Posts by Christian Worker
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…
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…
The Age of the Troll – Patrick Hammack
The internet is a remarkable thing. Now, I know that in the darker corners of the online world there are things that are unsavory to those professing Christ. But, all in all, the internet has made an undeniable and beneficial mark on our lives. Unless you want to set out for open wilderness, there are very few places that you can go and very few things you can do where the internet isn’t somehow involved, either directly or indirectly. Just…
From Garbage to Goodness – Justin Guess
Last month a cyclist was riding from Portland to Corpus Christi across the bay bridge. For an unknown reason, the man veered diagonally across two lanes of traffic, running into the wall. As he the collision happened, the man flipped over the barrier and fell about 30 feet down into the four foot water below. A couple following not too far behind witnessed the accident and pulled over immediately to render aid. A 60 year old man got out of…
Biblical Balance Ends With Attitudes – Ross Haffner
So much controversy, so much conflict! To answer the division present in the Lord’s church today, many are calling for Biblical balance. I am sure some who are asking for balance actually mean, “There should be less preaching that expects me to change and more preaching that makes me feel good.” Others mean, “Let’s change the truth slightly so that it’s easier to digest.” Neither of these positions should be supported because they show a lack of concern for God’s…
I Have Found a Friend in Jesus – Cody Westbrook
With Song of Solomon 2:1 in mind, hymn writer Charles Fry penned the song “The Lilly of the Valley” in 1881. Seeking to describe the intimacy that exists between the Savior and His disciples, the song begins with the words “I have found a friend in Jesus.” Friendship in the ancient world was a reciprocal relationship built upon loyalty, trust, affection, and service (2 Sam. 16:16-17; Pro. 18:24; 1 Sam. 18:1-4; Phil. 4:1). Such a relationship exists between people, but…
Lessons in Faith – Ronnie Scherffius
When studying the gospel records we often discover multiple accounts of teachings and events in the life of Christ. One would expect to observe a repetition of Jesus’ betrayal (Matt. 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-52; John 18:1-11), His trials before the Hebrews (Matt. 26:57-75; Mark 14:53-65; Luke 22:54-71; John 18:12-27) and Romans (Matt. 27:1-25; Mark 15:1-14; Luke 23:1-26; John 18:28-40), His suffering and crucifixion (Matt. 27:26-66; Mark 15:15-47; Luke 23:27-56; John 19:1-42), as well as His resurrection and ascension (Matt.…
God Among the Nations – Steven Lloyd
A theme that is repeated in the books of Kings, some of the Psalms, and in some of the prophets is the justice and righteousness of God. These are described as being the foundation of God’s throne. Because our Lord is considered infinite in these qualities, He cannot, with a wave of the hand, dismiss unjust behavior from His own people. When Israel went astray after other gods, the Lord chastised them. On a broader scale, the Lord would use…
The Friend of God – Bill Burk
Man was created for community. All of us need good friends whom we may trust and count on. Probably each one of us can see in his mind’s eye someone whose friendship you hold near and dear. The Bible says “a friend loves at all times but a brother is born for adversity” (Pro. 17:17). If there is any being about whom we can truly say He loves us at all times in both good times and bad it would…
Unless the Lord Builds the House… – Cody Westbrook
The Latin motto Nisi Dominus Frusta has adorned the coat of arms of the city of Edinburgh, Scotland since 1647. The meaning is “Without the Lord, frustration,” and it is taken from the first line of Psalm 127:1– “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.” The sentiment accurately portrays the outcome of one who seeks to navigate this life apart from his Creator. The emphasis of this Psalm, however, is not on the individual…
Deadly Desires – John Haffner
When Peter wrote to Christians scattered and suffering persecution, he impressed upon them the importance of continuing to desire the word of God. He noted its purity and called on the church to long for its truth as newborns desire milk (1 Pet. 2:2). Peter followed up on the command with good reasoning. Christians should know the value of seeking God’s word because they have experienced the Lord’s gracious provision (1 Pet. 2:3). Everything we need is supplied by our…
“In the World, Not of the World” – Andy Baker
The fundamental question of Christianity can be boiled down to this: Do I belong to God and serve Him faithfully or do I belong to the world and serve its lusts faithfully? It is not in dispute that a person cannot serve both (Matt. 6:24), but many in the religious world and even in the church look more like the world and its lusts than we care to admit. Is there a stark contrast between Christians who are “chosen out…