Recommend This Church Twice Each Week
Those who study “church growth” tell us that our best opportunity for increase arises out of every member recommending their own congregation to people they know or with whom they have contact. Such recommendations should be brief, to-the-point statements that are designed to appeal to the specific individual. Here are some examples: To a new […]
Not a Denomination!
The church revealed in the New Testament is not a denomination. I know that sounds awkward with the thousands of “churches” today, but it is true! It was composed of those who heard, believed, and obeyed the truth (Acts 2:37-47). They did not have to “join a church” or be “voted in” (a human act) […]
Fulfilled Prophecy: Judah’s Blessing
The time of death was near and Jacob was conscious of its eminence. He called all his sons to his bed that he might bless each of them. Of Judah, his fourth son, he said: “Judah, thee shall thy brethren praise. Thy hand shall be on the neck of thine enemies; thy father’s sons shall […]
Man Needs a Blueprint
Many of the simple actions that we as plain, ordinary folks go through on an everyday basis can often provide profound illustrations for much-needed biblical insight. This isn’t really hard to understand when we stop to think for a moment. After all, it only makes sense that if the same God who inspired the Bible […]
Doctrines That Deny the Work Jesus Finished
Loved ones, Jesus prayed to the Father, “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:4). Jesus finished His redemptive work. Yet, people have devised doctrines that effectively deny this truth. Jesus came to fulfill the law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17). Yet […]
Follow Him
In the ancient Roman Empire, many boys wanted to grow up to be emperors. But I hope that most people want to grow up to be like Christ. What does it take to follow Him? Consider these five ways: Follow Him in baptism. Jesus had no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21), but He was baptized by […]
“I Will Do to Them According to Their Way”
In Ezekiel 7:23-27, the prophet is describing the coming judgment on the land of Judah. Because of their idolatry, the Babylonians would take them into captivity. In v. 27, the Lord says, “I will do to them according to their way.” This proves the principle found in Galatians 6:7-8 that you reap what you sow […]
Church Closings
[Author’s note: I was recently asked to speak at the closing of a congregation. Here are a few of my remarks, with much of the specifics omitted.] There are no 2,000-year-old congregations in existence. The Lord’s churches in Corinth, Ephesus, and Philippi eventually disbanded. As to why or how or when we do not know, […]
“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”
In Mark 15:21-41, we can read about the crucifixion of Jesus. These verses tell us what Jesus had to go through just before and during His death on the cross. As I read these words, tears come to my eyes because an innocent man, God’s only Son, came to this earth and suffered and died […]
“What Seek Ye?”
In John 1, the Bible records John the Immerser saw Jesus coming and declared, “Behold the Lamb of God” (John 1:36). Two of his disciples heard this and followed Jesus, who “seeing them following, said to them, ‘What do you seek?’” (John 1:37-38). This is a good question for all of us. Be honest and […]