Posts by Christian Worker
Mark 8:22-26: The Two-fold Miracle – Steven Lloyd
Among the miracles of healing, the account of the blind man receiving his sight in Mark 8:22-26 is unique. Other miracles of healing were immediate and complete, whereas this one occurred in two phases. Jesus and His disciples were in Bethsaida. A blind man was brought to Him for healing. Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. He spit on the blind man’s eyes, laid His hands on him, and asked if…
Six Tools to Improve Your Prayer Life – Andy Baker
Tool #1: Practice It is comforting to know that prayer is a learned behavior (Luke 11:1). It is also comforting to know that nobody, save Jesus, is an expert at prayer (Luke 11:2-13). However, scripture is clear that God expects people to pray (cf. Matt. 6:5; Col. 4:2; Luke 18:1; I Thess. 5:17). Thus, if it is something Christians are expected to do, getting in and actually doing it is important! A prayer does not have to be long or…
How to Excel in Personal Evangelism – Rob Whitacre
The churches of Christ in America are on a steady decline. Over the past three years, we have lost 225 congregations and 55,334 members. Those who seek RATIONALIZATION minimize our losses by pointing to similar declines among our denominational friends. Those who seek EXPLANATION (should we dare say excuses) cite increased distractions, entertainment, secularization, busyness, and muchness. While all of these things may be true, it does not change the numbers. The only way to address this crisis is by…
Barnabas: He Who Met the Need – Don Walker
As far as we know, the first introduction we have to Barnabas is found in Acts chapter 4. In this chapter we learn that his given name was Joses and he was a Levite from Cyprus. We also learn that the apostles “surnamed [him] Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation)” (Acts 4:36). If the name was given because of Barnabas’ character, and most likely it was, then he was an encourager. Barnabas was one who met the…
The Science Against Itself – Pat McIntosh
If we were to discuss creation and the existence of God with a friend who believed in the Bible, we would turn to obvious biblical passages such as Gen. 1:1 and John 1:1-3. Those passages clearly reflect the existence of God and the roles of the Godhead in the creation process. The very first verse of the Bible clearly affirms the existence of God. The remainder of the Bible is built upon and substantiates that opening affirmation of God’s existence.…
He Came Down From The Mountain, But Not The Cross – Tom Wacaster
If the Sermon on the Mount were all that Matthew recorded, that small piece of inspired literature would declare the very majesty of the One Who spoke those words. The sermon now complete, our Lord leaves the mountain to enter His market place. The very first words we encounter as we enter the eighth chapter of Matthew capture our attention: “And when he was come down from the mountain” (8:1). Strictly speaking those half dozen English words describe His descent…
What Wouldn’t You Do For Your Kids? – Jordan Moore
Every parent’s worst nightmare is to lose their precious child. As expected, any devoted parent would do whatever it took to save their child: climb a mountain; cross a raging river; dive to the depths of the ocean. If it meant dangling from a cliff, gripping the child with one hand to keep them from falling- they would try. Were a parent to discover a climbing ropae and carabiners, would they not certainly use them in their cliff-side rescue? If…
“I Can’t Come To Church Because Of Covid” – Neal Pollard
Covid has touched nearly every family I know, including my own. It would be foolish to say that it is harmless. It has claimed nearly 5 million lives as of today. So, I have heard from many good, thoughtful people, this statement: “I can’t come to church because of Covid.” Please accept that with deep, genuine love, there are a few questions that need to be asked alongside of this. Are we being consistent? Are we still going to the…
Light in a Dark World – Troy Spradlin
The disciples of Jesus Christ are described in various ways throughout the New Testament through the use of analogies and metaphors. Some of these include words like, “sheep,” “little children,” and “saints.” The purpose of these terms is to provide depictive imagery concerning how a Christian should live. Perhaps, one of the most descriptive metaphors is the term, “light.” For example, in Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus said “You are the light of the world. … Let your light so shine before…
We Preach Christ – John Haffner
What a glorious work and high responsibility—to preach Christ Jesus! We proclaim the good news of the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:1-5). We announce the message of the gospel, God’s power to salvation (Rom. 1:16). Sadly, many reject the preaching of Jesus Christ. Paul recorded how preaching Christ presented a stumbling block for the Jews and appeared to be foolishness to the Greeks (1 Cor. 1:22-24). The Jews only wanted signs and often asked for them…
“Glorify Your Son” – John Baker
As He contemplated His impending trial and execution, Jesus prayed to His Heavenly Father: “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you” (John 17:1). Later the same night He prayed again, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matt. 26:39). These two prayers remind us of, “the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that would follow” (1 Pet. 1:11).…
You Are Worthy: Revelation 5 – Kevin Cauley
Revelation 4 pictures God on His throne. The four living creatures cry out, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.” Revelation 5:1-7 occur in the same setting. And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the back, close sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a great voice, Who is worthy…