Posts from 2020 (Page 5)

The Jews journeyed to Jerusalem for several feasts every year—each having a special significance. As they traveled and approached the city and especially the temple, their purpose in drawing near grew clearer and clearer. This developed not only from their proximity to their ancient capital but also due to their practice of singing psalms as they approached, songs designed to remind them of their identity, of their need, and of their purpose in coming to worship in the temple on…

A builder will lay a good foundation, and then build his superstructure. However, when the building is completed, he does not remove the foundation. If anything, he will strengthen it. In like manner, in the field of mathematics, the student may study algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus; but he never forsakes the fundamentals of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Similarly, in studying our Bibles, we must “go on unto perfection” (Heb. 6;1). But, we must never forsake or depreciate the basic…

Truly, the Bible often puts the spotlight on the praise and adoration we ought to manifest toward our Maker. In Psalm 138, we have a noble example of this marvelous expression of loyalty toward Jehovah: Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord: for great is the glory of the Lord. (Ps. 138:1) Ten sections later, in Psalm 148, we have the basis for the famous hymn we have known since childhood: Let them praise the name of…

At a time in which everyone does what is right is his own eyes (Judges 17:6), the challenge to respect the authority of Christ is great. This present age is very much like those described in the pages of history. Consider Israel, in 1 Samuel 8, who demanded a king to rule over them like the surrounding nations. The problem was that they already had a King, Jehovah, but they rejected Him (1 Sam. 8:6-9). In his pride, man seeks…

Overcoming Discouragement (Part 2) One of the greatest and often kept hidden challenges that we have in this life is discouragement. Everyone faces discouraging circumstances in their lives. These circumstances vary from bad grades on a test, not making the team, or a relationship breakup for a youth to job loss, lengthy illness, or loss of a spouse for an adult. Among all of humanity and at every age everyone suffers from discouragement. This being the case we should direct…

There has never been a time more difficult than today. There has never been a society where men were more sinful and given to wickedness than our own. There has never been occasions where there was more reason for discouragement among God’s people than there is today. This may be the attitude of some—but it is wholly without merit (cf. Gen. 6; Acts 8). Though we may be disposed to believe that discouragement is unique to our time and perhaps…

This article attempts to answer the question “What would we know about our origin and the purpose for our lives without the Old Testament?” That is a great question! In this article, we will explore life’s “big questions” as they relate to the Old Testament.  First of all, let’s take a look at what is meant by “big questions.” Most writers agree that the “big questions” include the following: Who am I? Why am I here? What went wrong? What…

The title of this article is a direct quote of the apostle Paul as it is found in the KJV. As is the case with every passage we study we do well to consider the passage in context. The two verses prior to this one set the context in the area of the miraculous gifts and specifically the giving of God’s revelation. Paul wrote, “Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesying” (1 Thess. 5:19, 20). It is essential that we…

Eternal, good, gracious, loving, merciful, wise, holy, immutable, just, righteous, sovereign, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent are just a few of the attributes of God. When we speak of God’s attributes we are talking about those characteristics that help us understand who God truly is.  It is noteworthy that those biblical characters who were greatly used by God had a burning desire to know Him. David said,  One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that…

The American infatuation with sex continues to grow at breathtaking levels. One recent study asked people throughout the world about the number of sexual partners they have had in their lifetime. Americans who were surveyed responded that 2 partners is not enough–it is too sexually conservative, while 15 is the point at which one should be considered to be “too promiscuous,” and 7 is the magic number. Another study showed that 67% of Americans view sex outside of marriage to…