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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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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, […]
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 […]
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, “Precious in the sight of […]
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 […]
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 […]
How the Church May Use Its Money Andy Sochor “Now 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 […]
Work Out Your Own Salvation (Philippians 2:12) Mike Johnson Philippians 2:12 says, “ . . . work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” 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 […]
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 Lord’s church. They are to oversee the flock— they are to feed, or shepherd, the local congregation of which they are a part (Acts 20:17, 28; I Pet. 5:1-2). 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 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 […]
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 […]
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 “baptism” (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 “the silent killer” 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, “bitterness.” 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. They boldly speak about it as […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
==================================== 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Don’t Be a Thief! (Ephesians 4:28) Mike Johnson Ephesians 4:17-32 is one of many passages in the New Testament which speaks of a change that is supposed to occur when a person becomes a Christian. The Bible tells Christians to put off the old man, i.e., our former sinful conduct and put on the new […]
Putting off the Old Man (Ephesians 4:25-32) Mike Johnson Change can be very difficult, even painful. We typically are very comfortable with our old habits. It is said, “Most people won’t change until the pain of not changing is worse than the pain of changing.” The Bible stresses in many places that when we become […]
Covering Sin (James 5:19-20) Mike Johnson James 5:19-20 says, “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” He is speaking of Christians […]
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 […]
The Land of the Living (Psalm 27:13) Mike Johnson In Psalm 27:13, the Psalmist (thought to be David) said, “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” What is meant by the land of the living? Today, if someone […]
Put Away Anger (Ephesians 4:26-27) Mike Johnson In Ephesians 4:17-24, Paul speaks of the need for Christians to put off the “old man” (one’s former conduct) and put on the new man in Christ. Listed among the various sins that followers of God are to put away is anger. Verses 26-27 says, “Be angry, and […]
Which Is Better? (Ecclesiastes 7:1) Mike Johnson “A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of one’s birth” (Eccl. 7:1). The first part of this verse is what one would expect to find in the Scriptures (also note Pb. 22:1). However, the second part might cause people […]
What Will Be Said About You? Mike Johnson Epitaphs (defined as “a commemorative inscription on a tomb or mortuary monument) have always been of interest to me. They often depict people’s attitudes about life after death. They may say something kind about a person who has died, perhaps pointing out how sorely all will miss […]
=========================================== 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 II Number 1 April 2021 =========================================== Silence of the Preachers Joe R. Price Jeremiah was set in place by God to be His prophet to Jerusalem, […]
================================================== 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 II Number 5 August 2021 ================================================== The Thief on the Cross Mike Johnson The Bible teaches that baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), […]
============================================= 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 II Number 6 September 2021 ============================================= The Land of the Living (Psalm 27:13) Mike Johnson In Psalm 27:13, the Psalmist (thought to be David) said, “I […]
============================================= 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 II Number 7 October 2021 ============================================= I Just Wear the Clothes Mike Johnson Many years ago, I was in a part of Tennessee with a rather […]
==================================== 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 II Number 10 January 2022 ==================================== Putting off the Old Man (Ephesians 4:25-32) Mike Johnson Change can be very difficult, even painful. We typically are very […]
================================ 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 II Number 11 February 2022 ================================ Which Is Better? (Ecclesiastes 7:1) Mike Johnson “A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death […]
Thanksgiving & Worship (Ps. 100:4) Mike Johnson Psalm 100 is thought to have been written by David and is about worship. Speculation is that the Jews used it as a call to worship and as a hymn in their public praise. Verse 4 says, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with […]
Joyful Worship (Psalm 100:1-2) Mike Johnson Psalm 100 is thought to have been written by David and is about worship. Speculation is that the Jews used it as a call to worship and as a hymn in their public praise. From verses 1-2, we learn that joy should be associated with our worship. It admonishes, […]
What Is More Important? (Ps. 37:6) Mike Johnson David probably wrote Psalm 37 in the latter stages of his life. This psalm’s intent seems to be to encourage God’s people who are facing difficulties in life. Verse 16, which is more like a proverb, says, “A little that a righteous man has is better than […]
A Badge of Discipleship (John 13:34-35) Mike Johnson In John 13:34-35, Jesus told His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” […]
A Good Name (Ecclesiastes. 7:1) Mike Johnson Ecclesiastes 7:1 says, “A good name is better than precious ointment . . . .” Parents may choose what they consider a good name for their newborn baby. In this text, he is not speaking of a good name in that sense but a good reputation, which the […]
“Thanks, I Needed That” (Ecclesiastes 7:5-6) Mike Johnson “It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools. For like the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.” In this verse, the writer contrasts the […]
Precious Is the Death of a Saint (Psalm 116:15) Mike Johnson Psalm 116:15 informs us, “Precious in the sight of the Lord Is the death of His saints.” What does this mean? People think of death in many different ways. A loved one’s death is one of the greatest agonies people typically face in their […]
To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice (1 Samuel 15) Mike Johnson After Saul became Israel’s king, Samuel, a prophet, was told by God to inform him that he must “utterly destroy” the Amalekites due to them having mistreated Israel while in the wilderness. The command was very specific, making it clear that it included every […]
The Lord Is Near (Psalm 34:18-19) Mike Johnson According to its title, David wrote Psalm 34 when he was experiencing much affliction. He was fleeing from King Saul and went to Gath where, to protect his life, he faked insanity. Leaving there, he fled to the cave of Adullam (1 Sam. 22:1). While experiencing such […]
Gather Around Me Children (Psalm 34:11-14) Mike Johnson According to its title, David wrote Psalm 34 during the time he was fleeing from Saul. He sought refuge in Gath and, to protect himself, faked insanity. Eventually, he left there and went to the cave of Adullam, where his family and 400 loyalists joined him (1 […]
The Sinner’s Prayer Mike Johnson Many say the only thing needed to obtain salvation is to pray a simple prayer known as a sinner’s prayer. There are variations, but typically, this is a short prayer where people express their need for salvation, asking Jesus to come into their hearts. They confirm their belief that Jesus […]
Magnify & Exalt God (Psalm 34) Mike Johnson Our study is from Psalm 34. The title comes from verse 3, which says, “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” We are to magnify and exalt the name of God, and this psalm tells us how and why we should […]
The Thief on the Cross Mike Johnson The Bible teaches that baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), washes away sins (Acts 22:16), saves (1 Pet. 3:21, Mk. 16:16), and puts people into Christ (Rom. 6:3, Gal. 3:27). After listening to this teaching, some may ask, “What about the thief on the cross?” […]
How Jesus Faced Temptation Mike Johnson Christians often face temptations, and new Christians are especially vulnerable to the “schemes” of the devil (Eph. 6:17). The Bible describes Satan in John 8:44, saying, “. . . He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in […]
God’s Everlasting Mercy (Psalm 118) Mike Johnson “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” This verse is from Psalm 118:1. It also appears at the end and serves as part of a “bookend” for the Psalm. Between these two verses, we find illustrated the everlasting mercy (love […]
Waiting For the Lord (Psalm 27) Mike Johnson “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Ps. 27:14) This verse tells us about the focus of Psalm 27, which is a psalm that describes the author’s undaunting faith. The heading in my Bible […]
“Bless the Lord, O My Soul” (Psalm 103) Mike Johnson There are 150 psalms in the Bible. David wrote most of them, but there are other writers, such as Asaph, Korah, Moses, and Solomon. There are many psalms classified as psalms of praise. A well-known psalm of praise is Psalm 103. Highly extolled, it is […]
Teach Us to Number Our Days (Psalm 90) Mike Johnson Moses is thought to be the writer of Psalm 90. The basis for this conclusion is due to his name being in the superscription (title) of the psalm. The title is not part of the inspired text, so there is no certainty that he is […]
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 I Number 1 April 2020 ================================================== Table of Contents A Hymn of Faith (Habakkuk’s Prayer) —– Habakkuk Surviving the Financial Crisis ————- Kent Heaton Lift Up Your […]
========================================= 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 II Number 12 March 2022 ========================================= Dorcas, a Fond Remembrance by Friends Bill Feist She was married to a non-Christian. I met her years after […]
COMMIT YOUR WAY TO THE LORD (Psalm 37:5) Mike Johnson Psalm 37:5 says, “Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37 is an admonition to followers of God to retain their confidence in Him and not be discouraged when facing the hardships in life. […]
PRAISING GOD’S WORKS (Psalm 111) Mike Johnson Psalm 111 starts with the exclamation, “Praise the Lord!” This psalm fits into a category of psalms known as “Hallelujah Psalms.” These psalms start and end, or start or end, with “hallelujah” or “praise the Lord.” Psalm 111 is the first in a trilogy of Hallelujah Psalms. This Psalm fits into another […]
Acceptance by Our Rock and Redeemer (Psalm 19:14) Mike Johnson Psalm 19:14 says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” This verse is at the end of a magnificent Psalm. In verses 1-6, the writer spoke about the […]
“The Heavens Declare the Glory of God” (Psalm 19) Mike Johnson Psalm 19 is beautifully written and has been revered by many people over the years. From it, many conclude that there is a God who created the universe, and He has revealed Himself to mankind through the Scriptures. From verses 12-14, the awesomeness of […]
Introduction to the Parables Mike Johnson “All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them.” (Mt. 13:34) This passage speaks of the beginning of Christ’s teaching by parables. It also indicates that one of the primary methods employed by Him in his instruction was […]
The Parable of the Best Seats Mike Johnson “When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; and he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Give place to this man,’ and then […]
The Parable of the Dragnet Mike Johnson In Matthew 13, there are several parables recorded. One is the “Parable of the Net,” recorded in verses 47-50. Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to […]
The Parable of the Fig Tree Mike Johnson The Bible mentions fig trees several times. For example, Matthew 21:19 speaks of a withered fig tree; John 1:48 tells about a person under a fig tree, while James 3:12 asks a question about a fig tree. There is an interesting parable about a fig tree recorded in […]
The Parable of the Good Samaritan Mike Johnson In Luke 10:25, we read about a lawyer who tested Jesus with a question. The question was, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus responded by asking the lawyer to tell Him the teaching of the law. This question should have been easy to answer […]
The Parable of the Great Supper Mike Johnson The “Parable of the Great Supper” is in Luke 14:16-24. Jesus taught this parable in the house of one of the chief Pharisees. Verse 1 indicates that Jesus had gone there on the Sabbath day to eat bread. While there, Jesus healed a man and taught about […]
The Parable of the Hidden Treasure Mike Johnson Matthew 13:44 records the Parable of the Hidden Treasure. It says, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” This […]
The Parable of the Lost Son Mike Johnson There are three very well know parables recorded in Luke 15. They are the parables of the “Lost Sheep,” the “Lost Coin,” and the “Lost Son.” The setting in which Jesus presented these parables is in verses 1-2. The publicans and sinners had drawn near Christ, prompting the Pharisees and scribes […]
The Parable of the Marriage Feast Mike Johnson In Matthew 21, Jesus presented the “Parable of the Two Sons” and the “Parable of the Wicked Husbandman” after certain chief priests and elders questioned His authority (21:23). After hearing these parables, they perceived that Jesus was talking about them (21:45) and wanted to arrest Him, but […]
The Parable of the Mustard Seed Mike Johnson Matthew 13:31-32 is one of the accounts where “The Parable of the Mustard Seed” is found, and it tells us about the growth of the kingdom. The passage says: Another parable He put forth to them, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which […]
The Parable of the Rich Fool Mike Johnson The Parable of the Rich Fool is in Luke 12:16-21. Here, Jesus said: Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store […]
The Parable of the Pharisee & the Tax Collector Mike Johnson The “Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector” is only found in Luke 18:9-14. Jesus pointed out that a Pharisee and a tax collector went to the temple to pray. He then contrasted their prayers and attitudes. He addresses the parable “to some who […]
The Parable of the Unworthy Servant Mike Johnson The Parable of the Unworthy Servant is found in Luke 17:7-10. And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? But will he not rather […]
The Parable of the Ten Virgins Mike Johnson The “Parable of the Ten Virgins” is recorded in Matthew 25:1-13. The passage says that ten virgins were waiting for the return of a bridegroom who did not arrive on time. Consequently, five of the virgins (referred to as foolish) ran out of oil for their lamps and […]
THE PARABLE OF THE TOWER Mike Johnson The “Parable of the Tower” is in Luke 14:28-30. A similar parable, The “Parable of the King,” is recorded in verses 31-32. Both of these parables show the importance of “counting the cost.” The focus of this article will be the first parable. It reads: “For which of […]
The Parable of the Two Builders (Mt. 7:24-27, Lk. 6:47-49) Mike Johnson From time to time, a great deal of damage occurs throughout our country and the world due to extensive rainfall. Floodwaters, as well as mudslides, can cause death and destruction. Likewise, a house can topple down a hillside. Such events, although tragic, brings to […]
THE PARABLE OF THE TWO SONS Mike Johnson This intriguing parable is recorded in Matthew 21:28-32. At this point, Jesus’ enemies were intensely trying to discredit Him. After their attempt, He presented “The Parable of the Two Sons.” Verses 23-27 reveal the circumstances surrounding this parable. The chief priests and elders had asked Jesus, “By […]
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:21-35) Mike Johnson On one occasion, during the ministry of Jesus, Peter asked Him this question, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Peter probably felt the number which he mentioned was very generous. Seven times would have […]
The Wicked Vine-dressers Mike Johnson The Bible indicates that Jesus taught a great deal by parables. He would take something the people were familiar with and compare it to a spiritual truth to educate them. In His parables, Jesus discussed such things as planting seeds, baking bread, finding a hidden treasure, going fishing, and losing sheep. […]
Trust in God & Do Good (Psalm 37:3) Mike Johnson Psalm 37:3 says, “Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.” Psalm 37 encourages God’s people to avoid being upset about the prosperity and, seemingly, good life of evildoers. Instead, the Psalmist encourages various positive endeavors. Among […]
BIBLICAL AUTHORITY Mike Johnson “For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” (1 Thess. […]
Church Growth (1) Introduction to Church Growth Mike Johnson What can we do to make our congregation grow? Church members often ask this question. It is essential for a church to grow. First, to even continue to exist, it must grow. A church that is not increasing over a period of time is dying. Second, […]
CHURCH GROWTH (02) Concepts of Growth Mike Johnson There are two ways a church can grow. Generally, when people speak of the growth of a church, they are talking about numerical growth. The reason for this is that we can easily observe the numerical increase, and we tend to look at this type of growth […]
CHURCH GROWTH (3) Improper Methods of Growth Mike Johnson For some congregations, numerical growth is the most crucial issue. They will do almost anything to obtain new members or retain those they already have. They take great pride in the size of their congregation, showing little concern about whether their growth methods are pleasing to […]
CHURCH GROWTH (4) Factors in Church Growth (1) Location of the Building Mike Johnson When a church does not grow, or even declines in membership, people may ask why this occurs. Why do some churches grow while others drop in numbers? Several factors can come into play. One factor can be the location of the building. […]
CHURCH GROWTH 05 Factors in Church Growth (2) “The Times We Are Living In” Mike Johnson There are many factors, which can affect church growth. Sometimes, we explain the lack of growth in a congregation by the “times we are living in.” The moral and religious climate of today can have a negative bearing on […]
CHURCH GROWTH (6) Factors in Church Growth (3) Christians Who Move into the Area Mike Johnson A church may grow for various reasons. Some churches grow because they are located in a city or in an area where many people are moving. Some of these people may be members of the Lord’s church, so the […]
CHURCH GROWTH (7) Factors in Church Growth (4) Young People Mike Johnson There are many congregations today, which have very few young people. When a group starts to dwindle, it is often left with very few children. Some young people grow up, get married, and move to another area. Others remain in the area but […]
CHURCH GROWTH (8) Why Churches Die (1) Lack of Proper Teaching Mike Johnson There are many external factors, which can contribute to a congregation’s demise. Such factors as the location of a building, the “wicked times in which we are living,” an inability to attract Christians who move into the area, and a lack of […]
CHURCH GROWTH (9) Why Churches Die (2) Not Having Needed Leadership Mike Johnson There are many external factors, which can contribute to a congregation’s demise. Such factors as the location of the building, the wicked times in which we are living, an inability to attract Christians who move into the area, and a lack of […]
CHURCH GROWTH (10) Why Churches Die (3) A Failure to Evangelize Mike Johnson There are many external factors, which can contribute to a congregation’s demise. Such factors as the location of the building, wicked times in which we are living, an inability to attract Christians who move into the area, and a lack of young […]
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 I Number 3 June 2020 ============================================== Table of Contents “Bless the Lord, O My Soul!” (Ps. 19) ————— Mike Johnson “Lord, I’m Just too Busy” (Audio) —————– […]
BIBLICAL AUTHORITY (1) The Need for Divine Authority (Introduction) Mike Johnson “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?” These questions were asked of Jesus in the Jerusalem temple by certain Jewish chief priests and elders (Mt. 21:23). Although not sincerely motivated, these questions bring out two vital principles. […]
A Study of Bible Authority (2) THE AUTHORITY OF GOD Mike Johnson Everyone is subject to authority today. Employees, for example, are subject to the rule of their employers. We are all under the laws of our government, whether we want to be or not. There is authority we put ourselves under by choice, and […]
Biblical Authority (3) The Authority of Christ Mike Johnson Many people today do not understand the importance of having Bible authority. In previous articles, we have noted that we must follow divine authority instead of trying to direct our own steps. Next, we discussed the authority of God and noted that God certainly has the […]
Biblical Authority (4) The Authority of the Apostles Mike Johnson Many acknowledge the authority of God and Christ but do not accept or understand the Apostles’ authority. Some people today say we only need the words of Jesus to guide us. Some who take this position place a great deal of emphasis on the red-letter edition of the […]
A Study of Bible AUTHORITY (5) Obedience and the Old Testament Mike Johnson One of the most vital questions in studying Christianity is the question of authority. As was noted earlier, during the life of Christ, the chief priests and elders raised this question when they asked Jesus (Mt. 21:23), “By what authority are You doing […]
BIBLICAL AUTHORITY (6) Authority and the New Testament Mike Johnson The Scriptures teach the authority of God, Christ, and the apostles (Ps. 50:10-12; Heb. 1:1-2; Mt. 16:19, 17:5, 18:18; 2 Cor. 5:20; Phil. 4:9). Also, the Holy Spirit played a role as He guided the apostles “unto all truth.” Consider now the authority of the […]
Biblical Authority (7) Adhering to the Gospel Message Mike Johnson From the Old Testament, it is clear that God intends for the Scriptures to be followed and not deviated from in any way (Deut 4:1-4, 5:32-33; Josh. 1:7; Num. 22:18, 24:13; Pb. 4:26-27, 30:5-6; Lev. 18:4-5). Consider now the same concept from the New Testament. Jude (v. […]
Biblical Authority (8) Direct Command Mike Johnson How do we establish Bible authority? It seems clear from the Scriptures that God intends for us to determine biblical authority in four ways. These are direct command, direct statement, approved apostolic example, and necessary inference. (Sometimes, direct command and direct statement are combined.) A broader classification of […]
Biblical Authority (9) Direct Statement Mike Johnson The Bible teaches direct command is one form of Bible authority. (Others are approved example and necessary inference). However, other kinds of statements do not occur in the command form but still serve as our guide. They have the same force of authority as a direct command. Consider the […]
Biblical Authority (10) Approved Example Mike Johnson What should be our attitude toward the concept of “example” as an acceptable form of Bible authority? There are three possible attitudes one might have. First, a person might say that all examples are binding. However, this attitude is unlikely, and, as we will see later, this would be a […]
BIBLICAL AUTHORITY (11) Necessary Inference Mike Johnson Three forms of Bible authority govern us today. These are direct commands or statements, approved examples, and necessary inferences or conclusions. Most are willing to accept direct commands or statements as Bible authority. However, some may question the concept of approved examples, and a growing number challenge the […]
BIBLICAL AUTHORITY (12) Generic & Specific Authority Mike Johnson Many have failed to understand the concept of generic and specific authority. These people may realize the need for a direct command or statement, approved example, and necessary inference for Bible authority. However, confusion can undoubtedly result if they do not understand the concept of generic […]
BIBLICAL AUTHORITY (14) FALSE STANDARDS Mike Johnson Why is there so much division and confusion today in the religious world? Why are there so many different doctrines and so many religious groups? One reason is that many have never learned the importance of Bible authority. Some may acknowledge the need for guidance from the Bible, […]
Benefits from God (Psalm 103:3-7) Mike Johnson Speaking about God, Psalm 103:3-7 says, “Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord […]
Five Steps to Peace (Psalm 37:3-8) Mike Johnson “Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb (Ps. 37:1-2).” When we think of the word “fret,” we may think of someone continuously or excessively […]
MAKE A JOYFUL SHOUT! (Psalm 100) Mike Johnson A very well known and oft-quoted poem, Psalm 100 centers on worshiping and knowing God. Although it contains only five verses, the psalm has essential and relevant information. Some think David is the author, although there is uncertainty. The speculation is that the Jews used this psalm […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (2) (Galatians 5:4) Mike Johnson Can a child of God fall from grace? Galatians 5:4 plainly says to those who are Christians that they can fall from grace. It seems some were teaching it was necessary to obey certain aspects of the old law to be saved, such as circumcision. Paul […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (3) (II Peter 2:20-22) Mike Johnson 2 Peter 2 describes particular false teachers. Not only did they teach false doctrine (v. 1), but they were very immoral. Please read the entire chapter for a full description of these ungodly people. Undoubtedly, they were in a lost state at the time of […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (4) (2 Peter 1:5-11) Mike Johnson Many passages in the Scriptures teach that a child of God can fall from grace. Advocates of the doctrine of the impossibility of apostasy often approach these passages in one of two ways. First, they say that a particular passage speaks about Christians, but it […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (5) (John 15:1-6) Mike Johnson John 15:1-6 records the Parable of the Vine and the Branches. It says: I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (6) (Acts 8:5-25) Mike Johnson Many passages teach that a child of God can fall from grace. Among them is Acts 8:5-25, which describes the conversion of the people of Samaria and a sorcerer named Simon. Many responded to Philip’s preaching and became Christians. Verse 12 says they believed, and Philip […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (7) (I Corinthians 10:12) Mike Johnson Many teach that once people become Christians, they cannot possibly be lost. This doctrine is known as “Once Saved, Always Saved,” “The Impossibility of Apostasy,” and “The Perseverance of the Saints.” However, this teaching is contrary to many passages in God’s Word; among these is […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (8) (I Corinthians 9:27) Mike Johnson In this series, we have been looking at passages that show the possibility of apostasy. Many passages teach that a child of God can fall from grace. Among them is 1 Corinthians 9:27, which says, “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (9) (1 & 2 Timothy) Mike Johnson In 1 and 2 Timothy, Paul calls Timothy’s attention to many things that can happen to a person’s faith. Those who teach “once saved, always saved” usually teach that people are saved by “faith only.” It should be no trouble to see if people […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (10) (Hebrews 3:4-13) Mike Johnson The inspired writer wrote the book of Hebrews to the Hebrews (or Jews). Many of them had become Christians, and there was a tendency to return to the religion they formally practiced. They wanted to return to the Law of Moses and observe the various ceremonies […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (11) (Hebrews 6:4-6) Mike Johnson Many passages teach that a child of God can fall from grace. One such passage is in Hebrews 6:1-3. Here, the writer urges certain ones (who he had characterized earlier as “babes” in Christ- v. 13) to “go on unto perfection.” He wanted them to become mature; […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (12) (Hebrews 10:26-31) Mike Johnson We are continuing to examine passages that show the possibility of apostasy. Consider a very familiar context in the book of Hebrews. Hebrews 10:26 says, “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for […]
The Possibility of Apostasy (13) (James 5:19-20) Mike Johnson James 5:19-20 says, “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” He is […]
DELIGHT IN THE LORD (Psalm 37:4) Mike Johnson Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Do you delight in the Lord? The Psalmist (thought to be David) said this is what we are to do. The word found in the original (anag) carries […]
Having Strong Confidence (Pb. 14:26) Mike Johnson Christians are to fear (have reverence and respect for) God. Those who genuinely fear God see the importance of obeying His commandments. Ecclesiastes 12:13 tells us we are to “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.” Also, if we fear God, we will hate […]
“I DO NOT PERMIT A WOMAN TO TEACH…” Mike Johnson The above statement is in I Timothy 2:11-12. The verses say, “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.” Many may be surprised to learn that […]
ADHERENCE TO THE NEW TESTAMENT Mike Johnson From the Old Testament, it is clear that God’s Word was intended to be followed and not deviated from in any way (Deut 4:1-4, 5:32-33; Josh. 1:7; Num. 22:18, 24:13; Pb. 4:26-27, 30:5-6; Lev. 18:4-5). Consider now the same concept from the New Testament. Jude (v. 3) told the early […]
Spiritual Growth Mike Johnson Although numerical growth is significant, spiritual growth is also essential for churches today. Someone once asked a fellow Christian if the congregation where he attended had grown any. He responded by saying, “yes.” However, he then added, “We have not grown numerically, but we have grown spiritually.” He was saying they […]
God Is Just & Impartial Mike Johnson The Bible teaches that God is impartial. Psalm 89:14 says, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face.” In Acts 10:34, Peter told Cornelius, “…In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.” Those who make decisions today may not […]
GOD IS LOVE Mike Johnson 1 John 4:8 says, “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” This verse shows the importance of love. As the passage points out, a person who does not love others does not even “know God” since “God is love.” It is interesting to note […]
DO YOU REALLY LOVE GOD? Mike Johnson Do you genuinely love God? If asked this question, many people would say, “Yes.” However, how many do truly love God? I John 5:3 says, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” Thus, a test of our […]
THEY WERE SIMPLY CHRISTIANS Mike Johnson If someone asked me what I am religiously, I would say, “I am a Christian.” The person might look at me in a puzzled way and ask, “But what kind of Christian are you?” Many religious groups today wear names to refer to themselves other than a name, which […]
Be Very Careful Mike Johnson Ephesians 5:8-14 emphasizes the importance of walking in the light, as opposed to darkness (9), which manifests itself in goodness, righteousness, and truth. Paul tells them they were to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness” (11). Verses 15-16 then admonishes, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not […]
WHAT IS TRUTH? Mike Johnson What is truth? This question is critical. Pilate asked it at Jesus’ trial in connection with the accusation made that Jesus was a king in a civil sense and thus a rival. It seems he asked it with scorn rather than with a quest for knowledge. Regardless, this question is […]
THE CONSISTENCY OF TRUTH Mike Johnson Truth is always consistent; it does not contradict itself. Thus, if the Bible is truth, there will be no contradictions in it. Sometimes people say, “You can prove anything by the Bible.” This statement is degrading to the Bible, and it reflects on the integrity of God. If it […]
ARE ALL RELIGIOUS PEOPLE CHRISTIANS? Mike Johnson Many people today are religious. They may belong to a particular denomination and attend services regularly. Others, while not belonging to any specific religious group, may believe in God, read their Bibles, and pray from time to time. These are all “religious,” but does the fact that they […]
Precious in the Sight of the Lord Mike Johnson Psalm 116:15 says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” We think of death in many different ways. The death of a loved one is one of the greatest agonies a person can face in his/her life. Typically, we think of […]
The Authority of the Bible Mike Johnson The Bible teaches about the authority of God, Christ, and the apostles (Ps. 50:10-12; Heb. 1:1-2; Mt. 16:19, 17:5, 18:18; II Cor. 5:20; Phil. 4:9). Also, the Holy Spirit played a role as he guided the apostles “unto all truth.” Consider now the authority of God’s Word, the […]
The Authority of Christ Mike Johnson Many people today do not understand the importance of having Bible authority. In previous articles, we have noted that we must follow divine authority instead of trying to direct our steps. We discussed the authority of God and noted that God certainly has the right to reign over humanity. […]
Adding to or Taking Away From God’s Word (Revelation 22:18-19) Mike Johnson Revelation 22:18-19 says, “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, […]
The Authority of God Mike Johnson Everyone is subject to authority today. Many are employees and are subject to the rule of their employers. We are all under the authority of our government, whether we want to be or not. There is authority we put ourselves under by choice, and there is authority we find […]
Do Not Preach Any Other Gospel! (Galatians 1:6-9) Mike Johnson In Galatians 1, Paul said he marveled because the Galatians were “turning away so soon” to “a different gospel.” He also pointed out there were some who had troubled them and wanted to pervert the gospel of Christ. Then (v. 8) he warned, “But even […]
The Importance of Biblical Teaching Mike Johnson The Bible emphasizes that it is essential for our teaching to be in a very bold and straightforward manner, and preaching must be in strict compliance with the Bible. The early church received a great deal of teaching, and the Bible describes the instruction done then and that […]
“O Lord, Our Lord…” (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 compared […]
HOW EXCELLENT IS YOUR NAME (Psalm 8) Mike Johnson Some consider Psalm 8, “the most well-known psalm people have never read.” Understandably, the tendency today is to focus more on the New Testament, which results in people having less familiarity with the Old Testament. Yet, quotations of Psalm 8 occur so much in the New […]
LET US THEREFORE FEAR (Hebrews 4:1) Mike Johnson Hebrews 4:1 says, “Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.” The verse starts with the word “therefore,” which connects it to what has previously been said. In chapter 3, the writer […]
“Do Not Judge Me” Mike Johnson Matthew 7:1 says, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” Many people know this passage but often misunderstand it. They have the mistaken idea that if we do not agree with them on specific Bible questions or their manner of life, we should not say anything about it. According […]
WHERE SHOULD WE PRAY? Mike Johnson Is it necessary for people to pray in a particular location for their prayer to be acceptable or effective? Many think they must be in a specific place, such as a church building, for God to hear their prayers. Is the location of prayer significant? What does the Bible […]
It Is Better to Trust in the Lord (Ps. 118:8-9) Mike Johnson Psalm 118: 8-9 says, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.” These verses are a conclusion from verses 5-7, where the […]
BRIDLE THAT TONGUE! Mike Johnson Many are familiar with Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 15:8-9, where He says we can make our religion vain by “teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. However, there is another way we can make our religion vain, which people may not be as familiar. James 1:26 says, “If anyone among […]
God’s Great Works! (Psalm 111:2) Mike Johnson Psalm 111, known as a Hallelujah Psalm, begins by saying, “Praise the Lord” and ends with, “His praise endures forever.” In between, the Psalmists praises God in various ways. After expressing his desire to praise God in the assembly, in verse 2, the Psalmist exclaims, “The works of […]
THE FORM OF BAPTISM Mike Johnson What is the form of baptism taught in the Bible? There is division in the religious world regarding this question. One creed says dipping someone in water is not necessary, but, instead, sprinkling or pouring water on an individual is acceptable. Some say immersion is a choice, while others […]
HUMILITY IS ESSENTIAL! (Psalm 25:8-9) Mike Johnson Psalm 25:8-9 says, “Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He teaches sinners in the way. The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way.” This passage shows the importance of having humility in receiving God’s Word. Humbly listening to instruction is essential even […]
Remembering God’s Wonderful Works (Ps. 111:4) Mike Johnson Psalm 111:4 says, “He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.” We are to remember God’s wonderful works, which are great (Ps. 111:2a) These works of God include creation (Gen. 1, Ps. 19:1, Rom. 1:20, Jer. 10:12); God […]
============================================== 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 I Number 5 August 2020 ============================================== Table of Contents The Burial of Jesus ——————— Walton Weaver Waiting Too Long —————————— Unknown Seek and You Will Find […]
Immortality Mike Johnson “Death is not a period but a comma in the story of life.” In a sentence, a comma indicates a pause. A period is end punctuation and is used to show the end of a sentence. With this idea in mind, the above quotation says a great deal. It speaks of the […]
God’s Mercy and Grace (Psalm 103:8) Mike Johnson David most likely wrote Psalm 103, which is a well-known psalm of praise. It is a psalm of celebration, as the first two verses and the final verse indicates. Verse 8 points out, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.” This […]
================================== 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 I Number 6 September 2020 =================================== The Need for Divine Authority (Introduction) Mike Johnson “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You […]
GET SOME GOOD ADVICE! (Psalm 1:1) Mike Johnson Psalm 1:1 says, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.” In this passage, we see what we cannot do if we want to be blessed by […]
Do Not Be like the Chaff (Psalm 1:4) Mike Johnson Psalm 1:1-3 describes a godly person. This passage tells us that righteous people do not walk in the counsel of the ungodly; they do not stand in the path of sinners; they do not sit in the seat of the scornful. Instead, they delight in […]
How to Prosper Psalm 1:3 Mike Johnson Psalm 1:1-2 points out how that the person who will be blessed by God does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly; he does not stand in the path of sinners, and he does not sit in the seat of the scornful. Instead, he delights in the […]
Do Not Stand in the Path of Sinners (Psalm 1:1) Mike Johnson Psalm 1:1 says, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.” Here we see a person must not walk in the counsel of […]
Heed the Warnings (Psalm 19:11) Mike Johnson In speaking about God’s commandments, Psalm 19:11 says, “Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward.” It is clear, God’s Word warns us. A warning is usually associated with danger. Parents, for example, remind their children when there is danger. Similarly, […]
How to Praise God (Ps. 103:1-2) Mike Johnson Psalm 103:1-2 exclaims, “Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” David most likely wrote Psalm 103, a well-known psalm of praise. It is a psalm of […]
======================================== 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 I Number 7 October 2020 ======================================== BIBLICAL AUTHORITY (2) THE AUTHORITY OF GOD Mike Johnson Everyone is subject to authority today. Employees, for example, are […]
GOD IS OUR REFUGE (Psalm 46) Mike Johnson In the 1500s, Martin Luther wrote a hymn called, “A Mighty Fortress.” The opening lines are: “A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing; Our helper He, Amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.” It is said Luther based this song on Psalm 46. This […]
======================================= 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 I Number 8 November 2020 ======================================= BIBLICAL AUTHORITY (3) The Authority of Christ Mike Johnson Many people today do not understand the importance of having Bible […]
============================================================================= 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 I Number 9 December 2020 ============================================================================== BIBLICAL AUTHORITY (4) The Authority of the Apostles Mike Johnson Many acknowledge the authority of God and Christ but do […]
================================== 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 I Number 10 January 2021 ================================== BIBLICAL AUTHORITY (5) Obedience and the Old Testament Mike Johnson One of the most vital questions involved in the study […]
============================== 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 I Number 11 February 2021 ============================== BIBLICAL AUTHORITY (6) The New Testament: God’s Message Mike Johnson The Scriptures teach the authority of God, Christ, and the […]
==================================== 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 I Number 12 March 2021 ===================================== What Happens When We Are Canceled? Greg Chandler If you do not stay up to date on pop-culture slang, you […]
Putting Our Trust in the Lord (Psalm 31:1) Mike Johnson In Psalm 31:1, David states, “In You, O Lord, I put my trust.” We see that the Psalmist put his trust in the Lord, not an idol or some other type of deity. The word in the Hebrew translated “trust” means refuge, and many commonly […]
God’s Great Mercy, Forgiveness, & Love (Psalm 103:11-14) Mike Johnson Verses 11-14 tell us about the greatness of God’s compassion. They say, “ (11) For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; (12) As far as the east is from the west, So far […]
A Day the Lord Has Made (Ps. 118:24) Mike Johnson Psalm 118:24 states, “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Many quote this verse to encourage a positive attitude, i.e., we are to appreciate each day, as it is a gift from God. In a general […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Applying God’s Word Mike Johnson People often hear the Word of God but are not willing to obey it. Some may intend to obey, but they never seem to get around to it. It is not enough to be a hearer only or to know God’s Word: we must be willing to obey it. Notice […]
“They Are Without Excuse” (Romans 1:19-20) Mike Johnson In Romans 1 and 2, there is a discussion about both the Jews and the Gentiles’ spiritual conditions. The conclusion in Romans 3:23 points out all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Although the Jews were God’s chosen people, the Gentiles throughout their […]
The Importance of Words and Thoughts Mike Johnson (Psalm 19:14) Psalm 19:14 says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” This verse is at the end of a magnificent Psalm. In verses 1-6, the writer spoke about the […]
Presumptuous Sins Mike Johnson Psalm 19:13 says, “Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression.” What is a presumptuous sin? A presumptuous sin is a sin that is committed with arrogance and grows out of […]
My Rock & My Fortress (Psalm 31:2-3) Mike Johnson In Psalm 31:2-3, David appeals to God, saying, “. . . Be my rock of refuge, a fortress of defense to save me. For You are my rock and my fortress; therefore, for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me.” The word “rock” is used […]
“Have Mercy Upon Me, O God!” (Psalm 51) Mike Johnson In the Old Testament, there is a psalm in which the author expresses the depths of his heart by asking God for forgiveness. He seems to have a childlike faith in God’s mercy and shows profoundness and tenderness. Psalm 51 is often called a psalm […]
God Is From Everlasting to Everlasting Mike Johnson (Psalm 90:2) It is thought Psalm 90 was written by Moses during the time the children of Israel were in the wilderness. Based on the tenor of the Psalm, it was possibly written during a time when Moses was very discouraged. In this Psalm, the greatness of […]
God Is Our Dwelling Place Mike Johnson According to the beginning note, Moses wrote Psalm 90. A standard view is that Moses wrote the Psalm during the later part of the time the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness. In this Psalm, Moses concluded by appealing to God for compassion and mercy, asking very […]
Are You Frozen? Mike Johnson Consider a story that I have had for many years in my files. I do not know the author’s name, but the message is evident. The story is called “Waiting Too Long.” Once, a man standing by Niagara saw an eagle sitting on a lamb frozen in a piece of […]
A Broken & Contrite Heart (Psalm 51:16-17) Mike Johnson In Psalm 51, the writer expresses great sorrow for the sins he had committed. According to the notes at the beginning of this Psalm, David wrote it after his sin with Bathsheba. He repeatedly asked God for mercy and forgiveness. Consider verses 16-17, which say, “For You […]
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 […]
Restore Unto Me the Joy of Your Salvation (Psalm 51:12) Mike Johnson According to the beginning notes of Psalm 51, David is its author, and he wrote the Psalm after his sin with Bathsheba. Engulfed with emotion, he is asking God to have mercy on him and extend His forgiveness. In the first part of […]
Why Is Sin So Bad? (Psalm 51:4) Mike Johnson Psalm 51 is thought to have been written by David in connection with his sin with Bathsheba. You might recall that he had committed adultery with Bathsheba, and he had her husband (Uriah) killed to cover up his deed. In Psalm 51, David was expressing his […]
Asking for God’s Mercy (Psalm 51:1-2) Mike Johnson Psalm 51:1-2 says, “Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” David wrote this Psalm, it is thought, after his sin […]
“Everything I Have Is for Sale . . .” Mike Johnson Many years ago, a friend of mine had a classic automobile. He took care of that car. Every so often, he would have it painted and would keep it polished to a showroom shine. He took good care of it mechanically; any work needed, […]
Pray Without Ceasing Mike Johnson I Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray without ceasing.” This verse is in the midst of a series of short admonitions given by Paul near the close of the book of I Thessalonians. He had just said Christians should “rejoice always.” These two admonitions can be connected, as prayer often removes obstacles that […]
Uphold the Weak (1 Thessalonians 5:14) Mike Johnson Paul closes the book of 1 Thessalonians with some very important and practical exhortations. In chapter 5:14, he “exhorts” (NASB — “urge”) the brethren to, among other things, “uphold the weak.” Christians have a responsibility to “uphold the weak.” The weak are those who are spiritually weak. Most […]
THE CHRISTIAN AND TITHING Mike Johnson Should Christians tithe today? This question is important. Many people today speak about tithing, which involves giving one-tenth to God. But, is this practice applicable for Christians today? Tithing was a part of the Law of Moses, and there are stringent regulations concerning it found in such passages as […]
THESE NAMES Mike Johnson A few years ago, while traveling, I took particular note of signs in front of church buildings. After a period of time, I started making a list of the various names which groups called themselves. At the end of the trip, my list was quite long and also interesting. […]
THE KINGDOM AND COLOSSIANS 1:13 Mike Johnson “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love….” (Col. 1:13) The above passage reveals what God did for the Colossian Christians and those who are Christians today and contains some essential information about God’s people. […]
Priorities Mike Johnson “We need to put first things first.” “You need to get your priorities straightened out.” These are common expressions in our society. We should keep priorities in mind as some matters are more important than others. The Bible has a lot to say concerning priorities. God does expect people to put “first things first.” […]
DOES MORAL GOODNESS MAKE ONE A CHRISTIAN? Mike Johnson Many honest and sincere souls mistakenly believe that if a person is morally good, then he is a Christian. No one can be a faithful follower of Christ without being on a high moral plane. However, Christianity is more than merely being moral. Acts 10 tells about […]
Did Angels Marry Women? (Genesis 6:1-2) Mike Johnson “Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose.” […]
CAN WE TRUST OUR FEELINGS ABOUT SALVATION? Mike Johnson Some people claim to rely solely on their feelings for assurance of personal salvation. They may say, “I know I am saved because I feel I am.” They will often ignore very plain passages in the Bible about salvation because of a “feeling” they have. Some […]
The Book of Philippians Mike Johnson Paul wrote the book of Philippians to the church at Philippi. This book has been called the most personal and spontaneous of all of Paul’s letters. The word “joy” or “rejoice” occurs at least 17 times in the book. The church at Philippi was the first church started by […]
Does Every Person Have a Right to His Own Beliefs? Mike Johnson The answer to the above question is, in one sense, YES, but in another sense is NO. To begin with, consider the question from a “constitutional” or “legal” standpoint. People do have a right to their own beliefs in matters of religion according to […]
FOLLOWING ELDERS INTO ERROR Mike Johnson Elders have a vital function in the Lord’s church. They are to oversee the flock— they are to feed, or shepherd, the local congregation of which they are a part (Acts 20:17, 28; I Pet. 5:1-2). Elders are to watch for grievous wolves (or false teachers) who threaten the […]
Where is the Gym? Mike Johnson Many people would be surprised if they visited a large church and found out it did not have a gymnasium or something called a “fellowship hall.” Many churches today have become more like social clubs than churches. They provide events as meals, dances, bingo parties, basketball games, and other […]
The Office of an Elder Mike Johnson The Bible teaches that a local congregation is to have certain men overseeing them called “elders.” Acts 14:23 speaks of the appointment of elders in every church. It says, “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to […]
WHERE DID CAIN GET HIS WIFE? Mike Johnson The above question is a very old question. Other questions are perhaps more important, but this question is frequently asked (sometimes by scoffers) and should be discussed. Genesis 4:16,17 points out that Cain went to the land of Nod after he killed his brother. Verse 27 says, “And […]
ARE WE TO KEEP THE SABBATH TODAY? Mike Johnson Should Christians observe the Sabbath today? Many people feel that those who worship on Sunday instead of the Sabbath violate God’s Word. To them, assembling on the first day of the week instead of the seventh is a man-made practice. There are more than 150 Biblical […]
THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE CHURCH Mike Johnson The role of women in society has changed greatly in recent years. It seems that many are even pushing for an almost “gender neutral” society. Some changes that have taken place have been good but many have not been. The changes in society tend to eventually […]
“I’m All Shook Up…” Mike Johnson These words perhaps echoed from the facilities of a local congregation in Huntsville, Alabama, as they presented “A Tribute to the King of Rock & Roll.” A newspaper ad for the event pictures an Elvis impersonator. I don’t know if “Elvis” sang this song, “I’m All Shook Up,” but […]
IS CONSCIENCE A SAFE GUIDE? Mike Johnson “Always let your conscience be your guide.” “Just do what your conscience says.” The statement expresses many people’s attitudes when determining what is right or wrong religiously. Many think they are correct as long as they follow their conscience, on some doctrinal matter or even on a moral […]
CONFUSION ABOUNDS! Mike Johnson FROM HUNTSVILLE: I agree with “West Coast.” Protestant worship services are mostly selling tickets to ball games, pictures, records, and signing petitions on political issues. There is very little spirituality. And the music is a disgrace. No hymns anymore, just modern junk. –Disgusted GREENWICH, CONN: That Protestant person is not alone with the […]
THE CHURCH & THE INDIVIDUAL Mike Johnson Sadly, there has been much division in the Lord’s church throughout the years. One area of division involves the church-sponsored recreation and church support of human institutions (orphan homes, colleges, rest homes, homes for unwed mothers, etc.). One argument used to justify church support and involvement in such […]
PROFANE AND VULGAR SPEECH Mike Johnson The use of vulgar and profane language is at an all-time high in our society today. Profanity is everywhere, and it is difficult to escape from it. Without a doubt, the media (specifically television and the movies) has significantly impacted the way people talk. “Hollywood” has become the teacher […]
Religious Titles Mike Johnson Most preachers use a religious title. Some call themselves “Reverend.” In Catholicism, they refer to their priests as “Father.” One religious organization (the Masons) refers to certain ones in their organization by such titles as “Worshipful Master” or “Most Worshipful Grand Master.” What does the Bible say about the use of […]
Who Are These People? Mike Johnson Perhaps you are a member of the church of Christ, and you look at yourself as “mainstream” as it is said. You know that there are also people meeting in town who are supposed to be members of the Lord’s church, but you do not know much about them. […]
A LESSON FROM A SQUIRREL Mike Johnson A few years ago, while walking, I saw a squirrel fall from a tree, which is something I never expected to see. I have often watched squirrels perform all kinds of incredible acrobatic feats. I have seen them walk across a telephone wire; I have seen them jump […]
The Enslaving Power of Sin Mike Johnson People today often picture sin as a pleasant delight. Sin, according to many, is not something to be “avoided” but is something to be “pursued.” People view the moral teaching of God’s Word as “old-fashioned,” and those who try to adhere to the high standard of the Bible and […]
ARE WE COMPLACENT ABOUT SIN? Mike Johnson Many years ago, my wife and I moved into a house close to a well-traveled train track, which trains traveled on throughout the night. At first, the whistles from the trains woke us up. Before long, however, the passing trains rarely disturbed our sleep as we grew accustomed […]
The Conversion of Saul Mike Johnson The Bible records the conversion of Saul in three places. It is recorded in Acts 9:1-18, 22:1-16, and 26:12-18. We will focus on the accounts in Acts 9 and Acts 22, as we examine this conversion case. Background Information Saul was born in Tarsus (Acts 21:39). He was most […]
SAINTS Mike Johnson There is a great deal of misunderstanding about the term “saint.” Some think of the word in connection with receiving a second blessing from God, which makes a person “sanctified” and incapable of sinning. To be qualified as saints, still others say that people must meet specific qualifications (such as performing […]
DON’T TREAT PRAYER LIKE A SPARE TIRE Mike Johnson Do you spend a lot of time thinking about the spare tire in your automobile? Many people do not. In fact, many do not even check to see if they have a spare tire in their trunk. However, there is a time when all attention is focused […]
WAS PETER THE FIRST POPE? Mike Johnson The above question is undoubtedly a good question and needs examination. Many think Peter was the first pope. However, the Bible does not even teach that there should be a position of a pope, much less Peter being the first one. Consider just some reasons why Peter could […]
PEER PRESSURE Mike Johnson A woman who had reached the age of 102 was discussing her longevity. She said, “Well, at least I don’t have to worry about peer pressure.” Someone 102 probably does not have any peers left. However, peer pressure influences most people, to one degree or another, and it is a powerful […]
Patience Mike Johnson The term “patience” frequently occurs in the Bible. Patience is a painful lesson to learn in the age in which we live, but Christians must have this trait. Christ praised the church at Ephesus for their patience (Rev. 2:2-3). Hebrews 12:1 says that Christians are to “run with patience” the race that set before […]
OUR REGARD FOR OTHERS Philippians 2:3 Mike Johnson The book of Philippians emphasizes the importance of unity. Paul, in Philippians 1:27, encouraged the Christians at Philippi to “. . . stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel . . . .” In Philippians 2:2, he said […]
Going After the Noble Prize Mike Johnson Are you going for “The Noble Prize”? You might think, “How can I go after that prize? I don’t know anything about physics, chemistry, or physiology. I am not involved in the field of literature. I am not a well-known person who has done a lot for world […]
Missing Out on A Valuable Treasure Mike Johnson “One person’s junk is another person’s treasure.” I am confident that almost everyone has heard this expression. We know that another may view something, which may seem worthless to one person, as valuable. The popularity of garage/yard sales in our country attests to this. An Associated Press Story […]
The Book of Matthew Mike Johnson The book of Matthew is probably the best known of all of the gospel accounts. When people want to find the teaching of Jesus on any Bible subject, they will often start by turning to this book. This popularity may be due to it being the first book of […]
Put Away Lying (Ephesians 4:25) Mike Johnson Ephesians 4:25 says, “Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.” This verse tells us Christians are to put away lying. The context shows the need to put off the “old man” and to put […]
Lying Mike Johnson The Bible has a lot to say on the subject of lying. God disapproves of lying, and Christians should avoid it. The Old Testament frequently speaks of lying. Proverbs 16:17 makes it clear that a “lying tongue” is one of the things that the Lord hates. Further, Proverbs 12:22 says, “Lying lips are an abomination […]
The Book of Luke Mike Johnson Luke wrote the book of Luke as well as the book of Acts. These two books are very similar in style, and many call them companion books as Acts is a continuation of Luke. It seems Luke’s goal was to tell the whole story of Christianity. He also addressed […]
LOYALTY Mike Johnson Several years ago, I saw a bumper sticker on an automobile, which said: “110% Bama— I’ll Never Change.” The sticker expressed the extreme loyalty the owner of the car had for his favorite football team, the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. I take it that his resolve would not be affected by […]
LIE NOT TO ONE ANOTHER Mike Johnson The sin of lying is prevalent. However, this does not make it right. A famous preacher, while preaching to a large audience, used as his text the story of Ananias and Sapphira and told how they lied, which resulted in God striking them dead. The old preacher proclaimed, […]
Lasciviousness Mike Johnson The sin of lasciviousness is mentioned several times in God’s Word. It is essential to discuss this sin, especially in the times we live. It seems various definitions exist for lasciviousness. The Greek word in the original is a fairly broad word that can include many things. Thayer defines the word (766 […]
The Book of Job Mike Johnson The book of Job is genuinely significant and useful. It is a part of a category of Old Testament books known as “Poetry.” It deals with the problem of pain and suffering. The book of Job shows us some essential facts about God, Satan, and the problem of pain. […]
JESTING Mike Johnson Ephesians 5:3-5 has a list of sins that Christians are to avoid. Such sins as fornication and covetousness are listed. Verse four mentions the sin of jesting (KJV). It says, “neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” The NASB translates the expression “not […]
Hate Father and Mother Mike Johnson Luke 14:26 says, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.” Why does Christ say that we must hate our fathers and mothers and other family members? […]
The Book of James Mike Johnson The book of James is a very practical and helpful book of the Bible. The purpose of this article will be to give a brief overview of this essential New Testament letter. Let us start by asking, “Who wrote the book of James?” The author is apparent— James wrote it. James 1:1 says, […]
Infant Baptism Mike Johnson There is a lot of disagreement on the subject of baptism. People disagree on the purpose of baptism as well as how to baptize someone. There is also controversy regarding whom to baptize. Some say infants are proper candidates for baptism, while others say a person must be a penitent believer before baptism. Is there authority for […]
Ignorance Mike Johnson The moon was a thin crescent in the Canadian skies on the night the astronauts neared it for the first landing on the surface. A farmer in Nova Scotia could not get over the unnecessary risks that the astronauts were running and said, “You’d think they’d at least wait until it was […]
The Health Inspector and Authority Mike Johnson Many years ago, I worked in a meatpacking plant. One responsibility I had was to roll a vat containing tubular molds of lunch-meat to an ice bin and then fill the container with ice. The instructions were to use a stainless steel shovel, used exclusively for this task. […]
THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH Mike Johnson The Bible clearly teaches that Christ came and built His church. In Matthew 16:16-18 he said that he would build His church, and in Acts 2 we can read of its establishment. Does the church have a particular purpose for being in existence? If no purpose for the […]
HOW WELL DO YOU LISTEN? Mike Johnson How well do you listen? We would not remember some of the most famous statements ever made if someone had not listened carefully to what was said. Listening correctly is very important to learning. One person put it like this: “Talk, and you say what you already know, […]
The Book of Mark Mike Johnson The writer of the book of Mark is probably “John Mark,” who is mentioned several times in God’s Word. He was a cousin of Barnabas, and his mother was named Mary. Mary was a faithful Christian in Jerusalem who owned the house where the Christians met for prayer while […]
A Lesson from Luther Mike Johnson Luther was quite slow from a mental standpoint. He was well-liked in the community, and it was easy to get along with him. However, some of the young men in the neighborhood could not resist having some fun with him from time to time. At the little store where […]
THREE GREAT QUESTIONS Mike Johnson Where do we come from? What are we doing here? Where are we going? These are three great questions that always have concerned humanity. Philosophers have tried to answer these questions but have been unsuccessful. However, since God has chosen to speak to us through the Bible, we can […]
Love For God Mike Johnson The Bible teaches we are to love God. Matthew 22 reveals a case where some Pharisees were questioning Jesus. A Scribe asked Him what the greatest commandment was. In verse 37, Jesus replied, “. . . You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and […]
IGNORING SIN Mike Johnson An often made statement made by people today is, “I just don’t let it bother me.” In many areas, we would all be better off taking this approach. With sin, however, this is very dangerous. Many people are very complacent regarding their sin, and instead of seeking a remedy, they ignore […]
Hate Sin! Mike Johnson The Bible has a great deal to say about the subject of hate. People typically think that Christians are not supposed to hate, and generally, this is true. However, the Bible teaches that Christians are to hate sin! Many passages speak about hating evil or sin. Romans 12:9 says that we are to […]
GO AWAY FOR NOW Mike Johnson Luke tells us in Acts 24 of a time when Paul, who had earlier been seized by the Jews, was brought before the governor of the area—a man named Felix. Charges were brought against Paul, and he presented his defense. Felix, hoping to receive a bribe, refused to let […]
FLATTERY Mike Johnson At a reception in Washington, a widow asked a young man to guess her age. “You must have some idea,” she said, as he hesitated. “I have several ideas,” he admitted with a smile. “The trouble is that I hesitate whether to make it ten years younger on account of your looks […]
THE PURPOSE OF BAPTISM & ACTS 9:17 Mike Johnson If baptism is for the remission of sins, why did Ananias call Saul “brother” previous to his baptism? This objection is sometimes raised regarding Saul’s conversion. Acts 22:16 does point out that Saul was baptized to wash away his sins. However, the response of the objector […]
The IMPORTANCE OF TRUTH Mike Johnson What is truth? This is a very good question. Pilate asked it in John 18:38. He may, however, have asked the question with scorn rather than with a thirst for knowledge. Nevertheless, it is still a significant question. Jesus said in John 17:17 in his prayer to God, “ […]
TRUTH IS NARROW Mike Johnson Truth is narrow. This concept is easy to see, and most people understand it. Consider an illustration from science. We know under ordinary conditions, water freezes at 32 degrees at sea level. Suppose a scientist says, “I am very broad in my scientific beliefs. I am not one of you […]
The Book of John Mike Johnson The book of John adds much to our understanding of the mission and life of Christ. There is much evidence, both internal and external, to show that John was the author of the fourth Gospel. John was an apostle and was a son of Zebedee, and James, another of […]
Jonah & the Great Fish Mike Johnson Most are familiar with the story of Jonah, which is in the book of the Bible called Jonah. Jonah was fleeing from God in a ship and was eventually cast into a stormy sea. There he was swallowed by a great fish, and he lived in the belly […]
LESSONS FROM NAAMAN Mike Johnson 2 Kings 5:1-14 tells us about one of the more well-known cases of healing in the Old Testament. This story tells of Naaman, who was healed of leprosy by God. In this article, we will discuss the story of Naaman and then draw some valuable lessons. The Story Naaman was […]
BUY THE TRUTH & SELL IT NOT Mike Johnson Proverbs 23:23 says, “Buy the truth, and sell it not . . .” This passage shows the extreme value of truth. We are to spare no pains or costs to obtain it; once we have it, we are to keep it safe. We should not be reasoned […]
AN IMPORTANT CHOICE Mike Johnson Life is full of choices, and we must make decisions every day. Some decisions we must make are not as important as others are. However, the most important choice we face is in the spiritual realm. Jesus spoke of options that every person faces in Matthew 7:13, 14. Here he said, […]
CAN WE UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE ALIKE? Mike Johnson If we can understand the Bible at all, we can understand the Bible alike. The Bible is truth, and truth does not contradict itself. If two people disagree on a Bible passage, both cannot be correct, as the Bible does not teach two different and conflicting concepts. We may misunderstand the […]
Two Mandatory Appointments Mike Johnson There are very few things in life that we absolutely must do. A person does not even absolutely have to eat. A person, of course, must eat if he wants to live, but he can stop eating and die if he wanted to. However, we cannot avoid two future […]
WARN THE UNRULY Mike Johnson In I Thessalonians 5:14, Paul gave some critical teaching for all Christians. He stated that Christians are to “be patient toward all men,” they are to “uphold the weak,” and they are to “comfort the fainthearted.” However, the first responsibility he urges is to “warn those who are unruly.” This responsibility, in addition […]
Wise Men & Fruit Mike Johnson Here are two questions I would like for you to answer. 1. How many wise men came to visit Jesus when he was born in Bethlehem? 2. What kind of fruit did Adam and Eve eat when they sinned in the garden? Most would probably say three wise men […]
GOOD FROM BAD (Philippians 1:12-14) Mike Johnson Paul wrote the book of Philippians while in prison. His trial had probably already taken place, and he seemed to be waiting for the verdict. It appears he expected to be released but was uncertain about it. Paul, no doubt, did not enjoy being imprisoned. Nevertheless, it is […]
A FAITHFUL MAN WHO FEARED GOD ABOVE MANY Mike Johnson The book of Nehemiah tells about the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. This work was done by the Jews who returned from the Babylonian captivity. After completing the walls, Nehemiah appointed Hanani, his brother, and Hananiah as rulers of Jerusalem. It is interesting to note the […]
How Do We Acquire Faith? Mike Johnson There are many views concerning how people acquire faith. Some people say the alien sinner is to pray for faith. Others may say that God miraculously strikes a person with faith, and they may cite how they received “theirs” one day in a cornfield. We need to consider what the Bible has to say […]
ARE ALL GOOD, MORAL PEOPLE CHRISTIANS? Mike Johnson George is a good, moral man. He is faithful to his wife and an excellent father to his children. Geoge does not use profanity or drink alcohol. He coaches youth baseball and is a pillar in the community. George, however, is not religious; he has never even become […]
Watch Out for That Lion! Mike Johnson Proverbs 22:13 says, “The lazy man says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!” If a lion were outside of a person’s house, he would be wise to stay inside. However, in that it is a slothful (or lazy) man speaking, it is clear that […]
WORDS OF THE APOSTLES AND JESUS Mike Johnson Are the words of the Apostles of equal authority with the words of Jesus? Some people view the words of Jesus as being that which a person must accept while viewing the words of the Apostles, and other writers of the New Testament, as less important. Some […]
INSTABILITY Mike Johnson “O Ephraim, what shall I do to you? O Judah, what shall I do to you? For your faithfulness is like a morning cloud, And like the early dew it goes away.” (Hosea 6:4) Hosea uses two figures in this verse to describe the spiritual condition of Ephraim (Israel) and Judah. Their […]
BY WHAT AUTHORITY? Mike Johnson “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority“? These two questions, asked in Matthew 21:23, were asked of Jesus by certain chief priests and elders of his day who were trying to trap him. Their motives were not good, but their questions showed they […]
Some Facts About the Judgment Mike Johnson What does the Bible teach about the Judgment Day? It is frequently mentioned in God’s Word and was often preached (Acts 24:25; 10:42). Consider some facts found in the Scriptures about the judgment, which everyone should know. It Is Certain Few things in life are absolute. The judgment, […]
“I WOULD BE WET ALL THE TIME” Mike Johnson The Bible teaches that baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) and, thus, is essential for salvation. Sometimes people object to what this passage says about baptism by saying, “If baptism is for the remission of sins, then it would be necessary to […]
The Spirits in Prison Mike Johnson I Peter 3:18-20 is a passage, which has prompted many questions. It speaks of Jesus having gone to preach to the spirits in prison. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the […]
Respect for God’s Word Mike Johnson Revelation 22:18-19, a passage found near the end of the Bible, is a very significant passage. It says: “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written […]
IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS (I Thessalonians 5:18) Mike Johnson I Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks. . . .” This teaching occurs during a series of short admonitions near the end of the book of I Thessalonians. Earlier, Paul told them they needed to “rejoice always,” and they were to “pray without ceasing.” We might […]
IS IGNORANCE AN EXCUSE? Mike Johnson Some people seem to think that God will not punish those ignorant about what the Bible teaches. However, many passages teach that ignorance is not an excuse (Hos. 4:6, Rom. 10:1-2). The Bible even commands us to add “knowledge” (II Pet. 1:5), and it commands “growth” (II Pet. 3:18). […]
“I’M NOT AS BAD AS HE IS” Mike Johnson Consider a case where an officer pulls someone over for speeding. He then approaches the stopped car, and the driver responds by saying, “I know that I was going over the speed limit, but I have probably been passed by three hundred cars in just the […]
The Inspiration of the Bible Mike Johnson Many people do not believe in the inspiration of the Scriptures, and this number seems to be growing. There are even some religious people who deny “inspiration” in the sense that the Scriptures teach it. They define inspiration to mean only that the Bible bears the marks of literary […]
God’s Promises Mike Johnson Promises are prevalent in our society. Some try to keep their commitments, and others do not. The promises made by many people are often not very dependable. We see this with politicians, salespeople, employers, and in some cases, even with friends. It is also true that the passing of time makes […]
GOD IS OMNIPOTENT Mike Johnson Do you know that God is omnipotent? Well, He is, which means He has ALL POWER. Jeremiah 32:27 says, “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?” (NASB) One way we see God’s power is due to the forces of nature being […]
God and Temptation Mike Johnson A view held by some is that God tempts us to sin. Others feel that if God does not tempt us, He is at least to some degree responsible. Does God tempt people to sin? Is He responsible for our sins? A critical passage to examine is James 1:13. This passage […]
THE POSSIBILITY OF APOSTASY 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 a person cannot. They hold a doctrine known by such names as “Once Saved, Always Saved,” […]
YOU CAN ONLY LIVE SO LONG Mike Johnson You can only live so long.” According to an AP article, these were the last words of a tenor as he performed at the Metropolitan Opera House, in New York City, during a production. The man was standing at the top of a ten-foot ladder when he […]
The Book of I Peter Mike Johnson The book of I Peter, as the title implies, was written by Peter. Peter, along with his brother Andrew, was one of the 12 apostles. Peter and Andrew were fishermen, as were James and John. Peter, James, and John seem to have made up an inner circle around […]
The Conversion of the Ethiopian Mike Johnson The conversion case of the eunuch from Ethiopia is one of the more well-known conversion cases in the Bible. We know the facts are accurate because they come from the inspired Word of God (II Timothy 3:16-17). Acts 8 records this conversion. The account takes a natural division. […]
The “Come as You Are” Method of Church Growth Mike Johnson Churches want to grow in number, but, sadly, many improper methods are used by churches today to increase their membership. One of these is the “Come as You Are” method. This method of growth is prevalent today in denominationalism. Slogans such as “God […]
SLOW PACED FAVORS Mike Johnson Proverbs 3:27-28 says, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,’ when you have it with you.” The verses make […]
Setting Sail on the Seas of Eternity (“My Departure Is at Hand”) Mike Johnson While in a Roman prison near the end of his life, Paul wrote, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand” (2 Tim. 4:6). The Greek word (analusis), translated as “departure,” occurs […]
CONVICTION Mike Johnson Are you a person who has strong conviction? Once you learn what the Bible teaches, are you willing to believe and practice it no matter what? In the Bible, we can read of many people who were like this. At all costs, they were determined to follow God. For example, Paul, Stephen, […]
Lessons from the Tempting of Jesus Mike Johnson There are three accounts in the Bible of the temptation of Jesus. These are in Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, and Luke 4:1-13. Matthew and Luke give a more detailed account. The accounts tell us that Satan tempted Jesus three times after he had fasted in the wilderness for […]
The Wrath of God Mike Johnson God loves everyone! This fact should cause us to be encouraged. Many people understand that God loves them, but they have misconceptions about His love. Some say, “God is a God of love; He will not punish me for my sins.” As a result of this attitude, many continue […]
WHAT IS REPENTANCE? Mike Johnson What is Repentance?This is a crucial question. It is essential to understand the meaning of repentance because repentance is necessary for salvation. In Acts 2:38, Peter told the people they needed to repent (in addition to being baptized) for the remission of sins. Thus, repentance is undoubtedly essential. There are […]
TO LIVE IS CHRIST/TO DIE IS GAIN Mike Johnson Paul wrote the book of Philippians, as well as some other books, while in a Roman prison. He was in prison awaiting a decision about his fate. He might be released and would then be able to continue preaching. However, the decision could go against him, […]
BLAMING OTHERS FOR OUR SINS Mike Johnson It is widespread for people to blame their mistakes on others; we tend to want to shift responsibility. People also blame SIN on other people. Many did this in biblical times; regrettably, the blaming of sin on others also often takes place today. Commonly blamed for people’s sins today […]
Cheetahs and Christians Mike Johnson The fastest land animal is a large cat called a cheetah. It can run like a car driving down the interstate—almost 70 miles per hour. The cheetah is built for running. It has long legs, a strong, flexible spine that works as a spring, bending up and down, allowing it […]
The “Believe as You Please” Method Of Church Growth Mike Johnson Most congregations want to grow, but often churches today use methods to do so, which are contrary to Biblical principles. One approach is the “Believe as You Please Method.” This method of growth does not require any […]
Rejoice Always Mike Johnson I Thessalonians 5:16 says we are to “Rejoice always.” In the Greek, this passage is the shortest verse in the Bible. In contrast, the shortest verse in the English deals with the opposite emotion, which is sorrow. This verse is John 11:35, which says, “Jesus wept.” It is incredible how many times the concept […]
Thinking About the Hereafter Mike Johnson A man once asked, “Do you ever think about the hereafter?” He thought a few seconds and said, “I go in a room to get something, but once I get there, I can’t remember what I went to get. So I think, ‘what am I here after?’” The man […]
A USELESS RELIGION Mike Johnson James 1:26 says, “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.” Do you know that our religion can become vain? First, Jesus pointed out that our worship is futile if we teach the doctrine and […]
STRIKE THE TENT Mike Johnson The last words said by people before they die occur under a variety of circumstances. Sometimes people speak their last words without realizing that death is near. For example, a person’s final utterances may be a comment about what a beautiful day it is. Sometimes a person’s last words may […]
The Brevity of Life Mike Johnson The Bible uses many different terms to express the brevity of life. It describes life as a wind, a cloud, grass, a flower, and also as a vapor. (Job 7:6-10, 14:1-2; James 4:14; I Pet. 1:24). The Christian and the alien sinner constantly need to have the concept of […]
CONCERN FOR OTHERS Philippians 2:4 Mike Johnson An often overlooked yet significant passage, Philippians 2:4, says, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” The NASB says, “your own personal interests.” This concept is contrary to the popular notion espoused by humanists and others […]
Are All Believers Christians? Mike Johnson What is necessary for people to be acceptable in the eyes of God? Many feel that to obtain salvation, all that is needed is the belief that Christ is the son of God. Does the Bible teach this? John 12:42-43 speaks of unsaved believers. It says, “Nevertheless even among […]
SWIFT TO HEAR, SLOW TO SPEAK, SLOW TO WRATH Mike Johnson In James 1:19, James addresses his “beloved brethren” and gives a vital warning. The verse says, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.“ Contextually, this appeal seems to refer mainly to our disposition […]
The Purpose of Baptism Mike Johnson Baptism has been a controversial subject in the religious world and also a neglected subject by many preachers and teachers. Baptism is not at all an obscure subject as the word “baptism,” or some form of it, occurs more than one hundred times in the New Testament. This subject […]
HE THAT IS BAPTIZED NOT? Mike Johnson Mark 16:16 says, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved…” This verse plainly shows the purpose of “belief” and “baptism.” However, some point out that since the last part of verse 16 says, “…but he who does not believe will be condemned,” and does not say, […]
BAPTISM AND THE CONVERSION OF SAUL Mike Johnson In Acts 9, we read of the conversion of Saul. Here we learn that Saul was on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians when the Lord appeared to him. At this point, he realized that Christ was God’s son (v. 6). Christ then told Saul to go […]
BELIEF AND BAPTISM Mike Johnson Mark 16:16 says, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Jesus spoke these words just prior to his ascension. Here, salvation is promised but it is conditional. Actually, there are two conditions stated as being necessary for salvation. They are […]
The Silent Killer Mike Johnson Doctors sometimes refer to high blood pressure as “the silent killer” 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, “bitterness.” Like high blood pressure, it often goes […]
GOD’S INSPIRED MESSAGE Mike Johnson In I Thessalonians 2:13, Paul wrote, “For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively […]
Carried by Angels Mike Johnson An interesting line occurs near the end of Hamlet, as Shakespeare has Horatio saying these words as Hamlet dies: “…Good night, sweet prince, / And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!” (5.2.361-2). Shakespeare’s idea of angels being near when an individual dies does not conflict with what we […]
Bad Language Mike Johnson Once a farmer drove his team of mules into town. He was very late in returning, so his wife asked him what had taken so long. The farmer replied, “Well, on the way back, I had to pick up the preacher, and from then on, these mules didn’t understand one word […]
Bad Company Mike Johnson There is a story about two parrots who lived near each other. One often sang hymns while the other was addicted to swearing. The owner of the latter obtained permission for it to associate with the former in the hope that its bad habit would be corrected. Instead, the opposite happened […]
USE OF THE BIBLE Mike Johnson People use the Bible in many different ways. Sadly, some only use the Bible to record marriages, births, deaths, etc. Some people use it to swear on, sometimes calling for an entire stack. Others use it as an ornament for a living room table, thinking others will be impressed. […]