Is It Wrong To Not?

[396 words] Is it wrong to not use an instrument of music in worship service? Is it wrong to not drink alcohol? Is it wrong to attend every church service? Now the opposite of these topics often draw many articles and lesson, as people are curious to find out the limits. But one rarely claims…

Baptism and the Forgiveness of Sins

[215 words] In the context of our congregation, the biblical teaching of baptism for the remission of sins is not a teaching that troubles any of us (at least, with regard to what I am aware). The other day I was talking to a Baptist preacher, a man with whom I am very impressed; he…

A Swing and a Miss

[99 words] The newly constructed tracks of the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific railways were first linked at Promontory Point, Utah, on May 10, 1869. In celebration, Leland Stanford, the president of Central Pacific, drove a golden spike symbolically completing the job. On his first swing, he missed the spike, drawing gales of laughter…

Superhero Mom

[66 words] While many people are talking about the big-screen fictional superheroes The Avengers this spring,it’s nice to remember that there are real-life superheroes all around us: Mothers! Self-sacrificing, wise, and loving, godly mothers are worthy of our respect and admiration. This Mother’s Day, let’s remember to honor our mothers and recognize the power they…

Go For the Prize

[91 words] With $25,000 up for grabs, Charles Lindbergh took off from Long Island on May 20, 1927 in an attempt to become the first man to fly solo non-stop from New York to Paris. He made the trip in 36 hours and became an instant worldwide hero. His example shows that great deeds require…

What Hath God Wrought?

[66 words] On May 24, 1844, telegraph inventor Samuel Morse sent the first official message down the wire: “What hath God wrought?” Morse was amazed by the possibilities that lie in understanding God’s laws of physics. With each invention that comes along, man should recognize that the creative power of God makes it all possible,…

Bible Quiz: The Net

[59 words] Read Matthew 13:47-50 1. The kingdom of heaven is like a ___ that was cast into the sea. 2. The fishermen gathered the ___ into vessels. 3. What did they do with the bad? 4. This parable represents the ___ of the ___. 5. The ___ will separate the wicked from among the…

Bible Quiz: The Lost Sheep

[76 words] Read Matthew 18:10-14 1. “Take heed that you do not ___ one of these little ones…” 2. “The Son of Man came to ___ that which was ___.” 3. How many sheep did the man in the parable have? 4. How many had to go missing in order for the shepherd to go…

Bible Quiz: The Unforgiving Servant

[56 words] Read Matthew 18:23-35 1. This parable was told because Peter asked Jesus about ___. 2. How many times should a person forgive? 3. In the parable, why did the king forgive his servant’s debt? 4. What did the servant do to his fellow servant who owed him money? 5. The king in this…

Bible Quiz: The Vineyard

[60 words] Read Matthew 20:1-16 1. “The kingdom of heaven is like a ___ who went out early in the morning to hire ___ for his vineyard.” 2. Did he hire all of his workers at the same time? 3. Who did the landowner pay first? 4. Why were the first workers angry? 5. “So…

Quotes and Sayings (May 2019)

[271 words] “Life began with waking up and loving my mother’s face.” – George Eliot “The sweetest sounds to mortals given, Are heard in Mother, Home, and Heaven.” – William Goldsmith Brown “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” – Abraham Lincoln “When you look into your mother’s…

On the Lighter Side (May 2019)

[315 words] Come Out and PlayGeorge knocked on the door of his friend’s house. When his friend’s mother answered he asked, “can Albert come out to play?””No,” said the mother, “it’s too cold.””Well, then,” said George, “can his football come out to play?” Three Gifts for MomThree sons left home, went out on their own…

Announcing New Lineup of Bulletin Resources!

Beginning with the April edition, Bulletin Digest is offering a brand-new lineup of church bulletin materials. This lineup features a new focus on graphics, puzzles, and other original material you cannot find anywhere else! Each month, Bulletin Digest will produce a package of Premium Membership materials that includes: 20+ articles of various lengths4-5 filler …

Did Bugs Bunny Corrupt the Scriptures?

[366 words] If I called you a Nimrod, how would you feel? If you are like most people you would probably feel insulted. The popular definition for a nimrod is an inept person, an oaf, a moron, an ignoramus. The original name Nimrod really meant to be a skillful mighty hunter. Its origin is found…

Dig a Hole, Fill It Up

[198 words] A man was enjoying a relaxing day in the city park when he noticed two workers. One of the workers was furiously digging a hole. The other worker would come along after the first had finished and just as furiously fill it back in. The man stared in disbelief wondering what was going…

The ABC’s of Bible Class

[193 words] Attendance: No one can learn anything from Bible class if they are not there. Constant attendance will help reinforce the lessons being repeated each week. Attendance not only means being there every time but also on time. Not a minute of instruction time should be missed if you want the child to receive…

Of Facts and Feelings

[436 words] The movie and television industries exist to promote entertainment fantasy. One of the latest fads is the “reality” show. The only problem is that there is almost nothing even remotely “real” about these shows. So what?! Selling fantasy is about creating feelings not delivering facts. Except for a few documentaries and such, the…

Graphics – April 2019

Bulletin Digest original graphics for the month of April 2019. Only visible to Premium Members. Click the image to open in larger view, then “right click” and choose “Save As” to download…. We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member (Register), have yet…

The ‘If-Then’s’ of the Prophets

[396 words] Working your way through the major or minor prophets, where God is rebuking His people, it can become tedious to read. However, as one reads along, a reader will invariably come across an “if-then” statement. A good Bible student will note and highlight these if-then statements because they indicate application of God’s word…

The Kid Who Changed The World

[286 words] The book The Kid Who Changed The World by Andy Andrews is based on the Butterfly Effect. The idea is that every time something happens, something else happens. When a butterfly flaps its wings, it moves tiny pieces of air, which then moves other tiny pieces of air. Essentially, every little thing you…

Desensitized by Saturation

[343 words] The practice of desensitization by saturation is very common one. Just take a moment and look back in your life and compare your past to what is allowed and permitted in our culture today. I understand that there is nothing new under the sun (Ecc. 1:9) and the sin we deal with today…

The Cracked Pot

[262 words] An elderly woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole that she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walks from the…

Look at the Things We CAN Do!

[138 words] We sometimes spend too much wasted time concerned with what we are unable to do, instead of looking at the things we CAN do. In at least two separate incidents, Jesus taught the importance of using what we have. He pointed out to the apostles how much “more” the poor widow with two…

Chariots of Iron

[303 words] The people of Joseph said, “The hill country is not enough for us. Yet all the Canaanites who dwell in the plain have chariots of iron, both those in Beth-shean and its villages and those in the Valley of Jezreel” (Joshua 17:16). When the land of Canaan was being divided, the descendants of…

What Do You See?

[236 words] “For whoever lacks these qualities (faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love) is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins” (2 Peter 1:9). Too many of us do not see what we need to see (cf. Jer. 5:21). While we might…

What We Can Learn from the Recent University Scandal

[238 words] On March 12, 2019, federal prosecutors disclosed a conspiracy to influence admissions decisions at several American research universities. A number of parents of college applicants are accused of paying large sums to misrepresent student test scores and bribe college officials to get their children into top tier universities. Accused of this crime are…

What Should We Do About Sin?

[485 words] If you, as a Christian, know for a fact that your brother or sister is living in sin, what are you to do? Depending on the sin, you might say. If it is a private matter, Matthew 18:15 and following give the prescription for the matter. If the brother or sister refuse to…

Negativity

[125 words] Why is it that some people project a positive attitude, while others are so negative? Some people are so unhappy that they no longer have that beautiful Christian spirit. They walk under a cloud of despair, and fail to see the good in others. I tend to believe that even though we are…

Expressions and Impressions

[449 words] Are you approachable? It is likely each of us can say, “Yes, I am approachable. Why do you ask?” It was not long ago that I heard a sister say to the preacher, “You’re approachable.” This is an interesting remark. Is the case that some in the congregation, perhaps Bible class teachers, other…

Look the Right Directions For the Right Reasons

[381 words] During a time of David’s kingship, Absalom, his son, plotted a revolt against the throne. In a short time, Absalom gathered quite a force, and David decided to flee Jerusalem. Absalom and his army hotly pursued him. No doubt this was a distressing time for David. There are surely times in which we…

Hard Work Pays Off

[79 words] Robert Griffin III, quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, once said, “Hard work pays off. Hard work beats talent any day, but if you’re talented and work hard, it’s hard to be beat.” How true this is in all of life, but certainly in the work of the church. How many people refuse to…

Methods Change, the Need Remains

[80 words] On April 3, 1860, the Pony Express service began as the first rider departed St. Joseph, Missouri. For $5 an ounce, letters were delivered on horseback 2,000 miles to California within ten days. The service ended less than two years later upon the completion of the overland telegraph, which brought quicker and more…

In God We Trust

[54 words] During the American Civil War years, the U.S. Congress passed an act to include the phrase “In God We Trust” on all newly-minted coins (April 22, 1864). All people would do well to be reminded that “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…” (Psalm 33:12a), and to act accordingly! BulletinDigest.com… We…

World’s Largest Library

[99 words] The Library of Congress was established in Washington, D.C. on April 24, 1800. It is the world’s largest library. Among the 145 million items in its collections are more than 33 million books. Yet in all of these works of man, there is not one book that can lead a soul to eternal…

The Words of Jesus

[63 words] “No man ever spoke like this man!” (John 7:46). The words of Jesus are: – Gracious words (Luke 4:22)- Powerful words (Luke 4:32)- Astonishing words (Mark 1:22)- Authoritative words (Mark 1:22)- Living words (John 6:63)- Judging words (John 12:48)- Cleansing words (John 15:3) What do the words of Jesus mean to you? Have…

Bible Quiz: The Parable of the Sower

[84 words] Read Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23 The seed that fell by the wayside was devoured by _________.The seed on stony places represents one who hears and receives the word with joy, but has no ________ in himself.The seed that fell among the thorns represents one two hears the word, but the ________ of this world…

Bible Quiz: The Wheat and the Tares

[67 words] Read Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 An ________ sowed tares among the wheat.The servants wondered if the master wanted them to ______ them up.At harvest, the wheat was to be put into the _____, but the tares were to be ______.The good seed was sown by the _____ of ______.The field is the ______, the…

Bible Quiz: The Mustard Seed

[45 words] Read Matthew 13:31-32 The kingdom of _______ is like a mustard seed.Is a mustard seed large, or small?When it grows, it becomes a ______.The _____ of the air come and _____ in its branches.Thought Question: Would the kingdom be beneficial to the world? BulletinDigest.com… We are sorry, but this content is for Annual…

Bible Quiz: The Leaven, the Treasure, the Pearl

[63 words] Read Matthew 13:33, 44-46 How much of the three measures of meal was affected by the leaven?The kingdom of heaven is like ______ hidden in a field. How much of his possessions was the man willing to sell to obtain the kingdom?When the merchant found the pearl of _____ price, he was ______.The merchant…

Quotes and Sayings (April 2019)

[151 words] “The true measure of a man is what he would do if he knew he would never be caught.” — Kelvin “It is not enough for us to restrain from doing evil, unless we shall also do good.” — Jerome “Seed kept in the barn doesn’t do any good. The church must plant!”…

On the Lighter Side (April 2019)

[187 words] Spring Funnies Q: Does February like March?A: No, but April May Q: When do monkeys fall from the sky?A: During APE-ril showers Q: What season is it best to go on a trampoline?A: Spring time Q: What do you call a rabbit with flees?A: Bugs Bunny Q: What goes up when the rain…

Emptying the Ocean

[361 words] When I was a young preacher student at International Bible College, now known as Heritage Christian University, I had the great privilege of sitting at the feet of a man by the name of Basil Overton. Brother Overton was in his mid-sixties and had been preaching since he was 14. He had a…

What Does God Say About Humility?

[172 words] Here’s just a little of His Word on being humble: “In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and…

Peaceable

[377 words] Hamor and Shechem mistakenly said of Jacob’s sons, “These men are at peace with us” (Genesis 34:21). The wise woman of Abel told Joab, “I am among the peaceable and faithful in Israel” (2 Samuel 20:19). Near Gebor the descendants of Simeon found a place to dwell that was “quiet and peaceful” (1…

Sharing Christianity

[241 words] “All the believers were one in heart and mind No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had“ (Acts 4:32). I have about fifty cards for various stores and clubs, so many that I keep them in an organizer m my car because they don’t…

True Forgiveness

[441 words] “For if you forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15).”Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins…

God Sent His Servant To Bless You

[164 words] When Peter preached to a crowd in Jerusalem, he ended with this statement. “For you first, God raised up His Servant and sent Him to bless you by turning everyone of you from your wicked ways” (Acts 3:25). Jesus came down to bless. Part of that blessing was to turn sinners away from…

Why?

[397 words] After the events at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, many are asking one question: Why? We live in a country where blame is the name of the game. We want to blame someone or something for the problems of our world. Some are blaming guns. Some may be looking for blame…

Charges to Christian Leaders

[178 words] Paul gave inspired charges to both elders and preachers. To elders: “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). To preachers: “Keep a close watch on…

Three Things Christians Need Today

[457 words] Imagine encountering some of the people that Jesus encountered during His lifetime. Would you respond like Jesus did? Imagine coming face-to-face with a leper, a woman with a blood malady of 12 years, a woman caught in adultery, beggars, ingrates, disfigured and unsightly invalids, numerous diseased, tricksters, spoiled rich brats, a traitor, hateful…

Can Human Choices Limit God?

[178 words] The natural impulse, is to think that nothing can limit the Almighty God. However, it is no lessening of the sovereignty of God to say human choice can limit His action IF we understand that it was God Himself who decreed that this should be so. When He created humans with the capacity…

Attitude

[353 words] Attitude has so much to do with living the Christian life. A negative attitude will cause one to be overly critical and to see only the dark side of life. Such a perspective can be very depressing. When we see only the bad, we cease to experience the joys of being a Christian.…

Is Sincerity Enough to Please God?

[271 words] On October 16, 2007, one of the two remaining survivors of the Titanic sinking, died. Barbara West Dainton died at a nursing home in Camborne, England, at age 96. She was only a year old when the Titanic sank on April 15, 1912, after striking an iceberg, and taking about 1500 souls to…

The Right Attitude Leads to Gratitude

[352 words] I went home for lunch the other day and had a sandwich and leftover potato soup, and let me tell you that soup tasted really good! Now, normally I do not mind leftovers, but it is rare for me to rave about them. I’m sure you’re wondering what it was that made it…

Trials

[244 words] “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name…

Mustard Seed Faith

[367 words] “So Jesus said to them ‘because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you’” (Matthew 17:20). Unfortunately many modem English translations talk…

Night is Coming!

[304 words] Jesus healed a blind man. Before working the miracle, the Lord declared, “We must work the works of Him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (Jn. 9:4-5). Jesus knew…

An Old Farmer’s Advice

[243 words] • Life is simpler when you plow around the stump. • Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled. • Meanness don’t jes’ happen overnight. • Forgive your enemies; it messes up their heads. • It don’t take a very big person to carry a grudge. • You cannot unsay a…

Speak to Us Smooth Things

[419 words] Much of the world’s “political correctness” is in the Lord’s church, just as it was in Isaiah’s day. In Isaiah 30:9-10, God says, “This is a rebellious people, lying children, children who will not hear the law of the Lord, who say…do not prophesy to us right things; speak to us smooth things,…

Does Attending Make A Difference?

[217 words] How many times have you attended a worship service? How many times have you attended when you felt like staying home? Have you ever wondered if there might be a different way to approach worship than to file into the church building three times a week, week after week after week? A lot…

How Deep the Father’s Love

[263 words] (Lyrics By: Stuart Townsend) How deep the Father’s love for us,How vast beyond all measureThat He should give His only SonTo make a wretch His treasure. How great the pain of searing loss;The Father turns His face awayAs wounds which mar the chosen One,Bring many sons to glory. Behold the Man upon a…

Bible Study Questions

[194 words] 1. What woman was paid for nursing her own baby? 2. Noah sent the raven or dove out first? 3. What does the word “testament” mean? 4. Why was the one-talent man condemned? 5. At what gate of the temple was the lame man lying who was healed by Peter and John? 7.…

A Pack of Seeds

[96 words] I bought myself a pack of seeds,To grace my garden fair.And stuck them in my pocketFor months they waited there. And when the time had come to seeThe flower’s lovely face,I thought it strange that only weedsWere growing in their place. How foolish then, oh Christian man,God’s Word, you have indeed.You carry it…

The Prophet Joel Speaks

[301 words] The Old Testament prophets often went unappreciated in their time. Little has changed today. Many Christians do not know the order of the OT prophets, and usually need some extra time looking up a Scripture reference from one of those books during a class or sermon. But these were men of God, speaking…

Sin Has Created the Need

[260 words] Sin Has Created the Need “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.”…

What We Believe

[440 words] Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me” (John 14:6). On another occasion the apostle Peter stated, “There is salvation in none other. For there is none other name under heaven given among men, wherein we must be saved’ (Acts…

‘It Was Just His Time to Go’

[572 words] A person asked me about this recently. They had heard people say such things as “It was just their time to go.” There are many folks, even members of the church, who believe there is a set time for someone to die. In defense of such a view, some look to Hebrews 9:27…

A Little Place

[90 words] “Father, where shall I work today?”And my love flowed warm and free.Then He pointed out a tiny spotAnd said, “Tend that for Me.” I answered quickly, “Oh no, not there,Why, no one would ever seeNo matter how well my work was done.Not a little place for me!” And the word He spoke, it…

God Listens

[416 words] Have you ever stopped in the middle of a sentence or in the middle of telling a story because you thought the person you were talking to was not listening? It is quite a joy when the person notices and encourages you to continue. You feel rather down and worthless when the person…

Don’t Quit

[192 words] When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,when the road you’re trudging seems all up hill,when the funds are low and the debts are high,and you want to smile, but you have to sigh,when care is pressing you down a bit,rest, if you must—but don’t you quit. Life is queer with its twists…
Funny Jokes for Church Bulletin

On the Lighter Side (February 2013)

[427 words] On her birthday morning a woman told her husband, “I just dreamed that you gave me a beautiful diamond necklace. What do you think it means?” “You’ll know tonight,” he said. That evening just before her birthday celebration, he came home with a small package and gave it to his wife. Delighted, she…

Never Die Easy!

[640 words] Walter Payton ranks second on the National Football League’s list of all-time leaders in rushing yards. Through 13 seasons as a Chicago Bear Payton was tackled and knocked down thousands of times. He built an extraordinary career, not by getting knocked down, but by not staying down! He was knocked down a final…

Why I Attend the Sunday Evening Services

[71 words] 1. I want to go, and I am wanted. 2. I need to go, and I am needed. 3. I had rather be there than anywhere else. 4. My children are watching me and will follow my example. 5. My soul is strengthened by the teachings. 6. My heart is warmed by the…

America, What Happened?

[469 words] As a nation, we have lost our way. We have become a nation that has forgotten its God days without number. We are a wealthy nation that has become the biggest debtor nation. We tout our country as a “Christian nation,” but tolerate and promote a very un-Christian agenda. We consider our nation…

Can You Name Just One

[185 words] Can you name just one fault of Jesus of Galilee? Can you name a person He mistreated? Can you name a soul to whom He was unjust? Can you name one teaching of Jesus that is immoral? Can you name one practice of His life that was out of balance with His teachings?…

How the Romans Won the War and Lost the Peace

[294 words] William Barclay, in his commentary on Thessalonians, states that during the period of the Roman Republic, the Romans had not a single divorce for a 520-year period. However, as they moved away from the Republic into more of a socialistic empire, things began to change. Although they had previously conquered the Greeks militarily,…

Israel’s Superman

[249 words] Samson was a real-life superhero, an ancient Israelite Superman. Many people are familiar with his superhuman exploits, about how Samson killed a lion with his bare hands, single-handedly destroyed a thousand-man Philistine army with no weapon other than the jawbone of a donkey, and about how he was a one-man wrecking crew that…

Consider Yourself Warned

[408 words] Life is filled with warning signs like, “Bridge Out Ahead.” “Poison.” “Do Not Operate Machinery After Taking This Medication.” “Rip Current” “Soft Shoulder.” “Road Narrows.” “Do Not Pass.” “Detour.” “Travel Advisory.” We are wise to heed them. Have you ever considered the four places God placed a “Be Not Deceived” warning sign in…

Jesus CONQUERED Death!

[198 words] Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Hebrews 2:14-15). A…

What You Do in the Church Pew Matters!

[461 words] “You mind your business and I’ll mind mine.” That is the motto of many and I, for one, like it! The Bible teaches us not to be busy-bodies. At the same time, we need to remember that what we do has an impact on others for good or bad. One of the reasons…

How Great Thou Art!

[202 words] Humpback whales are about 40 feet long at maturity and weigh about one ton per foot. They carry a thousand pounds of barnacles, and when they jump, or breach, they extend themselves totally in the air, and then free-fall back into the ocean. You can see the splash five miles away. Humpback whales…

Don’t Ever Quit!

[511 words] Most people regard a quitter as one of the most despicable characters on earth. We admire a person who, against all odds, keeps on struggling till the contest is ended; who keeps on running till he finishes the race, even if he has no chance of winning. We applaud the man who crawls…

The Joyful Call To Worship

[115 words] We fail to appreciate many things until they’re gone. Ethan, the author of Psalm 89, possibly a Levite, writing after the nation of Judah had been desolated and the temple destroyed, remembers. “Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord”…

I Said Nothing

[388 words] Robert Benchly once remarked, “Drawing on my fine command of language, I said nothing.” No matter how great your vocabulary may be, sometimes, the right thing to say is nothing. First, if you cannot speak with purity, the best thing that you can say, no matter how large your vocabulary may be, is…

Questions on Weddings, Dowries and Divorces

[189 words] 1. Which Gospel records Jesus’ parable of a king’s wedding feast for his son? 2. Who sent the servant woman Hagar away at his wife’s urging? 3. What unscrupulous king divorced his first wife to marry his brother’s wife? 4. In Jesus’ parable, how many virgins were to accompany the bride and groom?…

The Helpless and the Helpers

[433 words] As all of the miracles of our Lord are impressive, the one about the healed paralytic is especially impressive to me. In Mark 2:1-12 the reader is immediately taken back to a first century home located in Capernaum. It was likely just a small flat, rectangular in shape with an open courtyard in…

What Comes First?

[190 words] Even before his outstanding years as Harding University’s quarterback, Tom Ed Gooden was noted by the Arkansas Gazette as being the best high school quarterback in his district. The newspaper, ran a picture of Tom Ed with the caption, “Not On Wednesday.” It seems that another school had tried to schedule a game…

Bible Questions for Family Study

[172 words] 1. What O.T. character’s name means “laughter”? _______________ 2. Who was the first metal craftsman? _______________ 3. What is the first color mentioned in the Bible? _______________ 4. What king of Israel was murdered while drunk? _______________ 5. Who was told by Almighty God to name his son Maher-shalal-hash-baz? _________ 6. Who outran…

What Some Believe

[409 words] It is interesting the things that people believe religiously without checking the facts with the Bible. In illustrating this, consider three things that people believe about the birth of Christ. First, many believe that the star that led the wise men to the Christ was of the magnitude of a distant super nova,…

Take Hold

[196 words] When Jesus answered a trick question regarding the Sabbath, He answered, “What man is there among you who has a sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out?” (Matt 12:11) The word “hold” here comes from “krateo”—to be strong;…

Outward Appearances

[346 words] “Oh, how horrible our sins look when they are committed by someone else!” — Chuck Smith. It’s so hard to keep our eyes on ourselves rather than to compare ourselves with others, isn’t it? We CAN be too hard on ourselves as we live in a world where it’s normal to compare ourselves…

The End of the World

[275 words] It seems that as mankind has achieved greater levels of technological sophistication, the more he has worried about the end of the world. This is almost certainly because we have achieved the ability to completely wipe out life on earth. If war ever broke out, even a limited exchange consisting of a tiny…

The Beginning of Life

[375 words] Our bodies were received from our earthly parents; however, our spirit came from God. God is the Father of our spirit (Heb. 12:9). God alone forms the spirit of man within him (Zech. 12:1). Man alone, of all creatures of this earth, has a spirit and bears the image of his Creator. No…

There Are Only Two Ways

[295 words] Many times we hear people today say, “We are all headed for the same place, we are just going in different ways.” In a sense this is true in that we are all headed first to the Judgment. The Bible says, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after…

Pleasing to God

[379 words] Do you ever wonder if you are pleasing to God? Do you consider if you are living a life that is pleasing to Him? Jesus stated in John 8:29 that “I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.” God acknowledged that he indeed was pleased with Jesus as the apostle Peter…

Backsliding Heifer

[431 words] Hosea 4:16 illustrates the rebellious disposition of the northern kingdom of Israel by referring to that nation as a “backsliding heifer.” The Hebrew word for “backsliding” here appears in other passages as “stubborn,” “rebellious,” “revolters” and “withdrew.” This malignant response to a benevolent God led God to remove his benevolent protection from Israel,…

He Is

[149 words] When you are the neediest,He is the most sufficient.When you are completely helpless,He is the most helpful.When you feel totally dependent,He is absolutely dependable.When you are the weakest, He is the most able.When you are the most alone,He is intimately present.When you feel you are the least, He is the greatest.When you feel…

Is Our Sin God’s Fault?

[423 words] None of us ask to be born, yet we were given life anyway from our Creator (Job 10:8-9; Ps. 100:3; 119:73; 139:14). And yes, we have all sinned (Ro. 3:23; Eccl. 7:20; 1 Kg. 8:46), but isn’t that partially God’s fault? Our omniscient God knew we would be tempted of the devil and…

Seven Wonders of the Word

[272 words] Psalm 119:161 I am impressed with the following seven wonders of the Word. The wonder of its INSPIRATION! Not just part of it, not just the thoughts of it, but “all scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Tim. 3:16). To the very jot (tiniest letter) and tittle (tiniest projection which distinguishes…
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