67 Books in the Bible?
The responsibility of studying the Bible will always be a priority with sincere students. Paul told Timothy to be diligent to present himself approved before God, and to handle correctly the word of God (2 Timothy 2:15). The sixty-six books that make up the Bible have to be studied correctly to bless the life of […]
The “Itching Ears Syndrome”
Paul warned Timothy that the time would come when brethren “would not endure sound doctrine,” but would want something they could say was more positive and ear-tickling. Of course, they would judge that teaching as “so upbeat” and “so encouraging.” The preacher would have to fix their desires rather than preach such negative things as […]
A Christian Is …
In Paul’s second letter to Timothy he calls on us for purity of character. He wrote, “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only […]
Accountability
“And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord …” 2 Samuel 12:13 Of all the scorned words in America’s mind, accountability must be near the front. Accountability has become a by-word in a nation that seeks to blame other people or events for their own misdeeds. Since the Bible never uses the […]
A Great Earthquake
On April 18, 1906, San Francisco experienced what has likely become America’s most famous natural disaster: an earthquake that killed an estimated 3,000 people. The quake was caused by a slip of the San Andreas Fault over a segment about 275 miles long, and shock waves could be felt for hundreds of miles. There were […]
Questions for Righteous Recreation
Recreation is necessary for a well-balanced life, and righteous recreation for a Christian is not impossible to find. A decision about which activity we can do that will agree with our convictions should be based, just like so many of our other decisions, on biblical teaching. Paul emphasized that we should live “soberly, righteously, and […]
Saved and Kept
David’s Psalm 32 describes the experiences of a soul passing from the sorrows of conviction into the joys of salvation. The Need of Salvation Sin implied: “Transgression … sin … iniquity” (vv. 1-2). Three words describe three different phases of guilt. Those who want to be saved by God must face the question of sin. […]
How Do You Rediscover Your Passion?
“Passion” is an intense desire or enthusiasm for something. The church at Ephesus had left their passion or first love (Revelation 2:5). This spiritual malady still afflicts some in the body of Christ. John gave three steps to recover: “Remember from where you have fallen.” Can you remember how it was when you were first […]
Return to the Lord
Hosea 14:1-2 reads, “O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.” The story is told of a lamb and […]
Slaves of Righteousness
“Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves, slaves, to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16). Every slave has a master. If he did not, he would not be a slave. Earlier in Romans 6, Paul […]