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 […]

The following is a description of three kinds of creatures that give us insight into life’s struggles and problems:

Do you know what misery is regarding the Lord’s work? : 1) Misery is going to welcome a new “Christian” family in town to the services, and hearing them say, “Yes, we’re gonna have to get down there and see you all sometime.” 2) Misery is hearing that brother or sister X had been in […]

The following are ten ways in which your congregation can be resurrected from spiritual lethargy: 1) Never be guilty of offering up vain worship to God (Matthew 15:8-9). Your aim and goal should be to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). 2) Do not tolerate immorality within your congregation: “For out of […]

The story is told of Italian violinist Nicolo Paganini (1782-1840), that as he was playing an extremely difficult piece of music before a large audience, a string on his violinsnapped — yet he continued to play, improvising beautifully. Then without warning, two more strings broke, and he continued the composition playing with only one string. […]

On the day of judgment, God won’t ask the following questions: God won’t ask what kind of car we drove, but He’ll ask how many people we drove