Spina Absentia
According to my 9th Grade Revised Latin, the title means “no backbone.” Physically, this devastates the body, making it impossible to function. This is tragic. But more tragic is spiritual “spina absentia.” This “spinelessness” is too common in the Lord’s body, and we need the “Great Physician” to stiffen the backbone so that the function […]
What Is the “Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit”?
Matthew 12:31 says, “Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.” This is always an interesting question to discuss because few people seem to really understand the nature of the “blasphemy against the Holy […]
“They Listened to Him Until This Word”
As Paul gave his defense before the angry Jewish mob at the temple, he spoke of his zeal, his conversion, and his mission to preach the gospel of Christ to the Gentiles. He explained that the Lord told him, “I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.’ And they listened to him until […]
Redefining Love and Hate
Every few years, our language changes, and words take on different shades of meaning, or they change meaning entirely. Such is the case with the words “love” and “hate”. “Hate” still means to despise something, and “love” still means to adore. However, nowadays people who champion the cause of immorality have flip-flopped love and hate […]
Keeping Things “Mended”
When Jesus called James and John to be His disciples, they were “… in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets” (Matthew 4:21). Think for a moment about fishermen “mending” their nets. The nets were a precious possession to these men. Their livelihood depended on them. Therefore, it was important to keep them […]
Who is Jesus?
A critical question for every seeker is, “Who is Jesus?” He asked of His disciples, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” in Matthew 16:13. The true answer will be found in scripture. John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” If I want the raw, unvarnished […]
We Are Not Saved by Works
“We are not saved by works — baptism is a work; therefore, we are not saved by baptism.” So reason the multitudes. It is true the Bible says we are not saved by works: “For by grace have ye ben saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not […]
When Is a “Miracle” Really a Miracle?
A fundraising letter from a local hospital said, “Miracles at this place are part of everyday life. Miracles that come from technology. And miracles that come from human caring. I have seen them happen.” This is an excellent example of the inaccurate use of the word “miracle” in modern usage. What this man is describing […]
No Revelation — No Restraint
“Where there is no revelation, men cast off restraint …” (Proverbs 29:18). The word “restraint” comes from a word that means “dismiss; to loose; to throw off; to give the reins”. Man was made with a free will, that is, God gave us the ability to make our own choices as to how we handle […]
Authority and Benevolence
Imagine this scenario: A woman comes to a school principal and explains an urgent medical condition in her family. A daughter is gravely ill and needs surgery that will cost $10,000. The family has no insurance, limited income, and an already huge debt. After describing the situation, the woman proceeds to make a demand of […]
