In the great parable of the compassionate Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37), we see illustrated three basic rules of human conduct. The first two of these rules are based on “selfish” attitudes toward our fellow man. The remaining rule is based on a “selfless” attitude toward our fellow man. Let us illustrate the three rules: Iron Rule […]

PBS recently aired a television special asking the question that most don’t want to confront, “Why is there such evil in this world?” “Why would God allow such evil to occur?” Why wouldn’t God stop such an evil event as happened on September 11th, 2001?” The classic argument made by Atheists is as follows: “If […]

“O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD” is the great proclamation of Jeremiah (22:29). When we look on all the problems that the world faces today. Whether we should wage war against one country or another; whether we should spend money on this program or that; whether an individual will stop drinking […]

The word “hermeneutic” refers to the process by which certain logical principles are applied to a document in order to ascertain the author’s original meaning. When applied to the Bible, the process of interpretation is called “biblical” or “sacred” hermeneutics. New Hermeneutic Frequently, one hears of a “New Hermeneutic”. This method of viewing the Bible […]

Champion cyclist Lance Armstrong is an inspiration to millions. After a life-threatening bout with testicular cancer that had metastasized to his lungs and brain, Armstrong recovered to win the exhausting Tour de France bicycle race ? not once, but seven times. Doctors familiar with the severity of Armstrong’s medical condition, have thought this feat virtually […]

As sexual sins continue to increase in our society, we need to be ready with scriptural answers as to why these activities are indeed sin. A few weeks ago we looked at the sin of fornication. The Bible clearly condemns such sexual activity. The focus of this article will be upon adultery as a sin. […]

Lately I’ve been reading books about the Revolutionary War of the United States: a Biography of Benjamin Franklin, a book on the year 1776, and now a book entitled “George Washington’s War.” In this latest book, the author points out how Washington was basically waging a war of attrition. The basic concept of this type […]

Regrettably, there are a number of false ideas circulating about Jesus’ return. For example, despite clear biblical admonitions which state that no one can set a date for Jesus’ return (1 Thessalonians 5:2), many try. Others believe that the Lord will come and rapture His people off this planet before a time of terrible tribulation. […]

Paul the apostle wrote, “Prove all things; hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). The law of rationality states that we ought to justify our conclusion by adequate evidence. Christianity is a religion that isn’t afraid of evaluation. In fact, Christianity invites public evaluation and examination because Christians believe the evidence holds […]

The main purpose of this passage is not to discuss Noah’s drunkenness or to speculate as to what evil was done to Noah or to spark discussion on why Canaan was cursed and not Ham. The main purpose is to convey a fact. That fact is that Canaan was cursed. As Moses is relating this […]

My grandmother taught me that work, and having a good work ethic, is a part of God’s plan for man’s happiness and fulfillment in life, being a blessing – not a curse! We know this is true, because shortly after creating the world and making man of the dust, “the Lord God took the man […]

“THIS IS A DAY OF GOOD TIDINGS” In the period of Israel’s history known as “The Divided Kingdom” we find Israel in a very weakened condition, and as a result, left themselves open to attacks by other nations. We read of one such siege in 2 Kings 6:24-29. This siege was orchestrated by Ben-Hadad, king […]

Mordecai, the cousin, guardian, and surrogate father of Esther, has always been one of this writer’s favorite Bible characters. Not only is Mordecai an example of courage and great conviction, but an individual who knew how to read a difficult situation and respond to it with great wisdom. As we recall the story of Esther, […]

How do we know that there are 12 inches in one foot and three feet in one yard? It is because our society has a “standard” of measurement. Webster defines a standard as, “something established by authority, custom, or general consent as a model or example”. The Need For Standards In every facet of life, […]

Have you ever finished a good book wishing there were more to the story? Have you ever watched a movie leaving the theater unsatisfied? Perhaps after a good meal you’ve wished there were more to come. Such things clearly provide us with momentary pleasure, but our desire for more belies our unhappiness. Why are we […]

Some very wise men in the kingdom have been known to state that we are always just one generation from apostasy. In seeing the growth of harmful trends in these last several years, we’re convinced that a full generation is not needed! But let us focus on what can occur in one generation’s time, and […]

Regarding the book of Revelation, a querist asks, “Do any of you have, or know of, any information that will help me to grasp this book and it’s many symbols. I understand that a lot of the symbols used are from the Old Testament, is that the case?” The book of Revelation, with all of […]

One of the Greek words for fellowship is the verb, “sunkoinoneo”. According to Vine’s Expository dictionary, Pg. 90, the meaning of this word is “to have fellowship with or in”, is used in Ephesians 5:11; Philippians 4:14, R.V., “ye had fellowship,” for A.V., “ye did communicate”. E.W. Bullinger in his Critical Lexicon and Concordance to […]

There is no greater threat to practicing true Christianity than the doctrine of original sin (also known as the doctrine of total hereditary depravity). Briefly, this is the teaching that all people born inherit the sinful state into which Adam and Eve passed due to their sin within the Garden of Eden. As a result […]

Man is to live by every word proceeding out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). Peter said this: “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2). We know, then, how spiritual growth comes. And we have lived to see many, many religious people who […]