Do you like surprises? Some surprises are happy like a birthday celebration. Other surprises are unhappy as when your car breaks down while on a long trip. What surprises will there be on the day of judgment? Christ’s existence and resurrection from the dead is the guarantee to everyone that there will be a day of judgment! God raised His Son from the dead and He will be our judge on that day. ...

A casual reading of the book of Proverbs would reveal that it says a lot about money and riches. Consider with me, some lessons we need to learn about wealth. First, we should always humbly trust in God, and never put our trust in uncertain riches. “Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.” (Psalms 52:7) “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” (1 Timothy 6:17). ...

A man who is married should be faithful to his wife. A wife should be able to trust her husband to be faithful to her alone. Sadly today, many men do not subscribe to the belief that they must choose one woman, marry her and remain faithful to her until separated by death. They don’t believe in limiting themselves to one, when there are so many available women...

Those who choose to marry realize that marriage is something special. A man taking a woman to be his wife is as old as the world itself. A man’s need of a constant companion for life was recognized by God when He said, “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” (Genesis 2:18) God made for Adam a woman which was “meet” or a “suitable” help. ...

Troubles in life are just a part of life. Everyone has them. Some dramatize that they alone have troubles in life while thinking others do not. If we only knew everything that others go through on a daily basis, we would never think this. If you are human, you will have troubles in life...

An excellent passage of scripture which shows water baptism is necessary for a sinner to be saved is Romans 6:1-7, 17-18. Paul shows that a Christian is to be dead to sin. (Romans 6:1-2) One cannot become a Christian without dying to sin. This death to sin is synonymous with repentance. ...

Last week, we learned that the joyful person is the one who does three things. He puts his trust in God, loves His name and lives righteously. Now, we examine reasons for the Christian’s joy from the same text in Psalms 5:11-12. “But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.”...

For a number of years, I have had a growing realization that blessings from God can be lost if we do not make use of them. Our bodies are marvelous and perform many functions, but we must exercise in order for the body to maintain its strength and workability. The body becomes weaker through inactivity caused by sickness or accidents. Physical therapy can help strengthen parts of the body through exercise...

The Psalmist encourages God not to forget those who align themselves against Him. Be assured that God will remember the rebellious and lawless. (Jude 15, Matthew 7:22-23) God will punish evil doers! Many who lack respect for God’s true nature say God is too loving to punish anyone in hell. ...

I call your attention to a statement made by the prophet Jonah. “They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.” (Jonah 2:8) After Jonah tried to run away from his God (Jonah 1:1-4, 15), he found himself drowning in the sea. He quickly remembered how much he needed the LORD’s merciful help. ...

Studying and preaching the Bible may be one reason why I love history. When in high school, many of my fellow students in history class made it plain that they didn’t like history. But I have always enjoyed it, especially Bible history. We can learn many valuable lessons from Bible history...

Another school shooting occurred this week. Why are these occurring with more frequency? There may not be any one thing to blame, but we will contemplate on a few reasons. The main problem is a spiritual and moral one. I discussed this with five preachers this week, and one without hesitation said the problem is that for the last 40-50 years people have been taught there are no absolutes. ...

The Bible tells us that we are baptized into Christ. Galatians 3:27 reads, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Baptism should concern us. How concerned are you about being baptized according to the Bible’s truth? We see the importance of baptism from this passage. ...

Let’s consider a man named Enoch who “pleased God”. He lived not long after the creation of the world. “… And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methusalah three hundred years … And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” (Genesis 5:21-24) God took Enoch directly to heaven because He pleased God! “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. ...

The word “immediately” stands out to the reader of the gospel of Mark. Mark used the word “immediately” 17 times, whereas Matthew used it 6 times, Luke 3 times and John 5 times. We will examine a few of the passages where this word appears. Peter’s mother-in-law was healed of a fever by Jesus. ...

When you read this paper, it will almost be 2018! Are you prepared for the New Year? By this question, I don’t mean to inquire if you have already plotted out the New Year’s parties you will be attending. Rather, in a more serious vein, do you have a checklist of things that need to be done in 2017 to be fully prepared for the start of the New Year?...

A life spent living for someone else is better than one lived only for self. A self-absorbed and self-centered life will not bring us the happiness or joy we seek. One should follow the example of Jesus Christ who lived for others. Foremost, Christ lived His life for God. ...

Lately, in the news, we have been hearing of some men whose names and reputations are being questioned with accusations against them. A man’s name stands for all he is whether a righteous or evil person. Even though 48 years have passed since Charles Manson’s crimes, his name was still being associated with evil when he recently died. ...

“O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalms 136:3-4) All the physical things God has created cause us to wonder or be amazed! We wonder at the moon, stars, animals and plant life. ...

The voice of the devil has been heard three different times in the Bible. The word “devil” means accuser or slanderer. One should never believe anything the devil says or tempts us to do! The first time we hear the devil speak was to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. ...

A person should choose the important things in life. A Christian will organize these things in the order of their importance. God should be first in one’s life. God will not take second place. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3) “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. ...

Are you a person who can calmly listen to a concerned friend as they try to correct something in your life? Or, do you get angry and refuse to listen to their good advice? Some people seem intent on making all the mistakes in their life they possibly can. ...

As this year draws nearer to its conclusion, it is fitting that we are in the season of “Fall” when the many hours of labor for some will come to completion. There must be a feeling of satisfaction to the many farmers who are completing the harvest and who will soon be done. ...

Jedidiah is a very well-known Bible character. He was one of the early kings during the United Kingdom period, and was very wealthy. He also had many wives. People came from long distances to hear his great wisdom. Jedidiah wrote 3000 proverbs and the book of Ecclesiastes. ...

Are you a person of integrity? People of integrity are rare these days! Integrity is defined as “uprightness of character; honesty.” Many people’s lack of integrity is exhibited daily. They don’t keep their word and their promises mean nothing. Some will swear they are not lying while lying to your face. They don’t show up for work when they agreed to. They don’t pay their bills on time but are months behind...

Recently, while singing the familiar song, “Higher Ground”, written in 1898, one phrase stuck in my mind which was, “Still praying as I onward bound, ‘Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.’” Then the beginning of the chorus goes, “Lord, lift me up and let me stand, by faith on heaven’s tableland…”...

Many today put their trust in the wrong things. They need to trust God. “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” (Psalm 20:7) To Christians, the name of God is their first thought, for they know they can rely on His help. “And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.” (Psalm 9:10)...

“And they have not cried unto me with their hearts, when they howled upon their beds: they assemble themselves for corn and wine, and they rebel against me.” (Hosea 7:14) It is reassuring to me to know that if I need God’s help, I can cry out to him in prayer. To possess this assurance one must be willing to cry unto the Lord “with their heart”...

More and more people are becoming acclimated to being called “sinners”, since they say “we are all sinners.” Consider another word used often in the Old Testament scriptures, the word “wicked”. This word is a little more reprehensible, and many wouldn’t appreciate being referred to by this term. ...

Paul, an inspired apostle of Christ, had brought the gospel to the city of Corinth (Acts 18:1-11) which resulted in the church being established. However, after a few years, false brethren arrived and sought to undermine his credibility. They tried to turn the brethren against Paul by accusing him of being weak. ...

In the last column, we looked at four errors taught regarding salvation. Now let’s look at the truth on how to be saved. Without Christ’s sacrifice and blood there could be no remission of sins. (1 Peter 1:18-19) Man’s obedient response is required. (1 Peter 1:22-23)...

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32) The truth about how to be saved follows. A person must hear and understand the truth (Mark 4:12), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of his sins (Luke 13:3), confess his faith in Jesus (Matthew 10:32-33), and be baptized for the remission of his sins. (Acts 2:38)...

Some people are so pleasure crazy or naïve they think they can be anywhere at any time of the day or night and there will be no ill consequences. A wise person would seek to avoid situations which might be dangerous, and where they are also tempted to sin and will later have to suffer the consequences of their actions. ...

Did Christ rise from the dead? If so, it proves Him to be the Son of God and we should accept all He teaches and do all He requires. If Christ was not raised, then He was a liar since He predicted His own resurrection. (John 2:19-22) God proved Jesus was no imposter by raising Jesus from the dead. ...

Freedom is a beautiful thing, but we must always remember that there is a cost to being free which also includes responsibilities. Freedom is not free! The cost of freedom is the blood of its many soldiers and patriots. We won our freedom from England and a system of tyrannical reign. America has a representative government where we are free to choose those who govern us...

At Christ’s return and judgment of the world, He will separate everyone into two groups with two separate destinations. “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.” (Matthew 25:31-33) God has prepared two “places” for mankind’s eternal dwelling destination.. ...

One of the great things about being a Christian is that one lives with hope. At times situations look hopeless, but they never really are. Don’t ever give up or “throw in the towel”. “For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.” (Psalms 71:5)...

“Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee; and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified” (Psalms 70:4). Let those who have accepted the salvation offered by God magnify Him! The Christian belongs to Go since Christ’s blood bought him. ...

Many people in this nation, the young particularly, no longer see divorce as a serious problem. They have grown up in times where divorce is a common occurrence and has become acceptable since most families have been affected by it in some way. Television, movies and sitcoms glorify divorce as inevitable and totally permissible as an option you can choose...

Nathan the prophet confronted King David with his sins of adultery and murder by saying, “Thou art the man.” David said, “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Samuel 12:7, 13). Each of us much confess that we are guilty of sin. “What then? Are we better than they? No, in no wise; for we have before provided both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin” (Romans 3:9). ...

Ephesians 4:3 says, “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.” The greatest barrier to saving lost men is religious division. Before His death, Jesus prayed for unity among His followers “that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” (John 17:21)...

I am concerned whether the youth in our country will be able to distinguish truth from fiction. Young people are spending so much time watching fictional movies and playing video games that I’m afraid they are not connected to the real world. Although I watched fictional movies about super heroes and vampires when growing up, I always knew that these were not real. Will our children continue to know truth from fiction?...

God speaks to us through His Word. When you respect what God’s Word says, then you respect God. Let’s consider some lessons about God’s Word and authority. Three passages of Scripture stationed near the beginning, middle and end of the Bible warn us to not add or take away from God’s Word (Deut 4:2; Prov 30:5-6; Rev 22:18-19). ...

Authority is a very important subject and cannot be emphasized too much today. Authority is a broad subject about which much could be said. Authority is a neglected subject especially in religion today and needs to be explored. Why do people not respect what God says? One reason may be because many do not realize that God speaks to us today through His word and only through His word. ...

We will each give account to God for ourselves in the judgment. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10) As human beings created in God’s image, each of us is responsible for our deeds and words. (Matthew 12:36-37)...

Each of us, at some point in our lives, will need to ask others for advice. Young and old are faced with difficult decisions for which they will need good counsel. One should be careful to seek advice from those who are wise and moral. We will look at a couple of examples in the Bible of some people who acted on bad advice, with the hope that we will learn to spot bad advice and avoid listening to it...

We must all admit the FACT of sin. Sin exists and all accountable persons are guilty of it. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Sin is a transgression of God’s Law. (1 John 3:4) It is a sin to omit doing the things God requires of us. (James 4:17) All unrighteousness is sin. (1 John 5:17)...

Does it seem your world is falling apart? Are you satisfied with your life or is it unbearable? Unto whom should you turn? Why not turn to Jesus the Way, the Truth and the Life! (John 14:6) When your car falls apart, you take it to a mechanic. When you are sick or hurt, you see a doctor. ...

“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.” (Psalms 145:3) With so many ways in scripture to show God’s greatness, let’s choose the simple subject of “bones.” What can God do with a few bones? Adam’s body was made from the dust of the ground. ...

God has given each of us life. “For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.” (Acts 17:28) There is no one greater than Jehovah and He has given you a gift, your life. Therefore, your life is a great gift given by a great God. You should cherish and protect it. I wish to discuss three things which jeopardize the lives of the young and the old...

“Just Do It” is a “Nike” slogan that has been popular for many years. It suggests the idea that by using their products that it is possible for a person to accomplish great things. I have concerns, that to some people, it may foster an attitude of “do your own thing.” Remember, that before you “do it”, you need to make sure that the “It” which you seek to do is the correct, right and pure thing that God wants you to do. ...

“Depression will overtake me, if I put God on the back burner”.” This insightful quote is from Helen Jefferson-Howard’s book entitled, “Caged But Free.” Are you putting God on the back burner in your life? What does it mean to put God on the “back burner”? Years ago, when people cooked with wood and gas stoves, oftentimes a pot would be put on the back burner either to cool or simmer while the front burners were used to cook the immediate dishes that needed preparation. ...

I am concerned about what I call “drama” that is spreading discontent and discord in people’s lives. Some television shows like “Jerry Springer” and “The Real Housewives” series encourage the drama they portray. I know there are people who truly need the concern, help and prayers of their fellowman. ...

We can learn an abundance of lessons from Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. The first lesson we can learn is that the father of the prodigal was not responsible for his son leaving home. That was the son’s decision to leave. “And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.” (15:12) This parable illustrates that men choose to leave the heavenly Father and to separate themselves spiritually from God. ...

In John 16:13-15, we find that the Holy Spirit was given the word by Christ, who then gave it to the apostles. Christ said, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. ...

A Christian should give God the glory He deserves! Do you glorify God? The word “glorified” (Gk. “doxaztai”) derived from “doxazo” means, “to make renowned, render illustrious, i.e. to cause the dignity and worth of some person or thing to become manifest and acknowledged.” (Thayer Greek Lexicon p. 157) We will explore several ways that men fail to glorify God as they should.

We continue looking at examples of those who accepted Jesus’ invitation to come to Him. “Come to me, all of you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)...

Jesus offered this invitation, “Come to me, all of you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29) Let’s look at some people in the Bible who accepted Christ’s invitation...

What is Heaven’s remedy for sin? Sin is a problem that every accountable person has. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Some will try to hide their sin, but the Bible says sin will find us out. (Numbers 32:23) Sin’s destructive nature is seen when you study what the Bible says it’s consequences are. ...

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments, he found the Israelites worshipping a golden calf which his own brother, Aaron, had helped to make. Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them?” (Exodus 32:21) I believe Aaron’s response displays an attitude possessed by far too many today about sinful worldly things. ...

After reading Acts 9, I realized a lot is said in the New Testament about the apostle Peter and his ability to enable people to stand on their own two feet. "Standing on your own two feet" is a way of saying a person can take care of themselves and is not dependent on others for help. Many in our society need to learn again that the reason God has blessed everyone with two feet is in order for each person to stand upon them...

There are many who believe that they have experienced Holy Spirit baptism and have spoken in tongues. They also believe that miraculous gifts are still happening today. Let's examine the Bible's teaching. First, Paul said in Ephesians 4:5 there was only one baptism and identified it as water baptism in 5:26. Water baptism was to be administered by men. (Matthew 28:19-20)...

All organizations are interested in growing and having more members. Churches are no exception. However, most churches are doing something that in the long run will lead to smaller memberships in the future. What are they doing? They are catering to the "un-churched" by offering them whatever they desire in order to get them through the church doors. ...

Ears Try Words Have you ever been in a store where they sold fudge and would allow you to sample different kinds? Wasn't that terrific! Everyone has been to an ice cream shop with a plethora of flavors. You keep going back and trying different ones in order to find out which ones you like best. Maybe you have been to a BBQ "cook-off" and tasted meats from the various competing teams. We use our tongues and mouths to taste different foods to see which we wish to eat...

Obadiah was the governor over the house of King Ahab and his wife Jezebel, two of the most wicked people mentioned in the Bible. (Revelation 2:20) You might think that Obadiah would have been a wicked person also, but he was not. In fact, Obadiah feared the Lord greatly...

Our culture has lost something very needful for living life successfully. God has blessed each of us with people in our lives who deeply care about us. There are parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, school teachers and fellow-saints who are concerned about our success in life. But what good are these individuals if they refuse to give any guidance to us?...

I recently heard with my own ears a preacher say that Jesus went to hell and that Acts 2:27 taught it. It does not! The English word "hell" in the KJV should have been translated "hades" which is the place of departed spirits. A different Greek word "gehenna" is used for the place of hell. Jesus went to the spirit world at His death and not to hell...

Philip went to the city of Samaria to preach the gospel to the Samaritans. Read Acts 8:5-25 before looking at three points of truth. First, we learn what a hearer of the gospel is to do to be saved. Philip preached Christ to them. (Acts 8:5) "But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." (8:12) The Samaritans believed what Philip said about the kingdom or church of God. ...

Parents need to tell their children some things while they are still young and willing to listen. Parents should tell their children that they have to grow up! Children must be trained to stand on their own two feet. (Proverbs 22:6) The scripture says, "When I became a man I put away childish things." (1 Cor. 13:11) Your children have to learn to take care of themselves for they must leave father and mother to begin their own families one day. (Genesis 2:24)...

Does a Christian have more time than those who are not Christians? What if I said "yes"? This may seem contradictory at first thought, since everyone has the same amount of time in a day. But a Christian is taught to number his days. (Psalms 90:12) A Christian knows that God wants him to redeem the time. (Ephesians 5:16) Because time is limited in this life, a Christian will first make time for the most important things in life...

Let's examine John 5:24 more closely from last week. It reads, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."...

I occasionally talk to some who attend services where the "once saved, always saved" doctrine is taught who tell me that they do not believe this, but believe that a Christian can fall from grace. If they reject the "once saved, always saved" doctrine, I would ask them to go a step further and question the correctness of the doctrine of "salvation at the point of faith."...

Mommy Did It Recently, in the checkout aisle of the grocery store, I heard a crash as a spaghetti sauce jar hit the floor. Then, I heard a small voice say, "Mommy did it!" To that Mother's credit she never said a word. Some would have yelled, blamed their child and made a larger commotion than was necessary. Since Mother's Day is coming up, let's review in our minds exactly what Mommy did for us...

All need to trust in the "arm of the Lord". "My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust." (Isaiah 51:5) The expression "arm of the Lord" refers to "the power of God". Physically speaking, a short, puny arm may not be able to do what a long, strong arm can do. Men need to put their trust in God's arm, since He is strong and powerful and capable of keeping His promises...

Good Leaders Every citizen of God's kingdom, the church (Matthew 16:18-19), is encouraged to be godly in all life's endeavors including the area of government if they choose to become public servants and hold public office. We need more good leaders in this country who are godly. ...

Living For Jesus "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21) I want to focus on the phrase "to live is Christ". The purpose for Paul's life was Jesus. The Lord Jesus Christ is to be the purpose of every Christian's life. I want to live for Christ since without Him I would not be alive spiritually, but would still remain "dead in trespasses and sins." (Ephesians 2:1)...

Hardened Necks, Faces and Hearts Job, while praising God for His wisdom and strength, asked a question which is worthy of our consideration. "He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?" (Job 9:4) Can a person prosper in life who hardens his heart against God? Absolutely not! You cannot prosper in life if you choose a path that opposes God! I do not mean by the word "prosper" to speak of only money. ...

Complete Obedience Last week, from the example of King Saul in 1 Samuel 15, we learned the serious consequences of a person not fully obeying God. Many today are like King Saul. If you were to ask them, "Have you obeyed God?" They would reply "yes". But the real truth is many who think they have obeyed God, have not truly done so because they have only partially obeyed God's instructions. Partial obedience is considered by God to be disobedience. (1 Samuel 15:19)...

Partial Obedience God instructed King Saul to utterly destroy the people of Amalek including infants and livestock. (1 Samuel 15:1-3) This was God's just punishment for what the Amalekites did to Israel when they came out of Egypt. They attacked the Israelites from behind and killed the feeble. (Deuteronomy 25:17-19) Instead of obeying God, Saul spared Agag, the king of Amalek, and the best of their livestock. (1 Samuel 15:8-9)...

Preying On Women Some people in our society will criminally take advantage of women financially. Such predators have taken money from elderly women in order to make needed home repairs. Then, they not only do not do the promised work, but leave town with the money paid them. These are disgusting individuals who take advantage of innocent victims...

"Party Animals" We have all heard the term "party animal". The "party animal" spirit is rampant in America today. This kind of person wants to have a good time which can include such things as drinking parties, dancing, drunkenness, drugs and sexual exploration. ...

Envy Do you know how Daniel ended up in the lions' den? It was due to the envy of others. Daniel who had served in his youth in the court of Babylonian kings, now in his older age served the Persians. Darius set three presidents over 120 princes of whom Daniel was the first president. ...

Set the LORD Always Before You David wrote, "I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved." (Psalms 16:8) David in his lifetime had many troubles. By living a life of trust in God, David was victorious over all of them. Living the life of a Christian does not mean you will be spared from troubles, but through trust in God, one can be victorious as well...

Great Inconsistencies We have previously shown that many religious people who say they aren't Calvinists really are three-fifth's Calvinists since they do believe in total hereditary depravity and election by God of those whom He chooses to save by sending the Holy Spirit...

We have previously considered that the idea we are saved by grace without any action or works on man's part is connected to the false Calvinistic doctrine of total hereditary depravity. In this article, we will show the connection between total hereditary depravity and two other tenets of Calvinism: "unconditional election" and "irresistible grace"...

Does Man Inherit A Corrupt Nature? My answer to the above question is "NO". Let me explain why. Even though all adults have sinned against God (Romans 3:23), no one has inherited sin from any of their forefathers. "The soul that sinneth, it shall die. ...

Total Hereditary Depravity? Do you as a religious person believe in total hereditary depravity? Maybe you have heard of the doctrine of "original sin". This teaching says that when Adam sinned in the garden, the guilt of his sin was passed to all mankind through heredity. Do you believe the Bible teaches this?...

Wickedness Proceeds From the Wicked "As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee." (1 Samuel 24:13) Even in David's time this statement about wickedness was considered ancient. How is it that today's generation has forgotten this bit of wisdom? Many today refuse to acknowledge that real wickedness exists and comes from people who are wicked...

Three Resolutions For 2016 Here are three resolutions that everyone should make for 2016. Some people tell me they never make New Year's resolutions since they are seldom kept. There may be many resolutions that if not kept really wouldn't make much difference anyway. But here are three resolutions that if kept would make a major difference in your life...

Amusements Don't Amuse God Many churches use amusements, entertainment, dinners, and recreational activities to build larger memberships. What is wrong with this? For one thing, all such are unscriptural. The scriptures do not authorize such things, therefore, God does not desire them nor is He amused by them. ...

ARE YOU CONVERTED? # 2 Last week, we considered how the sinner's heart is turned to God (1 Thessalonians 1:9) by faith (Acts 15:9) which is produced by the word of God. (Romans 10:17) Consider two other necessary changes in conversion. A sinner is alienated from God by his wicked works. ...

Are You Converted? The word "conversion" is used one time in the Bible. (Acts 15:3) The word "convert" means to "turn, turn again, or return." It should be obvious that "conversion" involves something a sinner must do. He must turn to God from the wickedness of sin. "For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God." (1 Thessalonians 1:9)...

God's Son "Who do you say that I am?" was a question Jesus asked His disciples. (Matthew 16:13, 15) Peter confessed, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16) It is extremely important that each one of us answer Jesus' question. Who do you believe Jesus is? Either He is the Son of God as He claimed, or He was a lying imposter and not even a good man. Which?...

There are 27 books in the New Testament which can be divided into 5 categories: gospels, history, Paul's epistles, general epistles and prophecy. Four gospel accounts of the life of Christ were written by four men named Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. ...

God gave Adam and Eve a beautiful paradise garden in which to live that was without sin. (Genesis 2:8-15) But their choice to commit sin ruined everything for them. (Genesis 3:6) Since Eden, man has often ruined God's blessings. We recall the Israelites, recently delivered from Egypt's bondage with the hope of Canaan's rest before them, but within two years the older generation had squandered its hope of life in Canaan due to sin. ...

"Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?" (Ecclesiastes 7:13) Ecclesiastes 1:14-15 says, "I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered." After spending time living on this earth, we discover some things about life that we might think are crooked and not the way they ought to be in our way of thinking. ...

The history of America reveals it to be a great nation! This greatness is due in much part to Christianity as revealed in the Bible. We are all aware of the fact that the first settlers of this country were people who came here to flee religious persecution in Europe...

"Now the Lord had prepared" The phrase "the Lord had prepared" occurs several times in the book of Jonah. The first time is in chapter one verse 17. "Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights."...

Respecting Officers of the Law We have sunk to a new low in this country when our police officers can be attacked from behind and assassinated in a cowardly act. In the Old West days you didn't shoot a person in the back. But criminals are cowardly individuals who also prey on innocent women, children and the elderly. I am thankful for our police officers who protect us from the criminal elements in our society...

What Is The Truth About "Judging?" "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." (Matthew 7:1-2) No scripture in all of the Bible is perverted more than this one. ...

Are You in a Saved Condition? A person who is in a lost condition should be concerned about his soul. "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26)...

Are You In A Lost Condition? One is lost who is without God. A person who is old enough to be accountable for what they do becomes separated from God when they commit their first sin. Sin is the transgression of God's law. "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law." (1 John 3:4)...

Life Is Not Fair That "life is not fair" is a lesson everyone should have learned when young. You may recall your parents telling you this truth just as my parents told me. Remarkably, many young people and even many older adults seem to think that everything should be fair in this life. But life is not fair and never will be!...

The Erring Christian James tells us that the Christian can err from the truth and need saving from spiritual death. (James 5:19-20) I would ask the erring Christian the same question that I ask the non-Christian which is, "What think ye of Christ? Whose son is he?" (Mt. ...

The Pure Water of Life Jesus said He could give men the living water of life. (John 4:10-14) Other spiritual lessons are taught from springs and rivers. In Revelation 22: 1-2, we see a picture of the pure river of water of life flowing from the throne of God. In Ezekiel 47:1-12, the river begins at the temple and precedes forth growing deeper and wider...

Lord, Take Away Our Selfishness Can the Lord take away selfishness in a person's life? The answer is yes! God can eradicate selfishness out of a Christian's life. How does God do this? It can be done when we follow His Word. His Word instructs us as to what is right and wrong. (2 Tim. 3:16-17) Selfishness is a sin and we should strive to overcome it!...

Last week we looked at the importance of doctrine in the Bible since it is what determines practices and conduct in our lives. But we also mentioned the dangerous effects of false doctrines. When a Bible doctrine is perverted (Galatians 1:6-9) or twisted (2 Peter 3:16), it becomes a false doctrine and has severe consequences. Peter warned about false teachers who bring in damnable heresies. (2 Peter 2:1)...

Applying Doctrine The purpose of Bible teaching should be the application of its truths to people's lives. More and more religious people who sit in the pews today do not like to hear sermons about doctrine, but prefer to hear practical things that deal with their daily lives. They feel doctrinal lessons are dull and hard to sit through. But I wish to remind everyone of doctrine's importance to Christian living...

Undermining The Bible's Authority Recent articles examined the inspiration of the scriptures. The scriptures are the word of God. As God's word, they are authoritative and we should live by them. Since they are God's word we are not to tamper with or change them by adding or subtracting from them. ...

Jesus warns us about covetousness. "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." (Luke 12:15) Jesus then gives the parable of the rich farmer. (Luke 12:16-21) A farmer, whose crops produced abundantly, had so much that he tore down his old barns and built bigger ones to store all his crops. ...

The Verbally Inspired Scriptures Are the scriptures inspired "in thought" only or "in word"? Did God give the thoughts to the writers and allow the writers to put them into their own words, or did God give them the words to write which expressed God's thoughts exactly and without mistake? I believe in "word" or verbal inspiration of the scriptures...

The Bible claims to be inspired of God. You can examine the Bible and find abundant evidence that God is its author. At this time, I will give only a small amount of this evidence. The unity of the Bible is proof that God is its author. The 66 books of the Bible were written by about 40 men over a period of 1,500 years. ...

God created the world. The natural world is evidence of God's existence. (Romans 1:20) It should be obvious that God, who made man, would also want to communicate with him. The Bible is God's message to man. The message God has given is called "revelation". ...

The scriptures are inspired by God which means that God is their author. The Bible consists of 66 books written by about 40 different men. These 66 books are classified as "scripture". The Greek word for "scripture" means "writings". For a writing to be classified as "scripture", it must have been written by men who were guided by God through the Holy Spirit. ...

"And it happened, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts which nursed you! But He said, More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" (Luke 11:27-28) The woman mentioned in this scripture was seeking to honor Mary because of the physical relationship that Mary had to Jesus as His mother...

It is sad that theaters will be showing a smutty movie that premieres the day before Valentine's Day. This film will not promote the biblical perspective of love and marriage. While most people still desire a love that will last a lifetime, they are unfamiliar with God's way of how to obtain it...

Christ's teaching is simple. The simplicity of His teaching is the consequence of truth. Truth is simple and not complicated by the false and erroneous teachings of man. (Mark 7:7-9) "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." (John 17:17)...

"And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not." (Ezekiel 33:31-32)...

"He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live." (Proverbs 15:27 KJV) This proverb, if applied to our lives, could bring continued happiness to us. But sadly, many people bring upon themselves much trouble and unhappiness because of their greediness for financial gain. They have no one to blame for this trouble but themselves...

Let me be clear.... there are problems that arise in marriage, but marriage itself is not the problem. Some people mistakenly conclude that marriage is the cause of problems between couples and, therefore, marriage should be discarded. You will not find any support in God's word for this idea. Nothing could be further from God's truth. "Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." (Hebrew 13:4)...

The angels told both Joseph (Matthew 1:21) and Mary (Luke 1:31) to name the babe "Jesus". The name Jesus means "Saviour". No other figure in world history stands out like Jesus. Jesus is God and was called JEHOVAH. In Matthew 3:3, we are told that John the Baptist fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy (Isaiah 40:3) by preparing the way for the LORD. ...

A person who would repent of their sins should have the attitude exhibited in these verses, "O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips." (Hosea 14:1-2) The idea that a person can be a Christian and accepted by God, while at the same time living a life of sin and unfaithfulness, is growing more popular in our culture. ...

We continue our study of the connection between the saved and the church by studying Acts 2:47. "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." We can learn several lessons from this passage...

The following verses show the connection between those who receive salvation and the Lord's church. "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38) "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." (Acts 2:47) This article will deal with what a person must do to be saved...

The attitude expressed in the title above should be the attitude that a Christian possesses. God expects the best we can offer Him. "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men: knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24) "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might..." (Ecclesiastes 9:10) The attitude of sloppiness and doing a half hearted job sadly permeates our society today. ...

Soon it will be "Thanksgiving Day". It is a day that has been set aside in our country in which to give thanks. The Pilgrims celebrated their survival in the new land by having a feast in which they gave thanks. Who is it that should be thanked? "Thanks" is to be given or directed to God. ...

Daniel was appointed one of three presidents over the 120 princes by Darius, King of the Medes and Persians. (Daniel 6:1) Daniel's enemies plotted his overthrow with these words, "... We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God." (Daniel 6:5) Daniel's faith in God caused him to be exemplary in his conduct toward all men, and in his service to Darius the King. ...

Are You In or Out of Christ? My Mom would often make my brothers and me choose to stay inside the house or to remain outside instead of running in and out all afternoon. Inside was television and refreshments. Outside was loud games and exploration of the woods. We had to choose to be in or out since the doors would be locked to enforce each boy's decision. Maybe your mother had a similar practice...

The Seed Will Produce One Church "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling." (Ephesians 4:4) Consider also Ephesians 1:22-23. "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all." These verses teach that the church is Christ's body, therefore, there is but one church. ...

Everybody suffers at some point in their life. One question may come to mind, "Lord, why are you doing this to me?" However, it is not proper to blame God for our suffering. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights..." (James 1:17) God may allow us to suffer but He does not cause it to occur. Satan, and oftentimes man himself, are the ones responsible for suffering...

Baptism Is Essential To Salvation The truth makes us free from sin. (John 8:32) The truth is that baptism in water is essential to salvation. Many today are ignorant of this truth because most religionists falsely teach that "baptism is not essential to salvation". ...

In the first century there was only one church. "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."(Matthew 16:18) We can learn several things from this scripture...

The three truths examined in this article are GREAT because so much rides on a proper understanding of them. Man's salvation and a correct understanding of future events are vitally important. The word UNKNOWN is the key word in the above title. I do not mean by this word that I'm revealing truths no one has ever heard of before. ...

When boys today reach manhood tomorrow, what kind of men will they be? With so many boys growing up today without a father's presence, what ill effects will this have on their perception of manhood? Knowledge of what makes one a man and what doesn't make one a man is essential if one is to learn to respect himself as a man...

Do you think people plan their marriage like they do their wedding? I'm afraid there is a sad lack of planning for marriage today. Most weddings are well planned productions. Weddings are planned down to the smallest of details. But has any thought been given to married life after the honeymoon? Oftentimes not! It is God's intention for marriage between a man and a woman to be for life. ...

When I speak to people about truth versus error and true religion versus false religion, I find that the majority of individuals do not think in these biblical terms. Yet, John the apostle spoke of the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. (1 John 4:6) Most people, whether religious or non-religious, have a difficult time accepting the fact that anything "religious" could be false and in error. ...

The truth works to save! However, men often invent their own ways of being saved. (Isaiah 55:8-9) "Full well ye reject the commandments of God, that ye may keep your own traditions." (Mark 7:9) I want to briefly discuss some of the false ideas that men teach about how to be saved...

When a person sins by breaking God's laws, then the just God of heaven must inflict the penalty for sin. The penalty is spiritual death or separation from God. (James 1:15; Romans 6:23) When we appreciate the justice of God, we will truly appreciate the love of God!...

Last week we learned that vengeance belongs to the Lord (Hebrews 10:30), and He alone can repay those who do evil. (Romans 12:19) Today, there is a great need for us to understand the subject of the vengeance and wrath of God. Some attempt to make God look like the culprit when He punishes sin. ...

The following scripture recently stood out to my wife and me as we read the Bible. "That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified." (1 Thessalonians 4:6) There is a great need today for people to rid themselves of having vengeful spirits...

Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, confessed to Jehovah "our eyes are upon thee." (2 Chronicles 20:12) A huge army had gathered, consisting of the Moabites, Ammonites and people of Mount Seir, that was marching against Judah. (2 Chronicles 20:1-2, 10, 23) Jehoshaphat encouraged the people to focus their eyes upon Jehovah and not upon the enemy. Is our faith in God today like Jehoshaphat's?...

Alexander Hamilton said, "Those who stand for nothing fall for anything." This I see is a problem that is affecting the citizens of our country today. Many of our country's early principles and laws were based on religious teaching from the word of God. ...

A person can reach the point in life when they do not find pleasure in life as they once did. Throughout a lifetime, a person may suffer many events that can chip away at the joy one receives from life. Crime, wickedness, illness and loss in life due to natural disasters and death can rob a person of joy. These things have been a part of life since the fall in the Garden of Eden. How can we find and keep joy in our lives?...

"Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage." (Psalms 119:54) The statutes referenced in this passage are God's laws, precepts and commandments. God's word is often put into song to remind Christians of God's teaching. The Psalms have been used as songs under both testaments. "... Is any merry? Let him sing psalms." (James 5:13)...

Your answer to the above question will determine your eternal destiny! If your answer is "yes", then your love of truth will cause you to believe (2 Thess. 2:12) and obey the truth (2 Thess. 1:8) in order to be saved (2 Thess. 2:10). If you don't love the truth, then you will believe a lie and be condemned. ...

"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for everyman." (Hebrews 2:9) God's grace to send Christ to die for every man is truly amazing. We will use each letter in the word "grace" to help describe different aspects of God's saving grace...

If everyone were a Christian, wouldn't that be wonderful? Life on this earth would be so much better! This would make heaven overpopulated, but it would be wonderful since the Father's house has many mansions. (John 14:2) As I refer to scriptures, I hope you will read each one to receive the total spiritual benefit possible from this column...

All that man needs to know in order to please God and go to heaven is contained in the Bible. The Bible, and it alone, is sufficient to convert the sinner. (Romans 1:16) God speaks to man through no other means than through His word. God today does not speak through any one particular man or group of men. When an individual accepts the biblical teaching of the all-sufficiency of the scriptures, they will realize there are no latter day revelations of any kind for us today...

The way to obtain religious unity is by following only the Bible. (John 17:17-22) But some avoid the unity God demands (Ephesians 4:4-6) by making the objection, "We cannot understand the Bible alike." CAN WE UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE? If we can understand the Bible, then we will understand it alike. ...

Why are more people's lives not changed by the Bible? God's word will WORK in their lives if they believe it is God's word. Paul said, "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." (1 Thessalonians 2:13) The adverb "effectually" means, "with effect; also, actually; truly." (Funk & Wagnalls, New Desk Standard Dictionary p. ...

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12) The purpose of the gospel is: "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." (Acts 26:18) Those who do not follow Jesus, the light of the world, are in darkness and ignorance. ...

Spring is here according to the calendar. Spring is my favorite time of year. Driving down College Street in spring time is a beautiful site with all the blossoming flowers and trees. But spring should remind us of some valuable spiritual lessons. First, spring is a time of planting. ...

Have you ever noticed that on "Jeopardy", very few contestants seem to know answers when the category is the "Bible"? This is sad. There seems to be a widespread ignorance of the Bible in this country. What saddens me most about ignorance of the Bible is that people can only be saved by an understanding of it. ...

When going to Bible class and worship services as children, my brothers and I were encouraged by our parents to wear our Sunday best. Your Sunday clothes were separate from your play clothes and school clothes. Are parents still teaching their children to wear their Sunday best clothes to services? I hope so, because by doing so parents are instilling in their children's hearts the proper attitude of respect toward God. ...

When I was a kid, we would do just about anything to get better reception on our television set. We would put aluminum foil on the rabbit ears. Reception was better if someone held the antennas, but that person couldn't watch the program. Good reception is necessary in order to have a clear picture on your television screen. ...

The Bible is the "good book" because it teaches us to BE good. The Bible teaches us what kind of behavior God considers good. "Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes." (Psalms 119:68) Because God is good, he himself is the standard of goodness that men should strive to attain. "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation." (1 Peter 1:15)...

God has given "the word of the truth of the gospel" (Colossians 1:5) to save mankind. Before His ascension to heaven, Jesus taught, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:15-16)...