One of the greatest difficulties in serving God in this country is the tendency toward complacency. In America, we are blessed with laws which protect us from persecution, and we are individually blessed with a wealth which exceeds almost any country in history. Even today, much of the world would be amazed at what we […]

The following questions may sound “strange”, but are they really? Let’s seriously think about these questions and take action to correct our thinking if we are guilty of any of these: 1) Isn’t it strange how a twenty dollar bill seems like such a large amount when we give to the work of the church, […]

It should thrill our soul to join with the children of God in singing His praises! (Revelation 19:1,4-6). We see, however, so many who claim to be Christians who are living contrary to the words of the songs we offer before our heavenly Father in praise. Do we really mean what we sing? Let’s consider […]

The following are some reasons why the Lord’s church needs to teach the principal purposes of the Old Testament today: 1) The examples of those who lived under the law were written for our learning (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11). 2) They “testify” to the Deity of Christ (John 1:45; Luke 24:44; Acts 10:43; Hebrews […]

What Does The Bible Indicate About Capital Punishment? Whenever an execution is imminent, the following questions are often raised: 1) Should capital punishment be acceptable in a civilized society? 2) Is it morally right for a government to administer capital punishment? 3) What is the purpose behind capital punishment, and is it accomplished? 4) How […]

This writer grew up on a country farm near Samnorwood, Texas back in the 40’s. We didn’t have many paved roads in those days. When it rained, we had to be very careful to keep out of ditches on both sides of the road. Often in trying to keep out of one ditch, it would […]

The following is a suggested formula for 2006: “H”old fast to the faith (1 Corinthians 16:13). “A”ssemble for worship (Hebrews 10:25). “P”ray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). “P”urify your heart (James 4:8). “Y”ield not to temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). “N”eglect not doing good (James 4:17). “E”xemplify Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). “W”ork in the vineyard (John […]

1) Wake Up! Decide to have a good day. “Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalms 118:24 2) Dress Up! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. “The Lord does […]

Some people have a job in the church, others involve themselves in a ministry. What’s the difference? 1) If you are doing it just because no one else will, it’s a job. If you are doing it to serve the Lord, it’s a ministry. 2) If you quit because somebody criticized you, it was a […]

“It won’t do any good.” This is the usual response made by many of us when we are asked to invite someone to hear the gospel being preached or when we consider trying to talk to someone about religion. This is wrong! Dead wrong! It will do good! It can do no other than good […]

A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the unfortunate frogs they would never get out. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up […]

The above article title was also the headline of an article from an online newspaper I recently read. A church in Houston is opening a full-service McDonald’s restaurant inside the building complete with a drive-through window. It’s expected to open in July along with the church’s NBA regulation-size basketball court, a volleyball court, full locker […]

The story is told of a small dog that was struck by a car. As it lay by the side of the road, a doctor drove by. He noticed that the dog was still alive, so he stopped his car, picked up the dog, and took him home with him. There he discovered that the […]

As any Bible student knows, the Bible not only deals in “specifics,” but in eternal principles as well. After this writer became a Christian, I realized that certain habits and practices in my life needed to be terminated. Through my study of God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15), I knew they were wrong and did not […]

In our post-modern world, “tolerance” is the one virtue that is esteemed above all others. It may soon become the only virtue our society will accept. Traditional virtues such as humility, chastity and temperance have long fallen out of public favor, and in some circles, are openly ridiculed. Acts once universally labeled “immoral” and “ungodly” […]

Emphasizing the value of human life, the Psalmist states in Psalms 49:7-9, “Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice….” (ESV). James asks, “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for […]

I just received this letter from Wilma Bates, widow of Bobby Bates: You may have been personally acquainted with Bobby Bates. If not, you have probably heard his name or read his writings in the area of personal evangelism. You may also have used his evangelism materials to teach the lost. Preaching and teaching the […]

Nearly two thousand years ago the Lord promised to build His church (Matthew 16:16-18). In AD 30 the church of Christ, the promised church, was established in Jerusalem on the first Pentecost following the resurrection of Christ (Acts 2). Jesus purchased this church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). The church of the first century […]

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?”

Last year our missionary from Costa Rica and his wife came and visited the United States. While they were visiting, the editor of the religious section of the local newspaper wrote an article regarding their work. During the interview, the gentleman asked what would be the appropriate titles for both the missionary and me. I […]