If an individual accepts Calvinism, “witnessing” or “testifying” in religious services is an accepted practice. Calvin taught that, since man was totally depraved, the only way he could be saved was by a divine act, and when God acted, His grace was irresistible and unconditional. Calvin also taught that man could not obey God unless […]
In confronting the Pharisees, Jesus often “questioned” them for the purpose of teaching them the truth (John 17:17). We find one such example in Matthew 22:41-46. After our Lord asked the Pharisees who the coming Messiah would be descended from, they correctly answered “The son of David” (vs. 42). Jesus then asked them a follow-up […]
The Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2 to, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” Why Preach The Word? Because preaching is important to God! The Bible says that God has “manifested His word through preaching” (Titus 1:3). Jesus told his disciples […]
There was once a retail store clerk by the name of Fred, who not only was extremely rude to the store’s customers, but lazy as well. On several occasions, his boss was about to fire him. But he didn’t follow through because of his concern for Fred’s wife and children, who would suffer from his dismissal. […]
Contrary to common belief, the ostrich does not bury its head in the sand to ignore danger. An ostrich can run at speeds of 40 miles per hour or more. Their kick is powerful,
On my grandfather’s farm was a field he sowed by hand. He would strap on a canvas contraption similar to a kangaroo pouch, fill it with seed, and go out to sow. He would cast seed everywhere. When a farmer sows seed in his field, it looks like he’s throwing the seed away. It seems […]
In 1803, Thomas Jefferson commissioned Lewis and Clark to lead an expedition across an unexplored America to the Pacific coast. But, it might have failed without help from unexpected sources. The expedition was called “Corps of Discovery” and it lived up to its name. It cataloged 300 new species, identified nearly 50 Indian tribes, and […]
A querist asks, “In simple terms, can you please define the term “providence” and how it relates to God?”
Have you ever noticed how folks who are cheerful and have a cheerful countenance, usually influence the people they come in contact with to be cheerful as well? After all, cheerfulness is contagious! Folks who are able to accept things as they are and are always able to see their blessings in the darkest hours, […]
A body was stoned and left, in all appearances, as dead on the outskirts of the city of Lystra (Acts 14:19). Shortly before this event, this man had been exalted and proclaimed as a god, but he refused
A querist asks, “In Leviticus 27:30-33, we notice that one tenth of the Hebrew’s annual harvest was to be devoted to the service of God as a “tithe” offering for the support of the Levites and priests in their religious duties (Numbers 18:24; Numbers 18:28). The Israelites of Malachi’s day were violating this law. As […]
A querist asks, “Could someone please explain Luke 19:27 to me? I don’t believe I’ve ever heard this verse expounded upon at all.” The text reads, “But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” The “enemies” Christ refers to in this verse are […]
A querist asks, “In the Bible, where does it say that we are to help others and expect nothing in return?” Our Lord said, “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He
As God’s people, we should be a happy people (Psalm 35:9). Rejoicing is commanded (Philippians 3:1; Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16). It is promised to God’s people
In the Lord’s church, there are members who are seemingly always late for services. Some of them barely arrive in time to partake of the Lord’s Supper. Their late arrival is comparable to a flock of geese, complete with the flurry of wings and constant “honking” (talking). There is much confusion and disorder with them […]
The New Testament confirms the importance of comprehending our own sinfulness. In the book of Romans, Paul spends three chapters (Romans 1:18-32; Romans 2; Romans 3) declaring the sinfulness of all men (Romans 3:23) before thoroughly discussing the way of salvation. Law is essentially a “tutor” (Gal. 3:24) of the receptive heart, given to teach […]
12) Jehovah-Shammah The meaning of the name “Jehovah-shammah” is “Jehovah is there” (Ezekiel 48:35). Jehovah had promise His presence among His people from the beginning (cf. Exodus 23:20; Exodus 33:14-16). Moses reminds the children of Israel of God’s “presence” as they are about to enter the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 4:37 – ASV). In the New […]
5) Jehovah-Jireh In Genesis 22:1-14, we see the story of Abraham and his son, Isaac, as God requires Abraham to “offer him” for a burnt offering (vs. 2). On the way to the place of sacrifice, Isaac cannot contain his curiosity about the lamb for the burnt offering (vs. 7). Abraham’s answer to this question […]
As Christians, we should watch TV with the realization that God is watching us! (Hebrews 4:13). When we watch television, we should always remember that the device that is in our hand (the remote
Gambling is very much a part of American life today. A recent USA Today article reports that gambling interests are spending millions in lobbying Congress. 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 […]