'June 2021' Tagged Posts
The Abuse of Technology
In 1 Corinthians 6:12, Paul said, “all things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” As we consider this verse, there are a few things we need to keep in mind. First, Paul is dealing with matters of expediency, in particular the eating of meats. Secondly, Paul is not saying that everything is lawful. In the same context, he mentions…
A Hearing the Voice of Satan
What we hear, affects us. Adam and Eve sinned after listening to Satan. He spoke to them about something desirable, being as gods, (Gen. 3:5) and in their weakness they fell. Satan still speaks to us today through the evil things of this world that tempt us. Like Adam and Eve, heeding his voice results in our spiritual demise. Satan’s voice is deceptive. Jesus said, “…He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there…
A God-Honoring Marriage
“Oh magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together” (Ps. 34:3). This passage well summarizes the goal of a God-honoring marriage. God created woman because it was not good for the man to be alone (Gen. 2:18). Adam needed a helper who was fitting, or appropriate (Gen. 2:18). Therefore, God brought Adam and Even together as husband and wife. The covenant relationship of marriage is God’s way of meting a number of man’s needs–companionship, love, and…
The Fields are White… Are You Ready to Harvest?
The latest estimates are that the world’s population is approximately 7 billion. That is 7 billion souls who face the ultimate reality of sin and its consequences (Rom. 3:23; 6:23). 7 billion souls who will one day face the Lord in judgment (Heb. 9:27); 7 billion souls who are precious in the sight of God (2 Pet. 3:9) and stand in need of the soulsaving message of the gospel. What are you doing to reach them? Romans chapter 10 teaches…
I Want to be More Like Jesus
In John 8:29 Jesus said of himself, “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.” Such a sentiment not only captures the perfection of our Savior but sets the standard for His followers. Jesus is our perfect example. Peter wrote, For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps (1 Pet.…
Being About Our Father’s Business – Mike Batot
In Luke 2:41-50 we are told of the time “the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:43) after the Feast of the Passover. Once His family realized He was not with them on their return journey home, they returned to Jerusalem to find Him. Three days later, He was found in the temple, listening and asking questions of the teachers. His mother questioned Him concerning His decision to stay behind and He told her in verse 49: “Why did…
Endless Hypotheticals – Troy Spradlin
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to discuss various points and particulars about God, Jesus, the Bible, baptism, faith, and other spiritual topics with many people, from all walks of life. In a large portion of those opportunities, a rather interesting pattern emerged – a hypothetical scenario was introduced into the dialogue, at one point or another. Sometimes they were presented as questions and other times as arguments against a certain topic. Still, at other times, it seems they…
Outdated Preaching – Trent Kennedy
Born to a priestly family, set apart from birth, sent with the spirit and power of Elijah, and called the greatest among women, John the Immerser was a man among men. He was part prophet, part trailblazer, John was all preacher. The gospel account of Luke records more of the content of John’s preaching and specifics of his ministry than Matthew or Mark (Luke 3:1-21). When the word of the Lord came to John (Luke 3:2), like with other prophets,…
The Lion who is a Lamb – Tom Moore
One of the most exciting and informative ways to study the attributes of Christ is by giving close attention to the various figurative descriptions of our Lord set forth in holy Writ. For example, the Son of God, our Messiah, is called: Bread (John 6:35), Judge (2 Tim. 4:8), Shepherd (John 10:14), Passover (1 Cor. 5:7), Vine (John 15:1), Light (John 1:7), Way – Truth – Life (John 14:6), Door (John 10:9), Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8), and Word (John…
On Yearbooks and Modesty
Recently a Florida high school caused quite a stir when the yearbook coordinator digitally edited 80 yearbook photos. The edited photos were only of females and were altered to add more clothing to chests and shoulders. The School District’s chief of Community Relations reported “The yearbook coordinator made the decision to edit the photos based on her assessment that the females were not in dress code.” Many students and parents were appalled that the changes were made without their knowledge…
The Privilege of Preaching – Allen Webster
The most important event that takes place in any city on any day this week is the work the Gospel preacher does. And this includes New York, Hollywood, and Washington. Work done in New York may affect world finances or fashion; workers in Hollywood may produce new entertainment which will be enjoyed by millions, and decisions made in Washington may change the world for better or worse, but what the Gospel preacher does will matter when the world is on…