Posts by Christian Worker

Most of the SWSBS staff were blessed to attend PTP Branson in July. This event brings together Christians from Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, and other states for a week of study and fellowship. Some of our staff were asked to give lessons, and all of us were afforded the opportunity to sit in on classes to learn and grow. On Friday night, our own Steven Lloyd was honored with the “Lifetime Service” award. This award is given annually by the…

Each lied. Each died. Few events in Scripture are more startling. As God’s long-promised kingdom was taking shape, He made an unforgettable statement about the holiness of His church. In Acts 2-4, thousands were converted, and believers voluntarily sold possessions to care for one another (cf. Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-37). Then Acts 5 records an event that filled the church with fear. Ananias and Sapphira sold their property, but kept back part of the proceeds. Then, they presented the remainder as…

In John chapter 20 there is a familiar story of one of the disciples, Thomas by name. This passage is so well known it is all Thomas is ever remembered for. This particular instance is when Thomas doubted whether Jesus had risen from the dead. When the other disciples told him they had seen the risen Lord he said, “…except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the…

Habakkuk is unique among the prophets. His message is neither an appeal to the people nor an announcement of judgment against the nations. Habakkuk’s cry is not on behalf of God to a wicked people, but rather a plea to God on behalf of the faithful among a corrupt nation. The prophet initially inquires as to why God seemingly turned a blind eye to the wickedness among His own people: “O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt…

The word “ignoring” is the present participle of the verb “ignore,” which means to deliberately pay no attention to, overlook, or refuse to acknowledge something according to Collins Dictionary. Unfortunately, many in our day and time believe they can ignore God, His Son, and His word and live a life worthy of imitation. Furthermore, we have some among the people of God who say they are faithful to the cause of Christ but their lives demonstrate something different. The apostle…

Pretending to be faithful isn’t enough. Have you ever seen a child trying to cover up something they’ve done wrong with a lie? Perhaps they took a chocolate chip cookie when they knew was supposed to wait until after dinner. With chocolate smeared all over their hands and face they will still tell their mother they didn’t eat the cookie to try and avoid punishment. We must appear like little children to God when we attempt to fool Him and…

The Book of Jonah, well known in the Old Testament, is often remembered for the great fish. However, it also emphasizes God’s grace, mercy, and love. The story shows God’s sovereign control over creation and His mercy toward pagan sailors, Nineveh, and His reluctant prophet (Ps. 145:9). Jonah, whose ministry occurred during the reign of Jeroboam II (2 Kings 14:23-25), received an unusual commission. Rather than preaching to Israel, God commanded him to travel to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria,…

Before we consider Peter in Luke 5:10, I want usto travel back to 2 Kings 7 and consider how fourdesperate lepers learned a timeless truth that mighthelp us understand the importance of evangelism. Howgood news was never meant to be kept to oneself. In 2 Kings 7, we see Israel’s dramatic rescue from abrutal Syrian siege led by King Ben-Hadad. Determinedto dominate the North Kingdom, Ben-Hadad failed to seethat God was in control and was using His prophet Elishato expose…

The apostle Paul reminded the church of Christ atRome about the patriarch Abraham and his strengthconcerning the promise of God. “He staggered notat the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong infaith, giving glory to God” (Rom. 4:20). To the church atCorinth he would pen, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quityou like men, be strong” (1Cor. 16:13). When writing to thechurch at Ephesus, he would exhort them to live worthy of their calling by writing, “Finally, my…

Hostility seems to be the default today. No matter thesubject, there is an ever-present risk that contrastingviews or conflicting data points will cause thediscussion to devolve into HR reports, cancel culture, oroutright violence. And that’s just talking about gardeningpractices. So how do we handle the fear of potential persecution when we are called to share something farmore impactful and controversial, the Great Commission(Matt. 28:19-20)? The initial audience of Peter’s first epistle foundthemselves asking the same question, though withmuch more violent…

Towering above the landscape at Israel’s northernmostborder lie three summits, snowcapped for most ofthe year, and the streams from them serve as theheadwaters of the Jordan River. In the shadow of Hermon’slofty heights lies ancient Panias, the pagan city devoted tothe Greek god Pan, the goat deity of the wild, shepherds,and flocks. Today it is called Banias, but in Jesus’ day it wasCaesarea Philippi. What He and His disciples would havewitnessed upon visiting was a reddish limestone wall over130 ft…

Wrong thinking about God leads to wrongattitudes and actions. If I imagine Jehovahas the “Grandfather in the sky” who willgrant all my wishes because He loves me so much —I’ve created a new god by the same name. Similarly, if Ithink He is a hard Master just waiting to punish me, I’llreact in fear like the one-talent servant and hide insteadof serve (Matt. 25:24-25). God has revealed Himself tobe a loving and merciful Judge Who wants to save all,but will…