Seek the Kingdom
Jesus forever settled where God’s church, the kingdom on earth, should come in one’s list of values: “Seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). But when and under what circumstances should we do this? Certainly, one is correct in saying, “All of the time and under all circumstances.” However, such an answer […]
Can You Be a Barnabas?
The early church in Jerusalem was blessed by the presence of a wonderful disciple named Joses. He was such a faithful and helpful disciple that the apostles named him Barnabas, the son of encouragement (Acts 4:36). Though he was not one of the twelve apostles, Barnabas was a person who could encourage both leaders and […]
Can We Pray for Our Government?
We have received emails from a man who says it is wrong to pray for the government and its efforts in the current war on terrorism. His claim is that the governments of men are corrupt and unapproved by God. According to him, the only kingdom for which we can pray is the kingdom of […]
What Makes an Idol?
The Old Testament revealed and condemned idolatry in a very physical and real way. The New Testament informs us that idolatry can be understood metaphorically in our lives, like when it’s covetousness (Colossians 3:5). That being the case, how do you know when something’s an idol to you? When you see that it takes priority […]
Calloused to Righteousness
In Ezekiel 23:38-39, the people of Jerusalem were so calloused to holy matters that they could, in one moment, sacrifice their children to idols, and, in the next moment, enter God’s house for Sabbath worship. We could refer to this as hypocrisy today. A “hypocrite” denotes someone acting out the part of a character in […]
Growing Calloused to Evil
It is easy to tell if someone is experienced with hard physical labor. A simple look at their hands will show it. Those who work at such tasks develop thick, rough calluses from the repeated exposure to their work. The tasks and activities that once irritated their hands and feet and produced sore blisters now […]
By Your Facebook You Will Be Known
More and more folks are using Facebook to communicate to others. It’s a powerful useful tool that allows mass communication. Usually it’s shared by friends and friends of friends near and far. The downside is that it is often used to communicate what we don’t want to read, see, or know about others. Want to […]
Brownies With a Difference
Many parents are hard pressed to explain to their children why some music, movies, books and magazines are not acceptable material for them to bring into the home or to listen to or see. One parent came up with an original idea that is hard to refute. The father listened to all the reasons his […]
I’m Just Me
Terry W. Benton
Do We Love the Lord More?
John 21:15 says, “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs”. Scholars debate the identity of the “these” of which Jesus spoke, and I’m not […]