Posts by Christian Worker

In August we hit the ground running! SWSBS welcomed eleven new students and twelve returning students to Austin. Over the course of the year, we will continue to build knowledge, character, and habits in these Christians. Our second year class will focus their attention this quarter on various Bible texts. Over the course of this second year, practical classes in preaching, teaching, evangelism, and counseling will be woven into their studies to prepare them for the work that lies ahead.…

Depression does not feel like a cozy blanket. It is not warm; it is a ship’s anchor—dragging, dulling, making even the simple act of breathing feel like heavy labor. What does faith look like when our feelings refuse to cooperate? It looks like choosing focus, quiet endurance, and remembering that God’s presence is never canceled out by the storm. Strength in Spiritual Memory It is difficult to maintain perspective when bills stack up, family pressures mount, and spiritual peace seems…

Picture this with me: You are in the cabin of a cruise ship. You have gone to sleep for the night and all is well. Suddenly, you are startled awake by the jolt of the ship and emergency sirens. The vessel has slammed into a reef. Because you are in one of the lower levels of the ship, water has already made its way to your room. The door is pinned shut, you feel the water flowing through the cracks,…

“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: (Eccles. 3:1). The Bible addresses every aspect of our life and for many of life’s events, it seems there is a Psalm that can be appropriately applied. Solomon said there was a time to laugh, dance, and embrace (Eccles. 3:4-5). We celebrate people and their accomplishments. We celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, baby showers and retirement. We celebrate our nation every Fourth of July and other national holidays…

“Loneliness is a symptom of our mental,emotional, physical and spiritual separation fromGod, and we can only truly remedy this pathologyby seeking Him.” (Source unknown) In no way am I a medical professional, but I am a human being created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27), and I have experienced times of loneliness. This topic can be rather confusing because often I am alone but not lonely. At other times, I am surrounded by people but still aware of how…

Gratitude stands as one of Scripture’s most vital yet frequently neglected themes. Psalm 103 opens with a stirring thought: “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” These words encourage us to intentionally direct our hearts toward thankfulness to God for every blessing He has poured out. When we cultivate this thankful heart, we find the ability to focus on…

In case of an emergency where help is needed beyond what you can provide, one would call the appropriate phone number (e.g. 9-1-1). What about a spiritual emergency? When tempted to stir up wrath quickly or to remain in anger, the writers of the psalms have taught us we should call on God! Anytime emotions overwhelm us we should seek God’s help, especially in times when anger rises like a tidal wave. Numerous psalms would help us in this struggle,…

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…