Why Not Just Do What He Said To Do?
Second Kings 5 recounts the story of a Syrian military commander, Naaman, who was afflicted with leprosy. One of his servants gave him a simple message: if he went to the prophet in Israel, he could be healed (5:3). The servant said nothing about going to the king, involving the government, taking gifts, money, or anything concerning wealth. Yet, with just a few snap decisions and actions, Naaman had changed the simple message and perverted it far beyond what had…
How Is Your GPS?
What would we do without Google or Apple Maps these days? It is so convenient to enter an address on your computer or phone and it not only tell you where it is located, but also how many miles away, how long it will take to get there, and several options for how to travel there! Incredible! It is nothing short of amazing that your position can also be tracked “live” while you are driving to your desired destination –…
Tithing Is Not For the Christian
Did you know that Christians are not commanded to tithe? Yet, there are a numerous religious groups that teach, even demand, that their members are to tithe. The word “tithe” means “a tenth,” so, they are teaching that Christians are to give 10% of their earnings, or whatever money they receive, to the church. Where do those groups get that idea? And, is it Biblical? Let’s turn to the Bible and see what we can learn. The concept and teachings…
Gospel Truths
WHY DID JESUS COME INTO THE WORLD? Answer: “He was manifested to take away our sins” (Hebrews 9:26; 1 John 3:5) FOR WHAT DID JESUS DIE? Answer: “He died for our sins according to the scriptures” (1 Cor 15:3) FOR WHOM DID JESUS DIE? Answer: For “sinners,” “the ungodly,” (Romans 5:6-10) DID GOD HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH JESUS’ DEATH FOR SIN? Answer: “He made him to be sin for us” (2 Corinthians 5:21) DID JESUS DIE WILLINGLY? Answer: “He…
Dear Christian, Be Careful With Social Media
[Editor’s Note]: Social media has been ablaze the past couple of weeks. I had considered writing something about how Christians should or should not use social media, until I saw a Facebook post by Andrew Crowe, preacher at our sister congregation in Century, Florida. He brings out a few more points that I had not considered. His words are wise and valuable. He simply begins with, “We need to be cautious about what we say when using social media.” Some…
What Your Attendance Says About Your Faith
Worship is a beautiful, sacred, spiritual discipline that God expects all of His people to exercise and fulfill. It is God’s will that we worship Him (Matt 4:10; John 4:23-24; Rev 22:9). Worship, in reality, is a precious privilege that is given to Christians (Heb 4:14-16). It is an opportunity to come before the Creator of the universe, Yahweh Almighty, and render adoration and praise to Him for what He has done for us (Ps 45:11, 138:2). It is what…
The “Rapture”
Maybe you have seen bumper stickers, or T-shirts saying something like: “In case of the Rapture, this vehicle will be unmanned” or “The Rapture: the only way to fly.” Even on Facebook and Twitter posts are frequently circulated by people who believe in the so-called rapture theory. What do they mean by that? What is the “rapture”? Does the Bible speak about a “rapture”? The “rapture” is part of a false doctrine called dispensationalism. It teaches that “soon” (it’s always…
Can You Be Taught Wrong and Baptized Right?
I have had the blessed privilege of studying the Bible with many precious souls over the years. I can tell you that it is nothing short of amazing to see the Word of God working in someone’s life (it’s one of the things I love most about ministry)! Whenever a seeker begins to make the connections and realize the status of their soul, it puts them on the precipice of the most important decision of their life – to obey…
How Can I Fortify the Faith of My Children?
My heart hurts deeply for Christian parents whose children have left the church. Many have shared their heartaches with me and I can’t even begin to imagine how much that truly pains them. I’ve also had the privilege to help many parents concerned about the faith of their children. Thanks be to God, most of them have gone on to be strong disciples of the Lord. It is, indeed, a difficult challenge to raise godly children in a social environment…
What does God Expect from Me as a Parent?
When it comes to general advice on parenting, there are far more experienced and knowledgeable people in that regard than me. However, when it comes to counsel for parents concerning spiritual matters, there is a singular, divine standard that applies universally and supersedes any human knowledge. It is the Word of God. The Bible should be – and is – the best source of guidance for parents on how to raise children. Since “Children are a heritage from the Lord,…
Everyone Has a Place
The Apostle Paul wrote this about the church of our Lord, “The body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If…
Open Homes, Open Hearts
One of the most powerful places on earth is the home. Most homes are a place of love, warmth, rest, security, and privacy. It is a place of nourishment and growth. It is where family bonds are developed. In addition, godly homes provide a solid foundation for a strong church. That is why our homes are also an effective tool for securing a Bible study with our neighbors. The home is the perfect place to cultivate relationships and guide a…