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What Does the Empty Tomb Mean to Us? Jarrod Jacobs  Almost 2000 years ago, Jesus was crucified between two thieves. When He died, His body was laid in a new tomb belonging to Joseph of Arimathea (Mk. 15:43-47), there to await His resurrection on the third day. The account of the women and the apostles […]
Reasons We Shouldnât Neglect Study of the New Testament Pat Donahue Iâve heard many sermons on how we ought to study the Old Testament (in particular), but I have never heard one (not a single sermon) do the same for the New Testament.  Doesnât that seem strange to you, especially considering the fact the New Testament is […]
Narrow Mindedness Cecil F. Cox Do you like narrow-minded people? I believe the majority of the people, if they answered that question honestly, would say âNO!â Such an attitude reflects the desire to prejudice or belittle those who sincerely seek to go by the rules and laws in life. But I believe many of us […]
Are You A Pilgrim? Terry W. Benton Peter writes with the authority of an âapostleâ of Jesus Christ and he writes to the Christians who were scattered. In 1 Peter 1:1, Peter speaks of âpilgrims of the dispersion.â He was likely speaking of the Christians who had been scattered since the days when persecution had […]
ACT AS THOUGH YOU’RE DEAF Leon Mauldin We trust that our readers are familiar with Israel’s request to Samuel that he make them a king, so “that we also may be like all the nations” (1 Samuel 8:20). Having prayed to God, and having warned the people of how the reality of their having a […]
Some Facts About Christmas Tom Moody The word “Christmas” is formed by the combining of the words “Christ” and “mass,” thus, “the Mass of Christ.” The holiday as we know it originated with Roman Catholic ritual, although the ultimate origin of many of the customs of the season is not Catholicism, but paganism. No one […]
Understanding the Message Greg Gwin Did you hear about the fella who was discussing his recent visit to a church service? Someone asked him, “What did the preacher preach about?” To which he replied, “I don’t know. He didn’t say!” There could be at least a couple of reasons why a person could attend a […]
What Would You Do? For many years, a merchant conscientiously used a measure that did not meet the government standard. He was honest and had no intention of defrauding those who purchased from him. He took the word of the man who sold him the measure and never thought of having it tested. When the […]
Brief Exhortations âDo not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.â (Gal. 6:7-8) A farmer posted a âNo Trespassingâ […]
This May Shock You Donnie V. Rader This may shock you, but there are a number of things that the Bible does not teach that a multitude of people are not aware of. 1. The Bible does not teach that one church is as good as another. Rather, the Bible says, “There is one body” […]
What Might Have Been Barney L. Keith How painful is the thought expressed by one of the great poets, John Greenleaf Whittier: âFor of all sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these: âIt might have been!ââ Many a person has thrown away his life in drug addiction (including alcohol). Numerous are those […]
Was the Death of Stephen Unnecessary? Windell Wiser The title that heads this article may sound strange, but the actions and philosophies of some merit our consideration of such a question. It is true that we live in a country where we enjoy religious freedom. It is not against the law to preach Christ in […]
Is It Right to Criticize Another Personâs Religion? Kevin Kay Itâs not only right to criticize false religion, no matter whose religion it is; itâs the faithful Christianâs responsibility. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for âteaching as doctrines the commandments of menâ (Matthew 15:7-9). Paul criticized those who tried to bind the shadows of the Mosaic […]
Unknown Voices from the Past: A man was walking down a little hill in the woods when he stepped on a little twig. The twig rolled, and he fell down. As he got up and went on his way, he thought to himself, âIf that had been a big log, I would have seen it […]
Thereâs Nothing Wrong with Emphasizing Fear of Eternal Punishment Dylan Stewart For some reason, many believers take issue with Bible teachers emphasizing fear of eternal punishment as motivation for serving God. However, teaching others to obey God due to fear of punishment is the exact reason listed in 2 Corinthians 5:10-11a as to why […]
The Conversion of Cornelius Derek Long In the book of Acts chapter 10, we read of the conversion of Cornelius and his household. Many important truths can be learned by examining the account of his conversion. Letâs examine some of these lessons: 1. Being a good man is not enough to save someone. As we […]
Pilate, the Roman Governor Clarence R. Johnson As Jesus stood before Pilate, the Roman governor, He clearly acknowledged that He was born to be King of the Jews, Matt.  27:11; John 18:36-37. While in the context of Matt.  27:11, we might take note of the insight this passage gives us into the character of Pontus […]
A Recreational Church? Carey Scott Many different denominations seeking to attract numbers and new converts offer recreation as a benefit of joining their church. Entertainment and recreation seem to be a drawing card that is hard to beat. It certainly appeals to the lust of the flesh and mind. And what some of them wear […]
Whatâs Wrong With âSituation Ethicsâ? Greg Gwin Joseph Fletcher (1905-1991), an Episcopal priest, was the most famous proponent of âsituation ethics.â In a book entitled âSituation Ethics: The New Morality,â he formalized a view that is commonly accepted by many individuals. Here are some quotes from Fletcherâs book: âFor the situationist there are no rules […]
PDF Understanding Angels Mike Johnson When you hear the word angel, what image comes to mind? Various visualizations may occur, but there is a good chance that paintings, drawings, modern-day television programs, and movies have influenced what we see.  Some may think of a beautiful woman with long hair wearing a white robe who moves […]
It Is Hard to Start Back Dennis Tucker For three years I was a member of the Kiwanis Club. It is a good organization devoted to community projects. Once a week, we would meet and have lunch. At this time, a guest would speak to us on a particular topic. We had policemen come and […]
Some Benefits of Suffering Bob Waldron There is no problem in life more universal, more common, and more unique than that of suffering.  It is the common malady of mankind; if we live long enough, we will experience some type or degree of suffering. It is not my purpose in this article to discuss the […]
Whatâs Wrong With Todayâs Youth? Bill Hall All along we hear questions raised as to what has gone wrong with todayâs youth. Recently, a brother expressed his concern along this line and then asked, âWhat advice would you give young parents to help them avoid mistakes that we have made in our generation?â The first […]
A Pioneer Preacher Proves a Point About Infant Baptism Greg Gwin Many stories are told about pioneer preacher âRaccoonâ John Smith. He was a man of strong conviction and clever wit. One of the better known incidents in his preaching work is related in this excerpt from a biographical sketch ⌠Noticing, one day, that […]
What One Tolerates, the Next Accepts Mark White John Wesley once wrote, “What one generation tolerates, the next generation will embrace.” Both sacred and secular history have proven the truth of this assessment time and time again. Everything from dancing to drinking, from abortion to mercy-killing, has gone from toleration to acceptance. In the home […]
God’s View of the Death of the Righteous Mike Johnson Dealing with the death of a loved one can be one of the greatest agonies that a person has to face. We think of the death of a loved one in terms of heartache, tears, sorrow, and pain. Yet, Psalm 116:15 says, âPrecious in the sight of […]
How the Church May Use Its Money Andy Sochor âNow concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. Â On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when […]
Can We Just Be Christians Craig Thomas In a world filled with religious traditions and denominational churches, the concept of being simply Just a Christian is difficult to communicate. Yet a careful reader of the New Testament will realize Jesus did not die so His followers could be divided into sects and parties (John 17:20-23). Jesus died […]
Why Churches Grow J. F.Dancer 1. Brethren are friendly and are deeply concerned about saving souls. 2. Elders plan ways in which the membership is informed, kept busy and knowledgeable of one another (Heb. 13:17; 1 Thess. 5:12; 1 Pet. 5:1-4). 3. Members worship in a well planned, Scripturally and orderly service. 4. Classes are […]
Do You Feel Saved? Wayne Greeson Are you saved? How do you know you are saved? “I know I am saved because I feel it in my heart,” many often say. But are the feelings of your heart the proper standard to determine your salvation? We do not use this standard in other matters. No […]
Analyzing Arguments in Favor of Instrumental Music Mark Mayberry Christianity is a religion of faith. To walk by faith means that we live in harmony with God’s Word. This has special application to our expression of worship: It must be according to God’s will! Our faith, practice and worship must be grounded in the […]
Gratitude In the depth of winter they were nearly frozen, and the mother took the door of a cellar off the hinges, and set it up before the corner where they were crouched down to sleep that some of the draft and cold might be kept from them. One of the children whispered to her, […]
How the Church May Use Its Money Andy Sochor  âNow concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when […]
Do You Feel Saved? Wayne Greeson Are you saved? How do you know you are saved? “I know I am saved because I feel it in my heart,” many often say. But are the feelings of your heart the proper standard to determine your salvation? We do not use this standard in other matters. No […]
Work Out Your Own Salvation (Philippians 2:12) Mike Johnson Philippians 2:12 says, â . . . work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.â What is this passage saying? Is it saying there are many ways to be saved, and people can be saved by whatever method they choose? This is not the meaning […]
Some Benefits of Suffering Bob Waldron There is no problem in life more universal, more common, and more unique than that of suffering.  It is the common malady of mankind; if we live long enough, we will experience some type or degree of suffering. It is not my purpose in this article to discuss the […]
Five Steps to Peace Mike Johnson âDo not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. Â For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb (Ps. 37:1-2).â When we think of the word âfret,â we may think of someone excessively worrying or frequently […]
Understanding Angels Mike Johnson When you hear the word angel, what image comes to mind? Various visualizations may occur, but there is a good chance that paintings, drawings, modern-day television programs, and movies have influenced what we see.  Some may think of a beautiful woman with long hair wearing a white robe who moves about […]
Following Elders into Error Mike Johnson Elders have a vital function in the Lordâs church. Â They are to oversee the flockâ they are to feed, or shepherd, the local congregation of which they are a part (Acts 20:17, 28; I Pet. Â 5:1-2). Â Elders are to watch for grievous wolves (or false teachers) who threaten the […]
Reaping What We Sow (Gal. 6:7-8) Mike Johnson Near the end of Paulâs letter to the Galatians, in a section of practical applications, Paul warned, â(7) Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. Â (8) For he who sows to his flesh will of […]
Act as Though Youâre Deaf Leon Mauldin We trust that our readers are familiar with Israel’s request to Samuel that he make them a king, so “that we also may be like all the nations” (1 Samuel 8:20). Having prayed to God, and having warned the people of how the reality of their having a […]
The Purpose of Baptism Mike Johnson Baptism has been a controversial subject in the religious world and also a neglected topic by many preachers and teachers. Baptism is not an obscure subject, as the word âbaptismâ (or some form of it) occurs more than one hundred times in the New Testament. As with any question, […]
The Silent Killer Mike Johnson Doctors sometimes refer to high blood pressure as âthe silent killerâ because people often do not know they have it until the damage happens. This article is not about our physical health but rather about another silent killer condemned in the Scriptures, âbitterness.â Like high blood pressure, it often goes […]
Did My Generation Neglect the Grace of God? Edward O. Bragwell, Sr. I cannot understand how so many of the younger generation of preachers (sometimes encouraged by a few older ones) can talk about how woefully the generation before them neglected to tell people about the grace of God. Â They boldly speak about it as […]
A Hairy Problem Roger Shouse A person between the ages of 20â30 has about 615 hair follicles per square centimeter. Â A person 50 years of age has around 485 hair follicles per square centimeter. Â Typically, most people have somewhere between 100,000 â150,000 hairs on their head. Â By the way, the average hair loss for an […]
Can We Just Be Christians? Craig Thomas In a world filled with religious traditions and denominational churches, the concept of being simply Just a Christian is difficult to communicate. Yet a careful reader of the New Testament will realize Jesus did not die so His followers could be divided into sects and parties (John 17:20-23). Jesus died […]
Preacher’s Point I would rather have thousands to say to me at the judgment, “We heard you preach and You hurt our feelings,” than to have just one lost soul to say, “I heard you preach, but you did not tell me the truth.” John T. Lewis Related Article
Which Is Most Important? David Sain The condition and appearance of your house, or what goes on inside your house? The time you spend on the condition and appearance of your body or the time you spend on the inner man? Reading about life according to magazines and newspapers, or about âlifeâ according to Godâs […]
DONâT BE LIKE THE FLEA âTis said that a flea rode across a bridge one day in the ear of an elephant. Â After they were on the other side, the flea said to the elephant, âBoy, we sure shook that bridge.â Too many church members ride on the efforts of others but are ready to […]
The Black Type in the Red-Letter Edition of the New Testament Gary Smalley Of course it is extremely disturbing to read or hear destructive criticisms toward the Holy Bible as unbelievers state disparaging comments regarding the reliability of the Godbreathed writings (2 Timothy 3:16; cf. 2 Peter 1:16-21; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13). But even among Christians […]
Why No Instruments of Music? Bobby Graham This question often comes from honest people, wondering why some of us do not use such mechanical instruments in the worship of the Lord. It is a fair question that demands a fair answer. All worship of God is limited by whatever divine instructions have been given for […]
The Salvation Army David Weaks I wonder how many people know that the Salvation Army is a church. The only time you see them is at Christmas time when the red kettles and bell ringers show up at entrances to shopping malls. How many times have people tossed money into the kettle, accepted the cheery […]
The Importance of Doctrine Steve Klein This past week, I noticed that the sign in front of the Presbyterian Church in Rogersville said, “Love God. Love others. The rest is doctrine.” The message was plain. Loving God and loving others are essential things, but doctrine is not essential. In other words, it doesn’t matter what […]
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 âlegalistâ for recognizing the strictness of the New Testament Law (Matthew 5:19; James 2:10)? When is the last […]
You Can’t Please Everybody 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 donkey.” Not […]