Scientists have long debated the issue of “nature” versus “nurture” — that is, am I the person I am because of the way I was born, or because of the influences of my environment? There are some good arguments to be made on either side of the issue. We know that inherent factors play some […]

The message of encouragement sent to the church at Smyrna in Asia Minor by the Lord was, “Do not be afraid” (Revelation 2:10 NIV). He continued by saying, “of what you are about to suffer.” The devil is going to throw some of you into prison that you may be tested. You will have tribulation […]

One of the most loosely used words in modern English is the term “Christian.” It has been applied to almost everyone from the faithful member of the church, to the non-religious moral man, who holds as his greatest attributes that he provides for his family and does not mistreat his wife. In this present generation, […]

During the California gold rush (1848), there were many men whose hearts leaped with joy when they found gold, only to discover that what they had really uncovered was

If the devil were to write his Beatitudes, they would probably go something like this (links added by Mike Riley): Blessed are those who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians —  they are my best workers.

Four preachers were discussing the merits of the various translations of the Bible. One liked a particular version best because of its simple, beautiful English. Another preferred a more scholarly edition, because it was closer to the original Hebrew and Greek. Still another liked a

In the instruction on withdrawing from a disorderly member of the church, found in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15, the words are clear: The member has been disorderly (vv. 6, 10-11), and is now to be noted and association with him withheld (v. 14). Paul then adds, “Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him […]

We sometimes neglect to notice all the power of the passage found in Hebrews 9:27. The emphasis is not on the fact that we will die once. The emphasis is upon the fact that death is our last appointment — and we

Anyone who is a student of the Bible can readily see the great unity and harmony that exists within the pages of God’s inspired word. Today, it would be virtually impossible to find forty uninspired men, separated by centuries and from all walks of life, to have the ability to write sixty-six books void of […]

In the movie “Forrest Gump,” Forrest meets a nurse while sitting on a park bench. He asks her if she would like a piece of chocolate from his box of chocolates. She doesn’t respond. He then tells her, “My mama always said that life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re […]

In the April-May-June, 2012, Volume 43, No. 2 Issue of the brotherhood publication, “Think On These Things,” brother David Diestelkamp has written the following above titled article (scroll down the page):

While growing up, my grandmother gave me some sage advice by saying, “If you can’t say anything good about someone, just don’t say anything at all.” Which reminds me of the following humorous stories: There was a young preacher who one day announced to his church family that he was resigning his preaching position and […]

The chief priests and elders once came to Jesus and asked him, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?” (Matthew 21:23).

While television has a myriad of programming to watch, the most entertaining offerings are the commercials. A few years back, one of the more amusing ads was the one for

If a Christian falls away to sin and it is known both within the church and outside, is it necessary for that Christian to repent before the church? Could you please give some scriptures in answer? I have always been taught that the repentance should go as far as the sin, in other words, if […]

The above quote is a thought-provoking line, isn’t it? It comes from the first of Paul’s speeches in Acts. It was in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia, and he was demonstrating by the Scriptures, that God has fulfilled what He promised to the fathers by the resurrection of Jesus. Having noted their hope in “the […]

3 rules for reading the Bible, from Acts 1 Randal Matheny says: Understand the purpose. Don’t go beyond what is written. See the whole picture.

“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, […]

The story is told of a farmer who once posted a “No Trespassing” sign to keep some neighborhood boys from crossing his property. One embittered young man vowed revenge. So one night, he walked all over the man’s farm with a sack of johnsongrass seed and sowed it in every field. Anyone who has dealt […]