Christian Worker
From the Director’s Desk (March 2025) – Steven Lloyd
The school is doing well. Our students, overall, are doing well. It is hard to believe we are at the close of our third quarter, entering the final quarter of the school year, and graduating students at the end of June. The incoming first year class is shaping up well with twelve students already approved and raising support. Three women will be among them, and a brother from Mexico is making every effort to be here as well. Most of…
“Religion” Isn’t a Bad Word (Jas. 1:27) – Jordan Moore
“Give me Jesus, but not religion.” This popular refrain is pervasive in the denominational world, and increasingly in churches of Christ. A Sister once rebuked me after a sermon for saying that Christianity is the one true religion (John 14:6). She alleged, “Christianity isn’t a religion, but a relationship.” Sadly, she 1) misunderstood the biblical term, “religion” and 2) overlooked or never read James 1:27. Let’s consider it… “Religion…” Some think it is, but “religion” isn’t a bad word. As…
Our Religion and Our Words (Jas. 1:26) – Adam Orr
Is it possible to have religion that is worthless in the eyes of God? Surely, He would be pleased with someone the world viewed as ‘good, moral, and religious,’ wouldn’t He? The answer plainly given in James 1:26 is that it is entirely possible to have a religion that displeases God. The Bible says in this verse, “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” Here are…
Be a Doer of the Word (Jas. 1:22-25) – Kerry Clark
In James Chapter One, James gives us several imperatives – be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (v. 19); he also gives another imperative in verse twenty-two, “be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.” In every English translation I considered, the word “doer” seemed to be the unanimous consensus of the translators. The word in the Greek is remarkably interesting, it is the word from which our English word “poet” comes from. In…
Hear The Word (Jas. 1:9-20) – Ronnie Scherffius
The book of James is one of the most practical books of the New Testament. Though he does treat such profound matters as the perfection of faith by works (2:14-26), James especially addresses practical matters of the faith. Topics such as enduring trials (1:1-6), living the Christian life without partiality (2:1-13), and controlling the tongue (3:1-10) are a few examples. The practical nature of James is also demonstrated in its similarities to the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, particularly…
Receiving God’s Word (Jas. 1:21)
When we hold a Bible in our hands, we hold the most potent force and most powerful weapon humanity will ever know. God’s Word has the ability to accomplish more good than anything or anyone on earth could ever imagine. The most hardened sinner, the most doubtful skeptic, or the most hate-filled heart can be transformed by the power of Scripture (2 Cor. 10:3-5). But in order for God’s Word to bring about change in our lives we must do…
From the Director’s Desk (February 2025) – Trent Kennedy
Music in the worship of the New Testament church is integral, beautiful, and unifying. When Christians join together as a congregation to sing words of praise and admonition with only our hearts and voices, God is glorified, and His people are greatly encouraged (cf. Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). In order for our assemblies to unite in song, there should be a song leader (cf. 1 Cor. 14:26). Good song leaders make for great song services. When I was a student…
The Greatest Giver (Jas. 1:16-18) – Ross Haffner
I have been blessed to receive many wonderful gifts from friends and family members. But sometimes the gifts we receive are not useful, good for us, or right for us at the moment, though perhaps it once was. The Hebrews writer made an interesting connection between God and our human fathers when he wrote, “God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?” (Heb. 12:7). In Luke 11:11 Jesus asked, “If…
Overcoming Temptation (Jas. 1:12-15) – Troy Spradlin
An important practice for lion tamers is to train big cats without relying solely on food. Overusing treats can create a dangerous expectation, as the lion may anticipate food at all times. Eliminating such temptation for the lion reduces the possibility of serious consequences, such as the lion tamer getting himself killed! This illustration highlights a valuable spiritual lesson for Christians. If we remove temptation in our own lives, it can help us avoid the consequences that often follow. Temptation…
Wealth and Poverty (Jas. 1:9-11) – John Haffner
In the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, Agur the son of Jakeh said, “Give me neither poverty nor riches” (Pro. 30:8). The various sufferings that accompany the poor are obvious, but what’s the danger of being wealthy? It seems Agur understood man’s tendency to turn blessings into a curse. Too many have seen the generosity of God in their life but have attributed it to their own genius and strength. Forgetting their Creator, they choose to place their trust…
The Way of Wisdom (Jas. 1:5-8) – Kevin Cauley
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways (Jas. 1:5-8). There is…
The Joy of a Trial (Jas. 1:2-4) – Andy Baker
You’re going to go for a doctor’s appointment next week and he’s going to tell you that you have irregular test results that might indicate cancer. You’re going to get in your car tomorrow morning, late for work, and the battery is going to be dead. Your sink will begin to drip, and it will keep you awake all night long. You’re going to get a headache behind your eye that will last for the rest of the day. Who’s…