Articles

In the passage below, a lie is implied. Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. 1st Corinthians 6:9-10 So what’s the lie? There must be a lie there somewhere that threatens to deceive us, since we are warned not to be dec...

It’s that time of the year again. I am amazed at how quickly the Christmas Season comes each year, since I’ve grown older. As a kid I thought Christmas would never get here. I called it the “Christmas watch”. I would get all pumped up right after Thanksgiving from all the decorations, music, candies, and commercials on TV. Christmas would arrive and just as quickly it would...

Last week’s article dealt with four very important facts about love. Jesus said that the world would know that we are His disciples because of the love that we have for one another, John 14:34-35. 2. Love is the basis of the two greatest commandments, Mathew 22:36-39. 3. All that is in the Law and the prophets depends on love, Matthew 22:40. 4. Love is superior to the miraculous, 1st Corinth...

In our everyday life, we are often so consumed in our work, finances, or even our family. These such items certainly demand our attention because they are important. But, often we spend day after day in pursuit of life to such a degree that only special occasions give us joy or a feeling of delight. Maybe it would be some special event like celebrating a birthday or an anniversary, or buying somet...

Let’s answer the question with another question. How is the world supposed to know that we are in fact, disciples of Jesus? A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35 Of all the teachings of Jesus that we must hold on ...

Here are a few helpful things I’ve learned that I am pleased to pass on. How do you get a speck of dirt or debris out of your eye? Simple! Using the thumb and forefinger of one hand, gently grasp your upper eyelid by the lashes and lift it away from your eyeball. Then with the forefinger of your other hand, gently push the lower eyelid up under the upper, and move it back and forth. This lit...

Even though the last writer to contribute to it died over 1900 years ago, and its first book (of 66) came out at least 3400 years ago, its current influence is so alive and strong it is causing international repercussions relative to the upcoming Olympics in Beijing, China! It is significant that that is the only first century book that is getting so much attention! Li Zhanjun, director of the Bei...

Just a few weeks from the writing of this article, a new movie will be released entitled, The Golden Compass. The movie is based on the first in a trilogy of books which the author calls His Dark Materials. These books are written for and marketed to children and are considered as children’s books by Random House Publishing whose synopsis of the story can be read at http://www.randomhouse.co...

We have grown so spoiled by our modern conveniences, haven’t we? Think about electricity. It has only been in usage in our homes for a little over a hundred years. Not very long in the overall history of mankind, and yet we never notice it … till it goes off! Back many years ago, when people were first getting electric services delivered locally, two neighbors were trying to decide if...

Have you ever questioned your salvation? Have you ever wondered if your baptism was valid? Have you ever wondered if there is something else you need to do to ensure your salvation is solid? If these questions, or similar questions, have ever passed through your mind you need to read on. Questions like these have plagued the very thoughts of brothers and sisters, even some preachers and elders, fo...

When asked about prayer, many things may come to mind. For instance, you may feel: no-one needs to know about your prayers it is very personal your prayer is between you and God alone, no matter what you pray for Gods going to do what He wants anyway, to make it from one day to the next prayer is an absolute necessity you don’t not know how to pray, inadequate to pray you’re not good e...

And they are right, it is the 21st Century. We have 21st Century crime...This is no time to make excuses and allowances for sin. This is a time to make everyone accountable for their actions just as God says we will be in judgment. Besides, if we’re so advanced in the 21st Century, why haven’t we overcome such vice in our society? Nope, if there was ever a time when we must hold people...

The book of Hebrews provides us with several exhortations that encourage us to grow toward maturity in our Christian faith. 4:1 Therefore, let us fear lest, while a promise remains of entering His rest, anyone of you should seem to have come short of it. 4:11 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall through following the same example of disobedience. 4:14 Since then we hav...

The apostle Paul made a notable statement when He wrote to the church at Philippi, Macedonia in Philippians 1:29. He said, ‘For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake’. There is much of interest here, but in particular my thoughts are drawn to the fact that Paul said that God has granted to some the ability to bel...

Why Doesn’t God Tell Us How We Are Supposed To Feel? Instead, He always tells us the right way to behave. Take baptism for example. Have you ever wondered why we are not told how we are supposed to feel when we rise up from baptism to walk in new life, (Romans 6:3-4)? I believe the reason is that salvation is by faith, not by feelings. We can know that we have new life at the point at which ...

A centennial celebration of statehood was colorfully and appropriately paraded before the masses this past Sunday--on the streets, on television--as a spectacular media moment of memory. It was a fitting tribute to so many who have meant so much to Oklahoma. Amidst all that pageantry, I wondered how many paid just tribute to only One--who has meant more to this state than all the others combined??...

Leaving is never easy. Whether it’s saying goodbye to a broken relationship or a grown-up child, the act of separation is usually accompanied by a measure of pain. And so it is with my departure from Choctaw to go preach for another congregation in California.As I go, there are several ideas I want to share with you in the hope that they will ease the discomfort that many may feel at this juncture...

There is a familiar scenario being played out in Washington these days. As a “lame-duck" White House and Congress try to carry on their work knowing that their terms will soon be at an end. Everyone goes through the motions, winking at the fact that what they are doing will have little impact on events since their authority is on hold until a new administration is sworn in.I mention this because i...

Recently one of our members, Harold Jones, retired from his responsibilities as deacon. The announcement for this was contained in a very small box with very few words in our bulletin and could have easily gone unnoticed.This humble and simple notice of retirement was very much the hallmark of Harold’s service to the church. He is a man of few words, but many actions. This virtue was brought home ...

It would be nice to speak of the autumn chill in the air and wonderful fall season coming upon us but who would I be kidding? This is Oklahoma - it’s 104o in September! There is very little color change here, except for the scorch burns on your lawn.Even though it doesn’t look or feel like it, summer is almost over. One sure sign is that school is in session and the pace of activities at work has ...