12 Things Fathers Do Which Provoke Children

“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged” (Colossians 3:21). Fathers do you discourage or anger your children? The scriptures clearly reveal God’s warning to fathers of the potential…

Difficult to Keep Up

Just recently someone asked this preacher about a couple of modern speech translations. Friends, there are so many new ones appearing on a regular basis that it is difficult to keep up with each one. Some are good, some are just okay, but some are seriously flawed. The good ones seek to get as close…

Live Now To Secure Forever

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow…” (Matthew 6:34). A person’s life can be divided up into four chunks of time: the past, the present, the future and eternity. The devil draws attention to the past and the future; God draws attention to the present and eternity. Therefore, the devil wants to take our focus off…

It Just Happened!

The story is told of a science professor who constructed a planetarium, a precisely scale model of the universe. A student came into his office and asked him who made it. The professor said, “No one.” The student laughed and asked again, “Come on, who make this fantastic piece of precise work?” The professor replied,…

Maintaining the Connection

Summertime is in full swing, and with it the tendency for families to drift from closeness within the church because of family travel and activities. Here are a few suggestions to help maintain that connec- tion. I will use the term “home church” for convenience and lack of a better one. Resolve that you will…

Our Citizenship is in Heaven

The spiritual nature of the Kingdom of God and of His Christ was never fully comprehended by the Jews. In fact, I seriously doubt if most Christians truly comprehend the depth, richness, vastness and greatness of this everlasting Kingdom. God has always been the Sovereign over His creation and thus Israel needed no “earthly” king.…

The Wrong Kind of Deterrence

Anti-death penalty groups argue that capital punishment does not prevent further crimes. They are wrong. The Bible says the death penalty is a strong deterrent (Deut. 13:6-11; Ecc. 8:11; Rom. 13:4). If anyone thinks fear of reprisal doesn’t work, then let him consider the effect of fear in a different context: the fear of being…

Easy Come, Easy Go

Most of us are astonished at the amounts of money earned by professional athletes. Despite making millions of dollars, many of these famous athletes end up declaring bankruptcy. A 2009 Sports Illustrated documentary concluded that as many as 78 percent of NFL players face financial difficulty within two years of retirement. NBA statistics were as…

Why Go to Church?

A churchgoer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. “I’ve gone for 30 years now,” he wrote, “and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can’t remember a single one…

Baptism

A man is stumbling through the woods totally drunk when he comes upon a preacher baptizing people in the river. He proceeds to walk into the water and subsequently bumps into the preacher. The preacher turns around and is almost overcome by the smell of alcohol, whereupon he asks the drunk, “Are you ready to…

We Need Each Other!

  [264 words] There is an indelible and universal truth as it pertains to the church. We need each other. In fact, the Bible is adamantly clear that without the contribution of each member, the church does not properly function. Thus is the substance of Paul’s discussion in 1 Corinthians 12. The church in Corinth…

The Speeding Ticket

Recently, a man in Florida went to great lengths to get out of a simple speeding ticket. When the police officer who pulled him over was out of earshot, the man dialed 911. He told dispatchers that a murder was about to take place. He passionately described how a person was holding a gun and…

Prayer

If Jesus felt the need to pray to the Father, surely we need God’s help in our own lives. God knows our needs even before we ask, but still He wants us to ask (Matt. 6:8); and Jesus tells us “that men always ought to pray” (Luke 18:1). James wrote that the fervent prayer of…

In Him

Ephesians is a book every Christian should lay up in his heart. It is about the tremendous privilege we have as Christians. It is about the great blessings we enjoy as a result of being Christians. It is about the huge challenges we face because we are Christians. And it is about the eager anticipation we…

The Word of God

The empire of Caesar is gone; the legions of Rome are decaying in the dust; the avalanches that Napoleon hurled upon Europe have melted away; the pride of the Pharaohs is fallen; the pyramids they raised to be their tombs are sinking in the desert sands; Tyre is a rock for bleaching fishermen’s nets; Sidon…

Let Go Of The Past

The passenger tapped the cab driver on the shoulder to ask him something. The driver screamed, lost control of the car, nearly hit a bus, went up on the sidewalk, and stopped inches from a department store window. For a second everything went quiet in the cab, then the driver said, “Look mister, don’t ever…

His Truth Marches On!

[246 words] The indictment of Isaiah against his generation, a people who had temporarily succeeded in turning truth upon its head, is no less applicable today: “Woe unto them that call evil good; and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe…

Are You Living Up to Your Clothing?

[465 words] It’s Friday evening a little after sundown when he walks through the front door after a long day at work and announces his arrival, “Hi honey, I’m home.” “What took you so long? Supper’s been ready for an hour,” his wife says rather loudly from the kitchen. He walks in the kitchen and…

Memorial Day

[225 words] Memory is an important part of the human experience. God created our minds in such a way that we can store information regarding past events and recall that information in the future. These facts range from the mundane tasks of life, such as brushing our teeth every day because we learned the necessity…

People Can Change

It is sometimes said of those in sin, “They will never change.” While it is true that sin can have a death grip on men, yet it is possible if man’s heart be willing, to make a change in his way of living. Jesus Christ introduced into the world the greatest power to change men…

How The Devil Works

The worst enemy of man is Satan. His goals are wicked; his ways evil. In the Bible the devil is called “a roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8), and “that old serpent” (Revelation 20:2). Do we know how he works? The Bible says he works by: 1. Telling lies (John 8:44). Satan told Adam and Eve,…

A Kindness Tracker

[474 words] You have probably seen one. It looks like a watch, yet sleeker. I believe it does keep time, though. It can come in a variety of colors. It keeps track of the steps you take and monitors your pulse and sleep patterns. It is very popular and was one of the most purchased…

Cityslickers and Rednecks In the Same Pew

The church is made up of people who are different. In the New Testament people from all kinds of backgrounds were converted and became members of the same congregation. Paul said what mattered is that they were Christians. In Christ he said there is “neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor…

Abuse

Abuse in any form is deplorable and terrible. We need advocates who will stand up for the abused. However, in some cases, we seem to have lost touch with what abuse really is. Recently, in Italy, a 40-year-old woman was brought up on charges and sent to trial after her husband claimed she neglected him…

Our Most Excellent Call

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence…” (2 Peter 1:3). When a person becomes a Christian he receives a calling that is higher than anything else in this world. Our calling is the…

Gossips: Worse Than Thieves!

[312 words] Our words can be extremely powerful, either for good (Eph. 4:29) or ill (James 3:6). One form of evil use of the tongue is gossip. The following illustration by an unknown author drives this point home: Once upon a time, an old man spread rumors that his neighbor was a thief, As a…

The Cure for Loneliness

David found the cure for his loneliness in Psalms 25 beginning with verse 15. Here is David’s prayer: “My eyes are ever on the LORD … Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish. Look upon my…

Character

John said, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 1:4). Holy conduct will bring genuine joy. John rejoiced that many of his converts were walking a holy life and his rejoicing gives us two good lessons. First, the source of joy. Every parent who has sent…

Good News and Bad News

There is a lot of bad news out there, as mirrored on TV and the internet. The stock market is in trouble, thousands of American jobs are on the line, and threats of terrorism are shadows in the background. And then there are our own personal pain and problems to contend with. Financial, physical, medical,…

Now, That’s Science! 

Our local paper carried accounts of two science workshops in local schools, and in reading the accounts, we could see that science was truly at work. In one case, the earth’s revolving around the sun was demonstrated by drawings and showing them in rapid sequence. That illustrated a point of science! In the other case,…

Encouraging Words! 

A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the unfortunate frogs they would never get out. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up…

Trust the Lord

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5). Applying this verse is sometimes extremely difficult. The pressures and anxieties of life can lead us to trust in worldly wisdom rather than in our all-knowing God. However, real peace and strength are only found when we place…

JESUS CHRIST

Just (Revelation 15:3) Elect (1 Peter 2:6) Sinless (1 Peter 2:22) Understanding (Hebrews 4:15) Shepherd (John 10:14) Compassionate (Matthew 9:36) Helping (Hebrews 13:6) Righteous (1 John 3:7) Immortal (Hebrews 13:8) Savior (2 Pet. 1:11) Teacher (Matthew 11:29) Edd Sterchi Broadway church of Christ Campbellsville, KY… We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and…

We Do What We Decide to Do

We can’t control circumstances. We can’t control the weather, traffic, prices etc. We also can’t control other people’s actions, words, and thoughts. It appears that we have no control over anything. If you have good actions, words, and thoughts, who makes you do these things? It is not true that we have no control. You…

Am I Glad To Be In God’s House?

Recently in our worship on Sunday evening, I listened to a prayer of a senior saint asking God to help us come to a time when our attendance was equal at all services. It’s been a while since I heard such a prayer and desire expressed before the Father. Why is there such a disparity?…

Boost Your Budget by Missing Worship?

If you miss worship on the first day of week does that mean your pocket has a little extra in it to spend the rest of the week? If you answer yes, you have the wrong answer. Giving as we have been prospered means exactly that – giving as we have been prospered; not giving…

Do You Love Me? Feed My Sheep!

“The third time he said to him, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’  Peter was hurt because asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’  He said, ‘Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.’  Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep.’” John 21:17.  Peter knew how his sin of denying…

Faith and Optimism

When your cup runs over, is it a blessing, or a mess? Is your glass half full or half empty? Do you make difficulties out of your opportunities, or opportunities out of your difficulties? Are you the kind that complains about the noise when opportunity knocks? Do you claim to be an optimist who doubts…

Are Christians and Non-Christians Equal Before God?

The Bible seems pretty clear about this question. We can read for ourselves the answer. The real question is: Do we accept the answer? The world doesn’t see the difference at times. Sadly, there are some within the church who can’t tell the difference either. Let me start with a scripture. Galatians 6:10 reads, “As…

Ticks and Sin

[289 words] Ever had a tick on you? Ticks are small blood sucking mites. They spend a good bit of time just waiting in bushes, grass and woods for a victim–you! Once you happen by, they jump on and attempt to quickly crawl to a protected spot on your body. Then they sink their mouth…

Reliable

It is probably sound advice that, when a car leaves you stranded, you should return the favor. Few people would keep a car that cannot be depended upon to work as needed. There may be a parable here. Remember that David described himself and his fellow Israelites as “…his people, and the sheep of his…

What Howard Learned in Heartbreak

Howard Rutledge, a United States Air Force pilot, was shot down over North Vietnam during the early stages of the War. He spent several miserable years in the hands of his captors before being released at the war’s conclusion. In his book In the Presence of Mine Enemies, he reflects upon the resources from which…

In Season, Out of Season

On his second missionary journey, Paul came to the city of Philippi. There, while worshiping by the river, he met and baptized Lydia. But not all in Philippi listened to Paul and he was falsely accused of “troubling the city” (Acts 16:20). Beaten and thrown into prison, Paul and Silas did not let persecution stop…

Jesus vs. the Jews

Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus is essentially on trial. The reader is forced to make a decision around every corner about whether he or she accepts the claims of Jesus or the claims of His opponents: the Jews. In the second half of John 10, Jesus is in the midst of one of His…

Unity

God’s word is truth (John 17:17) and when we are all grounded in the truth of God’s word unity will be the result (Ephesians 4:1-15). Truth does not cause division because truth is constant. Division comes when someone blows the winds of false doctrine and topples Christians who are not grounded in truth. They are…

The Five Finger Prayer

The five finger prayer is a great way to teach someone to pray, or a good model for anyone to use to pray. Remember, James 5:13-16 teaches us to pray for one another. First, your thumb is nearest you. Begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. Second, the next finger, is the…

Pray Boldly!

Television interviewer and journalist Larry King describes three farmers who gather daily in a field during a horrible drought. The men are down on their knees, looking upward, and praying the skies will open and pour forth a much-needed rain. Unfortunately, the heavens are silent, and the petitioners become discouraged, but they continue to meet…

Good News and Bad News

There is a lot of bad news out there, as mirrored on TV and the Internet. The stock market is in trouble, thousands of Americans jobs are on the line, and threats of terrorism are shadows in the background. And then there are our own personal pain and problems to contend with. Financial, physical, medical…

Making a Difference in the Family

God gave each member of the family a role to play. Each one playing his or her part will make a difference in the family, as can be seen in Paul’s instructions to the saints in Ephesus. Christian wives are to place themselves under the control of their husbands as one means of showing that…

Have You Earned Your Place In Heaven?

After making a whopping $50 million donation to a gun control initiative, and because of his work against obesity and smoking, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was quoted as saying: “I am telling you, if there is a God, when I get to heaven I’m not stopping to be interviewed. I am heading…

Love

A story is told of a young sailor who called his parents from San Diego after the Vietnam Conflict. He said he was bringing his buddy home with him to stay. “You see, mom” he said, “my buddy is pretty badly broken up. He was severely wounded and has only one leg, one arm, and…

Do You Know About The First Valentine?

  [297 words] This month we will celebrate the holiday referred to as Valentine’s Day. It is a time when we show others that we care for them. Small gifts of cards, candy, and flowers are part of the tradition. But it might surprise you to find out that this holiday started out as a…

Dare to be Different

I remember a book we used in 4-H some years ago titled, “Dare to be Different.” What a challenge this is to Christians today. Dare to speak out for the Lord; dare to do what is right when society says sin is okay; dare to grow in knowledge of God’s Word – and live by…

Grounded in Truth

Truth is constant. Truth does not vary from one person to the next and it does not change with the circumstance. Truth is like a tree with deep roots. The winds of change may blow strong against it but that tree does not move an inch and when the storm passes by the tree is…

The Search for Spirituality

Spirituality 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 thrown their babies into the crocodile-infested Ganges River in the search for…

Who Will Guide You?

Think about a boat on the river with no one in it just going with the waves; side to side, bank to bank, and not knowing where it will end up. It could end up stuck next to the bank with branches all around it and not able to move. It could end up at…

Christians Should Be Industrious

An industrious person is attentive and active. An industrious person is committed and conscientious. An industrious person is dedicated and diligent. An industrious person is focused and faithful. An industrious person is hardworking and helpful. An industrious person is studious and steady. A Christian is an industrious person. Paul exhorted, “not lagging in diligence, fervent…

Finding My Worth in God

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in Iowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Phil 2:3 NKJV). One of the greatest struggles for humanity is the discovery of our own value and self-worth. People often feel so very empty and insignificant. The cares of life tend to batter…

Who Are You Living For?

Who is it that we should live life for? Is it to please others, self, or God? Remember what Jesus prayed for in the Garden of Gethsemane: “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39b). It was not about…

Frantic? Or Faithful?

When Elijah fled from the threats of Jezebel, he was asking God to take his life (1 Kings 19:4). The Lord then led Elijah to Mount Horeb (Sinai), where Elijah confessed to the Lord that he was the only prophet left. All the others had been killed (1 Kings 19:10). Even though Elijah had just…

Thoughts Not to Entertain

If Paul had thought like some today, he would have written to the Ephesians like this: “Paul the apostle to the saints at Ephesus. Brethren, I rejoiced when I went into the theater in your city to behold the shows. The play of Aristophanes was a magnificent story of a man who overcame poverty and…

Blind Men of Hindustan

Most are conversant with the famous poem concerning the blind men of Hindustan who went to “see” an elephant. Since each was sightless and stationed at a different vantage point surrounding the huge creature, the six men came away with vastly different concepts regarding the elephant. The first said, “An elephant is like a rope,”…

The True Word of God

The Bible is the book. It is the only book for a dying man. It is the only book for a living man. As the very word of God, the Bible is the book that speaks to any and all situations for a person’s life. It is the only book that informs us about how…

The Will of the Father

Matthew 12:50 Jesus says to his disciples, “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Often in this world we are focused on doing our own will. Doing the things we think is best for our lives. We are focused on success, fame, money, friends, pleasure,…

The Wind

When I drove into the office this morning, the wind was not blowing very much. We can’t see the wind, but we can see the results of it. The reason I knew the wind was not blowing much, was the flag was moving only a little. The wind is spoken of in the Bible some…

Worship God

Twice in the revelation given to him, John is reminded to “worship God” (Rev. 19:10; 22:9). Too many Christians focus more on self than on God in worship. We should never depart from the true purpose of our worship: honoring God. Take a look at the prescribed elements of worship and note how they all…

I’ll Keep On Till They Quit

There once was an older man who went out jogging. He was running around a track that circled the high school football field while the team was conducting their practice. When the football players began running their sprints up and down the field, the man said to himself, “I’ll just keep running until they quit.”…

The Beginning and End of Prayer

Prayer, in the end, is simply an intimate conversation between a child and their heavenly Father. There are always only two people represented in true prayer, you and God. Thus, while there are many kinds of prayer we could talk about, fundamental to them all is simply a conversation, a dialogue between an individual and…

‘Go Ye’ Means ‘Go Me’

I read recently that when asked how often Christians had shared their faith in the past year, 95% of the respondents replied they had not shared their faith! Not even once. Really? Can that possibly be true? I have asked audiences around the country that same question, and received with few exceptions, the same approximate…

Repent and Believe the Good News!

“After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galillee, proclaiming the good news of God.  ‘The time has come,’ he said.  ‘The kingdom of God is near.  Repent and believe the good news’” (Mark 1:14-15). Mark’s gospel, written to a Roman audience that valued efficiency, is the shortest and most stripped down to the…

Hope

  [275 words] My great-grandson is counting the days until Christmas. Almost every morning as we leave for school he will tell me how many days are left until the holiday arrives. He has “hope“ of getting presents, of being out of school for two weeks. and for all the good times that are waiting. …

Eight Gifts That Do Not Cost a Cent

  [181 words] The Gift of Listening. But you must really listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening. The Gift of Affection. Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back, and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends. The Gift of Laughter.…

Loving Good Works

Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Jesus was teaching during His sermon on the mount that we as Christians need to be seen by others of the world. How and why…

Some Things to Think On

  [146 words] Never neglect daily prayer. When you pray, remember that God is present, and that He hears you. Never neglect daily private Bible reading. When you read, remember that God is speaking to you, and that you are to believe and act upon what He says.  If you are in doubt whether a…

Are You Covered?

  [344 words] All kinds of insurance are available to those who are willing to pay the price. There is health insurance, life insurance, car insurance, liability insurance, homeowners insurance, flood insurance, theft insurance, etc. Some buy all the kinds they can in order to have themselves fully covered and many insurance companies spend lots…

Persistent and Passionate Prayer 

  [329 words] To pray or not to pray was not a question King David struggled with. David wrote in Psalm 55:17, “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice.” Persistence was one of David’s goals when it came to prayer – is it one…

When the Time Is Ripe

  [470 words] We often wonder what the world is coming to; just how long will evil progress in our world? The Bible ought to be at the forefront of our focus when we have such questions. That God wrote the Bible is evident from many of its characteristics, one of which is its controlled…

Obsession or Option?

  [305 words] To view some Christians, they live their lives like they are obsessed with pleasing God. They come to worship and every gathering of the church that they possibly can. They even come when they don’t feel all that well. It is as if they are compelled to come. They also volunteer and…

Hymns for the ‘Sorta’ Committed

[217 words] Some Christians, by the way they are living their lives, would obviously like for some of the songs we sing to be changed to the following: • I Surrender Some• It is Fairly Well with My Soul• Fill My Spoon, Lord• Oh, How I Like Jesus• He’s a Little Bit to Me• I Love…

A Real Benefit Package

  [276 words] People will often change jobs for better benefits. More paid health insurance coverage is a major benefit people seek. A liberal retirement plan with earlier investment is also a premium job seekers consider. For a moment, let’s consider a different source of benefits from someone who loves you very dearly. It is…

Faithful Fathers

“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD; and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the…

Bulletin Digest redesigned!

Bulletin Digest has undergone a redesign! When you receive your Bulletin Digest in the mail in the next few days, you will notice right away some things have changed. First, we have begun printing shorter articles at the request of our subscribers. This will help meet the bulletin publishing needs of congregations who use our…

Is My Child Ready to Be Baptized?

[529 words] Introduction. Parents sometimes feel stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to guiding their children toward becoming a Christian. On one hand, we would never want to cause them to stumble (Matt. 18:6). On the other hand, obedience must be from the heart (Rom. 6:17), so just being able…

Your Obituary Has Not Yet Been Written

Toward the end of the nineteenth century, Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel awoke one morning to read his own obituary in the local newspaper: “Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, who died yesterday, devised a way for more people to be killed in a war than ever before, and he died a very rich man.” Actually,…

Dying Wedding Vows

Remember when “honor and obey” was a standard part of wedding vows? Then, the feminist movement said, “No way will I vow to obey my husband!” Today, you rarely hear a couple using this worthy vow to recognize and accept the roles and relationships God established in marriage (Genesis 2:22-24; 3:16; Ephesians 5:22-24; 1 Peter…

At Your Weakest Moment

[267 words] At Your Weakest Moment … . . . that’s when Satan will tempt you to sin. Our adversary is no fool. He’s not going to waste time and effort by working against your strengths. He will attack you when you are the weakest and where you are most vulnerable. Here’s an example: Someone…

Out of the Mouths of Babes

A family is riding in the family car and an advertisement for a current movie comes on the radio. At the end of the advertisement comes the disclaimer, “Opens Friday in a theater near you! This film contains intense thematic material, graphic violence, nudity, strong sexual situations, drug content and course language. May not be…

Seeing Jesus

[263 words] It has often been noted that the resurrection of Jesus had a life-altering effect upon the apostles and other disciples. Jesus had predicted that His arrest and subsequent death would cause the disciples to desert Him (Matt. 26:31) and they would be overcome with sorrow (John 16:20). They do indeed scatter—they “left Him…

Growing By Going Beyond

Introduction. We have all seen a toddler crawling around a room, eagerly eying furniture that can be used for leverage when the time comes for “pulling-up.” We have also seen, that toddler reach the pull-up stage and move to walking “with no holds.” We rightly praise and encourage such behavior. We know that growth is…

Fifty Shades of Betrayal

[392 words] The latest “Hollywood buzz” has been for the movie “Fifty Shades of Grey,” the film version of the pornographic novel series of the same name. Despite its upcoming “Valentine’s Day” release, “Fifty Shades of Grey” is anything but a tender romance. The story depicts graphic and perverted immorality, and the male lead is…

Commitment

In the book, Driven from Within, Michael Jordan (Hall-of-Fame basketball player) recounts an event from his life that exemplifies just how committed he was to the things that were important to him. Jordan asked to borrow a jacket from a friend before they went out to have dinner together. He was told where he could…

What If Jesus Had Returned Yesterday?

[347 words] The title of this article is a question of no little importance. And when we reflect upon Jesus’ own words that “many” will choose to walk the way of eternal destruction and that “few” will ultimately make it to the gates of Heaven (cf. Matthew 7:13-14), this question becomes even richer in significance.…

Two Mules’ Burdens of Earth

The story of Naaman receiving a cure for leprosy has been well known in the brotherhood, having been taught by just about every preacher. Most of the time, however, one only hears part of the story and that is the command for Naaman to plunge seven times in the Jordan River. There’s more. Naaman made…

Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?

It was a fact that Jesus was innocent. The Roman governor in charge of Judea, Pontius Pilate, so stated himself after having examined Jesus personally (John 19:4). It is also a fact that Jesus never even committed  a single sin (Heb. 4:15). And yet, they fashioned the crown of thorns and placed a purple robe…
Man Lifting Rock

Using ALL of Your Strength

[328 words] A father was watching his young son struggle to lift a heavy rock. The little fellow grunted and strained, but couldn’t move it. The father said, “Son, are you sure you are using all your strength?” The exhausted boy said, “Yes, I am!” The father replied, “No, you are not. You haven’t asked…

Thank God for Dirty Dishes

Thank God for dirty dishes;They have a tale to tell.While others may go hungry,We’re eating very wellWith home, health, and happiness,I shouldn’t want to fuss;By the stack of evidence,God’s been very good to us…. We are sorry, but this content is for Trial, Annual, and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member…

A Prior Engagement

[181 words] James A. Garfield James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, took office on March 4, 1881. On his first Sunday in Washington following his inauguration, a member of the Cabinet insisted that a meeting must be called to discuss a matter that purportedly threatened a national crisis. The President refused,…

Remodeling Your Spiritual House

[361 words] There are tons of television shows centered around the idea of remodeling your home, and most of them operate on the same principle: helping a homeowner improve their living environment. Without proper care, houses deteriorate, or residents simply tire of the old furniture, paint and decorations around them. They need to remodel! Sometimes…

Is the Devil Responsible for Our Sins?

Satan desires one thing, which is the spiritual demise of all humanity. He wants every soul to end up in hell with him (Mat. 25:41). Satan accomplishes his mission by getting people to live their lives in sin. Satan “entered in” Judas and caused him to betray the Lord (Jn. 13:27; 18:1-5). Satan “filled’ Ananias’…

Think About This….

The next time you decide to put off doing something you know you ought to do, remember the little boy who squeezed the toothpaste on the cat’s back, shook apples prematurely off the tree and cut gaps in his father’s hair while the father slept. When the father awoke and surveyed the damage, he said…
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