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Why “Liberal” and “Conservative” Churches of Christ Robert Harkrider During the past two decades, many have asked this question. Some sincere brethren who have been caught up in one stream or the other never fully understood, and many who were too young before have now grown to adulthood wondering why. It is, therefore, a good […]
Is the New Testament a Law? Jonathan Perz The Bible is undeniably divided into two key sections—the Old Testament and the New Testament. This division is described in the Bible in various ways, some literally and some figuratively. One such contrast is seen when the Bible refers to the Old Testament as the “Law of Moses” […]
The Vick‘s Salve Syndrome Paul Stringer I believe that the person who first said, “The customer is always right,” never worked in a retail sales position. A few years back, a lady who I had never seen before stormed into the pharmacy we owned at the time, made a bee-line to the cough and cold […]
How Men Act When They Repent Steve Klein In Matthew 12:41, Jesus said, “The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here.” According to Jesus, the men of Nineveh repented at the preaching of […]
Fear of the Lord Defined (Psalm 34:11-14) Dylan Stewart If you study the Bible, there is no mistaking the repeated commands to “fear” God. For example, the wise man famously stated, “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13b). Similarly, Peter commanded, “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. […]
Beatitudes for Friends of the Aged Blessed are they who understand My faltering step and shaking hand. Blessed who know my ears today Must strain to hear the things they say. Blessed are those who seem to know My eyes are dim and my mind is slow. Blessed are those who look away When I […]
Better than Confession David Maxson “Yet even now, “declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” (Joel 2:12-13) If we’ve heard very many sermons at all, we’ve doubtless made one of the following statements after a good lesson: “Preacher, […]
Can Those That Are Sincere Be Wrong? Donnie V. Rader Honesty and sincerity do not guarantee that our positions and actions are right. We recognize that principle in other areas of life. Why not grabble with it in religion? We all know that it is possible for one to take the wrong medication, while believing […]
Legalism … Again … and Again … and Again … Jonathan Perz Ugh. (Yes, I just started a post off with the word “ugh.”) I realize that many of my brethren have grave concerns about the idea of “legalism.” It has become quite paramount in the thinking of some. The way some speak, there is […]
You Legalist! Dave Hart “You…you… legalist!!” I remember the first time I was called a legalist. It was not a compliment. The response was given after I had shown what the Bible commands on a particular subject. The exact words were, “I think it’s sad that you’re such a legalist.” Since then, there have been many […]
Legalism: The Un-Sin Steve Klein Since the church began, the devil has concocted any number of diabolical schemes to ensnare God’s people. One of his most successful gambits has been the invention of the pseudo-sin commonly called legalism. More people consider legalism to be a sin than consider 7-UP to be a cola, but they […]
Forgiveness Without Repentance? Mike Johnson The Bible emphasizes the importance of forgiving those who sin against us. In fact, failing to do so is very frightening because, in Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus taught, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, […]
Attitude Mark White If you would like to kill the work of your local congregation, then I have the perfect plan: 1. Skip services often and encourage others to skip, too. 2. When you do attend, come in late and cause a little disturbance. While there, take a good nap. 3. Always be critical and […]
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” (I Samuel 8:20). Having prayed to God, and having warned the Act people of how the reality of their having […]
Why I Go to Every Service of the Church I Go To Every Service of The Church Because I Am Made Stronger. Power is given in worship to live a nobler, holy life (Acts 20:32). There is the sweetest fellowship on earth. Why should I want to miss ANY service? I Go To Every Service of […]
What Makes a Pharisee? Scott Beyer The Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with impure hands?” (Mark 7:5) One of the most common arguments leveled against Jesus was that He ignored the traditions and customs of previous generations. […]
Is He Really a Pharisee? John R. Gibson I frequently hear and read of religious people today being referred to as Pharisees, but I don’t believe the word means what many of those who use it think it means. Before you ever refer to or think of someone as a Pharisee, it would be wise […]
Nadab, Abihu, and the “Strange Fire” Tom Edwards The Old Testament abounds with numerous examples that illustrate New Testament principles, such as in Leviticus 10:1-2, in which the lesson is taught that God will not accept just any kind of worship. It reads, “Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took their respective firepans, and […]
If He Repents, Forgive Him Pat Donahue Jesus said in Luke 17:3, “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.” Many, even some Christians, evidently are more “charitable” than God himself, and more “charitable” than God instructs us to be in this verse. They say […]
Soft soap in the pulpit will never cleanse people of their sins. It is a good idea to take an interest in the future — that’s where you will spend the rest of your life. Hell is for two classes of people: those who will do anything and those who won’t do anything. People who […]
The Eternal Word (John 1:1-3) Mike Johnson John 1:1-3 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” This article will examine four significant […]
The Truth Sometimes Hurts Jonathan Perz How much do you appreciate the truth? The truth is easy to hear when it is flattering, encouraging, and uplifting. However, the truth can sometimes hurt. Do you always desire the truth from those around you, regardless of whether it is favorable or not? Do you always demand the […]
A Cow Fell From Heaven Glen Young The dazed crew members of a Japanese trawler were plucked out of the Sea of Japan clinging to the wreckage of their sunken ship. Their rescue, however, was followed by immediate imprisonment once authorities questioned the sailors on their ship’s loss. Every single one of them claimed that […]
A Cow Fell From Heaven Glen Young The dazed crew members of a Japanese trawler were plucked out of the Sea of Japan clinging to the wreckage of their sunken ship. Their rescue, however, was followed by immediate imprisonment once authorities questioned the sailors on their ship’s loss. Every single one of them claimed that […]
An Open Letter from Nadab and Abihu Brethren, it is with the utmost humility that we inform you of a change of worship practices in your normal sacrificing. Be assured that we are bringing about this change only after much prayer and study. We have recently concluded an in-depth re-study of the Law as delivered […]
Rejected by His Own (John 1:11) Mike Johnson John 1:1-18 is considered the prologue of the book of John. A prologue introduces a literary work, providing background information about the characters, setting, or events. The rest of the book then explains and backs up what is in the prologue. Unlike the other gospel accounts, John […]
To You Who Bring Small Children to Church There you are, sitting in worship or Bible study. Your child, or toddler, is restless. Perhaps they’re even a little boisterous. You try to silence them, and nothing. You try to pacify them with food or toys, and nothing. Eventually, you resort to the last thing you […]
Do Miracles Occur Every Day? Leon Mauldin What does the Bible teach regarding miracles? Is it true, as some claim, that miracles are happening every day? In reality, even during Bible times, miracles did not occur “every day.” Miraculous activities for the most part were confined to certain periods of Biblical history. These included the […]
Mules, Grudges, and Bitterness Glen Young A farmer leaned on the fence, which separated his farm from his neighbor’s adjoining field. He watched while his neighbor plowed his old mule with sullen difficulty. The farmer stood there watching his neighbor’s misery until he could take it no longer. “I don’t like to tell a fella […]
The Benefits of Being in Prison (Philippians 1:12-14) Mike Johnson (12) But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, (13) so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains […]
Keep It Simple Jarrod Jacobs The above statement is the “mantra” of a friend of mine. When it comes to the preaching and teaching of God’s word, he has told me often, “Keep it simple.” This sentiment was impressed upon my mind even further when a sister in Christ told me, “The main problem that […]
Fellowship Bob Waldron I receive a number of church bulletins each week from several sections of the country. I appreciate them being sent to me: for the most part I have profited from reading them. One of the things I have particularly noticed has been the frequent use of the word “fellowship.” Not only have […]
The Butterfly One day a small opening appeared on a cocoon. A man sat and watched for the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and could […]
A Child’s Words A little girl with shining eyes, Her little face aglow, Said, “Daddy, it is almost time For Bible Class. 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 will call.” “Oh, no.” said Daddy, “not today, […]
What David Didn’t Say Greg Gwin One of the most famous episodes in the Bible is that of David’s sin with Bathsheba and Nathan’s subsequent confrontation with the king. It has often been pointed out that David’s confession stands as a model of what confession ought to be. We are awed by his simple, humble […]
Teaching the Old Lessons Mark White Every once in a while, some well-meaning but misguided brother will chide us for teaching the old lessons. He will say, “You are answering questions which no one is asking any longer.” By this, he means to squelch our teaching on the first principles of Gospel obedience and salvation […]
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Growing Old in the Lord (Psalm 71) Mike Johnson Young people may consider an aged person’s life free from problems. For example, they see an older person as one who does not have to face the difficulties of employment, child rearing, and sometimes even house payments. They may note that a person who has advanced […]
Drawing Strength from the Courage of Others Bill Hall How thankful we should be for wonderful examples of courage that spur us on to greater strength in the Lord’s service. Paul was just such an example: “And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the […]
You Are My Rock and Fortress (Ps. 71:3) Mike Johnson After expressing to God that he trusted Him, the psalmist continues in verse 3: “Be my strong refuge, to which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress.” He wants God to be […]
Trusting God (Psalm 71:1) Mike Johnson Psalm 71:1 says, “In You, O Lord, I put my trust; let me never be put to shame.” This psalm was written by an aged man who had trusted God, not an idol or false deity, throughout his life. However, even in his old age, he faced enemies waiting […]
“O God, Who Is Like You?” (Ps. 71:19) Mike Johnson Psalm 71:19 says, “Also Your righteousness, O God, is very high, You who have done great things; O God, who is like You?” Earlier in Psalm 71, the writer has extensively praised God. He has spoken of God’s mercy, power, strength, might, and love. In […]
Bearing Fruit in Old Age (Psalm 71:17-18) Mike Johnson Psalm 71:17-18 says, “O God, You have taught me from my youth; and to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to […]
Five Requests of God (Ps. 71:1-4) Mike Johnson (1) In You, O Lord, I put my trust; let me never be put to shame. (2) Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape; Incline Your ear to me, and save me. (3) Be my strong refuge, To which I may resort continually; You […]
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 […]
Growing Old in the Lord (Psalm 71) Mike Johnson Young people may consider an aged person’s life free from problems. For example, they see an older person as one who does not have to face the difficulties of employment, child rearing, and sometimes even house payments. They may note that a person who has advanced […]
Three Responses to Paul’s Sermon David Cox “And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.” So Paul departed from among them. However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with […]
The Benefits of Being in Prison (Philippians 1:12-14) Mike Johnson (12) But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, (13) so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains […]
Rejected by His Own (John 1:11) Mike Johnson John 1:1-18 is considered the prologue of the book of John. A prologue introduces a literary work, providing background information about the characters, setting, or events. The rest of the book then explains and backs up what is in the prologue. Unlike the other gospel accounts, […]
Teaching the Old Lessons Mark White Every once in a while, some well-meaning but misguided brother will chide us for teaching the old lessons. He will say, “You are answering questions which no one is asking any longer.” By this, he means to squelch our teaching on the first principles of Gospel obedience and salvation […]
The Pulpit Roger Shouse “Ezra the scribe stood at a wooden podium which they had made for the purpose. And beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hikiah, and Masseiah on his right hand; and Pedaiah, Mishel, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam on his left hand.” (Nehemiah 8:4) Ezra stood at a wooden podium. […]
The Eternal Word (John 1:1-3) Mike Johnson John 1:1-3 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” This article will examine four significant […]
Forgiveness Without Repentance? Mike Johnson The Bible emphasizes the importance of forgiving those who sin against us. In fact, failing to do so is very frightening because, in Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus taught, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, […]
Can We All See the Bible Alike? Hiram Hutto If a statement is made often enough, people will come to believe it even though it is not true. A good example is that which you hear so often in religion, “We can’t all see the Bible alike.” The Apostle Paul disagrees with this idea in […]
Ten Lessons to Instill in Children If you’re thankful, show it (Luke 17:11-18). If you love someone, tell them (John 15:12). If you’re wrong, fess up (James 5:16). If you’re confused, ask questions (James 1:5). If you learn something, teach others (Colossians 3:16). If you’re stuck, ask for help (Matthew 7:7). If you make a […]
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. They boldly speak about it as […]
Giving Thanks for All Things A thief broke into a modest dwelling of Matthew Henry, the celebrated Bible scholar, and stole his purse, but the busy, cheerful old gentleman, far from being downcast, turned to his diary and entered this cheerful observation; “Let me be thankful first, because he never robbed me before; second, because […]
The Walls of Jericho R.J. Evans In Joshua 6:1-6, the Israelites were instructed by the Lord to march around the city of Jericho once each day for six days. The priests were told to bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark, and on the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven […]
A LIVING GOD Alan Smith A defendant was on trial for murder. There was strong evidence indicating guilt, but there was no corpse. In the defense’s closing statement, the lawyer knowing that his client would probably be convicted, resorted to a trick: “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I have a surprise for you […]