Posts from June 2021

Posts from June 2021

Little boy on his father's knee while his dad reads Scripture

Being About Our Father’s Business – Mike Batot

In Luke 2:41-50 we are told of the time “the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:43) after the Feast of the Passover. Once His family realized He was not with them on their return journey home, they returned to Jerusalem to find Him. Three days later, He was found in the temple, listening and asking questions of the teachers. His mother questioned Him concerning His decision to stay behind and He told her in verse 49:  “Why did…
Question mark neon sign

Endless Hypotheticals – Troy Spradlin

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to discuss various points and particulars about God, Jesus, the Bible, baptism, faith, and other spiritual topics with many people, from all walks of life. In a large portion of those opportunities, a rather interesting pattern emerged – a hypothetical scenario was introduced into the dialogue, at one point or another. Sometimes they were presented as questions and other times as arguments against a certain topic. Still, at other times, it seems they…
Antique parchment paper sheets lit by candlelight

Outdated Preaching – Trent Kennedy

Born to a priestly family, set apart from birth, sent with the spirit and power of Elijah, and called the greatest among women, John the Immerser was a man among men. He was part prophet, part trailblazer, John was all preacher. The gospel account of Luke records more of the content of John’s preaching and specifics of his ministry than Matthew or Mark (Luke 3:1-21). When the word of the Lord came to John (Luke 3:2), like with other prophets,…
Angry Lion Portrait

The Lion who is a Lamb – Tom Moore

One of the most exciting and informative ways to study the attributes of Christ is by giving close attention to the various figurative descriptions of our Lord set forth in holy Writ. For example, the Son of God, our Messiah, is called: Bread (John 6:35), Judge (2 Tim. 4:8), Shepherd (John 10:14), Passover (1 Cor. 5:7), Vine (John 15:1), Light (John 1:7), Way – Truth – Life (John 14:6), Door (John 10:9), Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8), and Word (John…
Back to school

On Yearbooks and Modesty

Recently a Florida high school caused quite a stir when the yearbook coordinator digitally edited 80 yearbook photos. The edited photos were only of females and were altered to add more clothing to chests and shoulders. The School District’s chief of Community Relations reported “The yearbook coordinator made the decision to edit the photos based on her assessment that the females were not in dress code.”  Many students and parents were appalled that the changes were made without their knowledge…
Bible on church pulpit, with light coming through the front doors

The Privilege of Preaching – Allen Webster

The most important event that takes place in any city on any day this week is the work the Gospel preacher does. And this includes New York, Hollywood, and Washington. Work done in New York may affect world finances or fashion; workers in Hollywood may produce new entertainment which will be enjoyed by millions, and decisions made in Washington may change the world for better or worse, but what the Gospel preacher does will matter when the world is on…

Fight the Good Fight of Faith

Imitating the popular spirit of the day, many brethren have raised the “white flag” and refused to engage in any type of spiritual aggression at all. But, while Christianity is indeed a religion of peace and love, it is also one that includes warfare and combat—spiritually speaking. Paul’s charge to Timothy was to “fight the good fight of faith (1 Tim. 6:12), and “war a good warfare” (1 Tim. 1:18). The clarion call to join the battle rings clearly throughout…

Thank You for Your Service

Another year of Camp Hensel has come and gone, and it was a success! For more than 50 years the Southwest congregation has conducted the Hensel camp session with the help of our sister congregations from near and far. In that time we have seen hundreds of campers and staff members whose lives have been forever changed because of their time at camp. Every year friendships are born, problems are solved, and the bonds of fellowship are strengthened. It is…

I Want to be Like Joshua

Christianity is not for the faint of heart. Yes, it is the greatest life that one could live, but it is also full of challenges from the opposition of the outside world. Paul said, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). How can we successfully overcome the challenges set before us? Consider the strength and courage of Joshua as a model. Four times in Joshua chapter one, Joshua is told…
Woman holding stone with the word Hope in her palms

The Christian’s Hope

To many the word “hope” is a synonym for “wish.” As such, hope has little to do with assurance or certainty and mostly deals in the realm of preference. Even Christians sometimes struggle to fully comprehend the biblical usage of the word “hope.” It is as if our hope is a type of appendix to our Christianity. We have the body of New Testament doctrine which instructs us regarding salvation and living a faithful life, and as an added bonus,…