Articles
Jesus did. So did His apostles. Want to see some examples? How about John 4:20-22 where Jesus told a Samaritan woman that she and her people didn’t even know what they worshiped? If we’d been there, would we have been embarrassed about it? He then told her that salvation was of the Jews (not the Samaritans). Today, He likely would be branded as narrow, bigoted, intolerant and arrogant ...
Can you recall a reference anywhere in the Bible that would lead you to believe that God the Father, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit ever considered any human affront to be a personal insult? I haven’t. Of course, there are plenty of places where we are told that God was angered by people’s behavior. To my knowledge, however, we are never lead to believe that He considered Himself to be pers...
Numerous biblical references relate to good deeds done by varied individuals in Christ’ s covenant. Think of how many good deeds Jesus did that have been noted and re-noted for the past 2000 years (Mark 2:1-10; John 2:1-11; 6:1-14 etc.). Think of the giving by brethren at Antioch for the needy souls in Judea (Acts 11:27-30). Paul noted how that brethren at Philippi had sent support to him fr...
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with promise), SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH. Ephesians 6:1-3 You may have noticed that two-year-olds don’t usually read very much. That’s why I really doubt that the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write the above with the int...
Crosby, Stills and Nash recorded this song in the 1970’s. It was a truly different lyric for its time. This was the time of “free love” and “if it feels good, do it” philosophies, not an unwelcome “look at yourself” and “what your life is teaching” concept. But there it was, a sermon in song title. The concept is certainly Biblical. 1. Jesus ta...
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth….. 2nd Timothy 4:3-4 NEWSWEEK magazine should change their name. Their recent article, Our Mutual Joy, is not news. It is a repeat of old contortions in Bible &ls...
The above is part of Acts 17:26 where the apostle Paul is attempting to introduce the true and living God to the Athenians on Mars Hill. I have often wondered what all the idea of determining the boundaries of man’s habitation entailed. Our present technology seems to have taken us a long way. That is not to say that we have ‘arrived’ anywhere in particular. After all, someone co...
Absarootintootinlootly! (OK, that’s not really a word, but you know what I mean) and the proof is right there in the texts of holy scripture. The Bible is not a science book per se, and is actually often held in contrast to all things scientific. However, the information revealed to mankind within its pages is not only scientifically accurate in every way, but accurate in several different a...
In this season of the year, we look forward to the Thanksgiving holiday. It is a time to remember the reasons we have for being thankful. Among other things for which we should be thankful would include our family, friends, the food and the freedom we have in this great nation. Yet another and most important is remembering all the benefits provided to us by Jehovah God. A great source of joy and t...
But what is this new birth Jesus teaches that is by water and the Spirit of God? I believe that everything in Jesus’ New Testament teaches us that it is the spiritual birth of a soul into the family of God that takes place at baptism. We can begin right here in the very context where Jesus introduces us to the idea: After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and ...
The unanswered question from last week’s article remains, “How can I know that I am a child of God?” The answer begins with faith in Jesus Christ: He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of...
We have just concluded the most advertised and publicized political process in our nation’s history. All who read these words were surely affected in some way at the local and/or national level. What can be beneficially gleaned from it? One lesson to be learned from the advertising must not be ignored. It was amazing how many candidates used their paid TV time, not to discuss themselves or t...
Election Day! We cast out votes for candidates and issues put before us. But sometimes our wishes in an election are frustrated. That’s democracy. God’s ‘vote’, however, is never frustrated. It is His universe. When He votes for you, you’re in. Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was ...
Why should I say “I can’t” when the Bible says I can do all things through Christ who give me strength?-Philippians 4:13 Why should I lack when God supplies all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus?-Philippians 4:19 Why should I fear when God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind?- 2 Timothy 1:7 Why should I be weak when the Lo...
Have you ever wondered what Jesus the Christ looked like? It is rather amazing that we have much information about what He taught and what He did, but we have no description of His appearance. Artists have over the years given us paintings of what they assumed He looked like, yet not one of them ever saw Jesus. Perhaps His earthly appearance was not important since we have no description of Him. H...
The Apostle Peter gives to each of us some keys for sharing God’s nature with ourselves. These characteristics are to be added to our life since they do not come naturally. In other words, it takes effort on our part. “Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge; and in your knowledge, self-contro...
“POTENTIAL AND PRAYER” By John Gipson “Men ought always to pray” (Luke 18:1) said Jesus. It is more than a privilege; it is an obligation. But evidently Jesus was aware of some power in prayer than many of us have overlooked, for He prayed always. Just think of it: He was without sin; the only begotten Son of God; clothed with power; yet He prayed constantly. Jesus prayed: ...
Of course it is an old joke, the answer to which is, “You can see his lips moving.” We call it ‘funny’ because, sadly and ironically, there is a ring of truth to it. But in the eyes of God, there is nothing funny about lying. As a matter of fact, He takes dishonesty very seriously whether you are a politician or a child. It was a lie that gave birth to the deception by whic...
The Queen of Sheba said of Solomon‘s wealth and wisdom, “…I did not believe the reports, until I came and my eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. You exceed in wisdom and prosperity the report which I heard.” 1st Kings 10:7 Consider a few impressive details concerning Solomon‘s reign: 666 talents of gold annually, 1st Kings 10:14 (that’s near...
Recently Cal Thomas had a thought provoking article entitled, “Pulpit Rebellion Misses Mark” (The Oklahoman, September 30, 2008, 10A). This related to a reaction by some to the “government’s restriction on political pronouncements from the pulpit.” Alan E. Sears, President of the Alliance Defense Fund, had promoted a plan for September 28th as Pulpit Freedom Sunday, u...
