A few years ago, this writer was an employee of a major gas transmission company. Located in every department of that company were two large binders containing its “Manual Of Standard Operating Procedures” (MOSOP). Contained in this MOSOP were the rules and regulations with regard to all operating procedures and functions of the company (company […]
In John 8:44, Christ said to his unbelieving Jewish audience: “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his […]
We in the churches of Christ observe the Lord’s Supper on Sunday for that is the “example” given us by the early church under the direction of inspired men. “And upon the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul discoursed with them …” (Acts 20:7). This is indeed […]
The language of the book of Revelation is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. Oddly enough, there is not one direct statement that is quoted from a given passage; but a count of the significant “allusions” which are traceable both by verbal resemblance and by contextual connection to the Old Testament number over four hundred. […]
There are many and sundry reasons the Bible gives for our studying the sacred volume. The following are just a “few” of those reasons: 1) One must study….to attain spiritual “light” (Psalm 119:130). 2) One must study….to have “understanding” (Psalm 119:130). 3) One must study….to acquire spiritual knowledge (Proverbs 2:6). 4) One must study….to show […]
The study of angels is a fascinating one. Christ tells us in Matthew 22:30 that we will be “as the angels of God in heaven.” It will, therefore, profit us if we learn some of the characteristics of angels as presented to us in God’s Word. Nature Of Angels 1) They are created beings (Nehemiah […]
The following poem by an unknown author regarding our relationships is worth our consideration: Wouldn’t this old world be better, If the folks we meet would say: “I know something good about you” And then treat us just that way? Wouldn’t it be fine and dandy If each hand clasp warm and true, Carried with […]
In Genesis 3:3-5, the serpent tells Eve the following: “But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat of it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’” And the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God […]
Have you ever formed a negative opinion of another person based solely on what you heard others say? But then, after you met that person and got to know him (or her), you realized your previously formed opinion was not really accurate? Is it possible the same is true of death? People often have a […]
In Revelation 12:10-11, the inspired writer, John writes: “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they […]
When my wife and I recently ate breakfast at one of our local restaurants, I wanted bacon instead of sausage, but the menu said “No substitutions.” Often when it comes to God’s will for our lives we desire our own way over His way. As a result, many have made substitutions in God’s arrangement of […]
I once heard of a preacher who was asked, “What kind of a preacher are you?” He replied, “A good one!” I dare say that the person asking the question did not expect such an answer. The only drawback to such a reply is that different people have different standards of good preaching. One preacher, […]
As King Hezekiah restores God’s pattern of worship in 2 Chronicles 29, we read in 2 Chronicles 29:30, “….And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped.” The subject of singing either “with” or “without” musical instruments has been debated throughout the brotherhood for many years. It is not this writer’s […]
Gambling is very much a part of American life today (USA Today). Time Magazine has said gambling is among the “biggest and fastest growing commercial activities in the United States.” It has been estimated that illegal gambling takes in as much as $50 billion dollars every year. Add to this all the “legal gambling” (such […]
The Gospel in the NT is referred to in Acts 13:32 (KJV) as “glad tidings” and refers to the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 13:29-30,33-37; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). According to “Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and NT Words,” (1981); p. 167-168, the word “Gospel” comes from the Greek (noun) word, […]
James gives us the definition of what pure religion is in James 1:27, “This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (NASV) Since God has stated that pure religion is essential to please […]
The Prophet Jeremiah made the following statement over 2,600 years ago in Jeremiah 10:23: “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” He realized that man, depending on his own wisdom, cannot adequately nor properly direct his spiritual life. […]
Generation follows generation – yet it lives. Nations rise and fall – yet it lives. Kings, dictators, presidents come and go – yet it lives. Hated, despised, cursed – yet it lives. Condemned by atheists – yet it lives. Scoffed by scorners – yet it lives. Exaggerated by fanatics – yet it lives. Misconstrued and […]
In Psalm 34:14, the Psalmist tells us regarding peace: “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” Unity in the church, the home, and the community are both “good and pleasant.” King David said, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133:1). Christians are […]
In Galations 5:6, the inspired penman, Paul wrote: “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love” (ASV). The above text teaches us that to “work through love” is to work from a principle of love. If we love God, we seek to please Him and to do His […]