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Are We Looking for the Right Packaging? A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer’s showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted. As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited […]
If We Tell Our Children If we tell them that the Bible is the only source of spiritual food, but they never see us feasting on the precious promises, what are we teaching them? If we tell them that the Christian must pray without ceasing, but they never see us on our knees, what are […]
The Silent Slur Speech may sometimes do harm; but so may silence and a worse harm at that. No insult ever caused so deep a wound as a tenderness expected and withheld; and no spoken indiscretion was ever so bitterly regretted as the word that one did not speak. […]
Practice Brotherly Love Practicing brotherly kindness or brotherly love is: 1. The fulfilling of the law (Rom. 13:8-10). 2 The mark of a true disciple (Jn. 13:35). 3. A command of Jesus (Jn. 15:12; 13:34; I Jn. 4:21). 4. An essential characteristic of “walking in the light” (I Jn. 2:9,11). 5. […]
Where Is God? One Sunday morning a prominent instructor was sharing his seat with a small boy on a shuttle train in one of the large cities. The boy was holding a Sunday School quarterly. “Do you go to Sunday School, my boy?” asked the man. “Yes Sir,” he promptly replied. “Tell me, my boy” […]
Tombstones Delton Porter Perhaps you have heard of Dooley the Moonshiner about whom a song has been written. According to the song, when Dooley died “they laid a jug beside him and a barrel for a stone.” It seems they put with his body what was associated with him in life, to show how he […]
Isn’t It Strange? When one wants to know what the work of preachers, elders, and teachers is, one can easily cite numerous passages which give the answer. (II Timothy 4:1-6, I Peter 5:2, Acts 20:28, Titus 2:1-8, etc.) When one wants to know the function of youth directors, recreation directors, chairmen, superintendents, coordinators, arch-bishops, popes, […]
THREE PEOPLE NOT TO EMULATE Church-wise, the following three people in our community may prove threatening for their not-too-common ways. The first person is Brother Usta. Usta is the person who “usta” attend Bible Class and church regularly. He “usta” teach a class and be a deacon, an elder, or hold a position of leadership […]
Can You Count the Stars? Johann Hey Can You count the stars of evening That are shining in the sky? Can you count the clouds that daily Over all the world go by? God the Lord, who doth not slumber Keepeth all the bondless number: But He careth more for thee. Can you count […]
Beatitudes for Married Couples Blessed are the husband and wife who continue to be affectionate, considerate, and loving through all the days of their life together. Blessed are the husband and wife who are as polite and courteous to one another as they are to their friends. Blessed are the husband and wife […]
A Prevalent Concept of Preaching James P. Needham Preachers sometimes think of themselves as the official interpreters of the Holy Scriptures; they are the “answer men.” Everyone should put on his blindfold, open up the top of his head and let him fill his mind with “right ideas.” Some brethren get terribly upset when anyone […]
This Could Never Happen Frank Dunn A customer shopping in a store came to an item that was marked 98 cents. Thinking the price too high, he wrote 49 cents. The customer did this to several articles. At last he came down before the checker with the cart filled with marked down items. The checker […]
The Farmer A minister once visited a farmer to talk with him about Christ and invite him to Church. “Why, I would not come to church up there,” the farmer said, “I know old (bland) and (blank) and they don’t live any better than me. I’m as good as they are.” Everywhere the farmer went […]
The Backslider’s Hit Parade “Tell Me the Old, Old Story,” if it doesn’t last too long. “Take My Life and Let It Be,” yes, please let it be, dear Lord. “Sweet Hour of Prayer” is indeed wonderful, but I’m too busy for prayer today. “Have thine Own Way Lord, with Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Gray. […]
Feelings A Dutchman lost his boy in Cincinnati. He tells his story in the following language: “I hunted all day for my boy, and about night I found him sitting in the mud by the canal. He was muddy all over. When I found my boy, he cried and I cried. I hugged my boy […]
The Individual “I am only one, but I am one, I cannot do everything, But I can do something; What I can do I ought to do, And what I ought to do By the grace of God I will do.” -Selected
A Thought… Some folks grow older with birthdays, it’s true, But others grow nicer as years widen their view, And a heart that is young lends an aura of grace, That rivals in beauty a young, pretty face.
Your Worst Enemy Who is your greatest enemy? It is said that Alcibiades, the gifted but unscrupulous Greek, was noted as an unhappy man. Someone asked Socrates why it was that Alcibiades, who had traveled so much and had seen so much of the world, was still an unhappy man. The sage answered, “Because wherever […]
Amen David J. Riggs It appears to me that we are living in an age where preachers are trying to be sensational instead of spiritual, shocking instead of scriptural, cute rather than correct, clever instead of clear, different rather than doctrinal, and unusual in the place of unerring. What we need today is more fearless […]
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow There are two days in every week about which we should not worry, Two day in which should be kept free from fear and apprehension. One of these days is Yesterday with its mistakes and cares, Its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control. […]
“Let Us Negotiate” Don C. Bentley A hunter raised his rifle and took careful aim at a large bear. When about to pull the trigger, the bear spoke in a soft soothing voice, “Isn’t it better to talk than to shoot? What do you want? Let us negotiate the matter. Lowering the rifle, the hunter […]
LEARNING FROM OTHERS Watch your thoughts For they become words. Watch your words For they become habits. Watch your habits For they come character For it becomes your destiny! (2 Cor. 5:10; Matt. 12:37; Heb. 5:9)
WHAT GOD HATH PROMISED God hath not promised skies always blue, Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through; God hath not promised sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, peace without pain. God hath not promised we shall not know Toil and temptation, trouble and woe; He hath not told us we shall not bear many a […]
Are You a Christian Then hear this………. Let your light shine before men. Mt. 5:16 Let your “salt” contact others. Mt. 5:13 Show you are God’s representative. Mt. 28:18-20 Keep thyself pure. I Tim. 5:22 Do not forsake the assembly. Heb. 10:25
Are You a Sinner? Then hear this……… God is not willing for your to be lost. 2 Pet. 3:9 He is able to save you. Heb. 7:25 Christ loved you enough to die for you. Jno. 3:16 If you love the Lord, obey Him. Jno. 14:15 Your friends want you saved. Lk. 16:19 Your relatives […]
WATCH Watch your thoughts today, And your every action, too; Be sure you watch what you say, For someone’s watching you. Watch that way you go, And make the journey right, So your fellow man will know They, too, can win the fight.
What Determines Right? Bill Crews NOT REASON: “For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, it was God’s good pleasure through the foolishness of preaching (message preached) to save them that believe.” (1 Cor. 1:21). “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my […]
Painting Possums Greg Gwin Several years ago we knew a man with the unusual hobby of trapping possums. No, he didn’t eat them. He painted them! That’s right – he would catch these critters in a box trap, and then he painted them with fluorescent paint and released them. Sounds weird, doesn’t it? But this […]
Excuses: Perhaps too many of us are like the two men who went quail hunting on Sunday morning. One said, “We are liable to go to the devil for going hunting when we ought to be at Church.” The other replied, “Well, I couldn’t have gone anyway, because I have a sick child at home.”
A SWARM OF B’S Be regular at church. Be punctual on all occasions. Be worshipful and reverent. Be generous and charitable of other’s mistakes. Be sociable. Be optimistic in all undertakings. Be doers of the Word and not hearers only. From The Sentinel (11-21-48)
DOES IT SEEM STRANGE that the more active you are in the church the more you see the need to be at every service? The stronger your faith becomes, the more active your service is. If you feel nothing or think nothing about forsaking the various assemblies of the Lord’s church, rest assured you have […]
Do You Find the Services Dull? Some members find the services of the church dull and uninteresting. They attend only from a sense of duty, hoping to escape the eternal fires of hell. But they derive no joy from the services. Having come, they interest themselves in their neighbor’s clothes or children or other distractions, […]
Has This Ever Happened to You? You went through an entire song service without even thinking about what you were singing? You bowed your head and closed your eyes during the prayer, but you really didn’t become involved in the prayer? You were more interested in when the preacher would finish the sermon than in […]
The Devil’s Beatitudes If the devil were to write his beatitudes they might go something like this: Blessed are those who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians – they are my best workers. Blessed are those Christians who wait to be asked and […]
The Note on the Door Charlie T. Garner (This is a true story. I know personally the parties involved.) Love dwindled, unhappiness and dissatisfaction grew, daily fussing and fighting characterized the relationship of the husband and wife, and ultimately, a divorce wrecked the home, leaving two bewildered, emotionally scarred children in its wake. The father […]
We Are Fooling Ourselves If We Believe: Lalo Enriquez God can be mocked. The scripture says: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked…” (Gal 6:7) To think that we can “turn up our nose to a loving God, sneer at or treat Him with contempt” without final retribution, is to fool ourselves. He may […]
THE DEVIL LAUGHS To hear a man say he has no way to attend the services when he can attend all the sporting events held within miles. To hear a woman say she can’t attend the services because she has nothing to wear, when she can parade herself before hundreds in any uptown bargain basement […]
“He Made One Mistake” He brushed his teeth twice a day – with nationally advertised toothpaste! The doctor examined him twice each year! He slept with a window open each night! He stuck to a daily diet of fresh vegetables! He walked three miles everyday checking his heart rate along the way with his $100.00 […]
Some Rules for a Happy Marriage 1. Never both be angry at once. 2. Never talk at one another, either alone or in company. 3. Never speak loudly to one another unless the house is on fire! 4. Let each other strive to yield more often to do the […]
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 […]
How Is Your Vision? Frank Himmel Jesus observed that . . . Some have envious eyes, longing for the material advantages they see others have (Matthew 20:15). Some have sensual eyes, looking to lust, thereby committing adultery in their hearts (Matthew 5:28-29). Some have critical eyes, looking for specks in others while ignoring obvious problems […]
ADMONITIONS TO PARENTS OF TEENS David Pratt Always Be Consistent with Teens. Don’t compromise your standards just because they wear you down with asking. Live What You Expect of Your Teens. Don’t expect something of them you are not willing to do yourself. Don’t Throw Up Your Hands When You Fail. Like adults, teens can […]
I Don’t See Anything Wrong With That How many times have we heard this reply when we question some belief or practice which may be without Bible authority? The saddest thing about the statement is that many times it is really true. So many individuals have so little knowledge and understanding of the Bible when […]
You Won’t Want to Miss These UPCOMING SERMONS A preacher in Arkansas really caused a disturbance when he made a public announcement of his upcoming sermons. He mentioned that the theme would be “The Worthlessness of Our Christianity” and that some of the lesson titles would be: More Important Things To Do Than Study The […]
True Life The goal of the gospel is to prepare people for heaven. Its emphasis centers upon happiness in a life to come rather than upon this life. “For what profit is it to be a man,” Jesus once asked, “if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” The Lord would teach […]
Praise the Lord! (Psalm 111:1) Mike Johnson Psalm 111:1 says, “Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.” This verse starts by exclaiming, “Praise the Lord!” This expression is, by some, regarded as the title of this Psalm. With certainty, it […]
Things to Keep in Mind The value of a clock is its reputation for accuracy. The value of a wrench is its ability to adjust a problem. The value of a car is its ability to perform well upgrade. The value of a stamp is its ability to stick to the end. The value […]
Little Things Teach Lessons Three things have taught me courage- Three things I’ve seen today; A spider weaving her web Which thrice had been swept away; A child refusing to weep In spite of a cruel pain; And a robin signing a cheery song In the midst of a chilling rain Selected
How You Can Know When You Are Slipping When you dislike religious conversation or the company of Christians. When you stay away from church by your own willful choice. When you worry more about a clean conscience than a clean heart. When you trifle with temptation or think lightly of sin. When you condemn in […]
Answer Your Prayers A man prayed fervently every morning at family worship for the poor in the community, but he was never known to give anything to the poor. One morning at the conclusion of the family worship, after the usual prayer had been offered for the needy, his little son said: “Daddy, I wish […]
SONG TITLES ARRANGED IN VERSE Come all ye faithful, For a closer walk, Oh, God with thee. Shall WE meet beyond the river? What shall our answer be? To the work, to the work, Oh, the things that we may do, you and I, Sowing the seed of the kingdom, Bringing in the sheaves, By […]
GOD KNOWS BEST God knows best what is best for me, Why should I worry – or anxious be, Trying to fathom the course I take, Grasping a bubbles that fade and break? One step is all I need to see, God knows best what is for me. Selected
WHAT I NEED I need a strength to keep me true And straight in everything I do; I need a power to keep me strong When I am tempted to do wrong; I need a grace to keep me pure When passion tries it deadly lure; I need to live to keep me sweet When […]
Bring Me the Bible The man of the house said to his little son: “Son bring me the Bible- you know, the big book we read so much.” So little Bobby came in carrying the mail order catalog. […]
BYSTANDERS OR STAND-BYERS? A family once said: “Yes, we think the church is necessary, and we attend some of its services.” They were BY-STANDERS. Another family said: “Yes we believe in the church, we never miss a service, except in case of sickness.” They were STAND-BYERS. Which are you? From Visitor (Thayer Street ) 5-27-45
How True Sometimes when a congregation is seeking a preacher they want: The strength of an eagle, The grace of a swan, The gentleness of a dove, The friendliness of a sparrow, The night hours of an owl, The dress of a peacock. And when they find such a bird they expect him to live […]
I’d Rather Have a Little Rose I would rather have a little rose From the garden of a friend- Then to have the choicest flowers- When my stay on earth shall end. I would rather have the kindest words- And a smile that I can see, Than flattery when my heart is still- And this […]
Courage You can’t fell trees without some chips, You can’t achieve without some slips, Unless you try you’ll wonder why Good fortune seems to pass you by. Success is not for those who quail, She gives her most to those who fail And then with courage twice as great Take issue once again with fate. […]
He Knew His Bible The minister was asking some preliminary questions to his class. “Johnny,” he asked, “can you tell me a few things that may be found in the Bible?” “Yes sir,” enthusiastically replied Johnny, “a lock of my hair when I was a baby, the ticket for pa’s watch, ma’s recipe for vanishing […]
To Be a Christian ‘Tis noble to be a Christian ‘Tis honor to bear the name; To know we are honored in heaven Is better than earthly fame. The name implies one is noble, It means he is honest and true; It means his life is Christ-like– Does it mean all this to you? […]
Worst or Best? David McPherson In Ephesians the second chapter, Paul in just a few verses shows the worst and best condition in which one can find himself. Consider the following: “Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in […]
IS IT NARROW MINDED? Jere Frost I don’t know about you, but I get a little weary of hearing the word “narrow” used as a slur against preachers who adhere to the Bible in their preaching. Sure they are “narrow,” but so are factory workers, surgeons, druggists, and teachers. The factory worker is so “narrow” […]
God’s Perfect Law of Liberty Mike Johnson James 1:25 says, “But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” This verse reveals some important points about God’s perfect law […]
How Do You View Sin? Mike Johnson In our society today, there is often acceptance of sin. In the past, however, shame was often associated with sin. Today, it is common for people to openly engage in sinful practices, not even attempting to hide them. For example, although now prevalent, a couple living together was […]
Looking Into God’s Mirror (James 1:22-25) Mike Johnson Mirrors are everywhere. Most bathrooms have a mirror. They also may be strategically placed in various places in a house. We see them in stores, they are in our automobiles, and a woman will often carry a mirror in her purse. It is not usually difficult to […]
A Smile A smile costs nothing but gives much. It enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so poor but that he can be made rich by it. A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters good […]
Could It Be True? We heard of a man in Texas who would not consent to having his name placed before the congregation to serve as an elder. This was his reason. “I drink quite a bit and love to dance. I am also inclined to gamble, and my attendance is not what it should […]
A Work With Purpose A man who ran a lumber yard was in the process of hiring a foreman. Three men applied for the job. They each were assigned the task of moving a pile of brick from one side of the lumberyard to the other. Upon completion of this task, they were told to […]
The Person Down the Road In thirty, forty, or fifty years you’ll meet a person down the road. Whether that someone is kind and gentle or selfish and demanding depends on what you do today. If you live only in terms of what you can get out of life, this person will be crabby, self-centered, […]
Trust Said the robin to the sparrow, I would really like to know Why these anxious human beings Rush about and worry so. Said the sparrow to the robin, Friend, I think that it must be That they have no heavenly Father Such as cares for you and me. […]
An Alarming Death Notice! We are sorry to announce the passing of Mr. Midweek Service. He died recently at the Neglected Church on Ho Hum Avenue. Born many years ago, he was once strong and healthy. He grew as he was fed on zeal and sincere Bible study. His influence was felt worldwide, and he […]
Money Will Buy A bed, but not sleep. Books but not brains. Food but not appetite. Finery but not beauty. A house but not a home. Medicine but not health. Luxuries but not culture. Amusements but not happiness. Religion but not salvation.
What Is Personal Work? It is discussing the cause of Christ with a friend. It is handing out a tract on a particular subject. It is inviting an acquaintance to attend worship with you. It is telling and showing your neighbor the happiness of being a Christian. It is ringing doorbells on Sunday afternoon in […]
Sometimes “If times are hard, and you feel blue, Think of the others, worrying too: Just because your trials are many, Don’t think the rest of us don’t have any. Life is made up of smiles and tears, Joys and sorrows, mixed with fears; And though to us it seems one-sided, Trouble is pretty well […]
How to Make a Failure out of Life Follow the line of least resistance. Be neutral on moral and spiritual issues. Straddle the fence. Alienate yourself from the church membership. Go to church when you “feel” like it and when it is most convenient. Indulge you carnal appetites. Take it easy on Sunday and never […]
How to Make Your Bible Study More Interesting and Helpful It is hard to find time to study the Bible–or even want to– when we don’t find it interesting or helpful to us. Let me make some suggestions that may help. A Plan – Set aside some time (each day, if possible) to study the […]
“Green Side Up” Horticulture is an “in” thing around our house. As most are aware, our eldest son is fully involved in that field. Although we have never had this experience with James, it is a story that has been around for a considerable time. Let me share it with you and then make some […]
Dangers of the Time The eventual subtle infiltration of error through centralized organization has always been a threat to the church–more so than a frontal attack of false doctrine and persecution from without. One of the perils confronting the church of New Testament times was that of doubt and error arising from the false teachings […]
Not Growing Old This frail old shell in which I dwell Is growing old, I know full well– But I am not the shell. What if my hair is turning grey? Grey hairs are honorable, they say. What if my eyesight’s growing dim? I still can see to follow Him Who sacrificed His life for […]
An Antidote There grows in the West Indies a tree of surpassing beauty. It’s fruit which resembles a golden apple, emits the most delicious fragrance. Strangers, ignorant of it’s appearance, sometimes pluck and eat this fruit whose juice is deadly poisonous. This tree, however, called the “manchineel,” is always found beside a white wood or […]
A Lie Is Forever A little girl came very early one morning to her mother, saying, “Which is worse, Mama, to tell a lie or to steal?” The mother replied that both were so sinful she could not tell which was worse. “Well, Mama,” replied the little one, “I’ve been thinking a good deal about […]
Do It Anyway People are illogical, unreasonable and self centered. Love them anyway. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfishness and ulterior motives. Do good anyway. If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Honesty […]
Don’t Worry So Much! Steven Goad We are living in an age of apprehension. Society has anxieties that would have dumbfounded the ancients. Nevertheless, we somehow manage to live beyond three score and ten. Has medical technology merely lengthen the days in which we may worry? Jesus long ago said, “Take therefore no thought (be […]
Not For Sale “I was traveling in rural Oklahoma when I ran out of gas. I went to a nearby farmhouse to call a service station, but the farmer insisted on taking me to town, bringing me back, and even staying with me until the car was running again. I offered him $10.00, but he […]
THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN IN WORSHIP Remember the purpose of worship is not to entertain or amuse one another, but it is to pay homage, love and honor to God. Remember the people in worship; they are not perfect, neither are you. Those with imperfections are worshiping Him who is perfect. He who realizes his […]
Steamed Up Over A Sermon? John Clark Did you ever get really “steamed up” over a sermon? If you have not you have missed a fascinating human experience. I have some “what to do in case of” thoughts on the matter. Next time you get upset at a lesson, you try these things. First, you […]
The Cornbread Habit A. G. Hobbs, Jr. “There is a man who has the ‘cornbread habit! He just had to have a piece of cornbread every twenty or thirty minutes. Every morning as soon as he awakens, the first thing he thinks about is his cornbread. He eats a piece before he dresses, and […]
JUST PUSH! A man was sleeping. and he dreamed…Suddenly his room filled with light, and God appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his […]
THE TROUBLE LIES DEEPER A good story is told of old Thomas K. Beecher, who could not bear deceit in any form. Finding that a clock in his church building was habitually too fast or too slow, he hung a placard on the wall above it which read: “Don’t blame the hands— the trouble lies […]
“We Just Don’t Go to Church” Bill Crews A young couple who had not been to church services for a number of years asked, “What have we done wrong besides not going to church?” They had robbed God of thousands of dollars (1 Cor. 16:1,2); they had forsaken the Lord’s own memorial supper (1 Cor. […]
“A Paying Principle” God honors men who take His Word seriously. Stephen Girard, Philadelphia millionaire, one Saturday ordered his clerks to come to work the next day and unload a large shipment which had just arrived. One young man stepped up to the desk and said, as he turned pale, “Mr. Girard, I cannot work […]
The Lonely Frog John Gaines A lonely frog telephoned the Psychic Hotline and asked what his future holds. His Personal Psychic Advisor tells him, “You are going to meet a beautiful young girl who will want to know everything about you.” The frog is thrilled, “This is great!” ‘Will I meet her at a party?’” […]
We Are Fooling Ourselves If We Believe: Lalo Enriquez 1. God can be mocked. The scripture says: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked…” (Gal 6:7) To think that we can “turn up our nose to a loving God, sneer at or treat Him with contempt” without final retribution, is to fool ourselves. He […]
“It’s Hard to Be a Christian” “It’s hard to be a Christian” is an often heard statement, and often expressed conviction, an often repeated excuse and an often implied fact. It is quite true, it is hard to be a Christian, but an average sinner has all the temptations, trials, anxieties, worries, torments, and fears […]
COULD IT BE . . . …that people reject the Bible – not because it contradicts itself, but because it contradicts them? …that some brethren do not attend various worship periods and Bible study classes because Christ is not really their “first love?” …that Satan has lulled us into thinking that we are really standing, […]
Could I Be Wrong? There was a man who had a picture of the leaning tower of Pisa on the wall. Every morning, it was hanging crooked. He found out that the maid was twisting the picture to make the tower straight. Lots of people look into God’s Word and find out that it does […]
They’ll Do It Every Time The Preacher had just concluded a hot and scathing sermon on the sin of swearing. He had stated several times that he knew one of his hearers was guilty. When the sermon was over, the people filed out the door. First was a lady who was never suspected of using […]
A HABIT CAN BE LIKE A GROWING SERPENT! There is a true story of a man who took a young boa constrictor and began to train it to climb around the different limbs of his body. As the snake grew to be of immense size, the man made his living by giving public appearances […]
JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS Some time ago there was a faithful dog who was a constant companion of a small child. One day both the dog and child disappeared. A diligent search by parents, friends, and neighbors proved to be fruitless. The child could not be found. After several hours the dog returned home, but was […]
Don’t Wait For The Parrot To Die! By Glen Young The pet store owner convinced the old woman that a parrot would keep her company because it would talk to her. When she returned it the next day, she told the owner, “This bird doesn’t talk.” “Does he have a mirror in his cage?” […]
Actions Generate Reactions By Glen Young I heard a story recently about a student named Donald MacDonald from the Isle of Skye (in Scotland). He was admitted into the prestigious Oxford University and given living accommodations in the hall of residence for his first year. His clan was very excited that one of their own […]
Facing the Facts of the Bible Adam and Eve, for one bite of fruit when they were not even hungry, brought sin, suffering, shame and death upon themselves and the human race (Gen. 3). Lot’s wife revealing her longing for the things that pertain to earth, took one look back and became a pillar of […]
The Young People Greg Gwin More and more we hear folks deciding to attend a certain ‘church’ because “there are lots of good activities for the young people”. Often it is the sole basis for making this important determination. ‘Programs’, ‘activities’, and ‘groups’ for the young people – that’s the drawing card. And, what activities […]
Speaking As The Oracles Of God Irvin Lee “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. […]
The Use of the Bible The Bible: is not a “grocery shelf” to pick from as you like. (Many use it that way.) The Bible is from the all-wise God and is exactly what we need and must have to follow in order to be saved (see Acts 20:32, James 1:21, II Timothy 2:15-17). is […]
Automated Religion A man walked up to a vending machine, put in a coin, pressed a button labeled “Coffee – Double Cream – Sugar.” No cup appeared but the nozzles went into action, sending forth coffee, cream and sugar. After the proper amounts had gone down the drain, the machine turned off. “Now, that is […]
Rules for Bible Study We should study to know what the purpose of the writer is, and to whom each book of the Bible is addressed. We should believe all of the Bible, not merely the portions that seem reasonable and that we fully understand. We gain an understanding of some difficult passages by repeatedly […]
FAITHFULNESS A preacher was asked to define “faithful attendance at worship.” He replied that the best way to understand it was to apply the same standards of faithfulness that we do in other areas of our life. Consider the examples he gave: If your car started one out of three times, would you consider it […]
LIES ABOUT SIN Becoming like Christ is a never ending process. A Christian will not come to a point when he can say there are no struggles with sin in his life. Only in heaven will we be without sin. I believe that ‘s why John warned us to look out for three lies about […]
Wrong is Always Wrong WRONG IS WRONG — Even if you don’t get caught. The eyes of the Lord are in every place. WRONG IS WRONG — Even if you do it for a good cause. The end never justifies the means. The honorable purpose does not justify a dishonorable deed or action. WRONG IS […]
SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE EGGS William M. Fletcher Someone once said that people are a lot like eggs, “They may look tough on the outside, but they’re pretty easily cracked.” God is fully aware of our humanness. He knows how weak we truly are. That’s why He’s concerned about our every need. He stoops with […]
— USE OF THE BIBLE Mike Johnson People use the Bible in many different ways. Sadly, some only use the Bible as a place to record marriages, births, deaths, etc. Some people use it to swear on, sometimes calling for an entire stack. Others use it just as an ornament for a living room table, […]
Kill the Spider One of the deacons was frequently called upon to pray at the mid-week service, and he always concluded his prayer the same way: “….and now Lord, clean out all the cobwebs in our lives.” I think you know what he was talking about – those little unsightly words, deeds and thoughts that […]
Modern Preachers “The modern preacher takes a few tablets of the doctrine of Christ, dissolves them in a gallon or two of sentimental rose water, puts a little of the solution in an atomizer and sprays the congregation to the tune of “sweet spirited” Christianity and the fragrance of a gentle life. If, by evaporation, […]
“Break It To Me Gently” There were two brothers, John and Richard, who lived in the same town. John lived with his twelve-year-old cat. Richard lived with their eighty-eight year old mother. John’s whole life was his cat. He never went anywhere without her. One day he was faced with a terrible decision. He had […]
WHAT IS A SERMON FOR? People often say after a service, “How did you like the sermon?” This is not the most important question to ask. The crucial question is not “Did you like it?” but “Did it HELP you?” Sermons are not preached TO BE LIKED but TO BE LIVED! Did the sermon bring […]
The Gospel- The Power of God Eugene Crawley There has been, I am convinced, too much emphasis put upon building up the church in numbers, to the oversight and exclusion of making sure people know, understand, and obey from the heart the truth as revealed by Divine inspiration. This has not been true everywhere nor […]
Kissing The Bathroom Mirror! By Glen Young The story is told of a principal of a small middle school who had a problem with a few of the older girls starting to use lipstick. When applying it in the bathroom, they would then press their lips to the mirror and leave lip prints. Before it […]
Teach Children True Values Lynn Headrick Children do not know true values. A very small child will prefer a shiny copper coin to a crumpled ten dollar bill. Older children would eat all desert and no meat if parents allowed it. Children will not look beyond this life unless they are taught about heaven and […]
Don’t Be Defeated by Criticism Constructive criticism should never be resented; it is to be our best friend. But there is another kind of criticism to which every truly successful person on earth is subjected. This kind is unjust and often springs from a heart of envy, and only the strong and steadfast can endure […]
One “Round Tuit” for Everyone At long last we have a sufficient supply so that we can include one tuit in each copy of the bulletin. Please cut out and save. Guard it! Don’t lose it! Don’t lend it! These tuits have been hard to come by, especially the round ones. But now, by special […]
WHAT ARE YOU GIVING? Jesus gave His head for a crown of thorns. He gave His back to the cruel lash. He gave Hid face to rude human spittle. He gave His shoulders to carry the cross. He gave His hands for you and me. He gave His blood for the remission of sins. His […]
Positively No Visiting! Recently, while visiting patients in a hospital, we observed several signs saying, “No Visiting.” Then we came to a sign that said, “Positively No Visiting.” I suppose some day we will find one that will read, “Absolutely Positively No Visiting.” If only we could learn to respect authority so that “No Visiting” […]
Five Tragedies of Life A man struck a match to see if the gasoline take on his car was empty. It wasn’t! A man patted a strange bulldog on the head to see if the critter was friendly. It wasn’t! A man speeded up to see if he could beat the train to the crossing. […]
Can We Have Too Much Positive Preaching? Greg Gwin We readily acknowledge the importance of positive preaching. Brethren need the “comfort of the Scriptures” (Romans15:4). Paul sent Tychicus to the Ephesians so that he could “comfort your hearts.” Timothy was dispatched to Philippi (Philippians 2:9) and Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 3:2) in order to comfort the […]
Snap Judgments While on a walk one day, I was surprised to see a man hoeing the garden while sitting in a chair. “What laziness,” I thought, but suddenly I saw leaning against his chair a pair of crutches. The man was at work despite his handicap. The lesson I learned about snap judgments has […]
It Cannot Be Denied IT CANNOT BE DENIED that those who attend Bible Study regularly have a greater knowledge of the Bible than those who do not attend. IT CANNOT BE DENIED that most of those who do not attend Bible study do not attend the other services of the church regularly either. IT CANNOT […]
Who, or What is Right? Very few preachers I have known or heard have mounted a rostrum to declare to an audience, “I am right in all that I believe, teach and practice and anyone who will not accept this cannot be right with God.” What I have heard, and through the years tried to […]
Someone Else We are all saddened to learn this week of the death of one of our congregation’s most valuable members, Someone Else. Someone’s passing created a vacancy that will be difficult to fill. Else has been with us for many years, and for every one of those years, Someone did far more than a […]
THE GARDEN OF LIFE: Plant three rows of peas: Peace of mind Peace of heart Peace of soul. Plant four rows of squash: Squash gossip Squash indifference Squash grumbling Squash selfishness. Plant four rows of lettuce: Lettuce be faithful Lettuce be kind Lettuce be obedient […]
WHAT WILL HE SEE? When Jesus looks upon my life, what picture does He see? Does He see His own reflection, or does He just see me? Does He see His likeness, the product of His hand, Or just another Christian, who never took a stand? Does He see a child of God, a child […]
THE ONLY BIBLE Ellen Kyle If your life was the only Bible others were able to read, How would you tell God’s story to a world in desperate need? Could those who never opened God’s book still learn of God’s love and care? Would they see a Christ-like example, the one God tells us to […]
EXC– USES! Excuses, excuses… you hear them everyday. Now, the devil, he’ll supply them if, from church, you’ll stay away. When people come to worship God, the devil always loses; So, to keep those folks away from church, he offers them excuses: In the summer, it’s too hot. In the winter, it’s too cold. […]
YOU ARE PREACHING There isn’t a word that a preacher can say, No matter how lovely or true, Nor is there a prayer that his eager lips pray, That can preach such a sermon as you. You vowed to serve Christ and men know that you did, They’re watching the things that you do; There […]
Tips to Get Rid of Gossip: the Three Filter Test In ancient Greece, Socrates was reputed to hold knowledge in high esteem. One day an acquaintance met the great philosopher and said, “Do you know what I just heard about your friend?” “Hold on a minute,” Socrates replied. “Before telling me anything I’d like you to […]
Sometime We’ll Understand Not now, but in the coming years, It may be in the Better Land, We’ll read the meaning of our tears, And there, sometime, we’ll understand. We’ll catch the broken threads again, And finish what we here began; Heav’n will the mysteries explain, And then, ah then, we’ll understand. We’ll know why […]
The Horrors of Hell Hell! The prison house of despair; Here are some of the things that won’t be there: No flowers will bloom on the banks of hell, No beauties of nature we love so well, No comforts of home, music, and song, No friendship or joy will be found in that throng, No […]
If Jesus Came to Your House If Jesus came to your house To spend some time with you, If He came unexpected, I wonder what you’d do. Oh, I know you’d give your nicest room To such an honored guest And all the food you’d give to Him Would be the very best. And you […]
Sunday Night I love the church that Jesus built, and I know that it is right, I go there on Sunday morning, but not on Sunday night. I love to sing the songs to God, such worship must be right, This I do on Sunday morning, but not on Sunday night. God bless our […]
“THE EMPTY PEW” Ellen Kyle If I run out of water I can refill my glass, If the tank is on empty I can fill it with gas. I can fill my plate and other things too, But the thing I can’t fill is your empty pew. If your place is empty because you are […]
An Atheist’s View On Life I will live my life according to these beliefs God does not exist. It is just foolish to think That there is a God with a cosmic plan That an all-powerful God brings redemption and healing to the pain and suffering in the world Is a comforting thought, however Is […]
AS THE TWIG IS BENT A little girl with shining eyes, Her little face aglow: Said, “Daddy, it is almost time For Bible school, let’s go; They teach us there of Jesus’ love, Of how He died for all Upon the cruel cross to save Those who on Him call.” “Oh, no,” said Daddy, “Not […]
Think About This As you got up this morning, I watched you, and hoped you would talk to me, even if it was just a few words, asking my opinion or thanking me for something good that happened in your life yesterday. But I noticed you were too busy, trying to find the right outfit […]
The Tragedy of Gossip Author Unknown The story is told of the woman who became conscious stricken because of her gossiping ways. She went to the preacher, confessed her sin of spreading malicious rumors about her neighbors; and after the preacher prayed with her for God’s forgiveness, she asked what could she do to repair […]
“Daddy, Who Left The Lights On?” Passing the church building one Sunday evening where they attended morning worship, two “Christian” parents’ little girl exclaims, “daddy, somebody left the lights on. We should stop and turn them off.” The parents drove on in silence. Later at home, they decided they had better start attending evening worship. […]
Waiting Too Long Once a man standing by Niagara saw an eagle sitting on a lamb frozen in a piece of ice. The eagle was feasting upon the carcass as it drifted towards the rapids. Now and then the eagle proudly lifted his head to look around, as if to say, “I’m drifting toward danger, […]
Impatience A young man visited an aged saint and asked him to pray that he might become more patient. The older man agreed to pray The two knelt together and the man of God began to pray: “Lord, send this young man tribulation in the morning, and send him tribulation in the afternoon….” The young […]
Daddy, What Is A Christian? A little boy once asked his father, “Daddy, what is a Christian?” The father thought for a minute, then replied, “Son, a Christian believes in God and in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He has heard the gospel of Christ and in faith obeyed it. This means that he […]
Strong and Weak Tea; Strong and Weak Christians (From Biblical Preaching) Consider the difference between a strong and weak cup of tea. The same ingredients, water and tea, are used for both. The difference? The strong tea results from the tea-leaf’s immersion in the water longer, allowing the water to get into the tea-leaves and […]
Let Your Light Shine I read the following story a few years ago and copied it. I hope you will give it some very thoughtful consideration A traveler came to a small village. Night was coming and people were hurrying through the streets carrying bronze lamps. When he asked about this, the reply was that […]
Spiritually Blind Many years ago a preacher who faithfully proclaimed the gospel was challenged by an unbeliever who stepped from the crowd and said “I don’t believe in heaven or hell. I don’t believe in God or Christ. I haven’t seen them.” Then a man wearing dark glasses came forward and said, “You say there […]
DON’T BE LIKE THE FLEA ‘Tis said that a flea rode across a bridge one day in the ear of an elephant. After they were on the other side, the flea said to the elephant, “Boy, we sure shook that bridge.” Too many church members ride on the efforts of others but are ready to […]
ROBBING GOD A Chinese preacher, speaking of robbing God, used this illustration: “It came to pass that a man went to market with a string of seven coins, and after seeing a beggar in great need who asked for alms, gave him six of the seven, keeping only one for himself. Instead of being grateful, […]
DIARY OF THE BIBLE January: A busy time for me. Most of the family decided to read me through this year. They kept me busy for the first two weeks. I’m now forgotten. February: My owner used me for a few minutes last week. He had an argument and was checking references. March: Grandpa visited […]
Put My Memory in Your Pocket All the warm and tender feelings That were born the day we met Still live on, and grow within me, Much too precious to forget. # Chorus Put my memory in your pocket! Take it with you through the day! Tuck it underneath your pillow, When the sun has gone […]
Don’t Grieve For Me When I’ve been to my last service, And fades softly on the air, The notes of the last song for me, And then the final prayer; When Friends arise and slowly walk Down the long church aisle, For that last look at my cold corpse, As they pass by single file. […]
A NOTE FOR THE PREACHER Bob Pulliam I found your note on the door the other day. I just imagine that you came by to see why we were not at the services last Sunday. Well, I feel that I should explain so there will be no misunderstanding. You know that one thing we will […]
THE BIBLE Richie Thetford A mother once gave her son a Bible and wrote these words inside the flyleaf: “This Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this Bible.” How true those words are. When we take the time to study our Bible then we become more focused on […]
Why Some Are Not Asked R.L. Whiteside Happy is the person whose conduct does not raise a question in the minds of others as to where he stands. Some people never have to answer the question, “Will you have a drink with me?” There is a reason. Some young people are never subjected to certain […]
How Is Baptism Administered? WATER: “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized,…” (Acts 10:47) MUCH WATER: “And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there:…” (John 3:23) GOING INTO WATER: “And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into […]
How Are You Using Your Time? Greg Gwin Have you wondered why there never seems to be enough time to get everything done? Well, we may now have the answer. According to an article in U.S.News, an average American, in his lifetime, will spend: – 6 months at stoplights – 8 months opening junk mail […]
Some Thoughts About Public Prayer Greg Gwin We commend our men who are willing to help during the assemblies by leading the congregation in prayer. You are doing a good work! Please allow us to make a few suggestions that can improve our efforts in public prayers: 1) Speak UP! If you cannot be heard, […]
“Are You A Rusty Nail?” A strong magnet may be held over an old rust-eaten shapeless nail without meeting any response. A bright, shining nail will leap to the magnet, attract another and through it draw yet another until several are attached. That is how Christians are. A really genuine, active, shining Christian has a […]
EVERYBODY, SOMEBODY, ANYBODY & NOBODY Submitted by Somebody There was an important job to be done and everybody was asked to see if they could do it. Everybody was sure somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but nobody did. Somebody got real angry about that because it was everybody’s job. Everybody thought anybody […]
A Mother’s Beatitudes Blessed is the mother who understands her child, for she shall inherit a kingdom of memories. Blessed is the mother who knows how to comfort, for she shall possess a child of devotion. Blessed is the mother who is never shocked, for she shall receive confidences. Blessed is the mother who teaches […]
Finger On A Verse The story is told of a lady who had an unusual mode of Bible study which she later had to abandon. She in early mornings after quickly flipping through pages of the Bible, with her eyes closed, would bring her finger down on a verse. She would then open her eyes, […]
NOW IS THE TIME TO OBEY THE GOSPEL “Not yet,” said the youth. “I don’t want anything to interfere with my pleasure. When I grow older I’ll think about my soul.” “Not yet,” said the young married man. “I am just beginning to do well in life. When I see my business prospering, then I […]
HOW DO I DO THAT? Wendell Ward Once upon a time there was a centipede with a serious problem. He had arthritis! A centipede couldn’t have anything much worse than arthritis. He decided to go to the wise old owl for a solution. The wise old owl listened to his plight and advised him to […]
ON GOD’S SIDE In life, it is rather normal for people to be on a side. When people go to a tournament, even though the teams playing are not related to some of the spectators, the spectators cannot long remain neutral — they begin pulling for one side or the other. People who do not […]
DADDY HAD A LITTLE BOY Daddy had a little boy- His soul was white as snow; He never went to Bible class Cause Daddy wouldn’t go. He never heard the Word of God That thrills the childish mind- While other children went to class, This child was left behind. As he grew from babe to […]
FORGET IT! If you’ve not been treated right, Just forget it; Don’t make ready for a fight But forget it. ‘Twill your happiness besmudge, Anyway you’re not the judge Just forget it. If you’ve been misunderstood, Just forget it; Say, “I’ve done the best I could” And forget it. If you can’t have things your […]
A FATHER’S PRAYER Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid; ONE WHO WILL BE PROUD AND UNBENDING IN honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory. Build me a son whose wishbone will not be where his […]
THE CARPENTER! Once upon a time, two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side-by-side, sharing machinery and trading labor and goods as needed without a hitch. Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew […]
A Love Story There was once a little boy whose sister who needed a blood transfusion. The doctor explained that she had the same disease her brother had recovered from two years earlier. Her only chance for recovery was a transfusion from someone who had previously conquered the disease. Since the two children shared the same rare […]
“A Familiar Face Is Missing” Brian V. Sullivan We grow accustomed to familiar ways, As we each journey through life’s uncertain days. A friendly smile, perhaps a kind greeting. Make it worth our while to come to meeting. There are some folks you know will always be there With a warm smile and a genuine […]
Reason For Our Hope Pearl Pierson Those loving eyes are closed in sleep; Yet we have hope and do not weep For him (her) who goes to dwell above Where all is joy and peace and love. That tongue, whose gentle kindly word The eager little children heard, Is quiet now, yet we rejoice In […]
A Preacher’s Wildest Dream Realized! We love to hear you extrapolate About the meaning of Christ’s word; We simply cannot get enough; Expounding on things of the Lord! We hate to see you close the book When “now in conclusion” you say We wish your sermon would continue on Such short sermons are our dismay! […]
BETRAYED Friend, I stand in judgment now And feel that you’re to blame somehow, On earth, I walked with you day by day, And never did you point the way. You knew the Lord in truth and glory But never did you tell His story, My knowledge then was very dim, You could have led […]
Unless You Let It In All the water in the world However hard it tried, Could never, never sink a ship Unless it got inside. All the evil in the world, the wickedness and sin, can never sink your soul’s fair craft unless you let it in. All the hardships of this world, Might wear […]
A Forgiving Heart Greg Gwin Can you forgive your brother one time? Maybe twice? Three strikes and you’re out! NO! “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day […]
You, Me, and The Bible You may understand the Bible and I may misunderstand it. I may understand it and you may misunderstand it. We may both misunderstand it – but differently. We may misunderstand it alike. However, we cannot both understand it – but differently. What kind of book would the Bible be if […]
Gopher Wood or Gopher Forest? In seeking to impress upon the minds of individuals the importance of respecting the authority of God’s word we use the example of God commanding Noah to build the ark of gopher wood. When God commanded Noah to build the ark of gopher wood we note (and correctly so) that […]
You’re Satisfied? Jere E. Frost So what? The rich man was satisfied, but God called him a fool and took his life and condemned his soul. (Luke 12:20) The whole church at Laodicea was satisfied, but Jesus said they did not know that they were actually wretched, and miserable and poor and blind and naked […]
PRETEND Did we worship God this morning when we gathered with our friends? Did we really worship God? Or did we just PRETEND? Did we worship as we should? Did we worship as a trend? Did we do the best we could? Or did we just PRETEND? Did we “come to church” this morning that […]
It seems to be a poor joke . . . When some woman blushes with embarrassment . . . When some heart carries away an ache . . . When something sacred is made to appear common . . . When a man’s weakness provides the cause of laughter . . . When a little […]
No Problem! When a person is eager to learn the way of salvation and is willing to accept the word of God as the final authority, there is no problem in teaching him what to do to be saved. When differences arise among brethren and all have a humble attitude, and there is a sincere […]
They Were All Wrong A good many years ago, a preacher went into a town where there was no New Testament church. He preached in a house of worship and then in the market place of the city. Soon the religious leaders of the city heard him and invited him to address them. They thought […]
Counting God’s Promises Two little girls were counting their pennies. One said, “I have ten pennies.” “No,” said the first little girl, “You have just five pennies, the same as I. “But,” the second child quickly responded, “My father said that when he got home tonight he would give me five pennies; so I have […]
The Longer I Live … The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me is more important than facts. It’s more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It’s more important […]
Willing to Die Alan Smith How many people would you be willing to die for? Be honest now! Maybe your husband or wife, one of your children, but the list starts to get pretty short after that, doesn’t it? Can you imagine dying in the place of a convicted criminal? Someone is scheduled to die […]
Churches & Recreation Larry Hafley By teaching the word of God and caring for its needy, each church of Christ fulfills its divinely appointed duties of evangelism, edification, and benevolence. All who would engage the church in other activities have no authority for their practices. Money is obtained by the church to meet its […]
The Strength of a Church It is well to look at the strength of a congregation and then learn how to increase it. A Church’s strength does not necessarily depend on the number of its members. Many times we misjudge strength because we estimate strength by the number of members. We “count noses” rather than […]
If All Were Like You! If all the others CAME like you, Would there seldom be a vacant pew? Or would the opposite be true, If all the others came like you? If all the others GAVE like you, Then how much giving would the church do? Would all bills be paid as they fell […]
A Preacher Who Wouldn’t Do A church was in need of a preacher. One of the elders was interested in finding out just what kind of a preacher the church wanted. In order to do this he composed a letter as though it had been received from a preacher and read it to the […]
HYPOCRITES IN THE CHURCH The man who says he is kept from church by the hypocrites is not influenced by them anywhere else. Business if full of them, but if he by chance sees where he can make money, he does not hesitate because there are hypocrites making money. Society is crowded with them, and […]
Some Sad Situations People that worry more about the economy than the morality of our nation. Full jails and empty Bible school rooms. A society that is more concerned with material accumulation than spiritual growth. THINGS are more important that SOULS. People with fine clothes and filthy minds. So called Christians that must be invited […]
Do You Love the Truth? Jere Frost The lost are those who have been deceived by unrighteousness, and the reason they are deceived is because they do not have a love for the truth (2 Thess. 2:10). Love of the truth is therefore critical. There is a significant and discernible difference in claiming to love […]
Teach Children Values Lynn Headrick Children do not know true values. A very small child will prefer a shiny copper coin to a crumpled ten dollar bill. Older Children would eat all desert and no meat if parents allowed it. Children will not look beyond this life unless they are taught about heaven and hell. […]
Flying Off the Handle “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” (Prov. 16:32) The expression, “Fly off the handle,” is used when one quickly loses his temper. The original expression comes to us from the use of tools. After tools […]
LIFE WITHOUT LUMPS A carpet-layer had worked an hour past the time he was supposed to be home. As he was picking up his tools, he noticed a lump underneath the carpet. He felt his shirt pocket for his cigarettes (which he shouldn’t have had anyway), and sure enough, they were gone. Unwilling to spend […]
“LORD, HIT HIM AGAIN” L.L. Brigance once told his class about a congregation trying to finance a new roof for a meeting house. The men were meeting to see if the amount could be raised. One man said, “I’ll give two dollars.” Another, “I’ll give three.” Then all eyes turned to Brother T. Wad, who […]
Saved by Saving A man was walking over the mountains through a terrible snowstorm. He gradually grew colder and colder until at last, he stumbled and fell. He said to himself, “I shall never be found. This is the end.” He thought he was too weak to rise, but as he fell, his hand fell […]
THE INTOXICATED CAT John Clark A letter in the newspaper was written by an unhappy woman who complained that her husband thought it funny to make her pet cat drunk by pouring gin in its milk. The distressed woman complained that the cat would dance like mad, stagger around in circles, and finally fall in […]
WE DON’T HAVE THE SAME BAPTISM Bryan Matthew Dockens Because there is only “one baptism” that God approves (Ephesians 4:4-6), any baptism that does not fit the description provided in Scripture must be rejected. I believe my sins were remitted when I was baptized (Acts 2:38). If you believe the Lord took away your […]
“Christian Football” Quarterback Sneak – Church members quietly leaving during the invitation. Draw Play – What many children do with the bulletin during worship. Halftime – The period between Sunday School and worship when many choose to leave. Bench-warmer – Those who do not sing, pray, work, or apparently do anything but sit. Backfield-in-Motion – […]
The Tender Years H. Porter How wonderful it is today to see a young person obey the Lord and give his life to God. Yet, oft times those older in Christ forget that he will need encouragement and teaching. The young person faces temptations that are hard for him to resist. His schoolmates may be […]
PROPER DRESS FOR THE BATTLE David Sandlin Few men would dare go bear hunting with a buggy whip. You would not try to handle a burglar or robber with kid gloves. If a man is entering a ring for a 15 round fight, he would not appear in a swallowtail coat. So in going to […]
BIBLE PREACHING John the Baptist’s message from the wilderness was not “Smile—God loves you.” It was “O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come.” Jeremiah was not put into a miry pit for preaching, “I’m OK; you’re OK.” It was for crying against adultery, idolatry and other wickedness […]
HOW DO YOU GO? There are three types of Christians who respond to the call to service. Rowboat Christians—have to be pushed. Sailboat Christians—always go with the wind. Steamboat Christians—make up their minds where they ought to go and go there regardless of wind and weather.
ATTENDANCE The reasons why I’m giving up sports; football in the fall, baseball in the summer, basketball in the winter. I’ve had it all. I quit attending sports once and for all, and here are my 11 excuses. Every time I went, they asked for money. The people I sat next to didn’t […]
THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL Eugene Crawley There has been, I am convinced, too much emphasis put upon building up the church in numbers, to the oversight and exclusion of making sure people know, understand and obey from the heart the truth as revealed by Divine inspiration. This has not been true everywhere nor with […]
“I Feel I Am Saved” A gospel preacher was talking to a woman who said she knew she was saved. The preacher said, “How do you know you are saved?” She made the following reply, “I was attending a religious service one time and all of a sudden I felt light as a feather—I […]
ISN’T IT STRANGE James P. Needham When one wants to know what the work of preachers, elders and teachers is, one can easily cite numerous passages which give the answer. (II Timothy 4:1-6, I Peter 5:2, Acts 20:28, Titus 2:1-8, etc.) When one wants to know the function of youth directors, recreation directors, chairmen, superintendents, […]
Signs That You Are Slipping WHEN the way to the meeting house SEEMS TOO FAR, WHEN it seems TOO MUCH TROUBLE to get ready or to get out in the weather to go to the service, WHEN the singing comes HARD and SEEMS DREARY, WHEN the sermon seems much TOO LONG, WHEN you see much you […]
You Finish the Story There was once a congregation in which every member was just like you. Each one cooperated and supported every phase of the work just like you. Everyone worked as hard and attended the same services and gospel meetings that you did. The elders, deacons and preacher were all as interested in […]
Opinion or Faith John L. Clark Too many people have reduced religion to merely a matter of opinion. The true religion of Christ is a matter of revelation — the revelation of God’s Will in the Bible. We are to walk by faith (2 Cor. 5:7), and faith comes from the Word of God (Rom. […]
A Voice from the Past “To actually and truly stand upon the Bible, then, is to believe and do the things that the Bible teaches and to leave undone everything that it does not teach. No man can allow his preference or his opinion to prevent him from doing anything that the Scriptures require nor […]
“Ain’t It Funny” * How we set our clocks to arise at 5:00 A.M. to be at the job by 7:30; yet, when Sunday comes, we can’t get to the church building for the 9:00 A.M. Bible study to learn more about the one who gave us our jobs. * How we call God our […]
When you are not here at services. . …there is a hole in the wall. A hole where the devil can enter in and do harm. A hole that mars the rest of the wall. ..there is a missing link in the chain. A weak point where a break can take place. A weak point […]
“Did You Know?” Selected That many people who plan to be saved from their sins the eleventh hour die at 10:30! The apostle Paul wrote: “We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard […]
You Can … But You Can’t You can ignore God’s warnings: you can refuse His blessing; you can reject all his wondrous love; but you can’t go to heaven doing so. You can believe any doctrine you choose; you can belong to the church of your choice; you can worship God as you please; but […]
“Almost” is Not Enough Barney L. Keith It is sometimes said of an individual who has not yet obeyed the gospel, “I believe he is almost ready to be baptized,” or that “she is close to becoming a Christian!” Friend, are you one of those people? Can we not somehow impress upon you: That “almost” […]
Seven Things That Will Help You Grow Spiritually Grover Stevens 1. LIVE and WORK to reach others each day as if you knew the world was going to come to an end next Sunday night. Think of that feeling of urgency and priority! (Read 2 Peter 3:1-12) 2. BE AS ENTHUSIASTIC about the church and its […]
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT “One day when I was about eight, I was playing beside an open window while Mrs. Brown confided to my mother a serious problem concerning her son. When Mrs. Brown had gone, my mother realizing I had heard everything, said, ‘If Mrs. Brown had left her purse here today, would we […]
“What Kind of Drugstore Is This?” Edward O. Bragwell, Jr. I saw a cartoon posted in a brother’s drug store with the caption saying in effect: “What do you mean you don’t have nuts and bolts? What kind of drug store is this?” Our society expects more from a drug store than just drugs. The […]
YOU CAN’T PLEASE EVERYBODY Jimmy Tuten I am reminded of an old Spanish parable about a man, a boy, and a donkey. They were all three walking down a dusty road on a hot summer day. Someone passed and they overheard him say, “Look at those foolish people walking when they could be riding the […]
WISDOM FROM A YOUNG HEART One day a small boy was seated around the dinner table and heard a larger boy complaining about having to eat cauliflower. The big boy raved on and on about how awful it smelled and how it tasted. Finally the little boy, not quite eight years old, looked at the […]
TEACHER READ THIS A little boy sat in the Bible School one Lord’s day morning. He listened as the teacher talked of the importance of the kingdom of God. “It must come first,” the teacher said. The lad was greatly impressed because the teacher seemed so sincere. That night the little boy came back to […]
A Tree or a Post Frank Jamerson “A tree and a post stood side by side. At first, the tree was small and slender, and could have been easily broken off. The post was large and solid and supported a fence. The forces of nature began their work and the post rotted and fell to the […]
“AND I THOUGHT I WAS A LIAR” “Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.” (Eph. 4:25) A little boy visited his aunt, who reprimanded him for telling a lie. “Do you know,” she warned, “what happens to little boys who tell […]
Newton’s Model The story is told that he had an atheistic friend who did not believe in God. Sir Isaac devised a plan to try to convince his friend that God did exist and had created the Universe. One day, he went to a carpentry shop and asked the owner to make a model of […]
A Bad Example Did you ever see a river that was as straight as an arrow? Most likely not. Streams generally wind back and forth from the time they gush out of a lake until they find repose in the bosom of the deep. And why is it the river is never straight? Let a […]
Gossip Mildred, the church gossip, and self-appointed monitor of the church’s morals, kept sticking her nose into other people’s business. Several members did not approve of her extracurricular activities, but feared her enough to maintain their silence. She made a mistake, however, when she accused George a new member, of being an alcoholic after she […]
The Duck Church One fine Sunday morning, the ducks gathered for duck church. They waddled into their duck pews, sang from their duck song books, and listened to their duck preacher. The duck preacher said, “Ducks, you don’t have to waddle. You have wings like eagles. You can fly! Fly, ducks, fly! The ducks all […]
True Riches author unknown One day a father and his rich family took his son to a trip to the country with the firm purpose to show him how poor people can be. They spent a day and a night in the farm of a very poor family. When they got back from their trip […]
“Death Notice” Bill Crews I can’t died last week. He had long been a member of the church, but was never faithful. Brother Compromise was the only one available to direct the service. Services were held in the parlor of Maybe Tomorrow Funeral Home. Attending as pallbearers were Neglect, Indifference, Never Try, and Get Somebody Else, all close relatives of the deceased. The body was buried in […]
“Get the Man Together For A Better World” Clarence DeLoach A small boy anxiously waited all day for his dad to get home. Finally his father arrived dragging his body into the house from an especially hard day’s work. The little boy had all kinds of playful ideas he wanted to share with his father. Over […]
It Must Be Applied A gospel preacher met an acquaintance, a soap manufacturer, on the street. All about the two men were evidences of worldliness and sin, in the flashing signs advertising liquor, in the shadowy stairways leading to questionable places of amusement, and even in the language tossed into the air by a careless […]
SHOULD YOU GO FIRST Should you go first, and I remain To walk the road alone, I’ll live in memory’s garden, dear, With happy days we’ve known. In spring, I’ll wait for the roses red, In summer, lilacs blue; In autumn, when the brown leaves fall, I’ll catch a breath of you. Should you go […]
Two Wolves: An elder Cherokee Native American was teaching her grandchildren about life. She said to them, “A fight is going on inside me…it is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One wolf represents fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The […]
Today… I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight. I have responsibilities to fulfill today. I am important. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have. Today I can complain because the weather is rainy, or I can be thankful […]
HYMNS — THE WAY WE’D SING THEM IF WE WERE HONEST I Surrender, Some There Shall Be Sprinkles of Blessings Fill My Spoon, Lord Oh, How I Like Jesus He’s Quite a Bit to Me I Love to Talk About Telling the Story Take My Life and Let Me Be It Is My Secret What […]
Just For You Author Unknown A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through the little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten […]
Daddy’s Bible Daddy has left us, his life’s work is done. Only one thing leaving, to me, his son. It is his old Bible, all tattered and torn. Each page is wrinkled, soiled or worn. Its condition, atrocious, but not from abuse. It happened through time, with frequent use. From cover to cover, each page […]
Sentence Sermons Jesus is the only fountain who can satisfy the thirsty soul. Spoiled children are given what they want; wise parents give them what they need. God is never inconvenienced by our prayers. No one ever grows fat on excuses, but everybody gets fed up with them. If a sermon pricks the conscience, it […]
Two Frogs Two frogs were playing on the rafters of a dairy barn one night and fell into adjoining pails of cream. Both frogs scrambled for survival, but one fought longer and harder, and stayed the course. When the farmer came in the next morning, he found one frog floating on the top of the cream, dead; and the […]
OUR PRECIOUS BIBLE “Our precious Bible, book divine” It tells of God and the beginning of time It’s a “light to our pathway, a lamp to our feet” May we always realize its taste so sweet It tells where we came from and why we’re here The possibility of life in that heavenly sphere […]
The Parable of the Lifesaving Station There was once a crude little life-saving station on a dangerous seacoast where shipwrecks often occur. The building was just a hut, and there was only one boat, but the few devoted members kept a constant watch over the sea, and with no thought for themselves, they went out […]
WORMS FOR SALE It is an old story, but is still worth telling. A lark, singing in the high branches of a tree, saw a traveler walking through the forest carrying a mysterious little black box. The lark flew down and perched on the traveler’s shoulder. “What do you have in the little black box?’ […]
The Church Died! Joe Fitch Impressive churches dot the pages of Bible history – Antioch, Ephesus, Jerusalem, Philippi, Rome. From more recent restoration history, a host of names are recalled. But what finally happened to those churches? A few remain; most are gone. They died! Is this destined to be the final chapter of […]
When The Wind Blows Years ago, a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast. He constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops. As the farmer interviewed applicants for the […]
The Anvil Last eve I passed beside a blacksmith’s door And heard the anvil ring the vesper chime; When looking in, I saw upon the floor, Old hammers worn with beating years of time. “How may anvils have you had,” said I, “To wear and batter all these hammers so?” “Just one,” said he; then […]
HOW DO YOU LIVE YOUR DASH? I read of a man who stood to speak At the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on her tombstone From the beginning…to the end. He noted that first came her date of birth And spoke the following date with tears, But he said […]
How Far Can You See? Sam, an old man, was a witness in a burglary case. The defense lawyer asked Sam, “Did you see my client commit this burglary?” “Yes,” said Sam , “I saw him plainly take the goods.” The lawyer asks Sam again, “Sam, this happened at night. Are you sure you saw […]
THE CLOCK OF LIFE The Clock of Life is wound but once and no man has the power; To say, just when the hands will stop, at 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 loss That no man […]
The House of Mourning Mike Johnson Ecclesiastes 7:2 says, “Better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, For that is the end of all men; and the living will take it to heart.“ Why is it better to go to the house of mourning than to the house […]
A Blessed Rest Mike Johnson Revelation 14:13 says, “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” The word “blessed” means “happy.” There is an […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (14) Who Really Has Security? Mike Johnson People who believe in the doctrine of “once saved, always saved” usually take great comfort in their view, looking upon it as one of their most essential beliefs. They also tend to see any group that does not accept this position as inferior. They […]