The Importance of Context – Rick Brumback
The politician accuses his opponent, “You took my words out of context!” And according to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word “right,” comprised of a brief five letters, has sixty-nine major definitions and numerous sub-meanings. If we should come across this word in a text, which of these myriad meanings are we to assign at that point? Both these examples highlight the significance of what is known as “context”—the setting in which a particular word or statement is found, and…
In Remembrance of Me – Cody Westbrook
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands as one of the most revered places in the United States. It was instituted by the United States Government in 1921 as a symbolic place of burial for those who gave the ultimate wartime sacrifice for the cause of freedom–their lives and their identities. Thousands of Americans visit the Tomb every year to memorialize and show their respect to those who gave all to preserve our way of life. As important as The…
Repentance from a Positive Viewpoint – Wendell Winkler
Repentance has been called “the hardest command”; yet, what wonderful blessings attend the command, “Repent” (Acts 2:38). Yes, and what notable sources we have to motivate us to repent (Rom. 2:4). Jesus had difficulty getting people to repent (Matt. 11:20-22). It is not hard to get a man to believe; in fact, it is far more difficult to overthrow the testimony and evidence that produces faith. It is not hard to get a genuine penitent to consent to baptism. But…
3 Reasons to Thank God
As surprising as it may seem, Psalm 100 is the only psalm in the psalter explicitly identified as “a Psalm of Thanksgiving.” The Psalmist exhorts us “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: Be thankful unto him, and bless his name” (Ps. 100:4). Such a response to God should not surprise us, and in fact should be “second nature” to His people. Consider three characteristics of our Father which should motivate us to thank Him:…
All Things Without Complaining & Disputing
Philippians 2:14 says, “Do all things without complaining and disputing…” If we were to look at the social media of the Church, we will find that many tend to complain about everything and spend their time arguing. What seems to be a spiritual battlefield, a defending of the faith, is often nothing more than online complaining and disputing. Let’s first consider the danger of complaining. In the New Testament, we are reminded of the people of Israel who “complained” throughout…
Basically a Christian Fundamentalist!
Recently the Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, said, “People are curious, what does Mike Johnson think about any issue under the sun? … Well, go pick up a Bible off your shelf and read it. That’s my worldview.” A prominent figure in Washington unashamedly holding up Scripture as the exclusive guide for life is a welcome breath of fresh air for those of use who are members of the Church. God instituted and has expectations for civil government (Rom.…
From the Director’s desk (October 2023) – Trent Kennedy
There are modern expectations placed upon preachers that our first-century brethren never imagined: church bulletins, social media administration, office management, and various programs that prove expedient in local settings. Many of these “side jobs” become areas of strife for the preacher. Some jobs assigned to the preacher could be demeaning because other members of the congregation “have to work” insinuating that the preacher himself does not work. Others may believe that the time he devotes to family or hobby or…
The Way Of The Lord – Joey Davis
The children of Israel found themselves at the doorstep of Canaan as a young nation established by Jehovah God. But their leader who saved them out of the hands of Pharaoh, Moses, would not be allowed to go with them. We find the final address of Moses to God’s people in the book of Deuteronomy. The overarching theme of the book is to remember God and His way so that their relationship will remain intact. The most famous portion of…
Approaching The Throne Of Grace – Bruce Ligon
Prayer is one of the avenues God has prescribed for our worship. As we pray unto Him, we give praise and adoration to Him, we express thanksgiving, we confess our shortcomings and sins, we beg His tender mercies, we present out our requests, and we seek His providential protection. In a psalm that is ascribed to Solomon, the attentive nature of our Father, when we come to Him, is vividly described, “For he delivers the needy when he calls, the…
Still the Most Critical Problem! – Bill Jackson
The question is often asked, “What is the most critical problem facing the church today?” The answers are varied, and often given in keeping with that particular man’s interest and concern, and for all the answers, all of them play a part in today’s time of discontent, unrest, and turmoil. And, when we state that which to us is the MOST critical problem, we know that some may disagree. Still, the answer we would give is this: THE LACK OF…
Hold to His Hand – Clay Bond
We are all familiar with the song “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand.” Considering that we so often hear people say that change is good, the concept of a Being that is unchanging is thought provoking. Sometimes change is desperately needed, but other times change equals betrayal (Ps. 119:59-60; Jer. 2:29-37). The Scriptures encourage us to be faithful on the basis of the unchanging nature of Jesus Christ. The writer of Hebrews says, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and…
5 Requirements to Please the Lord
Lists are helpful ways of keeping ourselves on task. We make to-do lists to manage our workload, grocery lists to help us feed our families, and chore lists to keep our home in order. As it pertains to serving God, the five precepts of Deuteronomy 10:12-13 serve as a kind of list reminding us of His requirements. First, “fear the Lord your God.” Fearing God has to do with reverential awe displayed before an awesome power and presence. It involves…