I once heard of a preacher who was asked, “What kind of a preacher are you?” He replied, “A good one!” I dare say that the person asking the question did not expect such an answer. The only drawback to such a reply is that different people have different standards of good preaching. One preacher, […]

As King Hezekiah restores God’s pattern of worship in 2 Chronicles 29, we read in 2 Chronicles 29:30, “….And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped.” The subject of singing either “with” or “without” musical instruments has been debated throughout the brotherhood for many years. It is not this writer’s […]

Gambling is very much a part of American life today (USA Today). 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 $50 billion dollars every year. Add to this all the “legal gambling” (such […]

The Gospel in the NT is referred to in Acts 13:32 (KJV) as “glad tidings” and refers to the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 13:29-30,33-37; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). According to “Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and NT Words,” (1981); p. 167-168, the word “Gospel” comes from the Greek (noun) word, […]

James gives us the definition of what pure religion is in James 1:27, “This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (NASV) Since God has stated that pure religion is essential to please […]

The Prophet Jeremiah made the following statement over 2,600 years ago in Jeremiah 10:23: “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” He realized that man, depending on his own wisdom, cannot adequately nor properly direct his spiritual life. […]

Generation follows generation – yet it lives. Nations rise and fall – yet it lives. Kings, dictators, presidents come and go – yet it lives. Hated, despised, cursed – yet it lives. Condemned by atheists – yet it lives. Scoffed by scorners – yet it lives. Exaggerated by fanatics – yet it lives. Misconstrued and […]

In Psalm 34:14, the Psalmist tells us regarding peace: “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” Unity in the church, the home, and the community are both “good and pleasant.” King David said, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133:1). Christians are […]

In Galations 5:6, the inspired penman, Paul wrote: “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love” (ASV). The above text teaches us that to “work through love” is to work from a principle of love. If we love God, we seek to please Him and to do His […]

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 […]

This question recently came up in some of my Internet studies with online friends. The question centers on whether or not it is necessary to be identified as a member of a local congregation. The Bible doesn’t have a process whereby one may “join” the church such as are followed in the denominational world. However, […]

The inspired penman, Paul stated in Romans 12:2, “And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (ASV) The “renewing of our mind” is a continuous process throughout our Christian life […]

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 […]

Capital Punishment In The New Testament What was the purpose of the New Testament? Unlike the Old Covenant, the New Covenant is not designed to govern or regulate civil governments. It is designed for those in Christ’s kingdom (the church), which is spiritual in nature (John 18:36). Its purpose is to help man achieve and […]

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 […]

Understanding Figures of Speech In a study of the Bible, it would be well for the student to clearly identify the different kinds of figures of speech. These are used in ordinary literature, and God has employed the same tools for His purpose. The following are some of the most common figures of speech and […]

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 […]