The following is a story of nature demonstrating the fact that struggles are a necessary part of growth and development for the Christian in this life. God places these struggles (or trials) before us to prepare us for that perfect home in heaven with Him. The Man And The Cocoon One day a small opening […]

The following thoughts are from a selected short article in the Sword and Staff publication, Vol. 42, 2004. The message it presents should be of utmost importance to us as we teach and preach the saving gospel of Christ to others. Imagine there is a bank that credits your account each morning with $86,400. It […]

The following is a list of the “ABC’s” of Christianity. If we will faithfully incorporate the practical thoughts presented in this list into our daily lives, we will see dramatic results in our Christian walk. “A”sk — Matthew 7:7 “B”lessed — Matthew 5:6 “C”ome — Matthew 25:34 “D”epart — Psalm 34:14 “E”vil — 1 Corinthians […]

One of the most wonderful things God does is join two people in marriage. But not everyone’s marriage is so wonderful! There are problems in marriage! Sometimes devastating, seemingly unbearable problems! If we do not deal with our problems, they will destroy our marriage. Selfishness Jesus helps us with the problem of selfishness (Luke 9:23). […]

You will recall in 1 Kings 17:1, “Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the sojourners of Gilead, said unto Ahab, “As Jehovah, the God of Israel, liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.” Elijah, God’s spokesman, informed Ahab that because of his great […]

Do you believe everything you read in the newspapers? What about the information given on TV news or radio talk shows? A Roper survey showed that even though Americans overwhelmingly (80 percent) believe that the press is essential to a free society, only 2 percent believe everything a newspaper reporter tells them. For TV news […]

So many of today’s citizens of the Lord’s kingdom think nothing of missing Sunday evening worship and Wednesday evening Bible classes. They are apt to ask the following question to justify their forsaking the assembly: “Do the scriptures explicitly say that we must attend Sunday evening and Wednesday evening services?” The answer is obviously “No”. […]

The following rhythmic verses by an unknown author are offered as an encouragement to faithful preachers worldwide: When I preach, there are some who say they could listen to me all day. Others think I preach too “long”. Still others think I go about it wrong. Some say my sermon is much too deep. To […]

Many people in our world have concluded that the Bible is an incomprehensible book of “mystery”. It is looked upon as a book of unresolved conflicts and offers only numerous viewpoints. However, the Bible puts great emphasis upon understanding. The terms “understand” and “understanding” are used more than three hundred times in God’s revelation. The […]

After over 400 years of bondage, 9 great plagues, and the death of the firstborn of the Egyptians, God lead the children of Israel out of Egypt with a high hand under the leadership of Moses: “And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: […]

In 2 Peter 3:18, the apostle Peter stated regarding spiritual growth, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” As Christians, we are obligated to grow spiritually as indicated by the above verse from 2 Peter. Paul condemned […]

An out-of-towner drove his car into a ditch in a desolated area. Fortunately, a local farmer came to help with his strong horse named Buddy. He hitched Buddy up to the car and yelled, “Pull, Nellie, pull!” Buddy didn’t respond. Once more the farmer hollered, “Pull Buster, pull!” Buddy didn’t respond. Once more the farmer […]

From the standpoint of material wealth, we Americans have difficulty realizing how rich we really are. By going through a little mental exercise we can sit back and start counting our blessings…. 1) Take out all of the furniture in your home except for one table and a couple of chairs. Use blankets and pads […]

A little girl, when asked why we now worship on Sunday instead of the Sabbath Day, as the Jews did in the Old Testament, answered, “Because there aren’t as many good cartoons on Sunday as there are on Saturday.” Whether this actually happened or was told for a laugh, I do not know, but it […]

There are many spiritual lessons that we as Christians can learn from a study of the Psalms. The following are some lessons that we as God’s children can learn from studying this marvelous book of God’s servant, David: 1) God is “holy” (Psalm 99:3,5,9), therefore we should be “holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16). 2) As God’s […]

In 1 Corinthians 1:10, the inspired apostle Paul states: “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” The enemies […]

In Isaiah 9:6, God’s prophet declares: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” This majestic passage of scripture is a prophecy of Christ […]

A song we often sing in our worship to God is, “Soldiers of Christ, Arise.” One verse of this song states, “Stand, then in his great might, with all his strength endued; But take to arm you for the fight, the panoply of God.” In singing this great song, I often wondered what the “panoply” […]

There’s something different and unique about the churches of Christ in your community — something that is worth investigating. These churches follow the New Testament teaching and pattern. They do not possess a “new” and “different” revelation. Nor are they able to know any “hidden” truths that other religious people do not teach. What do […]

The Bible portrays the nature of the church in various descriptive titles which are applied to it. The following descriptive titles speak of the church’s relationship to Christ and the world, as well as the relationship of members one to another. The Lord’s church is described: As A Pearl The church of our Lord is […]