Articles

Sadducee: A member of a Jewish party of the period between the Old and New Testaments consisting of a traditional ruling class of priests and rejecting doctrines not in the law such as resurrection, retribution in a future life, and the existence of angels. Matthew 22:23-34 Jesus silences them in his answer about a wife and resurrection. Pharisee: A member of a Jewish sect of the period between th...

“A genuine Christian is the best evidence of the genuineness of Christianity.” “The true expression of Christianity is not a sigh, but a song.” “Christianity is a ‘roll up your sleeves’ religion.” “Satan is perfectly willing to have a person confess Christ as long as they do not practice his teachings. “ “The better we understand Christianity, the less satisfied we are in our practice of it.” “Chr...

What the Holy Spirit had Bible writers put down in words is priceless. Sometimes, however, what he has not had them to write is also very revealing. Pentecost, for example. Peter testified about how Jesus was proven to be the Messiah by miracles, wonders & signs and how he was rejected and put to death, but resurrected the third day.When he concluded by saying that God made this one they cruc...

Your life here will never be completely right. Disease and sickness will persist. Natural disasters will not be brought under control. People will continue to be weak in character and morals and strong on self-will and ego. Loved ones will die and friends will disappoint. Sometimes, we will be the ones who disappoint, even when it is not our intention. No matter. Actually, it is only in facing tro...

One of my most favorite hymns is one we have been singing recently, entitled: “Day by Day”. It’s one I learned growing up, it’s one I’ve sang to each one of my children when I would rock them to sleep, and now it’s one we sing as a family most nights before bedtime. I’ve always been “in love” with the wonderful, simple melody, the arrangement, and especially, the lyrics. It is a short, simple song...

What is there about my life that would make Jesus seem attractive to other people? Can we offer them a smile, perhaps? Never underestimate the impact of a smile. Jesus told his apostles to be of good cheer (John 16:33) even in the face of trouble. If we do not have reason to smile because of Jesus, who does? Sure, this world has plenty of troubles and it shares them generously with you & me. But w...

Men like to watch. They like to watch sports or sit on the porch and watch cars go by. My father-in-law used to like sitting in his rocker and watch his children talk and interact with each other while his grandchildren played on the floor. He rarely said much, he just liked to watch his family as they gathered for meals and conversation taking great satisfaction in simply observing them. Fathers ...

In Mark 7:1-23, some Pharisees and scribes have come to be with Jesus. During their time with him, they notice that some of the disciples are eating with unwashed hands. Holding to the traditions of men, the Pharisees judge the disciples and their actions, and it seems they believe the disciples, who are eating without first washing their hands, are sinning against God. Sinning because they are no...

Have you ever said to yourself, “I really need to read my bible more?”. When this conviction happens, you may grab your bible and get your mind ready for this great time you’re going to have getting to know God better. Perhaps you find a nice cup of coffee or tea and grab your favorite blanket and chair in the peace and quiet of your favorite room. As you get more excited and ready for this time, ...

I believe Genesis 26:26-31 is the first Biblical record of solidifying a covenant with a shared meal. Isaac & king Abimelech had been at odds with each other, but the king saw that God was with Isaac and so sought to make peace. Abimelech prepared a feast for the occasion and then the two exchanged vows of peace. A few chapters later (31:43-54) we see Laban suing for peace with Jacob his son-in-la...

Recent studies published in The Journal of Marriage and Family concluded that the feeling of dissatisfaction was a significant cause of stress, and depression in today's society. In other words, people rise to high levels of achievement, have lovely homes and healthy families but cannot seem to find contentment even when they possess all these things. This situation reminds me of the Apostle Paul ...

Keep your feet on the ground For God said pride goes before a fall When your head gets too big You forget what you should recall You strive and work for it all Be careful; you should listen for God's call Open your hearts & do your best God has promised to give us rest God's calls now through His word Not in the past as others have heard Jesus is the Savior who calls us to be God's friend Being wa...

Jesus & his disciples were in a boat on the sea of Galilee. While Jesus was taking a nap (setting for us one of my favorite examples of Godly behavior) a violent storm arose and scared the disciples into thinking they were about to die (Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41 & Luke 8:22-25). In their fear, they woke Jesus up asking him to save them. With a word of rebuke he calmed the storm and then asked ...

One of the things I keep thinking and praying about during our associate minister search is whether or not the person we pick will be self-starting & devoted to service in stirring & strengthening the Body. I believe it is important to have a good preacher, but I also believe it is equally important for this next hire to be a man invested in the people at Choctaw. Meaning, we need a man who notice...

We sing a song, I Know Who Holds Tomorrow, written by Ira Stanphill. As I focus on trying to write something that is encouraging and uplifting, these lyrics continually play in my thoughts. So, I would like to share the words of this hymn with you today and I pray they give you encouragement and, if you need it, the peace to keep moving forward. 1 - I don't know about tomorrow, I just live from da...

How many can you answer correctly before you look them up? Some questions may have multiple answers. You will find the correct answer in the Book Chapter and Verse provided for each question. Question 1 - Acts 8:5-13 Where did Phillip begin a successful ministry, doing many miracles, and converting a former sorcerer named Simon? SamariaJerichoCapernaumPhilippiMexico Question 2. - Acts 3:1; 4:3 (Tw...

Happiness is a state mind we can either choose or reject. Blessedness however, is a state of being conferred by God and is not dependent on how we feel. To see the difference between being blessed and being happy, just consider the behavior of the Israelites in ancient times. They cried out to God (Exodus 2:23-3:9) and hearing their cries he freed them from slavery. What a blessing, right? Well……....

One of the most obvious places where our devotion to Jesus should be apparent is our place of worship & Bible study. Well over two hundred of us meet here and we have several meetings each week. Things can get messy, but you & I can easily do something about that. “Somebody” needs to put my songbook back in the rack. There are upwards of 170 of them in our auditorium along with around 60 Bibles an...

God expects men to lead: Bible writers consistently refer to God as maleGod sent his Son through whom he created the worldGod fashioned the man first and the woman to help himThough Eve ate first, sin is traced through Adam – Romans 5:12-14All angels appear as maleGod addressed the Patriarchs rather than the MatriarchsAbraham was promised a son The 12 tribes “of Israel” were named of their fathers...

King Hezekiah was considered in the sight of God. In 2 Kings 20:1-11 we read that the king of Judah had fallen ill and was at the point of death. Isaiah came to the king and told him to get his house in order because he would not recover. Upon hearing this news, Hezekiah turned to the wall, wept bitterly, and prayed this prayer to God: “Now, O LORD, please remember how I have walked before you in ...