Are You Ready for Your “Exodus”?
Peter, in 2 Peter 1:15, uses the word “exodus” (in the original Greek) for “decease” (KJV). When Peter wrote his letter, he was not going to live much longer. Tradition says he died as a martyr in Rome under Nero, probably in A.D. 66 or 67 (1 Clement 5:1-6:1). This agrees with the statement Jesus […]
Are You Living in Hope?
“Hope” is one of the most precious and optimistic words that adorns the human language. Few things are more comforting in a hospital emergency room, following a tragic accident or illness of a loved one, than for the doctor to appear and say, “there is hope.” Moreover, when a loved one dies, to say, “he […]
Are You Lacking?
When we think of sin, what do we think of? We may think of things like murder, stealing, or even lying. We may think of an action, something that we do that is sinful. But have you ever thought about not doing something being sinful? Have you ever avoided doing something you should have done […]
The Qualifications Are for All
You may be surprised to learn that most of the qualifications of bishops (also called elders, shepherds, pastors, overseers, or presbyters) are expected of all Christians — both men and women. This effectively says that bishops aren’t some sort of “super” Christian or a sort of special individual that most can’t replicate. Instead, they’re men […]
Laid at the Apostles’ Feet
At least three times in Acts 4 and 5 it is said of early disciples that they “sold their possessions”, then brought what they had received from the sale of houses or lands and “laid it at the apostles’ feet” (Acts 4:35, 37; 5:2). One of my earliest memories of Lord’s Day worship in the […]
Are You Doing Everything You Can?
In Corinth the brethren were having a problem. Their services were in shambles. People spoke out of turn, spoke in tongues no one could understand, and the brethren were striving over had the best spiritual gift (1 Cor. 12:15-13:1). Needless to say, this left services in an incomprehensible mess and no one was being edified. […]
Are You Looking for a Church?
Many today are dissatisfied with the church in which they grew up or the one with which they have been associated for many years. There are various reasons for the dissatisfaction. Some are not happy about dwindling numbers, the old building, or the lack of “activities” for themselves or their children. Others are unsatisfied with […]
Are You Depriving Yourself?
The Bible must always be at the heart of our preaching, teaching, and living. If the scriptures do not guide us, we are settling for second best. No human wisdom or document can compare in the least with the word of God. Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a […]
Are You a Worrywart?
If you realized just what worry is, you would stop indulging in it immediately. Worry is the name give by the devil to one of his most effective weapons. The great antidote for worry is faith. Worry has a hard time living side by side with a person who has learned to put their trust […]
Are You Among the “Common” People?
“The Lord must love common people because he made so many of them.” We love these words of Abraham Lincoln because most of us are such people. We have a habit of lumping people together in masses. In industry we call them “hands;” in politics, “votes;” in baseball, “fans;” in social work, “cases.” To a […]
