December 2023, Vol. 42, No. 12

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,…