Malachi: Do We Truly See Ourselves?
Malachi lived and prophesied in Judah and Jerusalem about one hundred years or so after the first group of Jewish captives returned to their homeland from Babylonian captivity. In point of time, this corresponds roughly with the events of the book of Nehemiah and the latter part of Ezra (c. 440 B.C.). God’s hand had […]
Safety in Numbers?
“There is safety in numbers,” so they say. In reference to physical safety, it may be true. However, in reference to spiritual safety, it is false. Jesus said, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by […]
Does Your Preacher Preach the Truth?
Preachers are commanded to “preach the Word!” and to “be ready in season and out of season” (1 Timothy 4:2). Unfortunately, not all preachers heed that commandment, choosing rather to peddle their own lies about what the Gospel says, costing people their eternal soul in the process. The Old Testament tells us about a preacher […]
“When My Love to Christ Grows Weak”
The beloved hymn continues, “When for deeper faith I seek, Then in thought I go to Thee, Garden of Gethsemane!” (sic, “When My Love To Christ Grows Weak” by J.R. Wreford and Mrs. Jos. F. Knapp; Hymns for Worship, revised; 1987, Shepard-Stevens Music, Inc.). It’s a problem most Christians face at one time or another […]
“Not Far From the Kingdom of God”
In Mark 12:28, when a scribe was impressed by the answers of Jesus, he posed a question about the foremost commandment. Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Leviticus 19:18. The scribe readily agreed and Jesus told him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God” (v. 34). I imagine this statement was meant to stimulate […]
“I Believe God”
In Acts 27:25, during a tremendous storm at sea, when “all hope” was lost that they should be saved, an angel of the Lord appeared to Paul and assured him that not one would perish, but that all would be rescued. Paul said of this heaven-sent message, “I believe God, that it shall be even […]
To Realize …
In considering time in our world, Ephesians 5:16 teaches, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Every Christian should be taught how to “number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). In order to help us realize just how important time is, consider the value of these different moments […]
“Note Them”
Paul said, “Brethren, join in following my example and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern” (Philippians 3:17). We wish to notice four points from this passage. The apostles serve as a pattern to us. Paul said, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Common sense […]
A Man and His Sons
A man had three sons. He wanted to test their ability to discern; so he gave each of them a piece of an apple with a rotten spot on it. The first ate the whole apple; the second threw it away; and the third separated the bad and ate the good. The father noted that […]
Grumbling, Murmuring, and Complaining
In 1 Corinthians 10:10, Paul said, “Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.” The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia says that murmuring “is an outward expression of deep inward discontent and rejection of one’s lot.” Several Greek and Hebrew words that are translated as “grumbling” or “murmuring” communicate […]