Fillers

Who Has the Time?

[117 words] Most of us live time-conscious lives. We stick to tight schedules, glance at our clocks frequently, and hurry around to meet our appointments and deadlines. Time is certainly important, but the real value of time comes with the realization that our time here on earth is a countdown to eternity. Since life is…

Bible Quiz: Hebrews 4:11-13

[38 words] “Let us therefore be ___ to enter that rest…”By what example might Christians fall?God’s word is sharper than a ___.Who can hide from God’s judgment?God’s word is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the __. Answers: diligent, disobedience, sword, no one, heart. BulletinDigest.com…

Bible Quiz: Hebrews 4:14-16

[31 words] Who is the Christian’s great High Priest?“Let us hold fast our ___.”Jesus can ___ with our weaknesses.Jesus “was in all points __ as we are…”True or false: Jesus never sinned. Answers: Jesus, confession, sympathize, tempted, true. BulletinDigest.com…

Bible Quiz: Hebrews 5:1-4

[53 words] A high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices for __.A high priest has __ on those who are ignorant and going astray.Did human high priests have weaknesses?Did human high priests have to offer sacrifices for themselves as well as the people?Were high priests given this honor by God? Answers: sins,…

Bible Quiz: Hebrews 5:5-11

[49 words] “So also Christ did not __ Himself to become High Priest.”Who appointed Christ High Priest?“Though He was a Son, yet He learned __ by the things which He suffered.”“He became the __ of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.”Jesus is a Priest according to the order of __. Answers: glorify, God the…

Bible Quiz: Hebrews 5:12-14

[58 words] “For though by this time you ought to be __…”“…and you have come to need __ and not solid food.”Everyone who partakes only of milk is __ in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.“Solid food belongs to those who are full of __…”Does studying and practicing God’s word help us…

Do It Well

[101 words] Amateur, haphazard, slipshod, hit-and-miss, inattentive, incomplete, mediocre, shallow, skill-less, unskillful, wanting. All these adjectives are ones we use to describe things that are done but not done well. It’s an attitude that is far too common today. We settle for what is easy, normal, the status quo. But was this the example of…

Never Enough

[135 words] Someone asked John D. Rockefeller, the richest man of his time, how much money is enough? He replied, “Just a little bit more.” Lots of people have that problem. We think if could just make a little more, we would be set. But when we get that little more, it isn’t too long…

Bible Quiz: Hebrews 3:1-6

[49 words] Who is the Apostle and High Priest of our confession?“For every ___ is built by someone…”“And Moses was ___ in all his house as a ___…”Who has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses?What do we have to do to be recognized as part of His house? BulletinDigest.com…

Bible Quiz: Hebrews 3:7-15

[52 words] “Today if you will hear His ___…”“Do not ___ your hearts as in the rebellion…”The Hebrew Christians were in danger of __ __.What group of people is the Hebrew writer using as an example?“For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end…” BulletinDigest.com…

Bible Quiz: Hebrews 3:16-19

[27 words] “For who, having ___, rebelled?”Who rebelled after coming out of Egypt?Who was their leader?How long was God angry with them?What happened to these people? BulletinDigest.com…

Bible Quiz: Hebrews 4:1-10

[40 words] “Therefore, since a ___ remains of ___ His rest…”What sort of danger were the Hebrew Christians in?“And God ___ on the ___ day from all His works.”Some did not enter because of ___.What Old Testament men are mentioned in this section? BulletinDigest.com…

What Jesus Gave Up for Us

[105 words] He Gave Up Heaven’s Glory.He Gave Up Earthly Riches.He Gave Up His Human Will.He Gave Up His Life. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation,…

Bible Quiz: Read Hebrews 1:1-4

[46 words] In times past, God spoke to the fathers by the ___.In these last days, He has spoken to us by ___ ___.God appointed Jesus ___ of all things, through Whom He also made the ___.What did Jesus purge?Jesus is ___ than the angels. BulletinDigest.com…

Bible Quiz: Read Hebrews 1:5-13

[45 words] “You are My Son, today I have ___ You.”“Let all the angels of God ___ Him.”“Your ___, O God, is forever and ever.”“But You are the ___,  and Your years will not fail.”“Sit at My ___ ___, till I make Your ___ Your ___.” BulletinDigest.com…

Bible Quiz: Read Hebrews 2:1-9

[57 words] Verse 1 warns us of the danger of ___ away.“How shall we ___ if we neglect so great a ___.”“God also bearing witness both with ___ and ___, with various ___ and ___ of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will.”How much of creation has been put in subjection to Christ?Jesus tasted…

Bible Quiz: Hebrews 2:10-18

[93 words] “For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many ___ to glory, to make the ___ of their ___ perfect through sufferings.”True or False: Jesus is not ashamed to call the saved His brothers.Through ___ Jesus destroyed him who has power over…

In Exchange

[97 words] This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good, but what I do today is important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it! When tomorrow comes, this day will be…

God is Still Love

[108 words] A man traveling through the country noticed that the weather vane on the roof of a farm building bore the phrase, “God Is Love.” He was troubled about it and asked the farmer, “Do you think God’s love is as changeable as that weather vane?” “You miss the point, sir” replied the farmer,…

My Daily ATTITUDE Action Plan is…

[63 words] Always making today my best day – Psa. 118:24 Taking pride in a job well done – Phil. 1:27 Treating others with respect – Eph. 4:32 Implementing positive thoughts – Phil. 4:8 Turning tasks into opportunities – Eph. 5:15-16 Utilizing my talents always – Matt. 25:29 Doing something that benefits others – Gal.…

Be Reconciled to Your Brother

[124 words] Too many people think going to church cancels out any wrong doing in their lives. Too many think putting something in the collection plate means the rest of their lifestyle is okay. However, Jesus has something to say about that: “if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that…

Hope in All Circumstances

[98 words] Anne Frank is perhaps the best-known victim of the Nazi Holocaust. Anne and her family left Germany for Amsterdam to flee Nazi persecution, hiding out in an attic after Holland was invaded by the Germans. To help cope with the fear and loneliness, Anne started a diary in 1942. They were eventually discovered…

Help Me!

[70 words] Help me find somebody today who needs what I have to share: a kind word, a thoughtful deed, a bit of loving care. Help me to take the time to be an understanding friend to someone who needs a helping hand on which they can depend. Help me to love as Jesus loves,…

The Effective Church

[112 words] …Exalts God (Eph. 3:21). The church is a place of heartfelt praise of its Architect. …Evangelizes the Lost (Matt 28:19-20). The church is a place where the truth of the gospel is presented to all. …Edifies its Members (Eph. 4:16). The church is a place of great love and encouragement.  …Educates the Unlearned …

A Swing and a Miss

[99 words] The newly constructed tracks of the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific railways were first linked at Promontory Point, Utah, on May 10, 1869. In celebration, Leland Stanford, the president of Central Pacific, drove a golden spike symbolically completing the job. On his first swing, he missed the spike, drawing gales of laughter…

Superhero Mom

[66 words] While many people are talking about the big-screen fictional superheroes The Avengers this spring,it’s nice to remember that there are real-life superheroes all around us: Mothers! Self-sacrificing, wise, and loving, godly mothers are worthy of our respect and admiration. This Mother’s Day, let’s remember to honor our mothers and recognize the power they…

Go For the Prize

[91 words] With $25,000 up for grabs, Charles Lindbergh took off from Long Island on May 20, 1927 in an attempt to become the first man to fly solo non-stop from New York to Paris. He made the trip in 36 hours and became an instant worldwide hero. His example shows that great deeds require…

What Hath God Wrought?

[66 words] On May 24, 1844, telegraph inventor Samuel Morse sent the first official message down the wire: “What hath God wrought?” Morse was amazed by the possibilities that lie in understanding God’s laws of physics. With each invention that comes along, man should recognize that the creative power of God makes it all possible,…

Bible Quiz: The Net

[59 words] Read Matthew 13:47-50 1. The kingdom of heaven is like a ___ that was cast into the sea. 2. The fishermen gathered the ___ into vessels. 3. What did they do with the bad? 4. This parable represents the ___ of the ___. 5. The ___ will separate the wicked from among the…

Bible Quiz: The Lost Sheep

[76 words] Read Matthew 18:10-14 1. “Take heed that you do not ___ one of these little ones…” 2. “The Son of Man came to ___ that which was ___.” 3. How many sheep did the man in the parable have? 4. How many had to go missing in order for the shepherd to go…

Bible Quiz: The Unforgiving Servant

[56 words] Read Matthew 18:23-35 1. This parable was told because Peter asked Jesus about ___. 2. How many times should a person forgive? 3. In the parable, why did the king forgive his servant’s debt? 4. What did the servant do to his fellow servant who owed him money? 5. The king in this…

Bible Quiz: The Vineyard

[60 words] Read Matthew 20:1-16 1. “The kingdom of heaven is like a ___ who went out early in the morning to hire ___ for his vineyard.” 2. Did he hire all of his workers at the same time? 3. Who did the landowner pay first? 4. Why were the first workers angry? 5. “So…

Negativity

[125 words] Why is it that some people project a positive attitude, while others are so negative? Some people are so unhappy that they no longer have that beautiful Christian spirit. They walk under a cloud of despair, and fail to see the good in others. I tend to believe that even though we are…

Hard Work Pays Off

[79 words] Robert Griffin III, quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, once said, “Hard work pays off. Hard work beats talent any day, but if you’re talented and work hard, it’s hard to be beat.” How true this is in all of life, but certainly in the work of the church. How many people refuse to…

Methods Change, the Need Remains

[80 words] On April 3, 1860, the Pony Express service began as the first rider departed St. Joseph, Missouri. For $5 an ounce, letters were delivered on horseback 2,000 miles to California within ten days. The service ended less than two years later upon the completion of the overland telegraph, which brought quicker and more…

In God We Trust

[54 words] During the American Civil War years, the U.S. Congress passed an act to include the phrase “In God We Trust” on all newly-minted coins (April 22, 1864). All people would do well to be reminded that “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…” (Psalm 33:12a), and to act accordingly! BulletinDigest.com…

World’s Largest Library

[99 words] The Library of Congress was established in Washington, D.C. on April 24, 1800. It is the world’s largest library. Among the 145 million items in its collections are more than 33 million books. Yet in all of these works of man, there is not one book that can lead a soul to eternal…

The Words of Jesus

[63 words] “No man ever spoke like this man!” (John 7:46). The words of Jesus are: – Gracious words (Luke 4:22)– Powerful words (Luke 4:32)– Astonishing words (Mark 1:22)– Authoritative words (Mark 1:22)– Living words (John 6:63)– Judging words (John 12:48)– Cleansing words (John 15:3) What do the words of Jesus mean to you? Have…

Bible Quiz: The Parable of the Sower

[84 words] Read Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23 The seed that fell by the wayside was devoured by _________.The seed on stony places represents one who hears and receives the word with joy, but has no ________ in himself.The seed that fell among the thorns represents one two hears the word, but the ________ of this world…

Bible Quiz: The Wheat and the Tares

[67 words] Read Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 An ________ sowed tares among the wheat.The servants wondered if the master wanted them to ______ them up.At harvest, the wheat was to be put into the _____, but the tares were to be ______.The good seed was sown by the _____ of ______.The field is the ______, the…

Bible Quiz: The Mustard Seed

[45 words] Read Matthew 13:31-32 The kingdom of _______ is like a mustard seed.Is a mustard seed large, or small?When it grows, it becomes a ______.The _____ of the air come and _____ in its branches.Thought Question: Would the kingdom be beneficial to the world? BulletinDigest.com…

Bible Quiz: The Leaven, the Treasure, the Pearl

[63 words] Read Matthew 13:33, 44-46 How much of the three measures of meal was affected by the leaven?The kingdom of heaven is like ______ hidden in a field. How much of his possessions was the man willing to sell to obtain the kingdom?When the merchant found the pearl of _____ price, he was ______.The merchant…

An Old Farmer’s Advice

[243 words] • Life is simpler when you plow around the stump. • Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled. • Meanness don’t jes’ happen overnight. • Forgive your enemies; it messes up their heads. • It don’t take a very big person to carry a grudge. • You cannot unsay a…

A Pack of Seeds

[96 words] I bought myself a pack of seeds,To grace my garden fair.And stuck them in my pocketFor months they waited there. And when the time had come to seeThe flower’s lovely face,I thought it strange that only weedsWere growing in their place. How foolish then, oh Christian man,God’s Word, you have indeed.You carry it…

A Little Place

[90 words] “Father, where shall I work today?”And my love flowed warm and free.Then He pointed out a tiny spotAnd said, “Tend that for Me.” I answered quickly, “Oh no, not there,Why, no one would ever seeNo matter how well my work was done.Not a little place for me!” And the word He spoke, it…

Why I Attend the Sunday Evening Services

[71 words] 1. I want to go, and I am wanted. 2. I need to go, and I am needed. 3. I had rather be there than anywhere else. 4. My children are watching me and will follow my example. 5. My soul is strengthened by the teachings. 6. My heart is warmed by the…

The Joyful Call To Worship

[115 words] We fail to appreciate many things until they’re gone. Ethan, the author of Psalm 89, possibly a Levite, writing after the nation of Judah had been desolated and the temple destroyed, remembers. “Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord”…

He Is

[149 words] When you are the neediest,He is the most sufficient.When you are completely helpless,He is the most helpful.When you feel totally dependent,He is absolutely dependable.When you are the weakest, He is the most able.When you are the most alone,He is intimately present.When you feel you are the least, He is the greatest.When you feel…

Something to Think About

[114 words] He who is not grateful for what he does have will not be happy with the things that he desires to have. He who is ungrateful in little will also be ungrateful in much! If we are not thankful to God for the blessings He bestows, what reason is there to expect Him…

Time for Eternity

[124 words] Why another day to open my eyes,To breathe at early mom a cooler air,To place my feet upon the floor, ariseFrom sleep, and wash the night from face and hairAnd soul, to face another sun’s surprise? Why, indeed, if not to lift up praiseTo God Almighty?! For zeal and faith to pursueHis will…

Think Happiness

[150 words] Think of the things that make you happyNot of the things that make you sad;Think of the fine and true in mankind,Not its sordid side and bad;Think of the blessings that surround you,Not the ones that are denied;Think of the virtues of your friendships,Not the weak and faulty side;Think of the good of…

Dialogue

[116 words] Skeptic: “If there is a good, all-powerful God, why doesn’t he end all the evil, violence, wickedness and suffering in the world?” Christian: “He will. When Christ comes again he will judge the world in righteousness, punish all evil doers and bless and reward the faithful.” Skeptic: “What is he waiting for? Why…

But I Was There!

[106 words] For many, a person’s faithfulness is synonymous with attendance. A person is faithful to the Lord if they are at the services with regularity. While assembling together is vital for a Christian (Hebrews 10:25), we have more than just services to attend, we have to attend to service. Christian duty does not begin…

Guess Your Future?

[139 words] There are those that claim they can see the future. From the side room psychics to wannabe Nostradamus; their claims are nothing but vague guesswork and fuzzy images. With some imagination, you can bend their prophecy into something that maybe resembles the facts of the future.  But the prophecy of God is different.…

Are You a Watchman?

[126 words] Without satellite imagery or drone aircraft, ancient cities were guarded by “watchmen.” These brave men would stand guard in towers and constantly scan the horizon for potential danger. In addition, because they had no spotlights or night-vision goggles, watchmen dreaded the dark. It was their most vulnerable time. So they longed for morning’s…

Another Reason for Joy

[104 words] “Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me” (Philippians 2:17-18). Today if you are called upon to sacrifice something of yourself – perhaps time,…

Hell is Where They Will Reside

[110 words] (After an impassioned speech by Vice-President Joe Biden on Sept. 3, 2014) “Hell is where they will reside,”Is said of vile and violent men,By powerful heads who themselves divide,And seek to rule again. Hell was made for the father of lies,And all who follow his rebel path;The place where man eternally diesAnd feels…

Chutzpah

[112 words] Yiddish is a fascinating language. Its words capture nuances other languages miss. One such word is chutzpah, loosely defined as “unmitigated gall.” Its meaning is better illustrated: A woman street vendor sold a delicacy for a quarter. One man gave her a quarter every day, but never took a cookie. After several years,…

Old Age

[107 words] A little boy asked his grandpa, “Grandpa, were you in the ark?” “No, I wasn’t Billy,” grandpa said. The perplexed little boy replied, “Then, why didn’t you drown?” Regardless of modem views, old age is not a disease! In fact, the Bible represents old age as an asset. The faithful aged person has…

The Wise May Bring Their Learning

[135 words] The wise may bring their learning,The rich may bring their wealth,And some may bring their greatness,And some bring strength and health;We, too, would bring our treasuresTo offer to the King;We have no wealth or learning;What shall we children bring? We’ll bring Him hearts that love Him;We’ll bring Him thankful praise,And young souls meekly…

Mind Garden

[19 words] Your mind is a garden,Your thoughts are the seeds.You can grow flowers,Or you can grow weeds.…

Taking the Heat

[93 words] In the early 1970’s the firefighters of Fairfax County, Virginia, received new helmets. They were sharp looking, colorful, size-adjustable, made of high-impact plastic, and scuff-resistant. There was only one problem with the helmets: when they were worn near the heat of a fire, they melted. This, of course, made them useless to firefighters;…

Don’t Forget to Use All Your Strength

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

The CHURCH of CHRIST

[74 words] The church spoken of in the Bibleis the product of the mind of God.It exists without man-made creedsor denominational structure.It is the church that belongs to Himby right of purchase.The church of Christ hereis striving to be that body.Our purpose is to reach the lostand bring people to a loving, committed,involved relationship with…

The Value of a Godly Grandparent

[119 words] Godly grandparents are an uncommon commodity. They share the one thing that each new generation needs—advice learned through experience. Few parents like to be told how to raise their child, but advice asked for and advice needed is two different things. When it comes to advice needed, godly grandparents need to do three…

Why I Go To Worship

[64 words] 1. I want to go, and I am wanted. 2. I need to go, and I am needed. 3. I had rather be there than anywhere else. 4. People will follow my example. 5. My soul is strengthened by the teaching. 6. My heart is warmed by the spiritual songs. 7. I am…

Dealing With Controversy

[86 words] A cartoon showed an old man in a rocking chair. As he rocked, loud squeaks could be heard. After several attempts to get rid of the squeaks, the angry man got his shotgun and blew the chair to splinters. In the final frame the old man is walking away, but the squeaks were…

Personal Responsibility

[119 words] Am I really responsible? If there were only two verses in scriptures, I believe this question would be answered. “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will…

How Will You Sleep?

[80 words] You’ve probably been asked, “How did you sleep?” But what about, “How will you sleep?” when it comes to death. We can sleep peacefully in Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:14) or we can sleep miserably in our own bed of spiritual failures only to wake up on the wrong side of eternity (Mark 13:34-37).…

Ask Not

[85 words] “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country!” This challenge, made famous during the Kennedy presidency, suggests a like principle that should guide every Christian’s attitude toward the church. We should be less concerned about what is being done for us and more attentive…

First Man in Space

[128 words] As a teenager, I remember a young Russian Cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin becoming the first man to enter space. This happened on April 12, 1961. I am sure he said many things while in space. But, the one thing I remember that he said on his fist trip around the earth is, “I can…

Encouragers in the New Testament

[59 words] Barnabas – “he was glad and encouraged them all” (Acts 11:23) Silas – “encouraged and strengthened the brothers” (Acts 15:32) Paul – “encouraged them with many words” (Acts 20:2) Tychicus – “that he may encourage your hearts” (Col. 4:8) Timothy – “to…encourage you concerning your faith” (1 Thess. 3:2) Us – “Therefore, encourage…

The Clock of Life

[78 words] The clock of life is wound but once,And no man has the powerTo tell just when the hands will stopAt late or early hour. To lose one’s wealth is sad indeed,To lose one’s health is more,To lose one’s soul is such a lossThat no man can restore. The present only is our own,So…

Sing And Be Happy

[103 words] A young boy complained to his father that most of the church hymns were boring to him–too far behind the times, boring tunes, meaningless words. His father put an end to the discussion when he said, “If you think you can write better hymns, then why don’t you?” The boy went to his…

Lorita’s Law

[119 words] I was once complaining in a class about the expensive cologne people gave me. I said I could smell the fragrance for a bit of time, but then it went away. One of our sweet ladies said no, it did not go away. I might not be smelling it, but those around me…

Fresh Fish for Sale Today

[131 words] A man starting in the fish business hung out a sign that read, “Fresh Fish for Sale Today” and invited his friends to the opening. They all congratulated him on his enterprise, but one suggested that his sign might be improved. He said, “Why the word ‘Today?’ Of course it’s today, not yesterday…

Turn About

[134 words] A soldier who was a Christian made it his practice to conclude every day with Bible reading and prayer. As his fellow soldiers gathered in the barrack and retired for the night, he would kneel by his bunk and offer prayers to the Lord. The other soldiers saw this and began to mock…

Your Final Sermon?

[100 words] Sadly, some people will decline the precious invitation,To follow Jesus Christ and obtain the gift of salvation.Few chances may be left for the Gospel to be heard,Or opportunities to repent and to obey God’s Word.There may be some that will walk out the church door,That won’t get to hear the Gospel preached anymore.Your…

Debtors

[129 words] Years ago, King Charles V was loaned a large sum of money by a merchant. The note came due, but the King was bankrupt and unable to pay. The merchant gave a great banquet for the King. When all the guests were seated and before the food was brought in, the merchant had…

Why Do You Love the Bible?

[129 words] I was asked this question at one time. How would you answer it? Of course there are a variety of reasons to love the Word of God, but what would be on your list? Here are a few reasons that I love the Bible: 1. It teaches me how to be saved. 2.…

Did The Water Earn It For Them?

[112 words] Read Exodus 14. Now, did the use of water earn the children of Israel their freedom from Egyptian slavery? Read Exodus 30:17-21. Now, did the use of water earn the priests the right to serve within the Tabernacle? Read 2 Kings 5:1-14. Now, did the use of water earn Naaman his cleansing from…

Peace from Pain

  [36 words] When days are rough, and times seem tough, and we’re under pressure and strain; Trust the Lord, and obey His Word, and peace will come from the pain. Edd Sterchi Broadway church of Christ Campbellsville, KY…

Where’s the Corpse? 

  [42 words] Bernard Ram wrote, “A thousand times over the centuries the death knell of the Bible has been sounded, the funeral procession formed, the flowers ordered, the inscription placed on the tombstone, and the eulogy written, but somehow the corpse never stays put.”…

Three Tenses of Titus 2:11–13

  [41 words] 1. Past Tense: God’s Grace has appeared to all men (2:11). 2. Present Tense: God’s Grace instructs us to leave sin and live righteously (2:12). 3. Future Tense: God’s Grace causes us to look for Christ’s coming (2:13). Mark Posey via House to House, Heart to Heart…

Spend Time With Your Kids!

  [96 words] In the diary of Brooks Adams is a note about a special day when he was eight years old. He wrote, “Went fishing with my father; the most glorious day of my life.” Through the next forty years, there were constant references to that day and the influence it had on his…

Now That’s Love!

  [93 words] Recently in Japan, a man and his nine-year-old daughter were caught in a terrible blizzard. Their car disabled, they began to walk to where they were going. As the storm intensified, the father wrapped his coat around his daughter and hunched over her against a concrete wall to shelter her from the…

Biblical Baptism Must Have’s

  [75 words] 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 candidate and method.…

Power of the Scriptures

  [66 words] The story has been told of a South Sea islander who proudly displayed the Bible to a G.I. during World War II. “We’ve outgrown that sort of thing,” the soldier said. The native smiled back and said, “It’s a good thing we haven’t. If it were not for this Book, you’d have…

The Country of Jesus of Nazareth

  [138 words] Palestine in the first century was less prosperous than some other regions, but Josephus tries to present the country as quite prosperous. He accurately depicts the Jewish population there as primarily engaged in agriculture: “Ours is not a maritime country, neither commerce nor the intercourse with the outside world has any attraction…

How to Remember How Many Books Are in the Bible

  [40 words] How many letters in the word “Old?” — 3 How many letters in the word “Testament?” — 9 There are 39 books in the Old Testament. Multiply 3 x 9 and you get 27. There are 27 books in the New Testament. via Findlay church of Christ Sparta, TN…

God’s Beautiful World

  [144 words] God made a beautiful, perfect world and made people to dwell in it. Everything was good and God was pleased with them. He would walk and talk with these people in the cool of the evening. Sin (the Devil) found his way into the people. God could no longer stand to walk…

Do It Well!

[104 words] Amateur, haphazard, slipshod, hit-and-miss, inattentive, incomplete, mediocre, shallow, skill-less, unskillful, wanting. All these adjectives are ones we use to describe things that are done but not done well. It’s an attitude that is far too common today. We settle for what is easy, normal, the status quo. But was this the example of…

Never Enough

  [140 words] Someone asked John D. Rockefeller, the richest man of his time, how much money is enough? He replied, “Just a little bit more.” Lots of people have that problem. We think if could just make a little more, we would be set. But when we get that little more, it isn’t too…

More Beautiful Than We Imagined

  [152 words] “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2). A young man who had been blind since he was…

Faith Followed by Obedience

[117 words] If Noah had lived by today’s religious standard, he would have said, “Lord I believe you but you are asking too much, I don’t really need an ark.” Abraham would have said, “Lord, I have great faith in you, but I can do just as much good by staying here in Ur.” The…

What is the Message of the Church?

  [74 words] Using an acrostic of the word “church,” we can clearly see that the church is to have an important message in everything she does: Christ Has Undoubtedly Risen Creating Hope Because of this, we should desire to worship, work, and walk the way the Lord desires!…

I Am the New Year

  [116 words] I AM THE NEW YEAR. I am unused, unspotted, without blemish. I stretch before you three hundred and sixty-five days long. I will present each day in its turn, a new leaf in the book of life for you to place upon it your imprint. I AM THE NEW YEAR. Each hour…

It Doesn’t Take Much

  [88 words] Years ago a little girl handed me a piece of paper with a brief note scribbled on it. I don’t remember the girl’s name, but I remember the message: “To you from _______. I love you.”  It was simple. It was direct. And, it was appreciated. What does it take to brighten…
Holding Hands while visiting

Thank God For Little Things

  [66 words] Thank You, God, for little things That often come our way The things we take for granted But don’t mention when we pray.  The unexpected courtesy, The thoughtful, kindly deed A hand reached out to help us In the time of sudden need. Oh, make us more aware, dear God, Of little…

Children Need Instruction

  [98 words] Proverbs shows the need for children to pay attention to instruction. Solomon admonishes his son to pay attention to his parents (Prov. 1:8-9), and to recognize the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 1:7). Children also need to be shown how to put those things into practice. The…
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