“…They Which do such Things…” – Don Walker
It is easy to take certain words, phrases, or statements of God’s word for granted. Too often we read over them as if their meaning is comprehended by all and appreciated in a way that God intends, when in reality we may be overlooking a great lesson or significant biblical truth. Consider for a moment the statement Paul employs as he closes his warnings concerning the works of the flesh. “…they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom…
There is Still Power in the Blood – B.J. Clarke
Introduction The well-known hymn declares, “There is power, power, wonder-working power, in the blood of the Lamb.” As we study the New Testament, we identify numerous benefits of the blood of Christ. It has reconciling power. The Gentile Ephesians were at one time “aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise” (Eph. 2:12), but they were “made nigh by the blood of Christ” (2:13); they were reconciled unto God by the cross (2:16). Even “when…
The Power of the Written Word
Friedrich Nietzsche said, “All I need is a sheet of paper and something to write with, and then I can turn the world upside down.” Unquestionably, Nietzsche understood the power of the written word to influence minds and bring about change. He recognized that words written live on long after the death of the author and produce fruit for generations to come. The problem is that Nietzsche used his pen for evil, and along with so many like him, his…
Is the Gospel Still Relevant Today? – Trent Kennedy
For the past two years there has been one unread text message on my phone. It is from August 7, 2018. My brother in Christ, Brandon, sent a message that simply says “Thanks!”. I met Brandon just a few days before that. He had met a Christian businessman in central Texas who moved out to San Angelo. After finding some online resources and studying for himself, Brandon reached out to his friend who reached out to me. Brandon was a…
If Diotrephes Were Here Today…
Though he is only mentioned in two passages of scripture, much can be learned from the bad example of Diotrephes. John describes him as one “who loves to have the preeminence” (3 John 9). He spoke wickedly and maliciously, he would not receive faithful brethren, nor would he allow others to do so (3 John 10). He was, by all accounts and purposes, a church tyrant. He was arrogant, abusive, and wicked. His example should cause us to think twice…
A Mutual Confidence
In Philippians 1:3-8 we learn that Paul’s heart was full of affection and appreciation for each member of the church at Philippi, and that he was extremely grateful for their assistance in the progress of the gospel. We learn that the Philippian saints, like Paul, were devoted to the gospel’s progress, that they loved him, and that their faithfulness to him and his work was a long-term commitment. Paul’s habit (vss. 3-4) of continual thanksgiving evidences his great appreciation. The…
Pandemic
We have heard the word pandemic a lot over the past several months. A pandemic condition exists when disease indiscriminately spreads over an entire country or the world. The word comes from the Greek, Pan meaning, “all”, and the word demos meaning, “people.” A pandemic is no respecter of persons. It can affect both young and old, male and female. Worth considering is the difference between a pandemic and the plagues that struck Egypt in the days of Moses. Consider,…
When Judgment Becomes Doctrine
The church of Christ is designed to be a united body (Eph. 2:14-16; 4:4-6). Unfortunately, the Devil has servants who try to disrupt that unity through false teaching and ungodly practices. In Romans 16:17-18 Paul provides instructions for dealing with such individuals. First, there is the command to “note,” or pay close attention, to those who cause division, and “avoid” them, which indicates purposefully keeping away from them. The rationale for this command is fleshed out in 3 points. First,…
How to be a Better Bible Student: Part 2
Last week we discussed 3 suggestions for better bible study. This week, consider 4 more. Emphasize meditation. There is a vast difference between bible reading and bible study. Meditation is the key. Bible meditation is defined beautifully in Psalm 1. There are two parts. First, chew on the passage. Memorize it, read it, and think about it over and over again. Ask questions about the passage, look of the definition of words, and see how it fits in context. Second,…
How to be a Better Bible Student: Part 1
“How do I study the bible?” If a preacher were to make a list of the 10 most asked questions, certainly that one would be near the top. The bible tells us to study (2 Tim. 2:15) and meditate (Ps. 1) on God’s word on a regular basis. David said “Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Ps. 119:11). Bible study is the lifeblood to faithfulness; therefore, it is important for us…
He who Knew His Place
Pride is a notorious problem that causes great destruction. Consider James 3:13-4:10, which relates the devastation, caused by one with a prideful, self-seeking attitude. Knowing the destructive power pride possesses ought to motivate Christians to do what is necessary to eliminate it. Knowing our place in the grand scheme of things is a step in the right direction. Perhaps the best example of one knowing his place is John the Baptizer. John was the older cousin of Jesus and played…
Greater than Gold!
The 19th Psalm is one of the most memorable in the Psalter. The first 6 verses magnificently describe the general revelation of God in nature. It calls us to behold and stand in awe of the creative genius of Jehovah as we see His fingerprints all around us. But the God who created has also commanded, and this theme is taken up in the next portion of the Psalm (vss. 7-11). Note how God’s Word is described (vss. 7-9). The…