Outline: All the Will of God

This sermon starter was contributed by Randal Matheny.  “Epaphras greets you. He is one of your own and a servant of Christ Jesus. He is always wrestling in his prayers for you. He wants you to stand complete, totally sure of everything that God wants” (Colossians 4:12 PEB) 1. Maturity brings full conviction and not…

Outline: Don’t Fool Yourself

Three times in the first chapter of James we are warned about being deceived. A sermon on this topic might contain these three points: 1. We deceive ourselves when we blame God for our sin and the consequences thereof (James 1:16). 2. We deceive ourselves when we hear the word of God but fail to…

New: Sermon Outlines and Illustrations

We have now begun uploading and categorizing sermon outlines and illustrations for our Annual and Lifetime members to use. These can be found on the new Sermon Outlines and Sermon Illustrations pages. The beauty of this is that the outlines and illustrations can be marked as “used” or “unused” just like regular articles, so preachers…

Illustration: Whatever It Takes

The great painter Henri Matisse was in his 80’s when his health because such that he could no longer stand or sit to paint on a canvas. Instead of quitting his beloved occupation, he attached a brush to a long stick and painted while lying in bed. Perseverance and dedication to craft!… We are sorry,…

Illustration: Great Leadership

Alexander the Great was known as a great leader, and he demonstrated why during a brutal trek through a desert. While all of his men were struggling with thirst, Alexander was offered water by one of his soldiers. Instead of drinking the water, Alexander asked the man if there was enough for the entire army.…

Illustration: Where Are Your Mittens?

This humorous illustration could serve as a jumping off point for a sermon on patience, something we all need a lot of, especially these days! Once upon a time, there was kindergarten teacher in Texas, who was helping one of her students put on his cowboy boots. He asked for help, and she could see…

Outline: Starving Christians

Hopefully we are coming out of the Covid era, time will tell. But during the last two years, many Christians have been starving themselves. A man named Nisraddin Hoca lived in Asia about 700 years ago, and he had a donkey with a big appetite. He wondered if by gradually reducing the animal’s food every…

Outline: Spiritual Checklist

Dwight Fuqua wrote a bulletin article entitled “Spiritual Checklist.” In that article he stresses the importance of making lists to make sure we get things done. He said he has a fondness for Bible passages where a number of characteristics or goals are grouped together in a single passage. Perhaps one could fashion a sermon…

Outline: Forbidden Love

With Valentine’s Day coming up, a lot of people will be thinking about the concept of love. Among the usual kinds of sermons for the month of February, maybe a sermon on “forbidden love” might draw some interest. Using 2 Timothy 3:1-5, three kinds of forbidden love: 1. Love of Self (2 Timothy 3:2) 2.…

Outline: Refuge, Strength, Help

Psalm 46 is a powerful statement about God’s protection for His people. A sermon on verse one could have the following points, with a few suggested scriptures to spark further thinking: 1. God is our refuge (Psa. 91:1-2; Prov. 18:10; Heb. 6:18). 2. God is our strength (2 Sam. 22:17-20; 2 Tim. 4:17; Eph. 3:16;…

Illustration: Alan Alda’s Opportunity

Many people know Alan Alda from his role in the television series M*A*S*H. But did you know that he didn’t sign on to play the character of Hawkeye Pierce until, six hours before filming began on the pilot episode? Would we have known Alan Alda if not for M*A*S*H? Be on the lookout for opportunity!……

Illustration: Have You Not Read?

Alexandre Dumas is the man who wrote The Three Musketeers. He wrote many other plays and books, with the assistance of a staff of ghostwriters. Dumas once asked his son, “Have you read my new book yet?” His son replied, “No. Have you?” Likewise, sometimes those who ought to know the Bible the best, do…

Illustration: A Bad World

Cyrpian of Carthage, North Africa wrote this during persecutions around 265-285 AD: “It is a bad world, Donatus, an incredibly bad world. But I have discovered in the midst of it a quiet and good people who have learned the great secret of life. They have found a joy and wisdom which is a thousand…

Outline: The Increase of God

Increasing with the Increase of God (Col. 2:19) 1. We are to increase in love (1 Thess. 3:12-13) 2. We are to increase in knowledge (Col. 1:9-12) 3. We are to increase in faith (2 Thess. 1:3)… We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet…

Outline: Do You Have Need of Perseverance?

Has the topic of “perseverance” been on your mind during these pandemic years? You can bet it has been on the mind of your local Christians, as well! Here is a quick outline you can develop on the qualities we need for “keep on keeping on.” Things We Need for Perseverance • Faith (Heb. 11:8-19;…

Outline: Attitude for Growth

Since congregations are more willing at this time of year to thing about growth projects, it may also be a good time to remind everyone of the type of attitude it takes for congregations to grow. Tom Moore preached a sermon once that included these main points. Flesh them out for your own localized version.…

Outline: Benefit of Memorizing Scripture

Now that the New Year has come, many Christians are still thinking about what they can do differently this year. One thing we are starting at Judsonia church of Christ is committing to memorizing a book of the Bible together in 2022. To kick things off, we had a lesson on the Benefit of Memorizing…

What is the Point of My Life?

[347 words] Most people, at some point, have wondered about their purpose in life. Whether due to their environment, or due to things that happen (or don’t happen) to them, they begin to doubt their own worth. Job expressed these sorts of doubt when he wished that he had never been born (Job 10:18-19). In…

A Christian Needs a Super Bowl Discipline

[156 words] Today is Superbowl Sunday. As I thought about “The Big Game,” I remembered something that Coach Tom Landry once said. According to the former Dallas Cowboy, “The job of a football coach is to make men do what they don’t want to do, in order to achieve what they’ve always wanted to be.”…

J. Edgar Hoover and the Church of Christ

[276 words] In a recent gospel meeting, this writer was privileged to meet a dentist and his wife who informed him of an inquiry they had made of the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation several decades ago. This couple was very active in a mainline denominational church when they began to notice the…

A 3×4 Fence

[165 words] A person might as well put his shoulder to the burning sun and seek to stop it on its flaming course as to seek to destroy and stop the circulation of the Word of God. The Bible is like the Irishman who had trouble with his neighbor knocking his fence over. He built…

The Best Ruined Trips

[311 words] Harry Vardon was golf’s first superstar. The British golfer had become a cornerstone of golf popularity in the United States after an American tour in 1900 that ended with him winning the U.S. Open. In 1912 he was planning a return tour to America after overcoming tuberculosis. He was to arrive to huge…

Let’s Go Fishing

[353 words] Have you ever wondered why fishing is mentioned so often in the four gospel accounts of the New Testament? Could it be that the activity of fishing is one that most people can relate to in one way or another? Even if you’ve never fished in your life, you have a general idea…

One Last Chance

[191 words] A man never opened the car door for his wife or any other woman. He felt it was a sissy, Emily Post kind of thing to do. “Besides,” he was fond of saying, “she doesn’t have two broken arms.” After many years of marriage, his wife died and he was heartbroken because he…

A Great Challenge to Christians

[189 words] Our challenge in this life is to make a positive difference for the Lord while we are on earth. The Bible clearly teaches us that serving God is vitally important (Matthew 22:37-40). Our main purpose is not working, hunting, texting, or hanging out with friends. Instead our purpose is that of serving God…

Keep Praising God!

[394 words] The town of Antioch on the Mediterranean Sea was an early center of Christian ministry. This was the church that sponsored Paul and His pioneering outreach to the Gentiles. During the third century, the beloved Christian Babylas, was martyred. His body was buried in a grove by the Orontes River. His burial place…

The ‘One Another’s’

[257 words] Take your Bible app and search the New Testament for “one another,” mine returned 89 results. The first passage to note is John 13:34 where Jesus says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” As you begin…

What You Missed

[203 words] It is sad but true that a large percentage of the people who come to worship on Sunday morning do not come back on Sunday night or Wednesday night. Also, many wait until after Bible class is over Sunday morning before gathering together. We could talk about the sin of forsaking the assembling…

A Tale of Two Women

[214 words] On July 24, 2019, Police in Chattanooga, Tennessee, charged a woman with murder. This 29-year-old was abusing illegal drugs which resulted in the premature delivery and death of her twin daughters. According to the police, this mother was being charged with murder, aggravated child abuse or neglect and viable fetus as a victim.…

What Nebuchadnezzar Teaches Us About God

[243 words] Nebuchadnezzar was one of the most influential foreign kings in the biblical record. In world history, he was known as one of the greatest kings to ever live. Holy Scripture speaks of him in human terms as the “king of kings” (Dan. 2:37; 4:1; Ezek. 26:7). He is known to us as a…

America Still Needs God

[281 words] You are no doubt all too aware of America’s continuing moral decline. The evidence is both overwhelming and indisputable. You may be unaware, though, just how far and how swiftly we have slipped. William Bennett has recently released, through the auspices of the Heritage Foundation, “The Index of Leading Cultural Indicators,” a statistical…

The Christian and ‘Presents’

[177 words] Concerning others, Christians should be present and be a present. Let me explain. Webster’s defines “present” as: “being in view or at hand.” The same resource also gives another definition of “present” as “something presented: gift.” So concerning others, Christians should be present (in their company) and be a present (a blessing to…

The Church is Important

[389 words] I wonder if the church is as important to us today as it was to the Christians in the first century? There’s an old saying that states something like: “Don’t let the urgent overtake the important.” There are a lot of urgent matters in the world today, but we must not let them…

The Autobiography of Jesus

[415 words] The closest Jesus came to writing a book while on earth was when He stooped in the presence of the sinful woman’s accusers and scratched something in the dirt (John 8:6, 8). He was many things while on earth, but a writer was not one of them. That changed when Jesus returned to…

The Fortune of Family

[388 words] One of the most valuable things that God has given us is the concept of the family. Think about it – before God brought forth the societal governmental system, He gave the family. Before God established His church on the earth, He consecrated the family. After creating the heavens and the earth, God…

Lessons from the Eunuch, Part 1 of 5

[86 words] You can be sincere, and still be lost! The eunuch was a worshiper of God (Acts 8:27). He was a studier of God’s word (Acts 8:28). And yet, God still found it necessary to send the evangelist Philip to him to teach him how to be saved (Acts 8:26,29). Philip “preached Jesus” to…

Careful Words

[26 words] I’m careful of the words I sayTo keep them soft and sweet;I’ll never know from day to dayWhich ones I’ll have to eat…. 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…

Biblical Baptism

[93 words] Biblical Baptism must have… The right candidate: a penitent believer (Acts 2:38; 8:36). The right purpose: salvation, forgiveness (Mark 16:16). The right method: immersion (Acts 8:38; Romans 6:1-4). The right Authority: into the name of Father, the son, the Holy spirit (Matthew 28:19). Some have the right authority and purpose, but miss the…

How Did You Get That?

[115 words] A little girl once asked her mother, who had a withered hand, how it came to be deformed. She replied that it had occurred when she had rescued that little girl from a fire in her crib. “It was for you, my child,” she said, “that this poor hand suffered.” To some it…

My Daddy Prays for Me

[95 words] When Daddy prays, the house gets still;His voice is slow and deep.We shut our eyes; the clock ticks loud.So quiet we must keep. When Daddy prays, he doesn’t useThose words the preacher does.He prays for lots of different things,But mostly he prays for us. His prayer gets awful long sometimes,And hard to understand.So…

Thanks to God for My Redeemer

[146 words] Thanks to God for my Redeemer,Thanks for all Thou dost provide!Thanks for times now but a mem’ry,Thanks for Jesus by my side! Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime,Thanks for dark and stormy fall!Thanks for tears by now forgotten,Thanks for peace within my soul! Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered,Thanks for what Thou dost…

Definition of a Christian

[117 words] He has a mind and knows it.He has a will and shows it.He sees the way and goes it.He draws the line and toes it. He has a chance and takes it.A friendly hand, he shakes it.A rule, he never breaks it.If there’s not time, he makes it. He loves the truth, stands…

A Living, Bright Reality

[32 words] Lord Jesus, make Thyself to meA living, bright reality;More present to faith’s vision keenThan any outward object seen;More dear, more intimately nighThan e’en the sweetest earthly tie…. 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…

Bible Quiz: Revelation 19:1-10

[101 words] The voice John heard in heaven was of a great __. “For __ and __ are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication…” The voice of the great multitude had the sound of many __ and of mighty __. “Let us be glad and…

Bible Quiz: Revelation 19:11-16

[68 words] What color was the horse mentioned in verse 11? “And He who sat on him was called __ and __, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.” True or False: His eyes were like a chunk of ice. “He was clothed with a robe dipped in __, and His name is called…

Bible Quiz: Revelation 19:17-21

[65 words] “Then I saw an angel standing in the __; and he cried with a __ voice…” Who was the angel speaking to? “And I saw the __, the __ of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.” The beast…

Bible Quiz: Revelation 20:1-6

[102 words] The angel had the __ to the bottomless pit and a great __. “He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the __ and __, and bound him for a thousand years…” “And I saw __, and they sat on them, and __ was committed to them.” “Then I…

Quotes and Sayings (February 2023)

“Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead.” — Oscar Wilde “When you love someone, you love the whole person as he or she is, and not as you would like them to be.” — Leo Tolstoy “One words frees us of all the…

On the Lighter Side (February 2023)

That Explains It A Scottish mother visits her son in his New York City apartment and asks, “How do you find the Americans, Donald?” “Mother,” says Donald, “they’re such noisy people. One neighbor won’t stop banging his head against the wall, while the other screams and screams all night long.” “Oh, Donald! How do you…

Spiritual Bucket List

[399 words] Creating the proverbial “bucket list’ can be a lot of fun. Coming up with a list of things you would like to do one day in the not-too-distant future is also a good way to take the first step in accomplishing your goals. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are expected to be…

Stop Worrying and Hurrying

[265 words] In Lewis Carrol’s classic Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland we see Alice confronting the white rabbit. The rabbit scurries quickly by proclaiming, “Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be too late!” In this statement we have two of the greatest problems of people today: worry and hurry. We live in a world of uncertainty…

There is Space for You

[261 words] Ever try to check in only to find out the hotel is full up? Ever stay at a friend’s house only to find out there isn’t a bed or even a couch to crash on? Ever get invited to come along but there isn’t a seat in the car or a spot at…

What is Your Focus?

[164 words] A New Year is before us. What your heart is focused on is eternally important. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21). Are you passionate to have a heart like Jesus, and to focus on what He was focused on? A heart like Jesus is…

How Shall We Enter the New Year?

[271 words] The year 2023 is upon us. How shall we approach it? No two people enter into the new year with exactly the same emotions. Some enter with fear and reluctance while others enter with optimism and enthusiasm. None of us can look into the future, for God in his great mercy and wisdom…

Legalized Suicide Coming Soon?

[449 words] Among one of the great evils in our modern world is a Canadian invention called “MAID.” No, this isn’t a house-cleaning service. Disguised as a “charitable” way to help those who have permanent disabilities and illness, it is a method to murder yourself.  MAID is a physician-assisted suicide. Canadians have their choice. Doctors…

A Spiritually Productive New Year

[213 words] The following is a biblical formula for having a spiritually productive New Year in 2023: “H”old fast to the faith (1 Corinthians 16:13; cf. 2 Timothy 1:13; Titus 1:9) “A”ssemble for worship (Hebrews 10:25; cf. Acts 2:42) “P”ray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17; cf. Acts 12:5 KJV; Romans 1:9) “P”urify our heart (James…

And Where Are Your Parents?

[163 words] Prosecutors in Knox county Tennessee decide to do something about a numbers of students that had been chronically absent from school. Under Tennessee law, parents can be held responsible for their children’s missed days. So they sent a letter to 582 parents of habitually truant students telling of a meeting they could attend…

Things We Can All Do

[294 words] As followers of Christ, we are made perfect by the blood of Christ (Matthew 5:48 and 1 Peter 1:18-19). As Christians we must be willing to work good works (Ephesians 2:10). It may be the case that you are looking for things to do for the cause of Christ. If this is the…

Abiding Dependence

[453 words] During my formative years, my parents constantly talked to me about “reputation” and being “dependable!” They constantly talked to me about doing my best to have a positive reputation of “not” causing other people problems and simply being counted on at school, society, and in the workplace. Simply put, strive to be dependable.…

Sincerity is Not Enough

[193 words] In a New York hospital several years ago, carbon dioxide instead of oxygen was mistakenly administered to a patient. According to the police report, the patient died almost instantly. The unfortunate patient died in spite of his own sincerity and that of the hospital authorities, the anesthesiologist, and the surgeon. In the same…

Men of Valor

[177 words] There is a description of several groups within the genealogies of Israel which deserve our focused consideration. Several are recognized for posterity as being “mighty men of valor.” While many men will live such lives as to garner no real lasting impression on subsequent generations this shouldn’t be the case with the children…

Think Souls

[350 words] The inner part of the person—the soul—is such an important element to who we are. God made us as body, soul, and spirit (1 Thess. 5:23). Yet the concept of the soul is so broad in God’s word that we could spend a year just studying its various nuances! Even in the book…

A Glimpse Into the Future

[372 words] The rapidity with which changes have taken place over the past several years leaves us longing for some sort of glimpse into the future. What will the financial markets look like in six months? What will be the political landscape a year from today? And, what about the spiritual and moral climate in…

The Greatest Treasure

[280 words] The famous newspaper publisher, William Randolph Hearst, invested a literal fortune collecting art treasures from around the world. One day Mr. Hearst found a description of a painting that he was interested in. So he sent an agent to trace the history of the painting and contact its current owner so that he…

New Year Reminder

[101 words] The New Year always brings to mind new goals, new expectations, new plans, and fresh starts. As we enter into this year, remember the greatest of these never change! Our greatest goal is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:29-30). Our greatest expectation is…

Our Present Hope

[391 words] Many suffer from what might be called emotional paralysis. We are unable to function today because we either live in the past or are preoccupied with worry about the future. While we may regret mistakes of the past, we cannot make up for those mistakes by continually reliving them in our minds. Where…

If You Were Granted Just One Wish

[511 words] The fervor which swept across this nation seeking to win the $500,000,000 lottery is remarkable. It is amazing to see how so many Americans think that money would bring them true happiness. The reality is that past winners of lotteries just could not handle that kind of money and their lives were ruined…

In the Storm, We Pray

[500+ words] When disasters strike, the human spirit responds by reaching out to help those affected. People stand in line to give blood; millions of dollars are donated to aid victims and their families; rescue teams work for endless hours. But most essential effort is accomplished by another valiant team. Their task? To guard and…

The Maid of the Mist

[108 words] A cartoon from the past shows a boy standing in the very front of the boat called The Maid of the Mist. This boat carries sightseers so close to Niagara Falls that they must wear rain gear to keep from being drenched by the spray. Wearing his raincoat and hat, the boy stood…

Top Traits of Successful Families

[53 words] According to a study of more than 500 family counselors, the following are the top traits of successful families: • Communicating and listening• Affirming and supporting family members• Respecting one another• Developing a sense of trust• Sharing time and responsibility• Knowing right from wrong• Having rituals and traditions• Sharing a religious core• Respecting…

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…

Other Things to Do

[102 words] When it is time to worship GodAnd to occupy my pew,Will I assemble with the saintsOr find other things to do?When God needs my service to HimAnd wants me to help a few,Will I do what needs to be doneOr find other things to do?When I sit down to rest awhileWith quiet reading…

Bible Quiz: Revelation 18:1-8

[92 words] “After these things I saw another angel coming down from __, having great __, and the earth was illuminated with his glory.” This angel cried mightily, saying, “__ the great is fallen…” “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her __, and lest you receive of her __. For her…

Bible Quiz: Revelation 18:9-14

[85 words] The __ of the __ who participated with Babylon would weep and lament for her. “Alas, alas, that __ city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your __ has come.” The merchants of the earth would weep and mourn over her because no one __ their __ anymore. True or False:…

Bible Quiz: Revelation 18:15-20

[65 words] Merchants of the world became __ by Babylon. “Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine __, purple, and __, and adorned with gold and precious stones and __!” “For in one __ such great riches came to __.” Those who traveled and traded by ship threw __ on their heads…

Bible Quiz: Revelation 18:21-24

[52 words] “Then a mighty __ took up a stone like a great __ and threw it into the sea…” “The sound of __, musicians, flutists, and __ shall not be heard in you anymore.” No __ would be found in the city anymore. “The __ of a __ shall not shine in you anymore…”…

Quotes and Sayings (January 2023)

“You know how I always dread the whole year? Well this time I’m only going to dread one day at a time.” — Charlie Brown (George Shultz) “Ring out the false, ring in the true.” — Alfred Lord Tennyson “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you…

On the Lighter Side (January 2023)

Just the Nine of Us In Budapest, a man goes to the preacher and complains, “Life is unbearable. There are nine of us living in one room. What can I do?” The preacher answers, “Take your goat into the room with you.” The man in incredulous, but the preacher insists. “Do as I say and…

There’s No Place Like Home

[329 words] A good home is such a wonderful place. It seems that we are always wanting to go home. And we especially love being home for the holidays. In fact, there is a traditional song that testifies to that fact. What is it that is so great about home? Let’s note a few of…

When a Family Member Acts Up

[271 words] When I was a young youth minister, a fellow with which I served had a young wife. It was disappointing to the congregation and devastating to the preacher when he returned home from a long day at work to discover that his wife had packed up nearly everything of value in the house,…

A New Hope

[142 words] The word “now” comes from a Latin phrase, novus homo, which means “a new man” or “man newly ennobled.” There is a powerful lesson in that. Each moment is a change we have to start over. To become a new person, to become a better person. “Now” is an important concept in the Bible.…

Jesus Loves the Little Children

[333 words] In Mark 10:1-16, we see Jesus sitting in a house doing some teaching when people started bringing children to Him. At first, the disciples of Christ forbad this from happening. But then we see that Jesus got upset and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for…

Peace In Your Personal Life

[324 words] The following story ran a number of years ago in the Fort Worth Star Telegram. “The man who spotted targets for American bombers over Hiroshima in August 1945 has been laid to rest in Texas soil after searching the last 33 years for some peace in his life. Claude Robert Eatherly was a…

What I Love About Being a Christian

[274 words] I love being a child of the King! Why? First, Christians have a family. God designed the physical family in the paradise of Eden (cf. Genesis 2:7; 18). Most of us enjoy that blessing from God. In the New Testament, God gave us a second family—relationships with other church members. If our physical…

The Gospel Is for All

[186 words] The gospel of Christ is: Free. Even the poor can obtain it: “The poor have the gospel preached to them” (Matthew 11:5). Plain. Even the uneducated can understand it: “Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge” (Ephesians 3:1–6; cf. 2 Timothy 2:7). Equalizing. The humble are raised by it and the…

If Eli Could Speak to Parents

[519 words] First Samuel tells us of the life of Eli. He was the high priest of Israel. He loved God and was very sensitive to His word. During his time, spiritual conditions were not good. People mocked God and lived immoral lives. Tragically, Eli’s sons became ungodly. They were disrespectful to God in their…

God Hears My Cry for Mercy

[232 words] “Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him” (Psalms 28:6-7). In this psalm, David, inspired by the Holy Spirit,…

Follow the Instructions!

[239 words] Recently, I was putting together a futon that I purchased. It wasn’t particularly difficult, but was definitely time consuming. I was carefully following the instructions, when I got to a point where I was to use a very long bolt to fasten together two pieces of the frame. In my opinion, the bolt…

Giving and Receiving

[448 words] “What are you getting for Christmas?” “What do you want for Christmas?” How many times have you heard these questions lately? Christmas shopping is in full swing. For the next two weeks many gifts will be given and received. Which do you enjoy the most – giving or receiving? Unfortunately, for many people,…

The Not-So-Encouraging Words

[238 words] Richard Nixon had already had one nominee for the Supreme Court shot down by the Senate and it was looking like his second choice Harold Carswell was about to go down as well. Since he was attacked as a mediocre choice, Republicans were asked to help bolster the candidate. Nebraska Senator Roman Hruska…

Don’t Break the Bank

[164 words] Ah, it’s that time of the year when we show people how much we love them…by spending money on them. I miss you Thanksgiving! Now I know when it comes to gifts, it’s supposed to be the thought that counts. But I also know that any gift, no matter how thoughtful or thoughtless…

And it Came to Pass

[402 words] An older man once sat in on a class in a Bible college. That day the professor asked his students to share a verse that means a great deal to them. The students were eager to oblige. They offered many great verses, rich with theological implications. When the class finished, the professor asked…

Ready or Not

[357 words] In a cemetery in Hanover, Germany, is a grave covered with huge slabs of granite and marble, fastened with heavy steel clasps. It belongs to a woman who did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. Yet she directed in her will that her grave be made so secure that if there…

Consumed

[383 words] An other monumental election season has come to an end. And, again, the season has consumed us! Let me give you an example: My family had to travel to St. Louis recently. On Saturday morning, as we were enjoying our complimentary breakfast with the rest of the weary travelers, the television in the…

Prominent Religious Subjects

[385 words] Some are surprised to learn that the Bible’s teachings differ from what they have always heard. What have you heard about these prominent doctrines? Falling from grace? The Bible teaches such is possible (Galatians 5:4; Hebrews 6:1-6; 2 Peter 2:20-22). Inherited total depravity? The Bible teaches that sin is of such a nature…

The Bible, Short and Sweet

[292 words] The Bible is divided into two main parts. The Old Testament was God’s will primarily to the Jewish nation. Its requirements were binding until the covenant of Christ became effective (Colossians 2:14). The New Testament is God’s will through Christ to all men living today. The Old and the New Testament were written…

Alcohol in the USA

[86 words] Alcohol costs $239 billion dollars more a year than its taxes bring in. Each year, it is involved in the following:40 percent of the homicides.25 percent of suicides. Suicide is 120 times more prevalent in alcoholics.28 percent of all traffic-related deaths.50 percent of all liver-related deaths.5.9 percent of all global deaths.35 percent of…

Because of Sin

[78 words] Our Lord arrived at the Garden with darkness in full array, He poured out His heart to the Father, as He fell on His face to pray.He was carrying a heavy burden, And from it He must not run. With love He promised faithfullynot My will, but Yours be done.The cup of the…

To Die is Gain

[61 words] If for me to live is money — then to die is loss.If for me to live is self — then to die is loss.If for me to live is ambition — then to die is loss.If for me to live is sin — then to die is loss.But if for me to…

Let Each One Say

[111 words] As life goes onward day by day,Let each one to his conscience sayThat flesh is weak but God is strong,That right is right and wrong is wrong.That I have found my workday flies,But therein all my life’s hope lies.That on life’s upward path I’ll run,My face forever to the sun.That I shall do…
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