The Southwesterner (Page 3)
Why Sunday? – John Haffner
We assemble together for worship on Sunday, the first day of the week. Others come together for their religious observances on Saturdays. Not long ago, I saw a billboard advertising one group’s convenient new times for praise and worship on Monday evenings. Does it really matter what day we meet for worship? What does the Bible say? In the days of the Old Testament, the children of Israel worshipped on the Sabbath Day. The word Sabbath refers to the seventh,…
The Plan of Salvation: Baptism
Upon hearing the preaching of Peter and the apostles, a great number of Jews asked “Men and brethren, what shall we do” (Acts 2:37)? That question has been asked by a countless number of people from that day until now. Thankfully, God has not left us in the dark searching for the answer. God’s word teaches us that He has a very simple plan for the salvation of mankind. A person must hear God’s word (Rom. 10:17), believe in Christ…
I Am Weak But Thou Art Strong – Don Walker
It took seven years of living as a wild animal before Nebuchadnezzar knew “that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men” and before he humbled himself (Dan. 4). Belshazzar knew of Nebuchadnezzar’s humility and still did not learn (Dan. 5:22). Oh, that men would learn that when they humble themselves before the hand of Jehovah, He extends His hand to help. We live in difficult and trying times. It seems that even the normal necessities of our lives…
Run the Race – Tom Moore
There is an old story about the Greek Marathon. Muscular, conditioned runners paced nervously near the starting line for the long-distance race. The time was near. They “shook out” their muscles, inhaled deeply, and put on their “game faces.” In the midst of it all, a young stranger took his place at the starting line. His physique was awesome. Taking no notice of the other contestants, he stared straight ahead. Two prizes would be awarded the winner of the Marathon:…
Feed Us!
For as long as I can remember, I have heard preachers sound the alarm about the sad state of preaching in many pulpits throughout the country. Johnny Ramsey would often talk about preachers who “didn’t preach enough Bible to fill a thimble.” I recall Andrew Connally lamenting an occasion on which he stepped into a pulpit for a gospel meeting and found a sermon outline book the local preacher had preached from the night before without any study or preparation…
What It Means to Be a Prophet – Justin Rogers
The term “prophet” and its cognates occur over 500 times in the Bible. In both the Old and New Testaments, prophets are routinely featured as sources of divine instruction and motivation. The regularity with which the Bible uses the term “prophet” stands in contrast to its relative infrequency in contemporary Christianity. But that is changing. A number of traditions and individuals are starting to adopt the term “prophet,” especially in reference to their preachers. Without necessarily claiming divine inspiration, they…
Game Changers: Joshua And Caleb: Courage to Stand – Ronnie Scherffius
Most are familiar with the inspired record of Joshua and Caleb — the two spies who returned with a good report and opposed the evil report of the ten spies (Num. 13) that caused the people to cry out in despair to God and murmur against Moses and Aaron (Num. 14:1-4). But we often fail to consider the reaction of Israel toward Joshua and Caleb when they opposed the evil report and courageously stood on God’s side. And Joshua the…
A Consuming Fire – Steven Lloyd
The Lord cannot be approached any way we choose. He can only be approached on His terms. Israel was forewarned that if they approached him on their own terms, there would be negative consequences. For example, the garment to be worn by Aaron, the high priest when he entered the Tabernacle, had a golden bell attached: …and its sound shall be heard when he goes into the Holy Place before the Lord, and when he comes out, so that he…
Do You Have What it Takes? – Clay Bond
The book of Proverbs gives us some of the best counsel when it comes to daily Christianity. Solomon said, Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). The Godly life is truly the happiest and best way of life. God’s Word has been handed down to us to instruct us in this noble pursuit (2 Timothy 3:16-17). To help…
It Doesn’t Count – Steve Higginbotham
On August 8, 1988, the Chicago Cubs played the first-ever night game at Wrigley Field. For nearly 60 years, other teams were playing at night and were seeing a huge increase in attendance and revenue. So on August 8, 1988, the Chicago Cubs finally hosted their first night game under the lights. However, if you look at the record books, you will see that the first night game at Wrigley Field was not played on August 8, 1988, but on…
Selfishness – D.J. Stucky
In Genesis 38, Judah married and had three sons. His oldest son married Tamar but was slain because of his wickedness. Onan was told to marry Tamar and provide an heir for his brother. He married Tamar but refused to provide an heir, and he was slain by God (Gen. 38:1-11). Judah asked Tamar to stay so she could marry his youngest son, Shelah. When the time came, Judah did not uphold the deal. After Judah’s wife died, Tamar dressed…
How to Sear Your Conscience – John Baker
Scripture is filled with warnings concerning our conscience. Jeremiah spoke about his people having, “forgotten how to blush” (Jer. 8:12). Further, he said that when wickedness was done in Israel, “my people love to have it so” (Jer. 5:31). Paul speaks of those who, “suppress the truth in unrighteousness” and therefore do not pay attention to God’s will (Rom. 1:18). Later, Paul again mentions people who had spent so much time in sin that they were, “past feeling” (Eph. 4:19).…