From the Director’s Desk
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…
Lying to God (Acts 5:1-11)
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…
Doubting God
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…
Disagreeing with God
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…
Ignoring God
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…
Attempting to Fool God
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…
Running from God
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,…
Look at the Clouds (Nahum 1:3)
What can nature teach us about our God? According to passages like Psalm 19:1 and Romans 1:20, we see evidence for the existence of God and also pictures of His glory. Taking a look at creation can tell us so much about our Creator. It is also interesting to note that inspired writers of God’s Word use nature to help our imagination concerning who God is. For our article today, consider Nahum 1:3. The reality is, we cannot fully wrap…
Possessed
Demon possession is a Bible topic longmisunderstood. Skeptics deny it, believersare curious about it, and Hollywood isobsessed with it. The truth is the Bible says it happened(2 Tim. 3:16). Those who choose to deny the Bible’s claims thatdemon possession legitimately happened have severalexplanations for their skepticism. They might think thatpeople were superstitious and easily fooled. Perhapsthey attributed some unexplained illness to demons.To think this way you would necessarily have to callJesus’ deity into question. If He is God then He…
Appointed Watchmen (Ezekiel 33:7-9)
The role of a watchman is critical to the protection of a kingdom. These men would walk the outer walls of a city and guard it. In doing this, they would keep their eyes out for any activity that could endanger the members of that particular city and kingdom. In Ezekiel 33, God appointed one of His prophets, Ezekiel, to be a watchman. In Ezekiel 33:7-9, God would say, Now as for you, son of man, I have appointed you…
The Prophets, Part 3
The character of these men was importantand often tested. Prophets had to be boldlike Amos. Prophets had to represent God’scharacter like Hosea. Prophets had to be humbleand submissive like Habakkuk. Prophets had totrust God to take care of their needs like Elijah.Prophets had to be persistent almost to the pointof stubbornness like Jeremiah. Prophets had to bebrave like Nathan. Prophets had to find their placein uncomfortable surroundings like Daniel. While these are specific attributes you wouldhave wanted from anyone who…
Two Premises Worth Considering (Part B) 2 Timothy 3:16-17 & 2 Peter 1:3
Coping is a book written by brotherSteven Lloyd. It is a wonderfulresource that can help point us tothe solution to our problems in this life. Inmy last article, we looked at the first of twopremises that this book was based upon. Doyou remember what this premise was? Ifyou said, “The Bible is the Word of God,”you would be correct! Do you remember thescripture that this premise is based upon? Ifyou said, “2 Timothy 3:16,17,” you wouldbe right again. This week,…