther prayed, "Oh God, I…
On the Contrary
July 3, 2015Are Christians Contrary? Living a different, or contrary, lifestyle than another can cause curiosity. Sometimes that curiosity might lead to trouble; other times that curiosity can open doors to open and honest communication. For example, Haman noted to King Ahasuerus…
One Died for All
April 6, 2014What do the names Franciszek Gajowniczek and Maximilian Kolbe mean to you? Probably nothing! Both were incarcerated at Auschwitz. Kolbe was a Franciscan priest. Gajowniczek was one of the millions of Jews sent to Auschwitz by the Germans. In July of 1941 there…
One is One Too Many!
September 17, 2012A preacher went out to talk to a farmer about his soul, but the farmer wasn't receptive. "There are just too many hypocrites in the church," he said. "You know Mr. Smith, and I'm just as good as he is.…
Onesimus
October 11, 2013Have you ever thought what a biography of your life would be like? Would it be a long narrative, or only a brief summary? You may say it depends on how long you live, or how important you make your…
Order
September 18, 2012Concerning the worship of the church, the apostle Paul has written, “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). That is why, in the churches of Christ, the worship we offer our Heavenly Father is purposely designed to be neither ritualistic, nor emotionalistic.…
Other Sheep
October 2, 2014John 10:16 - “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” It is sad that some people…
Our Best Friend
December 29, 2013Jesus once said, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I…
Our Citizenship is in Heaven
February 16, 2014February 2014 is a busy month. The Winter Olympics are being held in Sochi, Russia. People from all over the world assemble together to compete for a gold medal in their respective sports. Also, the United States is celebrating Presidents’…
Our Kids and Sex
April 13, 2013Decisions regarding sex are the number one problem facing teenagers today. Our children are bombarded with sex at the movies, in advertising, and on television. Few are equipped to deal with the pressures they face. Parents have a tremendous responsibility…
Our Plea
January 25, 2015Our plea is for Biblical unity. It has been suggested that America is the most religiously divided nation in the world. Whether or not that is, in fact, true, is hard to say. But, if it isn't completely accurate, it…
Parenting Pitfalls
February 9, 2013Even with almost two decades of experience, raising a son, I hardly feel qualified to offer any advice at all on the subject of parenting. The material in this article is compiled from many sources, both in print and on the Internet.…
Passing the Buck
January 27, 2013"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing the terror of the Lord, we…
Perfect Pair
May 17, 2013Burton Baskin and Irvine Robbins shared a common interest: ice cream. Together, they established the famous Baskin-Robbins ice cream chain in 1945. Phineas Taylor Barnum and James A. Bailey joined forces in 1888 to produce the “Barnum & Bailey Greatest…
Personal Bible Understanding
August 22, 2015Christians are to be careful Bible students and gain personal Bible understanding. Like Timothy we are to study to show ourselves approved before God (2 Timothy 2:15). We should be like the Bereans and search the Scriptures daily to make…
Perspective
July 25, 2015Use Wisdom From Above To Keep Your Perspective As I have gotten older, I have come to realize more than ever how important it is to keep things in perspective. We cannot allow our circumstances to determine our attitude. Our…
Philippi: the Beloved Church
September 23, 2012Philippi: the Beloved Church In the sixteenth chapter of the book of Acts, the apostle Paul witnessed a vision of a man from Macedonia, who beckoned him to "Come over into Macedonia and help us" (Acts 16:9). At the time,…
Pillar of Truth – The Church
September 27, 2015The church is the pillar of truth! “These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in…
Place of Refuge
June 1, 2014Do you have a place of refuge? Look to the Lord. Have you ever wanted a place to call your very own? A place where you could get away from it all? Sometimes a place is needed where one can…
Planning for the Vacation of a Lifetime
June 29, 2014School is out. Summer is upon us. Vacation time is here. If a vacation is in your future, you need to be aware of how much effort will be required to get ready. Plans, preparations, and reservations often must be made months in…
Pleasing Men, or God?
January 18, 2015Is it more important to be pleasing men, or God? Someone, when asked the secret to success, replied: "I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody." He was right on target.…
Politics and Religion
February 8, 2015Are politics and religion compatible? There are some who believe that religious conviction and political involvement are incompatible. In fact, there are those who believe that deeply held religious convictions disqualify one from political office. Any reference to faith, it…
Pray for One Another
August 9, 2013While visiting the nursing home this week a faithful member of the Lord’s church informed me that every night her neighbor would come into her room and visit with her. Then, after a good length of time, they would pray…
Preaching has a Purpose
September 12, 2015Preaching must meet with the approval of the Almighty and accomplish His purpose. The clarion call of the apostle Paul was: “PREACH THE WORD” (2 Timothy 4:2). But what exactly does preaching entail? And, what is the role of the…
Preaching to the Dead
February 8, 2015Have you heard of preaching to the dead? Huh? How can someone hear a sermon if they’re dead? If you have read this far, you must be thinking this by now. The answer is relatively simple: one who is dead…
Preaching with Authority
November 1, 2013"If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God..." -1 Peter 4:11 Jesus captivated multitudes of thousands of people at a time because, when He preached, "he taught them as one having authority, and not as the Scribes" (Mark 7:29). People were hungry and thirsty…
Preaching with Consistency
November 1, 2013Faithful preachers of the gospel are charged with preaching a consistent message to those who will listen to them. With so many preachers preaching so many different things in the "religious world," consistency is something that is sorely lacking. But, the kind of consistency that Bible challenges us to present in sermons…
Preaching with Honesty
November 1, 2013"Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." - Acts 20:26-27 Preachers must be honest with the people to whom they preach. One might think that much is obvious, but most preachers are under constant pressure…
Preeminence
February 15, 2015Are We to Seek Preeminence? Whoever Exalts Himself Will Be Humbled! "Diotrephes... loves to have the preeminence among them (3 John 9)." John criticizes him for loving himself first above others, and commands fellow Christians not to follow his bad…
Proof of God’s Love
September 6, 2015Does God love us? YES! Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we are killed all day…
Prosperity and Adversity
December 21, 2013Life is full of its ups and downs. In fact, God’s plan was to have a balance of these things. We need to realize that whether we’re prospering or suffering, God is in control. The Preacher wrote, “In the days…
Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI)
February 9, 2013Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a field of research which has shown a link between the brain and the immune system. Research seems to indicate that: contact with others contributes to health and longevity sharing your feelings may also have positive benefits…
Pure From Sin
January 15, 2015Has your heart been made you pure from sin? We all have questions that we may ask ourselves from time to time. "What did I come in here for?" "Where did I put that?" "What is on my to do list…
Pure Religion
November 29, 2015The modern approach to religion is to argue that there is good and bad in every religion. As long as one is religious, it matters little what religion is chosen. However, the New Testament clearly differentiates between religion which God…
Put Down Your Beer and Open Up Your Bible
September 17, 2012It is time to set the record straight. On our way back from Polishing the Pulpit, my wife and I spent several hours listening to the radio, as we drove. It’s always fun to sing along with the songs we…
Questions Without Answers
September 26, 2012Human beings are naturally inquisitive. Of all the creatures that God created, we are the only ones on Earth who are capable of reason, logic and profundity of thought (Isaiah 1:18). In our long history, humanity has made many important…
Ready to Give an Answer
June 14, 2015Why? Why? Why? Are You Ready to Give an Answer? Lots of questions Today campers are arriving at Fort Hill camp. Soon the entire campground will be full of kids. Those kins will be full of energy and... questions. There will…
Real Wealth
April 13, 2014According to the story, Midas, King of Lydia, did a favor for the god Bacchus. Bacchus, in return, offered the king his heart's desire. Midas wished that all he touched would turn to gold. His wish was granted, and he ran through the…
Reasonable Justification
February 22, 2013We seldom have much difficulty knowing the difference between right and wrong. Most things are pretty clear. However, we don't always like what we see. If we find something appealing, right or wrong, we look for all manner of reasons…
Rejoice Today!
May 24, 2013A few days ago, I had “one of those days.” I started to get in my car to go teach a Bible class, only to learn the car wouldn’t start! Thankfully, I had another vehicle to use. At lunch, I…
Rejoice! Your Name is Written in Heaven!
April 20, 2014“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice (Philippians 4:4)!” The apostle Paul commands Christians when to rejoice. Whether he was in a good situation, or a bad one, he rejoiced. He rejoiced when some obeyed the gospel,…
Religion and Life
August 4, 2013I get the distinct feeling that many people want the blessings and privileges that come with faith, but they desire few of the responsibilities of discipleship. These folks want the Father close at hand, but never take the time to talk to Him…
Religious, or Righteous?
July 14, 2013"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7). Ironically, many people equate religion with righteousness, but the two do not always go hand in hand. I suppose the best example in…
Remember God in Youth
October 13, 2013Solomon wrote: "Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth; before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, `I have no delight in them'" (Ecclesiastes 12:1). He knew what he was talking about. Recent studies…
Remember Lot’s Wife
April 26, 2013People leave lasting impressions. If someone asked you, “Do you remember…?” When a name was inserted, immediately you remember! “Oh yes! He/she once told me…” “He/she was the one that…” Depending on who the person was, they did or said…
Remember the Prisoners
August 4, 2013It seems that every day in the local paper that someone is arrested and put into prison. Sometimes they go to jail for things they should not have done, and other times they do something that is good that others…
Removing the Glass of the Mirror
August 31, 2014For now we see in a mirror dimly... For a lot of people, it is customary to get up in the morning, look in the glass of the mirror, and take care of personal grooming and looks. You want to…
Render To Each His Due
November 30, 2013We live in a society in which everyone thinks they are owed something. If a person does something nice for someone, they expect a favor in return. When that doesn’t happen, they become disappointed. Jesus taught, “Give to everyone who…
Renewing Our Zeal
October 2, 2014Our zeal for Christ and His church should be seen. It is easy for the people of God to become discouraged and lose their focus at times, lose their zeal. Scripture encourages Christians to maintain their zeal for serving God.…
Repentance Requires A Change of Mind
September 18, 2012Repentance may be many things. In all the years that you've been going to church, you have been told that you need to "repent" of your sins. But, do you know what it really means to "repent?" Whenever I ask…
Resulting in Reformation of Life
September 18, 2012Repentance prompts us to drive sin away. Repentance does not just change our perception of sin, but it also prompts us to take the necessary steps to drive sin completely away from our lives. The Greek word that is translated,…
Revelation of Christ
August 16, 2013Perhaps upon reading the title of this article, you may think that this idea is taken from the book of Revelation. Instead, it comes from Paul’s letter to the Galatians. He told them that through the grace of God, He…
Right to the Tree of Life
November 30, 2014Do you want the right to the Tree of Life? The tree of life was in the midst of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9). Adam and Eve had the right to eat of it, but lost that right when…
Righteousness Delivers
September 13, 2014Righteousness delivers time and again. Our nation needs to return to righteousness. There was once a time when a country was not true to God, even though a few citizens may have been. He told Ezekiel, “’Son of man, when…
Rivers of Waters Run Down Mine Eyes
October 24, 2014Psalm 119:136 KJV - "Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law." Psalm 119 is about the Bible: the origin, nature and authority of it, and the attitude toward it - of believers, of unbelievers…
Rome: the Imperial Church
September 23, 2012Rome: the Imperial Church David Lipscomb, in his commentary on the book of Romans, wrote that, "Nothing whatever is said in the Scripture concerning the origin of the church at Rome, and we have no means of knowing at what…
Salvation Is Here
March 29, 2013Have you ever been so excited about an upcoming event that you couldn’t sleep? Whether it’s a birthday party, graduation, wedding, vacation, holiday, or some other special occasion, there is a sense of excitement and mystery about it. There was…
Same Question, but Different Answers!
June 30, 2013Is it possible to ask the same question to three different people, receive different answers from all three, and still each be correct? Think about it! In Acts 2:37 Peter and the other apostles were asked: "What shall we do?" The import…
Samuel Growing as Christ
April 13, 2013Here is a Bible trivia question: Can you name the four ways in which Jesus grew? (If you need help, turn to Luke 2:52) You’ll find that Jesus grew in four ways: In wisdom In stature In favor with God…
Satisfy Your Hunger
August 2, 2014Have you ever had your hunger for something take over, where you could never satisfy it? Maybe you might have been in one of those moods where you wanted to eat something, but you are not sure exactly what that something is…
Searching in all the Right Places
February 10, 2013It happens all too often: we "know" where something is, only to find out we’re wrong. We’re sure our keys are hanging on the key rack, but instead we left them in our pocket. That restaurant was on the corner;…
Secret Deeds and Open Rewards
September 28, 2014There are no secret deeds with God. He sees and will reward openly. Bigthan and Teresh, eunuchs and doorkeepers to King Ahasuerus, secretly wanted to kill him. This became known to Mordecai, who told Queen Esther, who informed the king…
Self-Examination
July 11, 2015"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven..." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). The implication from the text is that there is a time for everything. The list the author provided was not intended to be exhaustive,…
Selfishness
October 2, 2014Almost all sin is based in selfishness. One can trace just about every imaginable sin to selfish behaviors. As a matter of fact, the first sin appealed to the fulfillment of self, selfishness. In offering temptations, Satan wants humankind to…
Send the Light
March 9, 2013There’s a call comes ringing o’er the restless wave… There are souls to rescue, there are souls to save. We have heard the Macedonian call today… And a golden off’ring at the cross we lay. Let us pray that grace…
Should Babies Be Baptized?
September 19, 2012Infant baptism is an unauthorized practice The practice of infant baptism is most ancient. Its history can be traced all the way back to the end of the second century, but no further. Therein lies the problem with infant baptism:…
Should I Be Baptized Again?
September 19, 2012In Acts 18:24-28, there is a record of an encounter between Aquila and Priscilla and a preacher named Apollos. Apollos had preached mightily in the city of Ephesus; spreading the word about Jesus, but knowing only the baptism of John…
Sit Upon the Throne
October 25, 2013It is a special privilege to sit upon a throne. Judges, kings, queens, princes, princesses, and chancellors are perhaps a lucky few to have this honor. One must be born in a royal family or receive special recognition to sit…
Skeptical Christianity
September 1, 2013Many of the oldest denominations have a history of keeping their membership under control by keeping them ignorant of what the Bible actually says. Prior to the Protestant Reformation, Bibles were literally chained to the pulpits of churches and were considered to…
Sober Facts About Sin
April 26, 2015Think on these sobering facts about sin. Clarence Macartney called it the "saddest word in the Bible and in human speech." He was talking about the little word "sin." Sin is the fountain of woe, the mother of sorrows, as…
Solitary Prayer
August 30, 2015Jesus spent time in solitary prayer to refresh and strengthen himself. Follow His example. Be like Him. Jesus often sought solitude after doing many good works. For example, on one occasion He cast an unclean spirit out of a man,…
Some Things You Should Know About Elders
September 6, 2012Organization of the Lord's church The organization of the Lord's church is one of the most misunderstood concepts in the religious world. One can find all manner of organizational structures in the denominational world, but the New Testament offers a simple yet…
Sorrow Turned to Joy
January 26, 2014It was a cold slab of granite. The name and date carved into the hard surface were beginning to fade. The years had taken their toll on the monument, and on the elderly woman who stood before it. Tears streamed…
Sorry I’m Late
August 5, 2015Sorry I'm Late But... I will be the first to say yes there are at times legitimate reasons to be late for class or services. That is not what I am going to address here, so do not get your…
Sound Advice
September 6, 2012What shall we do? The people came to John the Baptist asking, "What shall we do then?" (Luke 3:10). He answered them, "He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him…
Sound Familiar?
March 29, 2015Pay attention to the warnings form the past. They should sound familiar and we should learn from them. Isaiah, a prophet of Israel, seven centuries before Christ, warned his nation of impending disaster. The warning should sound familiar. The moral…
Squeezed into the World’s Mold
December 15, 2013My parents bought an antique butter mold at an auction several years ago. For those of you my age, or younger, I may need to point out that those molds came from an era when people made their butter rather than purchasing it…
Striking the Proper Balance
July 7, 2013One of the things we most admire about Jesus was His ability to strike the proper balance between sin and sinners. He loved sinners, but hated sin. He had come into the world to “seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). Yet,…
Strong Drink
March 9, 2013Some time ago this paper carried a letter to Dear Abby about a person who justified his heavy drinking by saying that the Bible approved of giving a person intoxicating drink to drown his sorrow and lessen his pain. Abby…
Such Were Some of You
October 11, 2014Such WERE some of you... means there was a change. "And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of…
Summer Apparel
June 23, 2013Someone has described today's summer apparel in three words: SLIGHT, TIGHT, BRIGHT. It is appalling how little some people wear. The Bible demands modest apparel! According to Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, modest means "observing the proprieties of dress and behavior; decent." Immodesty may…
Take Comfort
August 29, 2015In these unsettling times remember that God is alive and in control. Take comfort. Nightmares can really be scary. Ask old king Nebuchadnezzar. On more than one occasion he was bothered by his night visions and could not take comfort.…
Take it or Leave it
June 8, 2014Jesus has made you an offer. Will you take it or leave it? "Take it or leave it." That is a saying one may hear when negotiating. An offer is made on a deal, and it can be either accepted…
Tame Your Tongue
April 28, 2013As you read this article, try a simple experiment: hold your tongue between your fingers. Is it still moving? No matter how hard you try to physically keep your tongue from wiggling, it is impossible (or at the least, very…
Testing Your Faith
September 13, 2013A couple of weeks ago, everything seemed to be all worked out. The house in Alabama had a buyer, contracts were about to be signed, and we could officially close on a house in Ohio in a matter of weeks.…
Thank You!
December 1, 2013"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess;…
That is no Excuse!
March 15, 2015So called reasons are really no excuse. Have you heard any of these lame excuses before? “The dog ate it!” “My alarm clock failed to go off.” “I have a headache.” Have you ever used any of these "no excuse"…
The Age of Tolerance
August 9, 2015Some Behave Line There is No Other Sin but Lack of Tolerance If I had to describe this period in our history in two or three words I would say we are living in the “Age of Tolerance.” I believe…
The All Seeing Eye
May 10, 2013“There’s an All-Seeing Eye Watching You” Hopefully many people remember the song: “There’s an All-Seeing Eye Watching You.” I can remember first learning about eyes that see everything, and it scared me to death! I just knew that if I…
The Basis for Faith
October 6, 2012An interesting news story which stirred a great deal of excitement among many biblical archaeologists was the possible discovery of an ossuary (a burial box) which at one time, would have contained the remains of James, the brother of Jesus.…
The Book
September 6, 2012Theodore Roosevelt said: "A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education." For Christians the Bible must always be at the heart of our preaching, teaching, and way of living. If the Scriptures do not guide our lives,…
The Church is Like…
September 6, 2012Our task is to practice and preach truth God's family is called a kingdom in relationship to its government (Colossians 1:13), a body in relationship to it's organization (Colossians 1:18), and a church in relationship to the world (Colossians 1:18). His spiritual…
The Crown of Life
February 2, 2014When one hears the “crown of life,” immediately he may begin to think of the words in Revelation. The church at Smyrna was told, “…Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).” The…
The First Day of the Week
May 1, 2013A significant difference between the churches of Christ and other churches is the practice of observing the Lord’s Supper every Sunday. Some churches do so only twice every year (at Christmas and Easter), some include other holy days on the calendar, and some have a “Communion Sunday”…
The God Particle
March 22, 2013"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1)." God clearly tells us how the world was created, yet some people still do not believe God did. The Bible calls them 'fools' according to Psalm 14:1 and…
The Greatest Author
July 12, 2013Growing up, my favorite author was Franklin W. Dixon. The Hardy Boys was my favorite series, and I soon collected the entire set (including the handbook). Carolyn Keene is just as popular with girls for penning Nancy Drew. Many authors…
The Greatest Composer
May 4, 2013Who is the greatest composer? Maybe you think of Beethoven, Chopin, or Mozart. Yet, a composer is not just one that puts a musical piece together. A composer puts things in proper form, organizes, or creates. You may now be…
The Growth of Samuel
April 11, 2015Samuel grew in stature and favor... Hannah grieved and was bereft and wept because she had no children. She was barren. She had no children because the LORD had closed her womb (1 Samuel 1:2, 5). In tears she prayed…
The Heavens Shall Pass Away
September 17, 2012The Heavens Shall Pass Away - 2 Peter 3:10 What will happen to the world, when it finally meets its end? Actually, there is a great deal of disagreement about the answer to this question, among religious thinkers. Some propose…
The High Cost of the Low Life
September 6, 2012"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34) The high cost of sin is evident all around us There is hardly a family that has remained untouched by the stigma of divorce. Modern sexual immorality…
The Law of Exclusion
September 29, 2013It has been rightly observed that the Bible reveals to humanity certain concepts, which are not expressly quantified in specific terms, but are manifestly present in the Scriptures, nonetheless. Some call these the “unwritten laws” of God. They are no less important…
The Lord’s Command
March 22, 2013One of the clearest statements made by the Lord is found in Mark 16:16. Jesus said: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." In spite of that clear command from…
The Love of God
December 22, 2013The poet wrote: "Could we with ink the ocean fill; were every blade of grass a quill. Were all the world of parchment made, and every made a scribe by trade, to write the love of God above, would drain…
The Meaning of Baptism
April 7, 2013Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines "baptism" as a "Christian sacrament marked by ritual use of water and admitting the recipient to the Christian community." The word "baptize" is defined as, 1) to administer baptism to, 2) to purify or…
The Music of the Church
April 7, 2013The subject of church music is of great interest and importance. It should be apparent to all that music was an important part of the worship of the New Testament church. But, what kind of music was it? If we…
The Passing of the Blush
April 13, 2013"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think…
The Passing of Time
September 13, 2014The passing of time can be deceptive. Spend it wisely. For years I've heard others say, "The older I get, the faster time goes." I really didn't understand what they meant until recently. I suspect that's a sign that I'm…
The People Perish
October 13, 2014Proverbs 29:18 KJV - "Where there is no vision the people perish." This verse is often referenced by those who would encourage us to think ahead, or to exercise wisdom in making our plans for the future, but that is…
The Power of Prayer
March 22, 2013James, the brother of our Lord, wrote: "...confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16). I am convinced there…
The Purpose of Snow
November 15, 2013This past week we got to see the first snowfall of winter. This is always a special treat for me because we rarely got snow in Alabama, and it certainly did not last very long. Our first snowfall in Ohio…
The Purpose of the Supper
May 1, 2013Why do Christians eat unleavened bread and drink fruit of the vine on the first day of every week? The obvious answer is, “Because the Lord told us to,” and that is a correct answer. After all, Jesus did say, “This do in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19b). But,…
The Right Amount of Salt
February 16, 2013Sodium chloride, also known as salt, is a very important compound. It is used to season and preserve food. Just the right amount can be useful; too much or too little can cause all kinds of problems. We must use…
The Right Attitude
September 6, 2012A connection between associations and attitudes As the story goes, Casey Stengel, who was a successful manager with the New York Yankees, knew the connection between associations and attitudes. When Billy Martin was a rookie manager, Stengel gave him some…
The Righteous Suffer Too!
April 20, 2014If bad things only happened to bad people, suffering would not pose so great a dilemma for us. But, we all know that bad things happen to good people. Theologians and philosophers have wrestled with this issue for centuries. The example of Job…
The Search for Spirituality
December 8, 2013Spirituality is a highly sought after quality, and has been throughout the ages. In the ancient city of Ephesus, sacred prostitutes served daily in the temple of Diana because it was thought that sexual union brought closer union with the gods. Mothers have…
The Son of Encouragement
January 4, 2015Everyone can all use more encouragement. You can all be an encourager, or a "son of encouragement", and provide the need. Joses, who was called Barnabas by the apostles, means "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36). His actions match his name.…
The Substance of Things Hoped For
September 17, 2012A Leap of Faith? Have you ever heard of somebody making a “leap of faith?” People use that term all the time, but do they really understand what it means? It is a phrase that was born of a philosophy of religion—one that makes a…
The Threefold Nature of Salvation
September 6, 2012Salvation has been offered to every man God is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). He would have all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). His desire for our salvation moved Him to give His Son for us,…
The Tragedy of Ignorance
September 6, 2012You know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God In an encounter with the Sadducees, Jesus said to them: "You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God" (Matthew 22:29). I can't help but wonder if…
The True Church
November 23, 2014It is possible and desireable to have one true church. Jesus died to purchase it. Any student of the Bible knows that the New Testament speaks of only one church, the true church. In Matthew 16:18, following Peter’s confession of the…
The Truth in Love
September 6, 2012What do you want to hear? When you go to the doctor for your annual checkup, don't you want to hear that everything is just fine? But, what if it's not? Do you still want your physician to tell you that you…
The Word of God is not Bound
January 5, 2014The ball and chain pictured above is how many people view God’s Word. Like the ball and chain, it remains near, but is not useful. They leave it on the table or on the church pew. However, this was never…
The World Our Children Will Inherit
December 7, 2012When my wife and I adopted our son, I experienced the same epiphany that hits most first-time dads. I thought about all the trials and tribulations that I experienced in growing up. I thought about the fads and trends I had…
The Wrong Questions
May 10, 2015Are We Asking The Wrong Questions? When disaster strikes, we ask, "Why?" When suffering comes into our lives, we ask, "Why me?" These are the wrong questions. We should be asking, "What can I learn from this?" Or, "How do…
There’s a Book Out There…
February 9, 2014If you want to know about history, there’s a book out there that will give you information. If you want information on where to travel, there’s a book out there that will tell you. If you just want to relax…
Thessalonica: the Confused Church
September 23, 2012Thessalonica: the Confused Church When the apostle Paul left the city of Philippi on his second missionary journey, he travelled next to Thessalonica (Acts 17:1). There, he preached to his fellow Jews in the local synagogue, where he had much…
Theudas and Judas
March 21, 2015Theudas and Judas came to nothing... The apostles were commanded to go and preach the gospel to every creature (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16). As they did so, they often found themselves in prison. In Acts 5, an angel of the…
Things Written Before
September 13, 2015The things written before are there for our learning. Romans 15:4: “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Paul understood that there were…
Thoughts and Words
July 25, 2015Your Thoughts and Words are Important It is advisable to “think before you speak.” Many times things have been said without forethought, causing ill will between parties. However, if we just stop for a moment before speaking, we would bring…
Threats of the Postmodern Culture
September 6, 2012The sheltered environment of the past is no more My heart goes out to the parents of young children. They face challenges I never anticipated a few years ago. Technology has made us instantly aware of events in the remotest corners of our…
Threats to the Family
May 3, 2015The Demise of Home and Family The children of a prominent family decided to give their father a book of the family’s history for a birthday present. They commissioned a professional biographer to do the work, carefully warning him of…
Three Facts About The Church
July 13, 2014People need the facts to make an informed decision! More and more, I am discovering that folks know less and less about the church. They are ignorant of the facts of what the church is, what the church does, and…
To Whom Do We Confess?
September 18, 2012Who ought to receive our confession? Let's look to the Bible for an answer. The religious world is populated with many false ideas about the subject of confession. When it comes to the question of who ought to receive our…
Too Much, Or Too Little Religion?
September 6, 2012Just playing it safe? Someone has written: "The most uncomfortable person in the world is one who has just enough religion to make him uneasy, not enough to be enjoyed, and too much to be ignored." It's sad, but true! For many…
Troubles Come
March 9, 2013Trouble is hard to avoid. It is the lot of every life. Job observed, "Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble" (Job 14:1). What is its source? Again, listen to Job. "For hardship does not…
True Love
August 7, 2015True Love is More Than Just an Emotion True love involves caring about those around you enough to be tough when necessary. What most people today define as love is really just an act if you ask me and I…
Trust in the Lord
September 6, 2012Trust involves confidence and reliance The motto on our money reads: "In God We Trust," but do we? Trust involves confidence and reliance. Quite honestly, for many, the motto would be more accurate if it read, "In Thee (money) We Trust." Materialism is…
Truth Abides Forever
October 11, 2014God's Truth Abides Forever. There are too many things that do not last very long. They do not abide. John said that the world is passing away, and its lust (1 John 2:17). James said our life is a vapor…
Two Kinds of Atheists
September 6, 2012Men have forgotten God Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn made an astute observation when he wrote: "I heard a number of older people offer this explanation for the great disasters that have befallen Russia: `Men have forgotten God; that's why all this has happened.'" He…
Two-Edged Sword
June 7, 2015Use Well Your Two-Edged Sword A two-edged sword is very sharp. It can be a really useful tool, or it can cause a great deal of damage. It all depends on one’s knowledge and use of the tool. Consider the…
Unclean Lips
November 1, 2015Isaiah said, “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips (Isaiah 6:5)…” Isaiah recognized the fact that he is only human,…
Understanding
September 6, 2012Years ago I read the following. I have no idea who wrote it, but I like the message. It is, after all, the truth. It would be a better world if everyone believed it. A little girl, three years old, was riding…
Unseen God of a Seen World
August 30, 2013Go ahead and step outside. Take a look around. Inhale, and then exhale. What do you see? What do you feel? God’s creation is all around us. Hebrews 11:3 states: “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by…
Was Jesus Really God’s Son?
November 10, 2013The identity of Jesus Christ is of paramount importance. If he was not who he claimed to be, then Christianity was founded on a lie and is a false religion. On the other hand, if Jesus was the Son of God, then…
Watch Your Words
September 6, 2012At one time or another we have all said things we later regretted No one is immune to the foot-in-mouth disease. James wrote: "We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a…
Water and Blood
August 22, 2015Water and Blood: Water Baptism Contacts Christ's Blood. 1 John 5:6: “This is He who came by water and blood - Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood...” Jesus Christ naturally came by water and blood…
Water, Water Everywhere Nor Any Drop To Drink
December 8, 2013Samuel Taylor Coleridge penned the words “water, water, everywhere nor any drop to drink” in his poem “Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner” in the early 1800s. He gives his readers a sense of abundant water that is not fit to…
We Can Be Sure!
September 6, 2012Jesus is not fantasy or fiction "Once upon a time in a land far, far away..." may be an appropriate introduction to a fairy tale, but not to the life of Christ. The story of Jesus is not fantasy, and it is…
What a Difference a Year Makes
October 5, 2014After the persecution of Stephen (Acts 7), many Christians scattered as far as Antioch. The hand of the Lord was with them, and “a great number believed and turned to the Lord.” As word of this spread to Jerusalem, Barnabas…
What About Alcohol?
September 6, 2012Indictment of the misuse of alcohol In our Sunday morning study of Isaiah we have noted more than once the prophet's indictment of the misuse of alcohol (Isaiah 5:11, 22; 28:1, 7, 8; 56:12). As one reads the prophetic material it seems…
What About Drinking Alcohol?
December 22, 2013Ten years ago it was argued that scientific studies had proven that people who take a couple of drinks a day live longer than either teetotalers or those whose intake exceeds two drinks (two shots, two beers, two glasses of…
What About Music at Weddings?
May 17, 2015Though weddings are civil ceremonies, they are not occasions to go beyond the limits of the Law of Christ. While the Bible has much to say about marriage, it has very little to say about marriage ceremonies and weddings. Yet,…
What Are You Looking For?
October 5, 2014What are you looking for in a church? It is not at all uncommon to hear someone speak of "church shopping." By that, they mean that they are looking for a church which satisfies their needs, fulfills their desires, and…
What Can I Do To Make My Marriage Happy
June 14, 2015The best advice on how to make a happy marriage is in the New Testament. Although most people in troubled relationships look elsewhere, some of the best advice on how to have a happy marriage can be found in the…
What Can We Do? (Part 1)
December 7, 2012I have been blessed to be a part of this church (Sixth and Washington Street Church of Christ) for more than a quarter of a century. You have treated me and my family with love, respect, and the financial support…
What Can We Do? (Part 2)
December 15, 2012(return to part 1) The question really is, "How do we stem the tide of falling interest and declining numbers?" The last decade saw the rise of the mega church movement. Some churches now boast Sunday morning attendance figures in…
What Did He Mean?
September 6, 2012Treat others the way we want to be treated Jesus said: "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets " (Matthew 7:12 ESV). I doubt that Jesus said…
What Do We Confess?
September 18, 2012What are we supposed to confess? That confession is an important part of the gospel plan of salvation, there can be no doubt. Romans 10:10 plainly declares, "with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Clearly, a verbal confession is…
What Do We Have in Common?
January 19, 2013No two people on this earth are exactly alike. However, friendships are often formed between people who have things in common. We may enjoy similar activities, eat at the same restaurant, or find the same events interesting. As God’s people,…
What Has Happened to America?
May 25, 2014What has happened? Immorality is America tearing it apart. There is but one solution. Are you troubled by what you see and hear in our country? I am! I keep asking myself, "What's happened to America?" The country I knew as a…
What I Learned from the 52-Week Challenge
January 19, 2013One year ago, I announced in the church bulletin and on my Facebook page that I was going to try an experiment in evangelism called, “the 52-week challenge.” Everyone who talked to me about this effort was very positive and…
What is Happening to The Lord’s Church?
March 8, 2015Declining? What is Happening to The Lord's Church? Lately, I’ve been reading several articles and blogs on the declining state of the churches of Christ. Certainly, there is no denying that the statistical evidence shows that the total number of…
What is the “Sin Unto Death”?
September 22, 2013Many times, in the more than 20 years I have been preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, I have been approached by people who were genuinely distraught, because they believed that they had committed a “sin unto death,” and that they could…
What is the Essential Mission of the Church?
December 13, 2012The mission of the church has been the subject of many heated discussions between brethren in the Lord’s church since the early days of the Restoration Movement. Our ancient brethren had a crystal clear understanding of the essential mission of the church,…
What is Worship?
September 17, 2012All of life is not worship. In the modern era of religious pluralism, when anything that is offered to God with a modicum of sincerity is considered worship, many are left scratching their heads and wondering what worship really is.…
What Precedes Your Judgment?
August 24, 2014Judgment is coming. Prepare now and be ready. The Bible clearly gives us all a warning: “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins…
What Then…
September 6, 2012The day of the Lord will come like a thief Peter wrote: "But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow…
What Went Wrong?
December 6, 2014What went wrong with our nation? The school tragedies in so many states have shocked and dismayed us. What would possess kids to do such terrible things? What went wrong? I don't claim to have all the answers, but some…
What’s Changed?
September 6, 2012What happened? I hear it frequently, especially from those who are older. What's happened? Why aren't people interested in the gospel anymore? Usually, those questions are accompanied by recollections of a little country church overflowing during a gospel meeting. Buildings were filled and…
What’s New
September 20, 2013A common greeting is, “what’s new?” Has anything changed since the last time you saw someone? If so, they may be eager to hear all that is in your world. What if God asked you, “What’s new?” What would you…
Whatever Happens in the Election
October 31, 2012Introductory Comments 1. When you walk into the voting booth, remember... a. It was not a Republican who died for you. b. It was not a Democrat who died for you. c. Neither a Republican or Democrat will be sitting…
Where Is Your Faith?
June 1, 2014Where is your faith when you face the storms of life and your world comes crashing down? "...as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and…
Which is the Greatest?
June 7, 2013“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).” Without it, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Sounds pretty important, right? Faith is essential for salvation (Ephesians 2:8), but is…
Who Cares? God Does!
April 13, 2014Have you ever had the feeling that no one cares about you? Maybe you do not even care about yourself at times. When negative thoughts begin to creep in your mind, you may do something that you’ll regret later. Thus,…
Who Do We Worship?
March 29, 2015Worship God Only From the beginning, God has made it very clear that He, and He alone, is worthy of our worship. He commanded the children of Israel not to have any other gods before Him, nor make any graven…
Who is in Charge?
July 27, 2014Sometimes we get a reminder of who is in charge. Nightmares can really be scary. Ask old king Nebuchadnezzar. On more than one occasion he was bothered by his night visions. Daniel 4 is a case in point. That night…
Who is The Holy Spirit?
March 1, 2015What does the Bible say about the Holy Spirit? Who is The Holy Spirit? While no one has ever actually asked me a question which was worded in exactly that fashion, I have been asked about the essence of this…
Who Pushed Me?
January 11, 2014The story is told of an old man traveling on an ocean liner. A storm blew up and a young lady who had been leaning against the rail lost her balance and fell overboard. Almost immediately the old man appeared…
Why are they quitting?
December 21, 2012Forty years ago I accepted my first full time position with a congregation, and I have been at it ever since. Many of those I graduated with are no longer involved in full time ministry. Some have even left the…
Why Can’t We Agree?
September 6, 2012Division is condemned Why are there so many churches? Why is there so much disagreement among professed believers? Will believers ever be united? Unity is desirable. Jesus prayed that His disciples would be united (John 17:20-21). Division was condemned in the church at…
Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?
September 17, 2012Suffering is not punishment from God for the sins of humanity The ancients thought that, if something bad happened to someone, it must have been because that person had done something to bring God's wrath down upon him. Generally, it…
Why I Am a Believer
April 5, 2015Why am I a Believer? When it comes to the great questions of life regarding origin, purpose and destiny, each of us chooses to be a believer in one of two explanations: We are the product of divine intervention, or…
Why Teach The Bible?
September 21, 2012God has given us his inspired word! Certainly he has the power and understanding to say what he means and mean what he says! To know what God desires go to the Bible, not the teaching that mankind has invented.…
Without Excuse
August 18, 2013Have you ever heard the old saying, “An excuse is just a gift wrapped lie?” Perhaps you have not heard this saying, because excuses are so ubiquitous in modern society. Human beings have been making excuses for bad behavior since the dawn…
Without Faith It Is Impossible to Please Him
September 17, 2012Without Faith It Is Impossible to Please Him - Hebrews 11:6 The Bible has much to say about the significance of faith. Preachers in the churches of Christ are frequently accused of failure to recognize the importance of faith in…
Woman’s Role in the Church
September 8, 2013The apostle Paul wrote: "Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn anything, let them ask…
Words of a Dying Man
September 6, 2014The words of a dying man are very moving. His words could be of great wisdom and value to those who are willing to listen. Perhaps a hidden secret is revealed; a timeless truth is given; advice is hoped to be…
Words or Deeds
September 6, 2012In the ninth century before Christ, the Syrian army, under Benhadad, invaded Israel. Benhadad demanded of Israel's king all of his silver and gold, as well as the best of the king's wives and children (1 Kings 20:5). Believe it or not,…
Wrong On So Many Levels
May 18, 2014Former New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, made a 50 million dollar donation to a program to promote gun control. He then said in a speech following the announcement: "I am telling you, if there is a God, when I get to…
Ye Must Be Born Again
August 1, 2015Nicodemus, a Pharisee, came to Jesus one night. He said, "Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him" (John 3:2). Jesus responded:…
Yield Not to Temptation
June 27, 2015We do not have to yield to temptation. Through faith in Christ we can overcome the world. As Jesus prepared and went out to the Mount of Olives, He said to His disciples, "Pray that you may not enter into…
You Have a Light
January 11, 2015You have a light that should never go out. When a light goes out, the bulb needs to be replaced. Light bulbs come in all shapes and sizes. To have a light that is effective, you must get the proper wattage…
You Ought to Know
May 30, 2015Two Things You Ought to Know "There is something you ought to know..." Have you ever heard those words before? Perhaps important information needed to be given to you so you could make a better decision. Perhaps you have also…
You Reap What You Sow
August 9, 2014What seeds do you sow? What should you expect to reap? If a farmer were to sow watermelon seeds, he expects to grow watermelons. If he were to sow apple seeds, he expects to grow apple trees. Whatever seeds he sows…
Your Sins Will Find You Out
August 16, 2014Don’t go to your grave thinking that your sins can be safely hidden. There is a misconception common to all men. It is the belief that your sins can be hidden from God's sight. Moses assured the Israelites that it…
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Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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