More results...
The Office of an Elder Mike Johnson The Bible teaches that a local congregation is to have certain men overseeing them called “elders.” Acts 14:23 speaks of the appointment of elders in every church. It says, “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to […]
WHERE DID CAIN GET HIS WIFE? Mike Johnson The above question is a very old question. Other questions are perhaps more important, but this question is frequently asked (sometimes by scoffers) and should be discussed. Genesis 4:16,17 points out that Cain went to the land of Nod after he killed his brother. Verse 27 says, “And […]
ARE WE TO KEEP THE SABBATH TODAY? Mike Johnson Should Christians observe the Sabbath today? Many people feel that those who worship on Sunday instead of the Sabbath violate God’s Word. To them, assembling on the first day of the week instead of the seventh is a man-made practice. There are more than 150 Biblical […]
THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE CHURCH Mike Johnson The role of women in society has changed greatly in recent years. It seems that many are even pushing for an almost “gender neutral” society. Some changes that have taken place have been good but many have not been. The changes in society tend to eventually […]
“I’m All Shook Up…” Mike Johnson These words perhaps echoed from the facilities of a local congregation in Huntsville, Alabama, as they presented “A Tribute to the King of Rock & Roll.” A newspaper ad for the event pictures an Elvis impersonator. I don’t know if “Elvis” sang this song, “I’m All Shook Up,” but […]
IS CONSCIENCE A SAFE GUIDE? Mike Johnson “Always let your conscience be your guide.” “Just do what your conscience says.” The statement expresses many people’s attitudes when determining what is right or wrong religiously. Many think they are correct as long as they follow their conscience, on some doctrinal matter or even on a moral […]
CONFUSION ABOUNDS! Mike Johnson FROM HUNTSVILLE: I agree with “West Coast.” Protestant worship services are mostly selling tickets to ball games, pictures, records, and signing petitions on political issues. There is very little spirituality. And the music is a disgrace. No hymns anymore, just modern junk. –Disgusted GREENWICH, CONN: That Protestant person is not alone with the […]
THE CHURCH & THE INDIVIDUAL Mike Johnson Sadly, there has been much division in the Lord’s church throughout the years. One area of division involves the church-sponsored recreation and church support of human institutions (orphan homes, colleges, rest homes, homes for unwed mothers, etc.). One argument used to justify church support and involvement in such […]
PROFANE AND VULGAR SPEECH Mike Johnson The use of vulgar and profane language is at an all-time high in our society today. Profanity is everywhere, and it is difficult to escape from it. Without a doubt, the media (specifically television and the movies) has significantly impacted the way people talk. “Hollywood” has become the teacher […]
Religious Titles Mike Johnson Most preachers use a religious title. Some call themselves “Reverend.” In Catholicism, they refer to their priests as “Father.” One religious organization (the Masons) refers to certain ones in their organization by such titles as “Worshipful Master” or “Most Worshipful Grand Master.” What does the Bible say about the use of […]
Who Are These People? Mike Johnson Perhaps you are a member of the church of Christ, and you look at yourself as “mainstream” as it is said. You know that there are also people meeting in town who are supposed to be members of the Lord’s church, but you do not know much about them. […]
A LESSON FROM A SQUIRREL Mike Johnson A few years ago, while walking, I saw a squirrel fall from a tree, which is something I never expected to see. I have often watched squirrels perform all kinds of incredible acrobatic feats. I have seen them walk across a telephone wire; I have seen them jump […]
The Enslaving Power of Sin Mike Johnson People today often picture sin as a pleasant delight. Sin, according to many, is not something to be “avoided” but is something to be “pursued.” People view the moral teaching of God’s Word as “old-fashioned,” and those who try to adhere to the high standard of the Bible and […]
ARE WE COMPLACENT ABOUT SIN? Mike Johnson Many years ago, my wife and I moved into a house close to a well-traveled train track, which trains traveled on throughout the night. At first, the whistles from the trains woke us up. Before long, however, the passing trains rarely disturbed our sleep as we grew accustomed […]
The Conversion of Saul Mike Johnson The Bible records the conversion of Saul in three places. It is recorded in Acts 9:1-18, 22:1-16, and 26:12-18. We will focus on the accounts in Acts 9 and Acts 22, as we examine this conversion case. Background Information Saul was born in Tarsus (Acts 21:39). He was most […]
SAINTS Mike Johnson There is a great deal of misunderstanding about the term “saint.” Some think of the word in connection with receiving a second blessing from God, which makes a person “sanctified” and incapable of sinning. To be qualified as saints, still others say that people must meet specific qualifications (such as performing […]
DON’T TREAT PRAYER LIKE A SPARE TIRE Mike Johnson Do you spend a lot of time thinking about the spare tire in your automobile? Many people do not. In fact, many do not even check to see if they have a spare tire in their trunk. However, there is a time when all attention is focused […]
WAS PETER THE FIRST POPE? Mike Johnson The above question is undoubtedly a good question and needs examination. Many think Peter was the first pope. However, the Bible does not even teach that there should be a position of a pope, much less Peter being the first one. Consider just some reasons why Peter could […]
PEER PRESSURE Mike Johnson A woman who had reached the age of 102 was discussing her longevity. She said, “Well, at least I don’t have to worry about peer pressure.” Someone 102 probably does not have any peers left. However, peer pressure influences most people, to one degree or another, and it is a powerful […]
Patience Mike Johnson The term “patience” frequently occurs in the Bible. Patience is a painful lesson to learn in the age in which we live, but Christians must have this trait. Christ praised the church at Ephesus for their patience (Rev. 2:2-3). Hebrews 12:1 says that Christians are to “run with patience” the race that set before […]
OUR REGARD FOR OTHERS Philippians 2:3 Mike Johnson The book of Philippians emphasizes the importance of unity. Paul, in Philippians 1:27, encouraged the Christians at Philippi to “. . . stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel . . . .” In Philippians 2:2, he said […]
Going After the Noble Prize Mike Johnson Are you going for “The Noble Prize”? You might think, “How can I go after that prize? I don’t know anything about physics, chemistry, or physiology. I am not involved in the field of literature. I am not a well-known person who has done a lot for world […]
Missing Out on A Valuable Treasure Mike Johnson “One person’s junk is another person’s treasure.” I am confident that almost everyone has heard this expression. We know that another may view something, which may seem worthless to one person, as valuable. The popularity of garage/yard sales in our country attests to this. An Associated Press Story […]
The Book of Matthew Mike Johnson The book of Matthew is probably the best known of all of the gospel accounts. When people want to find the teaching of Jesus on any Bible subject, they will often start by turning to this book. This popularity may be due to it being the first book of […]
Put Away Lying (Ephesians 4:25) Mike Johnson Ephesians 4:25 says, “Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.” This verse tells us Christians are to put away lying. The context shows the need to put off the “old man” and to put […]
Lying Mike Johnson The Bible has a lot to say on the subject of lying. God disapproves of lying, and Christians should avoid it. The Old Testament frequently speaks of lying. Proverbs 16:17 makes it clear that a “lying tongue” is one of the things that the Lord hates. Further, Proverbs 12:22 says, “Lying lips are an abomination […]
The Book of Luke Mike Johnson Luke wrote the book of Luke as well as the book of Acts. These two books are very similar in style, and many call them companion books as Acts is a continuation of Luke. It seems Luke’s goal was to tell the whole story of Christianity. He also addressed […]
LOYALTY Mike Johnson Several years ago, I saw a bumper sticker on an automobile, which said: “110% Bama— I’ll Never Change.” The sticker expressed the extreme loyalty the owner of the car had for his favorite football team, the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. I take it that his resolve would not be affected by […]
LIE NOT TO ONE ANOTHER Mike Johnson The sin of lying is prevalent. However, this does not make it right. A famous preacher, while preaching to a large audience, used as his text the story of Ananias and Sapphira and told how they lied, which resulted in God striking them dead. The old preacher proclaimed, […]
Lasciviousness Mike Johnson The sin of lasciviousness is mentioned several times in God’s Word. It is essential to discuss this sin, especially in the times we live. It seems various definitions exist for lasciviousness. The Greek word in the original is a fairly broad word that can include many things. Thayer defines the word (766 […]
The Book of Job Mike Johnson The book of Job is genuinely significant and useful. It is a part of a category of Old Testament books known as “Poetry.” It deals with the problem of pain and suffering. The book of Job shows us some essential facts about God, Satan, and the problem of pain. […]
JESTING Mike Johnson Ephesians 5:3-5 has a list of sins that Christians are to avoid. Such sins as fornication and covetousness are listed. Verse four mentions the sin of jesting (KJV). It says, “neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” The NASB translates the expression “not […]
Hate Father and Mother Mike Johnson Luke 14:26 says, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.” Why does Christ say that we must hate our fathers and mothers and other family members? […]
The Book of James Mike Johnson The book of James is a very practical and helpful book of the Bible. The purpose of this article will be to give a brief overview of this essential New Testament letter. Let us start by asking, “Who wrote the book of James?” The author is apparent— James wrote it. James 1:1 says, […]
Infant Baptism Mike Johnson There is a lot of disagreement on the subject of baptism. People disagree on the purpose of baptism as well as how to baptize someone. There is also controversy regarding whom to baptize. Some say infants are proper candidates for baptism, while others say a person must be a penitent believer before baptism. Is there authority for […]
Ignorance Mike Johnson The moon was a thin crescent in the Canadian skies on the night the astronauts neared it for the first landing on the surface. A farmer in Nova Scotia could not get over the unnecessary risks that the astronauts were running and said, “You’d think they’d at least wait until it was […]
The Health Inspector and Authority Mike Johnson Many years ago, I worked in a meatpacking plant. One responsibility I had was to roll a vat containing tubular molds of lunch-meat to an ice bin and then fill the container with ice. The instructions were to use a stainless steel shovel, used exclusively for this task. […]