UNUSED 0 [140 words] Love is essential for one to be a Christian. So if we are to be a “good” (faithful) Christian then we must love Jesus. Jesus said that loving God with all our hearts is more important than any other commandment (Matthew 22:37-38). Yes, it’s even more important than faith (1 Cor....
UNUSED 2 [201 words] Some years ago I knew a man who was always critical of preachers, the church and Christians. He was a man who had been what was once called a “rounder.” He had delved in the pleasures of the world most, if not all, of his life. But, alas, in his old...
UNUSED 2 [246 words] It has been a difficult winter with much snow and sub-freezing temperatures, but the warm windy days of spring are just a short time away. It will be “planting time” for farmers and those who have gardens. Some have already planted peas and lettuce seed. Onions and other vegetables will soon...
UNUSED 0At some point in life most of us face many types of health, financial, family or other serious problem. Recently, it seems that “storm clouds” have encircled many due to lost jobs, poor health and the economic situation in our country. It would be quite easy to begin counting our problems instead of our...
UNUSED 1If Jesus felt the need to pray to the Father, surely we need God’s help in our own lives. God knows our needs even before we ask, but still He wants us to ask (Matt. 6:8); and Jesus tells us “that men always ought to pray” (Luke 18:1). James wrote that the fervent prayer...
UNUSED 0On his second missionary journey, Paul came to the city of Philippi. There, while worshiping by the river, he met and baptized Lydia. But not all in Philippi listened to Paul and he was falsely accused of “troubling the city” (Acts 16:20). Beaten and thrown into prison, Paul and Silas did not let persecution...
UNUSED 4 [114 words] I remember a book we used in 4-H some years ago titled, “Dare to be Different.” What a challenge this is to Christians today. Dare to speak out for the Lord; dare to do what is right when society says sin is okay; dare to grow in knowledge of God’s Word...
UNUSED 0[278 words] There are so many different doctrines on how to get to heaven, it makes one wonder what people actually see when they read the Bible. …What do you see when you read Peter’s answer to those on the Day of Pentecost who asked what to do to be saved, and he told...
UNUSED 0[252 words] Many give lip service to the Bible and claim to believe that it is the Word of God. When Jesus was walking the earth, the Jews thought they were worshiping God when in reality they were just following the traditions and commands of men. Jesus said this worship was vain or useless...
UNUSED 0[199 words] Many have memorized the 23rd Psalm, but have you ever noticed the prayer of David in the 25th Psalm? “To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You, Let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me. Indeed, let no one who...
UNUSED 2[195 words] “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But, there is a Friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). We all have a Friend. Jesus left heaven to come to earth to live–and die–for you and me. He was tempted just as we are so He would know the...
UNUSED 0It isn‘t popular to quote the Bible. It is even less popular to believe the Bible is God’s Word. Many who proclaim to be “Christians“ do not believe the Bible! Does that remind you of the Jews in the first century? They ridiculed Jesus when He claimed to be the Son of God. They...
UNUSED 0[279 words] After more than 100 years brother Charles Hodge remains one of the most famous preachers in our brotherhood. He is reported to have baptized more than any other man in the late 19‘“ and 20″‘ centuries. His quips, answers and comments are still quoted in many sermons today. Near the end of...
UNUSED 1[211 words] Some years ago Paul Harvey reported that a poll indicated just 27.4 percent of the people in this country attend worship services at least once a week. That’s slightly more than one-fourth! There are many legitimate things such as illness, health, necessary work, and other things that can prevent us from attending...
UNUSED 0Salvation is in Christ, and only in Christ. God sent His Son into the world to seek and save the lost, which is all of us. The good news (gospel) is that Jesus gave His life on the cross to redeem us from our sins. He died, was buried, but arose again, all to...
UNUSED 0My great-grandson is counting the days until Christmas. Almost every morning as we leave for school he will tell me how many days are left until the holiday arrives. He has “hope“ of getting presents, of being out of school for two weeks. and for all the good times that are waiting. Sometimes he says he...
