The “Called Out” Body
In examining the church a little bit, one can learn a lot from examining the terms used to describe it. The term “church” is derived from the word kuriakos which means “of or belonging to the Lord.” The actual term used by Jesus and the apostles is ekklesia, which means “to call out.” Ekklesia is […]
“That Worthy Name”
Have you ever wondered how we started using last names? Until the year 1100, most people in Europe had only one name. With an increase in the population, the main purpose was to distinguish people from one another. For instance, in the 13th century about a third of the male population was named William, Richard, […]
The 10% Principle
Before He ascended to heaven, Jesus said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the […]
Sunday and Wednesday Evenings
Is the responsibility of every member to be at each and every service possible? When someone does not attend who really has no reason to be hindered (such as sickness or emergency), they naturally call into question their loyalty to the Lord. What has the time been set aside for? Worshiping God in song, studying […]
Does Jesus Care?
Sometimes it gets kind of hard to believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Creator of the universe, cares about us. But the Bible repeatedly affirms that He cares for His people. He had compassion on people when they needed teaching (Matthew 9:36), healing (Matthew 14:14), and something to eat (Matthew 15:32). Furthermore, […]
In the Name of Jesus
The name of Jesus is above all names. Paul, in Philippians 2:5-11, proved this about Jesus when he said, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking […]
Reverends, Pastors and Bishops
An edition of The Lufkin Daily News several years ago carried an article titled “Increasing number of pastors are giving themselves titles.” The article explained how denominational preachers are no longer satisfied with their designation of “pastor” or “reverend,” but are now appointing themselves as “doctor,” “bishop” and “apostle.” One man was quoted as saying, […]
Respect for God
Following the death of Nadab and Abihu, two sons of Aaron who were killed for offering fire which the Lord had not commanded them, God said, “I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified …” (Leviticus 10:1-3). That whole scenario convinces me that worshiping […]
Community Churches
The term “Community Church” applies to several different types of churches that have similar characteristics. In the 1800s, pioneers brought religious beliefs and practices as they spread westward in our nation. It was common for a relatively small community to have various denominational churches, each with 30-50 members. As some of these towns began to […]
How to Grow the Church
John Cripps asked an elder in the US why the church where he was a member was growing. He replied, “When we stopped pounding the pulpit on the issues we started to grow.” The elder also said that the elders were divided on the subject of divorce and remarriage, so they don’t teach on that. […]