Radically and Dramatically Changed

[63 words] A Christian is not just somebody who has become nice; he has become new. He doesn’t just turn over a new leaf; he receives a new life. A Christian is not like a tadpole that has become a frog. A Christian is more like a frog who has received the kiss of grace…

What the Bible Contains

[33 words] It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter…. We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member…
Walking in Park

Journey Toward Eternity

[49 words] Life is a journey toward eternity. We are on a path. “The path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18). There are only two destinations (Matthew 7:13-14). This world is not our home (Hebrews 11:13-16)…. We are sorry, but this content is…

Too Busy to Get Old

[80 words] My body may age, but my mind will stay young;I’ve much left to do, many songs to be sung.Many roads to be traveled, much love to express;Many souls that need aid, who are now in distress.I will do what I can, to help brighten your day;I will spread cheer and love as I…

Good Advice

[27 words] WALK like EnochWORSHIP like AbelWORK like NehemiahWEEP like JeremiahOBEY like JobLEAD like MosesPRAY like DanielWIN like PaulLIVE like Christ Robert A. Glass… We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member (Register), have yet to confirm your email address (Check your email),…

Take a Moment to Listen

[116 words] Take a moment to listen todayTo what your children are trying to say;Listen today, whatever you doOr they won’t be there to listen to you. Listen to their problems, listen for their needsPraise their smallest triumphs, praise their smartest deeds;Tolerate their chatter, amplify their laughter,Find out what’s the matter, find out what they’re…

The Challenge

[66 words] The challenge comes to Christian men;The world demands new proof again. Material might, with ugly mien,Defies the power of things unseen. The church, the Book, must stand the test,To show the world God’s truth is best. The cause of Christ must suffer loss, If Christian men bear not the cross. No longer words…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 2:13-18

[52 words] An __ of the __ told Joseph to take the infant Jesus to __. Who was trying to kill Jesus? Joseph took the young __ and His __ and fled. “Then __, when he saw that he was deceived by the __ __, was exceedingly angry…” The king ordered all male children __…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 2:19-23

[61 words] “Now when Herod was __, behold, an __ of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt…” Joseph was now told to take the __ and His mother to __. Who was reigning in Judea instead of his father Herod? “And being warned by God in a __, he turned aside…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 3:1-6

[65 words] “In those days John the Baptist came __ in the __ of Judea…” John’s main message was, “__, for the kingdom of __ is at hand!” “The voice of one __ in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths __.’” “Now John himself was clothed in camel’s __, with…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 3:7-12

[81 words] Groups of people that John called a brood of vipers. “Therefore bear __ worthy of __…” “And even now the __ is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the __.” John said he was not worthy to…

Quotes and Sayings (February 2024)

“The essence of true nobility is the neglect of self.” — James Froude “All the beautiful sentiments in the world weigh less than one lovely action.” — James Russell Lowell “Giving is the secret to living fully while you are still alive.” — Douglas M. Lawson “Kind words are the music of the world.” —…

On the Lighter Side (February 2024)

There’s a fine line between a numerator and a denominator. (…Only a fraction of people will get this joke.) — Did you hear about the first restaurant to open on the moon? It had great food, but no atmosphere. — Why is Peter Pan always flying? Because he Neverlands. (I love this joke because it…

Resolve to Involve Everything

[385 words] With the new year comes resolutions. We like a fresh start, and we generally feel that the start of a brand new year is best time to implement changes. I guess it’s because we look back on the previous year and analyze successes and failures and make decisions on what we need to…

Putting Jesus Back in the Box

[232 words] The Christmas holiday has come and gone. Time to take down those decorations, Christmas trees, blow-up yard ornaments, and lights, including those religious scenes and figurines. Along with the tinsel and multicolored lights, the little statues of the baby Jesus will be placed in boxes and storage bins and stored away till next…

How to Have a Happy New Year

[166 words] What phrases are you tired of hearing? I asked this question once in a class and was surprised by the number of statements that came from the students. Among those mentioned was the simple wish: “Happy New Year!” I must confess that I love to hear the phrase because it reminds me of…

The Nature of God

[339 words] The Bible is a rich document that provides us details and ideas into who God is. Three New Testament descriptions say that He is something: Spirit (John 4:24), Light (1 John 1:5), and Love (1 John 4:8). Yet, the Bible from cover to cover shows us much more about who God is. We…

He Will Take Us Through

[202 words] We are constantly reminded that life can be challenging. Life can be hard. Sometimes….life can be very hard. But we don’t go through alone! We don’t go through it unnoticed by heaven! Someone has said: “Since God the Father intends to make you like Jesus, He will take you through the same experiences…

The Disease of Discouragement

[196 words] dis·cour·age·ment dəˈskərəjm(ə)nt  a loss of confidence or enthusiasm; dispiritedness. an attempt to prevent something by showing disapproval or creating difficulties; deterrent. Where does discouragement come from? Let’s consider an interesting comment in the book of Ezra. The book of Ezra tells the story of the rebuilding of the temple. Though the act is brought…

Why We Need To Confess

[180 words] As John Dewey exclaimed, “A problem well-put is half solved.” For us to fix something we have to know what is wrong and what is causing the problem. Too many times we face an issue and are unable—or maybe better said unwilling—to examine ourselves to see what is wrong. That is what makes…

The King and His Bible

[332 words] As God anticipated, the people of Israel would one day ask for a king. God spoke this prophecy by Moses in Deuteronomy 17:18-20. One of the most notable commands, and the one that Moses centers on in this passage, was the responsibility of each king of God’s people to make his own copy…

Stay Bold and Stay ‘Old’

[312 words] There is a saying among those who fly planes, “There are old pilots, and there are bold pilots—but there are no old, bold pilots.” While humorous, it makes a good point. Those who choose to fly by the seat of their pants run the risk of being prematurely laid to rest. My prayer…

Times Have Changed

[278 words] “Times have changed” is a common refrain from those who find themselves in contradiction with the Word of God. This happens especially when moral standards are involved. First of all, one might question what folks mean when they say “Times have changed.” Are they talking about a changing culture? Are they talking about…

High Anxiety and Blessed Relief

[189 words] Christians are not completely immune to anxiety. However, as Holy Spirit-filled followers of the will of God, we do have access to a God who cares for us and who will help us cope with this human reality. Consider, for instance, some things that have been discovered about human anxiety. Objective studies indicate…

Fortify Your Faith

[568 words] A father brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus (Mk. 9:17). He told Jesus he had taken his son to the disciples, but they could not cast the demon out (Mk. 9:18). Thus, the father asked Jesus, “if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” (Mk. 9:22). What was the…

Greed: What Are You Drawn To?

[375 words] I would be the last person chosen to counsel anyone when it comes to “money!” Additionally, I would never be elected to lecture on personal finance or budget development for an organization or business. But, after fifty years of living, I’ve learned money/possessions should be used as tools and not as something to…

Have You Memorized God’s Number?

[178 words] Do you have a phone number you have memorized? Mine was my grandparent’s phone number, 363-3009. They have been dead for several years now. I have not used that number for a long time, but I still know their old number. Many people today do not memorize phone numbers much, we often store…

What If Jesus Had Never Come?

[393 words] I cannot imagine trying to make it through life without having “the good shepherd” (John 10:11), who is the “one mediator between God and men” (1 Timothy 2:5) and the “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16) in my corner. But what if Jesus had never come into this world “to…

Pastor Who?

[498 words] Lately, I have been disturbed by the number of preachers and youth directors who have started to refer to themselves as “Pastor so-in-so.”  The latest one was a young man who had just graduated from a university associated with churches of Christ. He introduced himself to me as “Pastor Bull”* from XYZ* Church…

A Human Jesus

[144 words] The Gospel Accounts present a truly human Jesus, not a ghostly figure who only appeared to be flesh and blood. Jesus spoke of His own body (Mark 14:8), head (Luke 7:44–46), hands, feet, flesh, and bones (Luke 24:39), and blood (Matthew 26:28). He also displayed distinctly human feelings and qualities: He was moved…

Pulling on Both Oars

[157 words] An old Scotsman operated a small rowboat for transporting passengers. One day a passenger noticed that the old man had carved on one oar the word “Faith” and on the other oar the word “Works.” Curious, he asked the meaning. The old man replied, “I’ll show you.” He dropped the “faith” oar and…

Jesus Loves Me

[254 words] Around 1860, Anna B. Warner penned the following words that were later extended and set to music by William B. Bradbury and continue to be sung around the world: Jesus loves me—this I know, / For the Bible tells me so:Little ones to him belong— / They are weak, but he is strong.Yes,…

During the New Year May You Have…

[68 words] …Enough happiness to keep you sweet….Enough trials to keep you strong….Enough sorrow to keep you human….Enough hope to keep you happy….Enough failure to keep you humble….Enough success to keep you eager….Enough friends to give you comfort….Enough wealth to meet your needs….Enough enthusiasm to make you look forward to tomorrow….Enough determination to make each…

Pass the Good Word

[28 words] When you hear a kind word spoken about a friend, pass it along (Proverbs 3:27; Galatians 6:10). If it’s a negative word, keep it to yourself…. We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member (Register), have yet to confirm your email…

Spoil Your Spouse

[25 words] As a man, spoil your spouse, not your children (2 Samuel 12:3, 8; Proverbs 5:18–19; Ephesians 5:25; 1 Peter 3:7)…. We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member (Register), have yet to confirm your email address (Check your email), or we…

Our Job

[30 words] It is not our job to get people to like us. It is our job to like people (John 13:35; Hebrews 13:1; 1 Peter 1:22; 2:17)…. We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member (Register), have yet to confirm your email…

Leave and Cleave

[32 words] Establishing your own home gives your marriage the space it needs to flourish. Do not ignore your parents, but recognize that your new family is a higher priority. See Genesis 2:24!… We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member (Register), have…

Old Testament Statistics

[45 words] 39 books929 Chapters23,145 VersesSmallest book: ObadiahLargest book: Psalms Middlebook: ProverbsShortest verse: 1 Chronicles 1:25Longest verse: Esther 8:9Longest chapter: Psalms 119 “I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word” (Psalm 119:16)…. We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet…

The Family

[65 words] The family is like a book—The children are the leaves,The parents are the coversThat protecting beauty gives. At first the pages of the bookAre blank and purely fair,But time soon writes memoriesAnd paints pictures there. Love is the little golden claspThat bindeth up the trust;O, break it not, lest all the leavesShould scatter…

Living It Day by Day

[161 words] She sat alone in an old people’s home,Lonely and old and gray;She wished that someone, just anyone,Would call on her that day.Did you? He lay for days on his hospital bed;The hours were long and hard.He wished someone, just anyone,Would send him a cheery card.Did you? He was far from home on foreign…

They Burned the Truth

[70 words] They burned Truth in the marketplace,And thought their work complete;But next day, with a smiling face,They met it on the street. They threw it in a dungeon damp,And thought it was no more;But lo, it walked with lighted lampAmong them as before. They scorned and ostracized it,And ordered it to depart;But still it…

What of Tomorrow?

[52 words] I do not know what still awaits,Or what the morrow brings;But with the glad salute of faith,I hail its opening wings!For this I know – that in my LordShall all my needs be met;And I can trust the heart of himWho has not failed me yet. Author Unknown… We are sorry, but this…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 1:1-17

[62 words] “The book of the __ of Jesus Christ, the Son of __, the Son of __:” Who was David’s father? Which son of David is listed in the genealogy? Who was the father of Manasseh? “So all the generations from Abraham to David are __ generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 1:18-25

[72 words] Who was the mother of Jesus? “Then __ her husband, being a __ man, and not wanting to make her a __ example, was minded to put her away secretly.” Who appeared to Joseph in a dream? “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name __, for He…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 2:1-6

[65 words] What is the name of the city where Jesus was born? Who was king in Judea during that time? Wise men came to Jerusalem from the east because they has seen a __. “When __ the king heard this, he was __, and all Jerusalem with him.” The king of Judea gathered all…

Bible Quiz: Matthew 2:7-12

[88 words] “Then Herod, when he had secretly called the __ men, determined from them what time the __ appeared.” Herod sent the wise men from the east to __ and told them to bring back __ to him when they found Him. “When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which…

Quotes and Sayings (January 2024)

“An exhaustive study of police records shows that no woman has ever shot her husband while he was doing the dishes.” — Earl Wilson “There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” — C.S. Lewis “Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on.” — Hal Borland “With…

On the Lighter Side (January 2024)

Worst Sermon Ever A preacher was suddenly called out of town and he asked the new youth minister to conduct services on Sunday. When he returned, he asked his wife how the young man had done. “Not so well,” she reported. “It was the poorest sermon I had ever heard—nothing to it at all.” Meeting…

Who or What is Shaping Us?

[435 words] “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). This time of year emphasizes just how special it is to be with family. Gathering around…

Santa’s Reindeer: Propulsion or Navigation?

[451 words] This true “Ask an Engineer” question appeared in 2013 on an MIT website and was also answered by a graduate student. This student deconstructs the poem, “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” to analyze the navigation, guidance system, and control of Santa’s sleigh. It is a truly bizarre read, but nevertheless, with scholarly efficiency,…

When Was Jesus Born?

[458 words] There’s always a great debate about when Jesus was born, specifically what time of the year (although there is also debate about the year itself). It is at this time of the year that many celebrate His birth, but it is unlikely that He was born during the winter months. Our first clue…

He Crowns the Humble with Salvation

[172 words] Winston Churchill was once asked, “Doesn’t it thrill you to know that every time you make a speech, the hall is packed to overflowing?” “It’s quite flattering,” replied Sir Winston. “But whenever I feel that way, I always remember that if instead of making a political speech I was being hanged, the crowd…

An Important Ratio

[181 words] The fact that God gave us two ears and two eyes and only one mouth should give us some indication on how he expects us to use them.  “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;” (James 1:19). John Maxwell once…

God’s Holy Word

[330 words] In many nations, Bibles are still hard to obtain. Yet, many foreign governments are friendly enough to the study of the Bible that it is allowed into the public schools. Ironically, in our nation—the land of the free—this is not a liberty we are allowed to enjoy. The Word of God should be…

Authority and Power

[149 words] What’s the difference between an ineffective teacher and a school yard bully? The former has authority without power and the latter has power without authority. Our world is full of ineffective authorities and highly effective bullies. When Jesus went to Capernaum, He taught the people and they remarked that He spoke “with authority”…

The Home of Jesus

[435 words] The headline reads, “Archaeologists Believe They’ve Unearthed Jesus’s Childhood Home” (Popular Mechanics, December 1, 2020). Professor Ken Dark has been credited with making what has been described as “an astonishing find.” It seems that after 14 years of examining a particular dwelling in modern-day Nazareth, Professor Dark has become convinced that it is…

Should I Celebrate Religious Holidays?

[216 words] The title of our article asks an important question. Should New Testament Christians celebrate religious holidays? In the text of our lesson today (Romans 14:1-12) the subject is discussed because some Jewish Christians were holding on to the “special days” set aside by the Old Testament. This can also be seen in the…

You Are Hereby Invited

[351 words] Scott Stallings, a three-time PGA winner, was hoping for an invite to the Masters after a good performance the previous year. The Masters golf tournament held each year at the Augusta National Golf course is one of the most exclusive golf events in the world. So Stallings had, as he said in a…

The Living Word for Dying Men

[379 words] No thought is more significant than that men are dying creatures. David said in 1 Chronicles 29:15, “our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. Job said that man “cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down; he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not”…

An Exceptional Lesson

[144 words] It is widely believed and preached that to be saved all that is necessary is to “believe only” or “just receive Jesus as your personal Savior.” These expressions leave us with the erroneous impression that there is nothing for sinners to do to be saved. The Bible teaches differently; there is something you…

The Joy of Baptism

[310 words] “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” (Acts 2:41 NKJV). Did you catch that? Those who heard Peter’s message gladly received his word and were baptized! No arguing. No doubting. No denying. And no stalling. They were glad to hear…

I Learned Something Today

[456 words] In a Bible study with a man recently, in looking at the Scripture, he told me he learned something he didn’t know. This man is in his eighties, maybe close to ninety. It made me realize again that a person is never too old or too young to learn something from the Bible.…

Did Alexander Campbell Start the Church of Christ?

[347 words] It is not uncommon for someone to affirm that Alexander Campbell started the church of Christ. Recently, a preacher on television taught this and, as a member of the church of Christ, I feel obligated to address this matter. Alexander Campbell was a prominent man who lived and worked during the days of…

Try Giving Yourself Away

[265 words] In the late 1940s, David Dunn wrote a delightful little book by the above title. He determined that he would practice, as a hobby, the art of giving himself to other people. His goal was to do small, thoughtful deeds for others as he went about his daily activities. He found that while…

Three Biblical New Year’s Resolutions

[440 words] It is time again to make New Year’s resolutions. Our lives will be blessed in the coming year as we keep these three biblical resolutions. Lose weight. After eating all those holiday season meals, many people resolve to start the New Year off by losing a few pounds. While losing weight may improve…

How Much Is Jesus Worth to You?

[279 words] “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” (Matthew 13:44). Few things are as effective in opening up our billfolds or motivating us to pick…

Earth’s Most Sacred Spot

[108 words] Some time ago I bought a fine little devotional book on the death of Christ. One of the chapters was on “Earth’s Most Sacred Spot.” The author was referring to Golgotha, “the place which is called Calvary.” Because our Savior suffered and died there, the author considered it the most sacred of all…

Teaching Children to Love the Right Things

[242 words] Teach your children not to love the world (1 John 2:15), but to love God and the things He loves (Matthew 22:36–40). Teach them to love… Learning. It is a blessing to have a de- sire to know (Proverbs 23:23; 1 Peter 2:2). It is better to get wisdom than to get gold…

Christians Are Good Citizens

[53 words] Christians respect the rule of law (1 Timothy 1:9), obey civil government (Romans 13:1–7), and pay tribute (Matthew 17:24–27; Romans 13:7). The only exception is if civil law contradicts divine law (Acts 5:29). Religion, in general, contributes about $1.2 trillion a year to the economy. Allen Webster… We are sorry, but this content…

10 Reasons for Going to Hell

[129 words] 1. It requires no effort at all to get there.2. You can associate freely with bad company there.3. You won’t have the constant watchful eye of God over you.4. You won’t be expected to attend Bible Study or worship.5. You won’t have to give anything of yourself to God.6. Purity and goodness will…

The Bible Is…

[67 words] The greatest text in the Bible on the Bible is 2 Timothy 3:15–17. It demonstrates the characteristics of the Bible. The Bible is… • Simple — “from a child”• Knowable — John 8:32• Holy — 1 Peter 1:13-16• Written form — Scriptures• Inspired — God-breathed• Powerful — “able” instruction, correction • Complete —…

Built By Christ

[36 words] Jesus promised, “I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18). Christ is the foundation and chief cornerstone of the church (1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:19–22). The church carries His name (Romans 16:16)…. We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member (Register), have…

Keys to Satisfaction

[18 words] Move your bodyEngage your mindFill your heartAnd you will findLasting joyOf every kind Edd SterchiBroadway church of ChristCampbellsville, KY… We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member (Register), have yet to confirm your email address (Check your email), or we have…

The Grace of God

[84 words] He gives me hope and courageTo face each newborn day.He guides me through the shadowsTo light and show the way. He comforts and sustains meIn times of my distress.His Word gives me solaceTo find true happiness. He’s willing to forgive meWhen I may go astray.He says He’ll always love meAnd does my fears…

God’s Church

[66 words] Most people think a church is built Of brick and wood and stoneAnd after Sunday servicesStands empty and alone. But God’s own church is made of souls Who spread both far and wideThe story of His wondrous loveAnd Jesus crucified. A living church — a family royal; With Christ the King to reign.Which after stone and…

The Power of Prayer

[74 words] A breath of prayer in the morningMeans a day of blessings sure —A breath of prayer in the eveningMeans a night of rest secure. A breath of prayer in our weaknessMeans a clasp of a rock-steady HandA breath of prayer when we’re lonelyMeans Someone to understand. A breath of prayer in rejoicingGives joy…

Bible Quiz: 2 Timothy 3:10-17

[59 words] Paul said Timothy had carefully __ his doctrine and manner of __. Name three cities in which Paul was persecuted. “Yes, and all who desire to live __ in Christ Jesus will suffer __.” “…and that from __ you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for __…

Bible Quiz: 2 Timothy 4:1-8

[72 words] The Lord Jesus Christ will __ the living and the __ at His appearing and His kingdom. “__ the word! Be __ in season and out of season. Convince, __, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” Paul said a time would come when people will not endure __ doctrine. “For I am already…

Bible Quiz: 2 Timothy 4:9-16

[49 words] Who was the Christian who had forsaken Paul, having loved “this present world”? Who was the only one remaining with Paul? Who did Paul want Timothy to bring with him? What things did Paul want Timothy to bring with him? Who was the man who did Paul much harm? Solution: Demas; Luke; Mark;…

Bible Quiz: 2 Timothy 4:17-22

[62 words] “But the Lord __ with me and __ me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the __ might hear.” Paul said he was delivered from the mouth of a __. “Greet __ and __, and the household of Onesiphorus.” Paul wanted Timothy to do his best…

Quotes and Sayings (December 2023)

“There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread.” — Unknown “The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.” — William James “I want it said of me by those who knew me best that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I…

On the Lighter Side (December 2023)

Reindeer Games According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year (the only members of the deer family, Cervidae, to have females do so). Male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid December. Female reindeer,…

23,000 Breaths

[363 words] “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:6). One of the good things about the Thanksgiving holiday is that we are “forced” to stop our busy, self-centered lives and count our blessings. It is so easy to take our blessings for granted! I was recently reminded of how…

Black Friday

[444 words] I have been seeing ads recently for “Black Friday.” This used to be the day after Thanksgiving when retailers lure customers with all kinds of special incentives. Now “Black Friday” comes earlier and lasts longer. People line up to get the special “door buster” savings. They will flock to stores and spend large…

Holy Rest

[217 words] Under the old covenant, God commanded the Israelites to keep a Sabbath rest (Exodus 20:8-11). On the last day of each week, those who followed God were to take off from work any kind. They were to worship God with their Jewish brethren and they were to rest. In additional to taking one…

What is That You Have?

[540 words] In the early 16th century, William Tyndale made it his purpose to translate the New Testament Scriptures, written in Greek, into the language of his people, the language of England. Getting word of this, “Edward Lee, the king’s almoner [giver of alms] and future archbishop of York…” heard about it. He reported back…

What Does God Expect from Our Elders?

[145 words] The following acrostic describes many of the attributes and behaviors that God expects of elders. We can read more about what God expects of elders by reading Eph. 4:11-16, 1 Tim. 3, Titus 1, and 1 Peter 5. E – Encouraging members, enthusiastic about the Lord’s work. L – Leader, looking after one’s…

Baseball Wisdom and Life

[212 words] This past week, the Texas Rangers earned a place in baseball history. Not all teams have achieved this honor. They won the World Series. Five major league teams have not achieved this honor, and there are many players who will retire never having been in even one World Series game. Concerning the World…

It Is Quantity and Not Quality

[505 words] All my life I have heard people say, “It is quality and not quantity.” Perhaps in some areas of life this is true, but not when it comes to souls. Since every soul is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), every soul has value. Picking one soul or group of souls…

The Bible is God’s Unchanging Standard

[189 words] Man is not left to “do his own thing” religiously. He has the Bible, God’s unchanging standard upon which to build his life. Confusion comes when “Every man does that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6). When man becomes a law to himself and tries to direct his own affairs…

All or Nothing

[259 words] The story is told of the little boy who cut off his puppy’s tail an inch at a time to keep from hurting it so badly by cutting the whole tail off at once. This sad story illustrates the tragic error that many people have with leaving the world behind them when becoming…

Where is God?

[394 words] Once upon a time there was a young fish that heard other fishes taking about the sea. One day he thought, “I will go and find the sea.” So he set forth to find the sea. He searched for a long time but could not find it. Then he met another fish, and…

The Dying Leaf

[234 words] As autumn approaches, we welcome the cooler temperatures and the changing of the seasons. We remember the promise of God to Noah, “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22). Along with the change in the weather comes the…

Down to Only One Fear

[349 words] WE NEED NOT FEAR: Economic Collapse. Whether the breaking of Social Security, a major stock market crash, the mounting U.S. debt, recession, the real estate bubble bursting, bankruptcy, out of control inflation, or job losses. “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his…

That’s Not Right

[232 words] Cunningham’s Law is an axiom coined by Steven McGeady. It’s named after Ward Cunningham, the inventor of wiki software, who initially gave him the advice.  It states “the best way to get the right answer on the internet is not to ask a question; it’s to post the wrong answer.” That doesn’t just…

What Have You Got to Smile About?

[185 words] Smiling is a natural reaction to having a happy heart. I’m not talking about a smirk, leer or a sneer but a genuine, radiant, beaming smile. Actually, there is a lot about “smiling” in the Bible although the actual word isn’t used much in most English translations. For instance, Proverbs 15:13 in the…

What Does the World Need?

[349 words] As time moves on, I am thankful for Jesus and the church. While having an attitude of gratitude, I also have a feeling of concern. I am concerned about the world really not knowing Jesus or having an understanding of the church. I know this is not a new concept, but our concern…

The Religious Nones

[541 words] Who are the religious nones? Sounds like a religious order (almost), but it is actually a segment of the population that declares no religious affiliation, 28 percent of the population so declare. This means that of the “religious” affiliations, they are the second largest group, behind 40 percent of the population who identify…

Wardrobe Change

[259 words] Have you ever voyaged into the deep recesses of your closest only to discover clothing that is well past its time? The style is out, they no longer fit, and the holes are no longer justifiable in polite society. We would be embarrassed to be caught wearing some such things we find in…

Love or Like?

[449 words] The two words above are confusing to many people. I can love someone but not like certain practices. I can love someone because of the soul which God put in him; but, I may not like their life style or habits. God is a God of love (1 John 4:18), but God does…
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