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“A Wise Man’s Heart Discerneth . . . Time & Judgment” Alan Smith A preacher, a politician and an engineer were led to the guillotine. The preacher was asked if he wanted to be face up or face down when he met his fate. The preacher said that he would like to lie face up […]
“Come Before Winter” Joshua Welch The first day of winter, for the northern hemisphere, occurs on the “winter solstice.” This year, winter solstice occurs on December 21st. Winter is a slower, more restful time for some households. There are no flowers to plant, grass to cut, and leaves to rake. Outdoor sports slow down in […]
So, What’s a Good Sermon? Jefferson David Tant Out of all the thousands of sermons preachers have delivered and to which people have listened, how would we determine which sermons are good, which are bad, or which are so-so? I would suppose that even preachers evaluate themselves from time to time, and on occasion might […]
God’s Revelations Mike Johnson Some people do not believe that God has revealed Himself to mankind. In fact, they do not even believe that God exists. These people are called atheists. Another group, the deists, believe in the existence of a deity, but they think He has not given us a specific revelation; they believe […]
What Is Happiness? R.J. Evans How many times have you reasoned, “I’d be happy, if only…”? And then the dream usually continues with “if only I had more money,” or “if only I had married someone else,” or “if only I had more friends, a better education, a better job, a bigger house, better health,” […]
I Will Praise You With All My Heart (Psalm 86:12) Mike Johnson In Psalm 86:11, David asked God to teach him His way; he asserted that he would walk in His truth and then asked God to unite his heart to fear His name. He follows by saying he will praise and glorify God. Verse […]
Unite My Heart, O Lord (Psalm 86:11) Mike Johnson Psalm 86 is a prayer by David while he was facing perilous times. Despite his circumstances, in the first part of verse 11, he prayed for God to teach him His way, and then, upon learning the Lord’s way, he would walk in His truth. Then […]
The Greatness of God (Psalm 86:8-10) Mike Johnson Psalm 86 is a prayer by David, who is experiencing hardships, although he is not very specific about their nature. However, verse 14 points out that a group of proud and violent people, who had no regard for God, were seeking his life. Yet, amid his trouble, […]
Help Me God, for I Am Holy (Psalm 86:2) Mike Johnson Psalm 86 is a prayer of David, written during a time when he was facing troubling times. We learn from verses 14 and 17 that his enemies are trying to kill him. In verses 1-7, he makes several requests asking God to save him, […]
Bring Joy to My Soul (Psalm 86:4-5) Mike Johnson Psalm 86 consists entirely of a prayer by David during a time when he was greatly distressed. The details of his difficulties are not revealed, but verse 14 points out that a group of proud and violent people, who had no regard for God, were seeking […]
Be Merciful to Me, O Lord (Psalm 86:3) Mike Johnson Psalm 86 is a prayer by the author, David. He is experiencing hardships, although he is not very specific about their nature. However, verse 14 points out that a group of proud and violent people, who had no regard for God, sought his life. Yet, […]
Teach Me Your Way (Psalm 86:11) Mike Johnson Psalm 86 is a psalm of David, and verse 11 is a part of a prayer he prayed during a time of extreme distress. People are trying to kill him (14), and he turns to God for help. He implored, “Teach me Your way, O Lord; I […]
Praying in Times of Trouble (Psalm 86) Mike Johnson Psalm 86:7 says, “In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, for You will answer me.” This verse is an excellent summation of this Psalm. The writer is experiencing hardships, although he is not very specific about their nature. However, verse 14 points […]
“That Many Pastors Can’t Be Wrong” Jeff Smelser So asserted an advertisement for a direct mail service used by more than 1,000 churches. One would think that even with a passing familiarity with the Bible, people would be reluctant to determine the validity of something based on the number of people who believe in it. […]
Infant Baptism Refused for Incorrect Reasons Dylan Stewart Yesterday morning I was scrolling through my Facebook news feed and noticed a headline written by a local news station that caught my attention. The headline read, Reverend Refuses to Baptize Baby, Says Unwed Parents Are ‘Living in Sin’. To summarize the article, a Methodist preacher in […]
THE VALUE OF GOD’S WORD Richie Thetford Have you ever had something you valued very highly and were afraid that you might lose it? Most of us take great care in protecting what we highly treasure, and try to learn the best way to protect it. Sometimes our efforts to preserve and keep our treasures […]
“I Don’t Care What It Says” Steven F. Deaton In the course of a discussion the other day, I asked a man to read a certain chapter from the Bible and get back to me about our topic. He said he would read it, but it would not matter what it says, because he would […]
I Once Shot a Woodpecker I was looking through the hometown newspaper the other day and I came across this: A speaker was lecturing on Forest Reserve. Speaker: I don’t suppose that there is a person in the house who has done a single thing to conserve our timber resources. Silence ruler for several seconds, […]
Reaping What We Sow (Galatians 6:7-8) Mike Johnson Near the end of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, in a section of practical applications, Paul warned, “(7) Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. (8) For he who sows to his flesh will of the […]
Troubled Over Growing Old Connie W. Adams The Bible addresses the needs of people in every stage of life. In Titus 2:1-6, Paul gave instruction for “aged men,” “aged women,” “young women,” and “young men. “Each age has its own special challenges and growing older has its share. One wag said, “It is not so […]
TURNING FORGIVENESS AROUND Greg Gwin We hear it frequently in the news these days. It has been a common defense in some high-profile criminal cases. The basic argument is that people can be excused for committing even hideous crimes if they can demonstrate that something awful happened in their past. Unfortunately, this approach has proven […]
Restoring the Erring (Galatians 6:1) Mike Johnson The book of Galatians can be divided into three sections. Chapters 1-2 are autobiographical as Paul defends his apostleship, which is a foundation for what follows. Chapters 3-4 are doctrinal. Here, Paul defends his message about salvation through Christ without the works of the old law. Finally, chapters […]
God’s Barriers 0n the Road to Hell Jarrod Jacobs Picture a bridge that has just been washed away. When those working on this problem come to the scene, they put up barriers, or barricades to keep people from endangering their lives and the lives of others. Yes, accidents can occur, and yes, people can […]
T.N.T. A preacher once sent a number of books from his personal library (among them a copy of the New Testament) to be rebound. On the return of his books, he was startled to discover on the spine of the New Testament–in gold embossed letters–the initials “T.N.T.” You see, there was no room to spell […]
Where Was God? Frank Richey The news is filled with tragedy and devastation, both natural and man-made. When someone’s life is lost in an accident or illness, often a loving family member will ask, where was God? The implication of this question is that a loving God would not allow this to happen. The question […]
“. . . Except You Repent” Bobby Graham “. . . but unless you repent you will all like-wise perish” (Luke 13:3). The same requirement here stated regarding certain ones is elsewhere applied to all people, for “God commands all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). Because it requires a change of mind and subsequent […]
Do We Honor Our Rulers? Dylan Stewart Social media is rampant with people – even Christians – making daily, sometimes hourly posts criticizing our governmental leaders. It does not matter what side of the political spectrum you may fall on, it is so easy to constantly dwell on the negative that the rulers of our […]
What Then? David Sain On graduation night, a father asked, “Son, what are your plans?” The boy answered, “Dad, you know that I’m going to college.” The dad said, “That’s right, but what then?” The boy replied, “Well, I’ll want to get a good job and hopefully get married.” The dad said, “That’s also fine, […]
What If It Became a Crime to Assemble? Terry W. Benton In China, it is reported that if you do not renounce your faith in Jesus you will be tortured till you do. If that is so, I wonder how many of us would renounce Christ? In parts of Nigeria, you will be killed for […]
We Are Simply Christians Without Being Members of Any Denomination. You Can Be Too! Dale Smelser We read with interest the reports on every hand of the growing disenchantment with present religious forms, which originated in the middle ages and have become meaningless. We hear of displeasure with denominational structures and their pronouncements which reflect […]
A Troubled Heart Remembers (Psalm 77) Mike Johnson It is common for Christians today to become discouraged when facing hardships and wonder why God has not helped them. In Psalm 77, the writer seems to be facing this situation in dealing with some very distressing circumstances. It is uncertain what the troubling problem is, but […]
How Do We Conduct Our Worship? Dylan Stewart Congregations often sound and look different one from another. However, one thing that should not vary between congregations is worship. Now, this is not to say that congregations cannot construct, or order, their worship services differently than another group. As long as our actions are approved by […]
==================================== SEEKING THINGS ABOVE “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. “(Col. 3:1) Volume III Number 1 April 2022 ==================================== Needed, Hearers Who Will Listen Glen Young Back when the telegraph was the fastest method of long-distance communication, a young […]
Sister Peter Sewell Hall Fifty years ago, it was easier to remember the names of Christians than it is now. Every man’s first name was “Brother” and every woman’s name was “Sister.” Now, most people are known by their given names almost exclusively. We must return, however, to the old custom in designating the wife […]
A Woman’s Contribution to the Local Congregation Carey Scott More often than not, women are the lifeblood of the congregation. Attention is often given to the limitations placed on women in the assemblies of the church because of what is written in I Corinthians 14:34-37 and because of what is written in I Timothy 2:11-12. Such limitations notwithstanding, […]
The Scriptures Are Understandable Mike Johnson Have you heard someone say, “I just can’t understand the Bible?” Unfortunately, many people look at the Scriptures in this way. They think it is a deep, dark, mysterious book that few can understand. However, people should not look at God’s Word in this way. Ephesians 3:3-4 tells us […]
The Same Standard Mike Johnson Suppose a person goes into a hardware store and asks for one yard of rope. Imagine the confusion if the salesman felt that a yard is 20 inches instead of 36. Much turmoil is avoided in our society because we have a set standard of measurements — we all go […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (1) (Introduction) Mike Johnson Consider this question. Can one who has been born again, i.e., one who has entered into a proper relationship with God, conduct himself in such a way to be eternally lost? Many say one cannot. They hold a doctrine known by such names as “Once Saved, Always […]
========================== SEEKING THINGS ABOVE “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. “(Col. 3:1) Volume 3 Number 2 May 2022 ========================== Sister Peter Sewell Hall Fifty years ago, it was easier to remember the names of Christians than it is […]
Do Not Get Discouraged (Galatians 6:9) Mike Johnson Galatians 6:1-10 encourages us in Christian living. It points out that in a spirit of humility and gentleness, those who are spiritual are to try to restore those involved in sin. It also teaches that we are to bear the burdens of others and assist financially those […]
How Excellent Is Your Name (Psalm 8:1) Mike Johnson Psalm 8:1 says, “O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth, who have set Your glory above the heavens!” Christians often incorporate this beautiful verse as an introduction to their prayers. In the Psalm, David speaks of the greatness of God […]
Needed, Hearers Who Listen Glen Young Back when the telegraph was the fastest method of long-distance communication, a young man applied for a job as a Morse Code operator. Answering an ad in the newspaper, he went to the office address that was listed. When he arrived, he entered a large, busy office filled with […]
SURE SIGNS OF BACKSLIDING Author Unknown 1. When the way to the meeting house seems too far. 2. When the sermon seems too long. 3. When the singing comes hard and seems dreary. 4. When you see so much to dislike in your brethren. 5. When the preacher makes you mad. 6. When the members […]
Dorcas, a Fond Remembrance by Friends Bill Feist She was married to a non-Christian. I met her years after the “battles” were fought over the importance and role of the Lord in her life. She sketched for me one time what some of those battles were, only because she had come to volunteer to talk […]
A Troubled Heart Remembers (Psalm 77) Mike Johnson It is common for Christians today to become discouraged when facing hardships and wonder why God has not helped them. In Psalm 77, the writer seems to be facing this situation in dealing with some very distressing circumstances. It is uncertain what the troubling problem is, but […]
Do We Honor Our Rulers? Dylan Stewart Social media is rampant with people – even Christians – making daily, sometimes hourly posts criticizing our governmental leaders. It does not matter what side of the political spectrum you may fall on, it is so easy to constantly dwell on the negative that the rulers of […]
Where Was God? Frank Richey The news is filled with tragedy and devastation, both natural and man-made. When someone’s life is lost in an accident or illness, often a loving family member will ask, where was God? The implication of this question is that a loving God would not allow this to happen. The question […]
Restoring the Erring Mike Johnson The book of Galatians can be divided into three sections. Chapters 1-2 are autobiographical as Paul defends his apostleship, which is a foundation for what follows. Chapters 3-4 are doctrinal. Here, Paul defends his message about salvation through Christ without the works of the old law. Finally, chapters 5-6 are […]
Wait on the Lord (Psalm 27:14) Mike Johnson Many think that David is the author of Psalm 27 and that he wrote it when he was fleeing from Saul. It has been called “An Exuberant Declaration of Faith.” It starts with David expressing great confidence in God (1-3). God is his light, salvation, and strength. […]
Infant Baptism Refused for Incorrect Reasons Dylan Stewart Yesterday morning I was scrolling through my Facebook news feed and noticed a headline written by a local news station that caught my attention. The headline read, Reverend Refuses to Baptize Baby, Says Unwed Parents Are ‘Living in Sin’. To summarize the article, a Methodist preacher in Mississippi, […]
Seeking the Face of God (Psalm 27:8-9) Mike Johnson Many think David wrote Psalm 27 when fleeing from Saul, which is likely the case. Earlier in the Psalm, he expresses strong faith and confidence in God, but verses 8-9 reflect him apparently facing difficulties. In these verses, he addresses God saying, “When You said, ‘Seek […]
God’s Revelations Mike Johnson Some people do not believe that God has revealed Himself to mankind. In fact, they do not even believe that God exists. These people are called atheists. Another group, the deists, believe in the existence of a deity, but they think He has not given us a specific revelation; they believe […]
The Doctrine Police Dylan Stewart Name calling is often a go-to response for people who are unwilling to listen to opposing viewpoints when discussing the Bible. How long has it been since someone has called you a “legalist” for recognizing the strictness of the New Testament Law (Matthew 5:19; James 2:10)? When is the […]
My Sin Is Always Before Me (Psalm 51:3) Mike Johnson The writer of Psalm 51 expresses great sorrow for his sins. Most agree that David is the author, and he wrote it after his sin with Bathsheba. In 2 Samuel 11-12, we learn that David committed adultery, and then he committed murder trying to conceal […]
Self Control Bill Hall What is the value of self-control? Self-control is that which enables us to hold our tongues when we are tempted to viciously put someone in his place once and for all; or when we know a juicy bit of gossip that would be entertaining to the group and would turn us […]