Considering the Shepherd

[321 words] Considering men who may serve as elders in the church is a critical time within the life of a congregation. They will be entrusted with leadership which will affect the health and future of the congregation. The process is never to be taken lightly, and biblical guidance must be the criteria upon which…

Joy Springs from Your Relationship with God

[136 words] David wrote Psalm 16 as a prayer to God. In it, David asks for the Lord’s protection during a trying time. Also, David begs the Lord for His guidance. Then David made a commitment to follow God’s direction. Many call this a “messianic psalm” (a prophecy of some aspect of Jesus’ life). From…

We Don’t Study the Bible

[472 words] In a Bible study a few years ago at an assisted living facility, a lady made a startling revelation. She mentioned the name of the group she was associated with; then she said, “We don’t study the Bible.” She then admitted they needed to study it more. When another lady in the class…

Was Paul a Woman-Hater?

[525 words] “Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. I praise and appreciate you because you remember me in everything and you firmly hold to the traditions [the substance of my instructions], just as I have passed them on to you. But I want you to understand that Christ is the head (authority over) of…

Supper with the King

[208 words] I want you to imagine a scene with me, a scene of beauty and wonder and grace. The King of heaven and earth has prepared a feast in honor of His Son. The table has been prepared, the Son has taken His place at the head, and we are the ones who have…

The Demise of the Sunday Night Service

[282 words] Traditions come and go. One such tradition in American churches is the Sunday evening service. It’s unclear when the tradition started, but records would indicate that churches have been holding evening services for well over 100 years. In recent history, there has been a sharp decline in those who attend Sunday evening services.…

Jesus is a Priest Forever

[354 words] Jesus is “a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek (Heb. 7:17). What does that even mean? Melchizedek is described earlier in the chapter as the “king of righteousness,” the “king of Salem,” and the “king of peace” (vs. 2). He is the one to whom Abraham paid tithes following his victory…

A Godly Conduit

[420 words] An electrical conduit is a pathway that delivers electricity safely to an outlet. When electrical wires are not properly passed through a conduit, they carry the potential of being extremely dangerous. The wires need to be protected from fraying and grounding and likewise, we need to be protected from the potential threat of…

Jesus’ Family Tree

[315 words] Someone said, “Don’t shake the family tree too hard because some fruits and nuts may fall out!” I’ve found that to be true in my own family history research, and it holds true in the genealogy of Jesus too. I wonder how many people, as they begin reading the New Testament, just skip…

Assumptions: Some Do’s and Don’ts

[295 words] You can safely assume: • That God loves you (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). • That the price of your sins was paid by Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). • That your past sins were washed away— forgiven—at your baptism (Acts 22:16; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). • That you can be faithful to God (Revelation 2:10).…

I Love the Mountains

[418 words] Although I was born and bred in central Illinois, I love the mountains. I love the thought of them, I love their grandeur, and I love the way they majestically and seemingly endlessly march in procession as far as the eye can see. Maybe there is something about mountains and their connection to…

Not My Worry

[148 words] Two women were talking one day when one shared she had a mountain of credit card debt, she had lost her job, the bank was taking the car, and her house was in foreclosure, but she was not worried about it. Her friend got excited and asked why she was not going to…

OT Books in the NT

[33 words] Which Old Testament books are cited the most times in the New Testament? Isaiah (419) Psalms (414) Exodus (240) Genesis (238) Deuteronomy (196) Ezekiel (141) Daniel (133) Jeremiah (125) Leviticus (107) Numbers (73)… We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member…

Shortest Verse in the Bible?

[54 words] Many people are familiar with the shortest verse in the Bible, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). But it’s only the shortest verse in English! In the original Greek, the shortest verse is actually 1 Thessalonians 5:16, “Rejoice always.” John 11:35 contains three Greek words, whereas 1 Thess. 5:16 has only two…. We are sorry,…

Preparing for the Messiah

[50 words] The Old Testament is the story of a nation preparing for a Messiah. The New Testament is the story of a Messiah preparing a nation of believers for God. There are over 200 prophecies in the Old Testament concerning Jesus, and about 30 of them were fulfilled at the crucifixion…. We are sorry,…

The Incomparable Bible

[55 words] The Bible contains: —The Mind of God— The State of Man— The Way of Salvation— The Doom of Sinners— The Happiness of Believers It’s doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, it histories are true, and its decisions are unchangeable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to…

Cooperation

[47 words] A horse can’t pull while kicking;This fact I merely mention;And he can’t kick while pulling,Which is my chief contention.Let’s imitate the good old horse,And lead a life that’s fitting;Just pull an honest load, and then, There’ll be no time for kicking…. We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members…

Service

[112 words] There’s a clever young guy namedSomebody Else, There’s nothing this guy can’t do.He is busy from morningtill way late at night,Just substituting for you.You’re asked to do this or you’reasked to do that,And what is your ready reply?“Set Somebody Else to do that job,He’ll do it much better than I.“So much to do…

The Heartbeat of God

[179 words] The darkened earth wept in silence,Alone.The sun, black and cold,A dark and rugged stone cast into the sky;God’s face, turned from His creation,Eyes closed, His gentle heartBeating as a resounding drum,Its loud echo ringing throughThe spheres of space and time.The anguished voice of His blessed SonCried out,Though the spirit, strong, remained unmarred,Untouched by…

The Bible Speaks

[109 words] I am the Bible, God’s wonderful Library.I am always–and above all–the truth.To the weary pilgrim, I am a strong staff.To the one who sits in darkness, I amglorious light.To those who stumble beneath heavyburdens, I am sweet rest.To him who has lost his way, I am a safeguide.To those who are sick in…

Bible Quiz: 1 Timothy 3:1-7

[56 words] “This is a __ saying: If a man desires the position of a __, he desires a good work.” How many wives must a candidate for elder have? “…one who rules his own __ well, having his __ in submission with all reverence…” A novice might fall prey to __. An elder should…

Bible Quiz: 1 Timothy 3:8-16

[77 words] Deacons must not be __—tongued. “But let these also first be __; then let them serve as deacons, being found __.” “Likewise, their wives must be __, not slanderers, __, faithful in all things.” “For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good __ and great __ in the…

Bible Quiz: 1 Timothy 4:1-8

[89 words] In __ times some will __ from the faith. Two doctrines said were lies were __ to marry, and commanding to __ from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving. “For every __ of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with __; for it…

Bible Quiz: 1 Timothy 4:9-16

[72 words] “This is a __ saying and worthy of all __.” True or False: God is the Savior of some men. “Let no one despise your __, but be an __ to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” Who laid hands on Timothy in v. 14?…

Quotes and Sayings (August 2023)

“The man who fails because he aims astray, or because he does not aim at all, is to be found everywhere.” — Frank Swinnerton “Much pleasure and little grief is every man’s desire.” — Spanish proverb “Without duty, life is soft and boneless.” — Joseph Joubert “Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the…

On the Lighter Side (August 2023)

Wise Rules for Pilots 1. Every takeoff is optional. Every landing is mandatory.        2. If you push the stick forward, the houses get bigger. If you pull the stick back, they get smaller. That is, unless you keep pulling the stick all the way back, then they get bigger again.        3. Flying isn’t dangerous. Crashing…

What is Growing in Your Garden?

[452 words] Change takes time. Peter’s life displays a man who developed spiritually over years with ups and downs. Yet time was not the only factor in Peter’s development. Left to time without proper care and nourishment, stagnation comes, and life that once was present will die out. Peter grew because his lifetime was spent…

If I Recall

[200 words] The Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from dangerous products. They might fine companies for bad practices or force them to recall products that are too dangerous. To facilitate that mission, they made 80,000 lapel buttons, but they had to be recalled since the edges were too sharp. And the paint had…

Rather Obvious 

[223 words] “Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom…

Plenty of Proof

[272 words] There are more than 300 predictive prophecies in the Old Testament Scriptures concerning Jesus that were recorded centuries before He was born. Each was accurately fulfilled. Unlike modern predictions, note one of the predictions concerning Jesus missed the mark. Have you ever seriously analyzed the implications of those signs? Peter Stoner, a renowned…

Long Enough Arms

[453 words] A group of students from Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee, traveled to the Dominican Republic for a Spring Break mission trip. The group conducted a Vacation Bible School program at a children’s home in Bobita. After their final day of work at the children’s home, team members went to see the ocean. Tragedy…

Are You Excited About the Church?

[358 words] In the Psalms, we see a certain eagerness and excitement connected with the “house of the Lord.” Now, the Lord’s house in those times was the tabernacle (and later the temple), and also used symbolically as faithfulness in God’s kingdom. But for today, we know that the church (the people of God) is…

Showing Our Christianity

[240 words] “You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human…

Jesus in the Old Testament

[544 words] “Is Jesus in the Old Testament?” The short answer is “yes.” However, He is in the Old Testament in more ways than people think. There are three main ways Old Testament reveals Jesus; prophecy, typology, and theophany. Prophecy. The most significant Old Testament Christology material is in the Messianic prophecies. While the number…

How Long Does Encouragement Last?

[619 words] Hot weather does not bother me so long as I can feel a breeze. One of the hottest summers I can remember was 1987—not much of a breeze seemed to exist! I was entering my freshmen year of football camp. I readily admit I was intimidated! Our little high school was known for…

Our Declaration of Independence

[148 words] On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the United States Declaration of Independence. This declared the original 13 colonies’ freedom from the oppressive rule of England. We celebrate this emancipation as a nation every year on July 4—and well we should. We live in the freest, greatest, most abundant land of opportunity…

On Independence Day Remember our King!

[164 words] When this country was born, one of the great slogans was, “We have no king but Jesus.” As the Bible says: “He is the King of kings and the Lord of Lords” (Revelation 19:16; 1 Timothy 6:15). Despite what history “revisionists” and so-called fact checkers spin, this country was founded by people who…

Signs of Spiritual Maturity 

[217 words] How can we tell a spiritual person from a worldly person? The Bible tells us in several places. In James 3, the terms used are “Godly wise” implying a contrast with foolish. “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy…

There’s a Great Day Coming

[291 words] Excuses that won’t work at the Judgment: Lord, I didn’t know enough. “Thy word is a…light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). Lord, I didn’t know which church to join. “And I say…I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). “Search, and look” (John 7:52). Lord, I didn’t believe I could hold out. “I can…

How to Be Happy

[252 words] If you ask a millionaire to define happiness, he might say that to be happy is to have two million dollars. If you ask a nine-year-old boy, he might answer happiness is being ten years old. If you ask a candidate, he might say winning an upcoming election. To the athlete, it might…

Fingerprints on the Wall

[61 words] Dorothy Evslin observed, “It will be gone before you know it. The fingerprints on the wall appear higher and higher. Then suddenly they disappear.” How sad, but how true! We must redeem the time that we have with our children (Ephesians 5:16). We must waste no time in training them in the way…

Best Words

[33 words] Six hundred students at a university were asked to write the most beautiful word in the English language. Four hundred and twenty-two wrote the word mother. One hundred and twelve wrote home…. We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member (Register),…

Always Abounding

[99 words] Christianity is the abundant life (John 10:10). In what should we abound? 1. In faith (2 Corinthians 8:7) 2. In knowledge (2 Corinthians 8:7) 3. In love (1 Thessalonians 3:12; Matthew 22:37-39; 19:19) 4. In hope (Romans 15:13; Colossians 1:27; Titus 2:13; Lamentations 3:26) 5. In diligence (2 Corinthians 8:7) 6. In every…

Family is the Best Investment

[68 words] Are you aware that if we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family we left behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. Yet, we may pour ourselves more into work than into our own family—an…

How to Give

[51 words] Give as you would if an angelAwaited your gift at the door.Give as you would if tomorrowFound you where giving is o’er. Give as you would to the MasterIf you met His loving look.Give as you would of your substanceIf His hand the offering took. Anonymous… We are sorry, but this content is…

His Gift and Mine

[70 words] Over against the treasuryHe sits who gave Himself for me.He sees the coppers that I giveWho gave His life that I might live.He sees the silver I withholdWho left for me His throne of gold,Who found a manger for His bed,Who had nowhere to lay His head;He sees the gold I clasp so…

Love

[33 words] Love gives its best,And knows no rest.Its highest joy,Is giving joy.It knows no rest,Until its bestIs given.And that is whyLove at its bestIs Heaven. John Oxenham… 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…

No Time for God?

[139 words] No time for God?What fools we are, to clutter upOur lives with common thingsAnd leave without heart’s gateThe Lord of life and Life itself—Our God. No time for God?As soon to say, no timeTo eat or sleep or love or die.Take time for GodOr you shall dwarf your soul,And when the angel deathComes…

Bible Quiz: 1 Timothy 1:1-11

[58 words] Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, whom he called a “true __ in the faith…” Where did Paul tell Timothy to remain? “Now the purpose of the __ is love from a pure __, from a good conscience, and from sincere __…” “But we know that the __ is good if one uses…

Bible Quiz: 1 Timothy 1:12-20

[89 words] “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has __ me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the __…” Paul said he himself was formerly a __, a __, and an __ man. “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all __, that Christ Jesus came into the world to…

Bible Quiz: 1 Timothy 2:1-7

[62 words] True or False: Only certain people should be prayed for. Kings should be prayed for so that Christians may lead a __ and __ life in all godliness and reverence. True or False: God desires all men to be saved. “For there is one __ and one __ between God and men, the…

Bible Quiz: 1 Timothy 2:8-15

[57 words] “I desire therefore that the men __ everywhere, lifting up __ hands, without __ and doubting…” Women should adorn themselves in __ apparel, with propriety and __. “And I do not permit a woman to __ or to have __ over a man, but to be in silence.” “For __ was formed first,…

Quotes and Sayings (July 2023)

“If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” — George Washington “Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility. For the person who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry his…

On the Lighter Side (July 2023)

Birthday SurpriseA young man was very much in love with a beautiful girl. One day she told him that the next day was her birthday. He told her he would send her a bouquet of roses…one for each year of her life. That evening he called the local florist and ordered twenty-one roses with instructions…

Expectations of a King

[414 words] On May 6, 2023, the United Kingdom had their first coronation ceremony for a monarch in 70 years. By all accounts, this was an elaborate and fascinating ordeal. Whether you consider yourself to be an Anglophile or not, there is much here to ponder in this special event. • It was estimated that…

My Daddy is Here

[169 words] David Elkind, the famous child psychologist and author of the best-selling The Hurried Child, tells this true story about his role as a parent: “I remember visiting my middle son’s nursery school class, at the request of his teacher, so that I could observe a “problem child” in the class. It so happened…

The Influence of a Father

[340 words] As we go through life, we have different perspectives about our Dads. Here’s how one person summed it up: When I was… 4 years old, my Daddy could do anything. 7 years old, my Dad knew a lot, a whole lot. 8 years old, my father didn’t quite know everything. 12 years old,…

Honoring Dad

[257 words] If you’re a father, today you might get another “interesting” tie or a wild t-shirt. Or your kids might do something for you to help you feel like something special. Soak it all in, because you deserve it and it’s good for your children to honor you.  But as you’re celebrating, don’t forget…

In Honor of Godly Fathers

[632 words] Father’s Day is a day to recognize the role fathers play in society. It is believed to have been first celebrated as a compliment to Mother’s Day on July 5, 1908, but it wasn’t made a federal holiday until 1966. Interestingly enough, where Mother’s Day was met with enthusiasm, Father’s Day was met…

Finding Joy in a Joyless World

[324 words] Media outlets bombard us 24 hours a day with graphic accounts of depravity in our neighborhoods, cities, and schools. Thousands of ads per day tell us we must buy stuff in order to achieve self-worth, happiness, and fulfillment. And pharmaceutical companies will gladly treat whatever ails us, for a price that many cannot…

What I Want for My Children

[648 words] Although we do not celebrate Father’s Day religiously, it is a day set aside for our nation to honor our fathers. Fathers have a special responsibility as leaders of the home. Since this responsibility is God-given, it should never be taken lightly. Every father would do well to seriously consider God’s instructions regarding…

Paul’s Importance to the Early Church

[215 words] It is almost impossible to grasp just how much Paul meant to the early years of the church. We can, however, get a glimpse of this great man of faith through the letter he wrote to the church at Philippi. Look a little closer into the man as he mentions his past, present,…

Regret for Our Past Decisions

[263 words] In the book of Genesis, we read the story of Lot, the nephew of Abraham. God commanded Abraham to take his family and move away from his home country to a new land. Abraham and his family and all their flocks made the migration to a land that was over-flowing with physical blessings.…

Five Things the Gospel Cannot Do

[540 words] The gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Man’s true hope of going to heaven through Jesus is revealed in the gospel. Yet there are some things the gospel cannot do. The gospel cannot save a person who is determined to live in rebellion against God. The gospel has the power to…

When You Are in Over Your Head

[348 words] Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My…

Trees Teach

[320 words] The trees are a part of God’s great creation and can teach us many great things about living a life for God. Here are some lessons we can learn from them. Have a solid foundation. Just as trees spread out a root system for support, so we should have a solid foundation in…

Seven Signs

[438 words] The book of John focuses on seven of Jesus’ miracles, and a careful study of each provides us with principles of encouragement. Disappointments? Remember when Jesus addressed an embarrassing moment by turning water into wine? (John 2:1–11). He is still the one to turn to when life turns on us. “At my first…

Pay Attention to the Adjectives

[267 words] It’s been a long time since I have been in English class. I sure do wish I had paid better attention then – I honestly believe that it would have greatly improved my Bible reading and study today. One aspect of grammar I do not remember studying much is the adjective (I must…

Hear God Speak About Faithfulness

[333 words] The faithful are preserved by God. “O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer” (Psalms 31:23). The faithful are blessed. “A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent” (Proverbs 28:20).…

16 Tips to Live Happily

[194 words] 1. Learn to laugh with others, and at yourself (Proverbs 17:22). 2. Spend time with older people; learn from their wisdom (Proverbs 19:20). 3. Enjoy the innocence and purity of children (Matthew 18:1–6). 4. Work with all your might (Ecclesiastes 9:10). 5. Live life like you will live forever, because you will (Ecclesiastes…

Bounce Back

[209 words] What is the difference between people who thrive and people who decline over a long period of time? It is not that they do not get knocked down; it is that they bounce back up. Every successful person I can think of has had to come back from discouraging circumstances. That is true…

Is This the Place?

[109 words] If this is not a place where tears are understood—Where do I go to cry?If this is not a place where my spirit can take wing—Where do I go to fly?If this is not a place where my questions can be asked—Where do I go to seek?If this is not a place where…

Little Children

[67 words] Little ears are listening;Little minds run wild;Trying to be like Mom or Dad,Comes natural for a child.They want to do the things you do,And say the things you say;They’re watching and they’re listening,Even while they play!So Mom and Dad, be very sure,You’re always watching too;To say and do the things that youWould have…

Wanted: Great Hearts

[40 words] The Word is solemn; therefore, do not trifle.The task is difficult; therefore, do not relax.The opportunity is brief; therefore, do not delay.The path is narrow; therefore, do not wander.The prize is glorious; therefore; do not faint. North Macon Daily MessengerHarry Goff, editor… We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime…

How to Settle It

[74 words] When people disagree about how many ounces or pounds something weighs, they can settle the matter by using a scale, the standard of authority. When people disagree about the length of a piece of lumber, they can resolve the disagreement by using a measuring tape, the standard of authority. When people disagree about…

When Will We Have Revival?

[86 words] If all the sleeping folk will wake up, and all the lukewarm folk will fire up, and all the dishonest folk will confess up, and all the disgruntled folk will sweeten up, and all the discouraged folk will cheer up, and all the de- pressed folk will look up, and all the estranged…

What It Means to be a Christian

[93 words] • As members of the body one carries out the will of Christ the head (Colossians 1:18). • As lights in the world one shines forth for Christ the light of the world (John 8:12; Philippians 2:15). • As a soldier one endures hardness for Christ the captain of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10;…

Strong Faith, Young Hearts

[121 words] In New Albany, Mississippi, a young man who starred on the baseball team had a conflict when a game was scheduled on Wednesday night during Bible class. He told his coach, who said, “Play or turn your suit in.” He went to church and the next day took his uniform to turn it…

He Has Not Left That Open to Us

[133 words] “A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the devil of hell. You must make your choice.…

Bible Quiz: Titus 2:1-8

[90 words] Titus was told to speak the things which are proper for sound __. He was to teach the older men to be __, reverent, __, sound in __, in love, and in patience. The older women were to be reverent, not __, not given to much __, teachers of __ things. “that they…

Bible Quiz: Titus 2:9-15

[56 words] True or False: Servants were authorized by Paul to flee from their masters. “…that they may __ the doctrine of God our __ in all things.” “For the __ of God that brings __ has appeared to __ men…” “…we should live __, __, and godly in the present age…” The people of…

Bible Quiz: Titus 3:1-7

[79 words] Christians are to be __ to rulers and authorities, to __, and to be __ for every good work. “For we ourselves were also once __, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and __ one another.” True or False: We are not saved by works of…

Bible Quiz: Titus 3:8-15

[77 words] “This is a __ saying, and these things I want you to __ constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to __ good works. Paul told Titus to avoid __ disputes. “Reject a __ man after the first and second __, knowing that such a person is warped and…

Quotes and Sayings (June 2023)

“I’ve said it before, but it’s absolutely true: My mother gave me my drive, but my father gave me my dreams. Thanks to him, I could see a future.” — Liza Minnelli “No man stands taller than when he stoops to help a child.” — Abraham Lincoln “A father is neither an anchor to hold…

On the Lighter Side (June 2023)

Signs of the Times • Plumber “We repair what your husband fixed.”• Pizza shop slogan “7 days without pizza makes one weak.”• At a tire shop in Milwaukee: “Invite us to your next blowout.”• Door of a plastic surgeons office: “Hello, can we pick your nose?”• Sign at the psychic’s hotline “Don’t call us, we’ll…

God is in Control!

[396 words] When the Israelites were escaping from slavery with the Egyptians in hot pursuit, they stopped at the Red Sea. It seemed they were now between a rock and a hard place. But Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will…

I Want to Know Real Bad

[217 words] A young man came to Socrates and said, “Mr. Socrates, I want knowledge. Show me how I can have knowledge.” “Son, how badly do you want knowledge?” asked the philosopher. “Oh, Mr. Socrates, I want knowledge more than anything else in the world,” he said. “I repeat,” Socrates said, “How much do you…

Sin and the Solution

[306 words] The New Testament warns of “the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:13). Its “deceitfulness” is one thing that makes sin so dangerous. While there is a certain measure of pleasure in sin (Heb. 11:25), it is actually unprofitable (Prov. 22:8). And, “the way of transgressors is hard” (Prov. 13:15). Sin is progressive. For King…

Mothers in the Bible

[223 words] The role that mothers played in the biblical story is undeniable. From the beginning pages of Genesis to the latter letters of Timothy, the influence of mothers (both good and bad) is seen time and time again. The impact that the mother has on the child can and will have everlasting consequences (2…

Honor Mom

[168 words] Today is “Mother’s Day.” It is a day when gratitude is expressed to our mothers. Mother’s Day in America began a century ago when Anna Jarvis wanted to honor her mother and the ladies in her church. Anna was so intent on calling on Americans to honor all mothers, she petitioned Congress and…

Please Unsubscribe!

[496 words] “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). “I’d rather…

Running Marathons

[201 words] Have you even ran a marathon? If you have I admire you because just thinking about the great strength, stamina, and length of a marathon wears me out. The amount of training and time involved really just makes you become devoted to the cause of finishing your race. I do not know anyone…

A Mother’s Prayer

[177 words] If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place, but have not love, I am a housekeeper not a homemaker. If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements, but have not love, my children learn cleanliness not godliness. Love leaves the dust in search of a…

What is the One Spirit in Ephesians 4:4?

[398 words] The “One Spirit” is the Holy Spirit. He is a person, not an it. He is known by several different names throughout the Bible: Spirit of God (Matthew 3:16), Spirit of the Lord (Luke 4:18), Spirit of Truth (John 16:14), and Comforter (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit and Holy Ghost are one and…

Bringing Reproach Upon the Church

[325 words] This is an expression that was commonly used in years past, but is seldom heard today. It refers to someone sinning in such a way and in such a public place or under such circumstances that everyone in the community is aware of it and of the sinner’s membership in the church of…

Crowned with Knowledge

[398 words] The first step to being crowned with knowledge is understanding that “the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jer. 10:23). This means we must be directed down the proper path. Jeremiah understood this and desired to know the proper way,…

A Father’s Advice

[166 words] Did you have a father who gave you advice? Maybe he gave you advice on relationships, how to take care of your money, car, or a hundred other things. I guess fathers have been giving advice as long as there have been fathers. Take for example Solomon who said, in Proverbs 5:7, “And…

No One Came

[348 words] Suppose you planned a community party. You invited all of your friends and neighbors to come and enjoy an afternoon of food and fun. On the week of the party, you began to prepare by cleaning the house and the yard. You rented tables and chairs, even a big portable awning so your…

Don’t Let Go of What’s Most Important

[509 words] There will always be a pull on Christians to compromise the truth of the gospel for what may be more pleasing to me (or men), for what may seem to be “wise,” or for what may be easy. Paul said in Galatians 1:10, “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do…

I’m Loving It

[312 words] Let’s be honest, there is somebody you can’t stand. You may not even have a goat but somehow, they got it. Just the way they walk and breathe irks you. Even when they are being nice, you want to punch them in the face. There’s just something about them that is like fingernails…
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